Ett omöjligt val

by Sheila O'Flanagan, Birgitta Karlström (Translator)

Det har gått fem år sedan Edens man Andy gick bort i en tragisk arbetsolycka. Istället för tillsammans med honom, uppfostrar hon nu ensam deras dotter Lila. Dottern som Andy aldrig fick chansen att träffa. Till sin hjälp har hon hans stöttande mor och syster.

Så möter Eden Rafe. Rafe, som hon kände innan hon träffade Andy, innan Lila fanns, innan hennes liv vändes upp och ner. Rafe, som påminner henne om den hon brukade vara.

Eden vet bättre än någon annan att livet kan förändras på ett ögonblick. Nu står hon inför ett omöjligt val. Ett val som skulle kunna splittra en familj.

Sheila O'Flanagan är en av Irlands bäst säljande författare vars titlar ständigt ligger på de internationella topplistorna. Hon är känd för sina varma relationsromaner som älskas världen över. Ett omöjligt val är hennes sjätte bok på LB Förlag.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Amazon, Book Club, Womens Fiction

442 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2023

About the author

As 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.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the book: “Five years after the death of her firefighter husband, Eden knows better than anyone that life can change in an instant. Now, instead of the future she had planned with Andy, she has Lila - the daughter he never got the chance to meet. And instead of Andy, she has his family.

Honest and emotionally gripping, What Eden Did Next is an irresistible, sometimes heart-breaking, ultimately joyful, novel of love, loss - and finding your own way to happiness.”

I love a second chance story. They instill hope and that it’s never too late to find happiness where you are, and this was especially true with Eden’s story. She’s starting over after the death of her husband. Not only has she lost him, but she feels she’s lost herself as a new mom and in her grief. This book is all about its characters, and oh, these charming, sparkly characters. You just have to meet Elizabeth, a friend of Eden living her best life. You also have to meet her daughter, Lila, and how about Rafe? He’s pretty special, too.

The sense of community is strong, and important issues are addressed as well. This is an emotional story about grief and loss, but ultimately, it’s about peace and creating happiness and joy. It’s also about growing older. Overall, I absolutely love O’Flanagan’s warmhearted storytelling. A perfect summer or any time read.

I received a free copy from the publisher.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Dani Sitnik · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm aware I'm in the minority here, but I found this one a real slog! Repetitive, with endless detail around who did what when and where which often felt slow and unnecessary. I kept waiting for a twist or excitement or SOMETHING, but there was nothing. Completely predictable, and yet somehow the characters managed to be really thinly drawn even though the author had over 440 pages to draw them. Not my favourite!

[Fiz|فيز (Substack link in bio) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Popsugar reading challenge- A book where the main character's is in the title.

It was great at the start and I really wanted to love this book but it was way to predictable :(

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, tender, and romantic!

What Eden Did Next is a heartfelt, beautifully written story set in Dublin that takes us into the life of Eden, a young mother juggling to come to grips with losing the love of her life, raising her daughter alone, and rekindling a friendship with her childhood friend Rafe, a young widower himself who has just returned home from the United States to raise his daughter and hopefully learn how to move on from the all-consuming grief he can’t seem to shake.

The prose is genuine and smooth. The characters are hesitant, scarred, and sympathetic. And the plot is a addictive, alluring mix of friendship, family, forgiveness, support, loss, drama, selflessness, parenthood, introspection, community, new beginnings, and the power of love.

What Eden Did Next was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and it did not disappoint. Once again, Sheila O’Flanagan has written a moving, absorbing, charming tale that has an abundance of irresistible characters and a storyline I couldn’t get enough of!

Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra Glasberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ganska förutsägbar och klyschig historia. Förstår tanken att det skulle vara en gripande berättelse, men det nådde inte riktigt ända fram. Men helt ok!

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like to read reviews for a book until I have read it myself - then I go through a few and see what I agree/disagree with and compare so to speak.
Doing that for this book I was very shocked to see that it seemed to get quite a few 3 star reviews, with the consensus being that this book isn't as good as the authors previous books.
I have never read any by this author before so can't compare, but I thoroughly enjoyed every single page. I actually told my husband within 5 minutes of starting that 'I think I am gonna love this book' - and I wasn't disappointed at all.
It was a 450 page book but it took me no time at all to read, and I got sucked into Eden's life very very quickly and wanted to find out what happened.
Definitely make your own mind up when it comes to if you enjoy a book or not, because you may miss some real hidden gems by listening to others.
Great read and would highly recommend.
Very easy 5 stars.

[Margi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many of Sheila Flanagan's books and the ones I've chosen have all been great reads. This one was another great read. It was a heartwarming story about loss, grief, moving forwards, family and a touch of romance. I can recommend this to those of you looking for a feel good book with a happy ending.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a number of books by this author and they are always extremely enjoyable, in fact they are the sort of books I can’t wait to pick up. “What Eden Did Next” is definitely in this category, a story of love and loss and knowing the right time to move on.
Eden is a single mother bringing up 4 year old Lila after the death of her firefighter husband, Andy. Valerie, Eden’s mother in law and Michelle, her sister in law have always been there for her, helping her after she was widowed and then supporting her as she brings up Lila. Eden still misses Andy even though 5 years have passed and she writes letters to him as if he is still alive.
Eden is a former nurse and uses her skills to work as a carer, looking after Elizabeth who requires short term care and physio. Her other love is calligraphy and she sometimes gets commissions for work doing this as well. When Elizabeth acquires a new neighbour, widower and single Dad, Rafe, Eden realises that she has met him in her previous life and they start to catch up on what has happened since they had last seen each other.
The characterisations in this novel are excellent, Eden, Rafe and Elizabeth are so realistic that I actually felt that they were real people and I truly wanted to meet them.
Eden and Rafe have both suffered tragedies in their past so it is difficult for them to know that there comes a time when they can seek happiness again. Eden is torn between her new life and her old one where her husband’s family feature strongly. They are also having trouble letting go and see Eden as their link to Andy.
The last section of the novel is wonderful and I was so invested in the characters that events that happened actually brought a tear to my eye!
I really loved everything about this book- the characters, the Irish setting and of course the romance. Definitely a five star read for me and highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 30th title from Sheila O’Flanagan, well-known, bestselling author of heartwarming stories that have, to date, sold over 9 million copies worldwide.
This story revolves around Eden, a young woman who tragically lost her husband Andy, a firefighter, 5 years previously. Newly pregnant at the time, she hadn’t even had the opportunity to tell him the good news yet. Having lost her own parents as a child, and not having a close relationship with the aunt and uncle who brought her up, Andy’s family, the Farrellys have stepped up and been there for Eden and her daughter Lila every step of the way, becoming her family and support structure.
But Eden is not the shy, weak wallflower that her mother-in-law Valerie and sister-in-law Michelle would prefer her to be. She has created a life for herself and Lila in the home that she and Andy shared. She’s got a job she loves as a carer, a hobby as a calligrapher, which is fast proving to be quite lucrative. She really does appreciate the help she gets from Valerie who looks after Lila while she works, but it does concern her that she needs to rely on her so much.
And then, out of the blue, she meets Rafe McConnell. The very same Rafe who was her closest childhood friend! So close in fact, that when her parents died and she was about to leave to go and live with her aunt and uncle, he had begged his parents to let Eden come and live with them. It hadn’t crossed Eden’s mind to try and meet someone new, but this isn’t really ‘new’. And Rafe has also been through his own tragedy. He’s just returned from America, having lost his wife, with his young daughter Poppy in tow.
But Eden could never anticipate the vehement hostility she receives, first from Michelle, who realizes that the ‘friend’ that Eden has been spending time with is not female, and then from Valerie who seems to believe that the family’s emotional support for Eden and Lila comes with a price tag: eternal gratitude and obligation.
The book is character driven, and what a wonderful cast of colourful characters Sheila O’Flanagan has created! I simply adored the elderly Elizabeth who Eden takes care of. Full of sass, despite her age and ailments, she’s Rafe’s neighbour’s. I also loved the banter on their street WhatsApp group … so much speculation among the ladies about their handsome, eligible new man on the block! It was hilarious, but so very genuine.
The Farrellys were another story altogether! I felt inclined toward violence at their somewhat irrational behaviour and unreasonable expectations of Eden. The conniving manipulation measures that were used angered me immensely! Yes, I realize these were mainly done from a place of pain and I know they convinced themselves (and Eden) that they only had her best interests at heart, but the level of self-absorbtion and selfishness this all amounted to just made me so mad!
This is ultimately a story about grief and loss and about how we find ourselves and put ourselves back together after having been through the worst that life has to offer. It’s about learning to live again and about deciding what to carry into the next stage of our life and what to leave behind. It’s about the different ways we can love people and about how it’s possible to love after loss. It’s a gentle, thoroughly enjoyable book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Eden Did Next is Sheila O'Flanagan's 30th novel. I have read every single one of them. Her books have accompanied me through most of my adult life. They were there when I was seriously ill, when I married for the first time, then divorced, and then found happiness again. Her books are soothing and comforting. They bring joy and sunshine into the darkest of days.

