The Irish Key by Daisy O'Shea is a clean romance with a hint of mystery. It takes place in Ireland pre-1996, as the book mentions that divorce is illegal there. The technology referenced is from the same era - typewriters, Dictaphones, and a slightly terrifying new computer. The writing was descriptive and atmospheric, but the pacing was a bit on the slow side. I also felt like the romance in the book was pretty bland. There isn't a lot of character development, but having never been to Ireland myself, I found the depictions of the area charming.

I rated The Irish Key 3.5/5 stars, rounded down. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light read set in Ireland, with a little unexpected twist at the end, and where everything gets tidily wrapped up at the conclusion.

Thank you to Netgalley, Daisy O'Shea, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the ARC. I was not required to write a review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

A lovely novel of second chances, family secrets, and ultimately found family. Grace and her little daughter Olivia have fled to Ireland where she's inherited a home from Caitlin. But that house has no door and isn't habitable for the moment. Through a series of lucky circumstances, they're taken in by Noel and she gets a job. But why the house? And why did Caitlin leave? There's also Sean. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This is the sort of novel that will have you rooting for Grace and Olivia to find their happy place.

I enjoyed The Irish Key and from the beginning, I found myself invested in the very likeable characters. The main character, Grace, has left Graham, her controlling husband, in the UK and, along with her young daughter Olivia, travels to Ireland to live in the cottage by the sea which had belonged to her grandfather. This is not a true dual timeline story but one with many flashbacks which explain what happened in the past. Why did Grace's grandmother, Caitlin, leave Ireland and never return? Who is the elderly Noel O'Donovan who gives Grace a job and invites her and Olivia to move in with him in his mansion while Grace finishes renovations on the cottage? I found myself reading way longer than I normally would have as I wanted to find out what would happen next! Daisy O'Shea has a very easy-to-read writing style and I look forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Daisy O'Shea book and I will say that I really enjoyed it! I thought the author did a great job of developing these characters and story at the perfect pace as to keep it engaging and interesting. I had no trouble reading this very quickly and greatly enjoyed the plot. I think this is an ideal read for readers looking for something light and stand alone. I will say that the end seemed a little bit rushed to me in contrast with the details of the rest of the book and I wish that we would have heard a little bit more about the development of the FMC's new relationship. Almost like it could have been continued on after this for a sequel but the author was trying to close that door? I hope I am wrong and that we might see more from these characters?! 3.75 stars

This is such a stunning well written novel that truly carried my heart away to Ireland where I never missed a beat of its identifiable tune! This is a story about relationships that are initially broken, quenched, misunderstood and mishandled. But eventually the natural ways and charm of this island and its people captured the heroine’s heart and helped her through some trying times.

The quote I first read on this novel in the blurb intrigued me. It really says a lot about the bones or notes of this story. There’s a mystery tied up in this beautiful gift from a grandmother to her grand-daughter. '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.’

Of course, any novel set in Ireland gets my attention and this one is very special and profoundly moving with its wonderful brush strokes of creative insight on the Irish heart and how this island’s natural beauty transforms, restores and equips those with its blood in their veins. There is such a sense of ancient magic, mystery and culture that continues to be passed down through many generations. Something I can deeply I relate to. And Ms O’Shea has captured the spirit of the place and its power to heal. We see this through Grace, a woman who has been married to a wealthy businessman named Graham who does not treat her as an equal. He only seems to want to possess or control her. As a result, her self-worth and identity have faded into the background. Until the day she has courage to secretly pack up and flee with her daughter Olivia from England with no warning. Her initial thought is to go to her mother’s but then she realises it would be the first place her husband would look, so she runs off to Ireland with a key given to her on her wedding day by her grandmother. Did Grandma Cailtin realise one day Grace would need this little cottage? It appears her grandmother and others did not like her husband and rightfully so. But at the moment when she decides enough is enough, she remembers her grandmother’s words and decides Ireland is her best choice to hide away. Her grandpa’s cottage may just be the ‘safe haven’ she needs. And besides. as her grandmother once stated, ‘Ireland in in her blood.’

When Grace arrives in Ireland to a simpler existence, it is quite a cultural shock. After being used to the comforts of the rich, due to her husband’s wealth, the Irish living conditions are quite a change. But that does not worry her and she knows she can adjust, for she came from humble beginnings. When she meets the local builder, Sean, who gives her a lift to her destination, he forewarns her she might not want to move into her grandfather’s home just yet. When she sees how derelict it is, she understands what he means. She has a key to house that has no door now! She realises she must stay in another accommodation and Sean introduces her to a local shop lady with a room. But there is a time limit of how long she can stay, since it has been prebooked for another. Once settling in, she looks for work and a surprise job comes up. Everything begins to change for Grace and Olivia. Ireland’s redemptive qualities begin to change and comfort her—but there is always a touch a fear in the back of her mind she will be found by her husband.

What follows is a tumultuous journey but this woman’s courage grows, being away from the negative influences that took so much from her. She meets some wonderful people in the town. One character I particularly adored: an older gentleman named Noel. He has moved back to the area he grew up in, after being away for a number of years. His story is a fascinating one. With his unexpected friendship and support, Grace reclaims the present. Other wonderful towns folk are added to her life. Grace and little Olivia now are surrounded by loving, caring people. This attention helps them both to blossom. Sean, too, makes quite an impression on Grace and her daughter. Grace is awakened to a better life and the possibility of a happy fulfilling future.

There are some nail biting encounters with the past (as you’d expect). Secrets are unveiled and surprising truths erupt, plus a few unexpected twists that expose true natures. And although there are some frightening events, the ending brilliantly pulls everything together to provide a fulfilling conclusion. Ms. O’Shea threw some ‘hefty stumbling blocks’ in Grace’s path but showed us ‘her underlying strength of character.’ It was an emotional journey I won’t forget and yes, I closed the book with a ‘sigh of satisfaction!’ I loved this novel and cannot wait to read more of this author’s works! Very happy. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.

The magic of Ireland! A wonderful well written novel. Will keep you inthralled to the last page. You will fall in love with grace and . Olivia. Looking forward to more books from Daisy O,shea.

What happens when life throws you an unexpected curve? It takes courage to start over again.
Family secrets abound as main character, Grace, delves into her family history. She is ready for a fresh start with her young daughter, Olivia.
The setting of Roone Bay, a little Irish village, sounds like such a lovely place. The author’s descriptions of the area make me want to go visit there.
The Irish Key will pull on your heartstrings.
The mystery aspect was intriguing.
The romance aspect was beautiful.
The characters were engaging and likeable.
All in all, a very enjoyable read!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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…
My heart is still racing, hands trembling, emotions swirling… Incredible

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "The Irish Key" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first book by Daisy O'Shea and it will not be my last. This wonderful book is set in Ireland where the main character Grace Adams has escaped to with her daughter Olivia. The reader will be pulling for her to make it because she's escaping a disastrous marriage to a controlling, overbearing and arrogant Graham who feels very entitled indeed. His first wife died under mysterious circumstances and he has a son Arthur from that relationship.

We meet the wonderful Noel O'Donovan who is truly a grand character. With the help of Grace he is writing his memoirs and through that we learn of his life in 1931-32 when he was in love with Kathleen. We learn how he ending up living in such a wonderful house, which he has allowed Grace and Olivia to stay in while they sort a home of their own.

This story has everything - mystery, intrigue, true love, family, the kindness of strangers and hope. In the midst of things going wrong, so many things go right or Grace. An absolutely wonderful story that I look forward to recommending to my friends.

Perfect location and description of Ireland, and what I imagine it to be like. I liked O'Shea's writing style and thought the story was interesting. I look forward to more tales from her soon. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.