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Moving On
Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home...
As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.
In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.
Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen's name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who's everything she's ever wanted.
And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny - though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.
If home is where the heart is, where will Ellen's lead her?
One Day meets The Flatshare in this uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Lucy Diamond and anyone who loved the TV show, Love Life.
As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.
In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.
Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen's name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who's everything she's ever wanted.
And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny - though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.
If home is where the heart is, where will Ellen's lead her?
One Day meets The Flatshare in this uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Lucy Diamond and anyone who loved the TV show, Love Life.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2025
86 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Roisin Meaney
46 books391 followersBorn on 3rd September.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
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December 23, 2025
23 December '25
A beautiful book. I'll try to edit my review later and am sorry for not being active lately *Hugs* 🩷.
Spring '25
On a pause due to the weather conditions (rain!!), I want to remember this book with the sun on the pages 🙂
It's a beautiful morning with a beautiful book from a beautiful author Roisin Meaney. Her newest novel was recently released and her stories are especially good for this time of year, more precisely the late April when the spring is already settled and in a fully bloom. It was 24 °C yesterday, so weather-wise it absolutely counts! And guess what song is playing in my head right now? It's a Beautiful Morning by Ace of Base :D I've never heard it before and think it captures the aura and spirit of a spring/summer morning! 🌞🌷🙂
August 11, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Ben McCarthy', he'd said at the beginning of their phone call two weeks earlier. 'Manager of Piles of Books. Coming back to you about the job you applied for.'
'Oh . . . yes.' She hadn't expected to hear so quickly - hadn't she only posted her letter two days ago?
'What's your favorite book?'
The question had caught her off-guard, but was an easy one to answer. 'Lolita.'
'Ah, the grand Nabokov. Could you live without reading?'
Another unexpected question - but again, one she hadn't had to think about. 'I couldn't go a day without reading.'
'The right answer,' he'd said, sounding pleased. 'Which dead author do you wish you'd met?'
She'd almost laughed. This was crazy. 'Dickens.'
'And what are you reading now?'
'Housekeeping.'
'Marilynne Robinson?'
'Yes.'
'Like it?'
'Yes, I'm really enjoying it.'
A brief pause had followed, and then: 'You'll do.'
'Pardon?'
'Six pounds an hour, half nine to half five, Monday to Saturday, with one flexible day off in the week. How does that sound?'
She'd hardly believed it. Was he actually offering her a job based on a conversation lasting less than a minute, and involving no more than a few bookish questions? He hadn't asked anything about the typing pool, wasn't even looking for a reference.
'Is that a yes? Are you thinking about it?'
'Yes,' she'd said hastily. 'Yes, please. Thank you.' She'd already forgotten the terms and conditions he'd rattled off, but she hadn't cared.
'Great how soon can you start?'
She'd thought fast. 'I need to give two weeks' notice where I am.'
'Two weeks. That brings us up to . . . Friday, September fourth. So let's say you start here on Monday seventh.'
'OK.'
'Good, all settled.'
'Um . . . is there anything else I need to know?'
'Yes. Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be on your feet a lot. Be here at half nine sharp, or I'll have to fire you.'
She'd waited for a laugh, but none had come. 'Thank you,' she'd replied, but he'd already hung up.
Half nine sharp, in comfortable shoes. No mention of a dress code, or what her duties would be. No information about the shop or who else worked there. It had certainly been an odd interview, but it had ended with an offer of work, and it had enabled her to hand in her notice at a job she'd hated, and now she was on her way.
She wondered what he'd be like face to face. Hopefully he'd be a bit less . . .unpredictable. Some people just didn't suit the phone.
On the other hand, what was wrong with unpredictable? Might make life more interesting, working with someone who didn't do the expected thing. From now on she must be open to every possibility, willing to embrace the unknown, the unexpected. Willing to be brave.
ABOUT 'MOVING ON': Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home...
As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.
In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.
Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen's name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who's everything she's ever wanted.
And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny - though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.
If home is where the heart is, where will Ellen's lead her?
MY THOUGHTS: A definite comfort read with some very uncomfortable situations!
There's something about Roisin Meaney's writing that is soothing, comforting. I want to curl up with her books like a purring cat in the sun on a winter's day. Even when Ellen's life was falling apart, there's a thread of hope, a feeling of anticipation.
The writing is both tender and starkly honest. Moving On deals with marital infidelity, betrayal, broken friendships, and mother/daughter relationships. Ellen is the sort of character you wish only the best, the sort I would like for a friend. She is not perfect - nowhere near it, but this makes her even more endearingly realistic.
Spanning several decades, the reader is enveloped in Ellen's life - her triumphs, her tragedies, her hopes and dreams, even those that are shattered.
Every time I pick up a Roisin Meaney book, I feel like I am meeting up with an old friend. This one I finished with my eyes brimming full of unshed tears.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MovingOn #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR - ROISIN MEANEY: I was born in the beautiful market town of Listowel in Co Kerry, (host to the famous Writers’ Week Festival every summer), and my growing-up years were spent mainly in Limerick city. After leaving school I qualified as a teacher and taught in Dublin for a handful of years, taking a few breaks along the way – two years teaching English in Zimbabwe (wonderful), three years working as an advertising copywriter in London (exciting) – until finally in 2001 I decided to try my hand at writing a book, something that I’d been thinking about for years. I took another break from teaching and flew to San Francisco, where one of my brothers lived, and it was there I wrote my debut, The Daisy Picker. To my delight, it won a ‘Write a Bestseller’ competition that Tivoli, a new Irish publishing house, was running to launch itself, and my prize was a two-book deal. I returned to the Irish classroom and wrote in my spare time, and in 2006, with two published books and another just completed, I signed up with Hodder Headline Ireland, Tivoli sadly having folded. In 2008 I took a deep breath and gave up teaching to become a fulltime writer, and so far, so good.
These days I divide my time between Limerick city and Miltown Malbay in West Clare. I take breaks from writing to drop into schools and chat about being an author, and to tell stories to tots in libraries.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Little Brown Book Group, Sphere, for providing an e-ARC of Moving On by Roisin Meaney for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
'Oh . . . yes.' She hadn't expected to hear so quickly - hadn't she only posted her letter two days ago?
'What's your favorite book?'
The question had caught her off-guard, but was an easy one to answer. 'Lolita.'
