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Old Castle Secrets
Three generations of heartbreak. One chance to heal old wounds.
“I never want to see you again!” Khrista didn’t believe her daughter when Kaelyn stormed out of her life five years ago. But every day since, Kaelyn’s angry words have echoed in Khrista’s mind, even as she tries to hide the truth from her chosen family—the community that raised her. Finding solace in her preschool classroom by day and her whisky by night, Khrista is forced to confront her pride and her problems when someone from her past brings news that threatens to drive her deeper into the danger zone.
Kaelyn loves the life she built—doting husband, dream home by the beach, and a baby on the way. But when her long-lost grandmother contacts her out of the blue, life feels off-kilter. She’s eager to have a blood relation to love, but meeting her grandmother again uncovers painful feelings about her own mother she keeps buried.
Estranged from her daughter and granddaughter for over twenty years, Daisy hasn’t had an easy life. But with the death of her abusive husband, she’s determined to start living. Step one: find her granddaughter, whom she hasn’t seen since Kaelyn was five. Maybe a reunion with Kaelyn will lead to mending fences with Khrista, too, and allow Daisy to rectify all the wrongs and fix everything before it’s too late.
Join the O’Donnell women on their quest for forgiveness and family and love.
“I never want to see you again!” Khrista didn’t believe her daughter when Kaelyn stormed out of her life five years ago. But every day since, Kaelyn’s angry words have echoed in Khrista’s mind, even as she tries to hide the truth from her chosen family—the community that raised her. Finding solace in her preschool classroom by day and her whisky by night, Khrista is forced to confront her pride and her problems when someone from her past brings news that threatens to drive her deeper into the danger zone.
Kaelyn loves the life she built—doting husband, dream home by the beach, and a baby on the way. But when her long-lost grandmother contacts her out of the blue, life feels off-kilter. She’s eager to have a blood relation to love, but meeting her grandmother again uncovers painful feelings about her own mother she keeps buried.
Estranged from her daughter and granddaughter for over twenty years, Daisy hasn’t had an easy life. But with the death of her abusive husband, she’s determined to start living. Step one: find her granddaughter, whom she hasn’t seen since Kaelyn was five. Maybe a reunion with Kaelyn will lead to mending fences with Khrista, too, and allow Daisy to rectify all the wrongs and fix everything before it’s too late.
Join the O’Donnell women on their quest for forgiveness and family and love.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
470 people are currently reading
3599 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 26, 2022
The Happil-Tea Ever After Series and it is definitely a must read. This story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as three generations of women try to reconcile their lasts from all the hurt that has been caused
March 26, 2022
This story was such an interesting take on character perspective and development. Each character had their own "story" and truth, and seeing how those stories played either with or against the other was fascinating as a third party peeking in on their lives and struggles. I would find myself resonating with one lady and then holding on tight as I knew she was getting ready to do the wrong thing with the right intentions! The book was truly thought-provoking for me, and I appreciated the author's exploration of this kind of character development. I enjoyed the journey and look forward to the next in the series.
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March 6, 2022A women's fiction novel about three generations of women who try to find their way back to one another after years of estrangement and hurt.
This is a multigenerational story told from the alternating points of view of Khrista, age 50, Kaelyn, age 25, and Daisy, age 70.
They've all done things they regret, and some of them are more eager to fix the past than others.
This is an emotional family drama set on a quirky fictional island off the coast of southern New Hampshire, USA. The anchoring point is the Happil-TEA Ever After Tea Room, with its matriarchal owner, easy ocean access, and the best tea anyone has ever had.
This is a multigenerational story told from the alternating points of view of Khrista, age 50, Kaelyn, age 25, and Daisy, age 70.
They've all done things they regret, and some of them are more eager to fix the past than others.
This is an emotional family drama set on a quirky fictional island off the coast of southern New Hampshire, USA. The anchoring point is the Happil-TEA Ever After Tea Room, with its matriarchal owner, easy ocean access, and the best tea anyone has ever had.
February 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Overall a good story with a lot of dysfunctional characters. However, I really couldn't relate to anyone because I don't know anyone with an abusive spouse, any alcoholism or a fairytale
marriage. The ending was predictable. I went into it blind and thought the title meant it was about castles. Well, I was wrong... Old Castle is a place. Would have been if it was about an Old Castle 🏰!!
Onto better books 📚!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
Overall a good story with a lot of dysfunctional characters. However, I really couldn't relate to anyone because I don't know anyone with an abusive spouse, any alcoholism or a fairytale
marriage. The ending was predictable. I went into it blind and thought the title meant it was about castles. Well, I was wrong... Old Castle is a place. Would have been if it was about an Old Castle 🏰!!
Onto better books 📚!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
April 19, 2022
All. The. Feels.
