Author: Adrienne Vaughan- Published: November 2013 by New Romantics Press
- Category: Contemporary, Drama, Romance
Escaping to a remote Irish isle, journalist Marianne Coltrane had not bargained for a tumultuous affair with movie star Ryan O’Gorman.
When Ryan leaves to pursue his career, Marianne remains to care for those who need her most, but Ryan soon realises he cannot live without her and returns to woo her back.
Following on from events in The Hollow Heart, Ryan O’Gorman returns to the beautiful island of Innishmahon with his baby son, Joey, much to the shock and amazement of Marianne Coltrane. Their relationship hasn’t been without its ups and downs but Ryan is determined this time he’s back for good. Unfortunately it’s not so simple. Ryan’s movie contract is for three pictures, he’s only made one. He brings more turmoil in his wake in the form of his troubled and trouble making ex-wife, Angelique de Marcos. It seems the peaceful, settled life he and Marianne are looking forward to is not going to materialise any time soon.
Marianne, still seriously off-kilter following Ryan’s surprise arrival, was sipping a glass of wine in Maguire’s chaotic kitchen. They sat opposite each other at the large oak table, a child each in their arms: Bridget with Ryan and Joey with Marianne.
“She’s amazing,” Ryan watched fascinated, as Bridget gurgled at him, gesticulating to Joey.
“She’s asking you all about him. Who is he? Where’s he from? Is he staying?” Marianne stroked the boy’s head.
“You’re probably right,” Ryan said, as Bridget turned to burble at Joey, stretching out towards him. The boy’s lips parted in a near smile.
“They’ll be friends, you’ll see. she said. They locked eyes. He looked tired. She tried a smile. “You okay?” she said. He nodded.
To make matters more complicated Angelique is Franco Rossini’s niece. Rossini, with whom Ryan is contracted, is one of the most influential of film producers with connections that are decidedly dodgy. An old friend of Ryan’s, Dermot Finnegan, makes an appearance on the island, ostensibly as captain of the planned Life Boat station. Returning to the island after an absence of many years, Erin Brennan causes a stir amongst the residents. All is not as it seems in this tiny corner of Ireland; there are shocks, sadness and romance in store, not to mention surprises, drama, intrigue and conspiracy.
It was lovely to get reacquainted with the residents, old and new, of Innishmahon, not to mention the island itself, and catch up with the community dynamics. Again, the sense of place is tangible, the descriptions evocative. I like how each character is relevant to the story, and develops as the story progresses. All are well drawn, realistic, colourful and individual. Dialogue and characterisation, as previously, are excellent. There was a scene in the first book which brought tears to my eyes and there’s another in this one. Thankfully it doesn’t end in the same way.
The characters have their imperfections but, in the main, are warm-hearted and engaging. Apart from Marianne and Ryan, I especially like the MacReady sisters. The story unfolds wonderfully, building on the previous book with skilful writing and an absorbing plot with some happy endings, others not so much. A fabulous read and the best part about being late to a series is having the next book ready and waiting when one is finished.
Book links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US
About Adrienne Vaughan
Adrienne Vaughan has been making up stories since she could speak; primarily to entertain her sister Reta, who from a very early age never allowed a plot or character to be repeated – tough audience. As soon as she could pick up a pen, she started writing them down. It was no surprise she wanted to be a journalist; ideally the editor of a glossy music and fashion magazine, so she could meet and marry a pop star – some of that came true – and in common with so many, still holds the burning ambition to be a ‘Bond Girl’! She now runs a busy PR practice and writes poems, short stories and ideas for books, in her spare time. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a founder member of the indie publishing group The New Romantics4. Adrienne lives in Leicestershire with her husband, two cocker spaniels and a retired dressage horse called Marco.
Adrienne’s social media links ~ Website | Twitter | Facebook
Wow! Well, this came as a wonderful first day of March surprise! Your fabulous review totally lifted my heart, Cathy … sometimes when I’m stalling and think everything I write is pants, lovely people like you rattle my cage and refuel the tank. Thank you so much. (Weirdly, the Macready sisters are still chatting away in my head … a title for their book popped into my head yesterday The Mother of the Stars … a quote from WB Yeates I believe?)
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That was well timed then 😉 You’re very welcome. Are you writing a book about the Macready sisters? I loved this and number three is creeping up my to be read list.
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My new one – One Summer at the Seahorse Hotel – is with my agent and there’s a character from the Heartfelt series in it! My WIP is A Most Deadly Affair, about a Dublin socialite who inherits the family business – an undertakers – in the 1950s … and there might be a Macready in the background. But the sister’s book will probably be the one after that. (I’d better get cracking, Cathy) Do hope you like ‘Secrets’ when you get to it! X
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Ooh, lots to look forward to then 🙂 x
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Lovely review, Cathy – and a great read. You’ll really enjoy the next one in Adrienne’s series, too!
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Thanks, June 🙂 I’m sure I will.
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Thanks June … I had loads of fun writing ‘Secrets’ tying up all the lose ends kept me awake at night, so I wrote it quite quickly (for me!)
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No need to say – pinch, punch for the 1st of the month. What a great way to celebrate St David’s Day – a reveiw all the way from Llandudno. There’s lovely, just like Adrienne’s books and Cathy’s review. I’m waiting with anticipation for Adrienne’s next one, which I’m sure will be another stunner.
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😀 Thanks, Lizzie. Number three creeping up the list.
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Thanks a million Lizzie, I know March has got off to a lovely start for me. Longing to get writing again and with the days growing longer, my 5am starts won’t be so dark! X
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You are an inspiration to us all Adrienne.
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Pingback: A Change of Heart (The Heartfelt Series #2) by Adrienne Vaughan @adrienneauthor #Drama #Romance #BookReview | New Romantics Press
Great review Cathy and reading it brought it all back to me, loved the island characters particularly.
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Thanks, Rosie. Yes, they’re great characters.
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Thanks, Rosie. They are calling me back! The island character in the new one is quite a surprise, surprised me anyway! X
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I loved the Heartfelt series, what a lovely review this is! You’re in for a treat with number three! Enjoy!
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Thank you 🙂 I’m looking forward to it.
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You are too kind, Isabella, I love the fact your English is so good you understand all my Irish-ness too! What a shining Italian star you are! X
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Oh, bless you, Adrienne x
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Like this tantalizing review and introduction to Adrienne Vaughan. Sounds a busy, busy writer. 🙂
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I think she is 🙂
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Thanks for kind comments, I’m really lucky to love what I do, I hope the words never dry up! X
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Probably not and you’re welcome. 😛
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Great review Cathy..thanks …
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Thanks, Sally 🙂
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Sally, Cathy’s review made ME want to read it again! X
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Dear Cathy
Thanks so much for hosting me and my novel on your wonderful blog. I was chuffed to bits and people have said some really nice things about my writing, when I jolly well needed it!
Huge and grateful thanks. Keep up the good work.
Adrienne X
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It’s my pleasure entirely, Adrienne. I’m so glad if it gave you a boost. You keep up the good work too x
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