'Ah, the grand Nabokov. Could you live without reading?'
Another unexpected question - but again, one she hadn't had to think about. 'I couldn't go a day without reading.'
'The right answer,' he'd said, sounding pleased. 'Which dead author do you wish you'd met?'
She'd almost laughed. This was crazy. 'Dickens.'
'And what are you reading now?'
'Housekeeping.'
'Marilynne Robinson?'
'Yes.'
'Like it?'
'Yes, I'm really enjoying it.'
A brief pause had followed, and then: 'You'll do.'
'Pardon?'
'Six pounds an hour, half nine to half five, Monday to Saturday, with one flexible day off in the week. How does that sound?'
She'd hardly believed it. Was he actually offering her a job based on a conversation lasting less than a minute, and involving no more than a few bookish questions? He hadn't asked anything about the typing pool, wasn't even looking for a reference.
'Is that a yes? Are you thinking about it?'
'Yes,' she'd said hastily. 'Yes, please. Thank you.' She'd already forgotten the terms and conditions he'd rattled off, but she hadn't cared.
'Great how soon can you start?'
She'd thought fast. 'I need to give two weeks' notice where I am.'
'Two weeks. That brings us up to . . . Friday, September fourth. So let's say you start here on Monday seventh.'
'OK.'
'Good, all settled.'
'Um . . . is there anything else I need to know?'
'Yes. Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be on your feet a lot. Be here at half nine sharp, or I'll have to fire you.'
She'd waited for a laugh, but none had come. 'Thank you,' she'd replied, but he'd already hung up.
Half nine sharp, in comfortable shoes. No mention of a dress code, or what her duties would be. No information about the shop or who else worked there. It had certainly been an odd interview, but it had ended with an offer of work, and it had enabled her to hand in her notice at a job she'd hated, and now she was on her way.
She wondered what he'd be like face to face. Hopefully he'd be a bit less . . .unpredictable. Some people just didn't suit the phone.
On the other hand, what was wrong with unpredictable? Might make life more interesting, working with someone who didn't do the expected thing. From now on she must be open to every possibility, willing to embrace the unknown, the unexpected. Willing to be brave.
ABOUT 'MOVING ON': Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home...
As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.
In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.
Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen's name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who's everything she's ever wanted.
And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny - though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.
If home is where the heart is, where will Ellen's lead her?
MY THOUGHTS: A definite comfort read with some very uncomfortable situations!
There's something about Roisin Meaney's writing that is soothing, comforting. I want to curl up with her books like a purring cat in the sun on a winter's day. Even when Ellen's life was falling apart, there's a thread of hope, a feeling of anticipation.
The writing is both tender and starkly honest. Moving On deals with marital infidelity, betrayal, broken friendships, and mother/daughter relationships. Ellen is the sort of character you wish only the best, the sort I would like for a friend. She is not perfect - nowhere near it, but this makes her even more endearingly realistic.
Spanning several decades, the reader is enveloped in Ellen's life - her triumphs, her tragedies, her hopes and dreams, even those that are shattered.
Every time I pick up a Roisin Meaney book, I feel like I am meeting up with an old friend. This one I finished with my eyes brimming full of unshed tears.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MovingOn #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR - ROISIN MEANEY: I was born in the beautiful market town of Listowel in Co Kerry, (host to the famous Writers’ Week Festival every summer), and my growing-up years were spent mainly in Limerick city. After leaving school I qualified as a teacher and taught in Dublin for a handful of years, taking a few breaks along the way – two years teaching English in Zimbabwe (wonderful), three years working as an advertising copywriter in London (exciting) – until finally in 2001 I decided to try my hand at writing a book, something that I’d been thinking about for years. I took another break from teaching and flew to San Francisco, where one of my brothers lived, and it was there I wrote my debut, The Daisy Picker. To my delight, it won a ‘Write a Bestseller’ competition that Tivoli, a new Irish publishing house, was running to launch itself, and my prize was a two-book deal. I returned to the Irish classroom and wrote in my spare time, and in 2006, with two published books and another just completed, I signed up with Hodder Headline Ireland, Tivoli sadly having folded. In 2008 I took a deep breath and gave up teaching to become a fulltime writer, and so far, so good.
These days I divide my time between Limerick city and Miltown Malbay in West Clare. I take breaks from writing to drop into schools and chat about being an author, and to tell stories to tots in libraries.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Little Brown Book Group, Sphere, for providing an e-ARC of Moving On by Roisin Meaney for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
February 7, 2025
Moving On is another super read by one of my favourite Irish authors Roisin Meaney. It’s both an uplifting and at times emotional read that had me engrossed from the very start. It’s an easy read but also one that will keep you captivated and entertained until the final chapter.
October 19, 2025
3.25 stars
Moving On by Roisin Meaney is one of those comforting reads that sneaks up on you. It’s about friendship, loss, and the ways people rebuild their lives when everything changes. The author has such an easy, natural writing style that it feels like slipping into a conversation with a friend. The characters are relatable and well-drawn, each dealing with their own struggles but finding connection and hope in unexpected places. The story unfolds smoothly without big twists or drama, but there’s warmth and heart in the everyday moments. It’s not a fast-paced book, and at times it moves slowly, but that’s also part of its charm. Definitely a good read for the current fall season vibes!
Moving On by Roisin Meaney is one of those comforting reads that sneaks up on you. It’s about friendship, loss, and the ways people rebuild their lives when everything changes. The author has such an easy, natural writing style that it feels like slipping into a conversation with a friend. The characters are relatable and well-drawn, each dealing with their own struggles but finding connection and hope in unexpected places. The story unfolds smoothly without big twists or drama, but there’s warmth and heart in the everyday moments. It’s not a fast-paced book, and at times it moves slowly, but that’s also part of its charm. Definitely a good read for the current fall season vibes!
February 14, 2025
Although it didn't quite appeal to me, it's a lovely comfort read and a bit of escapism as the reader accompanies through the highs and lows of Ellen's life. It makes a lovely cosy read with a blanket over your lap and a cuppa in your hands.
July 16, 2025
#gifted
Three great loves. Two countries. One woman trying to find her way back to herself.
