Review of 'A Secret Inheritance from Ireland' by Ann O'Loughlin
Release date: Nov 3, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
REVIEW
A Secret Inheritance from Ireland by Ann O’Loughlin is an absolute jewel in a crown of stories. Through the beautiful and atmospheric descriptions, I was whisked away to this gorgeous setting of east coast Ireland. Gripped by the heart-wrenching drama, my emotions were magnified in every direction. I had tears, tension and trauma as I felt the fear that Rose experienced when danger lurked in the form of a stalker. Later a warm glow of elation rose in me, when neighbours banded together to help each other.
The novel opens with a dramatic moment. Olivia (later known as Rose) is in trouble. A man has been stalking her and she has had to move more than once to escape him. And when it happens again, her seventy-four year old friend, Grace, who has harboured her and her daughter in Paris—tells her she must leave. ‘You go, and don’t look back.’ Grace offers her an address on a small piece of paper where they will be safe: “Sea Haven, overlooking Orchid Bay, Coolnamona, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.”
Once Rose and Chloe arrive at their destination— an old stone house with a bright red door and a shining brass knocker, Rose notices the beautiful terracotta pots of flowers surrounding the property and hears the calming sounds of the sea. These begin to do their magic on her and slowly layers and miles of anxiety release from her heart, mind and body. But lingering in Rose’s thoughts is one question: will they really be free here?
Pieces of Rose’s backstory are shared in the first few chapters. She’s a single mom with a good life in London as a fashion journalist until she is sent to interview an up-and-coming designer. Then she becomes a target for a stalker and her whole world changes. Fleeing to Paris, she meets up with a woman named Elodie who gives her a job at a patisserie— baking. Here she learns to make great pastry and expand her French language skills. An opportunity arises with Elodie’s best friend, Grace, who takes her and her daughter in to protect them. Until the stalker reappears and she must escape again. Grace has connections and sends her to Ireland, where Rose meets Grace’s solicitor, Betty, who passes on a gift, that is the surprise of her life! Grace may come across as a bossy grumpy older woman but she truly has a heart of gold. Her good deed opens doors not only for Rose and Chloe but eventually for Grace herself. And a mystery surrounding a past love unveils and is ready to be solved.
This is a heart wrenching story. I could feel all the tension, emotional upheaval and danger that this woman and her daughter endured. But once they are nestled inside this caring community, mother and daughter attempt to build a new life. Yet always in the shadows, and in the back of Rose’s mind, she wonders if ‘H’ will find her again.
Jim Hardy is another neighbour who first seems grumpy but becomes a true friend to Rose and in many ways is her hero in Ireland. He has had a devastating loss, is struggling with financial issues initially but his farm and friendship become a comfort and source of encouragement for both Rose and Chloe. He is a lover of horses and there are some lovely scenes when Rose is getting to know one in particular, named Millie, who is Jim’s pride and joy. This horse really takes a liking to Rose. As for the two friends, we wonder if a romantic relationship might transpire in time? These two are a real highlight of the story and there is such a warmth and ease between them that continues to grow. Jim’s uncle also has a moving back story and he and Grace have a special connection. These four have some interesting outcomes. I won’t say more!
Dolly is a pushy though cheery next door neighbour we all come to love for her strength and positive point of view. Rose’s first encounter is a bit unsettling when she barges in and begins prattling on about who she is and how Grace sent her to clean the house. But we quickly learn her heart is in the right place. She lives with her best friend, Renagh. They decided to pool their resources and build the house of their dreams on a piece of land they bought from Grace. It is far from being finished so they live in a caravan on site while renovations and construction occurs.
It was lovely to see some of the cast from the first two books make appearances. Life has thrown some massive curve balls at a few of them. And although the plot focuses mostly on Rose, the spotlight also hovers over supporting characters so that we learn what has been happening with them. Rose, though, is still central figure and her presence, actions and reactions have an impact on those around her. But, of course, she also is affected by her friends and neighbours in a dramatic way. We see some serious personal growth in her as she attempts to live her life without fear. Thanks to her friends’ support, she achieves much, including setting up a dream bakery in the town. This accomplishment connects her with the community in a big way. Unfortunately, it also makes her a more visible target. I held my breath more than once when weird things happened and major trouble struck!
This novel is not only about the negatives of life such as loss, fear, death, stalking, identity, separation and trauma but it is also about love, second chances, healing, freedom, following your dreams, friendship, community, home, security, faith and hope to live again. The good characters are colourful, memorable, kind and generous and the enemy is deplorable. Although Grace initially had some good moments in Paris, in Ireland her safety net of supporters magnifies. She is surrounded by many wonderful neighbours who stand by her through thick and thin. And she is also able to give back even more as a result when her help is needed.
It is such a lovely novel and I loved revisiting this Irish village, to see old faces and meet new ones. Ann does such a wonderful job creating a moving storyline and memorable characters. There are some sad moments (so have the tissues) and even scary ones that will put you on the edge of your seat. We cannot help but care deeply about these people with their losses and challenges. For just as in real life, not everything works out as we’d wish. But there are some wonderful victories in this story, that will put a smile on your face and have you sighing with relief and joy. A must-read addition to a great series. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
