Geheimen van Willow House

Sandy Cove #1

by Susanne O'Leary, Mary Bresser (translator)

Maeve McKenna heeft te lang te hard gewerkt en is toe aan een break van haar werk als interieurontwerper in Londen. Haar tante Philomena Duffy is na het verlies van haar man wat eenzaam. En haar huis, Willow House, begint niet alleen te vervallen maar ook te groot te worden voor haar alleen. De ruige kust van Ierland roept Maeve terug naar huis, waar ze haar tante bezoekt in Sandy Cove. Ooit kuste ze hier als tiener met een wilde, mysterieuze jongen. Een kus die ze nooit vergeten is. Terug in Sandy Cove, waar de hemel tijdens de nachten bezaaid is met sterren, lijkt het drukke leven in Londen aangenaam ver weg.

Maeve stort zich op het renoveren van haar tantes huis, en haar band met Philomena wordt nog sterker. Tussen de vervaagde muren en versleten tapijten van het oude huis stuiten ze op een geheim over hun familie. Ondertussen kan Maeve de jongen uit haar verleden en die magische kus maar niet van zich afzetten; woont hij nog steeds in Sandy Cove?

Net wanneer ze zich helemaal thuis begint te voelen, roept de plicht. Maeve vindt het vreselijk om Willow House en het kiezelstrand weer achter zich te moeten laten. Kan ze de moed vinden om alle zekerheden van haar oude leven achter zich te laten, en zich te vestigen in Sandy Cove, of zal dat nooit meer zijn dan een dagdroom…?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Ireland, Ebooks, Mystery

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She's been inspired to represent people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.

When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Willow House by Susanne O’Leary is a contemporary romance that unfortunately a lot of ladies may relate to. Who hasn’t felt a bit stressed and overworked in their lives? Who hasn’t let those relationships with various family slip away as there just doesn’t seem to be enough time for everything?

When Maeve begins to feel rundown and overworked she makes a trip to the doctor only to be told she needs a holiday now or her health may be in danger. Working in interior design Maeve has clients contacting her at all hours with demands and a boss that won’t turn any new business away so she’s not at all surprised with the news.

Perhaps it’s coincidence or maybe it’s fate but just as Maeve’s planning to travel back to I Ireland to rest and relax she gets a call from her aunt Philomena asking for help and knowing it’s been far too long she happily agrees. Maeve quickly finds herself feeling at home being where she grew up and what she and her aunt find surprise them both.

Secrets of Willow House was a charming little read that while I did not grow up in such a lovely setting I did relate with Maeve being so stressed and needing to reconnect with family and this side of the story is just as charming as adding in a bit of romance. The lovely seaside Irish setting just made this one all the more relaxing and enjoyable to read too.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a fluffy, harmless, predictable romance. It won't give you any new insights or take you on any adventures or work your brain in any way. It's not an especially well-written book either, but it's pleasant enough, in its way. For those who don't want to put any effort into reading, this one is for you.

Despite the title of the book, there is only one secret at Willow House. And it's so glaringly obvious from the first time Maeve opens her uncle's computer that Maeve must be completely brain-dead not to see it. Every plot line and sub-plot line was completely predictable.

If you like uncomplicated, undemanding stories where everything seems like a problem but then that all just goes away, and men are perfect (handsome, smart, rugged, sexy, biddable, attentive, great in bed, good cooks, carry no significant emotional baggage, and never lose their temper) and women always look elegant and classy because that's what women are supposed to do, and everything works out great for absolutely everyone, then you'll probably like this one. I found it a bit boring and almost childish in a way because everything was just so neatly perfect and ideal and unrealistic. This author is so bland, she makes Maeve Binchy look edgy.

At times, I found the writing clumsy and amateurish. The author spent a lot of time talking about how women LOOK as being their most important trait. And by the way, each and every woman wears "wide black" pants. Whatever those are. In an early chapter, our protagonist runs into a man named Paschal and of course is all a-twitter over him. She ends the chapter with the question, "who might he be?" Really? What does that mean? Is it the author asking the question, or the character asking it? And why is someone asking who he might be, when we just spent pages talking about who he is? Is there any more obvious way of alerting the reader that this is going to be THE man? That this is the boy who kissed Maeve years ago and ran away? Give us some credit for having at least a couple of brain cells!