Moving On surprised me. It’s not the kind of book I usually reach for, but there was something about it that stayed with me. I read it slowly, in quiet little pockets of time over the course of a week. It’s not a book you fly through — it’s one you nestle into, cosied in your favourite chair, a cup of tea in hand, and a heart that’s ready to feel things.
Ellen leaves her hometown behind and begins again — first in a Galway bookshop, then in the bright, busy swirl of London. Along the way, there are three men, three different versions of love, and the one question she can’t quite escape: where does the heart belong?
What really struck me was the emotional honesty. Roisin Meaney writes with such tenderness. Her characters are fragile and flawed, doing their best to piece themselves together after heartbreak, grief, and the kind of quiet disappointment that builds over time. It’s a novel that knows what it is to lose someone, to feel adrift, to want more but not know how to ask for it.
There’s no big twist or high-stakes drama; honestly, that’s the beauty of it. Moving On is soft, steady, and full of heart. It reminds you that even when life feels uncertain, there’s strength in showing up, one small choice at a time.
A perfect companion for slow Sunday afternoons, rainy evenings, or any time you want a story that speaks softly but says a lot.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in return for an as always honest review.
Three great loves. Two countries. One woman trying to find her way back to herself.
Moving On surprised me. It’s not the kind of book I usually reach for, but there was something about it that stayed with me. I read it slowly, in quiet little pockets of time over the course of a week. It’s not a book you fly through — it’s one you nestle into, cosied in your favourite chair, a cup of tea in hand, and a heart that’s ready to feel things.
Ellen leaves her hometown behind and begins again — first in a Galway bookshop, then in the bright, busy swirl of London. Along the way, there are three men, three different versions of love, and the one question she can’t quite escape: where does the heart belong?
What really struck me was the emotional honesty. Roisin Meaney writes with such tenderness. Her characters are fragile and flawed, doing their best to piece themselves together after heartbreak, grief, and the kind of quiet disappointment that builds over time. It’s a novel that knows what it is to lose someone, to feel adrift, to want more but not know how to ask for it.
There’s no big twist or high-stakes drama; honestly, that’s the beauty of it. Moving On is soft, steady, and full of heart. It reminds you that even when life feels uncertain, there’s strength in showing up, one small choice at a time.
A perfect companion for slow Sunday afternoons, rainy evenings, or any time you want a story that speaks softly but says a lot.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in return for an as always honest review.
April 23, 2025
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*
At first I found the book to be too conventional to be intriguing, then I was emotionally invested in Elle's journey from Ireland to London and back, then the sickly sweet happy ending somehow made everything feel too easy. It's a good book and I enjoyed reading it, but the ending was too happy for me and the continuous focus on marriage and children as the only way to be happy (and making the villain then look old and no longer pretty is so predictable) was a bit meh. But overall a sweet book that I enjoyed.
3.5 stars
At first I found the book to be too conventional to be intriguing, then I was emotionally invested in Elle's journey from Ireland to London and back, then the sickly sweet happy ending somehow made everything feel too easy. It's a good book and I enjoyed reading it, but the ending was too happy for me and the continuous focus on marriage and children as the only way to be happy (and making the villain then look old and no longer pretty is so predictable) was a bit meh. But overall a sweet book that I enjoyed.
3.5 stars
December 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Hatchette for providing me with this Arc.
Moving On by Roisin Meaney is a stunning, emotional rollercoaster that had me completely hooked. Ellen’s journey from her small hometown in Galway to the bustling streets of London is filled with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The three men she meets along the way—Ben, the sweet bookseller; Danny, her childhood friend; and Leo, the charming banker — each offer a unique twist to her path, making her journey all the more complicated and real.
What I adored about this book is how it spans years, showing not just Ellen’s evolving relationships, but her growth as a person. It’s such a beautiful, honest reflection of how life and love don’t always go according to plan, but how resilience and hope keep us moving forward. *Moving On* had me laughing, crying, and rooting for Ellen every step of the way. One of my new favorites—highly recommend if you love stories about life’s messy, beautiful twists!
Thank you NetGalley and Hatchette for providing me with this Arc.
Moving On by Roisin Meaney is a stunning, emotional rollercoaster that had me completely hooked. Ellen’s journey from her small hometown in Galway to the bustling streets of London is filled with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The three men she meets along the way—Ben, the sweet bookseller; Danny, her childhood friend; and Leo, the charming banker — each offer a unique twist to her path, making her journey all the more complicated and real.
What I adored about this book is how it spans years, showing not just Ellen’s evolving relationships, but her growth as a person. It’s such a beautiful, honest reflection of how life and love don’t always go according to plan, but how resilience and hope keep us moving forward. *Moving On* had me laughing, crying, and rooting for Ellen every step of the way. One of my new favorites—highly recommend if you love stories about life’s messy, beautiful twists!
March 4, 2025
What a book?! Full of emotions, experiences and overall what it was like to grow up in the 80s in Ireland as a young adult woman. Exciting but also scary moves, falling in love and having her heart broken multiple times, this novel was a whirlwind of emotions! Very easy read. I liked how the chapters weren’t numbered, but titled instead, relating to what each chapter was about. First read of Roisin Meaney, definitely not the last either!
February 24, 2025
Reading this while listening to the Tortured Poets Department is a must. Incredible book, loved it!
Want to read
May 27, 2025Thanks to Roisin Meaney, Little Brown Book and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Moving On by Roisin Meaney is a heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and the slow but steady journey toward hope. With her signature warmth and insight, Meaney introduces us to characters who feel real, flawed, and deeply human. The story unfolds at a calm, reflective pace, offering comfort in its quiet moments and emotional authenticity.
The strength of the novel lies in its portrayal of resilience. Whether it’s the pain of loss, fractured relationships, or the fear of starting over, Meaney handles each with grace and a light touch. The intertwining lives of the characters add depth, and as their paths cross and reconnect, the message becomes clear: healing rarely happens alone.
Though the pacing might feel a bit gentle for readers who crave high drama, Moving On is less about plot twists and more about emotional truth. It’s a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. A lovely, thoughtful read for anyone looking for something quietly powerful and ultimately hopeful. 🤍📚🌹
Moving On by Roisin Meaney is a heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and the slow but steady journey toward hope. With her signature warmth and insight, Meaney introduces us to characters who feel real, flawed, and deeply human. The story unfolds at a calm, reflective pace, offering comfort in its quiet moments and emotional authenticity.
