The Lost Mother of Ireland

Starlight Cottages #6

by Susanne O'Leary

A completely gripping and unforgettable story of long-lost family secrets and forbidden romance that will whisk you away to the beautiful village of Sandy Cove on the west coast of Ireland.

When Laura inherits a small cottage from a friend who was like a mother to her, she wonders whether this could be the new beginning she’s been searching for. Although she’s never been to the village of Sandy Cove on the west coast of Ireland, her friend described it as on the edge of the sparkling blue sea, with sandy white beaches. Could this be the fresh start she needs to ease her heartache?

During her first walk on the beach, Laura meets Gino, a handsome local who instantly charms her with his sparkling eyes and gorgeous smile. Laura finds herself attracted to him as he tells her about his life and his love for Sandy Cove. And, as they spend more time together, the pair begin to grow closer.

But just as Laura begins to settle into village life, her friend’s son disputes his mother’s will. But what he doesn’t know is that Laura hasn’t just inherited the cottage from her, she’s also been given a very valuable heirloom – one that tells the story of a forbidden love, a long-forgotten family secret and a bond between a mother and daughter that could not be broken…

Just as Laura begins to solve the mystery behind the painting, everything she thought she knew about Gino changes in a heartbeat when she discovers that he might have already given his heart away to someone else. Is their love story over before it ever truly began?

And when Laura uncovers the truth behind her inheritance, she is left wondering whether the family secret should have remained forgotten. When the dust settles from her discovery, will she be able to rebuild her life in Sandy Cove with the one man she truly loves?

Fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Mary Alice Monroe and Debbie Macomber will fall in love with this gripping, heart-warming and utterly charming Irish romance.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Mystery, Irish Literature, Womens Fiction

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2023

About the author

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She's been inspired to represent people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.

When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy read and it had everything it needed to be a good book - a well written plot, a bit of romance, a bit of mystery plus a beautiful friendly town. The descriptions of Ireland were so beautiful that I felt like I was there and that I should pack my suitcase and make a trip to this rugged area on the Irish coast.

Laura was a nurse and a care giver to Josephine after her stroke. They spent two years together and became good friends. When Josephine died, she left Laura a cottage in the beautiful village of Sandy Cove on the west coast of Ireland, a painting and her beloved old dog Ken. Laura decides to visit the cottage and falls in love with the town and the people who lived there. She misses her old friend and needs to recuperate from her loss. Even though Laura was in her 50s, she was still happily single even though she still hoped that she would find love in the future and the town has several men who could make that wish come true. The painting is a bit of a mystery because Josephine asked her to find out who is in the painting and to return it to its real owner. As she learns more about the painting, she finds out that its very valuable and was painted on the beach below her cottage. But how will she find the real owner? As she is falling in love with her new town and one of the men in town, Josephine's only son is planning to contest the will claiming that Laura somehow got his mother to leave valuable items to her instead of her family. Laura isn't sure whether she'll be able to stay in Sandy Cove or lose the ownership of the beautiful cottage.

Laura is a well written main character - she works hard and appreciates all she's been given. Her upbeat personality makes it easy for her to become friends with everyone in the village and she's overall just a nice person. The descriptions of Ireland are beautiful and made me wish (for a short time) that I was living in one of the Starlight cottages. The Lost Mother of Ireland is book 6 in a series but can be read as a standalone with no confusion. I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to read all of the earlier books in the series to learn more about the people who live in Sandy Cove.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Cove is the setting of a beautiful village where Susanne O’Leary presents another delightful story in the Starlight Cottages series. These warm stories are always like coming home and this latest book is another example of a truly touching story.

Laura has received a very unusual inheritance after her charge that she cared for passes away. Laura did everything she could to make Josephine’s life comfortable at the end as her nurse and caregiver but there relationship also became one of a very strong friendship. Laura was left a cottage in the village of Sandy Cove, so she travels to Ireland to perhaps restart her life.

Laura is about 50, which is a wonderful age to see someone who still loves life and who just might find her future and perhaps love in a new place where she really fits in. Meanwhile, Laura discovers a painting in the cottage and tries to learn the history behind that painting, and this gives the story a bit more flavor. There is so much to this wonderful story in a very touching series, one that will no doubt leave the reader feeling more than pleased.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Mother of Ireland # 6 Starlight Cottages
4.5 ✨

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Mother of Ireland is the 6th and final book in the Starlight Cottages series. I enjoyed this one more than the last one and thought it was a fitting finale. Starlight Cottages is a group of cottages on a Lifeboat Station that are the setting for each book in the series, but that is the main thing that ties them together. In this book, a young nurse, Laura, is left one of the cottages by Josephine, the woman she has been caring for. She heads to Sandy Cove to see the cottage and meets several people from the village, one being Gino, the local baker and the man who has been taking care of the cottage. She is happy in Sandy Cove, but Josephine's one, Michael, plans to contest the will. Will Laura be able to live happily and start a new life in the cottage or have to move out?

