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Starlight Cottages #3
The Lost Promise of Ireland
A completely gorgeous story about lost loves and small-town secrets that will sweep you away to the Irish coast.
Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.
But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.
Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected. Will Maggie finally find a true love who can sweep her off her feet or will this holiday in Sandy Cove be her last?
Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.
But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.
Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected. Will Maggie finally find a true love who can sweep her off her feet or will this holiday in Sandy Cove be her last?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2021
2771 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Susanne O'Leary
57 books380 followersSusanne 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 22, 2023
Review coming soon.
December 22, 2021
This is the third book I have read by Susanne O'Leary set in Sandy Cove featuring the Starlight Cottages. It's a series though it can be read as a standalone.
Maggie spots an advert for a holiday rental in Ireland, and it just happens to be the very same coastguard cottage that her family had owned for several years and where they enjoyed some wonderful holidays, spending time on the beach or climbing the hills near the houses. Maggie is in her late forties and is going through a break-up with her significant other, Dermot who cheated on her after 22 years when he fell in love with someone else. A summer at the seaside is just the tonic she needs.
Sandy Cove is a place where there is a great community and friendship in all quarters. Endearing characters are trying to find their way through their life situations. The story dances the reader smoothly through love, oodles of drama, soupcons of mystery and second chances set amidst the backdrop of a gorgeous coastline. A wonderfully fulfilling, highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Maggie spots an advert for a holiday rental in Ireland, and it just happens to be the very same coastguard cottage that her family had owned for several years and where they enjoyed some wonderful holidays, spending time on the beach or climbing the hills near the houses. Maggie is in her late forties and is going through a break-up with her significant other, Dermot who cheated on her after 22 years when he fell in love with someone else. A summer at the seaside is just the tonic she needs.
Sandy Cove is a place where there is a great community and friendship in all quarters. Endearing characters are trying to find their way through their life situations. The story dances the reader smoothly through love, oodles of drama, soupcons of mystery and second chances set amidst the backdrop of a gorgeous coastline. A wonderfully fulfilling, highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 20, 2021
A fairly decent escapist novel. Not much romance at all. Maggie isn’t the brightest bulb, pretty obvious things seem to confuse her. Overall the book didn’t flow well to me.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
March 5, 2025
The Lost Promise of Ireland
3.5 ✨
3.5 ✨
December 24, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Lost Promise Of Ireland' by Susanne O'Leary.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Susanne O'Leary , Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th December 2021.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Starlight Cottages' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'The Lost Girls Of Ireland' which is the first book in the 'Starlight Cottages' series and the second book 'The Lost Secret Of Ireland' which is the second book in the 'Starlight Cottages' series and both can also be read as a standalone and which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'For fans of Debbie Macomber, Sheila O’Flanagan and Mary Alice Monroe.' I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Susanne O'Leary and if this is half as good as 'The Lost Girls Of Ireland' and 'The Lost Secret Of Ireland' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 23 chapters and an epilogue The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Ireland 🇮🇪 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Ireland is even better as I have been on holiday in Ireland many times so may even recognise some places Emma has set the book around.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist is Maggie Ryan. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Well done Susanne you have done it again!!!! OMG! OMG!! I cannot remember the last time I was so gutted to come to the end of a book!! I absolutely fell in love and it genuinely felt like I was packing my bags and being whisked away from my Irish holiday when I read the last page. Absolutely gorgeous!!!
The book is so well written with its stunning and vivid descriptions that I genuinely felt that I was standing with Maggie throughout feeling the Irish breeze in my hair and smelling the ocean. The synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.
Although this book is the third in a series it can be read as a standalone with no problems. In fact I never came across anything in the book that would make me think it was part of a series. The storyline was realistic and just beautiful. It starts off in such a sad place and from the rain a rainbow was born. I loved getting to know everyone on Sandy Cove and Starlight Cottages and enjoyed the atmosphere and my gorgeous surroundings. It genuinely felt like I was on holidays and after not having one for so long this was definitely the closest thing.
The storyline was filled with romance, stunning settings, love, secrets, deceit, friendship, community and family. It made me feel all bubbly inside and it had an air of mystery trying to work out what it was that a certain person was up to. There was plenty of laughter, hope, love and some tension and sadness mixed in. Absolutely everything you want in a romantic getaway. I loved the ending which is absolutely perfect and gives me yet another relationship to look forward to watching develop in your next book 🥂
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters were all solid, realistic and I loved that they all had their own unique personalities. Maggie, Ellie, Lydia and Sorcha are such strong and determined women, one who had to get over the ordeal of a break up and lost love and the other dealing with the a very overprotective and overwhelming mum in law to be. I love it when the protagonist is such a strong female lead being a woman myself it's great to see, having four was an extra bonus!!! Maggie is such an independent woman and it was beautiful to see her relationship with Ellie, Lydia and Sorcha and the way they supported each other through thick and thin. Rory and Brian well phew, what handsome and romantic men. It wasn't just the main characters that made this book but also all the neighbours too, I really enjoyed meeting them all. I enjoyed meeting Ellie, Lydia, Jason, Saskia and Rory again along with new faces such as Brian and Paul and continuing to see friendships and relationships grow and bonds develop and secrets revealed. Susanne portrayed Irish Country life perfectly and it was exactly the same when I went on holidays for a fortnight many years ago, the close knit community where everyone knew each other and was so helpful.
Susanne I fell in love with yet another of your heart warming, page turning and stunning books which took my heart away and left me gutted when my holiday ended. This is exactly why your on my favourite author list!! I have already added all your books on my wish lists and I cannot wait for my next Irish adventure!!! Please get these put on the big screen!!
Overall an absolutely stunning, heart warming romance that will have you heading off to Ireland in the blink of an eye.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks and just anyone and everyone whether you are looking to get away or for romance this is the book for you!!!
272 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheLostPromiseOfIreland #Bookouture #SusanneOLeary #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SusanneOLeary @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Lost Promise Of Ireland' by Susanne O'Leary.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Susanne O'Leary , Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th December 2021.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Starlight Cottages' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'The Lost Girls Of Ireland' which is the first book in the 'Starlight Cottages' series and the second book 'The Lost Secret Of Ireland' which is the second book in the 'Starlight Cottages' series and both can also be read as a standalone and which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'For fans of Debbie Macomber, Sheila O’Flanagan and Mary Alice Monroe.' I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Susanne O'Leary and if this is half as good as 'The Lost Girls Of Ireland' and 'The Lost Secret Of Ireland' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 23 chapters and an epilogue The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Ireland 🇮🇪 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Ireland is even better as I have been on holiday in Ireland many times so may even recognise some places Emma has set the book around.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist is Maggie Ryan. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Well done Susanne you have done it again!!!! OMG! OMG!! I cannot remember the last time I was so gutted to come to the end of a book!! I absolutely fell in love and it genuinely felt like I was packing my bags and being whisked away from my Irish holiday when I read the last page. Absolutely gorgeous!!!
