April 20, 2026 – My Sanctuary

Review Card & Book Review- The Wife’s Irish Secret By Susanne O’Leary

When Marian Fleury finds a love letter hidden in her husband Theo’s belongings, her heartbreak puts her on the first plane to Ireland. With her sister Claire’s wedding only a week away, she has the perfect excuse to escape to the Irish coast and decide where her future truly lies…

Marian is shocked by how quickly she adjusts to the beautiful sandy shores, shopping for dresses and collecting roses for the perfect wedding bouquet. As the ocean sparkles before her, the wind soft against her face, she manages to keep the pain Theo has caused her a secret and remembers that as a little girl she always wanted Ireland to be her home.

Yet just as Marian thinks her past is behind her, Theo arrives in town. He begs for her forgiveness, his handsome face and olive skin making her heart race like always, and suddenly she wonders if he might start afresh in the village with her.

But when she stumbles upon the woman her husband was sending letters to, in a beautiful cottage among the wildflowers, Marian learns that Theo has an even bigger secret. Can Marian find the strength to take the next steps in her own life, or is she about to lose everything?

About The Author

My Review

This is a heartfelt, atmospheric romance that beautifully intertwines personal upheaval with the charm and spirit of rural Ireland. While the story is framed as a relationship-focused novel, it often feels just as much a love letter to Irish landscapes, traditions, and community. Marian Fleury is an instantly sympathetic protagonist—vulnerable, flawed, and deeply human. Returning to Ireland for her sister’s wedding, she is really fleeing a marriage that has left her feeling invisible and isolated. The discovery of a recent letter from her husband’s former flame only deepens her hurt and confusion.

As Marian unravels emotionally, she confides in the wrong person, a choice that threatens to make her situation even more precarious. When her husband Theo unexpectedly arrives in Ireland hoping to repair their strained relationship, Marian becomes overwhelmed by secrets, obligations, and the weight of her own fears. O’Leary skillfully builds tension as Marian’s carefully balanced life becomes increasingly unsustainable.

Rich in emotion and rooted in a vivid sense of place, The Wife’s Irish Secret is an engaging and compassionate read that keeps you invested in Marian’s journey toward clarity and self-worth.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Happy Publication Day – 20 April 2026

Growing Old Disgracefully By Karen King

‘Aren’t you a bit old to live in a house-share?’

When Nancy’s husband disappears to ‘find himself’ on a worldwide tour, just before he’s due to retire, she’s devastated to find he’s left her penniless.

She has the house though… and so she does the only thing she can. She finds lodgers. Her sister Val thinks it’s a mad idea, but Nancy’s sure it’ll be fine, as long as she doesn’t have anyone young and chaotic, so she selects three lodgers of similar age to her.

But she soon realises that life model Jackie, fortune teller Phyllis, and ageing rocker Marvin might be a more crazy group than teenagers would be. What’s more… they’re determined to help Nancy find her own wild side!

RevIew Card & Book Review – The Whispers Of Hideaway House By Alexandra Barber

A captivating tale of love, loss and second chances, where the past and present intertwine to create magic that transcends time itself…

When midwife Jules arrives on the Isle of Wight, she’s nursing a broken heart after being betrayed by the man she thought she loved. But the enchanting 200-year-old Hideaway Cottage seems determined to heal her wounded spirit. As Jules untangles the mystery at the centre of the house’s tragic history, she begins to wonder if some places are simply meant to mend what’s been broken…

About The Author

My Review

This book is about heartbreak, fresh starts, and the healing power of friendship and community. It delivers a warm, uplifting second instalment in the Hideaway House series that feels like a comforting escape from start to finish.

The story follows Jules, a hardworking midwife in Manchester whose life unravels after her charming boyfriend Gavin vanishes, leaving emotional and financial devastation behind. Struggling to cope, she is rescued by her loyal best friend Carrie, who invites her to the peaceful Isle of Wight. There, Carrie and her partner Guy arrange for Jules to stay at Hideaway House, offering her the chance to rebuild her confidence and begin again.

What makes the novel so enjoyable is its sense of community. The villagers are kind, supportive, and quick to rally around one another when life becomes difficult, creating a story full of compassion and warmth. Although set in summer, the generosity and uplifting tone make it feel like the perfect holiday read.

Overall, this is a charming, feel-good novel about resilience, friendship, and new beginnings—one that leaves you eager to explore the rest of the series.

My Rating