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Три сватби и едно предложение
Дори работохоличка като Делфи може да се забавлява на сватбата на брат си. Особено след като има и кавалер, който успява да затвори устите на добронамерените роднини и приятели, които все се чудят защо все още е неомъжена. Но когато вижда всички пропуснати повиквания, тя разбира, че се е случило нещо ужасно.
Мечтаното повишение й се изплъзва, а неангажиращите връзки, приятелите и мечтаната къща край морето сякаш вече не са достатъчни. Съмненията помрачават всичко, в което винаги е вярвала. Може би майка й е права – време е да се задоми, особено след като една голяма любов се е върнала в живота й. Или все пак Делфи е права, че животът може да й предложи повече от това да бъде нечия съпруга?
В това лудо лято всяка сватба носи изненада. И всяка една дава шанс на Делфи да промени живота си. Но накъде…
Мечтаното повишение й се изплъзва, а неангажиращите връзки, приятелите и мечтаната къща край морето сякаш вече не са достатъчни. Съмненията помрачават всичко, в което винаги е вярвала. Може би майка й е права – време е да се задоми, особено след като една голяма любов се е върнала в живота й. Или все пак Делфи е права, че животът може да й предложи повече от това да бъде нечия съпруга?
В това лудо лято всяка сватба носи изненада. И всяка една дава шанс на Делфи да промени живота си. Но накъде…
464 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
498 people are currently reading
1431 people want to read
About the author
Sheila O'Flanagan
95 books1,203 followersAs you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
August 24, 2021
How about this gorgeous cover? I love all the detail. Mobius Books is an amazing newer imprint from Hachette US specializing in bringing UK books to print in the US for the first time. I have discovered so many popular and well-loved authors from the UK this way, and I love it. A few months ago, I read O’Flanagan’s The Women Who Ran Away, and I was super excited when Mobius reached out about Three Weddings and a Proposal. I knew I was in for a fun, warmhearted, and lovely read. Fans of Beth O’Leary, you will want to check this author out, and in fact, she blurbed this book.
Delphie is in love with her life as it is. She attends many weddings, but is totally ok with not having one of her own. When she notices everyone else has settled down, she begins to question that. Does she need more? Her family also pressures her about it. In fact, they’d be happier if she worked less and relationship-ed more.
Oh, I loved Delphie. There’s so much to relate to with this charming character. I also loved all the humor and warmth to this story. It was one I settled into from start to finish. Sheila O’Flanagan is so good at what she does. I felt better after I read this one than when I started, and I love how Delphie walked her own path.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Delphie is in love with her life as it is. She attends many weddings, but is totally ok with not having one of her own. When she notices everyone else has settled down, she begins to question that. Does she need more? Her family also pressures her about it. In fact, they’d be happier if she worked less and relationship-ed more.
Oh, I loved Delphie. There’s so much to relate to with this charming character. I also loved all the humor and warmth to this story. It was one I settled into from start to finish. Sheila O’Flanagan is so good at what she does. I felt better after I read this one than when I started, and I love how Delphie walked her own path.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 24, 2021
This is my first Sheila O’Flanagan novel and the title conjures up an illusion of a far fluffier novel than Three Weddings and a Proposal actually is. The weddings alluded to in the title are actually incidental to the plot and the protagonist, Delphine (Delphie) Mertens, is approaching her thirty-eighth birthday and a committed career woman. Having graduated with a law degree she works as an executive assistant to Conrad Morgan, the obscenely wealthy CEO of investment vehicle Cosecha. Despite having bought her own cottage by the sea, good friendships and often accompanying Conrad around the world, her family seem to think they know what’s best for ambitious Delphie, and that means settling down, getting married and putting her career second. Running out of available men to act as her plus-one for her brother’s wedding, Delphie sets the cat amongst the pigeons when she surprises everyone by bringing an ex-boyfriend. It is at this wedding that she gets the news that turns her world upside down and threatens the career that she cherishes. As things start to crumble and Delphie’s position at work is undermined, a busy summer forces her to reassess her priorities and wonder if her family were right all along about pursuing her career at the expense of her love life.
The book primarily concerns the career of Delphine and how the news she receives destabilises her position within the company as gatekeeper and glorified secretary to the CEO. I found Delphie a bit of a contradiction as she is at pains to point out how indispensable she is to the company and how she has expanded her role to give input to investment decisions yet runs errands such as collecting keys and jewellery for the women in Conrad’s life. She is also far too good to be true about everything from corporate responsibility to charitable enterprises within the firm, even when her own career is in free fall. That her main opponent within the firm is a misogynist and archetypal bad guy who wants to do away with the companies ethical attitude is all too predictable.
I found the novel pretty tedious in truth, not helped by the fact that the two major plot points are readily identifiable by the end of the initial wedding. The prose is pedestrian and the novel lacks the warmth of Maeve Binchy, the wit of Marian Keyes or the sass of British author, Jane Fallon, all of whom could have made it into something memorable. As it stands I found the whole thing ponderous and Delphie’s high opinion of herself made it hard to connect with her. The book obviously has a feminist message and is about doing what is right for you, regardless of family pressures, however turning forty and being single and childless is no longer seen as something overly concerning and I didn’t find the badgering that came from Delphie’s family credible at all. Whilst I found the ending refreshing it does also feel rushed.
The book primarily concerns the career of Delphine and how the news she receives destabilises her position within the company as gatekeeper and glorified secretary to the CEO. I found Delphie a bit of a contradiction as she is at pains to point out how indispensable she is to the company and how she has expanded her role to give input to investment decisions yet runs errands such as collecting keys and jewellery for the women in Conrad’s life. She is also far too good to be true about everything from corporate responsibility to charitable enterprises within the firm, even when her own career is in free fall. That her main opponent within the firm is a misogynist and archetypal bad guy who wants to do away with the companies ethical attitude is all too predictable.
I found the novel pretty tedious in truth, not helped by the fact that the two major plot points are readily identifiable by the end of the initial wedding. The prose is pedestrian and the novel lacks the warmth of Maeve Binchy, the wit of Marian Keyes or the sass of British author, Jane Fallon, all of whom could have made it into something memorable. As it stands I found the whole thing ponderous and Delphie’s high opinion of herself made it hard to connect with her. The book obviously has a feminist message and is about doing what is right for you, regardless of family pressures, however turning forty and being single and childless is no longer seen as something overly concerning and I didn’t find the badgering that came from Delphie’s family credible at all. Whilst I found the ending refreshing it does also feel rushed.
May 23, 2021
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is the question that our protagonist, Delphie, finds herself asking when all around her, friends and family are settling down. Delphie believes she is happy with her life of having a strong, successful career but no love interest. Yet, with the constant questioning, particularly from her family, Delphie wonders if her priorities are in the right place?
This is the question that our protagonist, Delphie, finds herself asking when all around her, friends and family are settling down. Delphie believes she is happy with her life of having a strong, successful career but no love interest. Yet, with the constant questioning, particularly from her family, Delphie wonders if her priorities are in the right place?
August 15, 2021
3.5!
Thank you Mobius Books for sending me a gifted copy in exchange for a review.
Although I do wish this book was shorter, it did tackle a ton of issues in it, which I love to see! Women in business, women in the workplace, women who choose not to be married/have kids. Those kinds of topics that make a woman seem less womanly for having or not wanting.
This is a really quick read, and the kind of story you can get lost in for a few hours and enjoy. I can totally see this as a movie eventually. It had a sweet story, despite the over dramatic, over bearing family.
There are a lot of different ways this story could have gone, but I’m happy with the direction it took.
Definitely not a beach read (unless you read it as an ebook), but it’s perfect for that period of time thats before fall, but still not quite fall weather, if that makes sense!
Thank you Mobius Books for sending me a gifted copy in exchange for a review.
Although I do wish this book was shorter, it did tackle a ton of issues in it, which I love to see! Women in business, women in the workplace, women who choose not to be married/have kids. Those kinds of topics that make a woman seem less womanly for having or not wanting.
This is a really quick read, and the kind of story you can get lost in for a few hours and enjoy. I can totally see this as a movie eventually. It had a sweet story, despite the over dramatic, over bearing family.
There are a lot of different ways this story could have gone, but I’m happy with the direction it took.
Definitely not a beach read (unless you read it as an ebook), but it’s perfect for that period of time thats before fall, but still not quite fall weather, if that makes sense!
Want to read
March 31, 2021October 10, 2021
I was so disappointed in this book. I’ve read a couple of Shelia’s books and loved them. But, this one just didn’t hit the spot, I found it boring and not very interesting it seemed to centre around one person who thought so much of herself but, not other people. I almost gave up at one point but plowed on and finished it. I will read some more books by this author and hopefully they will be better.
May 20, 2021
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the publisher.
As always, Sheila O'Flanagan has given us a relatable and thoroughly enjoyable story about life, love, and family, and I never wanted it to end.
Delphie's family always complains that she works too much and they worry that she will end up alone if she doesn't start looking for love instead of focussing on her career. But what they don't seem to understand is that she genuinely loves and enjoys her job. Executive Assistant to a powerful and wealthy businessman means Delphie has a lot of responsibility in so many areas, and she knows that she is excellent at it. She has her beautiful cottage by the sea, a group of close friends whom she adores, and a job that she looks forward to going to in the morning. Why does her family think that being single means the end of the world for her? And when wedding season begins, everyone's eyes seem to focus on Delphie and her lack of a serious relationship. But when tragedy strikes, Delphie's perfectly controlled life is suddenly in disarray. And as Delphie must wade through new waters, she must ask herself what will really make her happy?
I adore Sheila O'Flanagan's writing and I've read everything that she has ever written, and I have to say that THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL is my favourite book of them all. In a world where women can be anything, there is still a lot of pressure for women to become wives and mothers, and a lot of the time the pressure comes from family, and this book explores this idea in such a natural and authentic way. Delphie is amazing - determined, intelligent, witty, and empowering - and experiencing the many twists and turns alongside her as she figures out her new future, kept my eyes glued to the pages to the very end. There are moments of laughter and moments of sadness, weddings that will take your breath away alongside the realities of relationships, and even a girls trip thrown in for good measure, but most of all it is the characters that will capture your heart and make you want more as you turn the last page.
THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL by Sheila O'Flanagan is everything you could wish for in a novel and as always, I cannot wait for Sheila's next book!
As always, Sheila O'Flanagan has given us a relatable and thoroughly enjoyable story about life, love, and family, and I never wanted it to end.
Delphie's family always complains that she works too much and they worry that she will end up alone if she doesn't start looking for love instead of focussing on her career. But what they don't seem to understand is that she genuinely loves and enjoys her job. Executive Assistant to a powerful and wealthy businessman means Delphie has a lot of responsibility in so many areas, and she knows that she is excellent at it. She has her beautiful cottage by the sea, a group of close friends whom she adores, and a job that she looks forward to going to in the morning. Why does her family think that being single means the end of the world for her? And when wedding season begins, everyone's eyes seem to focus on Delphie and her lack of a serious relationship. But when tragedy strikes, Delphie's perfectly controlled life is suddenly in disarray. And as Delphie must wade through new waters, she must ask herself what will really make her happy?
I adore Sheila O'Flanagan's writing and I've read everything that she has ever written, and I have to say that THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL is my favourite book of them all. In a world where women can be anything, there is still a lot of pressure for women to become wives and mothers, and a lot of the time the pressure comes from family, and this book explores this idea in such a natural and authentic way. Delphie is amazing - determined, intelligent, witty, and empowering - and experiencing the many twists and turns alongside her as she figures out her new future, kept my eyes glued to the pages to the very end. There are moments of laughter and moments of sadness, weddings that will take your breath away alongside the realities of relationships, and even a girls trip thrown in for good measure, but most of all it is the characters that will capture your heart and make you want more as you turn the last page.
THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL by Sheila O'Flanagan is everything you could wish for in a novel and as always, I cannot wait for Sheila's next book!
April 3, 2021
I received a proof copy of this book from the publishers in return for an honest review.
I was pretty excited to receive this book as I am a big fan of Sheila O’Flanagan and I like her Irish romantic novels. I was not disappointed by this book, although what I loved about it was a slight departure from the norm.
Delphine (Delphie) Mertens is a law graduate, working as an executive assistant to a very successful man called Conrad. She’s pretty indispensable to him; flying to his villa in Mallorca at a moment’s notice, bidding on a very expensive bracelet for him to give to his girlfriend, and trying to keep on the right side of his ex-wife. So when she takes a weekend off for once to go to her brother’s wedding and something happens which nobody could have foreseen, Delphie is required to question everything she understood about her life to this point.
The three weddings of the title are a useful plot device. Delphie is forever in search of a “plus one”, and when old flame Ed comes back into her life, she starts to think about whether her focus on her career is enough, or if it really is possible to have it all.
I really liked Delphie’s family. They seemed loving, if a bit focused on her love life, and I enjoyed her friendships with women having the same struggles between work and marriage and babies. I also enjoyed the bravery of not tying everything up neatly in a sugary finish, but allowing the things I liked about Delphie to remain in place.
If you’ve enjoyed Sheila O’Flanagan’s previous books, this is going to make you happy, and as a starting place it’s a pretty fun, enjoyable read.
