Blinking back tears, Rose gazes out across the wildflowers, letting her thoughts drift with the sound of the waves beyond. She knows that the letter in her hands could change everything…
Running from a painful past, Rose is desperate for a new beginning. But when she confides in her employer, Grace, she’s struck by the understanding and pain in Grace’s eyes… and then overwhelmed at the offer to stay in her breathtaking mansion on the wild Irish coast. She sets off, hoping for a chance to heal and to help Grace if she can.
When she arrives in Orchid Bay with her teenage daughter, Rose falls under its spell. Finding sanctuary among the sweeping wildflower meadows, glittering coves and warm-hearted villagers – especially the long afternoons spent horse-riding on the beach with handsome local farmer, Jim – she gradually feels her heart begin to recover. Yet as she builds a new life by the sea, Rose can’t help but wonder why Grace ever left this magical place.
Then, just as Rose allows herself to trust that she has finally found a place to call home, she discovers a letter that turns everything she thought she knew on its head. Could the tragic love story revealed in its pages hold the key as to why the mansion stood empty for so many years? And will it bring both Grace and Rose peace – or drive them away from Orchid Bay forever?
A totally gripping and emotional page-turner that will whisk you away to the Irish coast. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Tricia O’Malley and Mary Alice Monroe.
Rose believed she had escaped when she and her daughter, Chloe, fled to London to escape a stalker. However, he had found her again, leaving her in sheer terror. Now, she and Chloe had to flee once more. This time, they had to change their names and forget everything and everyone behind them.
Only one person from Rose’s past would have contact with her - an older woman named Grace. This was not the first time Grace had helped Rose, and her current act of kindness was truly remarkable. She bestowed upon Rose a bountiful blessing that would take Rose and Chloe to Ireland.
Arriving in Orchid Bay, Rose was filled with trepidation. Could she and Chloe truly start anew? More importantly, would they be safe? Initially hesitant, Rose gradually began to trust again and forge new friendships. The blessing she had received from Grace was a beautiful mansion. A letter from Grace assured Rose that this home was now hers. The location and scenery were stunning, and Rose hoped desperately that this blessing would keep her and Chloe safe.
This compelling story is a captivating read. While this third book in the Orchid Bay series can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, there are a few cameo appearances that readers are certain to relish. I have been thoroughly enjoying this series and eagerly anticipate what Ann O’Loughlin has in store for her readers next.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
I received a free copy of, A Secret Inheritance fro Ireland, by Ann O'Loughlin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in the Orchid Bay series. Rose is starting over with her daughter in Orchid Bay. This was a lovely story of secrets, friendship, and love, all in the beautiful country of Ireland!
This is book three in this series and it’s probably my favorite one. It’s a hard to put down book. It was full of some life issues, new romance and second chance romance. I loved all the characters and the location sounded amazing. Definitely add to your list.
I loved it! This was my favorite book in the Orchid Bay series. What would Rose have done without Grace? She received a beautiful house that was full of furniture and jewelry. She didn't have to worry right away about money or how she would be able to take care of Chloe. Her only problem was H and he was a huge problem. How was he able to always find her? All the strange things happening in the house were just brushed away. Rose should have been on high alert and realized what was happening. Her friends just figured she was imagining things. Wouldn't you realize if your books were rearranged? How did a tiny kitten get through a window? The story was similar to both of the previous books in the series, especially "A Secret Daughter From Ireland." What is the coincidence that Becky, Kelly and Rose would all have worked in fashion? Becky and Rose both had to deal with a stalker. At least Chloe wasn't as bratty as Becky's daughter Jen. What ever happened to Ben's niece Amy? The biggest shock of the book was Kelly. I love the friendship the women create with each other. The feud between Jim and Dolly was hilarious. It started over a Christmas tree and led to a giant pile of manure. I'm pretty sure Dolly overreacted to the tree and never got over it. I definitely had tears in my eyes during several parts of the book. The wedding at the end was perfect.
I definitely recommend the book. I felt like I was right there with Rose and Chloe as they made their new home in Orchid Bay. They were immediately welcomed to the village by everyone (except for maybe Jim). I loved the characters, writing style and story. There needs to be another book in the series because Mike needs to get a happy ending after what happened. Orchid Bay seems to hold so many secrets. It seems to be a great place to create a new life. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Secret Inheritance from Ireland by Ann O’Loughlin is an absolute jewel in a crown of stories. Through the beautiful and atmospheric descriptions, I was whisked away to this gorgeous setting of east coast Ireland. Gripped by the heart-wrenching drama, my emotions were magnified in every direction. I had tears, tension and trauma as I felt the fear that Rose experienced when danger lurked in the form of a stalker. Later a warm glow of elation rose in me, when neighbours banded together to help each other.
The novel opens with a dramatic moment. Olivia (later known as Rose) is in trouble. A man has been stalking her and she has had to move more than once to escape him. And when it happens again, her seventy-four year old friend, Grace, who has harboured her and her daughter in Paris—tells her she must leave. ‘You go, and don’t look back.’ Grace offers her an address on a small piece of paper where they will be safe: “Sea Haven, overlooking Orchid Bay, Coolnamona, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.”
Once Rose and Chloe arrive at their destination— an old stone house with a bright red door and a shining brass knocker, Rose notices the beautiful terracotta pots of flowers surrounding the property and hears the calming sounds of the sea. These begin to do their magic on her and slowly layers and miles of anxiety release from her heart, mind and body. But lingering in Rose’s thoughts is one question: will they really be free here?
Pieces of Rose’s backstory are shared in the first few chapters. She’s a single mom with a good life in London as a fashion journalist until she is sent to interview an up-and-coming designer. Then she becomes a target for a stalker and her whole world changes. Fleeing to Paris, she meets up with a woman named Elodie who gives her a job at a patisserie— baking. Here she learns to make great pastry and expand her French language skills. An opportunity arises with Elodie’s best friend, Grace, who takes her and her daughter in to protect them. Until the stalker reappears and she must escape again. Grace has connections and sends her to Ireland, where Rose meets Grace’s solicitor, Betty, who passes on a gift, that is the surprise of her life! Grace may come across as a bossy grumpy older woman but she truly has a heart of gold. Her good deed opens doors not only for Rose and Chloe but eventually for Grace herself. And a mystery surrounding a past love unveils and is ready to be solved.
This is a heart wrenching story. I could feel all the tension, emotional upheaval and danger that this woman and her daughter endured. But once they are nestled inside this caring community, mother and daughter attempt to build a new life. Yet always in the shadows, and in the back of Rose’s mind, she wonders if ‘H’ will find her again.
Jim Hardy is another neighbour who first seems grumpy but becomes a true friend to Rose and in many ways is her hero in Ireland. He has had a devastating loss, is struggling with financial issues initially but his farm and friendship become a comfort and source of encouragement for both Rose and Chloe. He is a lover of horses and there are some lovely scenes when Rose is getting to know one in particular, named Millie, who is Jim’s pride and joy. This horse really takes a liking to Rose. As for the two friends, we wonder if a romantic relationship might transpire in time? These two are a real highlight of the story and there is such a warmth and ease between them that continues to grow. Jim’s uncle also has a moving back story and he and Grace have a special connection. These four have some interesting outcomes. I won’t say more!
Dolly is a pushy though cheery next door neighbour we all come to love for her strength and positive point of view. Rose’s first encounter is a bit unsettling when she barges in and begins prattling on about who she is and how Grace sent her to clean the house. But we quickly learn her heart is in the right place. She lives with her best friend, Renagh. They decided to pool their resources and build the house of their dreams on a piece of land they bought from Grace. It is far from being finished so they live in a caravan on site while renovations and construction occurs.
It was lovely to see some of the cast from the first two books make appearances. Life has thrown some massive curve balls at a few of them. And although the plot focuses mostly on Rose, the spotlight also hovers over supporting characters so that we learn what has been happening with them. Rose, though, is still central figure and her presence, actions and reactions have an impact on those around her. But, of course, she also is affected by her friends and neighbours in a dramatic way. We see some serious personal growth in her as she attempts to live her life without fear. Thanks to her friends’ support, she achieves much, including setting up a dream bakery in the town. This accomplishment connects her with the community in a big way. Unfortunately, it also makes her a more visible target. I held my breath more than once when weird things happened and major trouble struck!
This novel is not only about the negatives of life such as loss, fear, death, stalking, identity, separation and trauma but it is also about love, second chances, healing, freedom, following your dreams, friendship, community, home, security, faith and hope to live again. The good characters are colourful, memorable, kind and generous and the enemy is deplorable. Although Grace initially had some good moments in Paris, in Ireland her safety net of supporters magnifies. She is surrounded by many wonderful neighbours who stand by her through thick and thin. And she is also able to give back even more as a result when her help is needed.
