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Secrets of the Shell Sisters
"That's like believing in Father Christmas," he said. "Or mermaids," she replied gravely.
Meet the Morgans. Three very different sisters, who each blame themselves for their mother's mysterious disappearance. Now, over forty years on, they are in crisis.
Cassandra - the eldest - runs the family's quirky, cliffside hotel. But the business is in trouble, and it seems a secret from the past is determined to resurface and destroy all she's worked for. Greer - the youngest - walked away from a glittering career to live in London. The mistress of a powerful man, she's left stranded on the day they were to start a new life together. Now she has no choice but to return to the family home - but what kind of welcome can she expect?
And Orla - the middle sister, whose obsessive shell collecting and messages from the 'sea- people' dominate her life. But Orla knows things. She knows Greer is coming home to a new future, that Cassandra's dark secret will change their lives and that their mother never really left at all.
And there's another secret, something they all share... but of course nobody's telling.
Meet the Morgans. Three very different sisters, who each blame themselves for their mother's mysterious disappearance. Now, over forty years on, they are in crisis.
Cassandra - the eldest - runs the family's quirky, cliffside hotel. But the business is in trouble, and it seems a secret from the past is determined to resurface and destroy all she's worked for. Greer - the youngest - walked away from a glittering career to live in London. The mistress of a powerful man, she's left stranded on the day they were to start a new life together. Now she has no choice but to return to the family home - but what kind of welcome can she expect?
And Orla - the middle sister, whose obsessive shell collecting and messages from the 'sea- people' dominate her life. But Orla knows things. She knows Greer is coming home to a new future, that Cassandra's dark secret will change their lives and that their mother never really left at all.
And there's another secret, something they all share... but of course nobody's telling.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2023
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Adrienne Vaughan
11 books39 followersAdrienne Vaughan has been making up stories since she could speak. As soon as she could pick up a pen, she started writing them down. It was no surprise she wanted to be a journalist; ideally the editor of a glossy magazine, and in common with many, still holds the burning ambition to be a ‘Bond Girl’! Well, if it's good enough for Dame Judi
- one of her idols.
She still runs a small yet busy PR practice and writes poems, short stories and ideas for books, in her spare time. A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Society for Women Writers and Journalists, Adrienne lives in the heart of rural England with her husband, two cocker spaniels and a rescue cat called Agatha Christie. To date she has written eight novels and a collection of short stories and poetry. She is currently working on her next book. Her literary agent is Lisa Eveleigh of the Richford Becklow Literary Agency.
- one of her idols.
She still runs a small yet busy PR practice and writes poems, short stories and ideas for books, in her spare time. A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Society for Women Writers and Journalists, Adrienne lives in the heart of rural England with her husband, two cocker spaniels and a rescue cat called Agatha Christie. To date she has written eight novels and a collection of short stories and poetry. She is currently working on her next book. Her literary agent is Lisa Eveleigh of the Richford Becklow Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 19, 2024
Beginning with an intriguing prologue Secrets of the Shell Sisters introduces us to the Morgan sisters – Cassandra, Greer and Orla. They are each distinct and individual in their own way but united in love for each other, their shared incredible gift and the fact that they believed they were to blame for the unexplained disappearance of their mother many years ago.
The eldest sister, Cassandra is struggling to keep the family hotel afloat and in good shape, so much maintenance is needed and the nearby competition isn’t helping matters. She had carried the burden alone for a long time but perhaps now is the time to share the load.
Otherworldly and innocent, Orla is unconventional, collecting and listening to shells that she insists bring her messages. And she does seem to know things ahead of time. One message in particular, the outcome of which is a great shock to one of the sisters, but turns out to be a wonderful benefit to them all.
Greer has just returned home after a long absence while pursuing her career, and then a relationship that wasn’t what it seemed and left her heartbroken. The three navigate through the challenges life brings in their own way, but at the same time supporting each other.
This is a compelling, character driven and multi layered family drama with wonderful characterisations and long buried secrets rising to the surface, which encompasses a wider circle than just the sisters themselves. I loved returning to gorgeous Rosshaven and following the sisters’ stories as they unfolded with more than a little tension, suspense, excitement and with an added sprinkling of romance and mythology.
Adrienne Vaughan peoples her novels with characters who aren’t perfect and have their quirks, but are engaging and easy to like. Secrets of the Shell Sisters is well crafted with surprise twists, a wonderfully vivid sense of place and an emotional impact.