I was pretty excited to receive this book as I am a big fan of Sheila O’Flanagan and I like her Irish romantic novels. I was not disappointed by this book, although what I loved about it was a slight departure from the norm.
Delphine (Delphie) Mertens is a law graduate, working as an executive assistant to a very successful man called Conrad. She’s pretty indispensable to him; flying to his villa in Mallorca at a moment’s notice, bidding on a very expensive bracelet for him to give to his girlfriend, and trying to keep on the right side of his ex-wife. So when she takes a weekend off for once to go to her brother’s wedding and something happens which nobody could have foreseen, Delphie is required to question everything she understood about her life to this point.
The three weddings of the title are a useful plot device. Delphie is forever in search of a “plus one”, and when old flame Ed comes back into her life, she starts to think about whether her focus on her career is enough, or if it really is possible to have it all.
I really liked Delphie’s family. They seemed loving, if a bit focused on her love life, and I enjoyed her friendships with women having the same struggles between work and marriage and babies. I also enjoyed the bravery of not tying everything up neatly in a sugary finish, but allowing the things I liked about Delphie to remain in place.
If you’ve enjoyed Sheila O’Flanagan’s previous books, this is going to make you happy, and as a starting place it’s a pretty fun, enjoyable read.
August 26, 2021
Three Weddings and a Proposal is a heart warming story that is completely engrossing, and wildly entertaining. I enjoyed it for the surprises and unpredictable nature of this perfectly paced writing by Sheila O’Flanagan.
Delphie was an awesome character. I loved coming along with her journey and going through all the twists and turns as sometimes life tends to throw at us. The story was also thought-provoking and would make for a great book club read.
Thank you Mobius Books for having me in this blog tour. This was truly an exceptional read I needed and enjoyed!
I highly recommend this book!
Delphie was an awesome character. I loved coming along with her journey and going through all the twists and turns as sometimes life tends to throw at us. The story was also thought-provoking and would make for a great book club read.
Thank you Mobius Books for having me in this blog tour. This was truly an exceptional read I needed and enjoyed!
I highly recommend this book!
April 29, 2021
Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
Ireland’s favourite contemporary fiction writer returns with a story of one woman’s journey through family, love, career and life challenges.
Delphie works for an investment company and is very succesful and great at her job.
When a tragedy strikes with her boss while attending her brothers wedding, her whole world changes.
Delphie has been living the life, a beautiful home, close friends, a loving family and a great career but soon everything is at risk of falling apart.
As she begins to make big decisions and starts to put the pieces back together, there’s also love in the air.
An enjoyable and entertaining read that gifts the reader Sheila’s trademark writing, warmth, humour and robust and hearty characters.
A tale that gives the bookworm a sense of comfort, a cast that easy to relate to and real life experiences and circumstances.
While there’s romance here the most pleasing aspect of this story is Delphie’s career highlights, moments and situations.
A strong woman who has always put her work first and there’s many pages to enjoy and take in.
Dilemmas, uncertainty of the future and self discovery are explored in the plot, with the realisation that not everything is going to be perfect.
If you’re a fan of Sheila’s books then this one will put a smile on your face and leave you feeling happy.
Ireland’s favourite contemporary fiction writer returns with a story of one woman’s journey through family, love, career and life challenges.
Delphie works for an investment company and is very succesful and great at her job.
When a tragedy strikes with her boss while attending her brothers wedding, her whole world changes.
Delphie has been living the life, a beautiful home, close friends, a loving family and a great career but soon everything is at risk of falling apart.
As she begins to make big decisions and starts to put the pieces back together, there’s also love in the air.
An enjoyable and entertaining read that gifts the reader Sheila’s trademark writing, warmth, humour and robust and hearty characters.
A tale that gives the bookworm a sense of comfort, a cast that easy to relate to and real life experiences and circumstances.
While there’s romance here the most pleasing aspect of this story is Delphie’s career highlights, moments and situations.
A strong woman who has always put her work first and there’s many pages to enjoy and take in.
Dilemmas, uncertainty of the future and self discovery are explored in the plot, with the realisation that not everything is going to be perfect.
If you’re a fan of Sheila’s books then this one will put a smile on your face and leave you feeling happy.
July 23, 2022
Ne znam šta bih rekla o ovoj knjizi.
U iščekivanju slatkog, zabavnog ljubavnog romana, neke priče poput one u filmu "Tres bodas de mas (ako niste gledali, obavezno se zabavite!) ili njemu sličnima, dobila sam nešto sasvim drugo, nešto što nema veze sa zabavom, venčanjima i komičnim situacijama.
I moram da priznam da sam pomalo razočarana i da mi je trebalo više vremena za čitanje od planiranog.
Naime, Delfi Mertens je sjajna u svom poslu, kao izvršna sekretarica u multinacionalnoj kompaniji "Koseča", sve do iznenadne smrti njenog šefa nakon čega njen dotada uređeni život kreće nizbrdo, rastrzana između šefove "skoro" bivše žene i njegove ljubavnice, podele zaostavštine svog šefa, potrage za novim poslom, ispunjavanja očekivanja njene porodice da se uda, Delfin zadatak je da ponovo pronađe sebe u novonastalim okolnostima.
Radnja je jako spora i, iako pisana u prvom licu jednine, to nije mi prijalo niti sam mogla da se saživim sa likovima. Stekla sam utisak da je pisano da bi knjiga dobila na obimnosti i da se tek na svakoj 100. ili 50. strani nešto desi.
Delfi sam doživela kao jednu vrstu ljudskog robota, skroz bez emocija, pa i u momentima kad je zaplakala nisam osetila ništa.
Ovde ćete naći odu samostalnim, jakim ženama, koje su dovoljne same sebi, kojima je posao broj 1 u životu, kojima je finansijska samostalnost prioritet i sve je to u redu i poruka je dobra. Ali način na koji je prenesena mi nije bio previše zanimljiv. Ili je celokupan utisak posledica mojih totalno drugačijih očekivanja od cele priče.
3🌟
U iščekivanju slatkog, zabavnog ljubavnog romana, neke priče poput one u filmu "Tres bodas de mas (ako niste gledali, obavezno se zabavite!) ili njemu sličnima, dobila sam nešto sasvim drugo, nešto što nema veze sa zabavom, venčanjima i komičnim situacijama.
I moram da priznam da sam pomalo razočarana i da mi je trebalo više vremena za čitanje od planiranog.
