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 who writes uplifting stories set in places readers long to visit, where ordinary women discover that home isn't just somewhere you live, it's the people who welcome you in.
Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up in New Zealand raised on her mum’s tales about Iocal families, music, and humour.
For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her on Amazon - click here:
https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...
Or for a free O'Mara family short story visit her website at: www.michellevernalbooks.com

Reviews

[Lynne]

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.

[Carolyn Shalhoub]

This is book 17 of the Guest House on the Green series about the O'Mara family so I feel like one of them by now. I have two more to go, but I won't be surprised if there are more by the time I finish them! In this book, Maureen, the mother, and her significant other, Donal, have been hired by a cruise ship, the Mayan Princess, to provide entertainment for 3 months for the weeklong cruises along the Mexican Riviera. Donal and friends are a Kenny Rogers tribute band, and Maureen has finagled a place as the tambourine player, line dancer and duet singer. The rest of the family will be joining the cruise for a week in the next book. In this one, we see the two become accustomed to life aboard the ship and shore excursions, as well as Maureen's usual drama on the side with a few other ship residents. It was fun and I look forward to the next ones.

[wilma mccann]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Terri A. Lambert]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Erika Sander]

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]

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]

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 !!

[Vivienne Watts]

another good read

Michelle makes you want to keep in touch with the characters. Never wanting to put the book down, next please