The Irish Inheritance: Totally unputdownable and heartbreaking Irish fiction

by Daisy O'Shea

Tara took in the grand farmhouse sitting high on the hill amidst the emerald grass. She never knew her mother came from money. Now, this house will be passed down to her. But how can Tara accept it when there is still a mystery hiding within the faded walls?

When Tara Hourihan’s mother receives a letter informing her she’s inherited a house down south in Roone Bay, Tara sees her mother pale. Aoife hasn’t been back to her tiny hometown in years.

When mother and daughter arrive in town, the lawyer handling the estate gives them some shocking the inheritance may be split. There is evidence that Aoife’s twin sister Eithne, thought to have died as a teenager, may still be alive. Her name is listed as a patient at a local mother and baby home.

With the help of handsome local garda, Declan Ford, Tara and Aoife must untangle a decades old family secret and a possible terrible cover-up that tore the sisters apart. Did Aoife’s parents lie to her about Eithne?

What the women discover will change everything they thought they knew about their history. But can they finally put the past to rest, before it is too late?

A totally gripping and heartbreaking tale about family secrets, the ties that bind mothers and daughters and the tragedy of the Irish mother and baby homes. Fans of Kathleen McGurl, Tricia O’Malley and Maeve Binchy will be utterly swept away.

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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The magic of Ireland!… wonderful… Will keep you enthralled to the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Finds its way into your heart… lovely… this really is a memorable story… stays with you long after the last page’ Jaffareadstoo, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fall in love with Roone Bay… I felt as if I were right there, by the sea… will stay with you for a long time after you finish… I can’t stop thinking about [it]… magical

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2026

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

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara Hurley’s mother receives a letter informing her she’s inherited a house down south in Roone Bay, and she's shocked. She had been told that the church owned the house when she left at the age of 16. Aoife hasn’t been back to her tiny hometown in years and doesn't want to return now. Tara convinces her to go and they would make it a holiday. When they meet with the lawyer handling the property, they are told that both she and her sister, Eithne, own the house. But Eithne, Aoife's twin died when she was just 15, or did she. With the help of the local Garda, Declan, they meet and talk with people to help unravel the mystery. What the women discover will change everything they thought they knew about their family history.

This is the fifth book in the Emerald Isles series, but can easily be read as a standalone. It is also a dual-timeline story, and I will say that i enjoyed the present storyline more. This was a tough book to read, as Ethiene suffers a lot of abuse at the hands of her father, the nuns at the school where she is sent as well as others. The characters were realistic and likable, and although Aoife was always worried about the cost of things, they were able to both investigate and enjoy their time in Roone. Declan was sweet, but he fell for Tara pretty quickly. I'm glad I read this story as I learned a few things about the Irish economy and more about the evils of the Catholic Church in the 1950s. There is a hopeful and uplifting ending, which left me with a better outlook. Be prepared to have your emotions all over the place when you read this one.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Irish Inheritance by Daisy O’Shea is a story of two sisters and more in a dual timeline. Tara’s grandmother had diesd. Tara had not known she was still alive. Turns out there is an inheritance for her mother for which they have to go to Roone Bay. Tara’s aunt Eithne had been odd as a child, and eventually sent away to a home. Aiofe never understood anything except her sister was gone. Then, they heard she had died. The attorney in nearby Bantry had found Aiofe and was looking for her sister. She gave what information she knew and left him with it. Tara convinced her mother to go and visit the cottage that was her inheritance. There they met a young woman named Fiona, who was looking for a house to buy. The cottage was not in great shape, but it was obvious it had been beautiful. They had a delightful time.

Good characters and a terrific story. Things got complicated with the search for Eithne, but this lawyer was a bulldog. They had met an older guarda on their way to the inn when their car had acted up and he gave them a lift. Once in town they met another guarda, Guarda Sullivan. Seems he was the nephew of the earlier guarda. Both of these men were good guys and seems to like Tara and her mother. Tara’s job at home was going nowhere so that was on her mind much of the time. This was a wonderful trip back to Roone Bay and to Ireland for those of us not there. Entertaining characters and interesting and surprising plot. Romance as well as mystery. Love this series.

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

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara Hourihan’s mother, Aoife, receives a letter informing her of an inheritance—a house in Roone Bay, Ireland. It’s been a long time since Aoife last visited her hometown. Reluctantly, she and Tara embark on the journey to Ireland. The lawyer managing the estate says that the inheritance may be split. Aoife is puzzled until the lawyer reveals a possibility, Eithne, Aoife’s twin sister, might be alive.

With the help of local garda, Declan Ford, Tara and Aoife delve into the house’s secrets, uncovering terrible family secrets buried for years. They must decide whether to reveal the hidden truths or keep them buried.

“The Irish Inheritance,” written by Daisy O’Shea is a captivating and heartbreaking tale. It weaves a mystery and suspenseful narrative. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, my heart racing and tears streaming down my face. It’s a poignant exploration of a challenging period in Irish history, inspiring me by the resilience of its people. This is a fantastic addition to the Emerald Isles Series.

Grab your copy today!! https://amazn.so/TheIrishInheritance

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. Out May 18th.

The Irish Inheritance is a heartbreaking story of abuse, abandonment, family secrets, and years of carefully buried lies.

I do think stories about Church abuse in Ireland are incredibly important and need to be written about — Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, industrial schools, and the long-lasting trauma left behind. These are not easy subjects, but they matter.

That said, my biggest issue with this book was the lack of a clear content/trigger warning, especially around child abuse. For Irish readers, some of the historical context may be more familiar, but for non-Irish readers who may not know this part of Ireland’s history, some of the darker elements could come as a real shock.

At the centre of the story are twin sisters who were separated, lied to, and forced to uncover the truth about their childhood. That part of the story was emotional and compelling, and the family mystery did keep me reading.

However, I did feel the book became a little overloaded with side plots. Tara’s stalker storyline, in particular, felt unnecessary to me, and I think her husband’s arc was already enough without adding another layer. The current timeline also felt slightly confusing at times — as a non-Irish person living in Ireland, I found myself checking dates around divorce, contraception, and social history just to place the story properly.

Overall, this was an important and emotional read with a strong central premise, but for me, the multiple storylines made it feel a little messy in places. A worthwhile read, but one I think really needed clearer content warnings.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry to report that I need to DNF this at 45%. I can’t handle the child abuse content. The writing is ok…it’s the troubling content. I wish there had been a content warning. Readers who can handle the content will probably find the story compelling. I have loved other books by the author.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Irish Inheritance is a deeply powerful mystery novel, beautifully written. This complex story contains, as the author says in her notes, dark subject matter. It exposes the shocking cruelty and prejudice toward unwed Irish mothers and their children in the past. What went on behind closed doors (including religious ones) was awful. Child abuse is never a welcomed topic but Daisy O’Shea handles it with tender respect and direct honesty. There are some difficult scenes and retelling of incidents that would break a caring heart. It must have been hard to write those for the novel. There are numerous articles on the historical mistreatment of Irish women, especially those who got pregnant outside of marriage through romantic relationships or were victims of rape. The Catholic Church’s power over these individuals and their outcomes was alarming. I can see how such topics would inspire a novel. The facts aren’t pretty but it is important to know what happened by tearing down the walls of secrecy—to give these wounded and violated souls a voice. I think Daisy O’Shea has done that well through her courageous writing of such incidents.

The story is set in mythical Roone Bay, Ireland. The novel opens with the Prologue in 1950 with a sliver of Eithne’s sad story. Eithne is a twin sister of Aoife. They have different personalities. But worse, they are treated differently by their parents. Eithne, the less popular twin, is being transported from home: ‘ripped from the only place she had ever known and was frightened.’ She is sent to a ‘special school’, to her new home after an incident is discovered by what seems to be a caring teacher nun. Eithne is afraid but the thought of a place where she might find new friends and be with people who are nice and kind, gives her hope. For as we learn, she has had a very rough life. Sadly, she discovers, things are not as expected or promised.

The book is divided up into chapters with Tara, Aoife’s daughter (present), and Eithne (past)—telling the story. Tara’s mother receives a letter that she has inherited a house in Roone Bay—in the hometown of her childhood. She is hesitant to take the trip as it is a place of many unhappy memories. But with Tara’s help and strength she manages. We get to know both Tara and Aoife quite well on their journey to check out the inheritance. The stories they share reveal a lot about themselves and the culture of the past.

When Tara and Aoife see the solicitor and learn the particulars of the inheritance, lots of things begin to happen—including a few mysteries that need to be solved. It was a joy to watch mother and daughter interact and get a real sense of their bond. I also loved the romantic sparks between Tara and local garda (police) Declan. He was a gem of a gentleman and fiercely protective and persistent with Tara! And a real asset in retrieving important information the ladies need. There are plenty of lies floating around and they need to uncover the truth concerning Aoife’s father, mother and what become of her sister. There will be some shocking reveals!

