The Book of Irish Secrets by Susanne O’Leary speaks of a woman searching for her identity. Claire Fleury is at loose ends. Her divorce is final. Her job is over. She has nowhere to go. Her husband’s cousin, Finola, has turned into her best friend and she is grateful for that. A package arrives one day containing a journal and some photos, ancestors. Finola encourages her to go to Kerry and find out for herself. Then Finola finds her the perfect job there, so she arranges an interview, packs her bags, and sets off, leaving Finola to turn her home into an AirBnB. She gets the job and meets her “family,” who offer her an apartment for rent. She feels bad for using her married name and not letting them know who she is but she feels she has no choice. She meets her boss’ brother and is instantly attracted. But, as their relationship is developing, she reveals to him her name and her reasons for being here and he is put off, but understanding.

A pleasant story, Claire discovers that the truth would have worked. She also discovered many buried secrets, not all bad, certainly. This series has been full of surprises and this book contains additions to them. The journey turns out to be everything she had hoped for and more. O’Leary has a knack for writing simple and pleasant romances set in an idyllic place, and filled with interesting people. She’s done it again. Very enjoyable read.

I ws invited to read The Book of Irish Secrets by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #SusanneOLeary #TheBookOfIrishSecrets

The main character’s journey was so relatable and genuine. I found myself cheering her on, tearing up with her setbacks, and celebrating her moments of quiet triumph. The supporting cast was just as memorable — from lifelong friends and complicated family members to unexpected allies who helped shape her story in meaningful ways.

Overall, this was an okay book. The storyline was interesting but I couldn’t connect with any of the characters and the dialogue between them felt too scripted. That kept me from getting sucked into the story like I’d want to.

Favorite Quotes:

Sylvia is pretending to turn eighty-five yet again and she wants it to be very special.

She had felt that she had to constantly prove that she was able to do even the simplest tasks with Hugh watching over her shoulder all the time. As if he was waiting for her to make a mistake in order to give him a chance to criticise.

She found it hugely amusing the way Sylvia always managed to turn doing something wrong into a virtue if it was in her own interest.


My Review:

I fell right into this tale and received a free trip to Ireland without having to experience the arduous travel or rainy weather. The writing style was easy to follow and engaging, and populated with characters who were realistically flawed and likable, even when I didn’t like what they were doing. I enjoyed the characters so much that I have amassed all the previous installments of the series and plan to indulge in the rest of the family secrets.

This is a cute story about a splintered family. It’s not very deep and not always very believable but it is written in a way that does keep you reading.

There was not a great deal of tension. Things unfolded pretty quickly and with less drama than I would have expected.

There’s a secondary romance storyline that was cute as well.

This is apparently the 5th book in a series. I did not know that and it did not impact my ability to read this book.

If you like women’s fiction you will likely enjoy this story.

Claire holds an old leather book in her hands, its pages revealing the truth about her family roots. She had never known much about her family, only being close to her Aunt Rachel. When her Aunt Rachel passed away, Claire felt adrift, without anyone, let alone family. Determined to uncover the truth, she decides to return to Magnolia Manor.

Claire arrives on the west coast of Ireland and soon meets Sylvia Fleury, the owner of Magnolia Manor. Initially hesitant, she is convinced to stay by local chef Karina and her brother Pierce. As she spends time there, Claire begins to let her guard down, especially with Pierce. However, she remains focused on her purpose for being there. As she uncovers the secrets of her family, will she lose Pierce forever?

“The Book of Irish Secrets,” by author Susanne O’Leary, is an inspiring and heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings. I’ve always been captivated by the Irish Coast, with its sparkling water and star-studded sky, which seem equally beautiful at night as during the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed Claire’s story and the developing romance with Pierce. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Karina, a great friend Claire could trust, felt like a close confidante. From the captivating cover to the heartwarming conclusion, I loved every aspect of this story. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating and uplifting read.

Just when you think that Sylvia Fleury and granddaughters have made peace with the past, another secret is forced into the light. The Book of Irish Secrets by Susanne O'Leary teaches that searching for your roots may become uncomfortable for yourself and for others but is necessary for growth. Magnolia Manor book five brings a new character to the family. Claire is welcomed more downstairs than upstairs, but she has evidence that could be disturbing as well as enlightening. Friends are found and a romance begins to bloom but will this secret be a hinderance. An interesting story with bitterness, forgiveness, and healing. Like me you will be rooting for Claire to find her place in the world and the love of her life.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but it is readable as a standalone. It has a distinctive voice, which I enjoyed, and the storytelling is emotional and gentle. Claire receives one last gift from the aunt who raised her, and it holds the secrets to a family feud and a new life for Claire. I appreciated that the main characters in this story are older and that Claire is still looking for her purpose in life and someone to share it with. It's a story of found family with many dramatic and emotional moments. The secrets Claire is keeping threaten her newfound happiness, keeping the reader, who is invested in her, turning the pages. I enjoyed the gentle storytelling and its emotional tone, sense of community and family, and the second-chance romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Claire is hoping to rewrite a bit of history by mending the age-old rift between the elder Fleury siblings. What she is facing is like a puzzle with missing pieces, About to turn fifty, traveling to Kerry while search for answers will no doubt be a challenge for Claire. She keeps her reasons for being there a close-guarded secret, and only time will tell if she learns what she hopes to learn.

Despite the obstacles, Claire finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the warmth and familiarity of the small village. There is a warmth there in the small village, a warmth that feels like home more and more. Pleasantly divorced, Claire’s visit to Ireland is beginning to present an amazing offer to much more in life that she could have imagined. In fact, she slowly begins to make connections, and one of those is Pierce, her new boss’s son. If it is possible for one’s life to have a second chapter, then Claire is living it.

With a worn and torn diary in hand, Claire carries the weight of her family’s past, particularly the unresolved rift between the Fleury family, often referred to as “the other Fleury’s” throughout her life. This diary serves as the backdrop for this heartwarming and emotionally charged story, laced with family drama. However, Claire’s journey is not devoid of its own set of surprises. Securing a job to support herself in Kerry proves surprisingly easy, and meeting Pierce brings a sense of lightness and joy that she had not expected.

As a reader of the Magnolia Manor series, I have cherished the stories of the Fleury family. Revisiting some of them in this book was a delightful experience. This spin of a decades-old feud seamlessly complements the series, adding a new layer of depth and connections. Of course, there is the hope that the draw that Claire and Pierce feel towards one another might bring lasting happiness to them both. The beautiful setting and the unfolding stories bring immense joy and fulfillment to the reader. This series has undoubtedly found a special place in my heart, and I eagerly anticipate the arrival of new stories while revisiting the earlier ones from time to time.

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

This book is not for me. I prefer something less matter-of-fact and more immersive. I’m sure others will enjoy it.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

This is a great read that I couldn’t put down. When Claire is left a book of family history by her great aunt . She sets off on a secret quest to find out the feud that caused the separation of the family over 100 years ago and to see if she can’t reunite them again. When her secret comes out she is welcomed into the family with open arms and the family feud is spoken about for the first time in many years. Lovable characters, a great story line which is wrapped in love and friendship make this an adorable read.

The Book of Irish Secrets by Susanne O'Leary is an unputdownable and heart-warming second chance romance set in Ireland.
The writing and setting is captured beautifully with a flowing and eclectic writing style that is equally easy to read and utterly compelling.
This book hits all the feels and is a wonderful read.

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

An absolute delight of a read.
It's so lovely to be back in Magnolia Manor. I thought we'd run out of stories about the Fleury women, but a clever plot twist introduces us to another branch of the family tree.
A warm hug of a book that feels like catching up with old friends.

I loved this unputdownable and heartwarming read about second chances at romance. Set in Ireland and the story follows Claire as she tries to find out about a long ago hidden family feud/secret.
This is book #5 in the Magnolia Manor series but can be read as standalone too as it’s easy to read and follow if you haven’t read any of the previous books.
It’s a moving story filled with family drama, mystery and romance. Emotional and beautifully descriptive. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the Fleury family, all the characters new and old, and learning the family history.
I was completely captivated from the start and couldn’t put it down. I just devoured it. A real page turner.
I can’t wait to read more about Magnolia Manor and am excited for the next instalment @susanne.olearyauthor
Definitely recommend this book if you enjoy character driven fiction and romance books
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #TheBookOfIrishSecrets in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 29 August 2025

This book will no doubt appeal to some readers, but it missed the mark for me. I generally enjoy multi-generational tales, but this one lacked the weight and nuance I was hoping for. The plot unfolded exactly as expected, and the sweetness of the tone left little room for tension or surprise. Moments that were positioned as shocking revelations landed without much impact, and the characters themselves never seemed to grow beyond flat, surface-level roles.

At times, the writing leaned more toward formulaic romance than the layered family drama I wanted, with emotions and conflicts that felt manufactured rather than earned. I pushed through to the last page, but more out of determination than genuine interest. Readers who are drawn to gentle, sentimental stories or idealized depictions of Ireland may enjoy it more, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

Book five in the Magnolia Manor series by talented author Susanne O’Leary is The Book of Irish Secrets and introduces us to Claire.

Claire was born and brought up in Dublin as Claire Fleury. All she knows of her family history is from her Great Aunt Rachel and the book she has left for her. She is determined to find out more by moving to Kerry. She lucks out when she gets an interview almost immediately after arriving. She is hiding her true identity but soon wonders if she's doing the right thing when she meets Pierce, her new boss’s brother. Can she really carry on the facade or should she cut her losses and return to Dublin?

To say i was entranced by this story would be an understatement! I stayed up very late and woke up early, needing to find out what happened. I loved the Kerry Fleury girls already, but was I going to like them being infiltrated? Yes I was! Susanne has crafted another well-developed character in Claire; she embodies resourcefulness, strength, and determination, all while possessing a caring and loving nature. A true Fleury girl. I can't wait to see what's coming next for Magnolia Manor

Compulsive reading! Amazing story! I loved every page, so many twists and turns… Fantastic read, gripping story and so many surprises!

This was a quick book! It has some family drama, a little mystery and some romance. It’s a nice feel good book. A perfect vacation read.

I loved this one from Susanne. I have read some of her others and enjoyed them too. I have spent many happy times in Dingle. I felt sorry for Claire in that she had to lie to uncover what happened in her family in years gone by.

I found this book rather too twee.
Everything so perfect and predictable. I am sure there is an audience for this book and that lots of readers will enjoy it.
Just not one for me.