Keep your hanky handy when you delve into this multi-generational story of spiraling family trauma. Seventy-year-old Daisy couldn't shelter her daughter, Khrista, from the abuse, so Khrista ran away from home as a teenager into her own damaging relationship with her daughter, Kaelyn, who ran away from home as a teenager to avoid her mother's terrible parenting and rampant alcoholism. And now that Kaelyn is pregnant with her first baby, fears and doubts about her own ability to parent are turning her into a miserable person. Her kind, loving husband believes making amends with her mom will help, but Kaelyn is too angry to even consider it. Daisy wants to make amends with her own daughter, Khrista, who is too angry to even consider it.
This emotional page-turner will wrap you up in family damage and drama and make you crave for them to fix what's broken.
Five hanky rating!
Keep your hanky handy when you delve into this multi-generational story of spiraling family trauma. Seventy-year-old Daisy couldn't shelter her daughter, Khrista, from the abuse, so Khrista ran away from home as a teenager into her own damaging relationship with her daughter, Kaelyn, who ran away from home as a teenager to avoid her mother's terrible parenting and rampant alcoholism. And now that Kaelyn is pregnant with her first baby, fears and doubts about her own ability to parent are turning her into a miserable person. Her kind, loving husband believes making amends with her mom will help, but Kaelyn is too angry to even consider it. Daisy wants to make amends with her own daughter, Khrista, who is too angry to even consider it.
This emotional page-turner will wrap you up in family damage and drama and make you crave for them to fix what's broken.
Five hanky rating!
May 13, 2022
This is book one in The Happil-Tea Ever After Series and it is definitely a must read. Wow this story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as three generations of women try to reconcile their lasts from all the hurt that has been caused. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and I couldn't put it down even when I cried so much that everything became a blur but I still had to keep turning the pages as it was so addictive and I needed to see what would happen next and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. This is the first book that I have read by Amanda Faire but definitely not the last as it was so well written and definitely worth reading.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
April 25, 2022
OMG- right now, all I can say is WOW. The depth of characters and the storyline is outstanding. Abuse, estrangement, reconciliation, tears- what more do you want me to say. From 70 year old Daisy, 50 year old Krista, and Kaelyn- all very well developed characters, each with their own struggles from their past and each trying to deal with their past in the present. So very well written- definitely keep the Kleenex close. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the Old Castle series by Amanda Daire….
May 2, 2022
Daisy ran away from her parents home as a young girl. Daisy’s daughter, Khrista, left her as a teenager saying she never wanted to see her again. Khrista’s daughter, Kaelyn, also fled her mother’s home and said she never wanted to see her again. Each of these women were emotionally and physically abused by their parents in different ways. Each one feeling they couldn’t forgive their mother, yet felt the pain of not being in contact with their daughter. Kaelyn is pregnant and wants to break the cycle though she’s part of it. This is a novel of complicated lives, misunderstandings, judgements, forgiveness and starting over. There are lessons included that can be applied in the readers experiences.
April 21, 2022
A new author to me , I really enjoyed this story about 3 women who are dealing with their past mistakes they each have made. After Daisy’s abusive husband dies, she sells her home and starts on a journey to find her estranged family, her daughter and her granddaughter whom she has not seen in 20 years. After learning how to use social media, Daisy locates her granddaughter Kaelyn, who is married and is soon to be a mom. Daisy learns that her daughter, Khrista and Kaelyn have not spoken to each other in 5 years. Will she be able to locate and get the forgiveness she so desperately wants from her daughter? Will Khrista and Kaelyn reunite?
A story of forgiveness and family and love.
A story of forgiveness and family and love.
April 2, 2022
This book had me flipping the pages from the beginning. Khrista, Kaelyn, and Daisy are all related, but estranged. We get each woman’s thoughts and the mistakes they feel they’ve made. I have to say my least favorite of the women was Khrista. I won’t leave any spoilers as to why I decided this, so grab your copy and see if one of the other women tops her in your least favorite list. I will say that I enjoyed this book and the wonderful characters we get to meet. I will definitely read more from this author. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I am so glad I did. I've found a new author to follow!
April 4, 2022
I enjoyed the journey the characters took, the way they learned from their pasts and grew. The characters are strong, and the story-telling is engaging. I’m definitely going to re-read this one.
October 24, 2022
Tissue Alert
Just a warning to have a few junkies or box of tissues handy. Tears of sympathy and tears of joy abound. You feel you know each of these women and connect with them. Would love to go to the tea Rom to enjoy the tea and the company.
Just a warning to have a few junkies or box of tissues handy. Tears of sympathy and tears of joy abound. You feel you know each of these women and connect with them. Would love to go to the tea Rom to enjoy the tea and the company.
May 15, 2022
A highly engaging story that encompasses mother & daughter relationships and how dysfunction can cross generations. Issues of neglect, abuse, alcoholism, and domestic violence are brought to light and their impact on families. It is also a story of healing and working through the pain and emotions to find hope for the future. Heartwarming and impactful. Looking forward to the next one.