The strength of the novel lies in its portrayal of resilience. Whether it’s the pain of loss, fractured relationships, or the fear of starting over, Meaney handles each with grace and a light touch. The intertwining lives of the characters add depth, and as their paths cross and reconnect, the message becomes clear: healing rarely happens alone.
Though the pacing might feel a bit gentle for readers who crave high drama, Moving On is less about plot twists and more about emotional truth. It’s a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. A lovely, thoughtful read for anyone looking for something quietly powerful and ultimately hopeful. 🤍📚🌹
March 6, 2025
I love love
August 17, 2025
Slightly predictable but it didn’t matter, it was a resllr comforting read. Short easy chapters, made you feel all the emotions
July 31, 2025
A lovely tale of love and life.
As a new decade begins, Ellen wants to move on and grabs a job in a bookshop in Galway, where she meets Ben and loses her heart to him. Moving on to London she meets Leo who, she thinks, is everything she ever wanted but, wherever goes, her childhood friend Danny is always in her soul. Unfortunately they always seem to be in different places in their lives . . .
Another good read from this author, with great characters and plenty going on but I think I would have liked Ellen to be just a bit more assertive in life. An enjoyable read and definitely one for fans of this author. For me, 4*.
As a new decade begins, Ellen wants to move on and grabs a job in a bookshop in Galway, where she meets Ben and loses her heart to him. Moving on to London she meets Leo who, she thinks, is everything she ever wanted but, wherever goes, her childhood friend Danny is always in her soul. Unfortunately they always seem to be in different places in their lives . . .
Another good read from this author, with great characters and plenty going on but I think I would have liked Ellen to be just a bit more assertive in life. An enjoyable read and definitely one for fans of this author. For me, 4*.
February 7, 2025
Moving On by Roisin Meaney published February 6th with Hachette Ireland and is described as 'a warm-hearted romance, which explores the places, spaces and faces who make us who we are.'
Ellen Sheehan has dreams to explore the world beyond the hometown she grew up in on the west coast of Ireland. Her childhood left her marked after the departure of her father leaving a bitterness in Ellen's heart. She blamed her mother and this ambivalence toward her mother festered over the years. Ellen had been a Daddy's girl and after he left her world was torn asunder. Ellen rebelled causing much heartbreak for her mother but Ellen was never prepared to see the world from her mother's perspective. Ellen's sister Joan had her life planned but all Ellen was sure of was her love for reading and books.
Her best friend Claire was always up to high-jinks and the duo made a plan. They would leave home and head to Galway city. There they would live independently and have the craic, just the two of them against the world. Claire was unable to leave at the same time as Ellen so Ellen took the bus to Galway and travelled to her Aunt Frances' place where a bed was awaiting. With a job lined up in a small independent bookshop Ellen was excited. A romantic at heart she had dreams of finding her one true love but instead life took a slightly different turn,
We follow Ellen's trajectory over the following decades as she navigates life's ups and downs. With the good comes the bad and Ellen is dealt her fair share of disappointment and grief but through all the hardship there is a thread of hope that lingers. Investing ourselves in Ellen's life we, as the reader, make plans with her and travel through the decades alongside her, shedding tears by her side and becoming her biggest champion. Ellen Sheehan's story is extremely affecting. It is a story of many who search for true love, that perfect match that can seem unattainable. Ellen does not get everything right. Her decision-making at times can be frustrating but just like in real-life we stand by her and support her.
Over the years, there are three men that are central to Ellen's life - Ben, Danny and Leo. Ellen, at different times over the years, has relationships with all three, be it platonic or otherwise. She values friendship dearly and, with her forgiving nature, is sometimes blind to what is right there staring her in the face. Ellen moves home a number of times throughout her life and the book is divided into sections according to these events. As the years pass, Ellen's personality develops as she shifts from being a young woman to becoming a mother and all that that entails.
Roisin Meaney does a gorgeous job carrying the story of Ellen forward through the decades. Something about Moving On really resonated with me, although my life is so very different to that of Ellen Sheehan's. A bittersweet yet uplifting tale, Moving On is a deeply emotional story that tugs at all the heartstrings. It is a beautifully rendered journey through loss, love and healing, one of resilience with an enduring sense of hope. Roisin Meaney has written a stunning novel, probably my favourite yet and that's really saying something!! Congratulations Roisin.
Ellen Sheehan has dreams to explore the world beyond the hometown she grew up in on the west coast of Ireland. Her childhood left her marked after the departure of her father leaving a bitterness in Ellen's heart. She blamed her mother and this ambivalence toward her mother festered over the years. Ellen had been a Daddy's girl and after he left her world was torn asunder. Ellen rebelled causing much heartbreak for her mother but Ellen was never prepared to see the world from her mother's perspective. Ellen's sister Joan had her life planned but all Ellen was sure of was her love for reading and books.
Her best friend Claire was always up to high-jinks and the duo made a plan. They would leave home and head to Galway city. There they would live independently and have the craic, just the two of them against the world. Claire was unable to leave at the same time as Ellen so Ellen took the bus to Galway and travelled to her Aunt Frances' place where a bed was awaiting. With a job lined up in a small independent bookshop Ellen was excited. A romantic at heart she had dreams of finding her one true love but instead life took a slightly different turn,
We follow Ellen's trajectory over the following decades as she navigates life's ups and downs. With the good comes the bad and Ellen is dealt her fair share of disappointment and grief but through all the hardship there is a thread of hope that lingers. Investing ourselves in Ellen's life we, as the reader, make plans with her and travel through the decades alongside her, shedding tears by her side and becoming her biggest champion. Ellen Sheehan's story is extremely affecting. It is a story of many who search for true love, that perfect match that can seem unattainable. Ellen does not get everything right. Her decision-making at times can be frustrating but just like in real-life we stand by her and support her.
Over the years, there are three men that are central to Ellen's life - Ben, Danny and Leo. Ellen, at different times over the years, has relationships with all three, be it platonic or otherwise. She values friendship dearly and, with her forgiving nature, is sometimes blind to what is right there staring her in the face. Ellen moves home a number of times throughout her life and the book is divided into sections according to these events. As the years pass, Ellen's personality develops as she shifts from being a young woman to becoming a mother and all that that entails.
