Cruising with the O'Maras: A fun, feel good Irish holiday read!

The Guesthouse on the Green #17

by Michelle Vernal

Set sail for the adventure of a lifetime with Mammy O'Mara in this brand-new story for 2025!A cruise, a tribute band, and one unforgettable Irish escapade...When Donal and his Kenny Rogers tribute band, The Gamblers, land a last-minute gig on a Mexican Riviera cruise, Maureen O’Mara couldn’t be more excited. As the tambourine player and vocalist for Kenny’s Dolly and Sheena’s duets, she’s ready to soak up all the sun, sea, and shenanigans that come with life onboard.

By day, Maureen and Donal bask in tropical sunshine, explore vibrant ports, and indulge in endless buffets. By night, she dazzles in her sequins, Donal in his white suit. But it’s not all smooth sailing—unexpected friendships soon form with their fellow entertainers, like Carole, a pianist escaping a broken heart, and Tomasina, a magician’s assistant guarding a mysterious past.

In just one week, secrets will surface, hearts will mend, and Maureen’s knack for finding chaos will make this a voyage to remember.

Escape winter's gloom, slap on the sunscreen, and join Maureen and Donal for an adventure brimming with laughter, love, and plenty of surprises on the high seas!



For fans of feel good, fun storytelling to make you feel part of the family.

Readers love The Irish Guesthouse on the Green 'So good for making you feel happy whilst reading it.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I find the family so funny.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'It's like meeting your friends again for a chat.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Fiction

213 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a bestselling author of warm, witty, and uplifting Irish fiction. If you love Maeve Binchy and Jean Grainger, you'll love her heartwarming Irish stories.
Michelle's novels capture the same sense of community, warmth and emotional depth, often following families through love, loss and second chances.

Whether set in a bustling guesthouse, a seaside village, or aboard a life-changing journey, her books are perfect for readers who enjoy stories that feel like coming home.

Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up on her mum’s tales of Iocal families, music, and humour. Later, she lived, worked, got engaged, and travelled extensively in Ireland, experiences that inspire her much-loved novels, including the hilarious Guesthouse on the Green series. Her stories, filled with heart, humour, and unforgettable characters, have earned her a loyal readership worldwide.

For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her here: https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the O'Mara family, and in this book Mammy and Donnell are taking their Kenny Rodger’s tribute band aboard a cruise ship for a 3 month contract. Lots of fun.

[wilma mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

This is quite possibly my favourite O'Mara book so far, and believe me I've loved them all. Love the storylines and the Irish humour. Anyone looking for books with great entertainment and a feel good factor, the O'Mara books are the way to go. Can't wait for the next one being published. Thanks Michelle Vernal.

[Patricia A Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in the O’Mara family.!

What a family! What a fun family! What a lot of fun they have teasing and taunting each other and loving each other at the same time. And for the readers, we have the benefit of all that fun. Thanks Michelle. You are a gifted storyteller. Love reading your work.

[Lisa Quaresma · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Maras really is a must read.

Loved the series. Been looking for a writer like Maeve Binchy and couldn't have found a better Irish family series that is so lovely, wonderfully entertaining and just makes you want to read more about all their goings on.
Can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Julie Foster]

Absolutely brilliant

This was a real laugh out loud story. This book was more about Mo and Donal, and working on the cruise ship with The Gamblers. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series and meeting up with all the family on the next part of the cruise.

[Janie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have given this 5-stars…

before I’d even read one page! It’s never been less with any of her books! Can’t wait to hear what calamities happen once the whole gang of O’Mara’s board the ship! Another fantastic story!!

[Patricia Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

I just love the antics of this family. I wish I could be Mo O’Mara. She makes me chuckle over and over with her shenanigans and her wonderful sayings and expressions.
Looking forward to the next book

[Lizbeth Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

O’Mara series

I enjoy these books so much!!!! Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
I love hearing about how the family fusses at each other, but they all come together in the end.

[Beverly Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love the O’mara book. I was rather disappointed that it was so short. I realize another book is coming, but I thought it should be combined with this one. I have read every book by Michelle Vernal.

[Mrs A M Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite family

Absolutely brilliant to be reunited with the family, can't get enough of them all. Looking forward in their cruise holiday in the next instalment.

[janice wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read has always never a full moment with this family. Waiting for the next instalment.

[Terri A. Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's the rest of the book?

The loved thr book but the abrupt ending left much to be desired. Is there another book coming out to finish this story?

[Marcia A. Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maureen O’Mara never fails to entertain! Did miss the fam in this episode of the O’Mara clan however.
She was up to her eyeballs in everyone else’s problem….as can be expected. An enjoyable read.

[eleanor garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hillarious

Loved being back with the family and imaging what they look and sound like
Can you imagine them as a sit .com on tv
Would recommend to anyone looking for a feel good read

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. Maureen at her best creating chaos and helping lost souls. I hate having to wait for the next instalment.

[Erika Sander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally love this series, but ending without a full resolution of the story arc left me not excited. Onto book 18 at sometime in the future (no pub date yet)

[Juliette Passam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all the O'Mara books to date and at the start really loved them. Finding them a bit samey now to be honest and not as much fun which is a real shame.

[Brenda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maureen O'Mara takes to the sea!!

I knew Maureen would stir the ocean when she got on the Mayan Princess Cruise ship and she did !!