The eldest sister, Cassandra is struggling to keep the family hotel afloat and in good shape, so much maintenance is needed and the nearby competition isn’t helping matters. She had carried the burden alone for a long time but perhaps now is the time to share the load.
Otherworldly and innocent, Orla is unconventional, collecting and listening to shells that she insists bring her messages. And she does seem to know things ahead of time. One message in particular, the outcome of which is a great shock to one of the sisters, but turns out to be a wonderful benefit to them all.
Greer has just returned home after a long absence while pursuing her career, and then a relationship that wasn’t what it seemed and left her heartbroken. The three navigate through the challenges life brings in their own way, but at the same time supporting each other.
This is a compelling, character driven and multi layered family drama with wonderful characterisations and long buried secrets rising to the surface, which encompasses a wider circle than just the sisters themselves. I loved returning to gorgeous Rosshaven and following the sisters’ stories as they unfolded with more than a little tension, suspense, excitement and with an added sprinkling of romance and mythology.
Adrienne Vaughan peoples her novels with characters who aren’t perfect and have their quirks, but are engaging and easy to like. Secrets of the Shell Sisters is well crafted with surprise twists, a wonderfully vivid sense of place and an emotional impact.
November 28, 2023
At one level, laced with deeply buried secrets, this book is an engrossing family drama. Cassandra is the Morgan sister who holds everything together, doing everything she can to keep the paying guests at Manorcliff content – though it’s clear the family business is struggling, with much needed maintenance work remaining undone, and increasing competition from the swish new hotel along the bay. Greer has been absent for some time, and hadn’t planned her return – but when her new life doesn’t work out as planned, the lure of home and family is too strong to resist. Third sister Orla is rather more of an enigma – very much an innocent, entirely lovable, collecting shells from the beach and listening to the stories they tell her. The relationship between them is quite wonderfully drawn – bound together by love and their shared past, with the loveliest moments of humour, but not without the unease or difficulties you’d expect in any family.
But this book is considerably more than that – the sisters’ lives are entwined with others, shaped by their differing experiences, with shadows from the past touching them all in different ways as they contemplate what the future might hold. There’s a large supporting cast of characters, some from the first book in the series (although this one is entirely readable as a standalone), all wonderfully drawn and developed, and it sometimes took me a little while to decide which of them were important to the story – but they all were, every single one, and the way the author guides the reader though the various relationships and the ensuing twists and turns of the story is just superb, holding your hand every step of the way.
There’s romance in each of the sisters’ lives, second chances so perfectly handled – but often particularly emotional and complicated. There’s mystery and intrigue too – more layers to the story, all so clever woven together. And then there’s the touch and more of real Irish magic, and a few moments that do require some suspension of disbelief – and if you’re beginning to think “too much”, I have to say I absolutely loved every single moment. There’s one particularly dramatic and otherworldly scene towards the book’s end that had me in tears – although there were elements to the story that I really hadn’t expected, I found the whole book entirely enchanting and deeply moving.
There’s something that makes me want to label this book in some way – family drama, romantasy, magic realism – but it’s really impossible to do so. It’s quite beautifully written, its perfectly described wild setting on the Atlantic coast integral to its highly original and compelling story. Emotionally, it’s absolutely perfect – and I can only urge other readers to give it a try, and hopefully love it as much as I did.
But this book is considerably more than that – the sisters’ lives are entwined with others, shaped by their differing experiences, with shadows from the past touching them all in different ways as they contemplate what the future might hold. There’s a large supporting cast of characters, some from the first book in the series (although this one is entirely readable as a standalone), all wonderfully drawn and developed, and it sometimes took me a little while to decide which of them were important to the story – but they all were, every single one, and the way the author guides the reader though the various relationships and the ensuing twists and turns of the story is just superb, holding your hand every step of the way.
There’s romance in each of the sisters’ lives, second chances so perfectly handled – but often particularly emotional and complicated. There’s mystery and intrigue too – more layers to the story, all so clever woven together. And then there’s the touch and more of real Irish magic, and a few moments that do require some suspension of disbelief – and if you’re beginning to think “too much”, I have to say I absolutely loved every single moment. There’s one particularly dramatic and otherworldly scene towards the book’s end that had me in tears – although there were elements to the story that I really hadn’t expected, I found the whole book entirely enchanting and deeply moving.
There’s something that makes me want to label this book in some way – family drama, romantasy, magic realism – but it’s really impossible to do so. It’s quite beautifully written, its perfectly described wild setting on the Atlantic coast integral to its highly original and compelling story. Emotionally, it’s absolutely perfect – and I can only urge other readers to give it a try, and hopefully love it as much as I did.
