The Irish Daughter

Emerald Isles #4

by Daisy O'Shea

Standing on the cliff above the wild Irish sea, Hannah wipes a tear from her eye and thinks about the man she called ‘Da’. She was never his daughter. Hannah has been lied to her whole life by everyone she loved. Will she ever find where she truly belongs?

When warm-hearted Hannah Barry’s father passes away, her life is turned upside down when she discovers he wasn’t her biological father, and the only family she’s ever known are not related to her at all. Now their tiny farmhouse overlooking Roone Bay feels unfamiliar and cold. So when a handsome, dark-haired stranger turns up on her doorstep, his kind eyes and shy smile are a welcome escape.

Justin Sanders is searching for clues about his long-lost grandfather, whose last letter home came addressed from the area. Justin is certain Hannah’s own grandfather is connected to the story somehow, and that the men knew each other years ago. Hannah can’t help but be drawn to Justin and his mystery – they both have a painful past to solve. Will helping Justin lead to the answers about her real family that she desperately longs for?

But Hannah is shocked when nobody in the village will speak of Justin’s grandad. What secret could be so terrible that a whole community turns their back?

Justin’s caring nature makes Hannah feel so safe, and she can’t ignore the way he makes her stomach flip. But when they discover the truth about the events of a tragic evening decades ago, it threatens to tear them apart for good… Can Hannah and Justin find a way to forgive and move forward together? Or will Hannah lose the only real love she’s ever known for good?

Get ready to be swept away to Ireland’s rugged southern coast by this totally emotional and unputdownable tale filled with devastating family secrets. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Tricia O’Malley and Kathleen McGurl will adore it.

Readers love Daisy O’

‘OMG! OMG!!… Beautiful… Absolutely gorgeous!!!… Swept me away from the beginning to the end!!!… I devoured it in one sitting!!!… Gorgeous, heart-warming… Clear your schedules and grab the tissues… Stunning.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my aching heart!… Heartbreaking… In tears… I was holding my breath. Tears were streaming from my eyes… I had a rush of tears when I said goodbye to this beautiful island… Fiercely pulled at my heart… I loved this… Wonderful… Be prepared with tissues… Will capture your imagination and soften your soul.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful… I was totally immersed in this emotional read… Just perfect.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful… Breathtaking… Filled with hope… Kept me flying through the pages… Wonderful… I felt like I was standing on the shores of Roone Bay and enjoying the beautiful emerald sea… &l

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Ireland, Historical Fiction

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Writes women's fiction with a touch of romance.
Currently lives in West Cork, Ireland.
Signed in August 2023 for a three book deal with Bookouture.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE IRISH DAUGHTER (Emerald Isles Book #4) by Daisy O’Shea is an emotional dual timeline mash-up of romance, mystery, and history that pulled me into the story and kept me turning the pages. This book is easily read as a standalone with a few carryover secondary characters, but the real connection between the stories is that they are all set in Roone Bay, Ireland on the southern coast.

Hannah Barry has dutifully taken care of her alcoholic and dismissive father until his death as she promised her mam on her death bed believing she would inherit their hard-scrabble farm. While the home and farm are not worth much it has been her home since she returned from the hospital at three years of age after recovering from polio. Then her brother returns from America with a will to claim it all.

Justin Sanders is an English doctor who has come to Roone Bay to find where his granddad, Jack, who was stationed there as a Black and Tan in 1920, was buried during the Troubles. Hannah is surprised that no one is willing to talk, so she offers to help.

They work together as both have family secrets and history to be uncovered.

This is an enchanting story of family, love, forgiveness, and discovery. The tissues came out at a time or two. Hannah was such a strong protagonist and Justin was the perfect hero for her. The historical dual timeline tells Jack, Justin’s granddad’s story, in 1920 while he was in Roone Bay and the present-day timeline with Hannah and Justin is set in their present day, but our late 1960’s. The author’s story telling and descriptions made me feel as if I was experiencing each timeline right along with each character.

I have read all the Emerald Isles books, and they are all moving and engrossing. I highly recommend this one, also!