The book is so well written with its stunning and vivid descriptions that I genuinely felt that I was standing with Maggie throughout feeling the Irish breeze in my hair and smelling the ocean. The synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.
Although this book is the third in a series it can be read as a standalone with no problems. In fact I never came across anything in the book that would make me think it was part of a series. The storyline was realistic and just beautiful. It starts off in such a sad place and from the rain a rainbow was born. I loved getting to know everyone on Sandy Cove and Starlight Cottages and enjoyed the atmosphere and my gorgeous surroundings. It genuinely felt like I was on holidays and after not having one for so long this was definitely the closest thing.
The storyline was filled with romance, stunning settings, love, secrets, deceit, friendship, community and family. It made me feel all bubbly inside and it had an air of mystery trying to work out what it was that a certain person was up to. There was plenty of laughter, hope, love and some tension and sadness mixed in. Absolutely everything you want in a romantic getaway. I loved the ending which is absolutely perfect and gives me yet another relationship to look forward to watching develop in your next book 🥂
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters were all solid, realistic and I loved that they all had their own unique personalities. Maggie, Ellie, Lydia and Sorcha are such strong and determined women, one who had to get over the ordeal of a break up and lost love and the other dealing with the a very overprotective and overwhelming mum in law to be. I love it when the protagonist is such a strong female lead being a woman myself it's great to see, having four was an extra bonus!!! Maggie is such an independent woman and it was beautiful to see her relationship with Ellie, Lydia and Sorcha and the way they supported each other through thick and thin. Rory and Brian well phew, what handsome and romantic men. It wasn't just the main characters that made this book but also all the neighbours too, I really enjoyed meeting them all. I enjoyed meeting Ellie, Lydia, Jason, Saskia and Rory again along with new faces such as Brian and Paul and continuing to see friendships and relationships grow and bonds develop and secrets revealed. Susanne portrayed Irish Country life perfectly and it was exactly the same when I went on holidays for a fortnight many years ago, the close knit community where everyone knew each other and was so helpful.
Susanne I fell in love with yet another of your heart warming, page turning and stunning books which took my heart away and left me gutted when my holiday ended. This is exactly why your on my favourite author list!! I have already added all your books on my wish lists and I cannot wait for my next Irish adventure!!! Please get these put on the big screen!!
Overall an absolutely stunning, heart warming romance that will have you heading off to Ireland in the blink of an eye.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks and just anyone and everyone whether you are looking to get away or for romance this is the book for you!!!
272 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheLostPromiseOfIreland #Bookouture #SusanneOLeary #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SusanneOLeary @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
December 17, 2021
Her family's old holiday home
Seems like a great place to return to roam
Reconnecting with friends from years gone by
How the summer time will fly!
The Starlight Cottages in Sandy Cove are where
Memories of childhood and first romance are there.
With Maggie's life upset, fate steps in to share
A chance to return and stay just there.
Will this be the second chance
For her first, teenage romance?
Or a chance to take a look anew
At someone she knew back then, too?
This is a delightful read set in a lively community, you'll see
Reconnecting with friends helps Maggie rethink what should be
With friends, romance, secrets and mystery
Along with a sense of deja vu and history.
An Irish story that's a gorgeous tale,
In a coastal setting where love will prevail.
It is a heartwarming, fun, inspirational book
At which I highly recommend you take a look.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Seems like a great place to return to roam
Reconnecting with friends from years gone by
How the summer time will fly!
The Starlight Cottages in Sandy Cove are where
Memories of childhood and first romance are there.
With Maggie's life upset, fate steps in to share
A chance to return and stay just there.
Will this be the second chance
For her first, teenage romance?
Or a chance to take a look anew
At someone she knew back then, too?
This is a delightful read set in a lively community, you'll see
Reconnecting with friends helps Maggie rethink what should be
With friends, romance, secrets and mystery
Along with a sense of deja vu and history.
An Irish story that's a gorgeous tale,
In a coastal setting where love will prevail.
It is a heartwarming, fun, inspirational book
At which I highly recommend you take a look.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
July 1, 2024
Back at the cottages with new characters and old familiars in a new twisty story. I wonder if everyone gets annoyed when “Their” accent is done wrong?
April 24, 2022
This is the third book in the Starlight Cottages series, a contemporary fiction story with community, friendship, new beginnings, romance and unwanted progress. It's a series that can be read as standalone stories as each book has different main characters. There are some recurring and familiar characters in each book, which ties them together as well as the setting. Maggie wants to go away for the summer and happens upon an advertisement to rent a cottage near Kerry. It just happens to be the same cottage her family used to own 30 years earlier and sold when she was a teen. Her marriage has broken up and this seems to be a perfect place to get away, yet see some familiar faces. She meets up with some old friends, as well as meeting up with Paul, the boy she had liked years ago, but they lost touch when he returned to the U.S. While in Sandy Cove she gets involved with a group trying to stop a large hotel being built on the bluff. Paul seems to be playing his cards close to the vest, what are his secrets and how will they affect Maggie?
Sandy Cove is a place where there is a great community and wonderful friendships. It was lovely to see how Maggie was welcomed back and quickly became part of the community. The characters were all well developed, realistic and I loved that they all had their own unique personalities and issues to deal with. Once again there are familiar characters from the earlier books. Maggie is an independent woman and I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Ellie, Lydia and Sorcha, as well as the way they supported each other. Paul and Brian, Sorcha's cousin, were both handsome men, who were vying for Maggie's attention, one who cared for her, and one who wanted something from her. I enjoyed reading how the community worked together to try and stop the hotel from being built and to see how different organizations work to save not only historic buildings, but also environmental endangered areas. My one issue was that Maggie seemed to be a bit oblivious to what was happening in her own budding relationships. I do enjoy Susanne O'Leary's descriptive writing that pulls me into the story and helps me to feel like I am there on the coast of Ireland. As in the first two books, Jennifer Fitzgerald does a wonderful job with the narration. Using tone, expression, accents and voices she made this an enjoyable listening experience.