October 21, 2023
Such a delight!
March 17, 2024
This is the second in Adrienne Vaughan’s Rosshaven Series, and it was even more mind-blowing than the last one. I was excited to think there may be an opportunity to revisit some of the characters I had met in the previous book and discover how their lives are working. However, this one runs alongside the first, so we learn that The Morgans were present throughout the events in The Summer of Secrets.
The Morgan Sisters immediately grabbed my attention, and I read hungrily, eager to discover what secrets they were guarding. My favourite sister was Greer. I’m not sure why I identified with her so clearly, but it could have been her connection to Rai that had me quickly turning the pages.
All three sisters were quirky, and getting to know them was a lot of fun. However, discovering their shared secret was not something I was expecting, although I loved lifting the intricately woven veil that protected them.
As the synopsis reveals, Greer is the youngest sister, while Cassandra and Orla are the elders. Having protected their secret for decades, they are now aware that they must face the reality heading their way and threatening their newly restored way of life.
Each sister hides more than their shared secret, and, for me, it was Cassandra who held the trump card, if that is a fair analysis. Her darkest secret could impact the lives of everyone she holds dear. I was captivated by Cassandra’s secret and conflicted by the ensuing fallout from choices made a lifetime before.
This is a very special book, one that I’m so glad I persevered with as I was left feeling enchanted and hopeful despite what is happening in the world. This fabulous story brought joy and positivity despite some of the darker elements that formed a part of the book that yielded to the power of imagination.
The Shell Sisters are wonderful, but if you want to know their secrets, you’ll need to buy or borrow a copy; my lips are sealed.
The Morgan Sisters immediately grabbed my attention, and I read hungrily, eager to discover what secrets they were guarding. My favourite sister was Greer. I’m not sure why I identified with her so clearly, but it could have been her connection to Rai that had me quickly turning the pages.
All three sisters were quirky, and getting to know them was a lot of fun. However, discovering their shared secret was not something I was expecting, although I loved lifting the intricately woven veil that protected them.
As the synopsis reveals, Greer is the youngest sister, while Cassandra and Orla are the elders. Having protected their secret for decades, they are now aware that they must face the reality heading their way and threatening their newly restored way of life.
Each sister hides more than their shared secret, and, for me, it was Cassandra who held the trump card, if that is a fair analysis. Her darkest secret could impact the lives of everyone she holds dear. I was captivated by Cassandra’s secret and conflicted by the ensuing fallout from choices made a lifetime before.
This is a very special book, one that I’m so glad I persevered with as I was left feeling enchanted and hopeful despite what is happening in the world. This fabulous story brought joy and positivity despite some of the darker elements that formed a part of the book that yielded to the power of imagination.
The Shell Sisters are wonderful, but if you want to know their secrets, you’ll need to buy or borrow a copy; my lips are sealed.
September 14, 2023
Returning to Rosshaven felt like meeting up with an old friend. The stunning coastline, community and characters from Summer of Secrets are back, and we get to learn more about their lives as this story unfolds.
Secrets of the Shell Sisters introduces us to the Morgan sisters, a trio of independent, ambitious women with a shared supernatural skill. Whilst romance is on the cards for each woman, this is not the main plotline. The bonds of sisterhood form the book’s central relationship, and Adrienne Vaughan captures this beautifully. From fierce protection to full-on arguments, we experience it all as the sisters navigate challenges, uncover secrets and welcome love. A special mention for canine companions, Wolfe and Tone, who make for characters in their own right! I love how the author conveys the incredible capacity animals have to love and nurture.
This is a contemporary novel with an otherworldly twist; don’t miss it.
Secrets of the Shell Sisters introduces us to the Morgan sisters, a trio of independent, ambitious women with a shared supernatural skill. Whilst romance is on the cards for each woman, this is not the main plotline. The bonds of sisterhood form the book’s central relationship, and Adrienne Vaughan captures this beautifully. From fierce protection to full-on arguments, we experience it all as the sisters navigate challenges, uncover secrets and welcome love. A special mention for canine companions, Wolfe and Tone, who make for characters in their own right! I love how the author conveys the incredible capacity animals have to love and nurture.
This is a contemporary novel with an otherworldly twist; don’t miss it.
March 17, 2024
Adrienne has once again written a hit!!
Filled with characters you cant help but love I couldn't pick a favourite sister but I felt like I related more Cassandra as I am also an older sister myself. However I could definitely see a little of myself in both of the other sisters. What I liked most about these women is their unique and headstrong personalities which have you rooting for them from the start.
