The Housewarming

The Guesthouse on the Green #11

by Michelle Vernal

Welcome to the guesthouse on the Green, where Mammy and her girls will make you feel part of the family. Settle in and enjoy your stay at O'Mara's, where stories abound, romance lurks and laughter sounds. 

Aisling O'Mara. She's married to a Ronan Keating look-a-like, and okay, he can't sing to save himself, but he does think the world of her. Her life would be perfect if it weren't for the fact Mother Nature hasn't seen fit to bestow a child upon them yet. The tick-tock of her biological clock is getting louder, and she's determined to make it happen. But at what cost?

Ita Finnegan. O'Mara's Director of Housekeeping, wants to be happy. She's decided the key to finding happiness is to find love, and she's hatched a plan to meet her perfect match. But how can she expect someone else to love her when she doesn't like herself very much?

Meanwhile, Mammy O'Mara is planning a quiet soiree with neighbours and family to introduce herself and Donal to the neighbourhood, but, somehow, it's morphed into the Howth House party of the year. 

Oh, and you're invited!

Genres: Fiction

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2021

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a bestselling author of warm, witty, and uplifting Irish fiction. Born in England to parents from Liverpool – often called “Little Ireland” – she grew up on her mum’s tales of Iocal families, music, and humour. Later, she lived, worked, got engaged, and travelled extensively in Ireland, experiences that inspire her much-loved novels, including the hilarious Guesthouse on the Green series. Her stories, filled with heart, humour, and unforgettable characters, have earned her a loyal readership worldwide.

For updates on Michelle's latest book releases you can follow her here: https://www.amazon.com/author/michell...

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of smiles in this book, especially at the long-awaited housewarming party! It cracked me up.

[Michelle Vernal]