Sandy Cove is a place where there is a great community and wonderful friendships. It was lovely to see how Maggie was welcomed back and quickly became part of the community. The characters were all well developed, realistic and I loved that they all had their own unique personalities and issues to deal with. Once again there are familiar characters from the earlier books. Maggie is an independent woman and I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Ellie, Lydia and Sorcha, as well as the way they supported each other. Paul and Brian, Sorcha's cousin, were both handsome men, who were vying for Maggie's attention, one who cared for her, and one who wanted something from her. I enjoyed reading how the community worked together to try and stop the hotel from being built and to see how different organizations work to save not only historic buildings, but also environmental endangered areas. My one issue was that Maggie seemed to be a bit oblivious to what was happening in her own budding relationships. I do enjoy Susanne O'Leary's descriptive writing that pulls me into the story and helps me to feel like I am there on the coast of Ireland. As in the first two books, Jennifer Fitzgerald does a wonderful job with the narration. Using tone, expression, accents and voices she made this an enjoyable listening experience.
December 30, 2021
In this heartwarming story by Susanne O'Leary, Maggie plans on spending her summer months in the village of Sandy Cove, Ireland. She has very fond memories of the lovely village and the time away will give her a chance to reboot. Her marriage has ended, and her children are out on her own. Maggie hopes that her time away will help to heal her heart.
When she spots old friend Sorcha, Maggie knows she made the right decision. The two hit it off as if their thirty years apart never happened. Maggie also sees Sorcha's cousin Brian again, who is now the village vet. But, who she really wants to see again is someone from America named Paul. When she was a teen the two grew very close and even wrote letters for quite a while. Will returning to Sandy Cove somehow make it possible for Maggie to truly go home again? To reawaken feelings of love for Paul?
Maggie truly begins to enjoy herself, especially when her teen love comes back in her life for a time. However, Maggie also finds herself drawn to Brian. Meanwhile, as a teacher, Maggie knows her summer months won't last forever.
This lovely story is rather light at romance as it explores Maggie and the discontent that led her to Sandy Cove. There is also a bit of drama about the village and its inhabitants. As this is the third book in a delightful series, I did enjoy the cameos from characters in previous books. However, as this is about Maggie, it would do very well as a standalone. Maggie was a true delight and I loved seeing her evolve in the pages of this well-written book.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book - and everything else I have read by this prolific author - is how she is so adept at pulling readers into her stories. I really felt like I was there with Maggie. Whether she was remembering the first time she stepped into the cottage where she would be spending her summer, or as she rekindled old friendships. Even with her trying to find that long-ago love. I also enjoyed the way the villagers all rallied about when it came to common goals. In all, this was a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read whatever comes next for Ms. O'Leary.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
When she spots old friend Sorcha, Maggie knows she made the right decision. The two hit it off as if their thirty years apart never happened. Maggie also sees Sorcha's cousin Brian again, who is now the village vet. But, who she really wants to see again is someone from America named Paul. When she was a teen the two grew very close and even wrote letters for quite a while. Will returning to Sandy Cove somehow make it possible for Maggie to truly go home again? To reawaken feelings of love for Paul?
Maggie truly begins to enjoy herself, especially when her teen love comes back in her life for a time. However, Maggie also finds herself drawn to Brian. Meanwhile, as a teacher, Maggie knows her summer months won't last forever.
This lovely story is rather light at romance as it explores Maggie and the discontent that led her to Sandy Cove. There is also a bit of drama about the village and its inhabitants. As this is the third book in a delightful series, I did enjoy the cameos from characters in previous books. However, as this is about Maggie, it would do very well as a standalone. Maggie was a true delight and I loved seeing her evolve in the pages of this well-written book.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book - and everything else I have read by this prolific author - is how she is so adept at pulling readers into her stories. I really felt like I was there with Maggie. Whether she was remembering the first time she stepped into the cottage where she would be spending her summer, or as she rekindled old friendships. Even with her trying to find that long-ago love. I also enjoyed the way the villagers all rallied about when it came to common goals. In all, this was a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read whatever comes next for Ms. O'Leary.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 22, 2022
~~~ I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
The Lost Promise of Ireland is the first book by Susanne O'Leary that I've read, which means I haven't read the other books in this series either... and I probably won't. This whole book was a struggle for me- I struggled to engage with the plot and to finish the book. The main character Maggie is recovering from a split with her partner after over 20 years and two kids together, so she returns to her childhood cottage for the summer to mend. There she reconnects with many old friends and a long lost boyfriend, which turns out to be a dud. But there's lots of good changes in her life resulting from this vacation and she ultimately finds what she's looking for. This book was just too tedious and boring for my taste, I suppose it had potential, it just didn't reach me. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but hey, you may find you like it, you never know.
The Lost Promise of Ireland is the first book by Susanne O'Leary that I've read, which means I haven't read the other books in this series either... and I probably won't. This whole book was a struggle for me- I struggled to engage with the plot and to finish the book. The main character Maggie is recovering from a split with her partner after over 20 years and two kids together, so she returns to her childhood cottage for the summer to mend. There she reconnects with many old friends and a long lost boyfriend, which turns out to be a dud. But there's lots of good changes in her life resulting from this vacation and she ultimately finds what she's looking for. This book was just too tedious and boring for my taste, I suppose it had potential, it just didn't reach me. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but hey, you may find you like it, you never know.
December 20, 2021
Maggie has been away from Sandy Cove for awhile but still remembers the wonderful summers she spent there when she was young. So when she finds out that her family’s old cottage is available, she decides to rent it for the summer. She is in much need of a vacation in order to move on from the man who recently broke her heart. Maggie was so happy to see her best-friend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in Sandy Cove. The three have a great time reminiscing as if it was yesterday. Maggie finds an old box hidden in the attic of the cottage full of the love letters she sent to an American boy she met one summer. They knew the would find each other again one day, and that day happens sooner then she expected. Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove for the summer. She is torn between her feelings for Brian and her long lost love. I felt like I was actually in Ireland, I could feel the coastal breeze from the Irish Sea upon my face. The wonderful description of the village will have you forgetting where you actually are. This phenomenal story will touch your heart and make you feel as if are part of Maggie’s close circle of friends. This series is an amazing escape that you are sure to cherish long after you finish reading the book. I absolutely loved this amazing addition to the series.
Thank you Susanne O’Leary for another wonderful installment to the Starlight Cottage series. This is one series I didn’t want to end, as I wanted to stay in Ireland for a while longer. I absolutely loved this story, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Susanne O’Leary for another wonderful installment to the Starlight Cottage series. This is one series I didn’t want to end, as I wanted to stay in Ireland for a while longer. I absolutely loved this story, and I highly recommend it.