There is more than one mystery happening in this story. Beside the mystery of Eithne’s past and those surrounding her, some troubling incidents are happening to Tara, who sent her husband packing when he betrayed her. What she discovers about him will be both disturbing and liberating. She goes through some changes and feels unexpected emotions. Roone Bay and its residents will make a big impact on her heart and even send her life in a different direction. Her mother, too, in facing the past and sifting through the ruins, finds her own freedom after encountering plenty of surprises—and laying ghosts to rest.

This is a heart gripping novel that will shake and rattle you to the core with the horrors of abuse and prejudice that prevailed far too long. But amid the trauma, out of the ashes of grief, love sparks and the novel ends on a very positive and uplifting note. Family secrets, romantic relationships, twin bonds, mystery adventures, second chances, tearful reunions and more are at the centre of this novel. I could not set it down and read it through the night. Definitely recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Irish Inheritance is the fifth book in the Emerald Isles series by Daisy O’Shea. It’s a fantastic series bringing the rich and troubled past of Ireland to life and to the forefront of readers minds. I’ve loved every book as the author blends the past and the present seamlessly and is never afraid to shy away from aspects of the country’s history that may leave a bitter taste in one’s mouth. This new story certainly lives up to this statement as it tackles tough, heartbreaking and damaging issues which still to this day have an affect on so many people throughout Ireland. I saw someone say that perhaps this book needs to come with a warning regarding the subject matter and I could see why but to be honest I was glad I was going in blind as I felt I appreciated everything even more as it was unfolding. No detail was spared; there was no whispering behind hands or shirking away from responsibilities as mother and daughter, Aoife and Tara, navigate the past in an attempt to uncover just what happened to Aoife’s twin sister Eithne so many years ago.

I have full admiration for the author is choosing to write about a period in Ireland’s history that was brushed under the carpet for so long and in some corners even to this day it would even dared to be spoken about out loud. Although there are many groups who continue to advocate for those that suffered and to whom so many injustices were done. I’m being purposefully vague as to what said issue is as I don’t want to give away any of the finer plot details and therefore ruin your reading experience. Suffice to say, the author handled things in an expert way. The subject matter was deftly and extensively developed and the cruelty and prejudice that is exposed will horrify readers who know nothing about this topic but those that are familiar with it will be pleased and deeply satisfied with the plot and its progression. By the end I felt as if I had read a deep and personal history lesson that didn’t feel stuffy or boring. Instead. I was enlightened even further on a topic I had a good range of knowledge on and I came to care deeply about each character and the eventual outcome.

A brief prologue introduces us to Eithne aged 13. It’s 1950 and she lives in Roone Bay in West Cork. She is frightened as she is being ripped apart from her family and sent to a special school. For what reason she does not know. But this separation from her family will lead to a decades long mystery for outcome regarding Eithne was never known and to this day the residents of Roone daren’t speak as to what supposedly happened to her and why. One thing that had frustrated me in the previous books was that it was never specifically stated what time period we were reading about. I knew from reading between the lines that it certainly wasn’t the modern day as things in West Cork seemed very different to how they are today. In terms of how people lived on a day to day basis and what their beliefs were and how strong a foothold the church still had over so many. At last this has been finally rectified, and I know the book is set in the 1980’s. It may seem like a small thing but to me it helps me understand more about the time period and how to be honest how Ireland was backward in so many ways.

In the more modern day aspect of the story Tara is accompanying her mother Aoife to Roone Bay where Aoife has inherited Gate Lodge. Aoife has not been back to her homeplace for a very long time and with valid reason as the reader discovers as the book progresses. There is a tangled history here and not a pleasant one by all accounts. Too many memories and hurtful events with many unanswered questions linger in Aoife’s mind and she wishes to see the solicitor and sort the sale of the house as quickly as possible. But of course, things aren’t going to be that straight forward and the mystery and intrigue that unfolded was fascinating and had me eagerly turning the pages as the layers of deceptions, secrets, hurt, betrayal, brutality and cruelty were peeled back to expose an incredible story. Sadly one that should never have happened but similar happened to many innocent women at the time.