I enjoy this series where all the characters have new beginnings. This book has a mystery, some romance, drama and secrets. Along with the cottage, Laura receives a painting and some money. Josephine asks her to keep the painting a secret, but to find who it rightfully belongs to and return it to them. There is some chemistry between Laura and Gino, but she makes an assumption and this stops any romance before it even begins. There is a bit of a love triangle at one point, when it seems like Laura might be taken in by a smooth operator, who I didn't like very much. I liked Laura as a character. She around 50, so an older MC, is honest, caring, friendly and loyal. She tries hard to find out who is in the painting so she can return it. Her niece helps her with that, another character that I liked, but didn't learn a lot about. This is a well written and plotted story with some great characters. I loved, Ken, Josephine's dog who she also left to Laura. The mystery wasn't a dark or secretive story, but one that time caused. I liked how all the loose ends were tied up and was happy for the characters. As I said earlier, you don't need to read these books in order or the rest of the series at all to enjoy this one. It is a lovely story, set in a beautiful village with delightful characters. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jennifer Fitzgerald. She narrated all the previous books I listened to and I enjoyed her performances.

[Sarah]

The Lost Mother of Ireland by Susanne O'Leary is a gorgeously atmospheric story that was a delight to read. Brimming with new friendships and romance, with an added air of mystery surrounding a painting, this is one novel not to be missed! Whilst it is the sixth in a series, it is a standalone story.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story about long lost family secrets.
The setting is on the west coast of Ireland.
A journey to honor the request of a loved one reveals forbidden love and lots of mystery.
Lovely characters that draw you into the story.
A heartwarming story in the continuation of the Starlight Cottages series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was transported to Sandy Cove on the west coast of Ireland while reading this heartwarming book. The setting was perfect and described so beautifully it made me think I was actually there.

Laura is a nurse who has inherited a small seaside cottage from a lady who she has nursed and become very close too. Still grieving she throws caution to the wind and travels to Sandy Cove in the hope of starting a new life.

The local community wrap their arms around Laura and she makes lots of new friends becoming instantly attracted to one handsome local . Along with the cottage Laura had been entrusted with a painting with a mystery that needs solved .

I was rooting for Laura throughout the book. Hoping she would find happiness and love. I was also intrigued with the mystery surrounding the painting and the secrets that were uncovered.

If you like uplifting moving story lines then this is definitely the book for you . My first read by Suzanne O’Leary and it won’t be my last.

[Zoe Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. This was entertaining to listen to as easy chick lit. Small town Ireland and a happy ending. Just a three.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another intriguing and inspiring heart-felt story by Susanne O’Leary! I am always excited to see a new book by this wonderful author. I know when I sit down to read it, I will never be disappointed. And I won’t want to be disturbed or do anything else while I am lost in the plot, wandering across the Irish landscape and meeting old friends in Sandy Cove. This community in the spectacular west region of Ireland is like a family. They have their issues but they are a close knit group who support each other when needs arise. Susanne always shows us an uplifting portrayal of the human heart and how it best thrives on companionship and close social interaction. I am always anxious to see what life event she will devise to draw an unlikely cast together to work out their problems: especially in this gorgeous Irish location where magic, wonder and love flow like shimmering moonlight on the sea. You can bet someone is in need of a fresh start or an escape to a coastal village where he/she can get a better perspective on their lives. And what better place to do that but in an awe-inspiring setting?

The Lost Mother of Ireland is Starlight Cottage Book number 6 and although it is helpful if you have read the previous in the series, they are stand-alone stories. But since various characters often reappear throughout each instalment, it is nice to know their full backstories. I guarantee, though, once you read one book, you will want them all! They’re like your favourite treat, one bite is not enough! They are very more-ish. But keep your tissues close and your tea and cookies nearby, and curl up on a couch with a beautiful fire burning in the fireplace—if you have one. Even if you don’t have some of these comforts, the characters, descriptions and events will keep you mesmerised, warm, uplifted and so glad you came to this village through the magic of words. For I believe you will, as I have, fall in love with these eclectic people and spellbinding location that will have you dreaming about them or jumping on a plane to Ireland so you can view first hand the breathtaking scenery and experience the magical culture that Susanne skilfully writes about!

Susanne does a beautiful job with character development and in spinning fascinating historical mysteries into her stories. There is always a great mystery at the heart of these novels. With The Lost Mother of Ireland, it is a stunning painting of a mystery woman in the Irish seascape. Susanne’s masterful description makes you feel as though you can actually see it. You are transported through the eyes of certain characters and the mystery that surrounds this piece of artwork hooks you in and leaves you chasing the pages to figure it all out. The trail of breadcrumbs unfolds like a treasure hunt. And what a fascinating hunt it is! I enjoyed every minute of the chase as the facts became visible one by one.

Our lead character Laura is a gentle nurse who works with seniors. She becomes a close friend to Josephine, one of the ladies she is attending. This woman adores Laura for making her last few years happy ones. In many ways, Laura is the daughter Josephine never had. When she dies, she surprises everyone with her gifting of a cottage to her nurse/friend. Not only does Laura receive one of the beautiful Starlight Cottages we have read about previously but she also inherits a dog, and a special painting that has a mission attached to it. Of course, this causes havoc with Michael, the elderly woman’s son, and he tries to take action by threatening to attest the will.

Despite the threats, Laura takes time off from her job and heads to Sandy Cove to the cottage where many wonderful and unexpected things begin to happen. She is greeted by the villagers who adopt her quickly into their hearts but there are two men she also meets that make her question her solitary life. Of course, there is a love conflict and Laura must make difficult personal decisions. Plus, there’s the valuable heirloom painting with its mystery that will shake her heart.

This is a story with many levels of meaning but love, forgiveness, healing, restoration and the magic of a land/seascape swirls throughout The Lost Mother of Ireland. And it is about a piece of artwork that captured a moment in time. Its image is lost for a while before it is found. There’s a forbidden romance, a mother and daughter bond, a broken mother-son relationship and the last wishes of an elderly lady to her best friend.

Beautifully written, heart-felt, uplifting and unforgettably special. I adored The Lost Mother of Ireland with its courageous twists and turns and its uplifting message that you can start again. And you are never too old, too late or too set in your ways to find love or be transformed by it.
5 Shining Irish Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susanne O’Leary’s The Lost Mother of Ireland is a compelling and captivating tale of hope, renewal and second chances perfect for Faith Hogan and Cathy Kelly fans.

Laura is desperate for a fresh start so when she inherits a small cottage from a friend who was like a mother to her in Sandy Cove, a village on the coast of Ireland, she thinks that this might be the new beginning she had been hoping for. From the second Laura sets foot in Sandy Cove, things begin to look up for her – especially when she meets handsome Gino. As a friendship quickly gives way to an attraction that simply cannot be denied, Laura thinks that Sandy Cove might just be the place she can call home for the foreseeable future – until her friend’s son turns up disputing his mother’s will. Is Laura about to lose everything she has grown to cherish just when happiness had been within her reach?

Laura hadn’t just inherited her friend’s cottage, but also a valuable heirloom that tells the story of a forbidden love, a family secret and a bond between mother and child that simply could not be broken. As Laura begins to solve the mystery behind this painting, she discovers that Gino might not be the knight in shining armour she had initially thought him to be. Will their romance be over before it’s even had a chance to get off the ground? Have Laura’s dreams for a future in Sandy Cove been dashed? Or will there be further surprises in store for her that will prove beyond doubt that Sandy Cove is where she needs to be?

Susanne O’Leary’s The Lost Mother of Ireland is storytelling at its best. A gentle, engaging and emotional tale about finding your place in the world, healing, belonging and falling in love, The Lost Mother of Ireland is a gorgeous page-turner that effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings and will have readers reaching for the tissues on many an occassion.

A first-class tale perfect for sinking oneself into, The Lost Mother of Ireland is another must-read by Susanne O’Leary.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Mother of Ireland by Susanne O’Leary is another of her feel-good romance series loosely based on a set of cottages (Starlight Cottages) in a small Irish coastal town that have been refurbished. Laura was taking some time off after the death of her latest patient, an opera singer, when Josephine’s son, Michael, called to tell her he was going to contest his mother’s will on the basis that Laura had used undue influence to be included in it. Laura was aghast, but later when the envelope from Josephine’s lawyer arrived, she discovered she had inherited a cottage in Kerry, Josephine’s dog, Ken, a painting (that she had to find the true owner for) and a goodly sum of money. She had already contacted a lawyer of her own and he though it unlikely that Michael would be successful, but his threat still hung over her head.