November 30, 2021
So lovely, insightful and charming! This gem is another delightful satisfying read by Susanne O’Leary. I love curling up with her books and being transported to Ireland. Her stories make me feel happy, hopeful and uplifted. Her settings are always magical and well described and we get to visit them through the lives of her characters. She has a natural gift in giving us people we can relate to, those seeking fresh starts and ones that we would like to be friends with: to share a cup of tea and cake and to offer a helping hand—even point them in the right direction. But they don't need our help as through a great feel-good story design, they always find their way and resolve their issues, fulfil their dreams and experience the happy beginnings they desire under blue Irish skies.
Once again, in The Lost Promise of Ireland, we are quickly drawn into the story through Susanne’s smooth flowing writing style where we feel part of this quaint seaside community that is about to be threatened by a new company trying to move in and destroy the natural balance of things. Susanne taps into our secret thoughts and wishes of escaping to a place where life is simpler, purer and happier and we feel the urge to protect those winning attributes of Sandy Cove. For there are many with a tired spirit who long to explore the Irish seascape under the stars, on the beach, in the sun and to feel reborn. This gives our hearts a good airing through a whiff of salt air, reminding us of our own past experiences and the ‘what if scenarios’ if we also had the courage to launch out and follow our dreams. Where would they take us and what would we find? What fascinating and unusual people would we meet?
This novel is a little quieter than the previous ones in the series but no less moving. For it is a story of realisations and maturity. It explores, for the older person, the wish to go back to a favourite place of his/her youth where they felt happy and free. When they could conquer the world with their optimism and enthusiasm. When they were with an admirer that made them feel attractive and loved. This novel surveys all those things by allowing Maggie to do just that while raising the usual questions. Is the place the same? Will she find her old friends she has not seen in many years? Will they look different, act different or even recognise her? Will she recapture an old love that left her wounded and undone? Why did her American boyfriend promise to stay in touch and then drop off the face of the earth? Will she have a second chance to set things right and solve the mystery? Of course, everyone changes over time and nothing stays the same. For the experiences of life and the people we meet will influence us.
Maggie has been dealt a curve ball and the balance in her life has been challenged. The shock from her marriage break-up, leads her to seek out a soothing setting—one that is familiar and safe. She packs her car for a summer break and returns to the village of her teenage summers when her parents owned a cottage by the sea in Sandy Cove. What meets her there are some unexpected plots and developments. Romance is definitely part of the story’s fabric but there are surprises along the way. An old flame that disappeared reappears and a secret crush surfaces from the past. Maggie has much to sort out as she discovers everything is not as it seems and some people are definitely not who they appear to be, leaving her bewildered and at times at a loss and confused.
This novel is not so much about romantic fireworks but more like a full moon rising slowly and softly spilling across the sea—quiet, gentle but certain and secure. There are many familiar thoughts that an older individual (middle aged) can relate to and for those in long term relationships, plus mothers who fear losing their sons to ‘another woman’ and being forgotten. This story contains a box of letters that the new house owner finds and gives to its previous occupant. It opens a pandora’s box of memories for Maggie. Where will all this lead her?
I highly recommend this heart-felt story as I thoroughly enjoyed it. Book 3 of the Starlight Cottages series does not disappoint. Maggie is a very likeable character for she is sincere. And although she is a bit out of touch with what’s going on around her sometimes and occasionally naïve, this makes her very human for who hasn’t at one time or another been deceived by someone? It may seem that her greatest folly is her trusting nature but, at the end of the day, it becomes her greatest attribute when placed in the right hands and loved by the right heart. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC to review.
Once again, in The Lost Promise of Ireland, we are quickly drawn into the story through Susanne’s smooth flowing writing style where we feel part of this quaint seaside community that is about to be threatened by a new company trying to move in and destroy the natural balance of things. Susanne taps into our secret thoughts and wishes of escaping to a place where life is simpler, purer and happier and we feel the urge to protect those winning attributes of Sandy Cove. For there are many with a tired spirit who long to explore the Irish seascape under the stars, on the beach, in the sun and to feel reborn. This gives our hearts a good airing through a whiff of salt air, reminding us of our own past experiences and the ‘what if scenarios’ if we also had the courage to launch out and follow our dreams. Where would they take us and what would we find? What fascinating and unusual people would we meet?
This novel is a little quieter than the previous ones in the series but no less moving. For it is a story of realisations and maturity. It explores, for the older person, the wish to go back to a favourite place of his/her youth where they felt happy and free. When they could conquer the world with their optimism and enthusiasm. When they were with an admirer that made them feel attractive and loved. This novel surveys all those things by allowing Maggie to do just that while raising the usual questions. Is the place the same? Will she find her old friends she has not seen in many years? Will they look different, act different or even recognise her? Will she recapture an old love that left her wounded and undone? Why did her American boyfriend promise to stay in touch and then drop off the face of the earth? Will she have a second chance to set things right and solve the mystery? Of course, everyone changes over time and nothing stays the same. For the experiences of life and the people we meet will influence us.
Maggie has been dealt a curve ball and the balance in her life has been challenged. The shock from her marriage break-up, leads her to seek out a soothing setting—one that is familiar and safe. She packs her car for a summer break and returns to the village of her teenage summers when her parents owned a cottage by the sea in Sandy Cove. What meets her there are some unexpected plots and developments. Romance is definitely part of the story’s fabric but there are surprises along the way. An old flame that disappeared reappears and a secret crush surfaces from the past. Maggie has much to sort out as she discovers everything is not as it seems and some people are definitely not who they appear to be, leaving her bewildered and at times at a loss and confused.
This novel is not so much about romantic fireworks but more like a full moon rising slowly and softly spilling across the sea—quiet, gentle but certain and secure. There are many familiar thoughts that an older individual (middle aged) can relate to and for those in long term relationships, plus mothers who fear losing their sons to ‘another woman’ and being forgotten. This story contains a box of letters that the new house owner finds and gives to its previous occupant. It opens a pandora’s box of memories for Maggie. Where will all this lead her?
I highly recommend this heart-felt story as I thoroughly enjoyed it. Book 3 of the Starlight Cottages series does not disappoint. Maggie is a very likeable character for she is sincere. And although she is a bit out of touch with what’s going on around her sometimes and occasionally naïve, this makes her very human for who hasn’t at one time or another been deceived by someone? It may seem that her greatest folly is her trusting nature but, at the end of the day, it becomes her greatest attribute when placed in the right hands and loved by the right heart. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC to review.
January 12, 2022
The Last Promise of Ireland: Starlight Cottages Book 3 is by Susanne O’ Leary. It is set in Sandy Cove in County Kerry on the coast of Ireland. Her descriptions of the town are wonderful and depict the small towns along the coast perfectly. The characters are definitely like some of those you would meet if you were to go to Ireland yourself. As you read, you pickup the friendliness and authenticity of the people of Ireland as well as the uniqueness of the countryside.
When Maggie Ryan was a child, her family owned a cottage overlooking the sea where they spent their summers. They made their summer friends who also came back yearly or who were lucky enough to stay there year-round. However, they sold the cottage when Maggie was ready for college. Since then, Maggie had been in a twenty-three-year relationship with Dermot and had raised their two children. Then, one day, Dermot had told her he was leaving. He had fallen in love with someone else. Maggie was taken totally by surprise as nothing had ever been said about their being anything wrong between them. At least as he left, he had been the one to tell their children and had not left that for Maggie to do. That way, too, they were mad at their father, not her. Maggie had pressed on and had processed her way through the year. As she sat at her table pondering this, she was thumbing her way through a magazine and saw an ad for a house for rent in Sandy Cove. The house was the one her family had owned. After thinking about it, she made a reservation to rent the house for the summer. It would give her time to think some more and maybe to meet up with some of the kids she met while there. Maybe she would run into Paul O’Sullivan again. She could then find out why he had stopped writing her the winter he left. He had promised to write. Will Maggie find what she is looking for in Sandy Cove?
When Maggie Ryan was a child, her family owned a cottage overlooking the sea where they spent their summers. They made their summer friends who also came back yearly or who were lucky enough to stay there year-round. However, they sold the cottage when Maggie was ready for college. Since then, Maggie had been in a twenty-three-year relationship with Dermot and had raised their two children. Then, one day, Dermot had told her he was leaving. He had fallen in love with someone else. Maggie was taken totally by surprise as nothing had ever been said about their being anything wrong between them. At least as he left, he had been the one to tell their children and had not left that for Maggie to do. That way, too, they were mad at their father, not her. Maggie had pressed on and had processed her way through the year. As she sat at her table pondering this, she was thumbing her way through a magazine and saw an ad for a house for rent in Sandy Cove. The house was the one her family had owned. After thinking about it, she made a reservation to rent the house for the summer. It would give her time to think some more and maybe to meet up with some of the kids she met while there. Maybe she would run into Paul O’Sullivan again. She could then find out why he had stopped writing her the winter he left. He had promised to write. Will Maggie find what she is looking for in Sandy Cove?
December 31, 2021
Maggie Ryan is newly single and decides to revisit the past by renting a cottage in Sandy Cove that her parents owned thirty years ago. This stirs up nostaliga for a teen romancw she had with Paul which fizzled out when he went back to America and stopped writing to her. Can she find Paul or are some things better left in the past?
The Lost Promise of Ireland is a warm romance novel set in the beautiful Irish landscape of Sandy Cove which has featured in a number of Susanne O'Leary's other books. I have previously reviewed Dreams of Willow House, Daughters of Wild Rose Bay, Memories of Wild Rose Bay, Miracles in Wild Rose Bay, The Lost Girls of Ireland and The Lost Secret of Ireland.
The plot revolves around Maggie who is nursing a broken heart. Now in her 40s and single again, she wants to find some answers about her lost love Paul. By coinicidence he has also returned to Ireland and is looking for Maggie but with thirty years in between contact, will the pair rekindle their affection for each other?
Our sympathies are instantly with Maggie as she struggles to come to terms with the changes to her life. However she doesn't feel the joy she expects when she reunites with Paul. There is a twist which was fairly obvious but it was enjoyable to watch how the events of the plot unfold.
The descriptions are vivid and bring the characters and landscape to life. There is a warmth to the writing and the author obviously loves her stories, settings and characters. It was great to catch up with characters we have met in her previous books to see how their lives have developed.
The Lost Promise of Ireland is a richly descriptive and warmly toned novel about love and second chances.
The Lost Promise of Ireland is a warm romance novel set in the beautiful Irish landscape of Sandy Cove which has featured in a number of Susanne O'Leary's other books. I have previously reviewed Dreams of Willow House, Daughters of Wild Rose Bay, Memories of Wild Rose Bay, Miracles in Wild Rose Bay, The Lost Girls of Ireland and The Lost Secret of Ireland.
The plot revolves around Maggie who is nursing a broken heart. Now in her 40s and single again, she wants to find some answers about her lost love Paul. By coinicidence he has also returned to Ireland and is looking for Maggie but with thirty years in between contact, will the pair rekindle their affection for each other?
Our sympathies are instantly with Maggie as she struggles to come to terms with the changes to her life. However she doesn't feel the joy she expects when she reunites with Paul. There is a twist which was fairly obvious but it was enjoyable to watch how the events of the plot unfold.
The descriptions are vivid and bring the characters and landscape to life. There is a warmth to the writing and the author obviously loves her stories, settings and characters. It was great to catch up with characters we have met in her previous books to see how their lives have developed.
The Lost Promise of Ireland is a richly descriptive and warmly toned novel about love and second chances.
December 17, 2021
The Lost Promise of Ireland by Susanne O'Leary is another in a wonderful series of feel-good novels taking place in this mall area of Ireland. Not deep and literary, but always fun. Maggie was just scrolling through Facebook when she saw an ad for vacation rentals. There it was: the house her family had owned for eight years, right on the beach. It didn't take her long to decide to spend the summer there, no matter what the price. As it turned out, she could afford it. It would be perfect after the misery of the last year when her partner of 22 years and the father of the children left her for a younger woman. She couldn't wait until school (PE teacher) was out and she could leave. Upon arriving she found her best friend had taken over her parents' small grocery and turned it into a modern boutique grocery. It was like they'd never been apart. They talked about that summer and the young Irish -American man she had met on the train and fallen in love with. He had stopped writing and she never knew why. How she's life to find out.
This was an enjoyable story with plot twists that kept the reader reading. Maggie had been right. Coming back her was the right thing to do. She loved it here, as different as it was from when she had lived here before. The people were the same, just older, and some better. The ocean views were just as beautiful and there were plenty of things to do to keep herself busy. It was a lovely story. Full of good karma. I loved it. Keep it up, O'Leary!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of the Lost Promise of Ireland by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bookoutre #susanneoleary #thelostpromiseofireland
This was an enjoyable story with plot twists that kept the reader reading. Maggie had been right. Coming back her was the right thing to do. She loved it here, as different as it was from when she had lived here before. The people were the same, just older, and some better. The ocean views were just as beautiful and there were plenty of things to do to keep herself busy. It was a lovely story. Full of good karma. I loved it. Keep it up, O'Leary!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of the Lost Promise of Ireland by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bookoutre #susanneoleary #thelostpromiseofireland
December 19, 2021
THE LOST PROMISE OF IRELAND by SUSANNE O’LEARY.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheLostPromiseOfIreland by #SusanneO’Leary.