Naime, Delfi Mertens je sjajna u svom poslu, kao izvršna sekretarica u multinacionalnoj kompaniji "Koseča", sve do iznenadne smrti njenog šefa nakon čega njen dotada uređeni život kreće nizbrdo, rastrzana između šefove "skoro" bivše žene i njegove ljubavnice, podele zaostavštine svog šefa, potrage za novim poslom, ispunjavanja očekivanja njene porodice da se uda, Delfin zadatak je da ponovo pronađe sebe u novonastalim okolnostima.
Radnja je jako spora i, iako pisana u prvom licu jednine, to nije mi prijalo niti sam mogla da se saživim sa likovima. Stekla sam utisak da je pisano da bi knjiga dobila na obimnosti i da se tek na svakoj 100. ili 50. strani nešto desi.
Delfi sam doživela kao jednu vrstu ljudskog robota, skroz bez emocija, pa i u momentima kad je zaplakala nisam osetila ništa.
Ovde ćete naći odu samostalnim, jakim ženama, koje su dovoljne same sebi, kojima je posao broj 1 u životu, kojima je finansijska samostalnost prioritet i sve je to u redu i poruka je dobra. Ali način na koji je prenesena mi nije bio previše zanimljiv. Ili je celokupan utisak posledica mojih totalno drugačijih očekivanja od cele priče.
3🌟
June 29, 2021
Sheila O’Flanagan has done it again, delivering yet another immensely readable novel about life, love, family and friendship. A story full of heart and heartbreak, choices, decisions and repercussions. And a female protagonist so likeable and relatable, you’ll find yourself batting for her from the very first page.
Delphie is a high-flying career woman, a senior executive in a Dublin financial services firm, where she organizes both the business and personal affairs of its chairman, Declan. She’s ambitious, smart and highly respected by staff and clients alike. Her future has never looked better. That is, until a tragic accident sends it spinning out of control.
Apart from the terrific storyline, the two things I loved most about this book were the character of Delphie and the author’s treatment of the unique life choices that women face because of their gender.
I loved Delphie’s strength, her ability to hold her head up, dig deep and fight back. I loved that even when her self-confidence was rock bottom, she still found the courage and determination to be true to herself and make the decisions that were right for her.
When it comes to gender themes, O’Flanagan deals with them brilliantly. From misogyny in the workplace to the often agonizing choices women have to make over the perceived conflict between marriage, family and career. Can we have it all? Is it even right to want it all? Does our very happiness depend on having it all? And are we lesser mortals for not wanting it all?
Throw in some romance, the support of a couple of fabulous gal pals, and an emotional recalibration of family dynamics, and you have a wonderfully engrossing, beautifully rounded tale that will leave you purring with satisfaction.
Delphie is a high-flying career woman, a senior executive in a Dublin financial services firm, where she organizes both the business and personal affairs of its chairman, Declan. She’s ambitious, smart and highly respected by staff and clients alike. Her future has never looked better. That is, until a tragic accident sends it spinning out of control.
Apart from the terrific storyline, the two things I loved most about this book were the character of Delphie and the author’s treatment of the unique life choices that women face because of their gender.
I loved Delphie’s strength, her ability to hold her head up, dig deep and fight back. I loved that even when her self-confidence was rock bottom, she still found the courage and determination to be true to herself and make the decisions that were right for her.
When it comes to gender themes, O’Flanagan deals with them brilliantly. From misogyny in the workplace to the often agonizing choices women have to make over the perceived conflict between marriage, family and career. Can we have it all? Is it even right to want it all? Does our very happiness depend on having it all? And are we lesser mortals for not wanting it all?
Throw in some romance, the support of a couple of fabulous gal pals, and an emotional recalibration of family dynamics, and you have a wonderfully engrossing, beautifully rounded tale that will leave you purring with satisfaction.
May 15, 2021
Empowerment, recognising your own strengths and acknowledging exactly what makes you happy whilst not bowing to family pressures and expectations are just some of the themes embraced by Sheila O’Flanagan in her latest novel. The eye catching cover and title suggests there will be much cause for celebration in a storyline peppered with good old Irish charm, banter, humour, friendship and romance. However beneath the lighthearted surface lies a romantic tale with a difference, one that will instead surprise you by its hidden depths and its fiercely independent female characters.
Delphie Mertens is a career girl at heart, her senior role at investment company Cosecha, working closely alongside CEO Conrad a dream come true. On a personal level her life is almost perfect too, relegating romantic relationships to the back seat, so you can consider this character relatively happy with her lot. As part of a large Irish family she leaves the business of marriage and children to her siblings despite their constant nagging, imploring her to ‘settle down’. When confronted with the task of finding a plus one to take to her brother Andre’s imminent wedding Delphie’s life is thrown into disarray by the resurfacing of an ex coupled with an unexpected tragedy. Suddenly Delphie is given no alternative but to re-evaluate and question her life choices so far, wondering whether she should pay more attention to her love life than she’s previously considered necessary. It’s this sense of facing a reality check that establishes Delphie as someone who gradually realises she is in complete control of her destiny, both professionally and personally.
Sheila O’Flanagan has written some strong female characters to drive home the message that a woman’s happiness doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around having a husband and children and I applaud her for doing so. In an era when having it all can come at a hefty price Delphie is a great role model for the belief that happiness comes from within and it takes courage and steeliness to follow your own rules. I loved this character for resisting mounting pressure from her family to conform to their own ideas of happiness, an admirable accomplishment given none of them waste any opportunity to voice their own disapproval of Delphie’s single status. Obviously this is all dealt with a lightness of touch so for all the jesting from members of the Mertens clan you know it comes from the heart of a loving family. I liked that this is a woman who’s comfortable in her own skin and despite her obvious wobbles stays true to herself. As the novel progresses Delphie’s upright moral character shines through in every situation she encounters; her diplomacy and negotiation skills are some of her best assets, qualities that are utilised to maximum effect when finding herself piggy in the middle between Conrad’s wife Martha and his much younger new partner Bianca. Best friends Erin and Sheedy back up the theory that it is strong, determined, intelligent women who rule this storyline with male characters playing secondary roles, staying firmly out of the spotlight. Every challenge, every dilemma these women face is met with bravado, a sense of humour and a desire to do the right thing by one another. Basically the sky’s the limit when it comes to achieving great things; anything is possible!
Although romance is scattered throughout the novel I welcomed the author’s decision to not make it the be all and end all of Delphie’s adventures as she negotiates the inevitable ups and downs that love, life,career and family throw her way. In this type of fiction, however strong and independent the lead female is portrayed, there’s still an expectation that bagging a rich and/or handsome partner is the absolute pinnacle of success. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that’s what I bargained for when I opened this book so to meet a character like Delphie, her fellow musketeers and Marta and Bianca is an invigorating change and an agreeable departure from the norm.