I suppose I just prefer books with a bit more to sink my teeth into. Maybe a real issue or a character who learns something about herself, or simply a great yarn about something interesting. I also would prefer more sophisticated plotting and writing. I thought this book would have some mystery or depth but it's a romance novel and nothing more. Oh, and be prepared for the author to defend the genre of romance novels repeatedly in the story. I'm not sold, not at all; this simply wasn't the book for me.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maeve McKenna and her aunt Philomena Duffy make a great team. Maeve goes to stay with Phil for a little while after experiencing near-breakdown resulting from her high-pressure job as an interior designer. With regard to Phil, she is more than a bit lonely after becoming a widow after her husband Joe, has died. If possible, Phil wants to destroy their home, Willow House, but finances are tough. With Maeve's help, which turns into more ways than one, Phil has a chance of restoring her home.

Leaving all of the busy activity in London is wonderful for Maeve. Rather surprisingly, she is enjoying the small town there in Ireland. She spent time at Sandy Cove as a teenager, and the magic of the place grows on her rather quickly.

While in the process of restoring Willow House, Maeve stumbles upon something that ultimately changes Phil's life, but also hers as well. What Maeve found was a very well-kept secret, and it was a lot of fun seeing just what Phil did with that secret.

While in Sandy Cove, Maeve meets a man who reminds her of the very first kiss she she got as a teenager. His name is Paschal, and this part of the story was both sensitive and lovely. ON the other hand, however, Maeve wants to help Phil, she has her own life and future in London to consider.

Secrets of Willow House was a beautiful and engaging story, from beginning to end. It is the first book in the Sandy Cove series and I definitely look forward to seeing whose story is next, and that will be in Sisters of Willow House.

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

4/.4.5. ✨✨✨✨💫 rounded up

Lovely setting in Ireland! The plot and characters were well developed and believable. I really did enjoy it, but then the " secrets", expect one were predictable. Still a lovely and uplifting story!!

I highly recommend this one to everyone who is looking for a lighter read!

This book filled one of my goals for the year to read more books at home 🏡.

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Willow House #1 Sandy Cove
4✨

Philomena's story
+ Meave

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought reading this book would be like sailing in the calm waters with some waves swaying the boat of my emotions. What I didn't know was the way I would be sucked into the story.

Maeve needed a break from her exhaustive interior designer work, hence goes to Ireland to spend 2 weeks with her aunt Phil and Willow House. A secret hidden away in the laptop by her late Uncle, a chance for second love for Maeve, and a second wind of life for Phil made this book a fabulous engrossing read.

The two ladies captured my heart, Phil more than Maeve. The strength and class that Phil showed in her demeanor, the courage which lit a fire in her personality inspired me to never give up. The story had its sweet moments, and it was fun to see Auntie and niece binding and becoming close friends and confidantes.

My niggles, a male love interest was suddenly shown to be Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde just to let us know why Maeve rejected him and chose the other man. That change felt abrupt and jarred my senses. A man who was gentle and kind and who had a daughter in a custodial fight in the court suddenly became a bed-hopping blackmailing Casanova.

It is the 2019, and I assume a woman can fall in love and reject a suitor gently with them being friends instead of making him have a sudden personality change.

Overall, barring this point, the book was great fun, and I think now I have Ireland as one of the countries I want to visit in this lifetime.

[Sara Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was cute until a moment between Maeve and Paschal that was so silly and I realized this was a bunch of fluff. He was worried about the town seeing them together - FOUR YEARS after the death of his wife and they argue in the street, but no! They decide sleeping together will magically fix everything between them! 🤢

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Anitajt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of family, love and the relationships that bring it all together. Maeve works too hard and on doctors order goes on a long awaited break back to her Aunt Phil is Ireland. She meets old friends and makes new ones. A secret has been unearthed could it be true? Read this wonderful book and find out! A book for a rainy day. Guaranteed enjoyable
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5

Maybe it was just me but I struggled to get through this book. No real secret about the house or anything. No depth in the relationships.
I enjoyed learning a bit about the islands.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I'm not seeing where this has over 4 star rating.
*Edit - I wrote that before I was halfway. This was almost a DNF for me, but I try not to do that.
I am not sure why, I just didn't care for this book. It's cheesy, a little strange and just not my style.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes what the doctor ordered is exactly what you need to shine a different light on your life.

What I really like about the books by this author I already read is that she puts middle aged people in the limelight. Often society thinks the only thing they can still look forward to is to spend some time in the old people’s home, but there are a lot of ‘golden oldies’ who are perfectlly able to do a lot more than that. And rightly so!

This story takes us from busy London to quiet village on the Irish seaside where the lives of auntie Phil and Maeve are about to make a u-turn.

