This was my first book of this series and by this author and I will say that it was a fun read. I love both Scottish and Irish settings so this was certainly right up my alley. There is nothing like a little Irish village where everyone knows everyone’s business.
New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal
Series: The Little Irish Village #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

Welcome to the little Irish village of Emerald Bay where the sun is shining, the locals are gossiping, and romance is in the air. But will returning home be the fresh start Imogen Kelly needs?

Thirty-two-year-old Imogen Kelly is meant to be living her best life in Dublin but the bright lights of the city aren’t making her truly happy. So she leaps at the chance to take on an interior design job at the big country manor at the edge of Emerald Bay . It also gives Imogen an excuse to return to the place where she spent an unforgettable summer with her first love, Lachlan Leslie , the heir to Benmore House.

Imogen’s heart is full of hope at the thought of seeing her childhood sweetheart but on the way there she nearly has an accident on the winding, muddy country road. She arrives at Benmore House late and flustered, only to discover the builder working with her on the renovation project is none other than Ryan O’Malley – the class prankster who was forever pinging her bra strap at school.

Within seconds it’s clear he’s still a cheeky charmer, even if he’s transformed into a gorgeous guy who unexpectedly sets her pulse racing. Forced into close proximity with relentlessly cheerful Ryan, who’s forever (badly) singing rock ballads at the top of his voice, Imogen at first finds him an annoying distraction.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, Imogen has her work cut out to keep the job on track. Spending more time with Ryan, she discovers that, behind his warm smile and generous ways, he’s nursing heartache. But when she finally sees blue-eyed Lachlan again, Imogen has to face up to the truth about the secret summer romance they shared.

Will she leave Emerald Bay broken-hearted? Or will Imogen realise that home really is where the heart is?

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Review

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is an absolute delight! From start to finish, this warmhearted romcom had me hooked. Set in the charming village of Emerald Bay, where everyone knows everyone’s business (and no one seems to mind), it’s the perfect escape.

Michelle Vernal has created a vibrant world filled with quirky, lovable characters. The story isn’t just about the main character, Imogen Kelly—it’s about the entire town, making Emerald Bay feel like a character in its own right.

Imogen, a successful Dublin interior designer, returns home to Emerald Bay to work on a project at Benmore House—the home of her first love, Lachlan Leslie. Their high school romance still lingers in her mind, leaving unresolved feelings. While staying in the cozy chaos of her family home, Imogen reflects on her lifestyle choices and her complicated relationship with a man 27 years her senior.

This light, feel-good read is packed with humor, much of it at Imogen’s expense. Her ability to handle mishaps with grace and laugh at herself makes her an endearing and relatable character.

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming story about family, celebrations, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Getting to know the vibrant townsfolk of Emerald Bay and the big, loving Kelly family was a treat. I’m already looking forward to diving into Christmas in the Little Irish Village to revisit these delightful characters and this charming town.

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