Romance, mystery and magic, with a touch of spine-tingling suspense …

LATEST NEWS:
Legacy of Secrets has been shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Novel of the Year Awards 2026

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About Adrienne Vaughan

Adrienne Vaughan has been a writer since the age of seven, from the moment she first sat at the kitchen table, thumping out stories about ponies, witches, and unicorns on her turquoise Petite typewriter.

Today she writes award-winning, page-turning romantic suspense.

Adrienne’s first three books, The Hollow Heart, A Change of Heart and Secrets of the Heart – feature a feisty investigative journalist, a wilful West Highland terrier and a supporting cast of highly entertaining and eccentric characters; all set on a remote isle off the West Coast of Ireland.

Her latest novels, Legacy of Secrets, Summer of Secrets and Secrets of the Shell Sisters − are all spell-binding family sagas with a touch of Celtic magic and are based on Ireland’s Ancient East Coast.

Legacy of Secrets is a finalist in the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Novel of the Year Awards 2026.

Adrienne’s first historical novel Mystery of the Midnight Madonna has just been shortlisted for the Historical Novel Society’s ‘First Chapter’ award.

Her collection of short stories and poetry, Fur Coat & No Knickers, was shortlisted for the Irish Carousel Prize for Anthology. Her short story Dodo’s Portrait was shortlisted for the Colm Tóibín International Short Story Award at the Wexford Literary Festival in 2018, and her short story Matilda’s Wings was runner up in the Society of Women Writers & Journalists Short Story Competition 2023.

All her books are enchanting, heart-warming, and uplifting tales of mystery and romance, laced with twists and turns, and many laugh out loud moments.

Brought up in Dublin, Adrienne lives in the English countryside with her husband, two spaniels and a rescue cat called Agatha Christie – ‘So-named because we never know who she’s going to kill next!’

Two of her favourite places in the world are the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland and the coast of South Devon, both great influences on her writing.

A former journalist, Adrienne ran her own PR practice for over 30 years, writing novels, poems and short stories in her spare time. From 2025 she decided it was time to take on what she considers the best job in the whole world, a fulltime author.

And although being a novelist has always been her destiny, she still harbours a burning ambition to be a Bond girl!

Sun, sea and spaniels – what more can a girl want? Adrienne with her beloved Wignell and Watson.

Award-Winning Romantic Suspense

Praise for Adrienne’s work...

    A story to capture your heart

    This is a thrilling tale of crime and violence against a backdrop of true romance, deep friendship and gentle humour.

    Lizanne Lloyd

    Wonderful ending to the trilogy

    As with the other two books, Secrets of the Heart is wonderfully crafted, the engaging mix of characters vividly drawn and credible, and to top it off there’s the evocative and beautiful island of Innishmahon

    Cathy

    ‘I think anyone who enjoys Maeve Binchy’s books will enjoy this one as well’

    Elaine G Top 1000 Reviewer

    Really enjoyed the final book pity there is no more

    Adrianne Cox

    A GREAT READ

    I enjoyed this novel as I have all of this author’s other work. It had everything I love in a romance: family, intrigue and a happy ending but with the prpomise of more to come in the sequel. I have just downloaded it and am looking forward to getting stuck in with it this weekend.

    Lady Rochford

    GRIPPING STORY LACED WITH MAGIC, MYSTERY AND LOVE

    The opening chapter had me gripped and on the edge of my seat, which I’ve come to expect from this author, as all her books are incredible. The whole story was laced with magic, mystery and love.

    I fell in love with Octavia instantly, seeming fragile at first and then so fierce when she found strength as the story developed. I’m not usually a fan of timeslip novels, but this one felt different because the past and present merged together so beautifully. You could really tell a lot of research had gone into making it as accurate as possible. If you’ve read any of the author’s previous books, you’ll know why I was so happy to go back to Rosshaven and meet the Morgan sisters again.

    Carly Rushforth − @YorkshireCarly Bookblogger

    I enjoyed the stories, some of my favourites were; Fur coat and No knickers, A seed of Doubt and A visit at Christmas. From the poems I especially enjoyed A pink Day.

    Roses are Amber VINE VOICE

    Great Debut

    This isn’t a straightforward romance – there are several dramatic and significant threads running through the narrative. I found Oonagh’s storyline particularly touching and poignant.

    Cathy

     Another 5-star enthralling romantic adventure

    the last of the Heartfelt Trilogy, is another enthralling romantic adventure, once started, difficult to put down.

    Mags Cullingford

    Magical tale of secrets, second chances and sisterhood

    A beautifully written tale of relationships, lost love and second chances, laced through with a touch of Irish magic – so deftly delivered it feels as natural as the sea itself.
    This is romantasy at its best and I loved it.

    Lady Bracknell

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