The Secret Bookshop in Ireland

Sisters of Cherrywood #1

by Susanne O'Leary

It devastates me that this will be the first you’re hearing of the bookshop. But it’s yours now, and I hope it can heal you despite everything you might hear about our family. Good luck, dear Ciara, and remember to never give up…’

Standing amongst the wildflowers that border the abandoned bookshop, Ciara’s heart begins to swell. She never met her mysterious distant relative Martha, but there’s no denying that this place, filled with beautiful old books, is captivating. Trapped in a dead-end job and a tiny apartment in Dublin, this inheritance could change everything for her.

As visitors from Cherrywood village arrive to welcome Ciara, and she learns to love each priceless edition she now owns, it’s Ronan, the handsome lawyer with hazel eyes and husky voice who makes a lasting impression. Can he help her learn more about Martha? Why was Ciara chosen to protect the bookshop’s legacy, and why all the secrecy? The only certainty is the butterflies Ciara feels every time she locks eyes with Ronan. Is it crazy to imagine herself re-opening the bookshop and staying forever?

But nothing prepares Ciara for the letter she finds hidden high on the rickety shelves, for the heart shattering story of an abandoned baby and a devastating family secret. The truth about Martha could mean Ciara loses the bookshop forever.

Ciara is faced with an impossible choice: close the doors of her new home and return to her old life in Dublin, or stay to find out the truth and risk everything for a new life in Cherrywood…

An utterly gorgeous and romantic story about second chances that will sweep you away to Ireland. Fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Mary Kay Andrews and Rachel Hanna will devour this feel-good read.

Genres: Ireland, Romance

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

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

[Lupe Farkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early ARC

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland was everything I needed on a rainy summer day. I read it in one sitting, and it felt like a cuddle for the soul. 🌺

Ciara is the kind of best friend I wish I had: patient, kind, lovable, and completely unforgettable. I could picture her so clearly with her Cleopatra haircut and colorful clothes that she almost felt like someone I knew.

I also loved the way the mothers were written. They felt like real mothers trying to guide their kids, occasionally trying to control them, but eventually understanding that their kids’ dreams and happiness mattered more than the futures they had imagined for them.

The family dynamics were beautifully portrayed, with stories from the past gently melting into the present. Everything came together with so much warmth that I simply loved, loved, loved it.

The short chapters were another huge pleasure for me. They made an already charming story flow effortlessly, and because it is also a relatively short book, it was perfect for reading in one sitting.

And Brian… what can I say about Brian? Add a dog to a story, and you have already won me over.
For an avid reader and writer, this was an especially dreamy book. Inheriting a bookshop in a small Irish village? I was not merely reading Ciara’s story; I was dreaming of becoming her.

I loved this book, and I know I will think about it for a long time. I cannot wait to return to this world and read the next books in the series. 🌺

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Susanne O’Leary for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous cover and story inside! I did not want this beautiful uplifting second-chance tale to end! Reading The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Susanne O’Leary was like getting a warm cosy hug on a cold winter’s day. And yes it is our chilly season now here in Australia! Interesting that one of the characters came to this country for their new beginning.

Irish novels with family mysteries, surprises, connections and roots always capture my attention—as they sweep me away to nostalgic moments in a place I love dearly. Yes, I have Irish roots and my visits there were inspiring and unforgettable. Memories of my own and those of my ancestors are deeply imprinted on my heart. And Susanne has a gift of bringing all those wonderful Irish elements to the surface through her enchanting stories. The Secret Bookshop In Ireland truly transported me to that charming setting once again—where life is not perfect but where the landscape, history and people fuel dreams and desires.

There is a great cast of characters in The Secret Bookshop in Ireland who are quirky and relatable. Their flaws and virtues make them real and believable. I am sure as the series unfolds, we will get to know even better those who made their debut in book one. For this is the first of the Sisters of Cherrybrook set. And what a way to start off! Ciara, her mom and Ronan take centre stage and I loved everything about them and their adventures. The other community members are fun and intriguing, too. I enjoyed meeting them all but loved Brian Boru the best! He sounds like such a loving and devoted being and adds an extra layer of warmth to the story. Although his massive size frightens most people upon approach, they realise quickly this Irish Wolfhound is a majestic gentle giant. And the tallest of dogs! Bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and elk, this breed is steeped in history and legend. Brian is very special to Ciara for he helped her through some very rough times. So in many ways he has become a support or companion dog.

