The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House

by Michelle Vernal

Ireland, 1925. As they take my baby away, I choke on my tears. I grew up alone, abandoned in a place like this. I won’t let my newborn share the same fate.

Arriving at St Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home, it’s not the first time Mary-Kate has faced hardship. She grew up in a poor orphanage in Dublin after her father died and her mother gave her up, and never stopped working for a better future.

But, as her baby is taken from her arms moments after coming into this world, Mary-Kate almost loses all hope. She can’t do this by herself. The baby’s father has made it clear he wants nothing to do with the child. And she hasn’t heard from her only friend since she was trapped here.

When a kind nun finally hands her a letter, it revives some of her determination. Help is coming for Mary-Kate and her baby. But as much as the secret plan to get them out raises her spirits, the letter is also gut-wrenching. Why was she left to grow up all alone… when her father is actually alive?

Could Mary-Kate really have a family out there to rely on? Or will counting on the offer of help in the letter leave her more alone than ever?

This achingly beautiful and emotional historical novel is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Sandy Taylor. The family secrets will have you sobbing – and you won’t be able to put it down!

What readers are saying about The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House:

‘Heart-wrenching… an unputdownable read. I couldn’t resist flipping through the pages, my eyes brimming with tears… A heart-warming tale that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on my heart.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I came to tears… A heartbreaking read…. Gripping… Held my attention and my heart from beginning to end.’ Robin Loves Reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely truly adored this… Heartbreaking… Beautiful… I cried and cheered with her through her journey.’ leannebookstagram, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I could not love this any more if I tried! Honestly, it has everything you could possibly want.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful… I was gripped… Stunning.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What readers are saying about The Irish Adoption House

‘Omg I went through quite a few tissues… It totally shattered my heart while at the same time putting the pieces back together again… Amazing.’ leannebookstagram, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow! I have to say that this page-turner is so outstanding that I read it in a single day! Putting it down was not an option.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

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

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the Irish Adoption House series but it can easily be read as a standalone. This time the story focuses on Mary Kate Hanratty. Mary Kate hasn’t had an easy life, having been abandoned in an orphanage when she was only eight years old. Life unfortunately doesn’t get easier for poor Mary Kate and she faces the worst of times. From the very beginning I was completely absorbed in this story and I will admit to shedding a few tears at times . The author really brings the story to life with the great characters and the descriptions of what life was like for young girls living in these awful mother and baby homes during the 1920’s in Ireland. The main character Mary Kate was such a strong and brave young woman and my heart went out to her at times.
To sum up this was a heart wrenching and emotional read and I would highly recommend to fans of this genre.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely series

Having read and enjoyed the two earlier books in this Irish Adoption House series by Michele Vernal I was excited to read book 3, The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House. This installment follows a girl who was no stranger to these homes because she had spent time in an orphanage before being adopted. The story follows the event that lead to her being at the adoption house as well as the things that occur there and after.

Even after 3 of these stories I still struggle to grasp the evils that are perpetuated on other humans under the guise of religion. The suffering in these homes is so hard to comprehend.

Once again, Michele Vernal produces a story full of heart. I’m definitely a fan and will read whatever else she writes.

By the way, if you haven’t read the earlier books you can still enjoy them each as a standalone but I definitely think the whole series is worth a go!

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary-Kate has undoubtedly experienced her fair share of loss. She lost her father when she was young, and her mother couldn’t cope with the situation. Consequently, her mother abandoned her, and she was raised in an orphanage in Dublin. Despite these hardships, Mary-Kate held onto the hope of a better life as she grew older.

Mary-Kate, after giving birth, is immediately separated from her baby. She’s devastated and unsure of how she’ll ever get her baby back and raise her child herself. However, a letter from a nun offers a glimmer of hope. The nun reveals that Mary-Kate may have family who could help her. With the nun’s assistance, Mary-Kate reunites with her baby and devises a plan to find her unknown family.

“The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House,” a heart-wrenching yet captivating story by Michelle Vernal, is an unputdownable read. I couldn’t resist flipping through the pages, my eyes brimming with tears. Vernal’s writing is impeccable, drawing the reader into the story from the very first page.