Being alone is often synonym for being lonely and you can keep on feeling sorry for youself or you can yourself a mental kick and go for it. Somtimes all it takes is the cry for help in unraveling a secret.

The story makes you realize that you are never too old to find love, a special friendship or a new purpose in life. Choices have to be made. Are you better off with you devil you know or will you risk a dive in the unknown?

I enjoyed this lovely story very much and it made me want to visit Ireland (in the summertime LOL). Auntie Phil is quite a character and you just have to love her and ‘the old birds’. I would like to know what will happen next. 5 stars.

Thank you, Susanne O’Leary, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Colleen Maclennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was very predictable and I skimmed some parts as little was happening. Maeve was able to find two charming men in less than two weeks after her previous breakup of four years .She did take a strong liking to both but she chose the Irish chap because she liked his twang and his affiliation to her aunt Phil , Willow Grove and the surrounding countryside. The book had some detailed descriptions of the Kerry area but the events were somewhat unbelievable with Aunt Phil becoming a published writer overnight, Maeve without even trying landing two handsome men in record time, old Oliver and his young mistress taking a trip to Ireland the week Maeve is there. If you like romance in a pleasant setting with predictable outcomes this book is for you.

[Sukh Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read. It was predictable without any real depth but I did like the descriptions of Ireland.

[Marjolein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are entirely my own.

What a wonderful read this was! I may be a little biased, since it takes place in Ireland in beautiful county Kerry, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only one enjoying this lovely book. It’s almost the definition of feel good – reading it felt like sunshine. Like the smell and taste of a pint of Guinness.

”’I’ll drink to that,’ Maeve said and took a sip from her glass. It tasted both sweet and bitter, with a slight fizz. Just like life, she thought.”

It was great to be transported back to Ireland through Susanne’s words. The characters in this book were lovely, not stuck-up or annoying or Mary Sue-like. Not at all. They felt like honest, real Irish people and it was the first ‘feel good’ novel I’ve read this year that actually made me feel good.

When we first meet Maeve McKenna, she’s living and working in busy London. She’s an interior designer with a burn out and her doctor is ordering her to slow down, to take a break and get some rest. Her boss reluctantly agrees to give her two weeks of leave and Maeve decides to go back to Ireland. Her home. She wants to stay with her sister before driving down to the Ring of Kerry, but before she knows it, she’s already in Sandy Cove and staying with her aunt Philomena Duffy.

Phil’s husband Joe died a little over a year ago and he left his wife some mysterious secrets. She needs Maeve’s help to figure it all out because she can’t deal with it on her own. The two of them were very close when Maeve was little, but they’ve grown apart over the year. Being back in Sandy Cove is making the two women reunite. Maeve falls in love with Ireland all over again and starts to wonder whether she’d prefer a life in rural Kerry over a glamorous one in London.

Of course, there’s a bit of a love triangle in the story. There’s posh and wealthy literary agent Stephen Taylor back in London, who wants to take her out to fancy parties and buy her dinner. But there’s also Paschal Sullivan, a marine biologist who runs a second hand bookshop in the summer when he’s not giving lectures at Cork University. Yes, it might be a predictable trope, but isn’t that what we all want in a chick-lit novel? I was just really glad that nothing had happened between Maeve and Stephen before she and Paschal started messing around. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, then it’s cheating.

The author did repeat herself a lot, though. I think the thought proces of ‘should I go back to London and my life or should I stay here’ was mentioned at least ten or fifteen times. I get it, it’s a big part of the book, but nevertheless it got kind of annoying at times. Doesn’t make it a bad book, though. I still really enjoyed it – I finished it rather quickly, and that says a lot. I just couldn’t put it away, I suppose!

So, I’m giving this book four well-earned stars and I’m hoping others will enjoy it just as much as I did.

"'I'm beginning to take to this drink,' she confessed.
'Be careful,' he warned. 'It can be addictive'"

