‘I couldn’t put this down! Absolutely delightful!… Great read on a rainy day or a vacation read!!!! Loved this!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 starsA heartwarming and moving story about secrets, fresh starts and the power of friendship, set in the wilds of Ireland’s shores.Maeve McKenna is on the verge of a breakdown. Having worked herself into the ground as a sought-after interior designer in London, … sought-after interior designer in London, she’s in desperate need of a vacation.
Philomena Duffy is a little lonely. After losing her husband, their crumbling mansion, Willow House, feels awfully empty.
With the rugged shores of Ireland calling, Maeve visits her aunt Philomena in Sandy Cove, where she once, as a teenager, kissed a wild, mysterious boy – a kiss she has never been able to forget. The beautiful night’s sky is dotted with stars as far as the eye can see, and Maeve is worlds away from her chaotic life in the city.
As Maeve throws herself into restoring Willow House to its former glory, a deep friendship with Philomena begins to blossom. Surrounded by the faded walls and peeling carpets of the old mansion, together they stumble across a secret that turns their family upside down.
All the while, she can’t stop thinking about the enigmatic boy from her past, and that magical kiss… Is he still in Sandy Cove?
Just as she’s beginning to feel at home, reality calls. Part of Maeve can’t bear to leave Willow House and its rocky beach. Does she have the courage to leave the security of her old life behind, and put down new roots in Sandy Cove, or is that just a daydream?
Fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe will fall head over heels for this stunning read.
Readers are absolutely loving Secrets of Willow House:
‘What a wonderful read this was!… The definition of feel-good – reading it felt like sunshine… The first ‘feel-good’ novel I’ve read this year that actually made me feel good… I just couldn’t put it away.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Excellent… A totally captivating book from the first page, I laughed out loud at many parts and shed a few tears in others, a real hug in a book.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Loved this! So many emotional twists I couldn’t put this down! Absolutely delightful!… Great read on a rainy day or a vacation read!!!!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Lovely!!!… A memorable and lovable cast of characters, a wonderful old house by the sea and Ireland. What’s not to love?!’ NetGalley Reviewer
‘Oh, this was a lovely story… A lovely vacation read with plenty of heart and opportunity, choices and chances, and lots of laughter and healing, make this a book that is hard to put down and harder to forget. Grab this for an escape into places that everyone wants: timeless, accepting and supportive, with heart, laughter and love, sure to put a smile on your face.’ I Am, Indeed
‘A great summer read… This book will put you right in the mood for the Irish scenic countryside… If you enjoy heartwarming romances like Cathy Bramley, you’ll enjoy this book!’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘This book is exactly what the cover and title promise: a beautiful house and a better beach… You can almost feel the sea air when you read this book. Perfect vacation fare.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘A story of family, love and the relationships that bring it all together… Read this wonderful book and find out! A book for a rainy day. Guaranteed enjoyable.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I loved my time spent at Willow House… Another enchanting read from Susanne O’Leary and I’m delighted to learn it is the start of a series. I can’t wait to return to Sandy Cove.’ Rachel’s Random Reads, 5 starsmore
Secrets of Willow House by author Susanne O’Leary was delightful! Maeve is a very successful interior designer who works long hours for a very demanding boss. She loves her job, so it doesn’t seem to be a problem until she hits burn-out. Maeve is suffering from exhaustion and needs a vacation. She decides to visit her sister in Ireland and then go to a childhood refuge in Sandy Cove. Willow House will be waiting for her along with her much loved Aunt Phil. He Uncle joe died the previous year and Maeve knows it is time to go back and spend a couple of weeks with her grieving aunt. There is a bit of mystery thrown into the story along with some romance. Secrets of Willow House has the perfect mix of angst, mystery, love and family drama to make this a wonderful book.
I didn’t want to leave the characters when I finished the book.
I liked the book but the ending was too perfect for me. The Aunt is very wise but that doesn’t change how the world works for most people.
Good book for a comfy read by the fire.
I really enjoyed this one and looking forward to the 2nd in the series. Interesting characters and I wasn’t sure how it would end.
I have the three books in this series and loved every one!
Lighthouse on the cover is always a good start for me……and this book does not disappoint. As the title suggestions….lots of secrets, leading to lots of twists. I really enjoyed this book. Love the small town of Sandy Cove and can’t wait for more. It’s a new author for me but I can’t wait to track down other books by Susanne O’Leary.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I loved Secrets of Willow House and the sequel, Sisters of Willow House by Susanne O’Leary. Set in beautiful, remote Ireland, the setting is beautiful, the characters appealing, the stories sweetly romantic, and I always enjoy fixing up old houses with secrets stories.
Light, enjoyable read.
Secrets of Willow House is the first book in a new series by Susanne O’Leary. Interior designer Maeve McKenna relocated to London from Dublin after a very bad breakup. She has worked her way to the top levels in Ava McDonald’s upscale design firm. But she has worked herself to the point of exhaustion. In fact, her doctor has told her she must take time off to regroup or pay the health consequences.
Although Ava does so grudgingly, she relents and gives Maeve two wee off. Maeve decides to spend the majority of the time with her Aunt Philomena in Sandy Cove, part of the Kerry Ring in Ireland.
Being back at Willow House where she and her sister, Roisin, had spent their summers while they were growing up, it quite bittersweet. Her Uncle Joe passed a little over a year ago and she finds her aunt in a dilapidated home sitting atop a lovely cliff. In helping her aunt find joy and purpose, the most amazing things happen for them both. Aunt Phil finds new purpose and Maeve finds a very different direction.
This was a lovely book, just the beginning of a very promising series by Susanne O’Leary. With rich characters, lovely scenery, and a wonderful place to discover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!