As all of this series, this is a gentle love story with plenty of warm Irish characters to help it on it’s way. Laura is 52 years old and has pretty much given up on love, but she still loves a good time so partying with a villager Becky and her friends come as a welcome occurrence, as does the invitation to substitute for Bridget, the nurse in the local doctor’s office. Laura and Ken take long walks and she visits with people in town, often searching for the woman in the painting, whom she eventually sees in a school photo from the 60’s. She adapts well to life in Sandy Cove. It is the life she had been looking for for years. Nothing deep and meaningful about this book but good characters and a wonderful setting, with the addition of a small mystery. Enjoyable read. Thanks, Ms O’Leary.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Lost Mother of Ireland by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #SusanneOLeary #TheLostMotherOfIreland

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura inherits a cottage in Sandy Cove from a friend who was like a mother to her. The village is on the west coast of Ireland and seems like a fresh start. There she meets Gino, a handsome local she's attracted to. As they grow closer and Laura settles into village life, her friend's son disputes the will. In addition to the house, Laura had also gotten an heirloom that reveals a long-forgotten family secret. And as if that isn't enough, Laura finds out that Gino might love someone else. With all of this, how can she rebuild her life?

The Lost Mother of Ireland is book six in the Starlight Cottages series but can be read as a standalone. Laura is 52, and had a full life nursing and caring for others, which is how she met Josephine, who left her the cottage and painting. She settled into village life, appreciating the community and friendliness. Because if said village life, she sees a photo of the painting's subject, and people remembered the sixties, allowing her to track down the woman and try figuring out who the painter was. At the same time, she has a growing attraction to Gino, and an art gallery owner wining and dining her. The romantic aspect doesn't get spicier than kissing on the page, and I honestly was more focused on the mystery painting. I appreciated that she and her new friends are older and have full, fun lives. Romance is a bonus, not a necessity as it sometimes feels like in romances starring young adults. The book takes its time so that you get to know everyone, a really nice and cozy feeling.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "The Lost Mother of Ireland" in exchange for my honest review.

This is book #6 in the Starlight Cottages series. The story focuses on Laura Keene a nurse from Dublin who inherits one of the Coastguard Station cottages after one of her patients leaves it to her in her will. Josephine had been a favourite patient of Laura's and she spent 2 years caring for the lovely older lady who not only willed her the cottage but also her beloved dog Ken. Laura moves to Sandy Cove and into the cottage - which Josephine's estranged son threatens to take Laura to court over as he contests the will. He never had time for his mother, never visited her but his wife wants to cottage. We meet some of the people from previous Starlight Cottage books, including Dr. Shane who Laura knows from having worked in A & E with him. When the nurse at the surgery needs to take time off to care for her husband, Laura seamlessly fits into her job to help out. Laura isn't short of admirers with Alan (the art expert) and Gino (the village baker) expressing interest in her. Laura was also tasked my Josephine to find the rightful owner of a painting that was also left to her.

This book is a wonderful addition to the series. The descriptions of the scenery on the Ring of Kerry are spectacular and the reader feels that they are there seeing it with the author.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura is in much need of a new beginning and when she inherits a small cottage from a friend, she knows her life is about to change. This could be the new beginning she needs. Laura was a nurse and a caregiver to Josephine after Josephine had a stroke. They became close friends and when Josephine passed away, she left Laura a small cottage in the beautiful village of Sandy Cove. Laura has never visited Sandy Cove, located on the west coast of Ireland. While Laura is walking on the beautiful white sand beach, she meets Gino, a handsome local, and they immediately develop a friendship. It was as if they had known each other all of their lives. Laura is adapting to life in the village, and is fitting in perfectly. Soon, Jennifer’s son disputes his mother’s will, Laura is afraid she will lose everything, not just the cozy cottage but also, her new found love…Gino.

This is the sixth installment of the amazing Starlight Cottages series. I always look forward to the escape of traveling to the beautiful white sand beaches of Sandy Cove. I still love the villagers as they feel like close friends and family. This is a wonderful story of new friendships, a bit of intriguing mystery, and romance. I loved everything about this story and, even though it is a series this book can be read as a standalone. If you are in need of a wonderful escape to a land far away, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has taken us back for the 6th time already to the Starlight Cottages in Ireland. The stories she creates are always filled with romance, but there is also always a deeper meaning. There is always a happy ending, but rest assured the books are never too sweet. Of course it's fiction, but there is some history involved sometimes as well and there are scenes that are very real. And if you are looking for the love of your life, you should travel to Sandy Cove. Is it something in the water or in the air? I honestly don't know but there are only happy people in that village. :)

Taking care of older people can be just that. A job. Nothing more, nothing less. But some carers genuinely love their clients and often become firm friends. The clients do appreciate that extra touch and sometimes they leave a gift after they passed away.

It makes the dark days filled with grief easier to bear and even though someone is not very happy with they way things are going, you decide to fight.

Sandy Cove is the place to be when you are a bit down. The villagers open their arms to newcomers and treat them like family. It's the place to recover from whatever you have to recover from. Once you arrive there, you just don't want to leave anymore.

Another heartwarming story in this lovely series. 5 stars

Thank you

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura is a nurse and inherits a cottage and a mystery after the death of a patient who became a friend. She heads to Sandy Cove and tries to reunite a painting with its owner...
The Lost Mother of Ireland is the 6th book in the Starlight Cottages series. Each book works as a stand alone but it is lovely to catch up with the locals from the earlier books.
Laura is at the centre of a will dispute after opera singer Josephine leaves her a cottage and a painting. She quickly moves to Sandy Cove to fulfil Josephine's final wish of finding the true owner of the painting. But is that the artist or the beautiful woman it depicts, and how can she find out the answer 50 years later?
I really liked Laura's character and was almost shouting at her when she is debating whether she likes Gino or Adam. She sees potential in exploring both relationships but it was clear who she should choose!
There is a lovely warmth to this series, bolstered by impressive and vivid descriptions. The characters and locations spring to life and are easy for the reader to imagine. I really liked that the main characters are all older than me and it shows that age is just a number. Love can happen at any time and is perhaps more appreciated as we get more mature. This book has a really strong and positive message.
The Lost Mother of Ireland is a warm and lovely gentle romance.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Mother of Ireland: A heart-warming and feel-good Irish romance: Starlight Cottages Book 6 is written by Susanne O"Leary. It takes place in Sandy Cove which is on the west coast of Ireland.
Laura is looking for somewhere where she can start all over. She needs a second chance and a place to heal. She inherits a cottage at Sandy Cove from a friend who had been almost a mother to her. It was definitely a surprise but one which she decided to try. Could this be the place for her second chance?
The inhabitants of Sancy Cove readily accept her into their community. She meets Gino on the beach and as they spend more time together, they begin to have feelings for each other; but both sense the need to go slowly.
Then, the son of her friend contests the will. They had known each other; but not well. He seemed to think Laura had coerced his mother to give her the cottage. As she waits to see what happens, she finds a painting that was also left to her. This painting in family heirloom too. What secrets can it reveal about the family? Should she give it to the son? She decides to investigate the painting and see where it leads. As she learns more and more, her view of Gino changes and she wonders if she should break up with him? What secrets does the painting reveal?

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

hank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion,

I love a nice feel-good read every now and then. This author's books always lesve me smiling, they are light-heartyed romances with a back story that is always interesting. Sandy Cove would be a lovely place to visit, I have enjoyed every book that takes place near Wild Rose Bay and reading these books is like catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

Laura inherits a cottage in Sandy Cove at Starlight Cottages from a dear lady for whom she had been a caretaker along with a pianitng and a cryptic letter. Laura is overwhelmed but that shocked to find out the lady's estranged son has decided to contest the will. Laura decides to move to the cottage and enjoy as much as she can before it is taken from her, if she loses and to try to solve the mystery of the painting. Laura meets the residents of Sandy Cove and instantly feels like part of an extended family and hopes she never has to leave. Its a lovely story of finding love at a point when you think it could no longer happen and being a part of something bigger, a community. Just a lovely feel-good story.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Mother of Ireland is book six in the wonderful Starlight Cottages by Susanne O'Leary. While each book has connections based on the setting, each could be considered a stand-alone. Marvelous landscape descriptions and wonderful people make this an enjoyable read.

Laura inherits a small cottage from a former patient and close friend so she moves to the cottage in Sandy Cove. Laura finds a home, friends, and even romance along with a mystery to be solved. Someone comes along wanting to take from Laura all that she has found. It is not difficult to side with Laura while wondering why this son was so intent on seeking what would not really give him the peace that he needed. However, it is the positive and gracious manner of Laura that stands out in this story.

