What do you think?
Rate this book
Walsh Family #7
El mejor error de Anna
Anna ha perdido el apetito por la Gran Manzana, así que intercambia los rascacielos de Nueva York por el pequeño pueblo irlandés de Maumtully (població 1.217 personas) para ayudar a sus amigos, Brigit y Colm, con su hotelito costero.
Sin embargo, a los lugareños el negocio les parece una idea terrible. Tanto que, de hecho, el hotel recibe amenazas... y ataques. Pero para algo Anna ha trabajado en el mundo de la ninguna situación se pone demasiado fea para ella.
El único obstáculo frente a ella es Joey Armstrong. Su antiguo amor y, ahora, su aliado pese a la historia que comparten y a todo lo que pudieron haber sido.
Con razón dicen que no importa lo lejos que vayas, tus errores siempre estarán esperándote...
Sin embargo, a los lugareños el negocio les parece una idea terrible. Tanto que, de hecho, el hotel recibe amenazas... y ataques. Pero para algo Anna ha trabajado en el mundo de la ninguna situación se pone demasiado fea para ella.
El único obstáculo frente a ella es Joey Armstrong. Su antiguo amor y, ahora, su aliado pese a la historia que comparten y a todo lo que pudieron haber sido.
Con razón dicen que no importa lo lejos que vayas, tus errores siempre estarán esperándote...
596 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
4215 people are currently reading
11287 people want to read
About the author
Marian Keyes
89 books11.7k followersMarian Keyes (born 10 September 1963) is an Irish novelist and non-fiction writer, best known for her work in women's literature. She is an Irish Book Awards winner. Over 22 million copies of her novels have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 32 languages. She became known worldwide for Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, and This Charming Man, with themes including domestic violence and alcoholism.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,631 reviews
January 6, 2025
Yes! “Anybody Out There” was my first Marian Keyes book, and after reading it, I became obsessed with the Walsh family saga. I devoured each Walsh sister’s story with pure hunger and excitement, satisfying my cravings for dramedy (though I loved Rachel’s story and conclusion a bit more).
Anna Walsh, the kindest and most eccentric of the Walsh sisters, holds a special place in my heart. After being introduced to her as emotionally and physically wrecked following the incident with her husband Aiden, I always wondered how her life would evolve and if she would get a second chance at everything. When I found out Keyes was bringing her back to conclude or offer closure to her story, I jumped at the chance without even reading the blurb. Give me a Walsh family book, and leave me alone for two days while I devour the entire story in one sitting until I can’t feel my legs and arms.
In this new novel, Anna appears to have built a perfect New Yorker life: a great PR job at a top beauty company, a good boyfriend, and a fancy house. However, like many of us questioning our life choices during COVID, she realizes her life is heading in a direction she’s not satisfied with. She’s unhappy with her career choices, and her relationship with Angelo seems to be over, prompting her to seek a fresh start. This pushes her to move back to her hometown in Ireland, where she initially struggles to find a proper job. Her friends eventually offer her a part-time position, leading her to settle in a small town and connect with its vivid and eccentric residents—so different from the lonely, hyper-independent life in New York where nobody pries or cares about your business. Another significant change comes with a coworker, Joey, with whom she shares a complicated past. Does this mean a second chance at love or a new, but still complicated, friendship? Join Anna’s journey to discover more about her new life after COVID-induced changes and her pre-menopausal cycle, which affects her emotional state as she reflects on her past mistakes.
I have always adored Marian Keyes’ dark humor, heartfelt, and original writing style, making her one of my auto-approved authors. Even though this book is a slow burn, it offers a realistic journey, allowing readers to step into Anna’s shoes and state of mind, and introduces a bunch of very interesting and entertaining characters. It’s totally worth your time! Just relax and set another appointment to spend more time with the Walsh clan. This journey is too good to skip!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Doubleday Canada for sharing this heartfelt journey’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
t review.
