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The Girls from Sandycove
A mother and daughter adrift, a friend in need, and a village to really call home… When Kate O’Hare discovers she’s about to become a mother, she packs up her life in France to return home to regroup and put down some roots. Home is where the heart is, right?
On her return to Ireland, Kate is surprised to find her best friend Flora’s marriage and self-esteem is in tatters following her husband’s rather public betrayal. With no marriage, home, or future, can Kate empower Flora to rediscover herself and reignite the career she put on hold to marry the man she thought she’d spend the rest of her life with?
On the other side of the Atlantic, Kate’s estranged mother, Lola, is heartbroken following the loss of her soulmate, Paulie. On hearing Kate’s plan, Lola too decides to return home to seek a second chance at motherhood with her daughter.
Will the music and magic of Sandycove be enough to carry these women through such challenging times and heal their hearts?
An emotive story of forgiveness, new beginnings and happy-ever-afters…
Praise for the wonderful Sian O'Gorman 'Utterly irresistible and joyful - the perfect summer read!' Faith Hogan
'A gorgeous story of friendship, community and starting over' Jessica Redland
'A book with everything. A real 5 star read.' Claudia Carroll
'Delicious! An upbeat, witty read about friends, family and following your dreams.' Gillian Harvey
On her return to Ireland, Kate is surprised to find her best friend Flora’s marriage and self-esteem is in tatters following her husband’s rather public betrayal. With no marriage, home, or future, can Kate empower Flora to rediscover herself and reignite the career she put on hold to marry the man she thought she’d spend the rest of her life with?
On the other side of the Atlantic, Kate’s estranged mother, Lola, is heartbroken following the loss of her soulmate, Paulie. On hearing Kate’s plan, Lola too decides to return home to seek a second chance at motherhood with her daughter.
Will the music and magic of Sandycove be enough to carry these women through such challenging times and heal their hearts?
An emotive story of forgiveness, new beginnings and happy-ever-afters…
Praise for the wonderful Sian O'Gorman 'Utterly irresistible and joyful - the perfect summer read!' Faith Hogan
'A gorgeous story of friendship, community and starting over' Jessica Redland
'A book with everything. A real 5 star read.' Claudia Carroll
'Delicious! An upbeat, witty read about friends, family and following your dreams.' Gillian Harvey
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
780 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Siân O'Gorman
22 books128 followersFor Once In My Life...
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 25, 2024
EXCERPT: Flora reflected on how proud she was of her mother and how it was now Patsy's moment to shine. Flora had only a vague recollection of her old self, the young woman who designed fabulous and exuberant wallpaper and fabric, the person who cycled to her local printers to order samples of her designs, the one who took on commissions from lovely restaurants in Dublin's city centre and papered whole sections in her beautiful and eye-catching prints, flowers and insects and sea creatures, neon and dark swirls of colour. She had felt invincible, thinking life would always look like this. But somehow, she had lost her confidence, lost her way, and was now wondering what had happened to that young woman so full of ideas, excitement and promise.
ABOUT 'THE GIRLS FROM SANDYCOVE': A mother and daughter adrift, a friend in need, and a village to call home… When Kate O’Hare discovers she’s pregnant, she is determined to return to her hometown of Sandycove in Dublin.
On the other side of the Atlantic, her estranged mother, international superstar, Lola, is heartbroken following the loss of her soulmate, Paulie. On hearing Kate’s plan, Lola follows her, seeking a second chance at motherhood.
Kate discovers her best friend, Flora, is back in her childhood bedroom, her marriage and self-esteem in tatters following her husband’s public betrayal.
Flora now finds herself with no husband, home, or future, while her own mother Patsy is stepping out of her comfort zone into the world of interiors. Can Patsy’s new life reignite Flora’s talent and creativity?
And what of the O’Hare family secret which has the power to unlock a pathway to greater mutual understanding? And will music and the magic of Sandycove be enough to empower the women through such challenging times?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the first book I have read by Sian O'Gorman, but it won't be my last. What a lovely, warm-hearted, and uplifting read!
There's no place like home when life throws you a curveball. It's where Kate O'Hare heads when she discovers she is pregnant; it's where Flora runs to when her marriage is in tatters; it's where Lola O'Hare goes when she is grieving the death of her soulmate Paulie. It's where the past works its magic on the present and reunites old friends and family, where new relationships are forged, dreams reignited, and new pathways forward forged.
Yes, you're going to get a HEA, but what a magnificent journey O'Gorman takes us on to get there. Her characters are wonderful. I was instantly immersed in their lives, feeling their pain and urging them on to better days, happier futures.
I loved the relationships between the mothers and daughters - Patsy and Flora with their warm-hearted, supportive relationship; and Lola and Kate, estranged, wanting what Patsy and Flora have, but unsure how to get there, how to reconfigure their relationship and learn to love one another again.
