The Secrets of De Courcy Square

by Ann O'Loughlin

What if your life was built on a lie...?

When Cora Gartland learns that her husband has been killed in a car crash in Ireland her world falls apart. But then she is told that there was a woman in the car with him, a woman identified as his wife Amelie.

Devastated, she flies to Dublin to try to make sense of her husband's secret life. As she grieves, she must learn to survive, and to do that she must find the truth. What else has he been keeping from her and how will she survive this betrayal...?

Praise for Ann's writing:

'The Ludlow Ladies' Society brought me to a beautiful place and into a circle of friends that I didn't want to leave. Unputdownable' KATE KERRIGAN

'It's a heart-warming story ... but also an addictive page-turner with plenty of unexpected twists and reveals in store' READER'S DIGEST

'A moving tale of loss, love and redemption' BELLA MAGAZINE

'Deftly written, moving and courageous' THE SUNDAY TIMES

'Slow-marching, romantic prose draws us into an old world that is rustic, genteel, quaint...[but] scandals lie in wait' IRISH INDEPENDENT

'Highly engaging debut you will want to dive into' SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, IRELAND

'A lovely story of two women with the courage to confront the injustices of the past, bringing light to a dark corner of Ireland s recent history' KATHLEEN MACMAHON, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THIS IS HOW IT ENDS

Genres: Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2021

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok read, it got boring in places and the story seem to drag on about nothing, I gave this book 2 stars

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this... An easy read. Intriguing start, lost its way a bit in the middle, then lots happened at the end. The initial story (husband's death and discovered affair) was the more interesting and perhaps was under developed. It gave way to another story (the square garden and lost and found love). But I enjoyed it and felt it had a satisfying ending.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Ann O’Loughlin’s An Ocean Between Us, American, Cora Gartland is rocked to her core when long-term partner, Jack is killed in a road accident in Ireland. However, her grief quickly turns to confusion and anger when the woman who dies alongside him is identified as his wife, Amelia. Cora flies to Dublin to try to make sense of Jack’s betrayal, and the remainder of the novel focuses on her arrival in De Courcy Square.

Running alongside Cora’s experience is a gentle story of Lily and her lost love, as well as the day-to-day issues concerning busy-body, Gladys. References to the meaning of flowers are sprinkled throughout, which I enjoyed.

A story of loss and redemption, An Ocean Between Us begins as an intriguing mystery but then focuses on Lily’s story, when I longed for Cora to reclaim centre stage. Even through the subject matter is sad, O’Loughlin adds warmth and neighbourliness which transforms the novel into a feel-good read.

[Mummalovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story combines the lives of two women brought together in a city square in Dublin; De Courey Square.

Lily a wealthy Dublin born widow who has lived in the square her entire life now in her later years, she’s finding freedom since the death of her bad tempered controlling husband.

American Cora who has been brought to Dublin by the death of her partner Jack of ten years who is killed in a car crash. Jacks death reveals a secret life and a house in De Courey Square that Cora inherits.

When the two women become neighbours they build a friendship whilst both their pasts and stories unravel.

Full of twists and uncovered secrets, a really enjoyable read.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read all of Ann's books it comes as such a delight when she brings out a new one and I was certainly not disappointed with an ocean between us.
Cora having lived all her life in America is suddenly exposed to a situation far greater that she has ever known in her life.
The ladies of De courcy square welcome her, a friendship that will last a life time.
Fatastic writing plot and time line pull you into this OUTSTANDING book worthy of more stars than I can give
A Truemaster piece.

[Vickie Taylor-Edwards · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn’t say it was the worst book I’ve ever read but I really didn’t like it. There were too many plot lines and in fact the story of Amelia, Jack and Cora was hardly mentioned for most of the book. The inconsistencies with the plot and the unrealistic way the characters spoke meant it was frustrating and I almost gave up on it.

[Molly · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - couldn’t get invested in the story/characters. The writing style was confusing, with transitions being missed which made it hard to understand when people were moving. Dialogue also seemed very unnatural.

[Nancy Cormier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets of De Courcy Square by Ann O'Loughlin is an intriguing story. Cora Gartland's partner, Jack, is killed in a car crash. With his wife driving. Who is this woman? What is this other life? Cora needs to find the truth about Jack in order to move on.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book by my favourite Irish author. Please note, this book may also be titled 'An Ocean Between Us' in some editions.

[Kylie Lerwill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pleasant enough but a bit boring , some typos throughout also.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good-feel read set in Ireland.

[Christine Hartridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy read with easy storyline

[Lorraine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dipped in and out of this book bit finally finished and I really enjoyed it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and the storyline. I did however struggle with some of the characters and the ages they were supposed to be as they weren't written how I'd expect them to

[Janet Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting. Loved the characters and the story that entwined 💕

[Night-Mere · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story.

[Brid Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice easy read. Enjoyed the story as it unfolded. The weather seemed to be sunny all the time. A feel good book.