The Irish Key

Take the key, my pet. I can’t ever go back. The last letter I had from Ireland was clear about that. But one day you may need a safe haven, and it’s the one thing I can give you. Ireland is in your blood, it will keep you safe.’

When Grace arrives tired, tearful and rain-soaked in Roone Bay, the little Irish village where her grandmother Caitlin grew up, she is overwhelmed with longing for Caitlin’s safe, warm arms. The crumbling wreck of Caitlin’s once-beautiful childhood cottage – whose key Grace was given on her wedding day as a secret refuge if she ever needed it – is not the fresh start she’d hoped for. But with her young daughter Olivia to look after and a painful past to hide from, Grace has to stay strong.

Plucking up the courage to ask for help from her kind new neighbours – including quietly rugged carpenter Sean Murphy – Grace gets to work making the house habitable. Soon the view of the deep emerald sea has her captivated, Olivia is blossoming, and Sean makes her laugh in a way she’d forgotten she could…

As she learns more about her family history, with Sean by her side, Grace’s curiosity unearths only further mystery. What drove Caitlin away from Ireland, never to return? But when Grace uncovers a long-lost letter to Caitlin that reveals the heartbreaking truth, she is suddenly threatened by her own devastating secrets.

Grace may have finally found a home for her little family. But when faced with everything she ran from, will the past tear her apart once more? Or will Grace find the strength to stand up for her daughter, her love for Sean, and her new life in Ireland?

This utterly heartbreaking, completely life-affirming story of a family secret that echoes down the generations is perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary and Tricia O’Malley.

What readers are saying about The Irish Key:

‘The magic of Ireland!… wonderful… Will keep you enthralled to the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Stunning… truly carried my heart away to Ireland… It was an emotional journey I won’t forget and yes, I closed the book with a ‘sigh of satisfaction!’… 5 Stars… I absolutely adored this novel.’ Cindy L. Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This story has everything – mystery, intrigue, true love, family, the kindness of strangers and hope… An absolutely wonderful story that I look forward to recommending to my friends.’NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Finds its way into your heart… lovely… this really is a memorable story… stays with you long after the last page‘Jaffareadstoo, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fall in love with Roone Bay… I felt as if I were right there, by the sea… will stay with you for a long time after you finish… I can’t stop thinking about [it]… magical… sure to strike the reader’s heart‘ SusanLovesBooks, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful… breath taking… wonderfully written story of family, friendship, and filled with hope… kept me flying through the pages… wonderful… I felt like I was standing on the shores of Roone Bay and enjoying the beautiful emerald sea… highly recommend’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A lovely novel of second chances, family secrets, and ultimately found family… will have you rooting for Grace and Oliviato find their happy place.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