I loved my time in Sandycove with these wonderful characters. I enjoyed seeing them grow and reach out to one another. I didn't want this story to end.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheGirlsfromSandycove #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Siân was born in Ireland, is an RTÉ radio producer and lives in the seaside suburb of Dalkey, Dublin with her seven-nearly-eight-year-old daughter, Ruby.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girls From Sandycove by Sian O'Gorman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE GIRLS FROM SANDYCOVE': A mother and daughter adrift, a friend in need, and a village to call home… When Kate O’Hare discovers she’s pregnant, she is determined to return to her hometown of Sandycove in Dublin.
On the other side of the Atlantic, her estranged mother, international superstar, Lola, is heartbroken following the loss of her soulmate, Paulie. On hearing Kate’s plan, Lola follows her, seeking a second chance at motherhood.
Kate discovers her best friend, Flora, is back in her childhood bedroom, her marriage and self-esteem in tatters following her husband’s public betrayal.
Flora now finds herself with no husband, home, or future, while her own mother Patsy is stepping out of her comfort zone into the world of interiors. Can Patsy’s new life reignite Flora’s talent and creativity?
And what of the O’Hare family secret which has the power to unlock a pathway to greater mutual understanding? And will music and the magic of Sandycove be enough to empower the women through such challenging times?
MY THOUGHTS: This is the first book I have read by Sian O'Gorman, but it won't be my last. What a lovely, warm-hearted, and uplifting read!
There's no place like home when life throws you a curveball. It's where Kate O'Hare heads when she discovers she is pregnant; it's where Flora runs to when her marriage is in tatters; it's where Lola O'Hare goes when she is grieving the death of her soulmate Paulie. It's where the past works its magic on the present and reunites old friends and family, where new relationships are forged, dreams reignited, and new pathways forward forged.
Yes, you're going to get a HEA, but what a magnificent journey O'Gorman takes us on to get there. Her characters are wonderful. I was instantly immersed in their lives, feeling their pain and urging them on to better days, happier futures.
I loved the relationships between the mothers and daughters - Patsy and Flora with their warm-hearted, supportive relationship; and Lola and Kate, estranged, wanting what Patsy and Flora have, but unsure how to get there, how to reconfigure their relationship and learn to love one another again.
I loved my time in Sandycove with these wonderful characters. I enjoyed seeing them grow and reach out to one another. I didn't want this story to end.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheGirlsfromSandycove #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Siân was born in Ireland, is an RTÉ radio producer and lives in the seaside suburb of Dalkey, Dublin with her seven-nearly-eight-year-old daughter, Ruby.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girls From Sandycove by Sian O'Gorman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 9, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. This was a nice easy read set in Sandycove. I flew through it and found a nice break from other genres but a little too quaint and neatly wrapped up.
August 30, 2024
Really a 4 1/2 ⭐️ rating. Love the Sandycove books. The author’s characters are relatable & draw you in like good friends. Challenges abound but so does the courage to accept change & move forward. I think these books touch you emotionally & draw you in wanting to know “how it ends” for characters. Just a well written satisfying read!
August 31, 2024
An uplifting read. The author explores the complexities of relationships. Forgiveness, letting go and allowing yourself to move forward. The characters are believable and the background of a small town enjoyable.
November 22, 2023
The Girls from Sandycove follows two best friends and their moms.
At a bbq Flora finds out that her husband has been having an affair with his best friend’s wife. While Flora finds herself with no home, no husband and no future, her mother Patsy is following her dreams of being an interior designer.
Flora’s best friends Kate finally comes home pregnant and confused on where she wants her life to go. No better reason to come back to her hometown. Little does she know, that her estranged rock star mother Lola, decides it’s time to make amends after losing her soul mate and best friend Paulie.
At first I was not excited to be reading from four different POVs, it’s normally not my type of book BUT I loved all four of the woman and enjoyed reading from their POV. I really enjoyed The Girls from Sandycove. It was my first book by Sian O’ Gorman and she didn’t disappoint. I did realize there are more Sandycove novels and I’ll be going back to read them.
At a bbq Flora finds out that her husband has been having an affair with his best friend’s wife. While Flora finds herself with no home, no husband and no future, her mother Patsy is following her dreams of being an interior designer.
Flora’s best friends Kate finally comes home pregnant and confused on where she wants her life to go. No better reason to come back to her hometown. Little does she know, that her estranged rock star mother Lola, decides it’s time to make amends after losing her soul mate and best friend Paulie.
At first I was not excited to be reading from four different POVs, it’s normally not my type of book BUT I loved all four of the woman and enjoyed reading from their POV. I really enjoyed The Girls from Sandycove. It was my first book by Sian O’ Gorman and she didn’t disappoint. I did realize there are more Sandycove novels and I’ll be going back to read them.