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
Anna Walsh, the kindest and most eccentric of the Walsh sisters, holds a special place in my heart. After being introduced to her as emotionally and physically wrecked following the incident with her husband Aiden, I always wondered how her life would evolve and if she would get a second chance at everything. When I found out Keyes was bringing her back to conclude or offer closure to her story, I jumped at the chance without even reading the blurb. Give me a Walsh family book, and leave me alone for two days while I devour the entire story in one sitting until I can’t feel my legs and arms.
In this new novel, Anna appears to have built a perfect New Yorker life: a great PR job at a top beauty company, a good boyfriend, and a fancy house. However, like many of us questioning our life choices during COVID, she realizes her life is heading in a direction she’s not satisfied with. She’s unhappy with her career choices, and her relationship with Angelo seems to be over, prompting her to seek a fresh start. This pushes her to move back to her hometown in Ireland, where she initially struggles to find a proper job. Her friends eventually offer her a part-time position, leading her to settle in a small town and connect with its vivid and eccentric residents—so different from the lonely, hyper-independent life in New York where nobody pries or cares about your business. Another significant change comes with a coworker, Joey, with whom she shares a complicated past. Does this mean a second chance at love or a new, but still complicated, friendship? Join Anna’s journey to discover more about her new life after COVID-induced changes and her pre-menopausal cycle, which affects her emotional state as she reflects on her past mistakes.
I have always adored Marian Keyes’ dark humor, heartfelt, and original writing style, making her one of my auto-approved authors. Even though this book is a slow burn, it offers a realistic journey, allowing readers to step into Anna’s shoes and state of mind, and introduces a bunch of very interesting and entertaining characters. It’s totally worth your time! Just relax and set another appointment to spend more time with the Walsh clan. This journey is too good to skip!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Doubleday Canada for sharing this heartfelt journey’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
t review.
medium.com
April 23, 2024
My Favourite Mistake picks up the story of Anna, the fourth Walsh sister, who we last saw coming to terms with the loss of her husband, Aiden, in Anybody Out There. Now, 15 or so years later, she's struggling with burnout, perimenopause, and the breakdown of a relationship - which leads her to abandon her life in New York and return to Ireland. Some time later, she is hired by her sister Rachel's friend, Brigit, to ease tensions with townspeople over Brigit's family's plans to create a glossy five-star retreat - which brings her back into contact with Narky Joey Armstrong, with whom she has unfinished business.
I really loved Anybody Out There. It's my second favourite Walsh Family book (after Rachel's Holiday, of course), and right up there with the best of Marian Keyes. That's why I'm so disappointed with My Favourite Mistake. Glancing at the other reviews on here, I feel like I must have been reading a different book. The dialogue was flat and almost workmanlike, and there are pages that are lifted directly from AOT which really slowed down the pace of the story. The 'thriller' element (the plot to bring down the fancy resort) is just not very plausible or well-written, the ending is tediously predictable, and there are far too many characters, none of whom are given the chance to shine. I kept thinking about This Charming Man (my favourite Marian Keyes book, don't @ me) and the light and fond depiction of small town life - where was that in this book?
There were redeeming features - it's so rare to see a woman in her late 40s navigating the menopause, reassessing their identity and being (for the most part) happily childfree. But I'm afraid I found this to be a bit of a slog, and I probably wouldn't have persevered with it if it hadn't been written by Marian Keyes.
I really loved Anybody Out There. It's my second favourite Walsh Family book (after Rachel's Holiday, of course), and right up there with the best of Marian Keyes. That's why I'm so disappointed with My Favourite Mistake. Glancing at the other reviews on here, I feel like I must have been reading a different book. The dialogue was flat and almost workmanlike, and there are pages that are lifted directly from AOT which really slowed down the pace of the story. The 'thriller' element (the plot to bring down the fancy resort) is just not very plausible or well-written, the ending is tediously predictable, and there are far too many characters, none of whom are given the chance to shine. I kept thinking about This Charming Man (my favourite Marian Keyes book, don't @ me) and the light and fond depiction of small town life - where was that in this book?
There were redeeming features - it's so rare to see a woman in her late 40s navigating the menopause, reassessing their identity and being (for the most part) happily childfree. But I'm afraid I found this to be a bit of a slog, and I probably wouldn't have persevered with it if it hadn't been written by Marian Keyes.
March 24, 2024
Ah the joy of being back with the Walshes. Reading these books is like taking your heels off after a night out. I’ve grown up with these women and there is such a fantastic sense of nostalgia coming back to their stories
My Favourite Mistake is no exception. This time the story centres on Anna. Having something of a midlife crisis, she has ditched her job, her man and her life in New York and moved back to Ireland.
Finding herself employed to save a development in Maumtully, she is soon caught up in the life of the small town and its many ‘characters’. Complicating everything though is the reemergence of Narky Joey in her life.
Small town Ireland, heartbreak, sexual tension and the perils of life as a 40 something woman all blend beautifully to create a brilliantly engaging story. As ever with Marian's books it's often hilarious and always packed with brilliant observations on being a woman.
Though this is just over 600 pages, I rattled through it in a couple of days. I should say too that even if you haven't read any of the other Walsh stories , don't let that put you off. You can definitely read this one on its own as there’s plenty of background info given to keep you right
This is another fabulously fun and relatable tale from the absolute Queen that is Marian Keyes.
Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the chance to read early
My Favourite Mistake is no exception. This time the story centres on Anna. Having something of a midlife crisis, she has ditched her job, her man and her life in New York and moved back to Ireland.
Finding herself employed to save a development in Maumtully, she is soon caught up in the life of the small town and its many ‘characters’. Complicating everything though is the reemergence of Narky Joey in her life.
Small town Ireland, heartbreak, sexual tension and the perils of life as a 40 something woman all blend beautifully to create a brilliantly engaging story. As ever with Marian's books it's often hilarious and always packed with brilliant observations on being a woman.
Though this is just over 600 pages, I rattled through it in a couple of days. I should say too that even if you haven't read any of the other Walsh stories , don't let that put you off. You can definitely read this one on its own as there’s plenty of background info given to keep you right
This is another fabulously fun and relatable tale from the absolute Queen that is Marian Keyes.
Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the chance to read early
April 24, 2024
Love love Marian but this book for me was just ok. Could have been 200 pages shorter and waaay too many characters.
April 26, 2024
First 25% was excellent. Final 75% could have been wrapped up faster by James Joyce.
April 26, 2024
I was excited to see another instalment on the lives of the Walsh family, but sadly this one did not live up to my expectations. After the fabulous 'Again, Rachel', it felt like this had been churned out as either an attempt to satisfy readers' eagerness to hear more updates on the Walsh family, or to take a more cynical view, to capitalise on the success of the aforementioned 'Again, Rachel'.
It started with promise, but as the novel progressed I gradually began to dislike Anna more and more, despite the author constantly telling us how popular she was becoming with the inhabitants of the village she has found herself it. Much of the telling of her history with Joey was repetitive and the story was becoming increasingly like that of 'chick lit', which whilst I understand is very popular, it's not for me and I'd come to expect more depth from Keyes. I normally finish Keyes' books in a day or two, but had to force myself to continue with this. I will most likely still read her next book, but I won't be getting it in hardback as soon as it's released as I did for this one and has last couple.
It started with promise, but as the novel progressed I gradually began to dislike Anna more and more, despite the author constantly telling us how popular she was becoming with the inhabitants of the village she has found herself it. Much of the telling of her history with Joey was repetitive and the story was becoming increasingly like that of 'chick lit', which whilst I understand is very popular, it's not for me and I'd come to expect more depth from Keyes. I normally finish Keyes' books in a day or two, but had to force myself to continue with this. I will most likely still read her next book, but I won't be getting it in hardback as soon as it's released as I did for this one and has last couple.
May 20, 2025
Bless!
Another smashing read from an author which I have realised may be my favourite author. I love Marian Keyes life experience, her knowledge on all the things she writes about, the lightness in which she delivers this as much of it is heavy, although hidden at times. Intricately full of humour which most readers may consider chic lit. I believe her content is much more than this.
I have mostly read this series, The Walsh Family which I love, and there are a handful standalones I am yet to read. How exciting!
Anna, one of the witty Walsh sisters, is returning from New York after her high-flying job in the beauty industry found its holistic end, just as her long-term relationship also ended. Her family thinks she’s mad, her mum telling her in no other terms to STAY AWAY! She’s made her mind up, and back she flies, falling into a job which suits her perfectly. These Walsh gals have the knack of cleaning up messes, all the while realising their own inadequacies and failures as they go along. Inner dialogue is always engaging and funny, as is the banter between the entire Walsh clan, their extended families, friends, and acquaintances.
MK has the innate gift of showing the worst of life, and the best. Community is always important, eventually having positive effects on her characters when they need it. Never smooth sailing, never instant gratification, but eventual lessons learned, worked hard for always. As the title suggests, there is always a lesson from the Walsh girls, this is the author's depth of story telling, delivered to the reader almost without them knowing.
Ensemble characters are always well drawn and justified, each of these given a rich personality. The balance of such a varied group of these five sisters in continual play, volleying back and forth providing continual humour and converse seriousness always in play.
I love the relationships formed, between different generations, young/old, romantic/platonic, the strength of compassionate characters helping those who are dabbling in crossing the line.
This author tells a relevant and entertaining story each time, and as I relate to many of these women, devouring each one. Anna is precisely my age, we are going through the EXACT life stages; she was in my head. This meant I had compassion and a complete knowing of her quirks and eccentricities. I also may be Rachel with her problems as well, in Again Rachel.
MK, how did you write Anna so well, her troubles, fears and successes? May this series keep flourishing, such a gift.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. Narrated by the author – audiobook lovers know how much this adds to the experience. All the extra nuances for free.
Another smashing read from an author which I have realised may be my favourite author. I love Marian Keyes life experience, her knowledge on all the things she writes about, the lightness in which she delivers this as much of it is heavy, although hidden at times. Intricately full of humour which most readers may consider chic lit. I believe her content is much more than this.
I have mostly read this series, The Walsh Family which I love, and there are a handful standalones I am yet to read. How exciting!
Anna, one of the witty Walsh sisters, is returning from New York after her high-flying job in the beauty industry found its holistic end, just as her long-term relationship also ended. Her family thinks she’s mad, her mum telling her in no other terms to STAY AWAY! She’s made her mind up, and back she flies, falling into a job which suits her perfectly. These Walsh gals have the knack of cleaning up messes, all the while realising their own inadequacies and failures as they go along. Inner dialogue is always engaging and funny, as is the banter between the entire Walsh clan, their extended families, friends, and acquaintances.
MK has the innate gift of showing the worst of life, and the best. Community is always important, eventually having positive effects on her characters when they need it. Never smooth sailing, never instant gratification, but eventual lessons learned, worked hard for always. As the title suggests, there is always a lesson from the Walsh girls, this is the author's depth of story telling, delivered to the reader almost without them knowing.
Ensemble characters are always well drawn and justified, each of these given a rich personality. The balance of such a varied group of these five sisters in continual play, volleying back and forth providing continual humour and converse seriousness always in play.
I love the relationships formed, between different generations, young/old, romantic/platonic, the strength of compassionate characters helping those who are dabbling in crossing the line.
This author tells a relevant and entertaining story each time, and as I relate to many of these women, devouring each one. Anna is precisely my age, we are going through the EXACT life stages; she was in my head. This meant I had compassion and a complete knowing of her quirks and eccentricities. I also may be Rachel with her problems as well, in Again Rachel.