It is such a lovely novel and I loved revisiting this Irish village, to see old faces and meet new ones. Ann does such a wonderful job creating a moving storyline and memorable characters. There are some sad moments (so have the tissues) and even scary ones that will put you on the edge of your seat. We cannot help but care deeply about these people with their losses and challenges. For just as in real life, not everything works out as we’d wish. But there are some wonderful victories in this story, that will put a smile on your face and have you sighing with relief and joy. A must-read addition to a great series. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A house overlooking the Irish Sea built from stone, a wildflower meadow and a past that needs to be kept carefully hidden, sees Rose and her daughter Ella begin to rebuild their lives, as once again they have fled from their safe haven in Paris to this wild and beautiful location as far from their previous lives as is reasonable. Mired in grief, Rose begins to reestablish their lives, once again struggling to accept she and her beloved daughter are safe from the madman who has stalked them for several years. Her friend and employer in Paris, Grace Simpson, has arranged everything; all rose has to do is settle into her new life, something which is proving to be somewhat challenging and distressing. A Secret Inheritance From Ireland from Ann O’Loughlin continues the heart wrenching Orchid Bay series as Rose, formerly Olivia, learns to trust again with the help of her delightfully eccentric neighbours Dolly and Renagh, their friend Becky, crusty Jim Hardy, the neighbour from the next Farm and a lot of help from the locals. Rose slowly begins to rebuild the interior of Sea View Haven with the furniture stored in the Shed, she and Chloe are very curious as to why Grace had obviously restored the Cottage, purchased the furniture, but never lived in the house. Days blend into weeks and Grace relaxes into country life; Sea View Haven begins to intrigue her as there is obviously some history with the house and Grace, but no one is telling and she is encouraged to open a patisserie in town selling her delicious artisan pastries. But the past is about to be revealed in a sad and tragic manner that allows healing to begin, life to once again be lived and as the secrets of the Cottage become revealed, a lost love found. Keep a box of tissues handy as you enjoy A Secret Inheritance From Ireland as Ann O’Loughlin certainly knows how to pull on the heartstrings as she spins a fine tale of families, secrets, friendship, love and loss.
Rose feels fortunate to start anew at Orchard Bay on the Irish coast. She has survived a difficult past that she believes is finally behind her. Her friend Grace is the only knows the truth about Rose. So Rose can always confide in her.
Rose starting over with her daughter, Chloe is exactly what she needs. Rose soon finds an unopened letter that reveals why Grace left Orchard Bay long ago. She feels uneasy again when odd events occur in her home. Might the nightmare from her past return, or is it merely her imagination?
“A Secret Inheritance from Ireland” by Ann O’Loughlin is a compelling tale of resilience, survival, and fresh starts. Rose is sure this is the escape she needed and expected. I was happy Rose was finally getting the new beginning she so desperately deserved.
This is an incredible story that made me race through the pages and hope Rose could finally be freed from her past. I enjoyed this wonderful addition to the Orchard Bay series. I highly recommend this remarkable book.
Rose and her daughter Chloe have had to flee their home in Paris. Her boss and friend, Grace, let her have a property she owns on the Irish coast.
As Rose makes friends with the locals, she soon finds out that Grace has made sure she is looked after. But why has Grace never moved into the mansion that she bought and refurbished?
With Rose and Chloe settling into the village, the community comes together to help with Rose’s plans and make sure the two feel at home.
This is the third book in the Orchid Bay series and I looked forward to reading this latest book. Although it is dark at times, it is mainly a beautiful and emotional story that left me needing tissues.
The characters were believable and I liked their quirks and flaws. Dolly was a firm favourite of mine and I loved how she took Rose under her wing.
Beautiful storytelling that shines a bright light on friendship and love.
A tragic love story. Olivia and her daughter Ella move into an old house called Sea View Haven at Orchid Bay in Wicklow, Ireland. Olivia has changed her name to Rose, and her daughter is now Chloe. They had been living in Paris with Grace Simpson but had to leave because Olivia was being threatened by a stalker.
I loved the interactions between the characters and their back stories. This was the third book in the series on Orchid Bay but could be read on its own. It was about family relationships, friendships, identity and secrets. Lots of secrets. Lots of twists and turns.
I love reading about old houses, especially when there are secrets hidden, waiting to be found.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture for a chance to read and review this E-Book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
The 3rd instalment in the Orchid Bay series and the best one yet. It's wonderful to be back in this welcoming village full of strong supportive people. All of life’s emotions are here, love, loss, secrets, and redemption. I loved the setting and the plots. We meet Rose and her daughter as they flee for their lives from an impossible situation only to finally find peace and happiness in Orchid Bay. As we uncover the source of their fear, we also meet others with secrets and heartbreaking choices to make. It also was an absolute joy to catch up with some of the characters from the previous two books. Another brilliant addition to this beautiful series and the perfect way to spend a wet and windy autumn day.