Filled with secrets and drama this novel will keep you entertained from page one. I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next. Set on the coast, this author does an amazing job of setting the scenes you will find yourself in and so vividly that you at times feel like you're right there alongside these sisters. While this book has mystery, family drama and more I like the romance plot line that runs through the whole book, it left me feeling warm and fuzzy by the time I finished this and put it down.
Filled with characters you cant help but love I couldn't pick a favourite sister but I felt like I related more Cassandra as I am also an older sister myself. However I could definitely see a little of myself in both of the other sisters. What I liked most about these women is their unique and headstrong personalities which have you rooting for them from the start.
Filled with secrets and drama this novel will keep you entertained from page one. I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next. Set on the coast, this author does an amazing job of setting the scenes you will find yourself in and so vividly that you at times feel like you're right there alongside these sisters. While this book has mystery, family drama and more I like the romance plot line that runs through the whole book, it left me feeling warm and fuzzy by the time I finished this and put it down.
September 20, 2023
What an utterly amazing story this is! Just when I thought nothing could compare to book 1 in the series, Summer of Secrets, here I am, having spent the past few days in Rosshaven again, thinking I've read the best book for this year so far and longing to go back.
Secrets are hinted at and disclosed ( or are they? I'm still searching for answers) as the story unfolds, twists, turns, leaves you completely mesmerised and deciding you don't want to leave.
I am normally a very quick reader but tried to read just a few chapters a day (not easy with such a compelling pace, such a masterful writing style) to take it all in and savour every little nuance, every little detail, adding up, deducting, trying to make sense when the only sense is that magic that links two worlds.
Book 3 won't come soon enough.
Secrets are hinted at and disclosed ( or are they? I'm still searching for answers) as the story unfolds, twists, turns, leaves you completely mesmerised and deciding you don't want to leave.
I am normally a very quick reader but tried to read just a few chapters a day (not easy with such a compelling pace, such a masterful writing style) to take it all in and savour every little nuance, every little detail, adding up, deducting, trying to make sense when the only sense is that magic that links two worlds.
Book 3 won't come soon enough.
December 4, 2023
Set on Ireland’s ancient east coast, the Morgan sisters are in crisis. Cassandra runs the family hotel and its struggling, as secrets from her past threaten to resurface making things worse. Greer is fleeing a failed relationship with a powerful man, but if she returns will she stay? And then there’s Orla - fey, funny and mysterious - insisting messages from the shells must heeded or what will become of them all?
Returning to Rosshaven was a delight, especially as this story, while fresh and original, is cleverly intertwined with characters from the first book, Summer of Secrets.
A beautifully written tale of relationships, lost love and second chances, laced through with a touch of Irish magic - so deftly delivered it feels as natural as the sea itself.
This is romantasy at its best and I loved it.
March 23, 2024
The prologue intrigued me so much, I just knew it had so many little details that would make sense as I read more of the book.
The setting of the Irish Coast was just perfect.
I was so invested in the three sisters right from the first page, I could tell they had some kind of trauma or secrets pushed so far down it was now pushing itself back up to the surface.
All three sisters stole my heart, I couldn’t pick out a favourite if tried, each had a story and a past they needed to resolve in the present day and each one was beautiful.
I really was engrossed in this story and read it all in one day, that should tell you everything about how good it was.
The whole book was filled with so much family drama, long lost history and dark secrets it will be going in my top books of 2024 because it was that good.
Please take a chance on this story and author, it’s on KU to read for free.
The setting of the Irish Coast was just perfect.
I was so invested in the three sisters right from the first page, I could tell they had some kind of trauma or secrets pushed so far down it was now pushing itself back up to the surface.
All three sisters stole my heart, I couldn’t pick out a favourite if tried, each had a story and a past they needed to resolve in the present day and each one was beautiful.
I really was engrossed in this story and read it all in one day, that should tell you everything about how good it was.
The whole book was filled with so much family drama, long lost history and dark secrets it will be going in my top books of 2024 because it was that good.
Please take a chance on this story and author, it’s on KU to read for free.
March 12, 2024
This book confused me from page one. The description sounded really good but overall I had a hard time getting interested in the story. Once again I’m odd person out not really caring for this book
January 7, 2025
Loved this book with its mix of romance, intrigue, and fantasy. Extremely addictive and I’m hoping against hope that Adrienne will be writing a third book in the Rosshaven series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews