Publication Date: October 7, 2024
My whole life, I’ve been haunted by a secret I’ve left behind on the coast of Ireland. I may be gone, but if you’re reading this Casey, I need to tell you everything…
When Casey‘s dear friend Rosie passes away, her heart breaks in two; Rosie didn’t even tell her she was sick. And when a mysterious letter arrives from beyond the grave, describing the secluded island where Rosie spent every summer, Casey questions if she really knew her friend at all. With Casey’s hectic job ruling her life, and her marriage crumbling around her, she books a ticket to this beautiful Irish island to feel close to Rosie again, and find out what secrets she has hidden there.
Casey rushes to Rosie’s tumbledown cottage and immediately falls in love with the glimmering shores and breathtaking coves of Scarty Island. Why did Rosie keep this magical place a secret, even from her own husband? Desperate for answers, she jumps to the aid of locals organising afternoon teas for tourists, and helps handsome but overworked pub owner Shay. Though Shay stays tight-lipped, Casey notices how his hazel eyes shine when she makes him laugh, and how her heart skips a beat when his rough hands brush hers.
But just as Casey finds herself falling for Shay’s quiet strength, a final letter arrives that changes everything. The tear-stained pages tell the story of a forbidden romance and a tragic day at sea that destroyed Rosie’s life. It could shatter Casey’s blossoming romance and tear the small island community apart.
Will Casey find the strength to confront the ghosts of the past and confess her love for Shay? Or will she decide that some secrets are meant to stay buried, and say goodbye to Scarty forever?
An utterly uplifting and heart-stopping read bursting with Irish magic that will tug at your heartstrings. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Tricia O’Malley and Mary Alice Monroe.
The bonds of friendship extend from the grave for three women with the arrival of a letter, putting in motion a life-changing series of events seemingly orchestrated by their deceased friend, Rosie.
Author Ann O’Loughlin uses this as the premise for A Letter to Ireland. Although their lives veered in different directions, Rosie requested that Casey, Georgie, and Debbie travel to an island retreat for two months and spread her ashes.
Blind obedience certainly doesn’t rank high on the list for the group, with Rosie’s message leading to conflict. However, as time passes and the women settle in, they learn more about the getaway that has been Rosie’s secret.
Through letters sent posthumously, the women gain new perspectives about Rosie, the bonds of friendship, and their own life choices. The peacefulness of the island easily draws the reader in. The women are also drawn into the small community, which was also impacted by Rosie’s death.
A Letter to Ireland offers a beautiful story about a circle of women and their friendship tarnished by time and conflict.
A leading journalist in Ireland for nearly thirty years,cAnn O’Loughlin has covered all major news events of the last three decades. Ann spent most of her career with independent newspapers where she was Security Correspondent at the height of The Troubles, and was a senior journalist on the Irish Independent and Evening Herald. She is currently a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner newspaper covering legal issues. Ann has also lived and worked in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and two children. Her debut novel The Ballroom Café was an eBook bestseller, and has sold over 220,000 copies to-date.
