Member Reviews

The Girl With the Irish Secret is a captivating novel and while it is the third in the Magnolia Manor series, it is perfectly enjoyable as a stndalone (if you are like me however, this book will hook you in to the point of adding the entire series to your tbr) The aesthetics and environment is captured beautifully with a flowing and eclectic writing style that is equally easy to read and utterly compelling.

There are many characters, each one colourful and brought to life by an excellent descriptive narrative which weaves in and out of the current and previous books, making this a saga that is a must for lovers of historical and contemporary fiction

Violet left home and her family to become an actress, burning her bridges behind her. Wen she gets the chance to star in a film about the local legend of her hometown, it is not just an opportunity to enhamce her portfolio, but also to build bridges with her estranged family. Also, she meets the man of her dreams, her co-star Jack Montgomery, setting off sparks in Violet's once peaceful world

However, nothing in life runs smoothy, and as Violet delves deeper into researching her role, se discovers more and more about Kathleen O'Sullivan, things that will shatter her reputation and the legend she left behind. MAtters are further complicated when Jack pulls out of the project with no warning and no explanation

What is Violet to do?

A gorgeous novel and a story that will have you enthralled. A perfect cosy read for the holidays

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author Susanne O'Leary for this ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

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What an enchanting story! This is book 3 in a series, but as each story concentrates on a different sister I found that it worked perfectly well as a standalone story. Although there were references to events that I presume happened in previous books, I didn't feel that I was missing anything.

I loved the setting in small town Ireland, and the backdrop of making a movie. And I knew there was a secret to be discovered. It was not what I was expecting at all. I thought I'd guessed it fairly early on and I was so so wrong.

I really liked Violet and her family, I'm going to have to read the previous books now to get to know her sisters better.

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I received a free copy of, The Girl with the Irish Secret, by Susanne O'Leary, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in The Magnolia Manor book series. Violet Furey is back home in Ireland, she has won the part of an Irish women in a new movie. Violet is not sure about coming home, after being estranged from her sisters. I really enjoyed this book, the characters and the setting.

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The Girl With the Irish Secret by Susanna O’Leary takes us back to the Fleury estate in Kerry. The youngest sister, Violet (Vi), who is an actress and has been moderately successful in her career but now is her big chance. She is to play Irish acting icon, Kathleen O’Sullivan, who didn’t live too far from her grandmother’s home, Magnolia Manor. She got the job because she looked so much like O’Sullivan. In fact, when the makeup man was done, she was Kathleen O’Sullivan. As she’d just been killed off in the program she was currently filming, she decided to go home and see if she could gain forgiveness from her sisters, while doing some research for her role. Before she left she had a drink with the male star, Jack Montgomery and saw how annoying being a star could be. She returned and her grandmother gave her the gatehouse to live in. It was so comfy compared to what she’d been living it. She made peace with her sisters and took ballet lessons and linguistic lessons over Zoom. She also discovered a big secret about Kathleen O’Sullivan.

O’Leary’s books are kinder, sweeter romances that take place in Ireland. That makes them better off the top. The estate has a long history and her grandmother was changing with the times in order for it to survive. It has been a good story and The Fleurys are an entertaining family. Viv is an ambitious character and is not ashamed. She has goals and intends to meet them. The plot is pretty thin, but it’s really not about the plot. The setting and emotions involved are what the story revolves around and it does it well. We feel Vi’s emotions and feel her grandmother’s sternness. It is a wonderful story. Perfect for any time of year one needs a break.

I was invited to read The Girl With the Irish Secret by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #SusannaOLeary #TheGirlWithTheIrishSecret

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Violet Fleury and her sisters Rose and Lily have bad blood between them. More accurately, it is Rose and Lily who have a rift with Vi. But she’s in London and they are in Ireland. As a struggling actress, Vi is excited for an upcoming interview set up by her agent. To her surprise, the role that Vi will be trying out for is a biopic, not the big Hollywood role she had envisioned. Instead, the movie will be set in Kerry, a place that holds significant personal importance for Vi.