May 17, 2022
A moving generational tale of three women finding their way back to each other. Very enjoyable and I seriously wish there was a tea room nearby!
April 5, 2022
What a wonderful story of multi generations over coming heartache to reunite. I loved all the characters, flaws and all. One of the best books I’ve read.
April 9, 2022
This book instantly pulled me in with the familial relationships. It made me delve into my own mother/daughter relationship. This book brought out strong feelings (both happy and frustrated) with the characters and how they interacted with each other. I highly recommend it.
December 9, 2022
Interesting As Well As Enlightening
Great story of women’s lives! So many things that come from those exposed to abusive treatment of women! The children that suffer and know no other way of life but hate what they go through without help from the parent being abused. It’s generational in it’s domination as is shown in three women in the same family!
The book gave inside to the abused, the alcoholic and bitterness.
Great story of women’s lives! So many things that come from those exposed to abusive treatment of women! The children that suffer and know no other way of life but hate what they go through without help from the parent being abused. It’s generational in it’s domination as is shown in three women in the same family!
The book gave inside to the abused, the alcoholic and bitterness.
November 6, 2022
Love it
In the last few chapters, I would advise having some tissue. Because you're gonna be crying that is that is how good this book is.
In the last few chapters, I would advise having some tissue. Because you're gonna be crying that is that is how good this book is.
May 11, 2022
Wonderfully written story of 3 generations of mother/daughter strained relationships brought close to the edge and sewn together once again. This is the first book I have read by Amanda Daire and she has made her way up the list of my favorite authors. Wonderfully written story of 3 generations of mother/daughter strained relationships brought close to the edge and sewn together once again. This is the first book I have read by Amanda Daire and she has made her way up the list of my favorite authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
Is there any hope?
I must confess that at first I had difficulty following the individual characters. Nevertheless, this dsysfunctional family began to make attempts to reunite after years of being separated. Is it possible for this troubled family to begin to face the ugliness of their past and walk into a new future? The stakes were high, but you'll see what happens as you unfold the pages of this beautiful story.
I must confess that at first I had difficulty following the individual characters. Nevertheless, this dsysfunctional family began to make attempts to reunite after years of being separated. Is it possible for this troubled family to begin to face the ugliness of their past and walk into a new future? The stakes were high, but you'll see what happens as you unfold the pages of this beautiful story.
January 23, 2023
Well written heart 💜 gripping.
This book is about a woman's struggle with alcoholism and the struggles she faces alone. Her daughter hasn't spoken to her for 4 years, because of complications due to her
alcoholism.
This book is about a woman's struggle with alcoholism and the struggles she faces alone. Her daughter hasn't spoken to her for 4 years, because of complications due to her
alcoholism.
February 21, 2023
Good book
I normally read murder mystery books, so this was a change for me, but I really liked it. It’s a three generational book about things that can happen, and the misunderstandings of the people that are involved. All in all, it was a good book, and written very well.
I normally read murder mystery books, so this was a change for me, but I really liked it. It’s a three generational book about things that can happen, and the misunderstandings of the people that are involved. All in all, it was a good book, and written very well.
April 16, 2023
Wow. What an emotional roller coaster! Beautiful story of family and redemption.
March 3, 2023
A Good Read
Three generations of a family, but due to making bad decisions they are estranged, until one day Daisy, decides to contact her granddaughter. This goes well, so she decides to bring her daughter Khrista into the mix, but her daughter, Kaelyn, cannot forgive her mum for her upbringing. It takes much time, patience and soul searching if they are to come together and let the past go. This was a good read and I hope to read the next in the series.
Three generations of a family, but due to making bad decisions they are estranged, until one day Daisy, decides to contact her granddaughter. This goes well, so she decides to bring her daughter Khrista into the mix, but her daughter, Kaelyn, cannot forgive her mum for her upbringing. It takes much time, patience and soul searching if they are to come together and let the past go. This was a good read and I hope to read the next in the series.
August 17, 2024
This was a very dark & sad book featuring three generations of battered women. All who raised daughters the best they could. Even though the book has an HEA, it featured drinking and abuses throughout. I did finish the book, but chose not to get a free offer at the end.
November 17, 2025
Trials, tribulations, and triumphs
Good story, sympathetic characters.
I felt like I've read a version this story before, but can't find it recorded in my Goodreads account. But, I kept reading and wasn't disappointed.
Good story, sympathetic characters.
I felt like I've read a version this story before, but can't find it recorded in my Goodreads account. But, I kept reading and wasn't disappointed.
November 19, 2022
2 or 3 stars? Not my type of book, but went with 3 because it was pretty well written.
December 5, 2022
I did not finish because I didn't like the story.
September 1, 2024
Good
I am glad I read this book! The insight into each character is wonderful with a lot of work for some and love from others! It all fits and reads smoothly!
I am glad I read this book! The insight into each character is wonderful with a lot of work for some and love from others! It all fits and reads smoothly!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews