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 Wonderful Collection of Moving Stories to be Read and Reread

    a compelling collection of short stories with unforgettable characters and moving stories, to be read while commuting. or any time you’re enjoying a short break to read something short and thought-provoking.

    Luccia Gray

    Seductive Irish-American Adventure

    Although part of a trilogy, this novel stands beautifully on its own.

    June Little

    GRIPPING AND EMOTIONAL ‘CAN’T PUT IT DOWN’ READ

    This is the third in a trilogy, inasmuch as the setting and some of the characters reappear. 

    The main character, Octavia Griffin, is set in her ways and is scared to do anything outside her comfort zone. When she ends up in Ireland following a letter from Jerome Nightingale, telling her she is in line to inherit from him, her life begins to change dramatically. Octavia’s whole outlook on life has to change, and with the help of some ‘magic’ and some intriguing happenings along the way, she eventually fulfils the prophecy.

    I loved this story, it was gripping, emotional and a ‘can’t put it down’ read.

    Mary Bate, proofreader & artist

    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

    A TRULY MAGICAL JOURNEY

    Returning to the beautiful community of Rosshaven was a welcome treat. I loved my last visit and was thrilled to discover the some of the characters I had met previously were either there or mentioned. 

    This story revolves around Octavia Griffin and her connection to the pretty coastal town in Ireland. The prologue had me intrigued, introducing Jerome Nightingale, who has a magical relationship with the passing of time. I could write for hours about how this book left me feeling. A truly magical journey of love and a fierce sense of good triumphing over the not-so-good, and I was utterly immersed in this charming story. I look forward to reading future books in this series. 

    Barbara Wilkie − @BooksEscapeBlog

    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

    A gripping story, beautifully written with wonderful characters.

    I have just finished reading Secrets of The Shell Sisters, an amazing novel by Adrienne Vaughan. I was gripped from the beginning. The Morgan sisters – each with very different personalities – are totally believable, as are all the characters. The story is compelling, unique and beautifully written. I highly recommend it.

    Madalyn Morgan – Treaddell

    Enchanting, emotional, deeply moving – just wonderful

    It’s quite beautifully written, its perfectly described wild setting on the Atlantic coast integral to its highly original and compelling story. Emotionally, it’s absolutely perfect – and I can only urge other readers to give it a try, and hopefully love it as much as I did.

    Welsh Annie

    A joy to read …

    Another top read from Adrienne Vaughan. The title alone made me want to dive in to the story. Adrienne’s talent for creating engaging, entertaining characters, some of them warm, some witty, some wonderfully whacky, but all memorable, gets stronger with every book she writes.

    MrsRave

    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

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