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The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers
Can learning to say yes change your life? When Cat Jones is given the opportunity of a lifetime to present one of Ireland’s most popular live daytime shows, alongside TV royalty David Fitzgerald she isn’t sure she is ready for the challenge.
But after being pushed by her mother’s friend Lorraine to say 'yes' to everything for a month, she reluctantly agrees.
What follows is a whirlwind of opportunities where Cat is forced outside her comfort zone with varying degrees of success.
Once she accepts the challenge to take the plunge with the eclectic sea swimming tribe The Forty Footers’in Dublin Bay, she never looks back. She is warmly welcomed into their lives, and learns to find reserves of strength she never knew existed which helps her deal with a toxic ex, and a growing attraction for a handsome TV executive.
With best friends, Becca and Sinead also in need of a re-boot, can Cat empower them to choose 'risk and adventure' or will they go back to their old, safe lives?
Say 'yes' and your whole life will open up in wonderful ways.
Fall in love with this uplifting, feel-good story from bestselling author Sian O'Gorman. Perfect for fans of Sheila O'Flanagan, Faith Hogan and Cathy Kelly.
Praise for the wonderful Sian O' 'Utterly irresistible and joyful - the perfect summer read!' Faith Hogan
'A gorgeous story of friendship, community and starting over' Jessica Redland
'A book with everything. A real 5 star read.' Claudia Carroll
“Delicious! An upbeat, witty read about friends, family and following your dreams.” Gillian Harvey
But after being pushed by her mother’s friend Lorraine to say 'yes' to everything for a month, she reluctantly agrees.
What follows is a whirlwind of opportunities where Cat is forced outside her comfort zone with varying degrees of success.
Once she accepts the challenge to take the plunge with the eclectic sea swimming tribe The Forty Footers’in Dublin Bay, she never looks back. She is warmly welcomed into their lives, and learns to find reserves of strength she never knew existed which helps her deal with a toxic ex, and a growing attraction for a handsome TV executive.
With best friends, Becca and Sinead also in need of a re-boot, can Cat empower them to choose 'risk and adventure' or will they go back to their old, safe lives?
Say 'yes' and your whole life will open up in wonderful ways.
Fall in love with this uplifting, feel-good story from bestselling author Sian O'Gorman. Perfect for fans of Sheila O'Flanagan, Faith Hogan and Cathy Kelly.
Praise for the wonderful Sian O' 'Utterly irresistible and joyful - the perfect summer read!' Faith Hogan
'A gorgeous story of friendship, community and starting over' Jessica Redland
'A book with everything. A real 5 star read.' Claudia Carroll
“Delicious! An upbeat, witty read about friends, family and following your dreams.” Gillian Harvey
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2023
839 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Siân O'Gorman
22 books128 followersFor Once In My Life...
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 9, 2023
This was an absolutely brilliant and uplifting read that had me completely glued to my kindle from the very first chapter. Everything about this book made it such a joy to read, from the gorgeous storyline to all the wonderful characters. Sian O’Gorman has brought the Forty Foot and Sandycove to life in this heartwarming read. The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers will most certainly have a place in my heart for a very long time . 5⭐️
May 11, 2023
There is such a variety of characters and situations in this story that, as a read, it seems to fly by. At its centre is Cat who is persuaded to spend a month not refusing opportunities but saying yes. As she soon finds out, her life seems to open out as she tries new things and meet new people. She discovers a real love for swimming in the sea and finds it is something that helps her to relax and to take time out to think.
There is a rich seam of humour which runs through the story. Cat’s job as a TV presenter has plenty of scope for this and the antics of a certain celebrity chef certainly raise a smile. I enjoyed the slow burn romance but most of all the friendships which are highlighted and the uplifting family relationships which are on show.
In short: heartwarming fiction full of humour and friendship
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
There is a rich seam of humour which runs through the story. Cat’s job as a TV presenter has plenty of scope for this and the antics of a certain celebrity chef certainly raise a smile. I enjoyed the slow burn romance but most of all the friendships which are highlighted and the uplifting family relationships which are on show.
In short: heartwarming fiction full of humour and friendship
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
July 24, 2025
What a feel good, beautifully written book! Loved all of the characters and their storylines. So many quotes to live by in here! LOVED IT!
September 16, 2023
4.5 stars but rounded down for a specific reason.
The parts I liked:
- distinct characters with distinct appearances! I wish all authors would be so precise about appearance. This author could have done more (I like my appearances on par with like Octavia Butler or Louisa May Alcott descriptions of people. No pressure 😅) but I was very happy anyway
- believable romance and even the deadest of dead horses, the dreaded misunderstanding, was pulled off pretty well, pretty naturally.