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Willow House: Sandy Cove Book one is by Suzanne O’Leary. This book is the start of a new series by O’Leary. It is also the start of my reading a new author. I found myself reading novels set in Ireland and learned that Suzanne O’Leary’s books were also set in Ireland, so, decided to give them a chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find they were wonderful. Unfortunately, only two of the three book series have been put up for sale, the third book is due in November, 2019. At least I won’t have to wait long for the last book.
Maeve McKenna was an interior designer in London. She was working herself to death. She was on-call to her boss and her clients any time of the night and on weekends. When her health finally began to get involved, her doctor ordered her to immediately take a vacation or she would end up in the hospital. Reluctantly, she decided to take two weeks and visit her Aunt Phil in Kerry, Ireland. As long as she would be available via email, her boss reluctantly agreed to her vacation.
Maeve decided to visit Aunt Phil because she had lost her husband the year before and Maeve had not been able to attend the funeral. She also remembered the lovely times she and her sister had during the summers when they had spent them with Aunt Phil. However, she was not prepared for the deterioration of Willow House over the years. The interior designer in her begged to redo the house; but finances said no.
Aunt Phil had called Maeve before she had a chance to tell her about the vacation. She wanted Maeve to come to Ireland for a weekend and help her solve a problem her husband, Joe, had left her. His lawyer had called about a bank account with lots of money in it, money she had no idea where it had come from. What had Joe been doing to get this money, and to spend it? What secret had he been keeping?

[Tracy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Run ragged and stressed to the max in her competitive interior designer career, Maeve is sent home to Sandy Cove for a much needed reset at the insistence of her dr.

Reconnecting with her much loved Aunty, she hopes her presence helps heal her recently widowed soul along with finding her own peace. A saucy laptop surprise creates an opening for a new life adventure for the two ladies. Philomena specifically.

For Maeve though; Hitting her 40’s and stuck in a clashing of two equally enticing worlds, she now much decide which one sways her the most. With a potential suitor posing in each segment.

I got a kick out of Nora’s recollection of a miscommunication old bird Louise had with her physician about ever being bedridden. Replying to his professional query with “Many times Doctor. Once even in a canoe. My husband was a very lustful man.”
As well the authors pen name Fanny L’Amour….isn’t the word ‘Fanny’ in the UK a slang for lady parts? Of course paired with “Love”….rang in my Brain as a James Bond girl moniker😄

The pheromones comment of his soap scent: complete with Paschal’s rebuttal of “I’m sure Palmolive is responsible for half the population in Europe” and her being unable to cope with living in the bachelor pad with dreary furniture and window dressings had me roaring because I’ve heard almost that exact soap line from my fella & I too have been evicting the solo man saddness from his farm house.

I liked that I Had to pull out the dictionary for a few of the words like courgette and aubergine (zucchini and eggplants) along with how a couple names were properly pronounced. It’s always fun to learn unexpected (real) things when reading something whimsical.

In the end I was glad she opted to cut ties with the snot of a man Steven. Holy, if he’s always this much of a jerk there’s not question as to why his marriage failed. Was very much rooting for a romantic connection between Phil & Oliver.

A fun and cozy read. Looking forward to the next book.
*Opens second one* 📚

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Willow House is the first book in a new series by Susanne O’Leary. Interior designer Maeve McKenna relocated to London from Dublin after a very bad breakup. She has worked her way to the top levels in Ava McDonald’s upscale design firm. But she has worked herself to the point of exhaustion. In fact, her doctor has told her she must take time off to regroup or pay the health consequences.

Although Ava does so grudgingly, she relents and gives Maeve two wee off. Maeve decides to spend the majority of the time with her Aunt Philomena in Sandy Cove, part of the Kerry Ring in Ireland.

Being back at Willow House where she and her sister, Roisin, had spent their summers while they were growing up, it quite bittersweet. Her Uncle Joe passed a little over a year ago and she finds her aunt in a dilapidated home sitting atop a lovely cliff. In helping her aunt find joy and purpose, the most amazing things happen for them both. Aunt Phil finds new purpose and Maeve finds a very different direction.

This was a lovely book, just the beginning of a very promising series by Susanne O’Leary. With rich characters, lovely scenery, and a wonderful place to discover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maeve is under doctor's orders to take a rest. A complete change of scene. She is run down and on the brink of having a medical breakdown due to stress and constant work. Luckily for her a bolthole with her aunt in Ireland is just the fix she needs.

Maeve returns to recuperate and do absolutely nothing. Sandy Cove is idyllic and her aunt is very happy for the company. Having lost her husband just a year ago, Phil is also trying to come out of the sadness that has gripped her this past year. She also is worried over the state of the house which is now beginning to show its age. She does not have the money for major repairs but she knows that it has to be done. Phil is also surprised at what she has found on her late husband's computer - there are incomings of money unaccounted for and she is worried whether he was in something illegal

What Maeve discovers and shares with her Aunt is as surprising as it can get. It also is their saving grace and a way for Phil to go on living at Sandy Cove in the way she always wanted to. Sandy Cove also puts Maeve in a dilemma as to whether she really wants to go back to the fast paced life of an interior designer in London or live in Sandy Cove with someone whom she has strong feelings for.