The Starlight Cottages are so well written with characters that you grow to love that starting with The Lost Mother of Ireland will only entice you to read the entire series.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had something come into your life at just the right moment? Well, this book was that something for me. I was struggling with the anniversary of the death of my dear friend and this book was just what I needed to be lifted up and transported to another place for a bit. Susanne O'Leary is a new author to me but oh my she is a new favorite. I felt transported to Ireland, the west coast county of Kerry to be exact. Susanne's writing is beautiful. Not flowery but simply sweet. I am not usually a romance reader because the author often tells too much but Susanna allows you to use your own imagination for the intimate scenes making them more personal. I fell in love with all the characters and loved how they blended together. A bonus at the end is a snippet from the first book in this series. I already bought it for my kindle. A huge thank you to NetGalley, Susanne O'Leary, and Bookculture for the ARC and this is my honest review.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good to return to Sandy Cove and the Starlight Cottages once more,
With a new mystery and new folks with dreams to explore.
It starts with grief and unexpected bequest
What follows is an adventure, romance and simply the best!

A letter, a painting, a cottage and a mystery,
Research is needed, a delve into local history.
The Sandy Cove community to get to know
Settling in, trying to take things slow.

Possible romance to add to the mix
Whilst still endeavouring the mystery to fix.
So hard to not share what you're seeking to find
But the letter told Laura she must keep that in mind.

A heartwarming read with a great community, too,
With friendships and memories being created anew.
There are potential problems that Laura's trying hard to ignore
As she settles in to life on the West Ireland shore.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Mierfie Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book of Starlight Cottages series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Laura story really heatwarming, her friendship with Josephine was so good and Josephine show her gratitude to plan a nice life for Laura. In new place Laura have new friendship, new job, new life also new man. Laura journey to finish the last request from Josephine unfold another mystery, forbidden love.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#TheLostMotherofIreland #StarlightCottages #SusanneOLeary #Bookouture #NetGalley #ARC

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I'm amazed at the varied plots this author can create. Wonderful!

Edited Amazon synopsis:
When Laura inherits a small cottage from a friend who was like a mother to her, she wonders whether this could be the new beginning she’s been searching for. Although she’s never been to the village of Sandy Cove on the west coast of Ireland, her friend described it as on the edge of the sparkling blue sea, with sandy white beaches. Could this be the fresh start she needs to ease her heartache?

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read by this author. She continues to write feel good novels set in Ireland and this one does not disappoint. A nurse is left a cottage by the sea by her patient that she had been caring for.. Along with the ownership of the cottage, she is also left a painting with the instructions to try and find the owner. Long lost secrets are found and new friendships are formed with this continuation of the Starlight Cottages series. A book to recommend for a cold winter's day!

[Joyce R. Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story!

As always you have done a great story of County Kerry Ireland. We are headed back to Kenmare for our 9th trip and will be on the Skellig Ring! A beautiful place and the night skies are unbelievable. I wish you would find it in your heart to write a book updating the people from the first book and Maeve through your last. It would be great to see how everyone is doing now. Thank you for your stories.

[Mrs. Kathy Ahlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Book six in the series and I want it to go on and on! As I did with books one through five before it, I thoroughly enjoyed kicking back in my recliner and getting lost in Ireland and the characters lives. I enjoy books in series were some of the same characters continue to appear in all the books as they progress. I'm looking forward to starting another series Susanne O'Leary has written tonight or tomorrow.

[Debbie Odachowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a hard time finding it there was really a villon

I really liked this book. Our heroin was true that I herself and someone you would like to call a true friend. I 'll like how Ms. O'LEARY has such wonderful older characters that are not push overs and can stand up to the pros life throws them.Enjoy!

[Sheelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful story

I have come to love all the lovely residents of Sandy Cove.
This author writes wonderful Irish romances with characters that flow from book to book.
My only issue, hense the 4 stars, are the constant grammatical errors that have been missed by the author, the proof readers, and the editor. Without these, her books would be 5 stars.

[Morag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a nice wee gentle read with a couple of surprises and a hint of sadness, a smidgeon of romance, new friends and a sense of belonging, a happy old dog, some tasty meals, beautiful scenery, all set on the west coast of Ireland.
If you want a break from challenging and thought provoking literature then this is for you. Join Laura and Ken in Sandy Cove!!