Roisin Meaney does a gorgeous job carrying the story of Ellen forward through the decades. Something about Moving On really resonated with me, although my life is so very different to that of Ellen Sheehan's. A bittersweet yet uplifting tale, Moving On is a deeply emotional story that tugs at all the heartstrings. It is a beautifully rendered journey through loss, love and healing, one of resilience with an enduring sense of hope. Roisin Meaney has written a stunning novel, probably my favourite yet and that's really saying something!! Congratulations Roisin.
February 16, 2025
Moving On by Roisín Meaney follows Ellen Sheehan as she moves through different stages of love and loss in her life, told via each physical move she makes to a new home.
This book was fast-paced and well-written. It started off beautifully, with Ellen moving to Galway in the eighties to work in a bookshop. The novel as a whole clicked well for me, but this start section in particular clicked deeply with me. I don't know is it because I've moved a lot throughout my life (including one move to Galway), that I have worked in a bookshop, or Ellen's kind and sometimes naïve nature, but I found it incredibly relatable. I was rushing to get back to it at any chance, and Ellen's story really struck a deep chord within me. The plot is very predictable, but I didn't really find that too deterring overall.
Some of the latter sections I felt were a bit rush. Ellen's children, for instance, I felt I barely knew, despite them obviously being imperative to her once they exist. Overall, Ellen was a very strong protagonist. Her flaws were relatable and her constant effort to do the right thing really made me route for her. Her adventures in her career and in new cities were also thoroughly enjoyable.
The thing that really threw me off about this book and prevented me rating it higher was some of the messaging. Any character who doesn't hold traditional values, such as marriage before children, and being pro-life, are ultimately seen to "show their true colours" by the end. It paints them as quite evil, while those who do value marriage above all else are seen as nearly saintly. I didn't like how these elements were tied together, as it felt like a political agenda that oversimplifies a complex situation. I liked the character development otherwise, and the other signs littered throughout that indicated the nature of these characters. I didn't need this messaging coupled with it. If one of the better characters was shown to have a disdain for marriage, or to be pro-choice, it would have made for a less biased and more realistic story.
***Thank you to NetGalley for a free Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review***
This book was fast-paced and well-written. It started off beautifully, with Ellen moving to Galway in the eighties to work in a bookshop. The novel as a whole clicked well for me, but this start section in particular clicked deeply with me. I don't know is it because I've moved a lot throughout my life (including one move to Galway), that I have worked in a bookshop, or Ellen's kind and sometimes naïve nature, but I found it incredibly relatable. I was rushing to get back to it at any chance, and Ellen's story really struck a deep chord within me. The plot is very predictable, but I didn't really find that too deterring overall.
Some of the latter sections I felt were a bit rush. Ellen's children, for instance, I felt I barely knew, despite them obviously being imperative to her once they exist. Overall, Ellen was a very strong protagonist. Her flaws were relatable and her constant effort to do the right thing really made me route for her. Her adventures in her career and in new cities were also thoroughly enjoyable.
The thing that really threw me off about this book and prevented me rating it higher was some of the messaging. Any character who doesn't hold traditional values, such as marriage before children, and being pro-life, are ultimately seen to "show their true colours" by the end. It paints them as quite evil, while those who do value marriage above all else are seen as nearly saintly. I didn't like how these elements were tied together, as it felt like a political agenda that oversimplifies a complex situation. I liked the character development otherwise, and the other signs littered throughout that indicated the nature of these characters. I didn't need this messaging coupled with it. If one of the better characters was shown to have a disdain for marriage, or to be pro-choice, it would have made for a less biased and more realistic story.
***Thank you to NetGalley for a free Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review***
July 24, 2025
Ellen moves away from her hometown to Galway. She's got a job at a local bookseller and she's to stay with her aunt Frances who lives locally. We follow Ellen through her life and loves from being a newly independent twenty-year-old through to middle age. We see her as something of a naive woman at the start and she becomes a strong woman as she gains her experiences. She goes from selling books, to doing copywriting to writing novels. I suspect there's a bit of the author in this character who shares some similarities.
I will admit I found the first half of the book at times a bit difficult at times. It did go better during the last parts where I felt more caught up in what was happening than I felt earlier on. I think this has much to do with the narrative timeline style of the book. While we do delve into Ellen's life more closely at times, it often feels we are very much on the outside watching on. I think I wanted to feel more a part of her passions as time went on and sometimes the narrative held me at a distance.
The one part of the story that sticks out for me is the lasting damage that her father leaving them when she was a teenager had. I felt this was handled quite well and I think it also showed how the issues relating to this part of her life had the impact on her future and how important it to give it some sort of resolution. I also like the way Ellen faced some similar issues to her own mother, with whom her relationship was always difficult. It showed that she could see how her mother made some poor choices when raising her and her sister. Despite their lack of connection, there were ways in which her mother led her to making her own choices.
Overall, this was mostly enjoyable and I rate it three stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Sphere for the free advanced reader copy. My feedback is all voluntary.
I will admit I found the first half of the book at times a bit difficult at times. It did go better during the last parts where I felt more caught up in what was happening than I felt earlier on. I think this has much to do with the narrative timeline style of the book. While we do delve into Ellen's life more closely at times, it often feels we are very much on the outside watching on. I think I wanted to feel more a part of her passions as time went on and sometimes the narrative held me at a distance.
The one part of the story that sticks out for me is the lasting damage that her father leaving them when she was a teenager had. I felt this was handled quite well and I think it also showed how the issues relating to this part of her life had the impact on her future and how important it to give it some sort of resolution. I also like the way Ellen faced some similar issues to her own mother, with whom her relationship was always difficult. It showed that she could see how her mother made some poor choices when raising her and her sister. Despite their lack of connection, there were ways in which her mother led her to making her own choices.
Overall, this was mostly enjoyable and I rate it three stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Sphere for the free advanced reader copy. My feedback is all voluntary.
December 1, 2025
As someone who's done her fair share of moving—across cities, countries, even emotional landscapes—Moving On by Róisín Meaney felt like the perfect balm for a weary soul. And oh, how I love being right.
Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home...
As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.
In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.
Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen's name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who's everything she's ever wanted.
