Picture a Swedish storyteller who swapped diplomatic soirées for the windswept shores of Ireland, weaving tales of love and laughter—meet Susanne O’Leary! This bestselling author of over 30 romantic fiction novels has captured hearts with her feel-good stories, often set in the emerald landscapes of County Kerry. Her journey from a globetrotting diplomat’s wife to a beloved writer is as enchanting as her books.
The Making of Susanne O’Leary
Born in Sweden, Susanne O’Leary’s life took a vibrant turn when she married an Irish diplomat, leading her to live across the globe. From Brussels to St. Tropez, these experiences shaped her storytelling. Initially a fitness teacher and translator, she discovered her passion for writing while penning non-fiction health books. Her editor’s nudge to write a novel based on her diplomatic adventures sparked her debut, Diplomatic Incidents (2001), a witty romantic tale. By 2010, she embraced indie publishing, launching a prolific career in romance.
Susanne O’Leary’s Unforgettable Stories
O’Leary’s novels are a love letter to Ireland, blending romance, humor, and heartwarming family sagas. Her Sandy Cove series, set in a fictional village inspired by Kerry’s Ballinskelligs, is a fan favorite. The Lost Girls of Ireland (2021) follows a woman uncovering family secrets along Kerry’s stunning coast, while Secrets of Willow House (2019) weaves sisterly bonds against a crumbling Irish estate. Her Starlight Cottages series, like The Lost Letters of Ireland (2022), explores long-lost secrets with a romantic twist. O’Leary’s style is light yet emotional, with vivid settings that transport readers to Ireland’s rugged beauty. Her characters—often women seeking love or identity—resonate with readers of all ages.
Beyond romance, O’Leary has dabbled in crime (Full Irish) and historical fiction, showcasing her versatility. Her Kerry Romance and Riviera Romance series add playful escapism, with settings from Dublin to the French coast. Each book feels like a cozy escape, perfect for a rainy afternoon by the fire.
Why Susanne O’Leary Matters
Susanne O’Leary’s stories do more than entertain—they invite readers to find joy in life’s messy, beautiful moments. Her focus on strong, relatable women and Ireland’s cultural charm has built a global fanbase, with her books earning five-star reviews for their uplifting narratives. By self-publishing and later signing with Bookouture, she’s shown resilience in a changing industry, inspiring aspiring authors. Her love for Kerry’s landscapes also subtly promotes Ireland’s tourism, making her a quiet ambassador for the region.
- Born: Sweden
- Key Works: The Lost Girls of Ireland, Secrets of Willow House, The Lost Letters of Ireland
- Genres: Romantic fiction, crime, historical fiction
- Homes: Dublin and a cottage in Dingle, County Kerry
Snag The Lost Girls of Ireland and dive into Susanne O’Leary’s heartwarming world of romance and Irish charm!