I absolutely inhaled this book, my nose was buried deep within the pages for the whole of a train journey to London, and then again on the way home.

Eden is a fabulously created character who the reader cannot fail to back all of the way. Whilst she is only in her late thirties, her life has been full of tragedy, yet she's a woman who is determined to make the best of what she has. She's strong willed and creative and has many obstacles to over come.

Orphaned as a ten-year-old, Eden spent her formative years with her childless Aunt and Uncle. They didn't appear to be the most loving of couples, but provided a steady beginning for her. When she met and married Andy, and was welcomed into his vast and loving family, she felt at home, at last. Then tragedy struck once more, and Eden become a young, pregnant widow.

Five years later, she and her daughter Lila have made a good life together. Eden misses Andy every day, she still loves him and she writes to him, telling him about her life, and about the daughter that he never got the chance to meet. Eden has given up her nursing career and now provides home care for elderly people. She also does calligraphy, and makes a small income from that too.

Andy's family remain a big part of Eden and Lila's life, and as time passes and Eden grows in strength, she begins to realise that putting Andy on a pedestal as his mother always does, is not helping her to move on.

It is the reappearance of a very old friend, Rafe, that really convinces Eden that she needs to loosen the ties with Andy's family, but it's not easy. Eden is a kind and considerate person, she appreciates everything that has been done for her, but she's young, she's not prepared to give up everything just to please Andy's parents.

Sheila O'Flanagan's writing is an absolute delight. She has created a community of characters who the reader will most certainly recognise. From the local residents committee, to the wise old lady who speaks her mind, each and every one of them is a delight to discover.

Woven into this novel are some very important issues. The author looks at loss and grief and self doubt, she examines Eden's feelings about being loved and losing people. Her detailed description of how a grieving mother can become blinded by her memories are heart breaking at times.

Once more, this author will delight her fans. What Eden Did Next is wonderfully written and a joy to read. Highly recommended.

[Rhiannon Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know what Eden did next because I decided about half way through not to bother reading the rest of this book. This is quite unlike me - I got all the way through 2 Sally Rooneys that I loathed!

Somehow this book managed to simultaneously bore me and make my skin creep. The main characters (despite being given outrageously tragic backstories) were just so "nice" but oh so dull. The writing was pedestrian, the dialogue mundane, the family relationships claustrophobic and as for that "neighbourhood" WhatsApp group? Yeuch. I love some chick lit books but this one has no spark and no humour. I cringed a lot though.

I thought about carrying on just in case what Eden did next was something remotely exciting but I have a suspicion it wasn't. I'm wondering if this was a sequel to"What Eden did" (à la Katy?). I won't be rushing to find out.

DNF about halfway though.

[selenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice low-stakes book. I finally realized that maybe I’ve been reading too many stories with tremendous themes and suspense, and it was enjoyable to indulge in a novel with a ‘minor’ plot. I still teared up because of the deceased lover trope (which I always do :((( ).

Maybe it’s because this book was written in third person, but I didn’t particularly connect to any characters. But, again, I noticed I don’t need to connect to every character in every book I read. Still really enjoyed this! But I feel like Rafe and Eden suddenly being very into each other was foreseeable, but I would’ve liked to see some a more natural, gradual process.

I also wished for this to be a literary fiction rather than a romance, but alas it was still easy to read and enjoyable!

[Vanessa Jarrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t purchase this book, I probably wouldn’t have if I was buying it for myself but my sister had it lying around. It’s a romance book and not much more else happens. It’s nice but not interesting enough for me to score any higher.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. A little predictable but the plot was interesting enough that it didn’t spoil much.

[Andrea Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this , very easy reading too

[Nadia Avila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute but predictable.

[Rozzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light reading

[Damelapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written - I now remember why Sheila is one of my favourite author.
I loved Elizabeth story in Eden’s and the group chats.
And of course I loved eden and rafe

[Agata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read with warm, gentle story-telling and a nice flow of the story. A little bit too predictable, a little bit underwelming, but what I could only describe as a lovely light novel to take on summer holidays with you... On emotional level, I just didn't feel it..

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love feel good books that you instantly get absorbed in with characters that are easy to relate too. This book ticked those boxes and I think it would make the perfect summer holiday companion!

Eden’s journey of dealing with the loss of her husband, being a single mother, work life and family pressure is portrayed in a very realistic way. There is real depth to the characters and Elizabeth and the WhatsApp group added lots of humour amongst the topics of grief, loss and ageing. I really enjoyed that the story was based in places I knew too!
Although a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the story.
It was heartwarming and enjoyable and sometimes you just need a cosy romance about love and second chances.

[Melissa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been about a decade since I last read a book by this author. I am not even sure which titles I read, and as this was before I began the blog or using Good Reads to record my thoughts on what I read, I have no way of checking. All I remember is that I enjoyed reading them.

For my full review please visit my blog at:https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think this is the best book by Sheila that I have read and I have read 5 others of hers. I just absolutely loved it and brought a tear at the very end.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love how this author writes. It’s so immersive and beautiful.

She deals with hard hitting storyline so well and although you get all the feels it doesn’t overwhelm you. And you find your routing for the characters.

Throughly enjoyed it even though you could tell what would happen from around half way through the book this did not stop my enjoyment.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Grainne Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - loved the different characters and the pacey plot.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What Eden Did Next is the 30th novel from Sheila O’Flanagan which is an incredible achievement. So many authors come and go but she has stood the test of time and her books have brought me much enjoyment over the years. I’ve read every single one of her books and whether it be curled up on the couch during winter time or spending an afternoon in the summer sunshine her books have taken me away from the world for several hours and provided much pleasure.This new book tells the story of Eden who has suffered immense tragedy in her life. At a very young age she lost both her parents in a car accident and even as an adult she feels guilt over the circumstances. Subsequently, raised by her Aunt and Uncle life growing up wasn’t all that easy having been taken from her family home and a friendship that meant so much to her.

Eden’s adult life has not been without trauma either as her husband Tony, a firefighter, died in a fire only two weeks after their honeymoon leaving Eden as a single mother to Lila who is now 4. No doubt about it Eden has been through the wringer and deep down although she wishes to move on she finds the past is constantly calling her backwards. She suffers extreme guilt that she is the one to still be alive and bringing up their daughter and she feels she owes so much to Tony’s family who supported her through the darkest of times. The book follows Eden as someone unexpected appears back in her life at a time when perhaps new avenues are tentatively opening up for her. Is she ready to embrace some happiness in her life and take the steps forward that she has been longing to make? Or is she forever bound to try and repay the kindness shown to her by Tony’s family?