And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny - though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Ellen is a wonderfully soft protagonist, someone you root for from page one. Watching her grow—first into independence, then into the kind of maturity only life’s bruises can bring—was deeply rewarding. Meaney’s gift lies in crafting characters who feel like they’ve always been part of your life, especially the family members whose dynamics feel tender, lived-in, and entirely real.
The theme of moving on—whether from places, people, or past versions of yourself—is handled with grace throughout. Every transition is bittersweet, but never jarring. Each new beginning is tempered with care and emotion, making this a novel about change that never forgets its heart.
I was gripped. I was emotional. I was invested. In short: exactly what I hope for every time I open a book. One I’ll be recommending for a long time to come.
Thank you @bryonys_books for my copy of this novel.
Three great loves. Two very different countries. One step closer to finding her way home...
As a new decade begins, hopeless romantic and big dreamer Ellen is finally moving on from her hometown.
In Galway she takes a job in a bookshop, and somewhere between the dusty bookshelves and the quiet afternoons, a bookseller named Ben finds a place in her heart.
Fast forward, and the bright lights (and cosy flats) of London are calling Ellen's name. There she meets Leo, a charming, attentive city banker who's everything she's ever wanted.
And wherever she goes, her heart beats in time with her childhood friend, Danny - though they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Ellen is a wonderfully soft protagonist, someone you root for from page one. Watching her grow—first into independence, then into the kind of maturity only life’s bruises can bring—was deeply rewarding. Meaney’s gift lies in crafting characters who feel like they’ve always been part of your life, especially the family members whose dynamics feel tender, lived-in, and entirely real.
The theme of moving on—whether from places, people, or past versions of yourself—is handled with grace throughout. Every transition is bittersweet, but never jarring. Each new beginning is tempered with care and emotion, making this a novel about change that never forgets its heart.
I was gripped. I was emotional. I was invested. In short: exactly what I hope for every time I open a book. One I’ll be recommending for a long time to come.
Thank you @bryonys_books for my copy of this novel.
August 10, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by Roisin Meaney and it was lovely.
The book starts with Ellen as a woman in her 50’s, packing up her family home to move somewhere new. It then goes back in time to her being a young woman, leaving home for the first time to work in a bookshop in Galway and move in with her Aunt.
Although her Aunt seems stern at first, they become very close and their loving relationship continues over the years.
While working at the bookshop, Ellen falls for her boss Ben whose feelings are reciprocated but this isn’t found out until just before he leaves to go travelling with his brother.
The book follows Ellen dealing with her heartbreak of losing her first love and continuing with her life, moving to London and finally moving on in another relationship.
There are some great and not so great relationships, both romantically and with friends over the years along with betrayal, heartbreak and restarting life again.
This book isn’t the kind of hard hitting romance with fireworks, lots of spice and a fairytale relationship. It’s more gentle, realistic and moving. You really feel for Ellen as she navigates life over the years and wish things had turned out differently for her.
The ending is lovely and feels like Ellen finally gets her happily ever after, however late in life it may be.
I really enjoyed this book. The family dynamics were realistic, the settings were great and I loved following the life of Ellen rather than the book just taking place over a few months.
I’d definitely reach for another book by this author, it was a lovely read!
The book starts with Ellen as a woman in her 50’s, packing up her family home to move somewhere new. It then goes back in time to her being a young woman, leaving home for the first time to work in a bookshop in Galway and move in with her Aunt.
Although her Aunt seems stern at first, they become very close and their loving relationship continues over the years.
While working at the bookshop, Ellen falls for her boss Ben whose feelings are reciprocated but this isn’t found out until just before he leaves to go travelling with his brother.
The book follows Ellen dealing with her heartbreak of losing her first love and continuing with her life, moving to London and finally moving on in another relationship.
There are some great and not so great relationships, both romantically and with friends over the years along with betrayal, heartbreak and restarting life again.
This book isn’t the kind of hard hitting romance with fireworks, lots of spice and a fairytale relationship. It’s more gentle, realistic and moving. You really feel for Ellen as she navigates life over the years and wish things had turned out differently for her.
The ending is lovely and feels like Ellen finally gets her happily ever after, however late in life it may be.
I really enjoyed this book. The family dynamics were realistic, the settings were great and I loved following the life of Ellen rather than the book just taking place over a few months.
I’d definitely reach for another book by this author, it was a lovely read!
March 24, 2025
At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book. It started off a little slow, and there were a lot of flashbacks—usually not my thing. But somehow, I got completely sucked into Ellen’s story and just had to keep reading to see where life (and love) would take her.
Ellen is such a great main character—brave, independent, and easy to root for. I especially loved her relationship with Ben; they’re both so likable, and I found myself hoping they’d end up together. Her journey of starting over in new cities, especially in a time with barely any technology, was both inspiring and emotional. There were moments that made me laugh, and others that really hit me in the feels.
On the other hand, I really didn’t like Claire. From the beginning, I had a bad feeling about her as a friend, and let’s just say I wasn’t wrong… (no spoilers, though!).
The writing was great—fast-paced, with short chapters that made it easy to fly through. Even though it took a little while to get into, it ended up being such an enjoyable read. It’s not just a love story, but also a story about growth, choices, and figuring out where you really belong.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ellen is such a great main character—brave, independent, and easy to root for. I especially loved her relationship with Ben; they’re both so likable, and I found myself hoping they’d end up together. Her journey of starting over in new cities, especially in a time with barely any technology, was both inspiring and emotional. There were moments that made me laugh, and others that really hit me in the feels.
On the other hand, I really didn’t like Claire. From the beginning, I had a bad feeling about her as a friend, and let’s just say I wasn’t wrong… (no spoilers, though!).
The writing was great—fast-paced, with short chapters that made it easy to fly through. Even though it took a little while to get into, it ended up being such an enjoyable read. It’s not just a love story, but also a story about growth, choices, and figuring out where you really belong.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2025
This will be my second 5 star read this year but it very much takes the lead from Water Moon. Words cannot and will not express how much I simply loved this entire book, from start to finish I was enamoured with the storytelling. I dare say Meaney is now one of my favourite authors. This was a beautiful introductory to her books and I'm a firm fan. I found her writing so similar to Monica McInerney whom I admire for her comfortable realistic books and it was everything mature I've hunted for in a book for years, no need for fluff, smut and meaningless words, this book aged like a fine bottle of wine for me as I read each page. These characters materialised as real people in my mind, created with such wonderful details that made them all distinctly their own entities. I adored how this book took me on my own little travel adventure too and back again, it just felt so large and cosy at the same time. What happened to Ellen echoes the same in my life so this book resonated with me deeply. Every chapter felt like a season and every page felt like I was drawing closer to home. I very much, oh so dearly recommend this book.