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Irish Daughter by Daisy O’Shea is a beautifully written dual timeline Irish family story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting with lots of twists and turns that kept me furiously turning the pages. I was completely lost and immersed in the lives of Hannah, Justin and Jack. It covers many topics such as the child polio victims of the 1950s and the after-effects of WW1 on soldiers. But it also provides lots of Irish history including the fight for independence from English control. And we learn many aspects of Irish culture. We are blessed with beautiful descriptions of Ireland (a place I love) and Roone Bay. It is truly an atmospheric land and seascape full of magic and mystery. All these perfect elements come together in a stunning blend. So yes, I adored the reading experience of The Irish Daughter: the complete immersion into the Irish culture and the causes and effects of events that fill these pages. How the history, landscape and beliefs have shaped the people.

This novel is told from two very different perspectives: Hannah’s in the present and Jack’s in the past. My heart ached for Hannah. It is obvious she is a loving daughter who struggles against the perceptions of others because of her physical handicap caused by polio. Sadly, she just missed the introduction of the polio vaccine into Ireland in the 1950s. She got polio as a child and spent seven months in hospital isolated from her family. When she is retrieved and taken home to live a life of poverty and servitude, she tries her best to do all that is asked of her. Her mother has been loving but her father not so much. And once she grows up, many years later, memories of her childhood confuse her. When her father passes away, there are some unexpected surprises at the reading of the will. The world she knew begins to crumble around her. Then a stranger walks into her life who is also seeking some answers about his grandfather’s past. And together they begin a journey of discovery that brings not only road blocks and disappointment but also hope and healing. A better plan awaits her that she never could have imagined in her wildest dreams.

This is a story about identity, truth, roots, belonging, restoration, love and fresh starts. Learning who you are, who you want to be and who you will become. All the characters are well developed, intriguing and create a complete picture of the world past and present. War in the broadest sense is central to the movements: the most obvious is WWI and the Irish War of Independence, but it also covers internal conflicts of the mind, battles between characters and against poverty, manipulation, expectation and so on.

I was thrilled Hannah has a partner in her search for truth and Justin is a dream: kind, loving, patient and understanding. He is an English doctor with Irish connections and the search for his long lost grandfather Jack is incredibly exciting. Hannah’s and Justin’s searches for the past bring them together in unexpected ways. I appreciated and was deeply moved also by Jack’s experiences that are shared directly from his viewpoint. He is the past timeline we get to see in full view while his grandson is in the present searching for his story. Justin was sent on a mission from his late Great-Grandma to find Jack’s grave and lay a wreath upon it for her. What unfolds is pretty amazing. As this journey unveils more than one can imagine but it also brings Justin something extra special into his life: a closeness with a girl who steals his heart.

I was truly swept away by this mesmerising, soul-shaking novel that I highly recommend. The Irish Daughter accomplishes all it sets out to do and more. And one more beloved Irish story is stitched forever into my heart. Without any hesitation, this deserves all the stars! 5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Irish Daughter by Daisy O’Shea is a heart-warming story of a young woman who had been stricken by Polio in the 1950s and returned home with braces on her legs. She stayed and guided her mother during her journey to death and then stayed to care for her father. He drank, missing her mother, but he also eventually died. Her mother had always told her that when they died, the farm would be hers, but as it turns out it was left to the oldest son, who came from American to sell it. He didn’t really care what would become of Hannah. Meanwhile Hannah, believing she would need a husband to handle the farm, had selected one that was not worth her while and had allowed him to bed her. She ended up pregnant and he backed off when he heard what the will said. A young man from England called Justin appeared who is looking for his great-grandfather’s grave: a promise he made his great-grandmother. He had been a black and tan and apparently met a bad end.

They both had quests, Hannah and Justin, and they solved them far too easily, but this is fiction. They also found each other. Hannah discovered that she was the only person in town who saw her as handicapped, which was huge for her. She made friends, and they helped her. They also discovered there was more about the ownership of the farm than they had known. This is a feel-good series with interesting people and situations. A good read, as always with the characters taking over the book.

I was invited to read The Irish Daughter by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #DaisyOShea #TheIrishDaughter

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. Now that we have a polio vaccine, the suffering of those that experienced it prior to the vaccine gets brushed under the rug. I can’t imagine what the families who had members suffer went through. To have to leave young children in the hospital without anyone (similar to those that suffered from covid back in 2020) and not knowing if they’ll ever come home, had to have been traumatizing. And for someone like Hannah’s mother to bring home a child that wasn’t hers to replace a dead daughter baffles me.

I love returning to Roone Bay. Daisy’s books make it feel like I’m right there in Ireland. I’m always willing to jump on a book set there.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing won’t change the past, but it might well change the future for the person who’s no longer in thrall to endless speculation."