MK, how did you write Anna so well, her troubles, fears and successes? May this series keep flourishing, such a gift.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library. Narrated by the author – audiobook lovers know how much this adds to the experience. All the extra nuances for free.
March 20, 2025
7th in a series? I ignored that and I went straight in…while it may have had more meaning having read the whole series, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a standalone and didn’t feel like I was missing any key pieces of information.
Quick summary: Anna had the ‘dream life’ - an apartment in New York. A well-meaning partner. And a high-flying job in beauty PR. That was before she had a mid-life crisis and took a flamethrower to it. After living in Manhattan for nearly twenty years, she relocated back to Ireland. And gets a PR job for a super-high-end coastal retreat. Except there was one major issue: the locals hate it; throwing threats at the retreat. But rest assured, Anna is determined to smooth things over. However, she discovers that leaving NY doesn’t mean escaping her mistakes…she is forced to meet her biggest mistake head on. But will she continue to make the same mistake again or will she finally break the cycle?
I felt a real sense of comfort in this book. Right from the beginning, it felt like a wholesome, solid read. It was almost as if I already knew the characters; they were familiar and realistic. Despite Anna being somewhat older than myself, I found her very relatable. She has lived a life of great ups and dreadful downs, but despite that she aimed to live a life of kindness and fulfilment. We all have ways of making the unbearable bearable and Anna was determined to put a positive spin on life, rather than a negative.
"Which was nowhere. Life’s waiting room. It happened to all of us, probably several times, finding ourselves alone, at a deserted crossroads. Thinking, Seriously? I’m back here again?"
MK has an amazing ability at creating rich and lively characters. The vast ensemble of characters are a varied bunch, yet are all clearly and fully developed. In a book such as this it would be easy to become overwhelmed with the vast array of characters, however MK wrote them in such a way that everyone held importance. Community is a key element in this story and each of the characters balanced each other out well. The banter between the five sister was particularly humorous, yet serious and considerate when needed. I loved the encouragement and strong sense of sisterhood between them…
“You are a brave, amazing, resourceful woman and I have enormous faith in you." 🥰
Furthermore, I loved how uniquely and obviously Irish this book is. From the characters, to the humour. It was all so brilliantly Irish ☘️ Thank you MK for putting us on the map 🗺️
I have to admit, my enjoyment of this book came as somewhat of a surprise. Having read a previous MK book and been nothing but bored, I did not hold high expectations for this story, yet after hearing good things I decided to give her writing another chance. Thankfully, the long shot paid off and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely be on the look out for more of her books at my library 📚 Do you have a FAVOURITE MK book?? 👇🏼
"And there it was: life gives, life removes, life shifts things sideways. Life reshapes, repurposes, files things away. Life heals, reveals, uncovers, all in its own sweet time. If I could just lean into the journey, I’d be okay.” 😌
“How lucky am I? I love and am loved. And that is all there is." ❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Quick summary: Anna had the ‘dream life’ - an apartment in New York. A well-meaning partner. And a high-flying job in beauty PR. That was before she had a mid-life crisis and took a flamethrower to it. After living in Manhattan for nearly twenty years, she relocated back to Ireland. And gets a PR job for a super-high-end coastal retreat. Except there was one major issue: the locals hate it; throwing threats at the retreat. But rest assured, Anna is determined to smooth things over. However, she discovers that leaving NY doesn’t mean escaping her mistakes…she is forced to meet her biggest mistake head on. But will she continue to make the same mistake again or will she finally break the cycle?
I felt a real sense of comfort in this book. Right from the beginning, it felt like a wholesome, solid read. It was almost as if I already knew the characters; they were familiar and realistic. Despite Anna being somewhat older than myself, I found her very relatable. She has lived a life of great ups and dreadful downs, but despite that she aimed to live a life of kindness and fulfilment. We all have ways of making the unbearable bearable and Anna was determined to put a positive spin on life, rather than a negative.