County Wicklow has been called the garden of Ireland, with its array of flowers, many ancient castles and manors. This story is set in a little place not far from Enniskerry (south of Dublin). But Ireland is a land of rich beauty so inspiration can be found in any area of this atmospheric, magical Isle. It is easy to see how Susanne would draw upon this region’s rich history and charm for her new series. And I cannot wait to see what other mysteries surface in the next books.

Speaking of adventure: when Ciara gets a message that she has inherited a property in a little Irish village in Wicklow, she is stunned. Who was this person who left her such an incredible gift? An attractive man named Ronan handles the inheritance. He shares what little he knows plus at one point, he hands her a letter from the deceased that will help Ciara uncover the mystery. She heads off to the location to see her inheritance and to learn more about this woman, Martha. Why would she bestow all her money and property on someone she did not know? The journey is an intriguing one as Ciara gathers bits and pieces from the neighbours. One person will share valuable first hand knowledge. Plus there will be another letter that will explain even more. And what Ciara discovers will change her life. For along with inheriting a home with a bookshop, she will make new friends, find unexpected love and learn more about her father’s true family. This knowledge will shake her initially but eventually it will give her the strength to make some positive decisions for herself about her future.

This novel has a huge serving of so many delightful Irish elements. I enjoyed the historical references and buildings and became excited that the series is about resurrecting a town, and Ciara’s bookshop is the first of many businesses to come. Since bookshops are my favourite places to visit, I loved seeing how Ciara and her mother set hers up to run again. There will be endless fresh stories spring up from behind these restored walls. That will blend with the magic of local history. And as the old saying goes ‘if walls could talk—the historical secrets it could tell’ will be put to good use on future books to come.

This is a story about perseverance and never giving up. Starting afresh, with a new job, new home, new love and better family relationships. Martha inspired Ciara to step out of her comfort zone and to not settle for second best. She learns that security and happiness come in many forms. And being bold to take chances is sometimes necessary—for you never know what exciting new things will come your way. I adored The Secret Bookshop In Ireland and look forward to more of these enchanting Irish tales to come. A fantastic start to a great new series! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Celtic Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖 — The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Susanne O'Leary ⭐⭐⭐½ (rounded for Goodreads)

📖 An easy, breezy read — and while that's usually my sweet spot, this one landed a little extra basic for me. You've got the classic unexpected-inheritance trope, which is always fun because you never quite know where an author will take the "known into the unknown" of what happens next, and O'Leary keeps that momentum going nicely.

My hang-up was with the FMC. She's likable enough, but she reads younger than her actual age — there were more than a few conversations and situations where I found myself expecting more from her, because someone who's lived that much life should carry a little more "grown-up" in how they think and react.

That said — the dog. 🐾 I'm an Irish Wolfhound girl through and through, and this pup isn't just set dressing, he's genuinely woven into the bookshop's story. There's also a slow-burn, no-spice romance tucked in the pages for anyone who wants the warmth without the heat.

If you want something light, cozy, and easy to sink into, this one delivers. I love a lot of this author's other work, and I'm honestly not sure I'm compelled to continue the series from here — though I might, just for the dog. 😄

Unexpected inheritance
Small town / village setting
Fish out of water (Dublin girl → village life)
Slow-burn romance
Secret family history
Bookshop / bibliophile setting
Found family / welcoming community
Dog as key character
Second chances

#TheSecretBookshopInIreland #SusanneOLeary #IrishFiction #CozyRomance

[Eileen Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming story. Ciara receives a letter which will change her life drastically. While she is cautious about the situation she decides to accept her mother’s help in her adventure of fixing up the flat and bookshop for sale. But once she gets started she has second thoughts and soon big plans are in the works. There is some sweet romance throughout the book which will make you smile. This is a sweet cozy mystery sure to be enjoyed by all who read it.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since this is an ARC review I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and Susanne O'Leary for allowing me access to the eBook version for my honest thoughts and opinions!

This book mainly follows Ciara's perspective with moments in between through Ronan's eyes.

To begin, I saw some high praise for both Susanne's previous novels as well as this book specifically. While I am not going to use this one review to create my opinion for Susanne's entire written catalogue, I am more than capable of stating that I was not a big fan of The Secret Bookshop in Ireland. The main aspects that I struggled with include the uninspiring characters, the lackluster and repetitious dialogue, and the disappointing ending to the main mystery plot.

There were some aspects that I did enjoy however. I am a sucker for bookish novels set in destinations I will probably only get the chance to visit within the pages of books. This book being set in various cities and country sides of Ireland, was no exception. I was interested the most in the mysterious village of Cherrywood and its eclectic group of neighbors and ancient dwellings. There were some scenes that allowed for some exploration amongst the characters, but I felt as though I could not fully enjoy the atmosphere due to the issues I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

The dog I also liked very much!

When it came to the characters themselves, I found myself not being too involved in what was going on with them. Ciara and her mother specifically made the book harder to get through. The mother has a very clear idea of the life Ciara should have and on multiple occasions, throws a sort of fit when Ciara shows the desire to go down her own path and make her own decisions. This behavior seemed even more toxic with the fact Ciara is either in her late 20's or early 30's.

Ciara being as indecisive as she is, took away a bunch of the 'magic' that should have been enjoyable in the book. She was blessed with such a gift from a family member she never even knew existed. I wish the tension when it came to the bookshop would have been applied elsewhere instead of on whether or not she would even keep it. Even when she does finally make up her mind, she allows her mother to commandeer certain aspects of her business. Maybe it is just me but it bothered me how somebody who was so against keeping it from the beginning, now gets most of the glory for making it work?

Changing gears a bit to the dialogue, it felt as though all the characters were reading a script most of the time in the story. Any true emotions felt forced and even a tad ridiculous at times. The dramatics would be over in seemingly a blink of an eye which was a bit whiplashy.
The same topics and conclusions would be repeated multiple times, sometimes within the same chapter as well, particularly concerning the bookshop and all the mystery behind why Ciara was the one to inherit it.

Speaking of that mystery, it fell a bit flat for me as well. Once Ciara first dives into figuring out how she is related to Martha, it was pretty exciting for me to see where this trail led. On multiple occasions, it looked like she may have even been related to others currently living in the village. However, when certain trails run cold it felt as though Ciara just decided to give up all of a sudden, forcing the whole mystery to come a screeching halt. After all she has the bookshop now so why does it matter at this point who her grandfather was?

When it comes to the romance between Ciara and Ronan, it felt pretty forced and odd at times. The initial meeting between the two felt like nothing spectacular or meaningful, besides Ciara stating that Ronan was attractive. Her inner monologue felt too obvious as to where the romance was going to go, if that makes sense. Ciara made some assumptions that led to the typical misunderstanding subplot that I thought was immature for her age. Again, just ask the guy and make up your mind about if that relationship is worth pursuing or not please.

All in all, I am disappointed with how this cozy romance was handled. I am curious to read some of Susanne's other books since she truly has so much praise so maybe this book just was not for me?

Once again, thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Susanne herself for making this book available for ARC readers like myself.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ciara Doyle has a good life in Dublin. She has a great job, good friends, and a pretty good relationship with her mother. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is notified that she has inherited a property and an inheritance in Cherrywood Village. When she arrives at the village, tucked away in the Irish countryside, she is surprised by what she finds.

With her mother by her side, Ciara takes some time off from work to get the house in order to sell. She has plenty of work ahead of her, especially since the property also contains a bookshop. But the charming village and its friendly neighbors might just change her mind about what she wants to do with her future. As Ciara considers her options, she is accompanied by her best friend, Brian, a lovable Irish Wolfhound who adores her unconditionally.

Ciara is a wonderful protagonist in this beautifully written story by Sheryl Browne. She is very much her own person, and I loved that she sports a Cleopatra haircut. I could picture her so clearly in my mind’s eye, and that visual made me feel even more connected to her as I followed her journey. I also found her relationship with her mother especially relatable. Her mother wants what many mothers want for their daughters: for Ciara to ‘find the right man and settle down’. I love how naturally this expectation is woven into the story. Ciara has a mind of her own, and as she begins to consider what she truly wants, a sweet romance starts to show real promise.

What a lovely story! Just as with every book I have read by Susanne O’Leary, I was completely captivated. There is something so heartwarming about watching Ciara discover that the life she thought she wanted may not be the life that ultimately makes her happiest. I loved seeing the possibilities open up before her and imagining that her life could take a completely unexpected and wonderfully positive turn.