Hannah Berry's life is different from that of her brothers and sisters. As a young child, she was the one who had spent months in the hospital recovering from polio and would always need the calipers on her legs due to paralysis. The siblings all left Roone Bay, Ireland, and as Hannah remained at home, she was the sibling to care for their mother, and she was the daughter who promised their mother she would look after their father. However, at the reading of her father's will, everything Hannah had anticipated for the future suddenly seemed improbable. Perhaps Hannah will learn more if there's anyone willing to tell her the truth about her past, a past she thought she had always known.

Dr. Justin Sanders arrives in Roone Bay from Somerset, England, not as a tourist but to fulfill a promise to his great-grandmother, Kyra. A promise to locate the grave of her son Jack, Justin's granddad, and lay a wreath. Justin knows very little about his grandfather, a veteran of the Great War, but shortly after returning home, he left England again, this time to join the Black and Tans in Ireland. Perhaps Justin will uncover long-buried secrets if he can find someone who remembers the day the barracks burned.

The prologue opens in 1957, recounting Hannah's childhood illness from her mother, Esther Berry's perspective. The narrative then shifts to Hannah’s viewpoint in the present, during her thirties, while also incorporating Jack's perspective from 1918 to 1920. This powerful journey immerses the reader in both Hannah's and Justin's quests for truth. The story is filled with a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, and is beautifully crafted with elements of mystery, intrigue, family histories, the times in which they lived, and romance.

Thank you to Daisy O’Shea, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Irish Daughter is the third in Daisy O’Shea’s Emerald Isles series and once again another fantastic read. Daisy has a natural storytelling ability and her love for Ireland, its landscape, history and the people shine through. I love that in each book the characters have so much depth to them and the societal constraints of the time are highlighted as it shows how far we have come in the present day. I can never quite put my finger on the actual timeline that the books are set in but certain things make me think it’s the late 70’s or 80’s as quite often I am surprised at some of the things the characters do or say. Or that the small town that features seems a bit backwards in some ways as if full blown modernity has not quite reached them yet. I don’t mean this in any negative way at all I would just be interested to see when is it specifically set or is the author purposefully not saying? But one thing is for sure the history of Ireland, the good, the bad and the ugly, is here and has clearly being very well researched and fits in perfectly with the overall themes and issues being explored.

The story opens with a very interesting prologue as we are introduced to Esther who was once taken in by the sisters of Mercy as an orphan when her parents died within a year of one another. She grew up and married Adrian, a farmer from West Cork. He is a dour man who works all hours and there is never a civil word spoken. Their young daughter Hannah has spent months in hospital with polio and she can barely walk. Esther finally gets to collect her from the hospital after only being able to see her once or twice and when she returns to the family farm her husband asks what have you done? I knew from the outset what had occurred as it was obvious really and within a few chapters it had come to light. The fact that this happened so early would normally ruin a story for me. I prefer the element of surprise to be kept for as long as possible. But here it didn’t detract from the plot at all. In fact it only added to it and made Hannah more determined than ever to uncover the truth.

Fast forward many years and Hannah’s father has just died and she isn’t really all that sorry considering the man he was. She was the one out of all the siblings who had been left to care for him and work on the farm given that she can’t walk very well due to her illness. Her mother had died several years before. In ways, I thought she was seen as being weak and a bit stupid but she was anything but that. She has a kind heart and possesses a quiet inner strength which is about to come pouring forth as her fathers will leaves a lot to be desired. She was left nothing and will soon be out on her ear. Not that the farmhouse offered any modern comforts or conveniences, but she did expect to be looked after given she was the one who did the caring. Her eldest brother Mark returns from America expecting to inherit everything but on the proviso that he lives there for ten years. This is a shock to him as he expected to sell the land and get out of Ireland as quickly as possible. One other problem remains - the deeds to the farm are missing and nothing can happen with it until they are found.

I thought Hannah didn’t put up much of a fight when it came to the farm and a sense of her being an outcast in the family or the one, they look upon with shame really came through. But when she learns some very surprising news which I won’t divulge here as I think it would ruin everything, well that sets the cat amongst the pigeons and her focus is turned elsewhere. She questions every little aspect of her life and she was right to do so. She also holds a secret close to her chest and I felt those that could help her didn’t. Instead local millionaire Noel and his family (whom we have met in the previous books) almost took her on like a surrogate daughter and I was glad they were there to help Hannah navigate through stormy waters. She was like a butterfly emerging from the cocoon. She had led a sheltered and isolated life but now events were forcing her to become the person she was destined to always be. She had a quest, a need, a longing deep within her and her father’s death spurred her on to push herself outside her comfort zone and boundaries as now was a pivotal time when her life could branch off in an unexpected direction. If she didn’t tread said path very carefully things could have been disastrous.