Aoife always believed that her twin Eithne had died. For that was what she was told and who would doubt or question those that are meant to love and care for you? But there is a whole strand of secrets and deception waiting to be uncovered as Tara and Aoife learn that the legalities surrounding the cottage aren’t all that straight forward and if there is any possibility that Eithne or any of her descendants may still be alive then she will have to be located and further discussions will be had regarding the cottage. It’s a complication Aoife hadn’t reckoned on and with Tara by her side they have to uncover the truth even if facing reality may prove very challenging. I felt the first chapter should have been the fifth in terms of setting out and ordering the story as I thought things just seemed a bit all over the place and it went back instead of forward but once this straightened itself out the pace of the story really picked up. Not that there was one thing occurring after another which would have been too fast. Instead, an aspect of the past was uncovered and the reader and character were given the time and space to ponder over its implications for the overall plot. I felt I was allowed the time to digest and absorb things and consider how the story may go forward.

I enjoyed how the plot was told from several different viewpoints. We learn of Tara and Aoife in the 1980’s staying on in Roone whilst things are sorted regarding the house. It was good that Tara never sat back and pushed her mother to open up about things for it allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of what occurred so long ago and that she could attempt to right so many wrongs and uncover the truth behind her family history. The romance element of the plot that featured for Aoife just seemed a bit too convenient and rushed and if it hadn’t been there I wouldn’t have missed it at all. For my main focus was on Eithne and finding out the specific details of what happened to her. I loved how Eithne got to share her story through her own chapters told from her viewpoint at the time. It gave a well rounded balance to the overall story and as the reader was reading of things first hand you could really appreciate what she was going through even as horrifying, nasty and terrible as it was. There were some dreadful descriptions as to what befell her and what led to her being banished so to speak from her family. If I hadn’t known about this aspect of Irish history I would have perhaps thought good God surely this couldn’t be true but it was and is a shameful period that many need to know about.

There were many twists and turns throughout the story. Some I saw coming and others I did not. I loved to be kept guessing until the last possible moment before the reveal and I wasn’t disappointed and nor was I disappointed as to the ending. It could have come across as very run of the mill and typical as there could have been no other way for it to end but it didn’t at all. Redemption, forgiveness, understanding and acceptance were all found but really it was sad that a family had to go through this in the first place. All in all, The Irish Inheritance was a brilliant read, a real page turner which I read in a few sittings. It blended imagination with historical fact to perfection and gave a voice to so many women that were suppressed. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Daisy O’Shea gives off real Maeve Binchy vibes and that truly is a wonderful thing. Let’s hope there will be another book in this series published before the end of the year.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the latest book from Daisy O’Shea, The Irish Inheritance, is akin to taking a visit to Ireland as her descriptive use of language and dialogue brings not only the people, but the landscape alive, as well as the tragic past that even today, still influences so much of the culture.
When Tara and her Mam, Aoife, make the decision to go to Bantry at the request of Solicitor Lorcan they have no idea what lays in wait for them, as what appears to be a straightforward inheritance, all– be-it a surprising one, that of Aoife inheriting Gate Cottage, a house in which she spent her young years, becomes so much more.
The information Lorcan Byrne imparts rocks the very foundations of what Tara has always believed, as her Mam seems to have had a sister who died at a very young age, a mother who had become the Mother Superior of an order of Nuns and a father who had died in challenging circumstances.
In 1950, Eithne is sent away from her home, classed as a troublesome child who needed special care and attention. Aoife was told she had died. The rules of society, especially those in the Roman Catholic dominated areas of Ireland were strict, patriarchal and formidable. The Priests and Nuns where dominant and domineering, influencing all avenues of life.
As Aoife struggles with her past, Tara is beginning to understand that there is far more to this missing sister Eithne’s life than is at first apparent, not only because it appears she did not die, but possibly had a child out of wedlock; a terrible sin during those very Catholic years.
Where was she, what had become of her and possibly her child, must be discovered before the inheritance can be settled and they can return to their very structured life in Athlone, or will they. As each day passes little by little the dark and terrible history of the family comes to light telling a story of tragedy, horror and salvation which spans decades.
Rich in the telling, heart wrenching in the history The Irish Inheritance transports you to a world so vastly different as Tara and Aoife move away from the shadows of the past into a fresh new world.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara and her mother are on a fact finding spree. A surprise inheritance but one with a very black history behind it for her mother. Her grandmother had been a hateful woman who later became a nun, ending up as Mother Superior, cruel to her children and her charges. Her father was a bystander, till he took to drink and tortured one of his daughters. Everyone was aware and no one said anything. There was no one to protect the children.