June 23, 2024
There are some authors that I have come to rely on for a satisfying read. This is one such author. I try not to stay these books at night because I end up wanting to see how things pan out and end up losing sleep over it!
This would have been a full five stars if not for the additional love match which seemed extra to the tale. I was enjoying all the bonding everyone was doing until that point.
This is a story of mothers and daughters. Flora and her mother have been a team. So it is to her that she runs when her home situation falls apart. Kate gave up on a relationship with her mother years ago. It is to Flora that Kate runs when she finds herself in a fix. Kate's mother follows soon after on her own accord as she feels like it's high time she fixes her own relationship. The sorrow that Lola is experiencing has its own tale, something that helps her find a new start in life.
These women are strong and facing a few hiccups along the way. They encourage each other and move forward with their dreams. It is a very positive book with a lot of good people and a few terrible ones ( what's a book without villains anyway).
I really enjoy the writing style and the kind of people I continue to encounter in this town. This is not a series in its true sense, but some people do figure in more than one book on the sidelines. Since I do not retain names for too long, I do not actively look for people I have previously read about. Basically, I would recommend picking this up even if you have not ventured into Sandycove before.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
This would have been a full five stars if not for the additional love match which seemed extra to the tale. I was enjoying all the bonding everyone was doing until that point.
This is a story of mothers and daughters. Flora and her mother have been a team. So it is to her that she runs when her home situation falls apart. Kate gave up on a relationship with her mother years ago. It is to Flora that Kate runs when she finds herself in a fix. Kate's mother follows soon after on her own accord as she feels like it's high time she fixes her own relationship. The sorrow that Lola is experiencing has its own tale, something that helps her find a new start in life.
These women are strong and facing a few hiccups along the way. They encourage each other and move forward with their dreams. It is a very positive book with a lot of good people and a few terrible ones ( what's a book without villains anyway).
I really enjoy the writing style and the kind of people I continue to encounter in this town. This is not a series in its true sense, but some people do figure in more than one book on the sidelines. Since I do not retain names for too long, I do not actively look for people I have previously read about. Basically, I would recommend picking this up even if you have not ventured into Sandycove before.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
June 19, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This third in series focusses on new characters, although some characters from the previous books form parts of the stories. A pleasant, easy read with a happy ending included a couple of errors that attention to detail or fact-checking would have dealt with. There were also some issues with continuity in my early copy which might have been corrected by now. I did think that some of Flora's story lacked credibility - we are given information about her financial situation which would have raised concerns with most wives, and when encouraged to obtain advice she does nothing until the issue is forced. I reduced my rating by 1 star because of these points.
This third in series focusses on new characters, although some characters from the previous books form parts of the stories. A pleasant, easy read with a happy ending included a couple of errors that attention to detail or fact-checking would have dealt with. There were also some issues with continuity in my early copy which might have been corrected by now. I did think that some of Flora's story lacked credibility - we are given information about her financial situation which would have raised concerns with most wives, and when encouraged to obtain advice she does nothing until the issue is forced. I reduced my rating by 1 star because of these points.
March 6, 2025
You will become one of them.
You'll will become one of them in your thoughts and all of them wrapped up in your heart. What an incredibly written plethora of emotion. The kind you are joyful about, remorseful about, and thankful that you had the opportunity to even have some of these emotions in your life. It's been a long time since I've read a book that encapsulated me as a person right into the pages of the book. I am an incredibly richer woman for taking the time to read and truly love this book.
You'll will become one of them in your thoughts and all of them wrapped up in your heart. What an incredibly written plethora of emotion. The kind you are joyful about, remorseful about, and thankful that you had the opportunity to even have some of these emotions in your life. It's been a long time since I've read a book that encapsulated me as a person right into the pages of the book. I am an incredibly richer woman for taking the time to read and truly love this book.
September 3, 2024
Set in the town of Sandycove, Ireland you'll meet Flora and Patsy, Lola and Kate, Killian and Dermott, and Jacques as well as supporting cast members. You'll learn of mothers and daughters, husbands and ex-husbands, and lovers. As these women in particular navigate their lives, you'll see their struggles and triumphs with plenty of heartbreak and love to go around.
A wonderful heartfelt book that I believe you'll love.
A wonderful heartfelt book that I believe you'll love.
October 28, 2024
Sandycove
While reading this book .
I was immersed in the pages.
The characters are all wonderful in their own.
You throw them together,you have a family.
It wasn't all roses and finery.
But that made it so much more.
I felt like I was in Sandycove getting to know all of them
What a fun read
While reading this book .
I was immersed in the pages.
The characters are all wonderful in their own.
You throw them together,you have a family.
It wasn't all roses and finery.
But that made it so much more.
I felt like I was in Sandycove getting to know all of them
What a fun read
January 22, 2026
It’s not a bad book but it’s not a good one either. It’s an enjoyable holiday read; a predictable storyline where everyone has a happy ending. It didn’t evoke anything in me and was a touch boring towards the end even. Can’t understand why it’s so highly rated? Feel like I’m missing something here.
July 30, 2024
Truly Uplifting Read
The characters were wonderful. It was hard to put this down, right from the first page. I loved how Sian described the landscape. Sian did a great job exploring all the complexities of relationships, ultimately showing how our inner strength saves us all.
The characters were wonderful. It was hard to put this down, right from the first page. I loved how Sian described the landscape. Sian did a great job exploring all the complexities of relationships, ultimately showing how our inner strength saves us all.
September 11, 2024
It was lovely to head back to Sandycove again. Flora's husband turns out to be cheating with his best friend's wife, so she moves back in with her mother. Her best friend Kate comes home from France, pregnant. So much happens as these two reintegrate into village life. This book was a delight.
September 22, 2024
WOW! I laughed, cried happy tears and sad tears! What an enjoyable uplifting book! This is my first book by Sian O'Gorman and won't be my last! She is such a great writer and I enjoyed reading about the life's of the people who live in Sandycove. Beautifully written and happily ended.
November 26, 2024
I have enjoyed every book Sian O’Gorman has ever written - and this book is no exception. Her books are so full of hope and community and friendship and new beginnings. I love reading about small village life in Ireland. She’s a very good writer and her books are sunshine for the weary soul.
January 10, 2025
First time reading this author and was not disappointed. Yes, it was a bit too happy- happy at the end with all being paired-off and finding love but still enjoyable. Nice escape read but with some thoughtful passages I ended up highlighting.
May 5, 2025
A perfect read
It is such a beautiful book , I just wanted to keep reading didn't want to put it down . I loved the story of everyone loves , different but not . It all comes together in the end.
A very enjoyable read .
It is such a beautiful book , I just wanted to keep reading didn't want to put it down . I loved the story of everyone loves , different but not . It all comes together in the end.
A very enjoyable read .
August 25, 2025
A beautiful read
I grew in beside Sandycove & although they didn’t really describe the beach or exact area in detail, it was a lovely read as I sat on a beach in another country. Made me a bit homesick. Very heart warming.
I grew in beside Sandycove & although they didn’t really describe the beach or exact area in detail, it was a lovely read as I sat on a beach in another country. Made me a bit homesick. Very heart warming.
July 3, 2024
Life at its best
Real life scenarios, complex characters. A very happy ending after secrets are revealed and the bad guy gets what he deserves. Hopefully a sequel.
Real life scenarios, complex characters. A very happy ending after secrets are revealed and the bad guy gets what he deserves. Hopefully a sequel.
July 6, 2024
Sweet
Nice story with a happy ending. Easy reading with easy to understand characters. Food, setting and timeline added to interest.
Nice story with a happy ending. Easy reading with easy to understand characters. Food, setting and timeline added to interest.
August 5, 2024
A wonderful book about life’s mistakes and regrets. How true friends help starting over again.
August 13, 2024
I loved this book and looking forward to more by Sian O'Gorman. Wonderful characters and storyline. Lots of life lessons to be reminded of in her writings. Very uplifting and satisfying.
August 25, 2024
A joy to read.
This book is so heart warming. You love the people as theyhi overcome their struggles and start a new life. I will certainly read more books from this author.
This book is so heart warming. You love the people as theyhi overcome their struggles and start a new life. I will certainly read more books from this author.
August 30, 2024
Heartwarming
What a lovely read. Makes you think about life and what it throws at you and the people around you whether family or friends.
What a lovely read. Makes you think about life and what it throws at you and the people around you whether family or friends.
September 5, 2024
A sweet story
I liked this story about women finding a purpose in life no matter your age. They didn't let their past define their future. Thank you for a wonderful story.
I liked this story about women finding a purpose in life no matter your age. They didn't let their past define their future. Thank you for a wonderful story.
September 24, 2024
Love Renewed
The story line is endearing. The characters are well developed. Beach settings always stimulate the imagination. Happy endings are always a win!
The story line is endearing. The characters are well developed. Beach settings always stimulate the imagination. Happy endings are always a win!
October 2, 2024
Enjoyable Story
Great read, heart warming and fun. Easy to relate and connect with the characters in the beautiful back drop of Ireland.
Great read, heart warming and fun. Easy to relate and connect with the characters in the beautiful back drop of Ireland.
October 4, 2024
Uplifting
I enjoyed this book and definitely had some tender moments that brought me to tears. In the end, though, a little too predictable and Hallmark-like.
I enjoyed this book and definitely had some tender moments that brought me to tears. In the end, though, a little too predictable and Hallmark-like.
October 15, 2024
Good read
Poignant and sweet. Enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing a slice of Ireland and its customs. Good read.
Poignant and sweet. Enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing a slice of Ireland and its customs. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews