The Irish Orphan’s Secret
- Author Rachel Wesson
- Narrator Grainne Grainne Gillis
- Publisher Storm Publishing
- Publish Date 17 March 2026
- Run Time 12 hours and 39 minutes
- Format Audio
- Genre Fiction: general and literary, Historical fiction.
Click to open directly in the xigxag app.
Standard price shown. Sign in for personalised pricing.
Send as a gift Get in the xigxag appFlexible Pricing & Rewards For Listening
At xigxag, the more you read, the less you pay* on select audiobook and x-book® titles, as in the table below. Pricing updates automatically in the app and resets one year after your first purchase. And you can always find a selection of brilliant titles available for only £3.99.
Titles Purchased
- 1-5
- 6-10
- 11-15
- 16-20
- Over 20
Price per title
- £7.99
- £6.99
- £5.99
- £4.99
- £3.99
*Only the full price titles you buy count toward your personal pricing tier. Full price titles don’t include Listen for Less or other books bought with a voucher or discount code.
Listen to a sample
What to expect
With trembling hands, Caitlin’s beloved grandmother presses a faded photograph into her palm. “I need answers before I die,” she whispers. “Will you go to Ireland, and find out the truth?”
Ninety-one-year-old Bridget has spent her life believing she was unwanted, abandoned as a baby by a mother who never loved her. Now, she has learned she had a brother she never knew existed—and the nuns lied about everything.
Unable to deny her Grammy’s emotional plea, Caitlin travels to the windswept Irish coast, a place of breathtaking beauty and painful history. There she begins to unearth Bridget’s mother’s story—a tale more heartbreaking than she could ever have imagined.
A century earlier, Ellen McGrath walks a dangerous line as Ireland’s turbulent fight for independence intensifies. When her best friend and brothers are drawn into the struggle, Ellen is forced to choose between protecting those she loves and preserving her own future—a choice that will tear her family apart.
A heart-wrenching tale of betrayal, family secrets and the bonds that connect us across the decades by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Wesson. Set against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence and delving into the dark history of the infamous Mother and Baby homes, this gripping dual-timeline novel is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger and Ellen Marie Wiseman.
What readers say about Rachel Wesson’s novels:
“One of my favourite authors… she can make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Hands down the best book I’ve read all year… I found myself holding my breath… Please read this book… you won’t be sorry.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What an amazing story… exciting and page-turning. I urge you to read it.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A must-read. A story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A riveting novel that beautifully captures the essence of bravery, compassion, and resilience.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A beautifully written historical novel that inspired and deeply moved me.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow, what a read. Full of emotion, excitement and sadness.[[EG1]](#msocom1) ” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Incredibly moving… I loved this.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Beautiful… I could not put this book down… an inspiration.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
More from the same
About xigxag
Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.
Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.
Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.