Secrets at the Irish Adoption House: Absolutely gripping and heart-wrenching Irish historical fiction

Ireland, 1920. Tears fill my eyes as I hear the whispers of the other girls in the dark of the night. But I won’t let them see me cry. I won’t let my secrets out. The family I’m hiding from could find me, and take my baby away…

To the other girls at St Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home, Cecelia is just another fallen woman. But they don’t know her father is a penniless lord with an English title… And Cecelia is determined that they never will. She came here alone, in secret: if her family knew she was pregnant, the life of her baby could be on the line.

Despite herself, the kind act of stolen bread being pressed into her hands when she’s in most need sees her confiding in the other women. Then the worst happens: Cecelia’s family find her and take her precious newborn. Was she betrayed by another girl in the home?

She’s determined to find her child… but with all her family’s connections, she can’t do it by herself. She hears whispers of a network of women working to unite mothers and babies. But with the baby’s father dangerously caught up in the unrest brewing across Ireland, will Cecelia or her darling daughter ever see him again?

This tear-jerking and unforgettable historical novel, full of family secrets, betrayal and friendship in the darkest times, is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Sandy Taylor.

What readers are saying about Michelle Vernal:

‘LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!… Absolutely stunning!!!… I was completely swept away!!… DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!!… Perfect… Absolutely gorgeous… Will keep you up late at night.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart-warming and utterly addictive… Definitely ticked all the boxes for me!… Right from the very beginning I found myself turning the pages very quickly… Wonderful… Magical.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Couldn't put this down! LOVED it from start to finish… Loved this! Read it in two sittings – I just had to finish it… Kept me hooked.’ Amazon reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Outstanding! I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down… Had me on the edge of my seat.’ Amazon reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I am seriously in love with the whole story!… Amazing… Who could not fall in love… Fantastic… I highly recommend!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A page-turner… Stunning… I adored it beyond words… Beautiful, warm, romantic… So full of heart you can almost hear it pulsing on every page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartfelt and charming… From the very beginning, I was swept away… Impossible to put this book down. I even shed a tear or two. This is a MUST.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘By far one of my favorite books… I loved every minute… Just adored this story!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2025 Hachette UK - Bookouture (Lydbog): 9781805506058

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 3. november 2025