Sheila O’Flanagan’s writing offers her readers an uplifting and heartening storyline where love, friendship and kindness prevail, all qualities conducive to leaving the reader feeling happy and energised. There’s a reason why she’s such a popular author; her flair for creating wonderful characters experiencing relatable problems/circumstances is what compels you to pick up each new novel, knowing these figments of her imagination will be handled with empathy, positivity and warmth. She avoids falling into the trap of allowing her storylines to verge towards silliness and absurd comic interludes that often romantic fiction relies upon, especially when it comes to wedding storylines. Not that I’m saying I don’t enjoy those novels (because I do!!) but from Sheila O’Flanagan you can expect a more emotionally intelligent read. So why did I finish this novel feeling slightly underwhelmed when I should have felt euphoric and heartened by the ending? All the characters are well developed, it’s well written and easy to read but there’s a vital ingredient missing (that I can’t pinpoint! ) to make me go “ wow this is a 5 star read” rather than the 4 I’ve opted for. Perhaps it’s the sparsity of humour and the lack of pizazz to make the narrative truly sparkle and the fact none of the characters, not even Delphie inspired my heartfelt devotion. Nonetheless I enjoyed it all the same and would recommend to others looking for something outside of the usual romantic tale. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
Delphie Mertens is a career girl at heart, her senior role at investment company Cosecha, working closely alongside CEO Conrad a dream come true. On a personal level her life is almost perfect too, relegating romantic relationships to the back seat, so you can consider this character relatively happy with her lot. As part of a large Irish family she leaves the business of marriage and children to her siblings despite their constant nagging, imploring her to ‘settle down’. When confronted with the task of finding a plus one to take to her brother Andre’s imminent wedding Delphie’s life is thrown into disarray by the resurfacing of an ex coupled with an unexpected tragedy. Suddenly Delphie is given no alternative but to re-evaluate and question her life choices so far, wondering whether she should pay more attention to her love life than she’s previously considered necessary. It’s this sense of facing a reality check that establishes Delphie as someone who gradually realises she is in complete control of her destiny, both professionally and personally.
Sheila O’Flanagan has written some strong female characters to drive home the message that a woman’s happiness doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around having a husband and children and I applaud her for doing so. In an era when having it all can come at a hefty price Delphie is a great role model for the belief that happiness comes from within and it takes courage and steeliness to follow your own rules. I loved this character for resisting mounting pressure from her family to conform to their own ideas of happiness, an admirable accomplishment given none of them waste any opportunity to voice their own disapproval of Delphie’s single status. Obviously this is all dealt with a lightness of touch so for all the jesting from members of the Mertens clan you know it comes from the heart of a loving family. I liked that this is a woman who’s comfortable in her own skin and despite her obvious wobbles stays true to herself. As the novel progresses Delphie’s upright moral character shines through in every situation she encounters; her diplomacy and negotiation skills are some of her best assets, qualities that are utilised to maximum effect when finding herself piggy in the middle between Conrad’s wife Martha and his much younger new partner Bianca. Best friends Erin and Sheedy back up the theory that it is strong, determined, intelligent women who rule this storyline with male characters playing secondary roles, staying firmly out of the spotlight. Every challenge, every dilemma these women face is met with bravado, a sense of humour and a desire to do the right thing by one another. Basically the sky’s the limit when it comes to achieving great things; anything is possible!
Although romance is scattered throughout the novel I welcomed the author’s decision to not make it the be all and end all of Delphie’s adventures as she negotiates the inevitable ups and downs that love, life,career and family throw her way. In this type of fiction, however strong and independent the lead female is portrayed, there’s still an expectation that bagging a rich and/or handsome partner is the absolute pinnacle of success. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that’s what I bargained for when I opened this book so to meet a character like Delphie, her fellow musketeers and Marta and Bianca is an invigorating change and an agreeable departure from the norm.
Sheila O’Flanagan’s writing offers her readers an uplifting and heartening storyline where love, friendship and kindness prevail, all qualities conducive to leaving the reader feeling happy and energised. There’s a reason why she’s such a popular author; her flair for creating wonderful characters experiencing relatable problems/circumstances is what compels you to pick up each new novel, knowing these figments of her imagination will be handled with empathy, positivity and warmth. She avoids falling into the trap of allowing her storylines to verge towards silliness and absurd comic interludes that often romantic fiction relies upon, especially when it comes to wedding storylines. Not that I’m saying I don’t enjoy those novels (because I do!!) but from Sheila O’Flanagan you can expect a more emotionally intelligent read. So why did I finish this novel feeling slightly underwhelmed when I should have felt euphoric and heartened by the ending? All the characters are well developed, it’s well written and easy to read but there’s a vital ingredient missing (that I can’t pinpoint! ) to make me go “ wow this is a 5 star read” rather than the 4 I’ve opted for. Perhaps it’s the sparsity of humour and the lack of pizazz to make the narrative truly sparkle and the fact none of the characters, not even Delphie inspired my heartfelt devotion. Nonetheless I enjoyed it all the same and would recommend to others looking for something outside of the usual romantic tale. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2023
Обикновена история за едно момиче, но като че ли няма да остане за дълго в съзнанието ми. Красива корица, може би само тя ме впечатли.
June 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice easy read but one that kept my interest the whole way through.
May 1, 2022
I am normally a big fan of her books, but this one just didn't do it for me too much. On to the next one.
January 9, 2022
I liked this book, but it was definitely not the fluffy read I was expecting from the title. The title left out the two funerals she attended! The weddings were plot devices where other, more important things, happened. The story is about main character, Delphie, and her life as a career woman. She and her friends wonder if marriage and children should be part of their busy lives.
I enjoyed those discussions, but the book dragged a little and the ending was not what I expected. 3 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed those discussions, but the book dragged a little and the ending was not what I expected. 3 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 7, 2021
I read this author many years ago so I was looking forward to reading this.. I wasn’t disappointed.
Delphie is the main character. She is very likeable. She is happy with life even though her family want her to settle down.
This is another well written story by this author.
Delphie is the main character. She is very likeable. She is happy with life even though her family want her to settle down.
This is another well written story by this author.
May 25, 2021
I've always been a fan of chic lit / women’s fiction, using it as an antidote to my other favourite genre - psychological thrillers or for reading at times when there's too much going on in my life and I'm looking for a comfort read. Sheila O'Flanagan has always been included in what I call my 'comfort blanket' authors. I know whenever I pick up one of her novels I'm going to get a read that touches on real life issues, sucks you into family dynamics, will have me muttering out loud and then cheering from the sidelines in equal measures but, invariably turns out to have a happy ending. I love that Sheila writes - a real feel good book thats not all pink and fluffy - there’s some genuine family life, heartaches and twists thrown in, just like in real life.