- the sea swimming was cool and as an avid hiker, I completely understand the urge to be supremely uncomfortable and in perfect bliss at the same time lol
- I loved Sinéad and Becca’s journeys as well!
- hated “Peej” but in that love to hate him way.
All in all a pretty fun romp that I enjoyed very much.
Why I rounded down:
- Dolores has been in full sobriety for TWENTY YEARS and the woman can’t speak a sentence without bringing up her recovery or her status as an alcoholic. This is what I despise about “once an addict, always an addict” culture. If you haven’t used in 20 years, it’s over. Stop with the self flagellation. If you have zero intention to use, zero desire to use, then you aren’t really an addict anymore. And for people who disagree with that assessment, then how about we recognize that addictive behaviors are only one part of a person’s personality and we are just as complex and deep and lovable as anyone else and we do not need to remain in addict mode just to appease the non-addicts. Let’s move past this nonsense now.
The parts I liked:
- distinct characters with distinct appearances! I wish all authors would be so precise about appearance. This author could have done more (I like my appearances on par with like Octavia Butler or Louisa May Alcott descriptions of people. No pressure 😅) but I was very happy anyway
- believable romance and even the deadest of dead horses, the dreaded misunderstanding, was pulled off pretty well, pretty naturally.
- the sea swimming was cool and as an avid hiker, I completely understand the urge to be supremely uncomfortable and in perfect bliss at the same time lol
- I loved Sinéad and Becca’s journeys as well!
- hated “Peej” but in that love to hate him way.
All in all a pretty fun romp that I enjoyed very much.
Why I rounded down:
- Dolores has been in full sobriety for TWENTY YEARS and the woman can’t speak a sentence without bringing up her recovery or her status as an alcoholic. This is what I despise about “once an addict, always an addict” culture. If you haven’t used in 20 years, it’s over. Stop with the self flagellation. If you have zero intention to use, zero desire to use, then you aren’t really an addict anymore. And for people who disagree with that assessment, then how about we recognize that addictive behaviors are only one part of a person’s personality and we are just as complex and deep and lovable as anyone else and we do not need to remain in addict mode just to appease the non-addicts. Let’s move past this nonsense now.
May 12, 2023
When Catriona and her mother were set a challenge by a family friend to say yes to everything, they didn't expect to be pushed into doing things that scared them so much.
But as Catriona reluctantly joined the Sandycove Sunset swimmers for a swin in the sea, she didn't expect to find it so life changing. Swimming in the took her not just out of her comfort zone but into a place of zen! The fact that the swimmers, a motley group, were all so welcoming and supportive, made this experience even better.
Saying 'yes', soon saw her take on the big challenge of sitting in for a famous presenter and co-presenting one of Ireland's biggest TV shows. All was not smooth sailing, but she grew in confidence and found herself open to many more new experiences, including romance!
Cat's journey through this challenge is beautifully told by the author. But the book is simultaneously a story of a lot more people in her circle, who inspired by Cat, begin to say 'yes' to new experiences in their lives too.
The author weaves a lovely tapestry of emotions and creates such loveable characters, that make this book an experience that stays with you for a while.
But as Catriona reluctantly joined the Sandycove Sunset swimmers for a swin in the sea, she didn't expect to find it so life changing. Swimming in the took her not just out of her comfort zone but into a place of zen! The fact that the swimmers, a motley group, were all so welcoming and supportive, made this experience even better.
Saying 'yes', soon saw her take on the big challenge of sitting in for a famous presenter and co-presenting one of Ireland's biggest TV shows. All was not smooth sailing, but she grew in confidence and found herself open to many more new experiences, including romance!
Cat's journey through this challenge is beautifully told by the author. But the book is simultaneously a story of a lot more people in her circle, who inspired by Cat, begin to say 'yes' to new experiences in their lives too.
The author weaves a lovely tapestry of emotions and creates such loveable characters, that make this book an experience that stays with you for a while.
May 16, 2023
I loved this positive and uplifting book with its gorgeous storyline and a fun variety cast of characters! The concept of saying yes to everything for a full month is a scary concept! Cat saying yes to everything, leads to a lodger, swimming in the sea and career changes!
This book is the perfect summer read, and has me contemplating following Cat’s lead having a yes month!
This book is the perfect summer read, and has me contemplating following Cat’s lead having a yes month!
May 10, 2023
The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers by Sian O'Gorman
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Cat Jones is given the opportunity of a lifetime to present one of Ireland’s most popular live daytime shows, alongside TV royalty David Fitzgerald she isn’t sure she is ready for the challenge.
But after being pushed by her mother’s friend Lorraine to say 'yes' to everything for a month, she reluctantly agrees.
What follows is a whirlwind of opportunities where Cat is forced outside her comfort zone with varying degrees of success.
Once she accepts the challenge to take the plunge with the eclectic sea swimming tribe The Forty Footers’ in Dublin Bay, she never looks back. She is warmly welcomed into their lives, and learns to find reserves of strength she never knew existed which helps her deal with a toxic ex, and a growing attraction for a handsome TV executive.
With best friends, Becca and Sinead also in need of a re-boot, can Cat empower them to choose 'risk and adventure' or will
they go back to their old, safe lives?
Say 'yes' and your whole life will open up in wonderful ways
My Opinion
Cat Jones has been challenged to say 'yes' to things for a month - this opens up new opportunities for Cat to further her career. This was a lovely book that was such a joy to read.
This is a really uplifting book that is going to make for a great holiday read - the perfect escape. This is the second book I have read that has been set in Sandycove, I feel that this would be a great place to visit as all of the characters seem welcoming. With this book, Sian can teach us all that good things can come from saying 'yes' to new opportunities.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Cat Jones is given the opportunity of a lifetime to present one of Ireland’s most popular live daytime shows, alongside TV royalty David Fitzgerald she isn’t sure she is ready for the challenge.
But after being pushed by her mother’s friend Lorraine to say 'yes' to everything for a month, she reluctantly agrees.
What follows is a whirlwind of opportunities where Cat is forced outside her comfort zone with varying degrees of success.
Once she accepts the challenge to take the plunge with the eclectic sea swimming tribe The Forty Footers’ in Dublin Bay, she never looks back. She is warmly welcomed into their lives, and learns to find reserves of strength she never knew existed which helps her deal with a toxic ex, and a growing attraction for a handsome TV executive.
With best friends, Becca and Sinead also in need of a re-boot, can Cat empower them to choose 'risk and adventure' or will
they go back to their old, safe lives?
Say 'yes' and your whole life will open up in wonderful ways
My Opinion
Cat Jones has been challenged to say 'yes' to things for a month - this opens up new opportunities for Cat to further her career. This was a lovely book that was such a joy to read.
This is a really uplifting book that is going to make for a great holiday read - the perfect escape. This is the second book I have read that has been set in Sandycove, I feel that this would be a great place to visit as all of the characters seem welcoming. With this book, Sian can teach us all that good things can come from saying 'yes' to new opportunities.
Rating: 4/5
November 1, 2023
Such a heart warming read...family,friends, community and love in all forms from loving a child, to loving your friends to family. It is cozy, heartwarming and will absolutely make you smile.
The only criticism is some parts felt a little rushed and could have been written with a little more depth, but it is only a minor personal critique that does not influence the feel and mood of the story. Will I read this again (especially as a swimmer)? 100% yes.
The only criticism is some parts felt a little rushed and could have been written with a little more depth, but it is only a minor personal critique that does not influence the feel and mood of the story. Will I read this again (especially as a swimmer)? 100% yes.
July 19, 2024
"It wasn’t about saying yes to everything, or even no to everything, it was simply about being open to life and not being afraid. Saying yes was about being available to opportunity, to chance, to new adventures."
Say yes...sometimes that phrase can instill so much anxiety and fear into a person that they become paralyzed in the negative. Cat Jones learned to say yes and it brought her so much joy in the process. Everything about this book was fun, a bit quirky, energetic, and full of life. I loved the characters, the pages with their text messages added an aspect of their relationships to the story, and the fun that was described amid all the saying "yes" that happened.
As one whose reading is 99% historical fiction, this book with its contemporary timeline and style was captivating. I might consider more books like this if they aren't too formulaic.
Say yes...sometimes that phrase can instill so much anxiety and fear into a person that they become paralyzed in the negative. Cat Jones learned to say yes and it brought her so much joy in the process. Everything about this book was fun, a bit quirky, energetic, and full of life. I loved the characters, the pages with their text messages added an aspect of their relationships to the story, and the fun that was described amid all the saying "yes" that happened.
As one whose reading is 99% historical fiction, this book with its contemporary timeline and style was captivating. I might consider more books like this if they aren't too formulaic.
June 18, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This second book set in Sandycove doesn't feature many characters from the first book so it's easy to read as a standalone. I really liked the concept of saying "yes" and it definitely posed challenges for Cat. I thought the book contained credible characters and events, although there a couple of instances of repetition. I enjoyed it very much and fully recommend this book.
This second book set in Sandycove doesn't feature many characters from the first book so it's easy to read as a standalone. I really liked the concept of saying "yes" and it definitely posed challenges for Cat. I thought the book contained credible characters and events, although there a couple of instances of repetition. I enjoyed it very much and fully recommend this book.
June 20, 2024
I think this was my favorite out of the series. Kind of makes me want to "say yes" to everything (within reason)
I do enjoy Sian O'Gorman's books. I've read about 6 of them and all have been 4 & 5 star reads.