This is book three in the Starlight Cottages series. I have to confess I haven’t read the previous two books, but having enjoyed this one, I will be going back and catching up. I think it’s always best to read a series in order, but I was easily able to read this as a stand alone.
By pure chance, Maggie notices an advert for a holiday rental in Ireland, and it just happens to be the very same cottage that her family owned for some years and where they enjoyed happy holidays.
Having gone through the break up of her long term relationship, Maggie jumps at the chance to get away from it all.
Back in Sandy Cove, Maggie plans to take time to heal and work out where she goes next in life. She is also thrilled to pick up with old friends and maybe even reconnect with past loves.
Maggie is a very likeable character. Sometimes a little naive, but she has a kind heart. I’m always a fan of a book with a more mature lead character.
This book is about Maggie’s journey to rebuild her life. There is a little romance and lots of action in the village to keep you turning those pages.
Susanne O’Leary creates a fabulous setting for the book. Her beautiful writing draws you in and wraps itself around you.
This is definitely a feel good, heartwarming and uplifting story. It’s very cosy and sweet... You won't want to put it down.
Susanne O’leary is an author whose books I am very much looking forward to discovering more of.
The Lost Promise Of Ireland gets a warm and enjoyable 5 stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 2, 2025
Berührend und fesselnd zugleich
Das Schicksal ist eine Bitch, das war das erste was mir hierzu eingefallen ist.
Das Leben schreibt die unmöglichsten Geschichten, solche wie diese eben.
Klar, ein Roman – aber dennoch, könnte auch so im realen Leben geschehen.
Maggie, lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Sie weiß genau was sie tun muss um über die Trennung hinweg zu kommen. Dazu spielt ihr auch noch das Schicksal in die Hände.
Auszeit nehmen in einer Cottage die sie als junges Mädchen mit ihren Eltern im Sommer besucht hat. Die Vorfreude nach Irland zu reisen und vielleicht alte Bekannte / Freunde zu treffen, das spornt sie an, sich aufzuraffen und Mut zu schöpfen. Tatsächlich ist ihre Freundin Sorcha noch dort – ebenso deren Cousin, Brian, dem ortsansässigen Tierarzt . Maggie ist glücklich und genießt die Zeit neues und altes herauszufinden, ihre Gefühle zu sortieren und einfach das Leben genießen.
Wow, Maggie, dachte ich, was machst Du nun mit all den Gefühlen ? Wie fällt die Entscheidung am Ende für dich aus ?
Dieses Buch bescherte mir wunderschöne Lesestunden und kann gut als Einzelband gelesen werden.
Tiefgründiges mitten aus dem Leben… Das detaillierte Setting hat mir sehr gut gefallen
Dadurch war ich mittendrin statt nur dabei.
Fazit: Berührende Geschichte, die zu Herzen geht. Irland Liebe - ganz klar.
Klare Leseempfehlung von mir
Danke an NetGalley und Bookouture für dieses Rezensionsexemplar.
Was meine Meinung hier in keiner Weise beeinflusst hat.
Das Schicksal ist eine Bitch, das war das erste was mir hierzu eingefallen ist.
Das Leben schreibt die unmöglichsten Geschichten, solche wie diese eben.
Klar, ein Roman – aber dennoch, könnte auch so im realen Leben geschehen.
Maggie, lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Sie weiß genau was sie tun muss um über die Trennung hinweg zu kommen. Dazu spielt ihr auch noch das Schicksal in die Hände.
Auszeit nehmen in einer Cottage die sie als junges Mädchen mit ihren Eltern im Sommer besucht hat. Die Vorfreude nach Irland zu reisen und vielleicht alte Bekannte / Freunde zu treffen, das spornt sie an, sich aufzuraffen und Mut zu schöpfen. Tatsächlich ist ihre Freundin Sorcha noch dort – ebenso deren Cousin, Brian, dem ortsansässigen Tierarzt . Maggie ist glücklich und genießt die Zeit neues und altes herauszufinden, ihre Gefühle zu sortieren und einfach das Leben genießen.
Wow, Maggie, dachte ich, was machst Du nun mit all den Gefühlen ? Wie fällt die Entscheidung am Ende für dich aus ?
Dieses Buch bescherte mir wunderschöne Lesestunden und kann gut als Einzelband gelesen werden.
Tiefgründiges mitten aus dem Leben… Das detaillierte Setting hat mir sehr gut gefallen
Dadurch war ich mittendrin statt nur dabei.
Fazit: Berührende Geschichte, die zu Herzen geht. Irland Liebe - ganz klar.
Klare Leseempfehlung von mir
Danke an NetGalley und Bookouture für dieses Rezensionsexemplar.
Was meine Meinung hier in keiner Weise beeinflusst hat.
December 20, 2021
This is one of those ‘hug yourself’ books! Those stories that bring you comfort, whatever time of year it is, but makes it more meaningful in the run up to Christmas! And I found the story to be full of wonderful characters that made up a lovely community that you just wanted to be part of!
Maggie spots her old childhood family cottage up for rent, and makes a decision to move there for the Summer as she has nothing but good memories of the past. She’s looking to get herself back on track after a recent break up so this step back in time is hopefully going to be the reset she needs to get her spark back!
She notices a lot of changes in the area since she was last there, but the locals are all still very friendly and lots remember her from the past so she’s warmly welcomed home and soon finds herself involved in the daily goings on! She also unearths her old letters and diaries so that brings back fresh memories of her family growing up and her first love.
This was just so easy to read and to feel connection with the characters. In Maggie, there’s a woman who has been hurt but knows how the past can heal and she soon finds her strength again and support amongst those who knew her a long time ago. Then there is the power of community coming together when plans to change the local area forever threaten all they know and love.
This was a wonderfully warm read and the author has done another great job of creating a comforting story that is delightful to read!
Maggie spots her old childhood family cottage up for rent, and makes a decision to move there for the Summer as she has nothing but good memories of the past. She’s looking to get herself back on track after a recent break up so this step back in time is hopefully going to be the reset she needs to get her spark back!