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

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Susanne O’Leary is a simple tale, almost totally predictable. Ciara received a letter from a solicitor’s office asking her to call. Telling her that she was the heir of a woman named Margaret Fitzgerald. She called her mother to see if she knew who the woman was but did not get a positive response. She called and set an appointment for her lunch hour. After she arrived early, she met a forensic genealogist called Ronan. He had been looking for her for a year. When she verified her identity they handed her the keys and a check for thirty thousand pounds. She and her mother rented a car and visited on the weekend. What they found was a house, the ground floor of which had been a bookstore and was still full of books. The village was half-abandoned. She didn’t know what to think. She guessed she’d try to sell, but decided she needed to spruce the place up a bit. Over the next couple of weeks she bought a used van and she and her mother collected things for the apartment above the shop.

Slowly, everything came together. They found letters that explained some of it. They met folks who had more information. Ronan found a letter in an abandoned safe that Margaret had left for Ciara. Ciara got caught up in the romance of it all and on an impulse quit her job. Her mother thought that was a poor idea, but it was done. Ciara was a lovely young woman and with some difficulty found herself in a romance. Her mother was blossoming under the new challenges and that was a good thing. It was a simple, but fun tale, in a charming Irish village, which turned out to have more people than Ciara had imagined. Enjoyable read.

I was invited to read The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #SusannaOLeary #TheSecretBookshopInIreland

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland is one of those stories that quietly wraps itself around your heart. From the moment Ciara steps into the wildflower‑framed, long‑abandoned bookshop she’s unexpectedly inherited, there’s a sense of magic—soft, slow, and deeply comforting. Susanne O’Leary captures that feeling beautifully.

Ciara is a wonderfully relatable heroine: stuck in a cramped Dublin flat, worn down by a job that drains more than it gives, and suddenly handed a legacy she never knew she was connected to. Watching her fall in love with Cherrywood, its people, and the dusty charm of Martha’s bookshop feels like being invited into a gentle second chance. The villagers are warm and quirky, the setting is lush and atmospheric, and the bookshop itself is a dream for anyone who’s ever believed stories can heal.

Ronan, the hazel‑eyed lawyer, adds a lovely romantic thread—never overpowering, just enough to give Ciara’s journey a spark of hope and possibility. Their chemistry is sweet, believable, and full of those quiet moments that make you smile.

The emotional turn in the story—the hidden letter, the heartbreaking family secret—gives the novel depth without losing its feel‑good heart. Ciara’s dilemma is genuinely moving, and O’Leary handles it with tenderness. It’s a story about choosing your path, even when the truth is painful, and trusting that love and community can help you rebuild.

Overall, this is a gorgeous, uplifting read full of charm, romance, and Irish atmosphere. Fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Rachel Hanna, and anyone who loves small‑town stories with big heart will adore it. I finished it feeling lighter, hopeful, and wishing Cherrywood were real.

With thanks to Susanne O'Leary, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland is the first exciting book in the Sisters of Cherrywood.
A young woman is shocked when receiving her daily post she opens it to learn she has inherited a house from someone she had never met.
A life changing event happens to a young woman and she visits the house and sees so much potential in it and her dog loves the area too.
The small town has declined in people living there and property value as the older folks living there have died off and no one younger wants to live there and improve the houses.
Through her solicitor she learns about the woman she has inherited the house from and her father's family history. I loved learning about the past lives of the characters she researched that lived in the small town many years ago. Their lives were not easy and tragedy paid them a visit more than once. At first I didn't like her mother's character she seemed to want to take control of her daughter's life but then she became more likable and was a big help to her daughter.
There may be a romance brewing but with several men seeming to be interested who will be the best fit?
I absolutely loved the idea of bringing the bookshop back to life in Cherrywood and there are several older characters who remembered how it was in the past and they are willing to help bring it back the way it was.
I also enjoyed getting to know the solicitor and his mother, both pleasant characters.
I greatly look forward to seeing how things are progressing in the next book and hopefully there will start to be a regeneration of the small town now. Excellent read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Doreen Montis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new series had a lot of potential. Ciara inherited a bookshop from a woman she did not know. The mystery and early parts of the book had a bit of a supernatural or eerie undertone, but gratefully, it did not continue in that direction.