The arrival of Justin, an Englishman, to Roone Bay Hannah soon finds herself involved in another story but she never lets her own fall to the wayside. I thoroughly enjoyed how the two strands of the overall plot worked together. Justin is on a mission to find out about his grandad Jack’s past as a member of the Black and Tans. He amongst many others was sent from England in 1920 to keep the peace in Ireland. He found himself stationed in Roone Bay but the results of this posting were not favourable. Now Justin wants to fulfil a promise to his grandmother and discover the truth as to what actually happened to Jack and to lay a wreath for him. But people are keeping secrets in the village and Hannah and Justin will have to be very mindful of upsetting people. But the truth after laying fallow for all these years needs to come out.

Interspersed with Hannah and Justin in the present were chapters set from 1918-1920 and they focused on Jack. It was brilliant to get an insight into his life as a soldier during World War One and what were the effects of this for him. What led him to deciding to go to Ireland to become a Black and Tan? How was he affected by his experiences? What actually happened to him in Ireland that caused his disappearance? Was it something very sinister? The reader was given a fascinating insight into Jack’s situation and what his state of mind was. I was completely enthralled and without reading of Jack’s viewpoint I felt the story as a whole could have fallen flat. His viewpoint wove the strands of the story together very well and really made the last quarter or so of the book exciting to read and it became a real page turner. I thought I had it all worked out regarding Jack and I was quite smug regrading a certain character as although they made a fleeting appearance I felt they were there for a significant reason. Well, I was completely wrong. Yes they were there for a reason but not for the one that I had presumed and I was pleasantly surprised by the eventual outcome. I loved the twists and turns for all the characters, Hannah in particular, but on the whole there were surprises for everyone and of course some romance thrown in too for good measure.

The Irish Daughter was another fabulous read and thoroughly enjoyable. You are transported to a part of Ireland steeped in history and culture and the characters demonstrate this with every turn of the page. The issues they face are just enough to get your teeth into without the book becoming too heavy. The two stories come together perfectly and the ending was fantastic. I read this in two sittings which is a compliment as these days my attention when it comes to reading very much comes and goes. Hopefully Daisy O’Shea has lots more stories to tell about Roone Bay and the intriguing people that reside there.

[erin_leigh_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Barry has had a very difficult and tumultuous life. When she was a baby she was in the hospital for several months sick with polio. Polio affected her ability to walk so she has worn clunky and cumbersome leg braces her whole life. This left Hannah feeling like she never fit in, and not just socially. You see Hannah’s father treated her with disdain, never showing her any love or kindness. And when her mother passed away, and her siblings left home, Hannah was left to care for her cruel alcoholic father. She gave up 10 years of her life to care for him. But it was worth it as she thought she would inherit her families run down farm upon his death. But Hannah’s dreams were shattered when a lawyer tells her that not only did her father leave her nothing in his will, he let it be known that Hannah was not his blood daughter. Devastated, Hannah doesn’t know what to do. She is secretly engaged to a man who is only willing to marry her in return for the farm and land she was supposed to inherit. Just when Hannah feels like all hope is lost, she meets Justin. A British doctor trying to discover the mystery of his grandfather Jacks disappearance during the Irish War of Independence. Both Hannah and Justin are searching for answers and their paths cross at just the right time.

What ensues is a beautifully heartbreaking yet uplifting, story about family, secrets, love, resiliency and belonging. I adored this book. Daisy O’Shea is a masterful storyteller and writes with such vivid detail, warmth and heart. I can visualize the rugged Irish coastal town of Roone Bay where Hannah lives. I can imagine being there watching Hannah and Justin embark on their journey of discovery.

As for the main characters, they were so relatable and likeable. I fell in love with Hannah. She was such a warm, selfless woman. Full of courage and tenacity. And Justin was just as incredible. He was patient, kind and compassionate.

Although a work of fiction, there are many historical events and details referenced and discussed. This really appealed to me as I’m a huge Historical fiction fan and I am of Irish descent. So I got to learn more about my families country of origin while reading a genre I love.