She notices a lot of changes in the area since she was last there, but the locals are all still very friendly and lots remember her from the past so she’s warmly welcomed home and soon finds herself involved in the daily goings on! She also unearths her old letters and diaries so that brings back fresh memories of her family growing up and her first love.
This was just so easy to read and to feel connection with the characters. In Maggie, there’s a woman who has been hurt but knows how the past can heal and she soon finds her strength again and support amongst those who knew her a long time ago. Then there is the power of community coming together when plans to change the local area forever threaten all they know and love.
This was a wonderfully warm read and the author has done another great job of creating a comforting story that is delightful to read!
October 26, 2022
The third book in the series is again about a resident of one of the cottages. Slightly predictable.
"Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.
But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.
Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected." synopsis copied
"Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.
But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.
Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected." synopsis copied
March 3, 2024
Once again, we are swept away to the beautiful south-west of Ireland. This is the third book in the Starlight Cottages series.
You'll be swept away to the beautiful Irish coast.
Though this contemporary is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone because each book has different main characters, but we visit with familiar characters from past books in the series.
Maggie's family lived in a cottage here thirty years ago and it just so happens to be empty at this time. After a breakup she's so happy to be able to come back "home." It's surprising to her that some of her old friends are still living here. In the attic of her old cottage, she finds love letters from an old love from America. When she is reunited with her teenaged love will things be able to go back to the way they were and what'll happen when she finds out he's been hiding secrets from her? The author's writing is very descriptive. Maggie's pretty oblivious in her relationships not realizing how much someone cares for her and the secrets being kept from her.
Such a heartwarming read about reunions and happy memories.
Pub Date 17 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
You'll be swept away to the beautiful Irish coast.
Though this contemporary is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone because each book has different main characters, but we visit with familiar characters from past books in the series.
Maggie's family lived in a cottage here thirty years ago and it just so happens to be empty at this time. After a breakup she's so happy to be able to come back "home." It's surprising to her that some of her old friends are still living here. In the attic of her old cottage, she finds love letters from an old love from America. When she is reunited with her teenaged love will things be able to go back to the way they were and what'll happen when she finds out he's been hiding secrets from her? The author's writing is very descriptive. Maggie's pretty oblivious in her relationships not realizing how much someone cares for her and the secrets being kept from her.
Such a heartwarming read about reunions and happy memories.
Pub Date 17 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 17, 2021
I love the storytelling by this author!
Time and again she takes us back to Sandy Cove where life is great. Of course a small village means everybody knows when you have or have not done something, but on the other hand they are always happy to help out when needed.
Do you ever forget about your first love? I don’t think it’s possible. It’s the first time you have been touched so deeply and often hurt deeply as well, but somehow their name is written in your mind and heart forever. You would love to see them again and you keep asking yourself why and where it went wrong.
Does our main character Maggie will get a second chance to connect again and find what she always has dreamed of? Will she finally get closure or does Cupid has something else in mind?
A lovely story about what you knew and what you find out now can be as far apart as possible or is this the moment your eyes will open and you see what you should have seen?
I loved being back in this lovely seaside village. I cannot wait to go back again and meet all this great people again. 5 stars
Thank you, Susanne O’Leary and Bookouture
Time and again she takes us back to Sandy Cove where life is great. Of course a small village means everybody knows when you have or have not done something, but on the other hand they are always happy to help out when needed.
Do you ever forget about your first love? I don’t think it’s possible. It’s the first time you have been touched so deeply and often hurt deeply as well, but somehow their name is written in your mind and heart forever. You would love to see them again and you keep asking yourself why and where it went wrong.
Does our main character Maggie will get a second chance to connect again and find what she always has dreamed of? Will she finally get closure or does Cupid has something else in mind?
A lovely story about what you knew and what you find out now can be as far apart as possible or is this the moment your eyes will open and you see what you should have seen?
I loved being back in this lovely seaside village. I cannot wait to go back again and meet all this great people again. 5 stars
Thank you, Susanne O’Leary and Bookouture
November 24, 2021
I have to confess this is not the kind of book I usually read. In the beginning I really liked Maggie and thought she deserved a happy ending. However, throughout the book, Maggie just seemed oblivious to the things around her. She never seemed to catch what was going on unless someone else spelled it out to her, she also was a pushover.
I understand Maggie wanted to catch up with old friends and acquaintances, but after some times of her repeating the things she had been doing for the 30 past years it got tiring. Besides talking to her old (and new) friends, nothing much happened in the book for the first 60% of the book.
Highlights: the setting, it seems to be a place I’d like to go. Also, Susanne is a talented writer, but this story didn’t work for me. I’m sure it’ll work for people who like clean slow-paced romances.
My copy of this book was provided from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I understand Maggie wanted to catch up with old friends and acquaintances, but after some times of her repeating the things she had been doing for the 30 past years it got tiring. Besides talking to her old (and new) friends, nothing much happened in the book for the first 60% of the book.
Highlights: the setting, it seems to be a place I’d like to go. Also, Susanne is a talented writer, but this story didn’t work for me. I’m sure it’ll work for people who like clean slow-paced romances.
My copy of this book was provided from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
November 27, 2021
The story
Maggie is in her late 40’s. She has recently split from her partner Dermot and her two children are grown up and living their own lives. When she spots that the rural seaside cottage that her parents owned when she was young is to rent, she decides to rent it for the three month school summer holidays when she is on leave from her Phys Ed teaching job. Will being back at the Starlight Cottage bring her peace and happiness again?
My thoughts
This is the third book in the series but is quite separate to the first two stories. I had to look them up on Goodreads now to be sure I had read the second one 😉. This is a poignant story of re-visiting your teens and old loves, and how people can change, or maybe your perception of them is different through the lens of time. I am usually a sucker for stories set in rural Ireland.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Maggie is in her late 40’s. She has recently split from her partner Dermot and her two children are grown up and living their own lives. When she spots that the rural seaside cottage that her parents owned when she was young is to rent, she decides to rent it for the three month school summer holidays when she is on leave from her Phys Ed teaching job. Will being back at the Starlight Cottage bring her peace and happiness again?
My thoughts
This is the third book in the series but is quite separate to the first two stories. I had to look them up on Goodreads now to be sure I had read the second one 😉. This is a poignant story of re-visiting your teens and old loves, and how people can change, or maybe your perception of them is different through the lens of time. I am usually a sucker for stories set in rural Ireland.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
December 16, 2021
The Lost Promise of Ireland by Susanne O'Leary is the third book in the Starlight Cottages Series. A wonderful story about going back to a place that has memories for a lifetime but also given an opportunity to make new memories or better yet a needed life change. Maggie is in need of being reminded of a happier time in her life but also that change too after a surprise and hurtful end to a relationship.
