Book Review for The Irish House by @annolwriter @Bookouture

There was something faintly magical about Kilteelagh; it wormed its way into her thoughts and cloaked her in a warm feeling, when all she thought she wanted was a busy city with sirens and traffic – a very different, other life. ~ Excerpt from The Irish House

Marianne left the bustle of New York City for what she thought was a brief visit to Ireland. She went there after her grandmother's death and being summoned by her estate attorney. She didn't know what to expect but she never anticipated her aunt's hostility at her presence and she certainly never saw herself inheriting her grandmother's estate. But that's not all. Her grandmother had taken in her daughter's girls after the death of their mother. As part of the condition for inheriting, Marianne needs to take them on. She feels hardly equipped to so and with her aunt contesting the will, it would just be easier if Marianne turned around and headed back to the States. Only thing niggling at her conscience though is what her grandmother had wanted for her.

When, shortly after, her life in the city completely falls apart, Marianne figures she might as well give Ireland a real go. The conditions of the will also allow Marianne an out after a year.

What follows once Marianne decides to give it a go is a heartwarming journey of discovery and re-discovery. Though it isn't without its rocky patches. That miserable aunt is determined to make Marianne's life hell for choosing to stay. She starts to feel like a broken record given how many times she tells Marianne to go back to New York City. But will it always be that way? You'll need to read the book.

I greatly enjoyed reading the letters from her grandmother that she wrote when she was sick. All of these were addressed to Marianne, and it's like she reaching out from beyond the grave. It was nice to see Marianne adjust to her new role as an aunt turned mother. It was also touching to see her take control of her life. 

The ending is magical and serendipitous. I recommend this read if you just want to get swept away for awhile. 

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. 

Buy on Amazon. 

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Read and reviewed by CAROLYN ARNOLD. Expressions and opinions are her own. She is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and thrillers to action adventures. 

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