Review of 'The Secret Bookshop in Ireland' by Susanne O'Leary

Review of The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Susanne O'Leary

Release date: July 31st, 2026

Publisher: Bookouture

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REVIEW

What a gorgeous cover and story inside! I did not want this beautiful uplifting second-chance tale to end! Reading The Secret Bookshop in Ireland by Susanne O’Leary was like getting a warm cosy hug on a cold winter’s day. And yes it is our chilly season now here in Australia! Interesting that one of the characters came to this country for their new beginning.

Irish novels with family mysteries, surprises, connections and roots always capture my attention—as they sweep me away to nostalgic moments in a place I love dearly. Yes, I have Irish roots and my visits there were inspiring and unforgettable. Memories of my own and those of my ancestors are deeply imprinted on my heart. And Susanne has a gift of bringing all those wonderful Irish elements to the surface through her enchanting stories. The Secret Bookshop in Ireland truly transported me to that charming setting once again—where life is not perfect but where the landscape, history and people fuel dreams and desires.

There is a great cast of characters in The Secret Bookshop in Ireland who are quirky and relatable. Their flaws and virtues make them real and believable. I am sure as the series unfolds, we will get to know even better those who made their debut in book one. For this is the first of the Sisters of Cherrybrook set. And what a way to start off! Ciara, her mom and Ronan take centre stage and I loved everything about them and their adventures. The other community members are fun and intriguing, too. I enjoyed meeting them all but loved Brian Boru the best! He sounds like such a loving and devoted being and adds an extra layer of warmth to the story. Although his massive size frightens most people upon approach, they realise quickly this Irish Wolfhound is a majestic gentle giant. And the tallest of dogs! Bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and elk, this breed is steeped in history and legend. Brian is very special to Ciara for he helped her through some very rough times. So in many ways he has become a support or companion dog.

County Wicklow has been called the garden of Ireland, with its array of flowers, many ancient castles and manors. This story is set in a little place not far from Enniskerry (south of Dublin). But Ireland is a land of rich beauty so inspiration can be found in any area of this atmospheric, magical Isle. It is easy to see how Susanne would draw upon this region’s rich history and charm for her new series. And I cannot wait to see what other mysteries surface in the next books.

Speaking of adventure: when Ciara gets a message that she has inherited a property in a little Irish village in Wicklow, she is stunned. Who was this person who left her such an incredible gift? An attractive man named Ronan handles the inheritance. He shares what little he knows plus at one point, he hands her a letter from the deceased that will help Ciara uncover the mystery. She heads off to the location to see her inheritance and to learn more about this woman, Martha. Why would she bestow all her money and property on someone she did not know? The journey is an intriguing one as Ciara gathers bits and pieces from the neighbours. One person will share valuable first hand knowledge. Plus there will be another letter that will explain even more. And what Ciara discovers will change her life. For along with inheriting a home with a bookshop, she will make new friends, find unexpected love and learn more about her father’s true family. This knowledge will shake her initially but eventually it will give her the strength to make some positive decisions for herself about her future.

This novel has a huge serving of so many delightful Irish elements. I enjoyed the historical references and buildings and became excited that the series is about resurrecting a town, and Ciara’s bookshop is the first of many businesses to come. Since bookshops are my favourite places to visit, I loved seeing how Ciara and her mother set hers up to run again. There will be endless fresh stories spring up from behind these restored walls. That will blend with the magic of local history. And as the old saying goes ‘if walls could talk—the historical secrets it could tell’ will be put to good use on future books to come.

This is a story about perseverance and never giving up. Starting afresh, with a new job, new home, new love and better family relationships. Martha inspired Ciara to step out of her comfort zone and to not settle for second best. She learns that security and happiness come in many forms. And being bold to take chances is sometimes necessary—for you never know what exciting new things will come your way. I adored The Secret Bookshop in Ireland and look forward to more of these enchanting Irish tales to come. A fantastic start to a great new series! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.