DESCRIPTION:
The young woman gazes at the Irish sea for the final time, a careful hand on her stomach. She will do anything to keep her unborn daughter safe, even if it means leaving this gorgeous house forever...
Becky gazes at the name of the village in her mother’s will: Orchid Bay, Ireland. It sounds like a magical place, so why did she never mention she owned a house there? Desperate to feel close to her mother again, Becky decides to escape her life in New York and travel to the wild Irish coast with her teenage daughter, Jen.
When she arrives, she finds peeling paint and a garden overgrown with wildflowers. Becky knows her mother would have wanted her to breathe new life into this house by the sea. And when local chef Ben, with his warm grey eyes, lilting Irish accent and kind smile, volunteers to help, they begin to renovate the house. And as they work together, Becky feels her heart slowly mending…
But before she can imagine a new life in the place that has captured her heart, Becky finds an old envelope lodged behind a painting. In the crinkled pages, she learns about doomed romances by the Irish sea and a pregnant daughter who was driven from the town in shame. Becky’s heart breaks as she thinks of her own daughter. But could this tragic love story explain why her mother kept this house a secret?
When Becky finally uncovers the connection between the letter and her family, it devastates her. Will the truth tear apart the happiness she has found? Or will she and her daughter finally be able to make a home with a new community here in this beautiful place?
An utterly emotional and page-turning read bursting with Irish magic, perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Mary Alice Monroe.
Becky gazes at the name of the village in her mother’s will: Orchid Bay, Ireland. It sounds like a magical place, so why did she never mention she owned a house there? Desperate to feel close to her mother again, Becky decides to escape her life in New York and travel to the wild Irish coast with her teenage daughter, Jen.
When she arrives, she finds peeling paint and a garden overgrown with wildflowers. Becky knows her mother would have wanted her to breathe new life into this house by the sea. And when local chef Ben, with his warm grey eyes, lilting Irish accent and kind smile, volunteers to help, they begin to renovate the house. And as they work together, Becky feels her heart slowly mending…
But before she can imagine a new life in the place that has captured her heart, Becky finds an old envelope lodged behind a painting. In the crinkled pages, she learns about doomed romances by the Irish sea and a pregnant daughter who was driven from the town in shame. Becky’s heart breaks as she thinks of her own daughter. But could this tragic love story explain why her mother kept this house a secret?
When Becky finally uncovers the connection between the letter and her family, it devastates her. Will the truth tear apart the happiness she has found? Or will she and her daughter finally be able to make a home with a new community here in this beautiful place?
An utterly emotional and page-turning read bursting with Irish magic, perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Mary Alice Monroe.
BUY LINK:
Amazon: https://geni.us/
MY THOUGHTS:
Author: Ann O’Loughlin
Publisher: Bookouture
Series: Orchid Bay, Book #1
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 363
Date of Publication: October 2, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
In this captivating story by Ann O’Loughlin, life in Manhattan was getting harder and harder for Becky. Despite doing the best to give her daughter Jen the best life possible, finances were becoming increasingly difficult to control. Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Becky was just trying to hold things together.
Among her mother’s things Becky discovers a key to a house in Ireland. They were New Yorkers, so why did her mother possess the key, a key that went to an address there in Ireland? Before she could stop herself, Becky decides to pack things up and headed to Coolnamona House in Orchid Bay with Jen. This sudden move could be the beginning of a new life for both Becky and Jen. However, something more is waiting for Becky once she arrives.
Becky has found a series of letters. While reading these letters, the pieces of a puzzle begin to form a picture. This was all while unraveling a mystery. Sorting that could have the potential to shape her future. But it soon becomes clear that Becky is really in need of another sort of healing. Not just because of finances. Not just because of grief. But because of a painfully tragic experience that life across the world might help her to forget.
Becky and Jen find a mixed bag of company when they arrive. Becky meets a kind chef named Ben and Jen meets his son. There a warmth that is felt nearly right away. This proves to be a blessing, because that house, that inheritance Becky gained after finding that key, also introduced people that weren’t so happy with her sudden appearance in their village.
This story features relatable characters, particular Jen, who clearly showed resilience and support. Becky, as her mother, could definitely decide to give her own life a reset. I admire Jen’s unwavering support for her mother and the strong bond they share. As a mother to three girls (and boys), I can relate to the complexities of their relationship. I appreciate how the story allows me to connect with it on a personal level, even when the circumstances don’t mirror my own. Ms. O’Loughlin’s compelling writing makes the story truly resonate with me. I eagerly anticipate reading her next book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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