I really enjoyed reading this novel; from the very beginning Adrienne Vaughan takes you on a journey where you join Mia and her desperate attempt to reconcile the forthcoming loss of her father figure (and maybe biological father) with the knowledge that everyone she loves has been keeping secrets from her. I found myself rooting for Mia to discover the truth, and whilst the ending was not what I had expected, it was a satisfying resolution.

The characters are well rounded, and I particularly enjoyed how Fenella was originally a commanding presence, both in her role as leading lady on the screen and in Mia’s life. But this changed as Mia learnt more about herself and grew in confidence.

The location of the story was stunning in its description and added to the air of mystery.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author.

I sat down with this book after reading a few titles in the historical fiction genre that were a little lacking. That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel was the perfect title to read next.

Love the storytelling by Ms. Vaughan. Partway through the book, I was ready to book a trip over to Ireland and go explore the area where this is set.

The main characters truly are like a cast in some ways. And not just because 2 of them are professional actors. Rather, each character seems to have their given role that was carved out many years ago. And, Mia (our protagonist) is in many ways the center from which the others move about.

Partly a tale of familial relationships (as this group is a family of sorts), part mystery as Mia is always looking to find out about her father, and part romance. Together it is a fantastic read, one that I was sad to have come to an end.

I don't want to leave a star rating for this book because from what I can tell almost everyone that has read it has loved it. For whatever reason, I could not get into this book. To me it read list a historical novel (and I am not a fan of historical fiction) although it was set in modern day. The writing style made it difficult for me to get into the story line at all. I am sure it is a beautiful story, it just wasn't for me.

I enjoyed this story set in Ireland about a young woman who is finally getting the chance to learn about her father. Mia has been raised by her actress mother and learned early in life not to ask who her father was. When Archie, a family friend decides to leave Mia his grand home she has to wonder if he is the man she's been seeking. While visiting him on his deathbed she discovers all the lies, jealousy and madness in her mother's past. While Mia loves her mother she hates the secrets that Fenella has kept. This was a satisfying read and it's the first book by Adrienne Vaughan that I've read. She certainly knows how to write a family tale that has a few twists and turns with an unusual writing style that has the dialog and story coming from the various character's minds. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Mia long ago stopped asking her famous mother who her father is. But when the man who was always known as her favorite uncle leaves Mia his estate, old desires surface. Was he her father?
Intense story of a lifetime of secrets, duplicity, and jealousy.

I received That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel as an ARC from Netgalley. This was the first book I've read by Adrienne Vaughan & I really enjoyed it. Mia is the daughter of a famous actress, Fenella. She was born out of wedlock and has never been told who her father is. Her mother's best friend, Archie, who may also be her father, is dying and has asked Mia to come visit him. The story goes back & forth in time as Mia tries to discover who her father is. The story about family keep me interested until the end.

Was so happy to have read this book. Loved the characters and really loved the story. Did not want to put this book down.

Mia is a young lady born out of wedlock in Ireland in the 1970's. Her mother, a famous actress named Fenella, believes Mia's father abandoned her when he found out she was pregnant. Back then, a baby born out of wedlock was a huge disgrace. She kept the identity of Mia's father a secret.
Mia is currently a dresser on movie sets. Not only did she have her famous mother- but her mom's best friend is a world known actor as well, Archie. Archie is one of those people who is unforgettable and larger than life. So when he asks Fenella and Mia to come see him before he dies of cancer, they cannot resist. Galty house- once known as Seahorse Hotel, is a place full of history- and secrets. It isn’t long before Mia is determined to unlock the memories her mother and the others seem determined to hide.
I was intrigued by Mia's story. I wanted to know who her father was, why all the secrecy behind his identity. The location was a character in itself. The historical aspects to the island and the home really added to the story. However, at times, I wondered if the Ireland they described in the 1970s was really that far behind America? I loved Galty house and was pleased with the outcome at the end of the story.
thank you netgalley and mrs vaughn

Although the story was good, at times I had difficulty separating the past from the present and identifying the characters in the different eras.
When I finished it I didn't feel I had totally immersed in the tale or the characters and just felt there was a spark missing to make it come alive.

Lovely book! Very well written I felt like I was there by the coast with Mia and her family. The characters worked really well together and they had a great dynamic. Would love a sequel to see what happens next!

I felt like this gave me a nice vacation to the Seahorse Hotel. This was a slow burn but I really got into it and I read it faster than I am proud to admit.

I just love the cover of this book. This was the first Adrienne Vaughan book that I have read and certainly not the last. This story was a break from reading fantasy and Psychological thrillers and definitely worth while. I loved the setting, the people as well as their interaction with each other. I also really enjoyed Adrienne Vaughan's writing style, everything flowed smoothly from one scene to the other. I wonder if maybe there will be a sequel in the future with Mia meeting her father. I would recommend this book to all readers of Woman's fiction.

The book can be categorized as woman’s fiction. It is the story of Mia born out of wedlock. The book returns to an earlier time when Mia ‘ s mother falls in love with an individual whose destiny has been prearranged. Mia ‘s mother befriends individuals who become life time friends and protect her. Archie is one such person who not only is close to Mia’s mother but also Mia. The book whose main setting is on the beautiful east coast of Ireland follows Mia as she finds herself and her roots.

Excellent! Very well-written, though in a style of run-on thoughts and disjointed memories that took some getting used to. I enjoyed the interesting locale, the interesting professions of the characters, the interesting history of the area, and of course the slightly foggy air of mystery.. The romance was realistic and unassuming, and the threads were all wrapped satisfactorily. Charming!

With a cast of wonderfully realised characters, this story transported me to Ireland and Galty House, set in the beautifully described coastal location of Rosshaven. Archie Fitzgerald, legendary actor, is dying, but determined to depart on his own terms. He wants Mia, the daughter of his close friend and fellow actor, Fenella Flanagan, to come home to Galty House for what will be their last summer together.


I love the almost ethereal quality of the cover image which compliments the theme of the book perfectly. Reminders of a past long gone, reminiscences and repercussions play a big part in the story. Whatever happened all those years ago has been a closely guarded secret, long buried and never spoken of. But now things are changing. Fenella is terrified Archie will feel compelled to break his promise and Bernice, Archie’s sister, wants to know what’s going to happen to Galty House when Archie is no longer there. Added to that is the mystery of the small island in the bay, with its atmosphere of secrecy and darkness.

Mia has only ever wanted to know who her father was, and why her mother would never say, but she gave up asking years ago and was content with the people she loves and who love her–her mother, Archie, Bernice and unconventional housekeeper Leela. But now, the desire to know has reasserted itself. When Archie lets her know she will inherit his estate, it makes her wonder if he is her father.

Newcomers to Rosshaven, Ross Power, Chief Executive of the new Harbour Spa Hotel in the village, and his niece, Pearl, quickly become involved with the family, and the stage is set for a very eventful summer of joy, heartbreak, tragedy, romance and surfacing revelations. Secrets are exposed, as is the greed and selfishness of certain people.

Sections from the past are scattered tantalizingly throughout the narrative and, as the small group spend time together, layers are uncovered, feelings laid bare and several threads are woven into the storyline. As with her previous books, Adrienne Vaughan’s knack of creating engaging and compelling characters who completely captivate, in a fabulous setting, is evident. Archie is outwardly theatrical and colourful, wanting to make the most of the time he has left, but understandably frailty shows through. I love Mia, the bond between her and Archie and the developing one with Pearl, another wonderful character.

Written with confidence, delightfully authentic dialogue and style, this was a joy to read.

The story goes thus Archie is dying and wants to meet up with Mia( Fenella's daughter) to Galty House in Ireland. Mia had always wanted to know who her father was. Mia arrives at Galty House along with her mother, Fenella and realizes that there are sub currents surrounding Archie and his decisions.
The author, Adrienne Vaughn, has written the book with a flair and panache which is quite rare. The characters all seem larger than life. There are layers surrounding Archie, his will and inheritance, along with the secrets that he hides in his heart. Dialogues add a different flavor to the story, seemed like something out of a Hollywood screenplay. The author's talent in worldbuilding is evident in the way she has described this part of Ireland.
The emotional build up has its own grip, scenes between Archie and Fenella, scenes between Mia and Ross and their budding romance tug at the heart. There are subplots which seem to be happening till the story builds up to a climax where everything seems to end well. A bit of a different style for me but overall a good book from start to finish

Well written with a good plot and a great cast of characters. The author was new to me and I enjoyed her style of writing. Recommend this book.

That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel took me a long time to get into, which is surprising because I love books set in the British Isles, especially in Ireland and Scotland. But once I was drawn in I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Mia Flanagan was the daughter of a famous actress and a father she never knew. Secrecy surrounded her conception and when she was ten, she stopped asking. But when the father figure in her life leaves her an estate, she wonders if it was him. Follow her as she tries to pull back the curtain of time to sort out who exactly her father is and why her mother kept it a secret.

That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel is a delightful novel with plenty of interesting characters and a captivating plot. I loved that it reads like a play or movie script which fits nicely into the story and the characters. There is drama-par for the course for actors Archie and Fenella- mystery around who Mia’s father is (a long held secret by her mother , Archie and Archie’s long-suffering sister Bernice), tension between Mia and Ross, Mia and her mother, Bernice and Archie and Fenella. All combine for a perfect script that will hold your interest and keep you on your toes.

A beautifully well written story set in a wonderfully described location. Mia is searching for answers, her father unknown and questions to be answered, as her beloved uncle is dying now might be the time to find out her history. Full of emotion this is a rollercoaster of a ride.