Three Weddings and a Proposal centres on Delphie as she lives her best life, happy, single and where she wants to be - the opposite of where her entire family think she should be. The story begins as Delphie’s brother is due to get married and her family are pressuring her to name her plus one for the weekend - her usual male friends are all either married, moved away or not available, she’s thinking of going alone when she makes a chance reconnection with an ex- boyfriend Ed, on a flight home from a work meeting with her boss in Spain. He’s the one that got away, but he was a good friend once.
The family are ecstatic to hear about her choice of plus one and welcome him back into the fold as if he’s never been away, as if he wasn’t the cause of Delhie’s heartache so many years before. No matter how much she tells them he’s only a friend they see more. A call during the wedding reception telling Delphie of the sudden death of her boss sees her go into free fall and her whole life pivot on its axis.
This book focuses on family dynamics, sibling rivalry along with honesty, trust and communication and taking chances. Delphie needs her friends and family more than ever, and when Conrad dies she’s unwittingly finds herself the central focus of a family that has never really understood her attachment to work and single life. The bantering and opinions of the family thrust upon her from all angles was so typical of any large family, each vying for airspace when what Delphie needed and wanted was quiet and space to think - she’d lost not just a good friend in her boss but her job and her life. I think Sheila's descriptions are particularly vivid. I could visualise each of the family as clearly as if she was describing people I knew and could see that Delphie just needed time to come to terms to her situation and assess her options - she’s a strong, bold character and no walkover but her edges are not all sharp and angular, she has a very caring side and is loyal to those around her to the end.
This story demonstrates how at certain times in our life, when we’re dealt a poor hand we have a choice. sink or swim, thinking with your head or heart is not enough, usually your gut instinct is the right one and that it’s ok to accept support and friendship whilst you pick yourself up but should then be given the space to make your own decisions. As in this book, time, quiet and space will usually allow for balanced decisions - none of us benefit from being told what to do. I felt an emotional attachment to Delphie and rooted for her throughout, her voice wasn’t loud enough to fight for her life choices at times, drowned out by the white noise around her but she is a strong character and I willed her to take back control which she does with panache. I particularly loved that the lead character wasn’t a damsel in distress type but was comfortable in herself and prepared to stand by her convictions.
An absolutely wonderful read, that is uplifting, heart warming and hopeful - Sheila O’Flanaghan never disappoints - the bar is raised a little higher with each new book and she sails across it every time. The romance is heartfelt, the friendships strong and the family loyal to the last.
April 17, 2021
Three Weddings And A Proposal is a contemporary story set in Ireland in a post-pandemic time. Delphie is the personal assistant of a successful businessman and the story opens with her being in charge of buying a very expensive bracelet for her boss’s girlfriend.
In her personal life Delphie needs a plus-one partner for her brother’s wedding; she’s running out of time to find a single man. Luckily, while returning from a business trip she bumps into an ex-boyfriend who kindly agrees to attend the wedding with her.
Fast forward a few weeks and Delphie’s life has been turned upside down, both on the work and domestic front. She has a lot of decisions to make and while her family think they know what she wants, Delphie needs to discover where her true feelings lie.
This was an easy read in a popular genre; much of the story was quite predictable, though, so some readers may be a little disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the Irish setting, and Delphie’s organisational skills were quite inspiring. I also liked how this was set just after the current pandemic, giving me some hope for a return to normality.
In her personal life Delphie needs a plus-one partner for her brother’s wedding; she’s running out of time to find a single man. Luckily, while returning from a business trip she bumps into an ex-boyfriend who kindly agrees to attend the wedding with her.
Fast forward a few weeks and Delphie’s life has been turned upside down, both on the work and domestic front. She has a lot of decisions to make and while her family think they know what she wants, Delphie needs to discover where her true feelings lie.
This was an easy read in a popular genre; much of the story was quite predictable, though, so some readers may be a little disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the Irish setting, and Delphie’s organisational skills were quite inspiring. I also liked how this was set just after the current pandemic, giving me some hope for a return to normality.
June 2, 2021
Sheila O’Flanagan is becoming a firm favourite of mine and her latest offering did not disappoint. In fact, I cannot help but feel that the book title does a complete disservice to what the novel truly is about. Superficially yes, there are weddings and a proposal but dig deeper and there is so much more to this tale. There are the requisite lighthearted and romantic moments, yet at its heart I applauded the strong stance made by the women who embrace their independence.
‘Everyone says they want you to be happy, but it’s their version of happy that they want.’
Women can be and do anything they put their mind to in today’s age, however, there is that unspoken expectation of marriage/partners and children. Sheila explores this through her main character in an authentic way that will ring true for many females. What does today’s ‘modern woman’ look like and how can society be supportive of that? I could relate to much of what was on offer in this book through the entirely relatable characters and storylines. It is wonderful to journey along with Delphie and the hurdles and realisations she must encounter in an effort to be who she truly feels deep down inside.
‘Maybe we let ourselves feel pressure,’ I observe. ‘Maybe we have to not care so much about what other people think.’
Three Weddings and a Proposal has much more on offer than what one may assume at first glance. Enjoy the lightheartedness, but appreciate that this book is about recognising your own strength and staying true to what makes you happy. Yes, there will be pressures from those near and far but remember ... you always have choices.
‘You can’t live your life with the fear of missing out. You have to make choices. You have to believe in your choices. And you have to have confidence in the future’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Everyone says they want you to be happy, but it’s their version of happy that they want.’
Women can be and do anything they put their mind to in today’s age, however, there is that unspoken expectation of marriage/partners and children. Sheila explores this through her main character in an authentic way that will ring true for many females. What does today’s ‘modern woman’ look like and how can society be supportive of that? I could relate to much of what was on offer in this book through the entirely relatable characters and storylines. It is wonderful to journey along with Delphie and the hurdles and realisations she must encounter in an effort to be who she truly feels deep down inside.
‘Maybe we let ourselves feel pressure,’ I observe. ‘Maybe we have to not care so much about what other people think.’
Three Weddings and a Proposal has much more on offer than what one may assume at first glance. Enjoy the lightheartedness, but appreciate that this book is about recognising your own strength and staying true to what makes you happy. Yes, there will be pressures from those near and far but remember ... you always have choices.
‘You can’t live your life with the fear of missing out. You have to make choices. You have to believe in your choices. And you have to have confidence in the future’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
May 21, 2021
Three and a half stars.
Delphie is living her best life, executive assistant to one of Ireland's wealthiest men she travels the world doing everything from buying an antique bracelet for his girlfriend to reviewing business plans and managing the company's charitable foundation. She's single with her own beautiful cottage by the sea but the rest of her large Irish family won't stop feeling sorry for her just because she's alone. The last straw comes when she is being harangued from all sides because she hasn't named a plus one for her brother's imminent wedding (because they need to write the placecards for the reception FFS). Then a quick trip to Mallorca to hand over said bracelet to her boss brings great news, he wants to appoint her to the Board. On the flight home she sits next to her ex, Ed, who left her to work in Dubai.
Then tragedy strikes and Delphie's wonderful life collapses around her shoulders. Could reconnecting with the only boyfriend she ever really loved change everything?
I did really enjoy this story although I felt that the two major plot lines were too obviously telegraphed, or maybe I'm just that good at reading people, or maybe I've just read a scary number of contemporary romances? It was nice to have a 'career woman' who genuinely loves her career and doesn't suddenly decide to settle for something slower-paced, or using a softer, more feminine skill (like opening a cup-cake shop). I liked Delphie and I wanted to be her friend. I don't think I've read any other books by Sheila O'Flanagan but i like her writing and will definitely look out for more from her.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Delphie is living her best life, executive assistant to one of Ireland's wealthiest men she travels the world doing everything from buying an antique bracelet for his girlfriend to reviewing business plans and managing the company's charitable foundation. She's single with her own beautiful cottage by the sea but the rest of her large Irish family won't stop feeling sorry for her just because she's alone. The last straw comes when she is being harangued from all sides because she hasn't named a plus one for her brother's imminent wedding (because they need to write the placecards for the reception FFS). Then a quick trip to Mallorca to hand over said bracelet to her boss brings great news, he wants to appoint her to the Board. On the flight home she sits next to her ex, Ed, who left her to work in Dubai.
Then tragedy strikes and Delphie's wonderful life collapses around her shoulders. Could reconnecting with the only boyfriend she ever really loved change everything?
I did really enjoy this story although I felt that the two major plot lines were too obviously telegraphed, or maybe I'm just that good at reading people, or maybe I've just read a scary number of contemporary romances? It was nice to have a 'career woman' who genuinely loves her career and doesn't suddenly decide to settle for something slower-paced, or using a softer, more feminine skill (like opening a cup-cake shop). I liked Delphie and I wanted to be her friend. I don't think I've read any other books by Sheila O'Flanagan but i like her writing and will definitely look out for more from her.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
December 29, 2024
This was a fast read, written in first person from a single, workaholic woman in her 40s. It doesn’t feel like the book was about weddings at all so I felt like I had no clue where things were going and wasn’t overly interested to find out.
July 8, 2021
Three and a half stars.
Delphie is living her best life, executive assistant to one of Ireland's wealthiest men she travels the world doing everything from buying an antique bracelet for his girlfriend to reviewing business plans and managing the company's charitable foundation. She's single with her own beautiful cottage by the sea but the rest of her large Irish family won't stop feeling sorry for her just because she's alone. The last straw comes when she is being harangued from all sides because she hasn't named a plus one for her brother's imminent wedding (because they need to write the placecards for the reception FFS). Then a quick trip to Mallorca to hand over said bracelet to her boss brings great news, he wants to appoint her to the Board. On the flight home she sits next to her ex, Ed, who left her to work in Dubai.
Then tragedy strikes and Delphie's wonderful life collapses around her shoulders. Could reconnecting with the only boyfriend she ever really loved change everything?
I did really enjoy this story although I felt that the two major plot lines were too obviously telegraphed, or maybe I'm just that good at reading people, or maybe I've just read a scary number of contemporary romances? It was nice to have a 'career woman' who genuinely loves her career and doesn't suddenly decide to settle for something slower-paced, or using a softer, more feminine skill (like opening a cup-cake shop). I liked Delphie and I wanted to be her friend. I don't think I've read any other books by Sheila O'Flanagan but i like her writing and will definitely look out for more from her.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Delphie is living her best life, executive assistant to one of Ireland's wealthiest men she travels the world doing everything from buying an antique bracelet for his girlfriend to reviewing business plans and managing the company's charitable foundation. She's single with her own beautiful cottage by the sea but the rest of her large Irish family won't stop feeling sorry for her just because she's alone. The last straw comes when she is being harangued from all sides because she hasn't named a plus one for her brother's imminent wedding (because they need to write the placecards for the reception FFS). Then a quick trip to Mallorca to hand over said bracelet to her boss brings great news, he wants to appoint her to the Board. On the flight home she sits next to her ex, Ed, who left her to work in Dubai.
Then tragedy strikes and Delphie's wonderful life collapses around her shoulders. Could reconnecting with the only boyfriend she ever really loved change everything?
I did really enjoy this story although I felt that the two major plot lines were too obviously telegraphed, or maybe I'm just that good at reading people, or maybe I've just read a scary number of contemporary romances? It was nice to have a 'career woman' who genuinely loves her career and doesn't suddenly decide to settle for something slower-paced, or using a softer, more feminine skill (like opening a cup-cake shop). I liked Delphie and I wanted to be her friend. I don't think I've read any other books by Sheila O'Flanagan but i like her writing and will definitely look out for more from her.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2021
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I have read loads of this author’s books and really enjoyed them,. Sadly, this one disappointed me. It’s hard to put my finger on the problem. Neat premise, well executed, flowing prose, realistic dialogue. So what was it? I think I failed to engage with the characters - they were predictable, boring and at times really annoying. I couldn’t empathise with the heroine - and that’s a real problem for me. I didn’t like the way she treated other characters and I struggled to understand her. Perhaps my biggest disappointment was the lack of a traditional happy ending. I can see what the author was trying to show in her ending but I’m afraid it left me cold.
This is not a bad book - far from it. My opinions are clearly not shared by other reviewers, so I’ll just put it down as ‘not my cup of tea’.
I have read loads of this author’s books and really enjoyed them,. Sadly, this one disappointed me. It’s hard to put my finger on the problem. Neat premise, well executed, flowing prose, realistic dialogue. So what was it? I think I failed to engage with the characters - they were predictable, boring and at times really annoying. I couldn’t empathise with the heroine - and that’s a real problem for me. I didn’t like the way she treated other characters and I struggled to understand her. Perhaps my biggest disappointment was the lack of a traditional happy ending. I can see what the author was trying to show in her ending but I’m afraid it left me cold.
This is not a bad book - far from it. My opinions are clearly not shared by other reviewers, so I’ll just put it down as ‘not my cup of tea’.
May 10, 2021
Delphine Mertens has life fully under control – probably.
