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.

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

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.

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.

Really loved this story. Violet Fleury lands the role of Kathleen O'Sulivan in a movie about her life. Some of it is being filmed in her grandmothere's house. Will she be welcomed there and will she be able to make things right with her sisters as it has been several years when she ran away from them. She is to play her part with leading actor Jack Montgomery but later pulls out of his role. Does she make up with her sisters and does she and Jack have a future together and does she find out the secret. So many questions, but a GREAT READ.

The third book of the Magnolia Manor series focuses on sister Violet, an actress about to get a big role in a film that takes her back to Magnolia Manor as she tries to learn more about the popular actress she is about to portray. The secrets of the actress are the mystery in the novel and it is masterly woven into the cozy read of family and friendships. I always enjoy the dynamics of the Fleury family and I love the multi-generations of characters Susanne O’Leary has in her stories.

In The Girl with the Irish Secret, many previous characters made appearances, but several were mentioned and/or only made small appearances. I did wish previous characters had larger roles. I realize it was Violet’s story, but when one loves the previous books, it is difficult not to want more.. I found myself wanting Violet to interact with her family and visit the town of Dingle more than solving the mystery behind the actress.

Like others in the series, the light romance was nicely done, although I am not sure I like Jack as much as I should. I didn’t think the connection felt genuine. It will be interesting to see where this storyline goes in future installments.

Although this book is part of a series, it is ok to read as a standalone, but it is a much better read knowing the family and history of Magnolia Manor.. I am looking forward to more. I suspect the next in the series might be about the mom. We’ll see.

What a lovely book, I was gutted when I finished it as I got so involved with the story and the characters. Beautifully written and lovely descriptions of Ireland. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review..

Vi returns to Magnolia Manor from London where she has been trying to build a career as an actress. She had left the manor with bad feelings with her sisters. Now she has been given a chance to really advance her career in a movie filmed at the manor. Can she navigate family feelings and her feelings for her costar?

By the sparkling sea on the Wild Atlantic Way sits a manor full of secrets, and a woman who will do anything for a second chance…
I love the author’s books. They are quick reads that suck you in and make you want more.

This was a strong third book in the Magnolia Manor series, it had that overall feel that I was looking for and thought everything that I was expecting from the previous two books. The characters worked with the world and was glad everything flowed well. I’m excited to read more from Susanne O'Leary as I’ve enjoyed everything I read.

Contemporary romance and mystery set in Ireland.Interesting characters and and a convoluted story to untangle.

Susanne O'Leary, this book was phenomenal! I so adored every page. The characters were so cute together, and the realness was just so relatable. Loved every page.

Wow, wow, wow! Yes, super wow as I absolutely loved The Girl With The Irish Secret more than I can adequately express. The third instalment of the Magnolia Manor Book series is without question my favourite of the lot. Susanne always impresses me with her ability to weave exceptional historical mystery and Irish location elements into her accomplished writing style. She offers characters that I immediately connect with and come to love (or dislike depending on their part in the story). The lovely protagonists become like friends I never want to say goodbye to or see their story end. The Girl With The Irish Secret covered all these and more as I was totally captivated from start to finish in both my imagination and heart. I could not put this one down and read into the wee hours of the morning.

Ms O’Leary in The Girl with the Irish Secret has captured the life of an accomplished actor in Jack and in rising actress Violet after she gets her big break to star as the late Irish actress Kathleen O’Sullivan. It is a role that could send her career to new heights. But with fame comes complications. The personal struggles and the social media issues that an actor or actress must deal with is well played in the plot. To pay no heed to gossip and snapshots taken out of context are easier for some to deal with than others but words can hurt. Sometimes movie stars must learn to let the false perceptions slide off their backs by ignoring the hype. This story provides a clear picture of this lifestyle and draws attention to perceptions and misconceptions. How much of an actor’s or actress’s life as seen by the public is real? This book addresses the contradictory truths that abound. Besides the false claims by tabloids, etc, there’s the fact that everyone aims to put on their best face in the public. But what happens behind the scenes? Are these smiling faces really happy or just smiling through their pain? As Violet explores the life of Irish legend Kathleen O’Sullivan so that she may better play her in the movie, she discovers things are not what they appear. And this woman hid a secret that will shock everyone. She is then faced with a new dilemma. Should she reveal what she knows or leave the ‘legend’ in tact?

Violet is part of the family that have lived in Magnolia Manor for countless years. She has two other sisters, Rose and Lily (whose stories we have read in the previous novels of the series). But their closeness has been compromised. Her sisters are very angry with her due to an interview Violet had a year earlier. But is the article truthful? Or did the reporter spin Violet’s words to suit the media’s needs to sell papers? The sisters, of course, are now out of sorts—in conflict and not speaking. The first thing Violet must do when she returns home to star in a movie made at her family’s estate is to sort out the misconceptions and conflicts with Lily and Rose. Her grandmother encourages her to make amends. She, of course, wants her family unified again.

Jack is the famous movie star who is set to work opposite Violet as her character’s husband. How his presence affects her, well that is something you just have to read and experience in the story! There are many twists and turns in their relationship both professionally and personally. But I really enjoyed getting to know Jack, and Susanne paints a very real picture of him that makes him relatable and real. He is handsome with a lot going for him but his life is not as perfect as one might think. He is missing an ingredient. Will he find it in Kerry?

There are a number of other edgy and fascinating characters thrown into the mix adding even more colour and sparks to the plot… like Liz, Leo and Fidelma. Plus, the other two Fleury sisters and their families. Then there is the head matriarch Granny Sylvia Fleury who offers lots of sparkling conversation and vibrant, fresh ideas to family and business dilemmas. She is such a great character with presence: the real rock of her family who speaks her mind and makes things happen.

I truly adored The Girl With The Irish Secret and the path that Violet took to uncover the truth about actress Kathleen O’Sullivan. Vi wanted her story to be authentic and told in a deep and more realistic way. The setting also plays a big part in that delivery. This novel is full of wondrous descriptions of Kerry’s land and seascape that not only revealed Kathleen’s secret but also won Jack’s heart and revived Violet’s. It also made me want to escape there and to meet up with the Fleury family at Magnolia Manor! I have to rave because Susanne has taken this story to another level of excellence. This is exceptional, highly polished Irish fiction that steals your heart and gives you a huge hug you won’t forget. Love, too, is sprinkled in this mix— making it a timeless romantic mystery treasure. 5 Plus Stars for Brilliance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC. And to Susanne for writing such a great story!