The proximity to her childhood home stirs up memories of the heated arguments she had with her sisters, and Vi can’t help but feel uneasy about the possibility of running into them during her preparations. Determined to focus on her craft, she decides to delve into the life of the female lead, Kathleen O’Sullivan, a renowned actress from the 1940s and 1950s.

Despite her desire for reconciliation with Rose and Lily, Vi has yet to make amends. Perhaps it’s time for her to put aside her differences and embrace peace with her sisters. Amidst her research, Vi finds herself increasingly drawn to the male lead, Jack Montgomery, a captivating actor who adds another layer of complexity to her journey.

Vi’s trip to Ireland, where she’ll be filming the biopic, promises to be a transformative experience. The breathtaking beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way provides a backdrop for her research, and as she delves deeper into the life of Kathleen O’Sullivan, she begins to uncover intriguing details that challenge her perceptions of the actress’s legacy. Will Vi be able to capture the essence of Ms. O’Hara’s life and portray her with the authenticity she deserves? These are the questions that keep Vi on the edge of her seat, as she navigates the complexities of her personal life and her professional aspirations.

Vi’s return home is more than just a change of scenery. It’s a chance to mend her relationship with Rose and Lily, rebuild their once-close bond, and spend quality time with her grandmother, the family’s matriarch. These emotional connections are just the beginning as Vi settles back in. Being home is a sentimental experience, and her future might even change, especially with the possibility of a forever future with Jack. But secrets she uncovers about the legendary actress could bring everything crashing down.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the coast of Ireland in Susanne O’Leary’s stories, The Keeper of the Irish Secret and The Granddaughter’s Irish Secret. If you appreciate continuity and heartwarming characters, reading all three of these delightful stories by O’Leary will undoubtedly be a pleasurable experience. In fact, any book by this talented author is worth reading. Her series are lovely, quick reads that leave a lasting impact.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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Violet Fleury chased her dreams of acting many years ago. She left her home in Ireland and is now returning to her hometown. She is staring in a local film as Kathleen O’Sullivan. But her fear is that her family will not give her a second chance. She’s afraid they won’t accept her back into the family after all these years. Her sisters are hesitant in accepting her back but she is immediately connected with her nieces and nephews. When Jack Montgomery arrives in Ireland for the filming there is instant chemistry between him and Violet. As they uncover stories from the locals about the life of Kathleen O’Sullivan, they also discover some old handwritten notes. In reading through them, they wonder if Kathleen is the heroine everyone thinks she is.

The Girl With the Irish Secret, written by author Susanne O’Leary, is a wonderful story of family, second chances and forgiveness. I loved the characters of Violet and Jack. Jack had a kind heart and only wanted the best for Violet and her family. He did everything he possibly could to bridge the gap between the family and Violet. I was flying through the pages and completely enthralled with the storyline. I loved the author’s detailed description of Ireland, and it made me feel like I was in the quaint little Irish village talking and walking among the locals. This book hits all the feels and is a wonderful addition to an amazing series. I highly recommend it.

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Thank you - NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "The Girl with the Irish Secret" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 3rd book in the Magnolia Manor series and features sister Violet Fleury who is still trying to make up with her sisters Lily and Rose after a misunderstanding. Violet will be starring as Kathleen O'Sullivan in a biopic of her life. She has come home to Dingletown in County Kerry to research and prepare for the role. The film will be shot at Magnolia Manor - her family home, where her beloved grandmother Sylvia Fleury still lives.

As always Ms. O'Leary does a brilliant job describing the beautiful landscape of the Wild Atlantic Way. Her words transport you to the town as if you are actually standing there.

Violet does a lot of research into Kathleen, people know something but are reluctant to talk for fear of spreading gossip. She finds a lovely old lady Fidelma Sheridan who was at dance school with Kathleen and this begins the journey to unravel the girl with the Irish secret which was not what I was expecting. As with all of Ms. O'Leary's books - family is at the heart of this one as well.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Girl With The Irish Secret' by Susanne O'Leary.