One thing I frequently see in Susanne O’Leary’s books is a multigenerational cast with the older generation passing wisdom to the younger generation. For this reader, The Secret Bookshop in Ireland was missing that charm. Maureen, the mother, was my least favorite character. I felt the majority of the book was about bickering between the mother and daughter. Ciara was more mature. The mother kept sticking her nose in places she shouldn’t. Scenes between the two dragged and the bickering was repetitive..

The other issue I had was the introduction of characters and issues that were suddenly dropped. One case was Liz. She seemed like a major character in the beginning, then suddenly dropped and never mentioned again until the end. In the case of. Paul, he was originally against the opening of the bookstore and said the town would fight it, but suddenly, with no explanation, had a complete change of heart. Paul in the beginning of the book seemed like a totally different character than Paul in the end.

I did enjoy Ciara and Ronan, but their relationship was rushed. They only met a few times. It wasn’t as believable relationships in other books by O’Leary.

Overall, I am rating this one 3.5 stars. I am a regular reader and fan of Susanne O’Leary’s work. She is a must read author for me, but this one felt rushed and not a favorite.

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

Ciara, a distant relative of Martha, had never heard of the bookshop that her aunt owned. This charming bookshop, nestled in the quaint Ireland village, was a treasure trove of old books and timeless treasures. Eager to leave her job and cramped apartment in Dublin, Ciara eagerly accepted the inheritance and moved to Cherrywood Village.

As soon as she arrived, Ciara was captivated by the bookshop and the enchanting village it was situated in. However, her excitement was short-lived when she discovered an old letter on the top shelf of a bookcase. The letter revealed a devastating family secret from long ago, shattering her heart.

Determined to uncover the truth, Ciara embarked on a new adventure. She faced challenges and risks, all while risking losing her beloved bookshop. Her journey was filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Susanne O’Leary’s captivating story, “The Secret Bookshop in Ireland,” is a page-turner that will leave a lasting impact. From its stunning cover to the very last page, the book draws readers into Ciara’s world. Ciara’s likable and adventurous spirit shines through, as she courageously embraces a new chapter in her life.

This unputdownable novel has the power to break your heart, mend it, and leave you rooting for Ciara. I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing book that will resonate with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

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

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the first in a new series, the signs are excellent for the ones to follow, and I would be delighted to read more. It was immediately obvious that Susanne has a strong connection with the local area, and I soon felt at home. The term a sense of place is fitting, as I could almost hear the sounds of Dublin and then smell the fields and trees in Cherrywood.

I loved Ciara and her relationship with her mother. The loss of her father had created a strong bond between the two women, which was tested by Ciara’s inheritance. They didn’t always see eye to eye, but there was love and mutual respect despite her mother’s reservations regarding Ciara’s life choices.

Ronan was lovely, reserved and studious; he brought a gentle calm to the story. I must say, I was invested in the potential for a romance with Ciara and enjoyed seeing their connection grow, but it was their friendship that truly captured my imagination.

I don’t include spoilers in my reviews, so I won’t go into detail about the findings at the bookshop. However, I can promise readers a rich vein of community, secrets and found family. This is a gentle story which absolutely drew me in. A welcome change of pace and a wholly satisfying conclusion. I’ll be back for more.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not a surprise that Irish author Susanne O'Leary has more than 30 books to her credit. What’s not to love about romantic novels set in a country that inspires so many romantic notions? O’Leary’s latest, The Secret Bookshop in Ireland celebrates both the quiet countryside of tiny forgotten village, Cherrywood, in County Wicklow and the plucky Irish spirit of Ciara, her mom and Ciara’s rescue Irish Wolfhound named Brian Boru who travel from their homes in Dublin to a bookshop/house that Ciara has mysteriously inherited from a stranger named, Martha, who may or may not have been related to Ciara’s father. There is a subplot about Irish adoptions and Magdalene laundries that follows this query. Although the setting and eclectic small-town characters may change, this novel is not dissimilar to what seems to have become an entire genre of bookstore books. This negates O’Leary’s efforts at building suspense re: whether the plucky Dubliner will save the bookstore and the will-they, won’t-they between Ciara and potential love interest, Ronan, who first contacts her about the inheritance. That said, sometimes it’s nice to sit down with a sweet book that pays homage to classic literature and envelopes the reader in Irish country gardens. 📚📚📚🇮🇪Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC.