My goodness I enjoyed Three Weddings and a Proposal. It’s simply gorgeous and is a perfect example of women’s fiction at its very best, because of Sheila O’Flanagan’s consummate story telling. I loved Delphie’s conversational tone from the very beginning because it was like I was listening to a friend chat with me, or even as if I were inhabiting her mind so that I found myself becoming her and seeing everything through Delphie’s perspective. I thought the couple of allusions to the Covid pandemic as if it were in the past were deftly done, so that whilst it didn’t play any part in this narrative, Sheila’s O’Flanagan’s story seemed more realistic and credible because the pandemic was mentioned in passing rather than ignored. But most of all I loved the narrative itself because it’s a hugely entertaining, utterly believable story with some major weight behind it. The plotting is razor sharp, often surprising and always captivating with just enough descriptive detail to enhance and colour the text beautifully.
That weight and depth of Three Weddings and a Proposal comes through the exploration of what it means to be a modern woman; to have relationships, a career, parenthood and family responsibilities. Sheila O’Flanagan’s story is actually quite feminist without deriding any counter perspectives, but rather illustrating how we can be supportive of one another so that Three Weddings and a Proposal felt mature, interesting and above all else, a story with characters I could relate to entirely. In illustrating how Delphie learns to be comfortable in her own skin whilst stepping out of her comfort zone I thought Sheila O’Flanagan had achieved more for female self esteem and self-help than any non-fiction book might have managed.
Indeed, I thought Delphie was fantastic. Her experience of working in a male dominated environment, her relationship with Ed and her friendship with Sheedy and Erin held my attention completely. Reading Three Weddings and a Proposal completely transported me into their world. What I thought worked so well was that the men are not all useless idiots that sometimes happens in women’s fiction. Here they have identity, flaws and attractions that made the whole story all the more real.
Three Weddings and a Proposal Is a fabulous book. Rounded characters experiencing real life events that any reader can relate to in a superbly plotted narrative mean this book is ideal for escaping into. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it completely. I thought it was brilliant.
My goodness I enjoyed Three Weddings and a Proposal. It’s simply gorgeous and is a perfect example of women’s fiction at its very best, because of Sheila O’Flanagan’s consummate story telling. I loved Delphie’s conversational tone from the very beginning because it was like I was listening to a friend chat with me, or even as if I were inhabiting her mind so that I found myself becoming her and seeing everything through Delphie’s perspective. I thought the couple of allusions to the Covid pandemic as if it were in the past were deftly done, so that whilst it didn’t play any part in this narrative, Sheila’s O’Flanagan’s story seemed more realistic and credible because the pandemic was mentioned in passing rather than ignored. But most of all I loved the narrative itself because it’s a hugely entertaining, utterly believable story with some major weight behind it. The plotting is razor sharp, often surprising and always captivating with just enough descriptive detail to enhance and colour the text beautifully.
That weight and depth of Three Weddings and a Proposal comes through the exploration of what it means to be a modern woman; to have relationships, a career, parenthood and family responsibilities. Sheila O’Flanagan’s story is actually quite feminist without deriding any counter perspectives, but rather illustrating how we can be supportive of one another so that Three Weddings and a Proposal felt mature, interesting and above all else, a story with characters I could relate to entirely. In illustrating how Delphie learns to be comfortable in her own skin whilst stepping out of her comfort zone I thought Sheila O’Flanagan had achieved more for female self esteem and self-help than any non-fiction book might have managed.
Indeed, I thought Delphie was fantastic. Her experience of working in a male dominated environment, her relationship with Ed and her friendship with Sheedy and Erin held my attention completely. Reading Three Weddings and a Proposal completely transported me into their world. What I thought worked so well was that the men are not all useless idiots that sometimes happens in women’s fiction. Here they have identity, flaws and attractions that made the whole story all the more real.
Three Weddings and a Proposal Is a fabulous book. Rounded characters experiencing real life events that any reader can relate to in a superbly plotted narrative mean this book is ideal for escaping into. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it completely. I thought it was brilliant.
July 11, 2021
I love Sheila O’Flanagan. I love her strong, smart female characters that aren’t obsessed with marriage and babies, as is typical for this genre. With a title like this, I was slightly concerned, but I shouldn’t have doubted her.
A light read with a great character in Delphie. I liked her girlfriends as well and even the character you would think you’d hate was painted as a human. Sheila really doesn’t go in for stereotypes and her novels get more thoughtful as she progresses (cheap and inaccurate crack at Taylor Swift excluded. The woman has been in a stable relationship for years and is quite the strong female herself these days).
A light read with a great character in Delphie. I liked her girlfriends as well and even the character you would think you’d hate was painted as a human. Sheila really doesn’t go in for stereotypes and her novels get more thoughtful as she progresses (cheap and inaccurate crack at Taylor Swift excluded. The woman has been in a stable relationship for years and is quite the strong female herself these days).
August 22, 2021
An easy read with a well-hashed story line. I needed something to read that was easy and didn't require much concentration. I was able to pick this one up numerous times during the day and read for short spurts.
I liked the main character and her interactions with her family, friends and colleagues. Her relationship with Conrad was interesting and I could see why people had made some assumptions about her etc.
A good lockdown read
I liked the main character and her interactions with her family, friends and colleagues. Her relationship with Conrad was interesting and I could see why people had made some assumptions about her etc.
A good lockdown read
April 9, 2023
I liked the book, but the title was a bit misleading. More important things happened and the weddings felt like a minor plot device. Basically, Delphie, who is career driven, ponders on her life choices as a single, ambitious and self-sufficient woman; until she isn’t anymore. Her priorities change and she questions herself and what she believes in.
The book felt a bit dragging, but I actually enjoyed the ending. It’s my first Sheila O’Flanagan book, but won’t be the last.
The book felt a bit dragging, but I actually enjoyed the ending. It’s my first Sheila O’Flanagan book, but won’t be the last.
April 14, 2024
För mig:
Vi får möta Delphie som är arbetsnarkoman och blir buden på ett bröllop. Hon bjuder då ed som är hennes ex. På bröllopet får hon ett meddelande om att hennes chef är död. Detta leder till att hon hamnar mellan chefens fru och älskarinna. Samtidigt som hon blir av med jobbet på sitt jobb. Efter månader så hittar hon ett nytt jobb, hon förlovar sig med ed och avbryter den. Blir kompis med Luke och kommer fram till att hon är bekväm med att vara själv och med sitt liv i organisationen.
Vi får möta Delphie som är arbetsnarkoman och blir buden på ett bröllop. Hon bjuder då ed som är hennes ex. På bröllopet får hon ett meddelande om att hennes chef är död. Detta leder till att hon hamnar mellan chefens fru och älskarinna. Samtidigt som hon blir av med jobbet på sitt jobb. Efter månader så hittar hon ett nytt jobb, hon förlovar sig med ed och avbryter den. Blir kompis med Luke och kommer fram till att hon är bekväm med att vara själv och med sitt liv i organisationen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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