Excerpt
Chapter One
August, Dublin 2001

Aisling O'Mara-Moran was not a happy camper despite the fine summers day bestowed upon Dublin by the weather gods. She'd smiled so hard at the couple who were as awkward as their triple barrelled name— Brown-Moriarty-Lark— that morning her face had ached. It still did. A stream of bad language had popped into her head, but as a hospitality professional and manager of O'Mara's guesthouse, she believed the guest or guests, in this case, were always right even when they were wrong.
In the case of the Brown-Moriarty-Larks, they were wrong.
She'd met their type before. The sort of people who'd moan if they won the lottery. They were booked into a cosy double room, and their bed was not lumpy; there hadn't been a Galaxy bar wrapper under it before they'd taken over the room either, and the tea was so Twinings not Barry's thanks very much. Of course she'd not said any of this to their faces as she humoured their complaints with her plastic smile and promises to investigate.
The pair who were from Tralee had acted like the landed gentry from the moment they'd arrived at the Georgian guesthouse overlooking St Stephen's Green. They'd picked holes in everything managing to rub Bronagh, Ita and Mrs Flaherty up the wrong way within hours of being in residence.
Bronagh had left them twiddling their thumbs for an unacceptable amount of time in reception. Mrs Flaherty's full Irish breakfast was too greasy and Ita's cleaning substandard. None of which was true apart from the bit about Ita. Her cleaning would have been substandard if Aisling hadn't kept a close eye on her.
When she'd not been dealing with the terrible twosome from Tralee, she'd been smoothing her staff's ruffled feathers. Then, to top it all off, Mr Fox, who lived in the Iveagh gardens behind the brick wall separating the guesthouse courtyard from the park, had paid them a visit. The contents of the rubbish bin had been strewn across the courtyard for Mrs Flaherty to find earlier. The cook's language had been ripe as she collared Aisling on her way down the stairs with Quinn, but mercifully, Quinn had stepped in, explaining they'd an appointment they couldn't miss. He'd pacified the little, round woman who could have stepped from the pages of an old fashioned nursery rhyme if not for her ability to turn the air blue when it came to the fox. It hadn't taken much. An understanding, sympathetic smile and a promise to board up the hole the creature had slipped through. They both knew their determined nocturnal visitor would only dig another, but Mrs Flaherty was a sucker for a pair of baby blues like Quinns.
The Brown-Moriarty-Larks were booked into the guesthouse for four days, and they were currently on day three. Aisling's diplomatic skills had been sorely tested over the last seventy-two hours, and her apprehension over this morning hadn't helped matters. Quinn's intervention over foxgate, had been a Godsend. This was also why she was relieved to see the back of the guesthouse for a few hours. She couldn't be doing with irate cooks, naughty fox's, demanding guests, or nice guests either, for that matter. Bronagh would manage to man the fort.
She clenched even harder as the reason for her current state of clenching everything clenchable loomed in front of her.
'I don't like hospitals,' she said to her husband, Quinn. He'd been suffering through this rhetoric since she'd got up that morning. She'd have turned on her lucky Louboutin heels and gone back home to the guesthouse if he didn't have such a tight hold of her hand.
The ten-minute bus ride to the James Street hospital was easier than taking the car. They could taxi home afterwards if need be.
'I know. You've mentioned it.' Other men might have been terse, but not Quinn. He was a patient man. He had to be living with not one but two O'Mara women, his wife and his sister-in-law, Moira. Actually, you could make that three if you counted baby, Kiera. In his opinion, it hadn't been a moment too soon when Tom, Moira's partner, had moved into the family apartment on the top floor of the guesthouse. The odds had needed evening up, and now it wasn't only himself who got told off for leaving the toilet seat up.
Aisling's step faltered as they approached the glass doors of St James hospital through which an elderly woman pushing a walking frame had emerged. Another woman, her daughter, Aisling, presumed was bringing up the rear carrying an overnight bag. Somewhere, someone was smoking, the smell of cigarettes tangible but the culprit hidden.
The buildings sprawled around the hospital's modern entrance were a hodge-podge of old and new. Inside, Aisling visualised a hive of activity like on the tele. She was partial to flopping on the couch to watch the drama unfold on ER, although it wasn't the same since George had left. Life and death played out within these hospital walls every single day, she thought dramatically before informing Quinn, 'It's the smell. I hate it.' She pulled what her sisters called her liver and onions face to prove her point.
'Sure, you were grand visiting Moira in the hospital when she had Kiera, Ash. You'll be grand now.' Quinn stated as he continued to stride determinedly toward the entrance. Given the circulation to Aisling's hand was in danger of being cut off, she'd no choice but to keep walking. Quinn, on the whole, was an easy-going man, but today he was putting her in mind of a bossy Ronan Keating. Normally she'd have found this masterful version of her very own Ronan lookalike sexy enough to give him the glad eye but not today. Today there'd be no riding, thanks very much.
Her little legs were spinning like windmills trying to keep up and her heels tapping on the asphalt. 'Only because it was the new mammy ward Moira was on, and it smelled all yummy and talcum powdery. I like the new mammy ward. It's a happy place.' She longed to be on the new mammy ward herself and hoped she'd wind up there sooner rather than later after this morning. Time was ticking when it came to her biological clock, and although she tried her best, it was hard not to allow her desire, no, scratch that, it was a need to be a mammy swallow her up. The clock was always there inside her head, tick, tick, ticking, and it was getting deafening.
Quinn was trying to jolly her up, she knew this, but she was in no mood for being jollied up. She'd a feeling the words' soldier on' would be next out of his mouth, and she wouldn't be responsible for her actions if they did trip off his tongue. It had been a favourite catchphrase of Mammy's. Indeed she'd use the same tone Quinn just had when Aisling had been a school girl feigning an upset tummy to get out of the cross country.
'Soldier on Aisling,' she'd order. It was very annoying. Worst of all, though, was when she'd sing the song. It was a made-up Mammy song set to the tune of When The Saints Go Marching In.
She began to hum under her breath.
https://books2read.com/u/mdDkkX

[Barbara Kohut]

Slipping into another life

That is how it feel to be reading these Irish tales of the Guesthouse on the
Green. Delightful characters, descriptive settings and fun all around. Some actually laugh out loud antics provide entertainment on an otherwise boring day. Thanks for this series, Michelle

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a welcome return visit to the Guesthouse on the green. I really
enjoyed Mammys housewarming party and so glad Ita has found happiness .
And another baby is on the horizon ( i hope ).
Can't wait for the next book 😀

[LORRAINE GREY · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fun story

The Omara family never fail to entertain. I think when I finish this series, I might just start all over. I actually find myself smiling and laughing when I read these books.

[Adrienne Van Houten · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite series

Like a great tv show. You anticipate the newest book like the next season. Wish they were a bit longer

[Susan Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxed reader

Really enjoyed this and all the Guest House books looking forward to the next one, till then will investigate her other books

[Pam Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story.

Love this series and all the characters except the mother. Well written stories, hard to put down. Great read everyone.

[Melanie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably, this is the eleventh novel in the Guesthouse on the Green series which, as always, is impossible to put down.

[Susan Geyer]

continuing on with this series I love.

[margaret kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracker

Having read and enjoyed the other O'mara books , I couldn't wait for this instalment. Was I disappointed? Definitely not. Once again a book that makes you smile, chuckle and Laugh out loud. You really feel part of the family, and what a family. A perfect accompaniment to a snowy day and a hot chocolate. Can't wait for the next book.

[wilma mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

I like how one book carries on from the last one in this family friendly series. It's great to catch up with the new adventures of each character. Maureen holds them all together with her bossy and funny ways. You can just imagine such a family in real life. There are no down points in this book, and it ends leaving you wanting the next book to read. Michelle certainly knows how to keep you reading. Highly recommend this series.

[Janie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love every book in this series!

While this one mainly focuses on “lazy Ita,” it is no less charming than all the rest of these stories. I read in less than 24 hours, as was the case with all of Michelle Vernal’s books! What a wonderful author! Can’t wait for Book 12! A MUST read, but start at the beginning, you’ll love them all!

[Pamela Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favourite Series.

I just love this series of books. Wonderful characters so believable. I laugh lots when reading these stories. What a woman Maureen is. I can't wait for the next book.

[Julie Kleckner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disjointed

I am assuming this would have been better if I had read the first books in the series but I just couldn't catch up. Too many story lines starting in the middle. Also, way too many spelling and grammar errors for me.

[sally monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every book in series!

I picked 5 stars because I loved getting lost in the O'Mara's household and shananigans!! I read all books consecutively. There was never a day I didnt read. I already bought the first book in paperback in the series. for a friend😊

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maureen and Donal have moved into their new home and are planning their housewarming. Aisling and Quinn are going for tests to see why she hasn’t fallen pregnant. This story also focuses on Ita and her back story. So much is happening.

[Sharon D'Amore · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

Delightful read! Love the characters! They make me laugh and smile while turning the pages. Having been to Ireland this series reminds me of the friendly people we met wherever we traveled.

[Christine Cornock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, Maureen and her daughters are so funny I laugh out loud all the time. When I have finished one book I can’t wait to read the next one. The characters come to life it is so well written. Congratulations to Michelle Vernal.

[Mrs Nicole M Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Old friends in new circumstances and the Mammy still the same. Looking forward to the next one.

[Beverly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The house way

I love all of the Guesthouse books. The O’Maras and their friends and family are a hoot. Can’t wait til the next one, next year

[sharon henly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Housewarming, homecoming!

stepping back into your happy familiar place with all your favourite people !! Always leaves you wanting more, can't wait for the next instalment😍

[Pauline Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Housewarming

Brilliant as usual Michelle. The O,Mara family are getting more outrageous with each book. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Shazzy☘️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

[Gina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

really enjoyed this story just a shame that I got through it too quickly. Mammy and the girls entertaining as ever

[Hazel Friday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it for the second time and it was hilarious. Really enjoyed this series

[Santina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heartwarming

Frolicking story about the O'Meara family and the lovely antics. Very light, enjoyable read.Wonderful

Always enjoy the characters and their relationships.

[Kathy Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Housewarming

It was so good to visit old friends and see what they are up to. I can't wait for book 12!

[Rhona Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good feel good book with lots if laughs

[Judy G Spivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mammy I'm are does tend to mix things up.

Funny and heart warming as the owners girls and Mammy work out life's ups and down. From tears to laughter, this book had it all.