When I finish an Irish novel by Susanne O’Leary, I smile and sigh with satisfaction. Her stories lift me up and sweep me away to the Island I love dearly. Ireland is both my spiritual and ancestral home. And when I fall into the pages of these stories, I am totally lost in the atmosphere, beauty and charm of not only the land and seascape but also the warmth, friendliness and quirkiness of a close knit community. Yes, secrets never last long in these quaint villages but when trials come, the support offered between neighbours, is outstanding. This peaceful and enriching lifestyle offers an escape into nature with its beauty to refresh us and its ability to make us feel secure. It often provides a second chance at life. The Wife’s Irish Secret is an ideal example of all these things and more. I was transported on a wonderful journey to magical Kerry, thanks to Susanne’s vivid sensory descriptions and pulled completely into its ocean of intriguing drama. I sincerely loved this new instalment of the Magnolia Manor series that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. And it began with the divine cover!
The novel opens with Marian Fleury travelling on a plane from Sydney to Dubai, then onwards to Ireland to her sister’s wedding. Marian, though, has a broken heart. She feels lost, misunderstood and ignored. Her relationship with her husband, Theo, is in trouble. They have lived in Queensland for seven years running a water sports gear shop. Theo loves surfing and his native home but Marian is unhappy. She’s tried hard to fit in but misses Ireland. Then after finding a love letter in her husband’s belongings, she is hurt and thrown by the discovery. But she does not talk to him about it. Upset, she leaves Australia and heads to Ireland hoping to find peace and fulfilment. While sitting on the plane, after a few drinks, she opens up to a stranger: a man willing to listen to her woes and life story. She figures she’ll never see him again so what she shares should not matter. He appears to be a sympathetic listener (who also asks a lot of leading questions). Little does she know, there will be consequences to her outpouring and she will regret spilling details of her life and that of her family’s.
Once arriving in Ireland, she settles quickly. She finally feels free and at home. Spending time with her family and receiving their support, provides the healing she needs. But although she has a fresh start, a new job and a comfortable accommodation, she is harbouring a secret that could jeopardise her happiness. Of course, conflicts arise and unexpected surprises. One being the arrival of Theo, her husband. How does his presence make her feel? Is their relationship over or is there a chance at reconciliation? Maybe. But honest communication must begin between them to sort out their problems. This is very much a story about relationships: how they should be nurtured, respected and protected.
Matriarch Sylvia has a few surprises of her own. And this new information adds even more layers of intrigue to this fascinating woman of strength and style, we have gotten to know over the course of the series. It was interesting to see how this secret is played out. In fact, I loved Sylvie’s clever tactics when she is under threat.
I enjoyed all the familiar and new characters, except one who drove me mad with his attitude and actions! But it was wonderful to meet up again with the Fleury family. I totally recommend The Wife’s Irish Secret for those who love feel good fiction with lots of heart set in a magical location. This novel is very special and made me homesick for Ireland. As Theo says of Marian’s love and connection to Kerry: It’s ‘A kind of memory that’s handed down through time.’ I experienced it on my own trips to Ireland. Race memory they call it. But whether your family roots are in Ireland or somewhere else, that desire to feel ‘home’ is in us all. This novel shines like a diamond, on this and many other points. I adored this beautiful, life-affirming read. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
