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...

    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

    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

    The plot is fast paced and the characters wonderfully depicted .I really enjoyed this read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

    Irish Reader

    LEGACY OF SECRETS – A PACY, MULTI-LAYERED ROMANTASY THAT UNITES MODERN DAY WITH WARTIME

    With locations in bustling London, scenic Scotland and, of course, the mystic Rosshaven in Ireland, Adrienne Vaughan’s characters are just as vivid as the settings they inhabit. It’s easy to imagine them stopping in at The Unicorn Inn, flinging open the door to The Sea Chest or navigating their way along crowded central London streets. 

    Time travel is at the essence of this novel, and this is captured superbly, particularly when characters find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings – Adrienne Vaughan’s descriptions of their frustration and confusion is imaginative yet highly believable. 

    As the third in a trilogy, I particularly enjoyed cameos of characters from the previous stories, as well as learning about new relationships and connections among the vibrant and mystical Rosshaven community. 

    Legacy of Secrets is a must-read for those who enjoy mystery, family drama, and how love always finds a way.

    Natalie Keene – Roar PR

    I think all Adrienne Vaughan’s books are just fabulous

    Nikki Bywater, book blogger/reviewer

    Seductive Irish-American Adventure

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

    June Little

    This collection is absolutely wonderful. It’s a series of snapshots – peeps into the lives of a varied assortment of characters. Each and every one of them is interesting, but for different reasons.

    Souffle Girl

    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 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

    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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