Yet another absolutely gorgeous page turner by the extremely talented Susanne and as with all her books I was absolutely gutted to come to the end of a book!! Well done Susanne you have done it yet again!!!! 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!!! It is also the third book in Susanne's 'Magnolia Manor' series but can be read as a standalone.
The book is so well written with its stunning and vivid descriptions that I genuinely felt that I was standing with Rose throughout feeling the Irish breeze in my hair and smelling the ocean. The synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly.

I absolutely LOVED Susanne's 'Sandy Cove' and 'Starlight Series' and have now fallen in love with her 'Magnolia Manor' series after I read the first and second books in this series which is called ''the Keeper Of The Irish Secret' and 'The Granddaughter's Irish Secret' in that order. I would not normally recommend reading books in a series out of order but if you have yet read any of the previous books in this series then not only can this and the others in this series can be read as standalones but there is a silver lining when it comes to reading books out of order. That silver lining is that while you are eagerly waiting for the next book in the series you can go back to reading the ones that you have missed. I absolutely loved returning to the gorgeous Magnolia Manor and meeting so many characters that I fell in love with previously as well as meeting even more characters to fall in love with. Another absolutely stunning MUST READ feel good, heart warming and epic escapism that will sweep you off your feet and land you in the beautiful Ireland. I haven't been to Ireland for many years but reading this took me back there in a blink of an eye and I was devastated when I came to the end, unpacked my "suitcase" and returned to rainy Wales!!! If you ever need a sofa holiday then Susanne really is the go to author. Regardless which of her stunning books you pick up you will be left wanting more each time and enjoying a gorgeous break away. The storyline was ram packed with romance, mystery, drama, stunning settings, twists, love, secrets, friendship, strong women 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 few characters were hiding or up to. There was plenty of laughter, hope, love, drama, and some tension and sadness mixed in. As always with Susanne's stunning books once I picked it up and read a sentence I was completely addicted and could not put it down, absolutely devouring it in one sitting so make sure you clear those diaries before you even peek into this stunner!! This book has absolutely everything you want in an Irish getaway so grab your copy and delve into this stunning escapism today and enjoy your Irish break🥂!!
I always love it when I see a new book by Susanne as she is one of those authors who writes stunning books I know I am going to love!!! Clear your schedules before peeking at this stunning book and getting sucked into a beautiful, page turning story that will whisk you off on holiday in the stunning Magnolia Manor in Ireland!!
I am not going to go into too much details about the characters as I am actually trying to cut down the lengths of my reviews as I am aware that I tend to write a lot and it may bore some reader's of my reviews. What I will say as that yet again Susanne has created an absolutely amazing and unique group of realistic, strong and relatable characters that, very quickly, felt like they were friends rather than fictional characters and I cannot wait to meet them all again!! They all had their own unique personalities. I wasn't only completely invested in the sisters Violet, Rose and Sylvia (and I LOVED the fact that there were such strong and amazing female leads) but I also fell in love with Jack and several of the other characters and I cannot wait to meet them all again. I will end by saying I cannot wait to return to this amazing series with these fantastic characters again!!

Susanne I have fallen 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 cannot wait for my next Irish adventure!!! Please get these put on the big screen!! Here is to your next gorgeous success 🥂
Overall another absolutely stunning read from this amazing author that will have you heading off to Ireland in the blink of an eye.

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The Girl with the Irish Secret is the third book in the Magnolia Manor series by Susanne O'Leary. Having saved their grandmother’s home, it has also caused changes along the way. Violet Fleury one of the granddaughters has been pursuing her dream of acting but now is back to film in the Irish town. Not all is easy returning to the area, but it is worth the effort to reunite with the family. A costar, Jack Montgomery, becomes involved so there is plenty of drama in this installment too.

A heartwarming story of sisters, secrets, following your dream and second chances all rolled into one intriguing read. It is able to be read as a stand-alone but reading the previous books may enhance your enjoyment of The Girl with the Irish Secret.