Easy to read story that has a slower flow as Maggie goes back to stay at a childhood summer rental. Remembering an old sweetheart may lead her to find another. There are some twists and surprises in this story as Maggie returns to Sandy Cove for the summer break. For certain it helps her to move on in her life. This is a realistic story of mature adults.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Easy to read story that has a slower flow as Maggie goes back to stay at a childhood summer rental. Remembering an old sweetheart may lead her to find another. There are some twists and surprises in this story as Maggie returns to Sandy Cove for the summer break. For certain it helps her to move on in her life. This is a realistic story of mature adults.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 24, 2021
This is a book in a series, all set in Sandy Cove, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Maggie is a woman of middle years, who is at a bit of a loose end. Her long-term relationship has ended unexpectedly and her children are living independent lives of their own. When she sees that one of the Starlight Cottages is up for rent, it seems like fate, as her family owned that exact same cottage when she was a child, right up until her teens. She also has a lovely memory of an American teenager whom she had a little romance with at the time.
So, Maggie moves into her cottage and she also reconnects with various friends from her early life, most of whom she hasn't seen in 30 years. There is also a fella whom she has a bit of chemistry with, but should she be??
I found this a sweet, light romance. It was an easy read, which is just what I wanted right now.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Maggie is a woman of middle years, who is at a bit of a loose end. Her long-term relationship has ended unexpectedly and her children are living independent lives of their own. When she sees that one of the Starlight Cottages is up for rent, it seems like fate, as her family owned that exact same cottage when she was a child, right up until her teens. She also has a lovely memory of an American teenager whom she had a little romance with at the time.
So, Maggie moves into her cottage and she also reconnects with various friends from her early life, most of whom she hasn't seen in 30 years. There is also a fella whom she has a bit of chemistry with, but should she be??
I found this a sweet, light romance. It was an easy read, which is just what I wanted right now.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
January 20, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Lost Promise of Ireland" in exchange for my honest review.
This is book 3 in the Starlight Cottages series. Once again we are visiting Sandy Cove, the Coastguard Station in County Kerry and most of the characters will be familiar to the reader from previous books. Jason/Lydia, Saskia and Ella/Rory who all live in the Starlight Cottages.
Maggie is a PE teacher in Dublin and she has just gone through a breakup with her partner of 22 years. They have 2 grown kids Orla and Jim. She sees an ad for the cottage that her family owned when she was between the ages of 8 and 18. She decides to rent it for the summer and reconnect with the friends that she had back then. She also happens upon her first love that she met on the train when she was 18. She soon learns that some things should stay in the past. She also learns that some times true love is right there you just have to be open to it.
This is book 3 in the Starlight Cottages series. Once again we are visiting Sandy Cove, the Coastguard Station in County Kerry and most of the characters will be familiar to the reader from previous books. Jason/Lydia, Saskia and Ella/Rory who all live in the Starlight Cottages.
Maggie is a PE teacher in Dublin and she has just gone through a breakup with her partner of 22 years. They have 2 grown kids Orla and Jim. She sees an ad for the cottage that her family owned when she was between the ages of 8 and 18. She decides to rent it for the summer and reconnect with the friends that she had back then. She also happens upon her first love that she met on the train when she was 18. She soon learns that some things should stay in the past. She also learns that some times true love is right there you just have to be open to it.
December 6, 2021
The Last Promise of Ireland, although part of a series can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book.
It is a cosy and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed getting to know Maggie Ryan as she tries to heal following the end of her 22 year relationship by escaping to her childhood holiday village and reconnecting with old friends.
Maggie immerses herself into village life and reconnecting with friends from 30 years ago.
She even manages to track down an old flame - will Paul be the man of her dreams?
Sandy Cove sounds like such an idyllic place to live and visit and is described so well in the book.
Maggie ends up with more on her plate than she first thought as she discovers everything is not as it seems and some people are definitely not who they appear to be.
I found Maggie to be a very likeable character although quite naïve and I was rooting for her.
It is a cosy and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed getting to know Maggie Ryan as she tries to heal following the end of her 22 year relationship by escaping to her childhood holiday village and reconnecting with old friends.
Maggie immerses herself into village life and reconnecting with friends from 30 years ago.
She even manages to track down an old flame - will Paul be the man of her dreams?
Sandy Cove sounds like such an idyllic place to live and visit and is described so well in the book.
Maggie ends up with more on her plate than she first thought as she discovers everything is not as it seems and some people are definitely not who they appear to be.
I found Maggie to be a very likeable character although quite naïve and I was rooting for her.
November 4, 2024
I really have enjoyed Susanne O’Learys Starlight Cottage series. I received the first one on a whim as Christmas gift as it’s a dream of mine to visit Ireland. I love that these books allow me to escape the hustle and bustle of my days into a small charming town with a beach or mountains, a pub and good friends.
I love that each book includes characters from other books but the main character changes. I enjoyed the storyline of this book, however I thought it ended rather abruptly. There was closure, so you aren’t left wondering but I did feel a bit of whiplash in the last 2 chapters.
Overall — would recommend! Though there were some indications of what was to come, it wasn’t blatantly obvious like some romance story lines can be.
I love that each book includes characters from other books but the main character changes. I enjoyed the storyline of this book, however I thought it ended rather abruptly. There was closure, so you aren’t left wondering but I did feel a bit of whiplash in the last 2 chapters.
Overall — would recommend! Though there were some indications of what was to come, it wasn’t blatantly obvious like some romance story lines can be.
October 23, 2025
A beautifully written, heartwarming story set along the stunning Irish coast. Even as my first Susanne O’Leary book, I fell in love with her writing style and the vibrant, close-knit community she’s created. Maggie, Ellie, Lydia, and Sorcha are strong, relatable women, and their friendship gives this story such depth and joy. With romance, secrets, and gorgeous Irish scenery, this is the perfect feel-good escape. Four stars and a definite recommendation for fans of Debbie Macomber and Sheila O’Flanagan!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for giving me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for giving me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2021
The lost promise of Ireland by Susanne O'Leary.
Starlight Cottages Book 3.
Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
A lovely feel good read. I loved Maggies character. I also liked Brian and Sorcha. I loved the ending. Beautiful. 5*.
Starlight Cottages Book 3.
Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.
A lovely feel good read. I loved Maggies character. I also liked Brian and Sorcha. I loved the ending. Beautiful. 5*.
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