The characters in this phenomenal story are incredibly relatable and feel like family. Mary-Kate and the nun who helped her are both endearing and inspiring. The story is filled with hope, love, and the unwavering courage to overcome the most challenging circumstances. It’s a heartwarming tale that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on my heart. I highly recommend this remarkable book to anyone seeking a truly captivating and emotionally resonant reading experience.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent several years in a Dublin orphanage, Mary-Kate’s life has been shaped by hardship. Yet despite everything she has endured, she maintains an optimistic outlook. When she becomes pregnant, life grows even more complicated. Unwed but determined, Mary-Kate plans to raise her baby herself. However, the nuns at St. Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home, where she is forced to seek refuge, doe their best to take that decision away from her,.

Mary-Kate’s early life marks a pivotal turning point in the novel. Having never known her father and having been abandoned by her mother, she is determined that her child will not suffer the same fate. The deep bond she feels with her unborn baby, filled with fierce love and hope, fuels her determination as she tries to plan a future for them both.

Her childhood becomes even more tragic when a man claiming to be her uncle removes her from the orphanage. Sadly, this was an act that quickly proves to have nothing to do with love. These years are marked by profound pain and trauma. Still, despite being only fifteen years old, Mary-Kate’s strength and resilience shine through. These experiences prepare her for what will soon become the fight of her life.

This was a heartbreaking read. I was moved to tears when Mary-Kate went into labor and faced the devastating events that followed. As more truths about her past are revealed, the story becomes even more gripping, drawing me deeper into the emotional turmoil she must endure. Michelle Vernal once again delivers a deeply sensitive and compelling story, one that held my attention and my heart from beginning to end.

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

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House is a deeply moving and emotional historical novel that sheds light on a heartbreaking period in Irish history. Michelle Vernal does an incredible job of weaving a tale of resilience, family secrets, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and child.

What I loved:
Compelling Protagonist: Mary-Kate is such a strong and sympathetic character. Having grown up in an orphanage herself, her determination to save her newborn daughter from the same fate at St. Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home is truly inspiring.

Atmospheric Setting: The depiction of 1920s Ireland is vivid and raw, capturing the harsh realities of the Magdalene Laundries and the social stigma faced by "fallen women" at the time.

Emotional Depth: The story is a real tear-jerker. The mystery surrounding Mary-Kate’s father and the gut-wrenching letters she receives keep the stakes high and the pages turning.

Why it’s a 4-star read:
The subject matter is incredibly heavy, making it a difficult (though necessary) read at times. While the ending provides a sense of hope, some plot points felt slightly rushed toward the conclusion to tie up the various family mysteries.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of historical fiction authors. It’s a powerful reminder of a painful past, balanced with a beautiful message of hope.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of "The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House" by Michelle Vernal from NetGalley. the book starts in the nineteen teens when Mary Kate is only six years old. She is dropped off the the Adoption house by her mother. Mary Kate is forced to live at the orphanage run by nuns until she is twelve. she had a terrible time there not even being called by her name. just a number. When she is twelve a man comes and takes her to his home telling her he is her uncle and she is to live at their farm helping to take care of the family of seven kids. She is forced to live in a barn.
Three years later she ends up pregnant at 15 and now at another building run by nuns.the book writes of Mary Kate and her years at the farm and how she ended up at a home for unwed mothers. it follows her life to 1985. I don't want to give any spoilers of what becomes of Mary Kate.there are secrets that she finds out. I liked this book and found it to be a good one to read. I did not want to put it down wanting to know what becomes of Mary Kate and hoping for a "happily ever after' for her. I would give this book a 4.5.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 single, non-linear timeline.
👀 single POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Stop your infernal racket! You've no one to blame but yourself."

This quote stood out to me because, despite giving birth in this century (2004 to be exact) one midwife said a very similar thing to me. Awful that this attitude was still happening 80 years after the book was set.

This was my favourite of the series. Mary-Kate's story was one of tragedy and hardship from start to finish. I'm so glad that Vernal gives happy endings when they were so few and far between in real life.

Sister Louise is, in my view, Christianity personified. She's not afraid to break the rules to help the young women in her care.

I've always had a mild fascination with the laundries and unmarried mothers homes. I think it stems from watching the film 'The Magdalene Sisters' and also being an unmarried mother myself, luckily in a time and place where it was (mostly) accepted.

Whilst this series is definitely fictional, in reality I doubt there would have been so many happy endings, it's been thoroughly enjoyable, if heartbreaking at times. Vernal writes fantastic historical fiction and has become a "must read" author for me.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Michelle Vernal’s writing is absolutely delicious, immersive, emotionally rich, and a joy to sink into. The setting is vivid and the characters feel entirely believable, which gave the story greater impact.