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I would give The Girl with the Irish Secret a 3.5 star rating. I loved the premise; this book was about an actress who takes on the role of a lifetime. The movie was about an actress who had some secrets. Along the way she had some of her own family problems and some possible romance. She does some detective work and finds out what the actress' (the one she is playing) big secret is and worries that revealing the secret will brand her more of a troublemaker than she thinks she is. The secret that she discovers was well hidden and surprised me. The plot was engaging.
The pacing was a bit slow and although it was not a long book, it felt a bit longer than it should have been. There weren't any clues that led up to what the secret was (or, perhaps I missed it) and I felt like a little more time could have been spent digging into the details of the secret (not revealed here because it would be a spoiler). I thought that was interesting. That said, I liked the characters, which includes the main character, the male lead, and the peripheral characters (family members and some others in the town).
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



✨Romance
✨ Mystery
✨Secrets | lies


✨ A beautiful scene in Ireland, when violet is finding herself coming from acting job and to be able to show the there small cosy village.
The story was quite abit of mishap as it contains with romance, mystery and full of surprises with lies and secrets.
To be honest, I love reading this when the lights is off and just turn on the fireplace with the rain dropping it was very cozy and light.



✨ Thankyou @bokkouture for the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.




❤️ shaye.reads

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The Girl with the Irish Secret has so much going on.
Mystery
Romance
Second chances
Family drama
Secrets
Forgiveness
Reconciliation
I loved the authors descriptions of Ireland….
I enjoyed getting to know the characters….
I was drawn into the romance aspect between Violet and Jack….
All in all….The Girl with the Irish Secret is a heartfelt and heartwarming read.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This is a beautifully written historical novel with wonderful characters that are unique and three dimensional. It was engrossing as well as charming. Definitely will recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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In The Girl with the Irish Secret by Susanne O’Leary, Violet Fleury, an aspiring actress, returns to her family estate, Magnolia Manor, to prepare for her most significant role yet—portraying Kathleen O’Sullivan, a legendary Irish film star with a mysterious and storied past. Set against the stunning landscapes of Kerry, Ireland, the novel intertwines Violet’s personal journey with the unraveling of Kathleen’s hidden secrets, creating a heartfelt blend of mystery, self-discovery, and emotional depth.

As Violet delves into Kathleen’s life, she uncovers not only the star’s enigmatic history but also lessons about identity, perception, and authenticity. Kathleen’s story forces Violet to confront her own insecurities, especially the pressures of living in the public eye and the weight of familial expectations. This parallel exploration enriches the narrative, offering readers a touching meditation on how the stories we tell shape who we are.

The romance between Violet and Jack, a charismatic movie star, brings a lighter, sweeter element to the narrative. Though their chemistry occasionally feels understated, Jack’s charm and vulnerability make him an engaging character. Their budding relationship provides a contrast to the heavier themes of family drama and historical intrigue, adding balance to the story.

While the plot follows a somewhat predictable arc, it offers comfort and familiarity, much like returning to cherished characters in a favorite series. Fans of the Magnolia Manor series will appreciate cameos from previous characters, though some may wish they had larger roles. However, the novel stands well on its own, allowing new readers to enjoy the story without needing prior knowledge of the Fleury family’s history.

Overall, it is a warm and engaging novel that skillfully blends mystery, romance, and family drama. Susanne O’Leary’s storytelling, coupled with the charm of the Irish setting, makes this book a delightful read for fans of uplifting, character-driven fiction.

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You know when you love a book so you want to keep reading. but then as your reading you suddenly stop yourself. because at some point reading at this pace means...its got to end! and this was one of thooooose books. One i loved and wanted to cherish. but also wanted to read more of. but then, didnt want it at some point to have to end. i wanted to be amongst this little gaggle of characters for a long time to come. i thought there was alot more that could still be done with them too. so please dear author, Susanne please do more of this series.
i felt and smelt and could imagine the scenery set out in front of me. and almost like the front cover which initial drew me in, i was able to see exactly the descriptions of the people and places.
i will wait for the next from this author. or better still off i go to goodreads to look up any i have missed.
its not often(okay i lie, i love so many books. too many) that i get to really really enjoy a book with a special view on it. the type you think if only i had all the money and space in the world this would be on my to buy and keep list. well this is certainly one of them.
and what a talented author.
wow.

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I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. A moving story full of mystery, romance, family drama, secrets and second chances. Even though it’s book #3 in the series it’s easy to read and follow as a standalone if you haven’t read previous books.
It’s heartfelt and captivating and follows the story of Violet as she returns home to Magnolia Manor to take on the role of Kathleen O’ Sullivan.
It’s beautifully written and flows really well. I loved the descriptions of Kerry which brings the setting to life on the page.
I liked all the interesting characters. It’s a real character driven story and the realness is just so relatable.
Overall, a brilliant quick read that pulls you into the story right from the beginning.
I look forward to going back to read previous books and am excited to read the next instalment too.
Definitely recommend this book if you enjoy this genre.
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #TheGirlWithTheIrishSecret in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 2 December 2024.

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Actress Violet Fleury is returning back to Magnolia House, her grandmother’s house, after getting the leading part in a film based on actress, Kathleen O’Sullivan. When leading man, Jack Montgomery, pulls out of the film, Violet is upset at the thought of not working with him.

After falling out with her sisters, it’s not going to be easy for Violet to come back. Violet is determined to get her relationship back on track with them.

As Violet learns more about Kathleen, she has to step into some pretty big shoes. When she finds out some disturbing information, she wonders if this could be the making or the end of the film.

I’ve enjoyed this series so far, and I liked learning about Violet and her relationship with her sisters.

I found this to be a quick read as I didn’t want to put the book down. I was pulled to the characters and the different traits they all had.

I will be very happy if there will be more stories in this series.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

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The Girl with the Irish Secret by Susanne O'Leary is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and family drama, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland's scenic landscapes. As the third installment in the Magnolia Manor series, this novel brings Violet Fleury to the forefront, delivering a story that is both heartfelt and captivating.

Violet, an aspiring actress, has landed the role of a lifetime: portraying Kathleen O’Sullivan, a legendary Irish film star with a mysterious past. Returning to her family’s estate, Magnolia Manor, to prepare for the role, Violet embarks on a journey of discovery—both into Kathleen’s life and her own. The unraveling of Kathleen's secret is the emotional core of the novel, masterfully interwoven with themes of authenticity, perception, and the pressures of fame. Violet’s investigation into Kathleen’s hidden truths adds intrigue, while raising poignant questions about identity and the stories we choose to share.

The family dynamics, a hallmark of the series, are as engaging as ever. Violet’s strained relationship with her sisters, Rose and Lily, adds depth to the narrative. Misunderstandings rooted in media sensationalism form the basis of their conflict, providing a relatable exploration of forgiveness and reconciliation. Granny Sylvia remains a standout, offering wisdom, humor, and the glue that holds the family together.

The romance between Violet and Jack, a charismatic movie star, adds a touch of sweetness, though it occasionally feels underdeveloped. Jack’s charm and vulnerabilities make him a compelling character, but the chemistry between the leads could have been more palpable. Still, their relationship provides a counterpoint to the familial and historical elements, rounding out the story.

O’Leary’s evocative descriptions of Kerry’s landscapes bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the beauty of Ireland. The detailed portrayal of Magnolia Manor and its surroundings enhances the story’s nostalgic charm, making the novel feel like a warm escape.

While the plot is somewhat predictable, this predictability adds to its comfort, like revisiting old friends. Fans of the series will enjoy appearances by previous characters, though some may wish for a more substantial role for them. Newcomers to the series can read this as a standalone, but familiarity with the Fleury family’s history enriches the experience.

Overall, The Girl with the Irish Secret is a heartwarming and engaging read that balances mystery, romance, and family drama with aplomb. O’Leary’s skillful storytelling and vivid sense of place make this a must-read for fans of uplifting, character-driven fiction. I eagerly await the next chapter in the lives of the Fleury family.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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Our third visit to Magnolia Manor and this time it is Violet's turn.
Another beautiful read in this heartwarming series. Again the plot is a little predictable and again that only enhances the read. A proper character driven tale, full of folk I've come to regard as friends and whose lives I can't wait to catch up with again soon.

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Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Violet has always wanted to be an actress. She is excited about her new role. She also wants to mend fences with her family. A quick read.

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