Throughout the book, Eden writes letters to Tony and she has done so ever since he passed away. It’s like her coping mechanism to help her through the tough days and difficult and emotional situations that continue to develop. She takes comfort when the letters arrive in the post even though she knows the recipient is no longer there to read them. Her deepest thoughts are expressed in this manner as she feels she has no one around to confined in as to what keeps her awake at night thinking. Yes, she has Tony’s family but she really doesn’t want to admit everything to them. Ever since she was young, Eden had told herself that the only person she could depend upon was herself. She had never wanted to find a soulmate but then Tony entered her life and all that changed. But as with her parent’s life changed in an instant and the one she could depend on was taken from her.

Eden married young and is still young so there is plenty of opportunity to make a new life for herself but she doesn’t want to. To be honest when we first met Eden, I thought she was doing really well for herself. She had her job as a carer and her calligraphy work was also starting to take off. She seemed independent and wanted to make a good life for her daughter. She thinks she relies too much on her mother-in-law Valerie for childminding but who wouldn’t take up the offer when given the chance when she knew Lila would be looked after well. I thought Eden was so down on herself and it really related back to losing her parents and also how she felt when Lila was born. Yes, the death of Tony was horrific but it came across as if she was punishing herself. That she had to remain single and beholden to Valerie and her sisters-in-law. Their grief and control was preventing her from moving on. You could see she wanted to break free but duty and obligation kept her in a firm hold. She had retreated into herself following Tony’s death but you could see the further the story progressed that underneath it all there was a strong woman waiting for the go ahead to emerge and to stand up for herself.

When presented with a choice from Valerie, one which was in theory a great idea but in reality and when you got down to brass tacks it really wouldn’t have worked, well I just wanted Eden to stand firm and say no. But she seemed to hesitate time and time again and not just come out and be firm with regards to her decision. Instead of being pulled back by memories and having Valerie control her, I wanted Eden to move forward in a strong and solid way. That’s not to say she had to forget what Tony meant to her. Some very wise words from her Uncle towards the end of the book were perfectly written, inspiring and well considered and provide plenty of food for thought for both Eden and the reader.

It’s through her work as a carer that Eden is brought firmly back to the past and things in the present start to take a new and dramatic turn which is much welcomed by the reader. Caring for Elizabeth, who is 75 and recovering from a mugging, Eden arrives daily to Sycamore Grove. This street is where everyone knows everyone else’s business and chairperson of the residents association Krystle is at the forefront of it all and along with her fellow women residents they keep the WhatsApp burning at all times with their views on al the movers and shakers. Elizabeth is certainly not part of any of that but yet when someone moves into the house across the road of course her interest is piqued and in turn she gets Eden in on the action with her viewpoints. But for Eden things have got very personal as the new resident is non other than her childhood friend Rafe whom she was taken away from so suddenly.

Rafe is in a similar situation to Eden in that his wife died in tragic circumstances and now is raising Poppy single handedly. Rafe and Eden’s childhood friendship was intense and now in the present he is of the same mind as Eden in that he wishes to no longer get involved with anyone. His sister Petra puts him off at every turn as things start to develop in unexpected ways and similar to Eden’s in-laws, Rafe’s family pile the pressure on. You can tell both family’s are only coming from a place of good but really they should leave both Rafe and Eden forge their own paths be that sole or as a pair. For really, it’s so obvious the two need to be together. That connection that even though they were so young is not gone. It may have been forgotten for awhile but when Eden is with Rafe she is brighter, happier and there is a glow about her. The same can be said for Rafe. Although I do think although Rafe suffered he was more ready and willing to move on than Eden was.

What Eden Did Next is an easy book to read and I flew through it in two sittings. I enjoyed Eden’s story as the author captured perfectly how a mother deals with grief and how she was held back by memories and those that chose to control her. But Eden’s doubt won’t always be there and it was a pleasure to see how she went about instigating the necessary changes in her life in order to try and move forward. OK, this book won’t stay with me forever but I certainly wouldn’t miss out on a book by Sheila O’ Flanagan and I hope she continues to write many many more.

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Sheila O'Flanagan's books and have been looking forward to this.

This is such a heartwarming book with themes of loss, families and shows how differently people handle their grief.

I loved Edens letters to Andy, but also seeing how she finally let go of the past and how strong she was.

An amazing mixture of characters, with their own back stories, this is an absolute must read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
The story and the characters and settings.
It had love, loss and Family.
There were conflicts and misunderstandings.
I liked the letters that Eden wrote. to her husband who had died.
I would recommend this book.
Look forward to Sheila's next book.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Eden Did Next is the latest novel from Sheila O’ Flanagan and will be published April 28th with Headline Review. Described as ‘heart-breaking, life-affirming and unforgettable’, What Eden Did Next is the 30th book from this much-loved writer, whose novels are available in over 20 languages with over 9 million copies sold worldwide.

Eden was widowed as a very young woman, following the sudden death of her husband Andy in a freak fire-fighting incident. In the very early stages of her pregnancy Eden had planned on surprising Andy with the news but tragedy struck before she ever got the chance. At the time of the accident Eden was an A & E nurse and was on duty when Andy was brought in. He died soon after, leaving Eden traumatised. Her grief spiralled and, following the birth of her little girl, Lila, Eden suffered post-natal depression and was unable to cope. The one staple in her life was Andy’s mother, Valerie and the rest of the Farrelly family. They nurtured and cared for her, helping her to cope with her loss and, in time, Eden moved back to her marital home with Lila, carving a new life for the two of them. Over the years Eden had become quite reliant on Valerie, always mindful that they too had lost Andy, a precious son and brother. Valerie doted on Lila, always bringing Andy’s name into the conversation, always reminding everyone of Andy stories and anecdotes. The Farrellys were an extremely close-knit family, something that Eden had not experienced too much of herself and she was only too happy to be wrapped up in their comforting arms. Looking after Lila had its stresses but she knew Valerie and the family had her back.

No longer an A & E nurse, due to the schedule and the hours required, Eden now worked for an agency as a carer. This new role offered her flexibility to look after Lila but it was also a job that she genuinely enjoyed. Eden was reserved but was good with people and her clients appreciated her loyalty. Elizabeth was one such client who had been the victim of a mugging. Now, in rehabilitation in her home, Eden calls daily, spending longer with her than clients would normally require due the nature of her injuries. Elizabeth is frustrated by her inability to cope alone but to keep herself busy, she sits by the window, watching the comings and goings of her neighbours. The estate she lives in is a tightly knit community with an active WhatsApp group and a very, shall we call it, over-confident chairperson who no-one can refuse.

A new neighbour triggers the radar of the local group while Elizabeth curiously observes from her perch. Eden, unwittingly, becomes sucked into the goings-on and a coincidental meet-up has her reconsidering her options in life, leading her to some very unexpected conclusions.

Eden is a wonderfully warm and caring individual who has been through a lot in her years. Andy was ‘The One’ for her, the love of her life and his cruel death destroyed her confidence. She always swore forever to Andy and never expected that a different path could possibly be her future. Very much loyal to his memory and to what they had, these sudden new, and very much unforeseen, feelings throw Eden into a spin. Eden’s character was inspired by Sheila O’ Flanagan’s interpretation of how these recent years have affected us all.

“More than ever we’ve come to realise the importance of the people closest to us, especially when we can’t be with them. Part of Eden’s story deals with her mourning the life she should have had. I think many of us have felt that way over the past years as we’ve seen milestones go by without the customary celebrations, as reminders of cancelled events popped up in our timelines, as we were forced over and over again to isolate ourselves from the people we love.” – Sheila O’ Flanagan

What Eden Did Next is a feel-good novel full of heart. With a lovely mix of characters, Sheila O’ Flanagan has created a charming tale that radiates goodness. The family dynamic is a central theme to this book with grief and longing, love and hope, happiness and regret all playing their part. As a reader you are left with a smile on your face and a feeling that, perhaps, anything is truly possible. Uplifting is a very apt description for What Eden Did Next with the inspiring and kind-hearted Eden taking centre stage. The perfect read for anyone looking for a little escapism and a heart-warming internal glow-up!