[Chantal Agapiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story about a small mystery that I’ll change the female main character’s life.

We follow a young woman from Dublin who lives a kind of method, almost boring life.
A job she doesn’t enjoy doing, no lover, but Brian Boru who’s her big furry baby.

The story drops the bomb as we start, Ciara gets notice of an inheritance from someone she doesn’t know.
When she arrives at the solicitor’s office she meets Ronan, which job is to find people’s heirs.
He’ll be the one to help her sort parts of the mystery out. The inheritance will drive her to a remote little village that will change her life.
Lucky for her she’ll also have her retired mother by her side to giver her some wisdom along the way.

We can’t plan everything in life, and if you go along with what life’s throws in front of you, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Taking a risk, following your intuition or heart as you’d say, will bring you to new people and new places.
And that’s a whole discovery on its own. What do you have to lose?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

[ShersBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland is a story filled with hope, second chances and the courage it takes to start over. For me, the absolute heart of this book is the relationship between Ciara and her mother. The author does a wonderful job of developing these two women and watching them pack up their lives to chase a dream in a fading town was incredibly endearing. Their bond is the true love story of the book.
Where the novel fell a bit short for me was the actual romantic subplot. Unlike the beautifully paced relationship between mother and daughter, the romance felt incredibly rushed, almost as if they blinked, kissed, and suddenly they were getting married. It lacked the depth and development needed to make it truly believable.
Overall, it's a lovely, cozy read for the mother-daughter dynamic and the charming setting, even if the romance didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy. The opinions are mine alone.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Secret Bookshop in Ireland.

Ciara gets an unexpected inheritance from someone she's never heard from. Initially thinking this is a joke being played on her by a co-worker, she soon realizes that this is no joke, and she has inherited both property and a cash settlement. Ciara has a decision to make. Leave her home for this property, or stay in her secure job, comfortable home, remaining close to her mom.

This was a nice story, though I didn't find myself getting very invested in the characters or their stories. I felt there could have been more information given wth regard to the residents of the village and their implied secrecy and privacy. I did enjoy the background and scenery depictions. Sounds like a town I'd love to visit. Overall a low key, enjoyable, easy read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC! The Secret Bookshop in Ireland was a charming and cozy read with a lovely Irish setting. While the story was somewhat predictable, the pacing kept me engaged and made for a quick and enjoyable read.

I enjoyed the characters and the various relationships throughout the story, although some of the misunderstandings between the main characters were mildly frustrating at times. I also found myself wishing that some of the secondary storylines had been explored a little more.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and I’m glad I read it. It wasn’t a standout read for me, but it was a sweet and entertaining story, and I can see why readers looking for a cozy Irish setting and a feel-good story would enjoy it. I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series, but I’m happy I gave this one a chance.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little read. I just couldn’t put it down and found myself smiling my way through it.

I’ve not read anything by Susanne O’Leary before, but the book title and synopsis immediately grabbed my attention.

It was well written, and the storyline easy to follow. I loved all the characters; they were adorable, and I could relate to Ciara and her mother’s relationship. The setting of the back of beyond Ireland is simply idyllic.

I found it a really heartwarming story, one of new beginnings and finding love when you least expect it. I loved the added depth and mystery of Ciara being left the bookshop by someone unknown to her and taking that leap of faith into something new and discovering more about her past.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book by Susan was O'Leary, having read several of her other books set in Ireland some time ago.

This is the first in a series set in Cherrywood, Ireland and is about a young woman who inherits bookshop from someone she did not know. The story isn't just about her finding out her heritage of how she is related to the person who left her the bookshop; it's also about her rebuilding a relationship with her widowed mother and also about finding someone to love herself.

I loved the book and cannot wait until the next book is released.

If you like books that feature strong characters and romance set in Ireland, then try another of this authors books. I've loved each one I have read.

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.

It was an interesting read for sure, short so you can finish it in a day.

The story is pretty predictable but enjoyable.

There were few issues (I think tighter editing could fix these)
- repetitions of dialogue (I felt like I was re reading the same things)
- the ending was too faced in comparison to the book
- unsolved mystery who has the key to the house

What I enjoyed:
- the relationship between Maureen and Ciara
- Ronan's journey
- Brian Boru

Overall it was a fun read and I am looking forward reading next instalments of the series.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Bookshop in Ireland is a story of connection, mysteries, family surprises and second chances. Ciara inherits a closed bookshop she sees the opportunity for a second chance. This is a character to pull for, especially as she begins to discover secrets that could affect her inheritance. With supporting characters who are friendly and welcoming along with one special man who could become more than a village friend, Ciara has much to enjoy in her new life but also much to question. One thing is for sure, the truth will be revealing for all. I could not help but hope for the best for Ciara as I read. The Secret Bookshop in Ireland is a compelling read by Susanne O'Leary.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy to discover a new author with this wonderful book! Not only is it a sweet romance between characters you'll love that'll make you smile while reading, the family mystery is gripping and I found myself setting down the book to try to solve it along with the main character, Ciara. She slowly unravels the secrets of her family's past in such an exciting way.

Of course, the best character award goes to Brian, the most loveable Irish Wolfhound. I'll have to check out the author's other series next.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Ciara, who inherits a bookshop from someone she doesn't even know. She goes to the lawyer Ronan and finds out where it is and decides to rent a car and goes to see it. Ronan meets her there. Follow on her journey when she goes back with her mother to figure out what she is going to do and what she finds out. Everyone in Cherrywood is glad she is there. She has so many decisions, does she mone there and open the bookshop.? What does her mother think ? Does she find out her relationship to Marge, who left it to her. A VERY GOOD READ.

[Wendy Keenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy of this book! I very much enjoyed the premise of this book and thought it had a lot of potential, but it fell a little flat for me. It seemed like the story was very rushed. There wasn't much for character building and the main characters seemed to fall in love very quickly without really even getting to know each other... they were just suddenly together. I felt somewhat unfulfilled as the grandfather's identity was never revealed and it is unclear if they are cousins. Who was cleaning up the bookshop? That was never explained (I honestly thought there was going to be some supernatural element brought in). Because I found the character development somewhat lacking, I also didn't feel the relationships between the characters were fully revealed. I like the idea of the bookshop being the start of rebuilding this small remote town and the start of a cozy place for more stories to take place, but it fell a little short in making me want to come back for more. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy of this book!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read from the author of one of my favourite series. This time a new series set in Cherrywood in Wicklow.
Ciara is happy enough with her life in Dublin. With her sensible pensionable job, her home by the sea in Malahide, and her faithful Irish wolfhound Brian Boru. Happy that is until out of the blue her world is turned upside down by a totally unexpected inheritance.
A lovely quick read that’s predicable and all the more enjoyable because of it.
The perfect light summer read and the start to what I’m sure will become another favourite series.

[Sarah J Stebbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 (between good and very good)

After my last read I decided on a short palate cleanser read and this is one of my favorite authors for that. Overall, I enjoyed this book and, while there was slight misdirection I could have done without, the romance was sweet. I do hope subsequent books maybe pick up on the mystery threads left in this one. All in all there was enough information found in this book to be satisfying, but I just admit I hope maybe more comes in future books. I guess time will tell.

[Besan Fawaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this early readers copy of the Secret Bookshop in Ireland. A story of long lost family, a surprise inheritance and a sweet love story sprinkled in between. This was a sweet story that took us on a journey through Ireland (from Dublin to Cherrywood). Ciara’s inspirational journey discovering her dream and desire for something new. This was an easy read and perfect for me in between my thrillers, because it still had a bit of mystery with a lot of heart!

[jamison o'sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc of this upcoming release!

What a lovely read! You know I'll pick up anything about Ireland, and of course I had to download this one right before my near-annual summer trip to the island. This didn't disappoint! The imagery was so good and you did really feel like you were there (although I suppose reading while on Iarnród Éireann certainly helps to set the scene). I loved Ciara and Ronan so much and loved how their story developed.

[Rogue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very cute. A little slow moving. But intriguing enough to keep my attention. I mean who wouldn’t love an inheritance of a house and bookshop in Ireland! 🙋🏽‍♀️I liked that the book had a bit of everything, mystery , romance and everything ended happily ever after. As far as the slower pace of it goes , I feel like it just need a bit of a youthful feel to be better. I don’t mean a younger character, just less old fashioned language maybe.