Where this novel truly shines is in the development of the characters. The heartbreak Mary-Kate is subjected to brought me to tears, and her journey felt raw and painfully real. Watching her friend Caitie’s transformation was empowering and honest, too. A importrant reminder of how courage can take many forms.

What stayed with me most was Mary-Kate’s determination and her fierce commitment to the truth. She possesses an inner strength she only recognises when she’s truly tested, and that quiet resilience made her story all the more powerful. I also loved the resolution. Stories about women helping women always resonate with me, and this one delivers beautifully.

A perfect weekend read. Highly recommended.

* I received an advance reader copy, though the opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ireland in the early 1920’s. Mary-Kate is dropped off at an orphanage run by nuns, but her mother says she will be back when she’s able to. She doesn’t. Uncle Ferg hears that Mary-Kate is nearby and he goes to bring her back to his farm. She has dreams that this will be the life she’s always wanted, but she is put to work on the farm and to help with the children.
Later, Mary-Kate becomes pregnant and is sent to a home for Mothers and Babies, also run by nuns. Just like the orphanage, she is put to work, and tries her best to stay unnoticed, After such a difficult beginning to her life, Mary-Kate is able to begin a new life and move on. Without giving away too much, Mary-Kate’s story gives the reader so many different emotions. This book was a quick read and hard to put down. You will not forget this story.
This is the third of the Irish Adoption House series, but it works well as a stand alone. I didn’t realize it was from a series until I had finished it.

[Sherry Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House tells the story of Mary-Kate Hanratty growing up in and out of Catholic orphanages in 1920s Ireland. It is heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. What Mary Kate endures is horrible and heartbreaking, but she is a strong, intelligent child and survives the cruelty of the nuns as well as her family, and doesn't let her experiences shape her future.

The book is beautifully written but it jumps from time period to time period (1917, 1930, 1924, 1985) to time period and is, at times, confusing. I would have liked to hear more about Mary Kate's relationship with Henry because there is no doubt her childhood experiences would influence that.

I recommend this to historical fiction lovers, especially to those who are interested in how women were treated in the 1920s in the Irish Catholic Church.

Check trigger warnings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow! This is the third book in the Irish Adoption House series. This book focuses on Mary-Kate. She grew up with a single mother, then went to an orphanage. Her aunt and uncle took her in but then she got pregnant and was sent to the adoption house.
This is a true gut wrenching story. These young girls were forced to live in horrific conditions and had their babies taken away without their consent. Mary-Kate never gave up and the strength of her love helped her overcome societal challenges.
I like how many of the characters from the first books were also in this book. They were nicely tied in! 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.
#NewDreamsfortheVillageNurse #TillyTennant #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInIreland

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout this story we follow Mary-Kate in various points of her life. As a child her mother drops her at an orphanage promising to return, when her uncle comes to take her to his family, in a mother and baby home when she finds herself pregnant as a teen, and then her life after. The story spans from the 1910s to 1985 and jumps between timeline throughout the book with ease.

Mary-Kate's story is a heartbreaking one as for much of it she has no one to care for her but herself as life deals her one blow after another. This is not the first time I have read books on this topic and won't be the last. I find the stories important to tell and important to read. This one is definitely worth a read!

I was not aware that this book was part of a series when I read it, and it worked well as a standalone book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House by Michelle Vernal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book 3 in the Irish Adoption House series, all of which are stand alone, so don't fret if you haven't read 1&2.

MaryKate just 8 years old is abandoned by her mother at the orphanage with a promise to come back for her. Does she come back....nope. she is sent to live with her uncle. Definitely not the life she had imagined, she has learned to take care of herself.
When Mary Kate finds herself pregnant she is determined not to have her child grow up as she had. That's easier said than done...

Order your copy today, leave your day opened cause you will want to finish it in one day. Very well written and flows drawing you in page after page. It's very emotional as you "growup" with Mary Kate. Have tissues ready, you will definitely need them. I went through 3 boxes. 😭

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart hurts for Mary-Kate this whole book. Mary-Kate in the present gives us her whole history when she finally returns to Ireland as an old woman. We learn about her time in the orphanage and her time at the adoption house.

Reading about all those adoption houses back then always makes me emotional. It’s so unfair the way they were treated and how their children were adopted right out of their arms without their permission. Even with all the bs going on in America in terms of women’s rights and people’s rights in general, at least we’re not in the position these poor girls were back in the early 1900s.

I’ve really enjoyed this series. The characters are very easy to connect with.