I enjoy the relationships she has in the books. And it is not always about romance! The focal point is always on friendship.
Audio was good as usual.
Will definitely continuing reading more of her books.
I do enjoy Sian O'Gorman's books. I've read about 6 of them and all have been 4 & 5 star reads.
I enjoy the relationships she has in the books. And it is not always about romance! The focal point is always on friendship.
Audio was good as usual.
Will definitely continuing reading more of her books.
February 2, 2025
Good Read
Great friends and close families. I really like the friendship the main characters share,always there for each other. Some humor, a sort of bad guy, and a blooming romance. The colloquialisms had me guessing about the meaning of some of the sentences and what I assume were humorous inside jokes? Didn't take away from the story I just wish I could have understood all the humor!
Great friends and close families. I really like the friendship the main characters share,always there for each other. Some humor, a sort of bad guy, and a blooming romance. The colloquialisms had me guessing about the meaning of some of the sentences and what I assume were humorous inside jokes? Didn't take away from the story I just wish I could have understood all the humor!
June 4, 2025
Fabulous story of true accidental friends!!
Beautiful lives of accidental friends whose hearts became intertwined made me wish my life was more like theirs. I really enjoyed this account of how normal lives became so vitally important to each other, without judgment, jealously, or envy. Truly beautiful!!! I feel so good reading athese lovable people! Highly recommended reading.🥰🥰🥰
Beautiful lives of accidental friends whose hearts became intertwined made me wish my life was more like theirs. I really enjoyed this account of how normal lives became so vitally important to each other, without judgment, jealously, or envy. Truly beautiful!!! I feel so good reading athese lovable people! Highly recommended reading.🥰🥰🥰
July 12, 2024
Lovely read !
This is a book that holds you lightly but firmly because you feel such a connection to the characters and their place in life. We all learn at different paces and have unique experiences but find our path with the help of friends and family. A great lesson in the power of each small step.
This is a book that holds you lightly but firmly because you feel such a connection to the characters and their place in life. We all learn at different paces and have unique experiences but find our path with the help of friends and family. A great lesson in the power of each small step.
November 2, 2024
An interesting and enjoyable story. I enjoyed the story very much, but the idea of saying "yes" to EVERYTHING just isn't feasible. Yes, that was hinted at in the story, but the overall idea was that she "had to" say yes. But I liked the story line of how being forced out of her comfort zone helped her realize her worth and succeed in ways she never would have otherwise.
August 22, 2024
Very pleasant light read concerning the value of saying yes to new experiences. Some lovely characters celebrating family, friendship, community, and generally looking out for each other. A nice feel good story!
June 26, 2024
I love the way she grows her characters. This book was a slow start, but worth sticking with it.
July 1, 2024
I ain't Irish but..
It was a fantastic inspirational read guaranteed to uplift and leave you wanting to say YES! Looking forward to reading another Sian O'Gorman book.
It was a fantastic inspirational read guaranteed to uplift and leave you wanting to say YES! Looking forward to reading another Sian O'Gorman book.
July 7, 2024
Soft easy read
Good story. Great characters albeit a bit repetitious at times. Some of the folks are a bit too needy, like Callum and Sinead.
Good story. Great characters albeit a bit repetitious at times. Some of the folks are a bit too needy, like Callum and Sinead.
July 8, 2024
An uplifting enjoyable read.
July 25, 2024
The power of saying yes opens up so many possibilities and gets you out of your comfort zone.great read. A feel good book.
August 18, 2024
A wonderful enjoyable read. A great blend of characters. Oh if only brave enough to say “yes” to everything for a month.
September 9, 2024
Really enjoyable! I have actually been to Sandycove and loved wading in the Sea, not brave enough to swim though! Enjoyable book with delightful characters except PJ!
October 18, 2024
A good holiday read.
October 19, 2024
I really liked this book. A young woman who was challenged to say "yes" for a month discovered new opportunities, new friends, and helped others along the way. A "feel good" woman's lit choice.
October 29, 2024
A feel good story.
Read
November 11, 2024Loved it!
December 8, 2024
I stopped reading it when it started to include witchcraft.
December 21, 2024
Fun, unpredictable read
An enjoyable read about meeting the fears and assumptions in one’s everyday cycle of life. A heartwarming story of friends and challenges.
An enjoyable read about meeting the fears and assumptions in one’s everyday cycle of life. A heartwarming story of friends and challenges.
December 25, 2024
Heartfelt
The
book was slow to start but got more interesting as it went on. It was heartfelt in that good friends are always there for each othe.
The
book was slow to start but got more interesting as it went on. It was heartfelt in that good friends are always there for each othe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews