Picture an Irish storyteller weaving tales of love, family, and hope that warm the heart—meet Carmel Harrington! From her cozy home in Wexford, Ireland, this bestselling romance novelist has captured readers worldwide with her uplifting stories. Her debut novel, Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, won the Kindle Book of the Year, launching a career that blends heart, humor, and intricate plots.
Born in London to an English mother and Irish father, Carmel moved to Wexford at age ten, where the rolling green hills and tight-knit community shaped her storytelling. Trading a high-flying corporate career for her passion, she’s now a literary star whose novels are translated into nine languages. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore Carmel’s journey!
The Making of Carmel Harrington
Carmel’s early life was a blend of cultures—born in London, she faced a culture shock when her family relocated to Wexford. The vibrant Irish community eventually won her over, planting the seeds for her stories of connection and belonging. After studying at university, she built a successful career at 3M, managing accounts across Ireland. But the long hours and constant travel left her yearning for more. Inspired by her daughter Amelia and supported by her husband Roger, Carmel took a leap of faith, quitting her job to pursue writing and motherhood simultaneously.
She wrote in secret at first, honing her craft without formal training. Blogging became her playground, sharpening her style. A conversation with her adopted best friend sparked the idea for her debut, exploring the emotional ties between an adopted child and their birth mother. That spark became Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, a multi-award-winning novel that set her on the path to literary success.
Carmel Harrington’s Unforgettable Stories
Carmel’s novels are like a warm hug—full of hope, heart, and humor, with complex plots that keep you turning pages. Her debut, Beyond Grace’s Rainbow (2013), is a poignant tale of love and resilience, earning both the Kindle Book of the Year and Romantic eBook of the Year. The Moon Over Kilmore Quay (2021) weaves a dual-timeline story of family secrets and identity, becoming an instant Irish Times and USA Today bestseller.
The Girl from Donegal (2023) transports readers from 1930s Ireland to Bermuda, blending historical romance with emotional depth. Her latest, The Stolen Child (2025), marks a thrilling shift, inspired by a real-life scare during a family holiday in Florida. Carmel’s knack for relatable characters and evocative settings—like the wild Atlantic coast or Wexford’s quaint streets—makes her stories immersive. Her family sagas tackle universal themes: love, loss, and the ties that bind us.
With twelve novels, including A Mother’s Heart and The Lighthouse Secret, Carmel’s work resonates globally, translated into nine languages and sold in fourteen territories. Her ability to pivot from heartwarming dramas to gripping thrillers showcases her versatility, earning her a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
Why Carmel Harrington Matters
Carmel Harrington’s stories do more than entertain—they uplift. Her tales of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges mirror the resilience of her readers. As a co-founder of The Inspiration Project, a writing retreat, she empowers aspiring authors, sharing her self-taught journey to inspire others. Her regular appearances on Irish TV, from Midday to the Elaine show, and her role as former Chair of the Wexford Literary Festival, cement her as a cultural force in Ireland.
Her novels, often set against Ireland’s stunning landscapes, are a love letter to her homeland, inviting readers to explore its heart and soul. For fans of romance and family sagas, Carmel’s work offers hope and connection, reminding us that love always finds a way.
- Born: London, raised in Wexford, Ireland
- Key Works: Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, The Moon Over Kilmore Quay, The Girl from Donegal, The Stolen Child
- Awards: Kindle Book of the Year (2013), Romantic eBook of the Year (2013)
- Fun Fact: She lives with her husband Roger, children Amelia and Nate, and rescue dog George Bailey
Snag The Girl from Donegal and dive into Carmel Harrington’s heartwarming world of romance and family! Her stories are the perfect escape for a cozy night in.