Thank you so much Bookouture for including me in the book tour of The Irish Daughter by Daisy O’Shea. This story will be on my mind for years to come.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Polio Epidemic that occurred in Ireland during the late 1948-1955 era struck fear into parents and is the era in which Daisy O’Shea has set her latest novel The Irish Daughter, creating the characters of Esther, desperate to bring her child home from the hospital, Hannah who is to grow up learning to live with the permanent disability caused by polio and Adrian her father, a bitter and silent man who had little time for his crippled daughter.
With a gentle skill, O’Shea tells the story of the road travelled by many during these years and the aftermath of the crippling disease as she peals back the layers of a family in crisis; the sad and lonely life that Hannah leads and the almost hatred she has learned tolerate from her father and siblings after the death of her mother Esther to cancer.
She meets an Englishman, Justin Sanders, in the boreen, who is looking for her father; he is trying to learn about his grandfather’s involvement in the IRA and has been told that Adrian Barry would be able to help with the history of the area and the people. Hannah takes him up in her donkey cart driving him back to his car.
They strike up a conversation which will have long term repercussions as they both realize they do enjoy each other’s company and that they can work together to try to discover more about what really happened so many years ago.
Summoned to the Solicitors office in nearby Bantry she is given terrible news about the inheritance she understood was hers; her estranged brother Mark also has been requested to attend.
This sets off a chain of events over which she has no control but will eventually lead to Hannah discovering that the community she felt had always shunned her have been watching over here since the death of her father, but from distance, and that sometimes, when something is very important you have to fight for what you believe is right.
A gentle love story, a trip down the pathway of history and a reflection on the love and support of a community when there is a need come together seamlessly in this captivating and emotional story of The Irish Daughter.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of an adventure. Set in the Irish countryside, with a sprinkle of local Irish dialect and scenic backdrops, the story was like a warm hug.

This heart wrenching and heart-warming novel will take the reader on quite the adventure with several different story lines in one. Hannah Barry has been dealt a rough hand. As a young child she spent seven months in the hospital away from her family after contracting polio. Living on the family farm, dealing with the permanent side effects of her illness, Hannah spent her teenage years caring for her sick mother. When her mother passed, she was left to care for her father who was not a kind man. When her father passed years later, an unimaginable secret is revealed, leaving Hannah reeling, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs.

When Justin Sanders, an Englishman, shows up in Roone Bay looking for answers about his grandfather Jack who vanished many years ago, he finds himself on Hannah’s doorstep hoping she and her family hold the key. Together, Justin and Hannah embark on the adventure to find the answers they are both searching for.

In addition to a full cast of characters who bring even more depth to the novel, this book is also filled with historical references to things such as WWI, Ireland’s fight for Independence from England, the IRA, and the polio epidemic in the 1950’s.

A story about family, second chances, strength, belonging, and love, The Irish Daughter will warm your heart while keeping you guessing every step of the way.

A big thank you to Bookouture for the ARC of this book. It was a such an enjoyable read that made me feel like I was transported to Irish countryside. I look forward to exploring more books by the author.

[Linda S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Irish Daughter tells the story of Hannah, a young woman who had been stricken with polio as a child and walks with braces. Hannah always felt like an outsider with her father, who is unloving and difficult. She was the only sibling who stayed in Ireland to care for her mother when she became sick, and when she died, she also cared for her father until he, too, died. She is engaged to Cathal, a local man she doesn't love and he doesn't love her but he believes she will inherit the family farm, which he wants. Enter her older brother Mark who returns from America and has her father's will stating that he inherits the farm and that Hannah will get nothing, presumably because Hannah is not his child. There is a mystery about whether she was adopted into the family. So much more is going on in this story - with Hannah and Justin, the handsome British doctor who has come to Roone Bay to ask about his grandfather Jack, who was a black and tan and disappeared in 1920. This novel is told in two voices - that of Hannah and also of Jack - and paints a picture of Ireland then and now, and it gave me the happy ending that I love so much. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Daisy O'Shea has an easy-to-read writing style that I enjoyed. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Barry, loves her father, and her heart is shattered when he passes away. But life as she knows it will never be the same when she discovers that he is not her biological father. Roone Bay, and the charming little farmhouse she grew up in, no longer feels like home, leaving her feeling like a stranger in her own family.

Justin Sanders receives a final letter from his grandfather, bearing a return address of Roone Bay. Fueled by curiosity, he embarks on a quest to uncover information about his grandfather. Justin soon realizes that Hannah’s real grandfather is intricately woven into the story. Together, they must navigate the complexities of their pasts to unravel the truth.

Daisy O’Shea’s “The Irish Daughter” is a captivating novel that weaves a tapestry of mystery, hope, and romance. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, making it an unputdownable read. Hannah’s journey is both heartwarming and poignant, while Justin’s enigmatic character adds an air of intrigue to the story.

Returning to the breathtaking Roone Bay, I was transported back to the of warmth and beauty of Ireland. The sun warmed my face as I stood on the shore of the emerald sea, a testament to O’Shea’s remarkable ability to transport readers to Ireland. I love this phenomenal series. I highly recommend “The Irish Daughter” to anyone seeking a captivating and emotionally satisfying read.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Bookouture.

This book was a tearjerker of a story that tugged at my heartstrings. The protagonist, Hannah, had a kind of inner strength and determination that I admired. All she wanted was to know the truth about her family, and where she belonged. As I was reading, I thought about how important it is, to have a sense of belonging. Maybe it's something that we don't always think about or take for granted, but without it, we might feel lost and alone.

As I carried on reading, I found myself becoming more emotionally invested. I felt as though I was on a journey with Hannah, and though we didn't quite know where we were going, we had to see it through to the end. Other than Hannah herself, my favourite characters were Aine and Justin. This story was emotional, heartwarming and uplifting all at the same time.

Thank you to Bookouture, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story, full of secrets, hurt and love. Although The Irish Daughter is part of the Emerald Isles series, they are all standalone books set in the fictional Irish town of Roone Bay. The Irish Daughter is a dual timeline, dual POV story set in the 1920s, and the 1970s (?) The pacing was good and I couldn't stop reading, desperate to find out the truth.

I'll admit that my knowledge of "the troubles" is seriously lacking, but I feel I understand a little more about it after reading this.

The writing was easy to read, the speech felt genuine and the characters were realistic and loveable. I particularly liked Turlough, I'd love a book about him in the future as the glimpse we had of his story was fascinating.

I would have liked the pronunciation guide to be at the start of the book, rather than the end so that I knew how to pronounce the names before starting. Having said that, I was pretty close with the couple I didn't know.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Oh wow! Daisy O’Shea wastes no time jumping into the story. It is set in Ireland, in the small town of Roone Bay.
Hannah- has polio and learns she was adopted after her “Father” dies. She has low self esteem because of the way her family treats her. She meets Justin and they go on a quest to learn about his grandfather. Justin can’t find out anything about him and the townspeople aren’t telling.
Jack, 1918- a veteran of WWI, who is scarred from the war. He goes to Ireland to start over after the war.
I was flipping the pages so fast to figure out how all of the characters were tied together. This story has all the feels and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheIrishDaughter #DaisyOShea #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInIreland

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A emotive read full of family secrets and mysteries
As the death of Hannah’s Da hints at hidden histories.
The will reading involves a secret untold
And more will follow as the story unfolds.

Justin is searching clues to his ancestor’s past
Hoping to locate their grave at last.
But locals don’t acknowledge he was ever there
And any secrets they know they’re not willing to share.

As these two help each other to search for what’s true
They’re working together bringing them closer, too.
But will secrets revealed tear the apart
Or bring them together, heart to heart?

A heartwarming read full of twists and surprises
As slowly the truth they all realises.
With new friendships, new views and more
Just the kind of read I adore!

For my copy of this gorgeous book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dual Irish historical storyline told in diferent time periods sets the tone for this book. Hannah, a polio victim, has taken care of her parents without the help of her siblings. After the reading of her father's will, she is shocked that she has been disinherited and that she is not her parent's child. In another time period earlier, we meet Jack, who has survived WW I, but the war has left him with mental damage.. The two main characters are brought together by Justin, Jack's great grandchild, who has come to Ireland to find out what happened to his lost family member. The horrors of WWI and later, polio in the 1950's, is discussed in this book making it a riveting and emotional read. I highly recommend this book!

[P.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨


The Irish Daughter by Daisy O’Shea? Such a beautiful, emotional read.
This book captivated me with its rich, atmospheric setting and heartfelt story. It’s a family saga that weaves together love, loss, and the complex dynamics of generational trauma. The characters are so well-developed, and I really felt their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between.

The plot pulled me in from the start, with just the right balance of drama and tender moments. I loved how it explored identity, belonging, and the ties that bind—especially within the context of Irish culture and history.

4/5 stars. A compelling, emotional journey with beautiful writing. Perfect for readers who love stories about family, love, and finding your roots.”



❤️shaye.readss

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first time we visited Roone Bay when Grace arrived from the UK in The Irish Key, every book in this series has been a thoroughly enjoyable read. Don't be fooled, though, by the pretty covers. While these are feel-good reads, they also cover serious subjects and act as Irish history lessons. I was particularly struck by Hannah’s polio story, as my father was also a victim of the Irish polio outbreak of that time.
Wonderful relatable characters and switching between two timelines, this excellent read will keep you gripped, and if you've read the previous books in the series, you'll enjoy reaquainting yourself with some of the other characters in the series too. I really can't wait to revisit Roone Bay and see whats in store for them all again in the future.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars — Thank you, Bookouture, for the eARC! This book has the most unique storyline I have ever read. It hooked me from the beginning, and I finished it in just three days because I was eager to see how the story would unfold. It’s a poignant and beautifully written novel that tackles themes of disability, grief, and family secrets. It also opened my eyes to the Black and Tan, inspiring me to look up more about Irish history.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of fantasy and contemporary romance, so this book was a refreshing change. I rated it 4.5 stars because I found it somewhat repetitive at times. There was a lot going on with Hannah, Justin, and Jack’s storylines, and while I suppose the author repeated certain plot points to clarify things for the reader, I didn’t think it was necessary.

This is the first book I’ve read by Daisy O’Shea, and I would definitely read more from this author.

[Mary Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

Oh my goodness! I loved this book! The story is exceptional and the characters so realistic that it was like taking a trip.to the Emerald Isles. Daisy O'Shea writes beautiful stories about Ireland and her people. She is a very creative author and I have loved everything that I have read that she wrote. It also has a lot of history in it. I highly recommend this one.

[Dorrie-Lenore Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring page-turner

I love Daisy Shea’s books, but this one was particularly special because of her beautifully crafted character, Hannah. She deals with her disability with grace and honesty, and it makes her journey all the more compelling. The other characters are equally well-crafted, and the descriptions of the Irish landscapes transport the reader. I highly recommend this book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Hannah's father dies she expected to inherit the small working farm in the Irish hills. According to his will it all goes to her older brother who lives in America. He comes back and kicks her out. Stories of her mother's past start to reveal the reasoning. But the locals are sure there is a newer will that leaves Hannah the farm since she has nursed him and kept the farm going for years. The small town rally's around her and helps the selfish older brother see the light.

[Margaret Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is so hard on everyone.

War makes so much pain and hated memories. So happy that Jack had found a good life and peace with the past. So happy for Hannah. So hand such a hard life. With a new husband and new family, she has the world at her feet now.. What great love and forgiveness she had. Thank you for a great read.

[Anita L Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twist & Turns

Can't help but love Hannah. I could see this happening during this time when polio was rampaging
throughout the world.Grief is a strange thing. Promises to a dying mother is a powerful thing, even though it may be something you don't want to do. Fate had more in store for Hannah. I'm good with happily ever after.

[melanie lekas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice read!

Daisy takes you to a period of time that was real and rough to live through. But she winds it around good people who care and are kind and brings about a lovely story despite the terrible time period it occurred.
I loved how she turned it around and made a lovely ending. The hope she would kept me turning pages!

[Trevor Binns · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a surprising book

It takes hold of you from 1st page and never lets you go. The characters are well round and interesting and what happens to them is shocking sometimes and comforting others. There is big surprising event full of joy and I could not put it down

[Rebecca Winemiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming 💓

Great story. I love the way Daisy O'Shea weaves a thread from the past into her stories. Also the way she builds off the previous stories from Roone Bay without taking away from the new story.

[Chris Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish

Loved this story with it's twists and turns. I try to picture the countryside. Keep track of the time changes to keep the timeline in order. It can be a standalone story, but it does help with other stories that come before.

[Gina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story

A lovely love story but with a lot of Irish history thrown in. Not sure whether I liked Hannah's love story best or all the history but all in one it made a great read.
Can't wait for the next book

[Ellen Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

clever writing

I loved the way the characters are woven from book to book and also the reality of place names and significant events and landmarks. We are going to visit Ireland so I’m looking forward to checking out some of these!