The pull of career and finance against love is nicely balanced here and it is fortunate that it works out well and easily. Life is not always so fortuitous.

A light family story, extremely descriptive of Ireland (one that makes you want to visit now).

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lovely chick lit kind of read, with an Irish twist, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Maeve is an interior designer in London and although she loves her job, she finds herself burnt out. Her aunt Phil lives in Willow House, a beautiful house that is past its prime, in a small village in Ireland. Maeve takes a break to visit her aunt and whilst she is there, a family secret comes to light. On top of that, Maeve has to figure out what her heart wants, which is never a simple matter.

I found that this novel just flowed, the way that good novels do. I enjoyed the descriptions of Ireland and the many bits of Irish that the book contained as well. I liked the main characters too and all in all, I spent a lovely couple of hours just relaxing and reading.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Hayley Moss · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was really slow going. It took me nearly a month to read, which is pretty abnormal for me. I read all of the authors Starlight Cottage series — many in just a few days and really enjoyed them. This one didn’t seem to really get interesting for me until I was at least 40% through. Once it finally peeked my interest a bit, it felt a bit choppy, and almost too fast moving. I thought the storyline was interesting, but not really believable— even the argument with her boss at the end just didn’t feel natural. I’m not sure if I’ll read the others in the series just yet.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a light, quick read, and Secrets of Willow House fit perfectly because her descriptions and characters are wonderful. I always feel like I have taken a beach vacation when I read Susanne O'Leary's books.

[Fenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️ heerlijk boek, leest lekker weg. En er zijn nog 5 delen🥳

[Casandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

A swift read, as there’s not much in it. There seemed to be hints of a love triangle forming, the main character being torn between 2 possible lovers, 2 possible lives, but it never truly materialized. Light on fun romantic tension, or any tension really as things seemed to be resolved quite readily. It’s even light on the romantic bits, and I fell in love with no one. Pretty thought, but nothing to sink my teeth into.

[Ellen Van Houcke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prima vakantieboek. Zal de andere boeken van de serie zeker nog lezen.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Willow House by Susanne O'Leary is the first book in the Sandy Cove series. This book is utterly delightful in every sense of the word. Be prepared to be swept up in this story and these characters. I ready to go to Sandy Cove, Ireland myself. I recommend this book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

[Kate Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so heart warming and such a feel good book. I liked the characters and the community they live in. It is so close knit.
This was a romance but this was not just focused on that as there were friendships made and family aspects.
I loved this book from the first page. I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to keep reading.
The only 2 parts of the book which didn't make sense was when both Maeve and Phil were in the pub for the first time. They were offered a seat inside by the window or outside and they chose to sit inside by the window. The band then started to play and Phil suggested they go inside so they can see the band better but they were already in the pub. The second part was in Paschal's bookshop for the first time. The books Maeve bought came to 5 euros and Maeve put down a 5 euro note and then Paschal handed her change, even though she gave him the correct money.
This book made me smile and I wanted to get to know this community.
The characters definitely changed and grew throughout the book. Phil got stronger, Paschal opened himself up Maeve stood up for herself.
It was your typical romance, feel good book but I still loved it.
I actually have the other books, in the series, in my list to read.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my time spent at Willow House with Maeve and her aunt Phil. It is set in a small village of Kerry, Ireland, and the Atlantic coast setting sounded delightful.

We get to discover just what Uncle Joe's secret was that contributed to Maeve visiting her aunt, and I'll admit I had put the blocks into place quite a bit before the character.

But it didn't matter, as it was how they pieced it together that was entertaining, and deciding what to do about the information once they have it, which really made this book.

I loved how Maeve changed over the course of the book, from an incredibly stressed out interior designer, with hilarious but fussy clients, to how she is back in the place of her childhood summers

There are a couple of men interested in Maeve, and one of them appealed to me far more than the other, but you'll need to read it to see who they are and how it played out.

This is another enchanting read from Susanne O'Leary and I'm delighted to learn it is the start of a series. I can't wait to return to Sandy Cove.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Carol Hatch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically a Beach Read

Secrets of Willow House was so predictable that it barely held my interest. I did manage to finish it, but I must admit that I didn’t find it nearly as good a read as so many others who gave it four and five stars. The “pretty good” writing was its only redeeming feature. Maybe I’m just getting jaded by so many highly recommend books that turn out to be predictable beach reads. Sorry, but I really can’t recommend this book.