The story apart from being a personal life story of Tara and her mother unraveling a gruesome and vicious past is more about the Church and the abuse physical and sexual heaped on orphans, destitute children and women and heaven help “fallen” women who ended up in these homes. A lucrative business of forced adoption, no wishes of the mothers taken into account at all. The harsh reality of living in a world where the authority of the Church was final and unforgiving. It was very difficult reading considered that I was convent educated throughout and have such good memories of nuns and how they treated children and teenagers. This was a harsh read but factually correct and Ireland was very rigid during that particular era.

Though not an easy read, one must not forget that atrocities like this happened and is a stark reminder that it happens with variations even today. One must not conveniently think that it is in the past and ignore what happens today.

The story here had a happy ending and that was pleasant.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC! This is the second book I've read by Daisy O'Shea and I love her writing! It is so descriptive, I feel like I am there with the characters. O'Shea also does a really great job balancing the darker themes like abuse with lighter moments like funny dialogue and romance. I thought the beginning of the book was a little fast paced and repetitive. Being raised Catholic and going to Catholic school, I relate a lot to the hypocrisy of nuns, priests, and even other parishioners claiming to be in service of God but being extremely critical and cruel.

I loved Aoife and Tara's relationship and related to it a lot as my mom and I are 19 years apart too. Eithne's story was so gut wrenching and inspiring. I really appreciate these stories of what horrendous hardships women have faced throughout history and to see how far we have come and think about how there is still so much work to do.

The ending tied up very nicely and was satisfying. I loved this book and would highly recommend!

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tara’s mother, Aoife, gets a letter saying she inherited a house in her home town. Aoife hasn’t been back there since her childhood.

When they arrive, they are in for a HUGE surprise- the inheritance might have to be shared with Aoife’s twin sister, Eithne. But Aoife’s sister died when they were teenagers!!! After some digging, they find out Eithne’s name was found in records at a nearby mother and baby home.

What Tara and Aoife find out changes everything they believed about their family. The question is, can they heal old wounds and bring peace before it’s too late?

I’ve read a few books about the young mother homes in Ireland. It is heartbreaking how we treated these young girls and their children. A big thank you to Daisy O’Shea for touching on this topic in a truthful, yet sensitive way. 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.
# TheIrishInheritance #DaisyOSheaBooksOnTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #BooksSetInIreland

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts:
The story is told in duel timeline of the 1950’s and present day.
The Irish Inheritance revolves around twin girls, Aoife and Eithne. When they were young, Eithne is sent away and later said to have died. Their parents were not very nice people.
When Aoife is contacted by a lawyer about inheriting the family home, her daughter, Tara, thinks they should go see what this is all about.
There is so much going on within the story. So much heartbreak and mystery.
What a very intense and heartbreaking story. The main theme of the story is quite dark, sad and emotional. Please be aware of the child abuse content throughout the story. Was this hard to read about? Of course it was. But, we must never forget what has happened in the past.
I am still thinking about this book….I can’t get it out of mind.
Definitely recommended.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy O’Shea writes fantastic character driven stories. Aoife and Eithne’s history sucked in from the beginning. They went through so much and spent years thinking that the other was dead because of adult influences in their lives.

I enjoyed the dual timelines, getting both the sisters’ past in the 1950s and then Tara’s timeline in the 70’s.

I’m always drawn to stories about homes for unwed mothers. I feel like so much of that was swept under the rug and I thoroughly enjoy reading historical fictions about the topics. Ireland’s laws are different than the US (not that there weren’t homes for unwed mothers in the US also), in this book divorce wasn’t even legal.

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

[Khushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check oThank you to Bookouture for this Netgalley widget!! This felt like sitting near a rainy window while generations of family trauma quietly unravel around you and honestly? I was so locked in. This book has such an emotional and reflective atmosphere that slowly pulls you in without you even realizing it. The writing felt immersive and heartfelt and there were moments that genuinely made me pause for a second just to process everything. I especially loved how layered the emotions felt because nothing was overly dramatic but it still hit hard.

For me this is more of a quiet emotional read than an all consuming obsession read but if you love family stories with emotional depth and atmospheric settings I can definitely see people loving this one.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant poignant read. However, don’t be fooled by the cover, this is not a light and fluffy read of the returning Irish diaspora finding their roots and love back in the old country. While there are elements of moving on to better things this book covers some very dark themes while accurately delving into some of the worst history of Ireland, in relation to the treatment of their women. An engrossing tale with relatable characters. A brilliant educational read which was all the more enjoyable as we briefly meet again some of the other inhabitants of Roone Bay we first met in the previous books set here.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book will be great for many people, just not me. The story itself was fine - the topic, content, etc were all interesting. However the diagloue in this book killed it for me. It felt like the narrative and the dialogue were written by two different authors. Every time the characters spoke it was so simplistic, juvenile, and surface level. It was also very repetitive.

For those who are just here for the story, you'll probably enjoy this dual timeline book that uncovers secrets from the past.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Gulliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

💞READ THIS BOOK BOOK💞

Daisy, this book was well worth the wait, NEVER stop writing for us, your fans, your readers. Please thank Robin for his love and support. His love and support aids in the beautiful heart filled author you are Daisy. I and all your supporters do, I am sure, appreciate you and look forward to more beautiful stories from you.
For any one thinking of reading this or any of this authors books, do not hesitate...you will not be sorry. I have read all Daisey's books and can not recommend them enough!!!
So...READ THEM ALL.
THANKS, Daisy...keep them coming❤️
💞READ THE BOOKS💞

[Celtic Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ The Irish Inheritance by Daisy O’Shea ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Go ahead and grab the tissues now — you’re going to need them. 🍀😭 This one hit me right in the heart in the best possible way.

The Irish history woven throughout this story is so well done — it adds such depth and weight to everything unfolding around it. The plot itself is deliciously intriguing, but it’s also genuinely sad, and O’Shea balances those two things beautifully. There’s some sweet romance sprinkled in that keeps things from getting too heavy (no spice here, just warmth 🥹), and the whole story comes together in a way that will absolutely wreck you — in the best way possible.

This is part of the Emerald Isles series, but reads perfectly as a standalone. That said, if you’ve been following the series, there’s such a satisfying sense of everything tying together. 💚

The only reason I landed at 4.5 instead of a full 5 is that one character’s storyline became a bit predictable — I could see where it was heading before we got there. But honestly? As a whole, this was such an enjoyable read that it barely dimmed the experience.

A must for fans of Irish fiction who love a good family secret, a little romance, and a story that will stay with you long after the last page. 📖🇮🇪

[Mary Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars

Very emotional and very disturbing! As a former officer I was extremely upset and boiling angry. It also breaks my heart to know that the Irish Catholic church abused so many girls and young women in their mother baby homes! I couldn't put this book down and it kept me up all night. Ms. O'Shea wrote a gripping story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Her characters kind of grab you by the throat so you are there with them during the ride. Very well written. I definitely recommend this book.

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such heart wrenching but also very beautiful story

I want to say a huge thanks to the author for telling us this story. Though the story is set in a fictional world but it’s based on a brutal truth. The author takes the harsh part of history of what women have to endure in order for survival not too long ago. The world is still far from ideal.
I couldn’t put it down for a minute even though I had to do it. I had to know what happened next. I was so immensely engaged in the story and had all kinds of emotions. It was so good.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept on your toes throughout this book, from hidden pasts, mysterious stalker and a cop that is wanting a chance at love.
The heartbreaking story of abuse as a child, to being sent away to face more abuse and be separated from the one person who knows you. The twists and turns of this book had me on an emotional rollercoaster.

[Richard J. Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and fascinating book.

I was intrigued by this story. I was amazed at the bravery of the child after all that happened to her she still remained strong to her family and was able to move forward with her life and build strong people to lean on for help and strength.

[Mary Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Martha Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of repeat background story line got to be a bit much, but overall a good read.

[Adrian Paul Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

unputdownable

Every story has me chasing the next book.
I love any stories from Ireland especially when they describe the scenery.

[Tracy Fraley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, I am sure there is much truth to this story. Such a tragedy & sadness this has happened. I couldn't put the book down till the ending. Great book!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book! It was heartbreaking and difficult to read at times. It always amazes me the mind set and beliefs for that time period. How different things are now. It has a small mystery to solve which I solved way before the characters did. Definitely recommend this book!

[Monica Findlayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book/story from the very first word of the first chapter. Really well written it held my interest in every character which there are a few.
I’ve read all of this series that have been written so far and I found this book the best.

[irene currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart breaking

A heart breaking journey of betrayal by parents nuns and ministers how two sisters got to where they are today is unimaginable what Eithine had to endure at the hands of her father and a priest you just can't comprehend and for her sanctimonious mother to turn her back knowing what her husband was doing is unforgivable this story really pulls at the heart strings although there is light and love along the way this is the first time I've read any of Daisy O'Shea books but it won't be the last if you haven't already read this book then I highly recommend reading it five stars plus