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

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Orphan at the Irish Adoption House is an emotional historical fiction set in 1920s Ireland. Mary-Kate’s story is heartbreaking—growing up in an orphanage and then having her own baby taken from her at a Mother and Baby Home. What a great new series, which reads like a standalone, as I wasn’t lost at any time. This was a sad but hopeful read about resilience and a mother who refuses to give up. Short, emotional, and hard to forget. ★★★★☆

If you are a stickler for reading series in order you have lots of time this becomes out Feb 6/26!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC !

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another visit to St Patrick's Mother and Baby home and this time it's Mary-Kate's turn.
As with the previous two books in the series this is an engrossing tale of fiction interwoven with facts and another look at one of Ireland’s most shameful histories.
The main plot concentrates on Mary-Kate but it's a real treat to be catching up with the main characters from the previous two adoption books too.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the nineteen tens in Ireland, Mary-Kate is dropped off at an orphanage by her mum when she is six-years-old. Promising to return for her, Mary-Kate waits patiently for her return.

When she’s told her Uncle Ferg has come to take her to his house to live, Mary-Kate soon finds out that she’s really there to look after all his children, as well as doing all the household chores.

Uncle Ferg and Aunt Edie only care about their sons. Mary-Kate strikes up a friendship with her young cousin, Malachy … Mary-Kate is the only person he speaks to.

After finding herself pregnant, Mary-Kate is put into a Mother and Baby home … run again by mums. Trying to get on with her life, Mary-Kate tries to keep her head down and get on with her chores. Very hard to do when the nuns were awful to all the unwed mothers.

Finally, with help, Mary-Kate manages to move on to a new life.

This is a hard book to review as I don’t want to give away any spoilers, and there are many twists in this book.

I loved Mary-Kate’s character, and I felt sorry for her. Having read about nuns back in this period of time, my heart went out to all of those in the story.

The story is told from the 1910s, 1920s and the 1980s. This does work well and doesn’t make the story confusing at all. Each era is explained well in the tale.

This is the first book that I have read in the series, and it doesn’t affect the reading of this story.

It is also my first book by this author, and I shall certainly be adding more of her books to my kindle, as well as reading the other books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[wilma mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step back in Time

This book, like the previous adoption house ones, brings out an array of different emotions. Although a story, it makes you think about what really happened in real life, for the many unmarried girls who ended up in institutions run by the nuns. Life must have been awful. Females were classed so differently from the men who were involved in these unfortunate pregnancies. Hope for the future made the characters real. Great read. Highly recommend.

[Margaret Fantom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed following the life of Mary Kate Hanratty from being left at an orphanage by her mother to being taken from the orphanage by her aunt & uncle who treated her as a slave making her sleep in the barn to getting pregnant as a young girl by a brother of a friend only to end up in the mother & baby home run by the nuns eventually making a new life for herself in America brilliant writing great characters

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number three in the Irish Adoption series by Michelle Vernal. It introduces the reader to Mary-Kate, a young girl who grew up in an orphanage in Dublin and revisits characters from previous books.

It is an emotional and heartbreaking story with a well paced plot and a cast of well drawn characters that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction based in Ireland.

[Melanie Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not love this series any more if I tried! Honestly, it has everything you could possibly want in a story. I love the characters, the possibilities of hope, all mixed in with a bit of grit and intrigue.

[Gina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

A truly lovely story with A happy ending. Very moving in places. I know these mothers did not all have happy endings but it brings it home to you what happened in these places. I would recommend if only to understand how these women were treated.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartbreaking! A young mother gives birth and the baby is taken away immediately. Highly recommend! Michelle Vernal writes wonderful books.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this but it jumped back and forward alot

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished the book, but was glad I did not pay for it.

[Terri Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read!

I enjoyed this story from the very first page and all the way throughout. Get a nice cup of tea, A cozy chair, and start reading!

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely read

I loved this book the third in the series. There is a lot of sadness but the ending is absolutely lovely. I would certainly recommend this series.

[Sherri Clarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every country has its dark past and families have dark secrets. Again, this is about women and their strength to endure despite the odds.

[Nancy]

Excellent!!

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in the Irish Adoption House series. This follows Mary Kate, an orphan who was left by her mother at an orphanage at a young age. She was then raised by her uncle to live with her uncle, who needed her to help with his kids. She eventually was used and got pregnant, then was sent away to the Irish Adoption House.

I liked Mary Kate, and I was rooting for her to find happiness. She had a really rough life. There were some twists and turns along the way regarding her parentage. The author has done a great job of creating an engaging story, revolving around the Irish Adoption House, and a main character that you were rooting for. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc