Ann O'Loughlin

Emma Wilson left England in hopes escaping to Ireland would put enough distance from her past. She chose the village of Killcawley and felt excited and relieved to gain employment working for Judith McCarthy at Killcawley Estate. Judith had her quirks, but she was kind, and kindness was welcome after Emma’s most recent experiences. However, Judith’s son Miles, who is calling from New York, challenges Emma’s presence in Judith’s life. Little did Emma or Miles realize that more significant challenges were ahead, which would cause Judith, Miles, and Emma to risk everything they held most dear.

Meaningful second chances are only one of the many aspects I love within this story. The story acknowledges that women can be competitive with one another, but it beautifully illustrates the magical bond that women can share in friendship, in times of joy and times of sorrow, accepting and complementing each other’s personalities, strengthening one another, inspiring one another, and loving one another.

The atmospheric writing immersed me in the setting of the estate grounds, the village, and all the activities. The description that touched my heart the most was Emma’s remembrance of sky-walking and beginning to enjoy it again on the estate. I loved her mother’s advice about clouds as I’ve always loved clouds, but never more during a shared joyful experience on a trip abroad with my mother. Some days, I look at the sky, and for a moment, I remember with gratitude.

Thank you to Ann O’Loughlin, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.… (mais)

A heartbreaking and heartwarming book in turns will have you reaching for the tissues and make you smile!
Cora’s life was everything she ever wanted, she had the man of her dreams in Jack, but sadly all dreams come to an end. Not only has she lost the love of her life, she has also lost the life that she thought she had when Jack dies suddenly, but not just that, he dies with his secret wife in the car.
Was her whole relationship with Jack a lie? How could he possibly have been married without her knowing? Cora needs answers but her beloved Jack is no longer able to give her what she so desperately needs.
As she travels to Dublin, Ireland, in search of answers she meets Jacks neighbours and falls in love with the house and the complete change in lifestyle from New York. As she begins to piece together the past and her broken heart she decides to stay in Ireland, except she discovers that where the house and gardens are are being set up for redevelopment.
Joining her new found friends they are determined to save De Courcy Square and her beloved Jacks home.
There are several storylines running throughout this book but are all intertwined creating a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the entire book.
The atmosphere and plot line of the book draws you in and you cannot help but become invested in Cora’s life. I would love to see a sequel to this book as I would love to be transported back into De Courcy Square and Cora’s world.
A beautiful book that transports you from New York to Dublin, filled with the most wonderful characters and story that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned!
… (mais)

Surprised by death!

I’ll be frank. Yes, I did tear up at certain parts in this tale. How could I not?
Katie Williams’s partner of six years dies in a subway shooting. Katie had asked Harry to take an Uber but roadworks made the journey too time consuming. Harry had ended his life in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The reading of the Will has Katie, and Harry’s ex wife and business partner Maggie, discovering that all the money has gone. Harry had secretly bought a place in Ireland that they knew nothing about. Kilcashel House in Wicklow County.
To inherit they must both go to Ireland and live at Kilcashel Housefor ten months. What they find is an empty, half renovated mansion on the sea, with a life tenant occupying the gate lodge. Anna Walker is a somewhat grumpy woman who wants them gone.
Both women have been screwed over by Harry. Katie’s passion is baking. She was to have opened a Bagel Bakery in Manhattan. Maggie is an experienced marketer who could sell pearls to an oyster. She and Harry had maintained their business relationship successfully after divorcing.
The story of these two disparate women settling into the community has its moments. More than enough! They become part of the community as time goes on.
For all that the Irish House pulled at my heartstrings, I found things just a little too contrived and coincidental which ends up predictably where you were channeled.
A reasonable story but I found Her Husband’s Secret a much stronger, less forced read.

A Bookouture ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.… (mais)

Surprised by death!

What do you do when you find your partner of ten years has died in a car crash, accompanied by a woman who’s supposedly his wife, and that he’s left you a house in Ireland you knew nothing about.
Cora Gartland, a talented artist couldn’t believe that Jack, her partner of ten years was gone. In a daze of grief she flys to Ireland with nothing but her handbag and credit cards to discover more.
What she finds is that this gorgeous man led a double life and that a couple of years ago he’d married another woman in Ireland, and yet in his will left Cora their house. What!
Cora is devastated and in shock.
She inhabits the house situated on a square with a private park for residents. A park under threat of developers. A park the residents must fight for. Cora joins them. She tells no-one about her true relationship with Jack.
A story with so many twists I was completely drawn in.
An unusual story that left me wondering. The residents around the park are like a big family. Some quirky, some with hidden troubles, others shut off.
Cora finds herself somehow in this turbulent time.
A story I could not put down.

A Bookouture ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.… (mais)