The Book of Irish Secrets

Magnolia Manor #5

by Susanne O'Leary

Readers LOVE The Book of Irish Secrets!
‘Beautiful… Loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Held me from the beginning.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I couldn’t put it down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Loved, loved, loved.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The woman looks out at the grand magnolia tree as it casts a shadow over the old house. ‘One day you will find out what destroyed our family, Claire. I only hope I’ve raised you to be strong enough to handle the truth…’

When Claire arrives at Magnolia Manor in Ireland, a family journal clutched in her hands, she hopes to meet her long-lost family. But knowing she is part of a secret the Fleury family once buried, when she sees the gorgeous home up in the hills, she finds herself too scared to walk through the front door…

Rushing to pack her bags, convinced she’s made a mistake, the welcoming embrace of local chef Karina and her handsome brother Pierce make her stay. Hunched over old recipes in the kitchen with Karina, listening to village gossip, Claire laughs like she hasn’t in years. And as she walks along the coastal path beneath the stars with Pierce, Claire feels totally entranced by his bright blue eyes and begins to fall in love. Could just starting again in this little village, close to her ancestors, be enough?

But with her brilliant red hair and pretty features, Claire doesn’t stay hidden for long. And when she finally meets her family, the bitter rivalry at the heart of Magnolia Manor rushes to the surface. Can Claire heal more than just her own heart, and make things right for her family? Or will the lies she’s told push everyone away, and force her to leave Pierce, and Ireland, for good?

Fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe will be swept away by this gorgeous, unputdownable romance set in beautiful Ireland.

What readers are saying about The Book of Irish Secrets:

‘To say I was entranced by this story would be an understatement! I stayed up very late and woke up early, needing to find out what happened… Loved.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely adored The Book of Irish Secrets… a real joy… dazzled and uplifted my heart. This is a moving romantic ancestral mystery that made me feel many emotions… Loved, loved, loved… Enthralling… 5 Happy Stars.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Spell-binding and beautiful… Tugs at my heart and fixes it in one sitting… Beautiful, emotional, tense and hopeful… an all-out joy to be part of and it held me from the beginning right until the last sentence of the last pages.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved… A compelling read. I was so engrossed in the story that I flew through the book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart-warming… beautiful… captivating… I loved every aspect of this story.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Family Drama, Irish Literature, Adult, Womens Fiction, Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

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

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick book! It has some family drama, a little mystery and some romance. It’s a nice feel good book. A perfect vacation read.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Sometimes you have to sacrifice things you love for the greater good.’

I absolutely adored The Book of Irish Secrets for many reasons. For one, it is a story about searching your family roots. (Something I enjoy doing as well with my own Irish ancestry.) In this case, getting answers to some troubling questions to the reasons behind a Fleury scandal. In the background of this powerful Irish family is lurking a shocking secret. But one member feels the need to make things right. To heal a rift between two branches. To restore unity; to bring everyone together for a happier future.

Since this is part of a series, those who have read the previous editions, have met some of the characters before. So it was a real joy to revisit their lives again and see what has transpired. Plus we meet a few new faces. The story focuses on forty-nine year old Claire Fleury who lives in Dublin and wants to run away from home. It is her birthday and someone has sent her a gift. Her mind rolls back to the last present she received. It was from her ex-husband. A letter of his actions to leave her and move to Spain. This announcement was a shock, even though she knew their relationship was not great. This time, her unexpected gift is a welcomed surprised. A package from her late Auntie Rachel, handled by her estate’s solicitor. What she finds within, is a diary created by her aunt that contains some valuable information that will send her on a journey that will change her life.

This mission is just what she needs after dealing with rejection issues, due to her failed marriage with her ex-husband Hugh. Her self-confidence has been shaken, therefore making her a bit timid in how she will approach the task at hand. She knows it won’t take much adversity to expose her insecurities. But armed with a dash of courage and her Aunt Rachel’s diary containing the Fleury history, she heads towards her destination to get answers and hopefully have a fresh start.

When a job advert lands in her inbox (sent by her best friend Finola), she gets excited as it suits her interests perfectly. She writes a ‘mad’ cover letter fuelled by her new freedom, sends it in with her CV and then continues on her journey to Kerry. With her parents now dead, she contemplates, ‘How can feuds and bad blood be so persistent through so many generations?’ This inquisitive thread runs through the storyline and is cleverly handled by the author. I enjoyed Claire’s journey and desire to reunite the two branches of her family. Along the way, she becomes close to a special man, who will be part of her future. Yes, a quiet romance filters through the plot adding a happy direction for Claire who has been through a lot.

Once again Susanne O’Leary’s writing skills and her descriptions of Kerry, dazzled and uplifted my heart. This is a moving romantic ancestral mystery that made me feel many emotions. And yes, there is a villain, a bit tamer than some! But Claire handles his attempt at controlling her like a true Fleury woman with skill, strength and a bit of bossiness! Loved, loved, loved The Book of Irish Secrets and highly recommend it. This story filled with enthralling Irish charm is another winner! And I look forward to the next chapter of the Fleury family saga! 5 Happy Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire and her husband have been divorced for three years and she is stuck in Dublin. Her sister is living in Australia and she is still in the house she lived in with her husband. It's her birthday and she is ready for a change. She receives a package from her recently deceased great-aunt, containing a journal of sorts. The Fleury family had something happen that split them up 3 generations earlier and this is Claire's chance to make it right. She decides to head to Kerry and see if she can find out what happened and bring the family back together. She has to figure out a way to get into Magnolia Manor and find out what happened before she introduces herself to her cousins. She books a B&B, gets a job and even rents a flat in Magnolia Manor. Can she get up the nerve to tell the truth to her estranged family? Will she find a new life and love in Kerry?

I thought this series ended with the last book, so was delighted to find out that there was another Magnolia Manor story. I really enjoyed this story and catching up with the Fleury's. I was worried about Claire going to Kerry to find out more about the family, but not be totally honest with everyone. Would they accept her when they found out the truth? Stories of reconciliation are some of my favourites, so although the cousins had never met, it is a reconciliation of sorts. Throw in a mystery about what the fall out was about and you have two of my favourite plots. Although many of the characters were familiar, I enjoyed meeting Karina, Claire's new boss and her handsome divorced brother, Pierce. Many times comments were made that Claire seemed familiar and asking if she had been there before. How the Fleurys, usually cautious people, connected with her right away. I was sure someone would find a picture of an ancestor that looked like Claire and figure it out. I had my suspicions about the rift, but was not completely on the right track. I enjoy Susanne O'Leary's writing, her well developed characters, and her wonderful plot. It you enjoy stories with family, reconciliation, mystery, a villain, and some romance, then this is the book for you. If you haven't read the previous books in this series, you can read it as a standalone, but I definitely suggest you start at the beginning.

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

Claire holds an old leather book in her hands, its pages revealing the truth about her family roots. She had never known much about her family, only being close to her Aunt Rachel. When her Aunt Rachel passed away, Claire felt adrift, without anyone, let alone family. Determined to uncover the truth, she decides to return to Magnolia Manor.

Claire arrives on the west coast of Ireland and soon meets Sylvia Fleury, the owner of Magnolia Manor. Initially hesitant, she is convinced to stay by local chef Karina and her brother Pierce. As she spends time there, Claire begins to let her guard down, especially with Pierce. However, she remains focused on her purpose for being there. As she uncovers the secrets of her family, will she lose Pierce forever?

“The Book of Irish Secrets,” by author Susanne O’Leary, is an inspiring and heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings. I’ve always been captivated by the Irish Coast, with its sparkling water and star-studded sky, which seem equally beautiful at night as during the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed Claire’s story and the developing romance with Pierce. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Karina, a great friend Claire could trust, felt like a close confidante. From the captivating cover to the heartwarming conclusion, I loved every aspect of this story. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating and uplifting read.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Susanne O’Leary’s The Book of Irish Secrets. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my gifted ARC—I love a good family mystery, especially when it comes wrapped in Irish mist and emotional baggage.

This book starts off with a woman holding a dusty old book and ends with her confronting an entire legacy of silence, secrets, and missed chances. In between? Romance, identity crises, and a coastal village that’s equal parts charm and complication. Claire’s grief is fresh, her sense of self is shaky, and her plan—if you can call it that—involves flying to a country she barely knows in search of answers scribbled in fading ink. Not exactly the most stable strategy, but hey, who among us hasn’t tried to outrun pain with a passport and a little blind optimism?

The moment Claire sets foot in the village near Magnolia Manor, things get… complicated. Sylvia Fleury, the family matriarch, is a walking wall of cold stares and sharp cheekbones. Her granddaughters aren’t much warmer. Claire quickly realizes that barging in and announcing, “Surprise, I’m possibly your secret relative!” might not go over well. So, naturally, she keeps her mouth shut, inserts herself into the town quietly, and hopes nobody asks too many questions. What could possibly go wrong?

Turns out: a lot. But O’Leary doesn’t rush the fallout. Instead, she slowly builds the pressure. Claire befriends Karina, the heart of the kitchen and the story, and starts falling—somewhat reluctantly—for Pierce, Karina’s brother. He’s kind, intuitive, and suspicious of Claire’s half-truths from the start. Their relationship doesn’t spark with instant fireworks, and that’s what makes it believable. It unfolds slowly, with trust built moment by moment, and yes, there are some emotionally loaded stargazing walks along the cliffs that will make you sigh.

There’s a lot simmering under the surface in this book: grief, guilt, the weight of unspoken history. Claire doesn’t just want to belong—she wants to repair something that broke long before she was born. That’s a heavy burden to carry, especially when the people she’s trying to reach don’t even know she exists. But it’s that longing—quiet, persistent, and sometimes painfully awkward—that drives the story forward.

O’Leary handles the emotional terrain with a light but confident touch. The writing never dips into melodrama, even when the family secrets start pouring out. There’s wit and warmth here, but also a real sense of stakes. Claire might lose everything—her place in this new world, her chance at love, her sense of who she is—if she tells the truth. But not telling the truth costs her too.

One line hit me hard: “Sometimes, the things we fear most are the very things that will set us free.” That’s what this whole book is about, really. The risks we take when we finally speak up, the people we become when we stop hiding.

The setting deserves its own praise—rural Ireland isn’t just a backdrop here. It breathes through the story: cliffs, fog, the smell of sea air, the comfort of a kitchen full of old recipes and second chances. O’Leary doesn’t overdo it. The charm is there, but it’s lived-in and real.

This isn’t a story that ends with a perfect bow. Not every wound is healed. But there’s hope. There’s forward motion. And there’s a deeply satisfying sense that Claire’s journey—full of hesitation, heartbreak, and unexpected kindness—has led her somewhere that finally feels like home.

Five stars from me. If you love character-driven fiction with secrets, second chances, and just the right amount of romantic ache, The Book of Irish Secrets delivers.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire is hoping to rewrite a bit of history by mending the age-old rift between the elder Fleury siblings. What she is facing is like a puzzle with missing pieces, About to turn fifty, traveling to Kerry while search for answers will no doubt be a challenge for Claire. She keeps her reasons for being there a close-guarded secret, and only time will tell if she learns what she hopes to learn.

Despite the obstacles, Claire finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the warmth and familiarity of the small village. There is a warmth there in the small village, a warmth that feels like home more and more. Pleasantly divorced, Claire’s visit to Ireland is beginning to present an amazing offer to much more in life that she could have imagined. In fact, she slowly begins to make connections, and one of those is Pierce, her new boss’s son. If it is possible for one’s life to have a second chapter, then Claire is living it.

With a worn and torn diary in hand, Claire carries the weight of her family’s past, particularly the unresolved rift between the Fleury family, often referred to as “the other Fleury’s” throughout her life. This diary serves as the backdrop for this heartwarming and emotionally charged story, laced with family drama. However, Claire’s journey is not devoid of its own set of surprises. Securing a job to support herself in Kerry proves surprisingly easy, and meeting Pierce brings a sense of lightness and joy that she had not expected.

As a reader of the Magnolia Manor series, I have cherished the stories of the Fleury family. Revisiting some of them in this book was a delightful experience. This spin of a decades-old feud seamlessly complements the series, adding a new layer of depth and connections. Of course, there is the hope that the draw that Claire and Pierce feel towards one another might bring lasting happiness to them both. The beautiful setting and the unfolding stories bring immense joy and fulfillment to the reader. This series has undoubtedly found a special place in my heart, and I eagerly anticipate the arrival of new stories while revisiting the earlier ones from time to time.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Bookstagramshaz Sharon Logue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Blog Tour …
📖 📕 The woman looks out at the grand magnolia tree as it casts a shadow over the old house. ‘One day you will find out what destroyed our family, Claire. I only hope I’ve raised you to be strong enough to handle the truth…’
Claire takes a deep breath as she turns the old leather book in her hands. Names scribbled inside in faded ink create a family tree, the words Magnolia Manor at the top. She thought she’d lost everything when her Aunt Rachel died, but does this book hold the key to reuniting her with her long-lost family?
When she arrives in a little cove in Ireland, Claire wastes no time searching for Magnolia Manor, the gorgeous family home high up in the hills. But when she meets its intimidating owner, Sylvia Fleury, and Sylvia’s three beautiful granddaughters, her heart races, and she finds herself too scared to reveal their connection…. The story starts with Claire sorting through her aunts processions. Claire finds more than expected and makes the decision to have some time out from her own life and travel to another part of Ireland, to where she@hopes to find out some family secrets and get to the bottom of a family feud!! I enjoyed this book so much!! It’s a perfect lazy day read . Xx
🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴. Book is out now!! Grab it with both hands!!
Thanks @sarahs_bookishlife allowing me this ARC. #summerreading #followforfollowback #thesecret #thebookofirishsecrets #suzannaoleary #bookblogtour


https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5gV_-oW...

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Irish Secrets by Susanne O’Leary speaks of a woman searching for her identity. Claire Fleury is at loose ends. Her divorce is final. Her job is over. She has nowhere to go. Her husband’s cousin, Finola, has turned into her best friend and she is grateful for that. A package arrives one day containing a journal and some photos, ancestors. Finola encourages her to go to Kerry and find out for herself. Then Finola finds her the perfect job there, so she arranges an interview, packs her bags, and sets off, leaving Finola to turn her home into an AirBnB. She gets the job and meets her “family,” who offer her an apartment for rent. She feels bad for using her married name and not letting them know who she is but she feels she has no choice. She meets her boss’ brother and is instantly attracted. But, as their relationship is developing, she reveals to him her name and her reasons for being here and he is put off, but understanding.

A pleasant story, Claire discovers that the truth would have worked. She also discovered many buried secrets, not all bad, certainly. This series has been full of surprises and this book contains additions to them. The journey turns out to be everything she had hoped for and more. O’Leary has a knack for writing simple and pleasant romances set in an idyllic place, and filled with interesting people. She’s done it again. Very enjoyable read.

I ws invited to read The Book of Irish Secrets by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #SusanneOLeary #TheBookOfIrishSecrets

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fun and intense new novel from Susanne O’Leary, readers travel to Magnolia Manor in Ireland just as Claire has learned that her Aunt Rachel might not have been her only relative. Searching for this gorgeous family home brings Claire into contact with Sylvia Fleury and her three granddaughters, but Claire isn’t ready to reveal her secret until local chef Karina and her attractive brother Pierce convince her to stay and fall in love with the village. Debating over the rivalry that broke her family in two forces Claire to see if a life at Magnolia Manor could give her a happy ending, but it will mean she has difficult conversations in her future. Emotional, cozy, and detailed, readers will love the different character arcs and the many storylines in this new book from Susanne O’Leary, especially because Claire’s emotional journey is so well-written. The depth of detail in the characters’ backstories and the settings really pull readers into the story and offer fascinating complexities that readers will really appreciate. Entertaining, charming, and powerful, this masterfully written new romance novel will pull fans of the genre and O’Leary’s other books into Claire’s journey to discover her family and find her happy ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Irish Secrets is the fifth book in Susanne O’Leary’s Magnolia Manor series. In this story what happened in the early 1900’s to separate the family into two factions is revealed. Now, the granddaughter of the displaced Louis Fleury returns to Magnolia Manor to learn what caused the family rift and do her best to heal it and bring them back together again.

When Claire Fleury O’Hanlon inherits a special book full of family history and photos, it spurs her on to make the journey from outside of Dublin to County Kerry and Magnolia Manor, her ancestral home. In an interesting quirk of fate, her best friend Finola finds an ad for a personal assistant to Karina Flavin, cooking guru, in Dingle where Claire is planning to go. With Finola’s quick thinking and witty cover letter, Claire is immediately offered the job and begins right away. Through further twists, Claire is brought into the Fleury fold, but meeting them under the guise of her married name. What will happen when her true identity is discovered?

This is another lovely tale from Ms. O’Leary as she spins the saga of the Fleury family and the history of Magnolia Manor. I very much enjoyed this story and I do recommend it!

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire’s great aunt Rachel, has left her a book which she hoped would help Claire find out the truth about the bitterness and rivalry in the Fleury family dating back around 100 years ago.

Claire decides to go to Magnolia Manor to see if she can get to the truth about the feud, but also to hopefully have a relationship with the family she has never met.

Working for Karina helps Claire to watch the Fleury family, and by using her old married name, she doesn’t draw attention to herself. Claire didn’t reckon on liking the Fleury family, or for them to take her under their wing.

Falling for Karina’s brother, Pierce, makes things even harder for Claire, as she’s struggling with all the secrets she’s having to keep.

I’ve loved getting to know all the Fleury family over this series, and now seeing a new branch to their family tree has been enjoyable.

Learning more about the family history made this a compelling read. I was so engrossed in the story that I flew through the book. I wanted to know how this was going to end, and I wasn’t disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book five in the Magnolia Manor series by talented author Susanne O’Leary is The Book of Irish Secrets and introduces us to Claire.

Claire was born and brought up in Dublin as Claire Fleury. All she knows of her family history is from her Great Aunt Rachel and the book she has left for her. She is determined to find out more by moving to Kerry. She lucks out when she gets an interview almost immediately after arriving. She is hiding her true identity but soon wonders if she's doing the right thing when she meets Pierce, her new boss’s brother. Can she really carry on the facade or should she cut her losses and return to Dublin?

To say i was entranced by this story would be an understatement! I stayed up very late and woke up early, needing to find out what happened. I loved the Kerry Fleury girls already, but was I going to like them being infiltrated? Yes I was! Susanne has crafted another well-developed character in Claire; she embodies resourcefulness, strength, and determination, all while possessing a caring and loving nature. A true Fleury girl. I can't wait to see what's coming next for Magnolia Manor

[Doreen Montis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Irish Secrets is another great storyline in the Magnolia Manor series. I look forward to reading every book as it comes out, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

This is the 5th book in the series, and I do think it is helpful to read the previous books in the series for this installment. As with other books in this series, I do wish more time was spent with the past characters. I love the past characters and want to spend more time with them. This time we did see a little more of Sylvia and Rose, but the others were quick encounters.

I enjoyed the family mystery and the connection with Pierce. Pierce was a great character for a love interest and I enjoy the light romance in Susanne O’Leary’s books. There is just enough to keep it interesting. I did think this particular storyline wrapped up too quickly. Much of the ending was summarized and I was not expecting it to end so soon.

Despite the quick ending, it was a very enjoyable story and I want to read more. I believe many will enjoy this series.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. I enjoyed the updates on prior characters. I wonder if tjhis is the last onbe in the series - I hope not!

Amazon synopsis:
When she arrives in a little cove in Ireland, Claire wastes no time searching for Magnolia Manor, the gorgeous family home high up in the hills. But when she meets its intimidating owner, Sylvia Fleury, and Sylvia’s three beautiful granddaughters, her heart races, and she finds herself too scared to reveal their connection…

Claire rushes to pack her bags, convinced she’s made a mistake, but the welcoming embrace of local chef Karina and her handsome brother Pierce make her stay. Hunched over old recipes in the kitchen with Karina, listening to village gossip, Claire laughs like she hasn’t in years. And as she walks along the coastal path beneath the stars with Pierce, Claire feels totally entranced by his bright blue eyes and begins to fall in love. Could just starting again in this little village, close to her ancestors, be enough?

But deep within the pages of the book, Claire discovers a bitter family rivalry that could destroy Sylvia and her granddaughters. If she tells them who she is, she could lose everything. But can she really put down roots with Pierce if he doesn’t know the truth? Can Claire heal more than just her own heart, and make things right for her family? Or will the lies she’s told push everyone away and force her to leave forever?

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will no doubt appeal to some readers, but it missed the mark for me. I generally enjoy multi-generational tales, but this one lacked the weight and nuance I was hoping for. The plot unfolded exactly as expected, and the sweetness of the tone left little room for tension or surprise. Moments that were positioned as shocking revelations landed without much impact, and the characters themselves never seemed to grow beyond flat, surface-level roles.

At times, the writing leaned more toward formulaic romance than the layered family drama I wanted, with emotions and conflicts that felt manufactured rather than earned. I pushed through to the last page, but more out of determination than genuine interest. Readers who are drawn to gentle, sentimental stories or idealized depictions of Ireland may enjoy it more, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you NetGalley and author for an ARC, these are my honest thoughts on the book.

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

A book of memories, a family mystery,
Leave Claire intrigued by her family history.
Why did twin brothers fall apart from each other
Never to talk again, she hopes to discover.

Is this a chance to reunite with her family?
She'll travel across Ireland in an attempt to see.
There she finds a job and new friends, too,
Could this be the fresh start to which she is due?

Keeping her identity hidden from view
She hopes to discover what the twins went through.
But her relatives prove welcoming but what will they say
When she reveals her identity - will they stay that way?

There's also a possible romance for her, too,
But when he knows the truth what will he do?
Should she share what she knows now
Or keep it hidden somehow?

A story filled with mystery,
Emotive family history.
A brilliant, intriguing read, too,
I highly recommend to you.

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

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but it is readable as a standalone. It has a distinctive voice, which I enjoyed, and the storytelling is emotional and gentle. Claire receives one last gift from the aunt who raised her, and it holds the secrets to a family feud and a new life for Claire. I appreciated that the main characters in this story are older and that Claire is still looking for her purpose in life and someone to share it with. It's a story of found family with many dramatic and emotional moments. The secrets Claire is keeping threaten her newfound happiness, keeping the reader, who is invested in her, turning the pages. I enjoyed the gentle storytelling and its emotional tone, sense of community and family, and the second-chance romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time stepping into the Magnolia Manor series, and it turns out you don’t need to have read the others to follow along. I liked following Claire as she dug into her family’s past while trying to find her place in it all.

That said, the story did feel predictable at times. The “big” reveals didn’t land with much impact, and the ex-husband subplot especially unfolded exactly the way I expected. I wanted a little more depth and tension, but the book leaned more into cozy vibes than emotional complexity.

Still, it’s a charming, easy read with interesting characters, perfect if you’re in the mood for something light. And even with my mixed feelings, I’m entertained enough to pick up the next Magnolia Manor installment — sometimes a cozy series is exactly what you need

Thank you to NetGalley and the publication for providing me with this ARC

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when you think that Sylvia Fleury and granddaughters have made peace with the past, another secret is forced into the light. The Book of Irish Secrets by Susanne O'Leary that searching for your roots may become uncomfortable for yourself and for others but is necessary for growth. Magnolia Manor book five brings a new character to the family. Claire is welcomed more downstairs than upstairs, but she has evidence that could be disturbing as well as enlightening. Friends are found and a romance begins to bloom but will this secret be a hinderance. An interesting story with bitterness, forgiveness, and healing. Like me you will be rooting for Claire to find her place in the world and the love of her life.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book that involves Claire whose great grandfather was Louis Fleury the twin brother of Cornelius . They had a falling out ears ago and Louis left Magnolia Manor never to return. Claire's Aunt Rachel leaves her a copy of the family tree and books about the family when she dies. Claire has nothing keeping her in Dublin and decides to go to Kerry and see if she can get the family back together. See how Claire sets out on this journey and how everything just falls into place for her. It makes you curious just how all of the turns out for Claire and the rest of the family. A GREAT READ.

[Claire Turkington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this unputdownable and heartwarming read about second chances at romance. Set in Ireland and the story follows Claire as she tries to find out about a long ago hidden family feud/secret.
This is book #5 in the Magnolia Manor series but can be read as standalone too as it’s easy to read and follow if you haven’t read any of the previous books.
It’s a moving story filled with family drama, mystery and romance. Emotional and beautifully descriptive. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the Fleury family, all the characters new and old, and learning the family history.
I was completely captivated from the start and couldn’t put it down. I just devoured it. A real page turner.
I can’t wait to read more about Magnolia Manor and am excited for the next instalment @susanne.olearyauthor
Definitely recommend this book if you enjoy character driven fiction and romance books
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #TheBookOfIrishSecrets in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 29 August 2025

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

Sylvia is pretending to turn eighty-five yet again and she wants it to be very special.

She had felt that she had to constantly prove that she was able to do even the simplest tasks with Hugh watching over her shoulder all the time. As if he was waiting for her to make a mistake in order to give him a chance to criticise.

She found it hugely amusing the way Sylvia always managed to turn doing something wrong into a virtue if it was in her own interest.

My Review:

I fell right into this tale and received a free trip to Ireland without having to experience the arduous travel or rainy weather. The writing style was easy to follow and engaging, and populated with characters who were realistically flawed and likable, even when I didn’t like what they were doing. I enjoyed the characters so much that I have amassed all the previous installments of the series and plan to indulge in the rest of the family secrets.

[Valerie McGurk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read that I couldn’t put down. When Claire is left a book of family history by her great aunt . She sets off on a secret quest to find out the feud that caused the separation of the family over 100 years ago and to see if she can’t reunite them again. When her secret comes out she is welcomed into the family with open arms and the family feud is spoken about for the first time in many years. Lovable characters, a great story line which is wrapped in love and friendship make this an adorable read.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This is a cute story about a splintered family. It’s not very deep and not always very believable but it is written in a way that does keep you reading.

There was not a great deal of tension. Things unfolded pretty quickly and with less drama than I would have expected.

There’s a secondary romance storyline that was cute as well.

This is apparently the 5th book in a series. I did not know that and it did not impact my ability to read this book.

If you like women’s fiction you will likely enjoy this story.

[Sarah J Stebbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 (good to very good)

I have read several of this author’s series and find they are good short and fairly simple romances. This was not one of my favorites. The characters and story were interesting, but I felt it got a bit overdramatic at times and the end also felt a bit rushed as well. Still a good palate cleanser read overall.

[Gail Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire wants to find out about her great-grandads family, especially after her great aunt left her a book depicting her famy tree.
A chance of a lifetime means that she can meet her family and try to find out the truth.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight of a read.
It's so lovely to be back in Magnolia Manor. I thought we'd run out of stories about the Fleury women, but a clever plot twist introduces us to another branch of the family tree.
A warm hug of a book that feels like catching up with old friends.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the magnolia House series , the characters come alive and at the end of each book it leaves you wanting more. Hopefully there will be a follow up because we now have Claire in the family and the next chapter of her life

[Mary Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I am sad to read the last book in this series by Susanne O'Leary. Her characters are so fun and likeable. I always hate to say goodbye to characters who have become such good friends.

[Alona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read!

Susanne did it again! I love the Fluffy woman of Ireland! You get so drawn into these story lines, its as if your living the life and drama along with the characters! Such wonderful and so real livez. Eager for the next novel!