July 27, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Books for my ARC copy of Moving on by Roisin Meaney
I have found this to be a nice, easy read. I have enjoyed following Ellen on her journey and following her throughout her life. I really like Ellen's relationship with her Aunt
I loved seeing the reality of how some relationships slip through the cracks as others move on to other opportunities. When Ellen first started at the bookstore, we saw her grow.
One of the best things for me was Ellen and Danny's friendship. It shows how females and males can have a friend relationship and how they can support each other, especially how it spans over both of their lifetimes.
I enjoyed seeing Ellen progress into different jobs, but her relationship with Leo was complicated. I initially adored his character, but I later despised him because of his actions.
Ellen's best friend Claire also plays a significant role; I can't say much more, but reading about her and how she treats Ellen is definitely interesting.
Overall, I think this is a great book, and I would highly recommend it.
#Movingon #BookReview #LittleBrownBooks #Netgalley #ArcReader
I have found this to be a nice, easy read. I have enjoyed following Ellen on her journey and following her throughout her life. I really like Ellen's relationship with her Aunt
I loved seeing the reality of how some relationships slip through the cracks as others move on to other opportunities. When Ellen first started at the bookstore, we saw her grow.
One of the best things for me was Ellen and Danny's friendship. It shows how females and males can have a friend relationship and how they can support each other, especially how it spans over both of their lifetimes.
I enjoyed seeing Ellen progress into different jobs, but her relationship with Leo was complicated. I initially adored his character, but I later despised him because of his actions.
Ellen's best friend Claire also plays a significant role; I can't say much more, but reading about her and how she treats Ellen is definitely interesting.
Overall, I think this is a great book, and I would highly recommend it.
#Movingon #BookReview #LittleBrownBooks #Netgalley #ArcReader
January 31, 2025
I did not expect to stay up until midnight to finish this!
This novel was such an easy, heartwarming read. The story was moving, romantic and uplifting, and I think I really needed this at the end of the longest month of the year (yup, January, I'm looking at ya)! I took one star away because at times I knew how the story would go, but I also found some comfort in its predictability - almost like re-watching a romantic movie 😊
"Moving On" will be published on 6 February 2025 and would be a great read for those who enjoy tame romance.
📖 Synopsis: The story follows Ellen through each house move in her life between 1981 and 2019 - from her small hometown in Ireland to Galway, from Galway to London and beyond. She is in search of happiness and love, and with her love of reading and quick wit finds a new career along the way. Three men find a place in her heart but who will make her feel at home?
.
Thanks to @netgalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for this electronic advance reader copy.
This novel was such an easy, heartwarming read. The story was moving, romantic and uplifting, and I think I really needed this at the end of the longest month of the year (yup, January, I'm looking at ya)! I took one star away because at times I knew how the story would go, but I also found some comfort in its predictability - almost like re-watching a romantic movie 😊
"Moving On" will be published on 6 February 2025 and would be a great read for those who enjoy tame romance.
📖 Synopsis: The story follows Ellen through each house move in her life between 1981 and 2019 - from her small hometown in Ireland to Galway, from Galway to London and beyond. She is in search of happiness and love, and with her love of reading and quick wit finds a new career along the way. Three men find a place in her heart but who will make her feel at home?
.
Thanks to @netgalley and @littlebrownbookgroup_uk for this electronic advance reader copy.
February 10, 2025
*Thank you NetGalley for this free eARC in exchange for my honest review*
Heartwarming and heartbreaking at once! Really lovely read as a 30-something woman as I was able to see a lot of myself in younger Ellen. I kept looking forward to reading this book at night, which always tells me something about the quality of the novel.
Moving On follows Ellen as she navigates young-adulthood into her life as a working woman, mother, lover, daughter, friend and sister. Her life has many ups and downs that we go through with her as readers. It's sure to resonate with you in some way. There are moments that feel a bit stereotypical, but the authour navigates these with heart, and you come to love Ellen and feel for the other characters well before any of these moments.
My one (spoiler free) critique is that I would have loved more time at the end, as the ending is exactly what I wanted, I just needed so so so much more. It feels very much like autofiction, so we don't get to the close of Ellen's life.
If I could give it a 3.5 I would but I decided to round up on this occasion.
Heartwarming and heartbreaking at once! Really lovely read as a 30-something woman as I was able to see a lot of myself in younger Ellen. I kept looking forward to reading this book at night, which always tells me something about the quality of the novel.
Moving On follows Ellen as she navigates young-adulthood into her life as a working woman, mother, lover, daughter, friend and sister. Her life has many ups and downs that we go through with her as readers. It's sure to resonate with you in some way. There are moments that feel a bit stereotypical, but the authour navigates these with heart, and you come to love Ellen and feel for the other characters well before any of these moments.
My one (spoiler free) critique is that I would have loved more time at the end, as the ending is exactly what I wanted, I just needed so so so much more. It feels very much like autofiction, so we don't get to the close of Ellen's life.
If I could give it a 3.5 I would but I decided to round up on this occasion.
March 8, 2025
“What if you try and don’t fail?”
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette Books for this copy. Moving On came out 6th Feb and I didn’t want to rush read last month! I enjoyed it so much and it saved me from the heartache of the match today!
We meet Ellen on the precipice of adulthood. We move through the pages of 8 moves, 3 loves and 10 best-selling books. We fall in love with the twists, hope for each move to be the last and wonder if this is a true will they, wont they.
We see history not so ironically repeat itself, how we’re products of our parents and how we have the opportunity to break the cycle, no longer hold onto grudges, repair the relationships that are worth it and leave the ones that aren’t.
I genuinely loved it. There was soft undertones and references to the divorce referendum. Ellen tries to navigate the idea of marriage, something she yearns for, something her parents never dissolved and something her sister is forced into. I had just finished the Coast Road by Alan Murrin, so this was a great follow up!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette Books for this copy. Moving On came out 6th Feb and I didn’t want to rush read last month! I enjoyed it so much and it saved me from the heartache of the match today!
We meet Ellen on the precipice of adulthood. We move through the pages of 8 moves, 3 loves and 10 best-selling books. We fall in love with the twists, hope for each move to be the last and wonder if this is a true will they, wont they.
We see history not so ironically repeat itself, how we’re products of our parents and how we have the opportunity to break the cycle, no longer hold onto grudges, repair the relationships that are worth it and leave the ones that aren’t.
I genuinely loved it. There was soft undertones and references to the divorce referendum. Ellen tries to navigate the idea of marriage, something she yearns for, something her parents never dissolved and something her sister is forced into. I had just finished the Coast Road by Alan Murrin, so this was a great follow up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
This book was amazing. I didn’t expect to feel so connected, but page after page I felt like I was living someone else’s life in the best way. Ellen was not perfect, but that made her more real to me.
The writing felt soft and powerful at the same time. It was emotional but not too heavy. I also really liked how the story followed Ellen through different parts of her life, it felt like growing up with her. Ben, Danny, and Leo all played their parts, and I liked how different they were. They didn’t feel like stereotypes. They brought different sides of Ellen out, and each moment with them had meaning. I didn’t always agree with Ellen’s choices, but I understood why she made them. This was my first book by Roisin Meaney, but definitely not the last. I loved her style, and how she made everything feel real without needing too much drama. Thank you so much to the author, Little, Brown Book Group and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
The writing felt soft and powerful at the same time. It was emotional but not too heavy. I also really liked how the story followed Ellen through different parts of her life, it felt like growing up with her. Ben, Danny, and Leo all played their parts, and I liked how different they were. They didn’t feel like stereotypes. They brought different sides of Ellen out, and each moment with them had meaning. I didn’t always agree with Ellen’s choices, but I understood why she made them. This was my first book by Roisin Meaney, but definitely not the last. I loved her style, and how she made everything feel real without needing too much drama. Thank you so much to the author, Little, Brown Book Group and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
July 24, 2025
This is marketed as an Irish contemporary romance, but honestly, it feels more like general fiction. Moving On follows Ellen Sheehan, a small-town Irish woman who dreams of bigger, more interesting things. The story spans roughly 30 years, starting with Ellen as a young woman taking her first job in a Galway bookshop, and tracing the twists, turns, and heartbreaks that shape her life.
We meet the key men who capture her heart in different ways: Ben, her very first love at the bookshop; Leo, older, charming, and sophisticated; and Danny, her loyal old friend. But the novel isn’t just about romance—it’s as much about Ellen’s relationships with her mother, estranged father, sister, and daughters.
It’s a quintessentially Irish story, filled with humour, warmth, and a fair amount of tragedy. The ending surprised me—I didn’t see it going that way at all—but it was still a well-written, emotional, and satisfying read.
⭐ 4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
We meet the key men who capture her heart in different ways: Ben, her very first love at the bookshop; Leo, older, charming, and sophisticated; and Danny, her loyal old friend. But the novel isn’t just about romance—it’s as much about Ellen’s relationships with her mother, estranged father, sister, and daughters.
It’s a quintessentially Irish story, filled with humour, warmth, and a fair amount of tragedy. The ending surprised me—I didn’t see it going that way at all—but it was still a well-written, emotional, and satisfying read.
⭐ 4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
It took me a little while to really get into this book, but all at once I realised it had crept under my skin. Ellen was such an endearing and layered, but human, character. By the end I had such a strong sense of her - almost like I’d grown up with her. I loved the parallels between Ellen’s relationships with her parents and her children and the way she grew and evolved as a result.
The ebbs and flows of Ellen’s life felt lyrical and comforting, and at times heartbreaking. Meaney’s writing was engaging and effortless. The way they wrote the passage of time felt true to life - sitting intensely in certain moments, and skipping through years in the blink of an eye. Overall the book left me with a cosy, comforting feeling, like I’d been given a window into a life well lived.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with emotional depth and gentle pacing, especially for fans of books like One Day, Brooklyn or The Flatshare. 4.5⭐️
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The ebbs and flows of Ellen’s life felt lyrical and comforting, and at times heartbreaking. Meaney’s writing was engaging and effortless. The way they wrote the passage of time felt true to life - sitting intensely in certain moments, and skipping through years in the blink of an eye. Overall the book left me with a cosy, comforting feeling, like I’d been given a window into a life well lived.
I would recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with emotional depth and gentle pacing, especially for fans of books like One Day, Brooklyn or The Flatshare. 4.5⭐️
Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 7, 2025
Another superb book from Roisin Meaney. Moving On tells the story of Ellen through her various house moves from being a teenager to an older mature woman. The author knows exactly how to press the right buttons to get the reader to identify with Ellen on her journey at one stage or another. First love, heartbreak, childbirth, separation and the inevitable death of parents are but a few of life's hurdles we experience with Ellen. The story moves quickly aided not only by the sheer amount of things going on but by the travel between Dublin, Galway, London and France. I thoroughly enjoyed Moving On. Reading it in one sitting. It is definitely that kind of book - difficult to put down! Definitely recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2025
I loved this novel , it was full of fantastic characters each lending their own part to make up a storyline which had me wanting to read more.
I felt a lot of empathy for Ellen, first as she left her childhood home to travel to Galway to work in a bookshop. Then with a broken heart moving to London to make a fresh start with her best friend Claire,
The story explores how life takes many twists and turns each one leading us to where we end up. Lost loves, heartbreak, misunderstandings, family dynamics, secrets, forgiveness and hopes all contained within a lifetime.
I was rooting for Ellen throughout and I was happy to see how she grew in strength as she faced many challenges. Beautifully written with a real depth of human understanding I would definitely recommend this novel.
I felt a lot of empathy for Ellen, first as she left her childhood home to travel to Galway to work in a bookshop. Then with a broken heart moving to London to make a fresh start with her best friend Claire,
The story explores how life takes many twists and turns each one leading us to where we end up. Lost loves, heartbreak, misunderstandings, family dynamics, secrets, forgiveness and hopes all contained within a lifetime.
I was rooting for Ellen throughout and I was happy to see how she grew in strength as she faced many challenges. Beautifully written with a real depth of human understanding I would definitely recommend this novel.
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