"Which was nowhere. Life’s waiting room. It happened to all of us, probably several times, finding ourselves alone, at a deserted crossroads. Thinking, Seriously? I’m back here again?"
MK has an amazing ability at creating rich and lively characters. The vast ensemble of characters are a varied bunch, yet are all clearly and fully developed. In a book such as this it would be easy to become overwhelmed with the vast array of characters, however MK wrote them in such a way that everyone held importance. Community is a key element in this story and each of the characters balanced each other out well. The banter between the five sister was particularly humorous, yet serious and considerate when needed. I loved the encouragement and strong sense of sisterhood between them…
“You are a brave, amazing, resourceful woman and I have enormous faith in you." 🥰
Furthermore, I loved how uniquely and obviously Irish this book is. From the characters, to the humour. It was all so brilliantly Irish ☘️ Thank you MK for putting us on the map 🗺️
I have to admit, my enjoyment of this book came as somewhat of a surprise. Having read a previous MK book and been nothing but bored, I did not hold high expectations for this story, yet after hearing good things I decided to give her writing another chance. Thankfully, the long shot paid off and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely be on the look out for more of her books at my library 📚 Do you have a FAVOURITE MK book?? 👇🏼
"And there it was: life gives, life removes, life shifts things sideways. Life reshapes, repurposes, files things away. Life heals, reveals, uncovers, all in its own sweet time. If I could just lean into the journey, I’d be okay.” 😌
“How lucky am I? I love and am loved. And that is all there is." ❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 7, 2024
I was over the moon to hear that Marian Keyes was writing a follow up to Anybody Out There? which I think was the first of her books I read. I’ve read all the books featuring the various members of the Walsh family (still want to read Mammy’s story!) but that one, which has Anna Walsh as its main character, is always the story that touched me and stayed in my mind for some reason.
It was a delight to be back with the Walsh family again, a loud, loving and extremely funny family of five sisters, their mum and their long suffering dad, plus various partners now and children. They are so warm, down-to-earth and relatable. They make me laugh so much and that’s what makes Marian Keyes’ books such fun to read. For all the fun though, there are always serious issues included in the books, as each sister has difficult situations to face up to. Anna has known much grief in her life and this still affects her decisions, particularly when it comes to her romantic life. I particularly liked that here we have a woman in her forties shown as still wanting to live life to the full and for that life to include romance and an active love life. I was enraged on her behalf at the doctors refusing to give her the HRT she needed.
There were lots of other brilliant characters too from the staff in the hotel, to the villagers, to Anna’s estranged friend Jacqui and not forgetting Narky Joey who Anna has almost got together with several times. I thought that the author portrayed the difficult relationship between Anna and Jacqui brilliantly and showed how friendships can go through ups and downs in just the same way as romantic relationships.
Being totally honest though, I did feel that the book was a bit too long. I so enjoyed the beginning, getting to know Anna again, seeing where life had taken her after the events of Anybody Out There? and meeting up with the Walsh clan again. I also enjoyed the mystery element of the story as Anna and Joey tried to uncover who was against the new development, creating all kinds of issues big and small for the owners. For me though, I felt that once Anna was in Maumtully and working for her friends, the book seemed to drift along for a bit. Having said that, I did think the end chapters were brilliant, Marian Keyes at her best.
Even though I found the book a bit slow in parts, I’m glad I read it and I found it a satisfying read overall. It shows once again that Marian Keyes is an expert at blending family drama with humour. Her many fans will rejoice to be in the presence of the Walsh family once more. Rachel’s Holiday has already had a sequel (Again Rachel) and I do hope that the author will write sequels to the books featuring the other sisters, Helen, Margaret and Claire. And please, write Mammy’s story!
It was a delight to be back with the Walsh family again, a loud, loving and extremely funny family of five sisters, their mum and their long suffering dad, plus various partners now and children. They are so warm, down-to-earth and relatable. They make me laugh so much and that’s what makes Marian Keyes’ books such fun to read. For all the fun though, there are always serious issues included in the books, as each sister has difficult situations to face up to. Anna has known much grief in her life and this still affects her decisions, particularly when it comes to her romantic life. I particularly liked that here we have a woman in her forties shown as still wanting to live life to the full and for that life to include romance and an active love life. I was enraged on her behalf at the doctors refusing to give her the HRT she needed.
There were lots of other brilliant characters too from the staff in the hotel, to the villagers, to Anna’s estranged friend Jacqui and not forgetting Narky Joey who Anna has almost got together with several times. I thought that the author portrayed the difficult relationship between Anna and Jacqui brilliantly and showed how friendships can go through ups and downs in just the same way as romantic relationships.
Being totally honest though, I did feel that the book was a bit too long. I so enjoyed the beginning, getting to know Anna again, seeing where life had taken her after the events of Anybody Out There? and meeting up with the Walsh clan again. I also enjoyed the mystery element of the story as Anna and Joey tried to uncover who was against the new development, creating all kinds of issues big and small for the owners. For me though, I felt that once Anna was in Maumtully and working for her friends, the book seemed to drift along for a bit. Having said that, I did think the end chapters were brilliant, Marian Keyes at her best.
Even though I found the book a bit slow in parts, I’m glad I read it and I found it a satisfying read overall. It shows once again that Marian Keyes is an expert at blending family drama with humour. Her many fans will rejoice to be in the presence of the Walsh family once more. Rachel’s Holiday has already had a sequel (Again Rachel) and I do hope that the author will write sequels to the books featuring the other sisters, Helen, Margaret and Claire. And please, write Mammy’s story!
January 9, 2025
Oh look, it’s the queen of complaining about books being too long nomming down on this billion pager. I have zero excuses, simply . . . .
Don’t get it twisted. This is ENTIRELY too long and should have been 350 pages. But I have realized Keyes is an author who is going to take as many pages as she likes to get ‘er done and I have to live with that.
If you have time to spend turning pages and love the “maybe you can go home again” sort of chick lit with a touch of a Hallmark holiday style plot of attempting to get a resort up and running while the locals are all opposed to it featuring a middle-aged main character then this might just be for you. Oh and don't worry at all about this being #7 - it works perfectly fine as a standalone (but I will absolutely seek out books about other members of the Walsh family if I'm in a slump and looking for a guaranteed winner).
3.5 Stars because, once again, WAAAAAY too long, but rounding up because I love her.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Don’t get it twisted. This is ENTIRELY too long and should have been 350 pages. But I have realized Keyes is an author who is going to take as many pages as she likes to get ‘er done and I have to live with that.
If you have time to spend turning pages and love the “maybe you can go home again” sort of chick lit with a touch of a Hallmark holiday style plot of attempting to get a resort up and running while the locals are all opposed to it featuring a middle-aged main character then this might just be for you. Oh and don't worry at all about this being #7 - it works perfectly fine as a standalone (but I will absolutely seek out books about other members of the Walsh family if I'm in a slump and looking for a guaranteed winner).
3.5 Stars because, once again, WAAAAAY too long, but rounding up because I love her.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
May 27, 2024
Boring, boring, very, very boring. It’s, oh, so boring!
Too many (uninteresting) characters. Her sisters were OTT and so was her mum, who at 80+ behaved dreadfully.
I also think she should write more stand alone novels like ‘This Charming Man’ than keep revisiting the Walshes, who have had their time.
So a disappointment.
Too many (uninteresting) characters. Her sisters were OTT and so was her mum, who at 80+ behaved dreadfully.
I also think she should write more stand alone novels like ‘This Charming Man’ than keep revisiting the Walshes, who have had their time.
So a disappointment.
May 10, 2024
I listened to the audio book and whilst I liked listening to Marian Keyes narrate, I found the actual story long, dull and boring. I hadn’t read any of the interconnected books and therefore I struggled to get a grasp on all the characters and what was going on. I tried to persevere as best I could with the audiobook but in end I had to DNF as it was too much of a slog.
July 13, 2024
This was mostly my fault. I listened to this for way to long and the story felt extremely dragged out as a result.
I normally listen to audio books while walking or commuting but since I landed in Portugal I have not been able to concentrate on audio books while all sorts of other things to see, do and eat.
I still love Marian Keys and appreciate the fact that the sisters of the Walsh family are my age now (can someone say HRT?) but there were way too many mentions of Joey and how gorgeous he was. It got really boring for me and the dynamic between Anna and Joey didn’t feel authentic to start with.
I normally listen to audio books while walking or commuting but since I landed in Portugal I have not been able to concentrate on audio books while all sorts of other things to see, do and eat.
I still love Marian Keys and appreciate the fact that the sisters of the Walsh family are my age now (can someone say HRT?) but there were way too many mentions of Joey and how gorgeous he was. It got really boring for me and the dynamic between Anna and Joey didn’t feel authentic to start with.
May 10, 2024
I’ve always found Marian Keyes’ books to be like being in your favourite jimjams, wrapped in your favourite blanket, talking to your best friends. So that said, I was so excited for her new book to arrive.
I don’t know if it’s a me or the book or a combination of the two, but My Favourite Mistake just did not hit the spot.
I liked the small town community and the mystery of who was sabotaging the retreat. Anna herself was great too. But I hated the whole thing with her best friend who was so unreasonable and it was such a storm in a teacup. I felt the book went on for too long and try as I might, I was just not invested in the will they/won’t we thing with Joey.
I listened to the book and I thought Marian did a brilliant job narrating it.
Don’t get me wrong, this time it fell flat but I will be there for the next book for sure.
I don’t know if it’s a me or the book or a combination of the two, but My Favourite Mistake just did not hit the spot.
I liked the small town community and the mystery of who was sabotaging the retreat. Anna herself was great too. But I hated the whole thing with her best friend who was so unreasonable and it was such a storm in a teacup. I felt the book went on for too long and try as I might, I was just not invested in the will they/won’t we thing with Joey.
I listened to the book and I thought Marian did a brilliant job narrating it.
Don’t get me wrong, this time it fell flat but I will be there for the next book for sure.
October 14, 2024
I had lived countless lives. I had survived more loss and gain than their foolish young heads could ever imagine. I had loved and been loved; I’d been courageous and tough, tender and resourceful. I no longer had the bouncy skin they were accustomed to in their women but I aspired to be kind. I was wise and immensely capable, skilled at listening to boring stories about people’s drives to funerals and angry when I needed to be. Which was now…..
As soon as was mannerly, each person ran away from me to the nearest source of limitless alcohol, where they drank with dark desperation.
**spoilers for Anybody Out There** I recommend that book is read before this one.
Yes, it went on a little too long and got a little repetitive, but Marian Keyes is such a good writer that I enjoyed every word. For me it’s the type of book that where Anna confides that the Michael Buble version of the song “Feeling Good” is the one she loves even though “Frank Sinatra’s dog did a better one", I had to stop and listen to it. Buble’s, not the Dog’s.
This is a continuation of Anna’s story begun with Anybody Out there? Of course, Anna takes part in some way in all of Keyes’ Walsh family novels. Although in her own book she has a highly successful career in PR for a beauty company in New York, in the books prior to that she is portrayed as an unemployable eccentric hippie-type and a reliable source for drugs. In her first book, when her husband Aiden is killed in a car accident, she does not believe he is really dead, and tries every method she can think of to communicate with him. I really do not remember too much about it but it was very sad and traumatic, and I didn’t care to go through all the pain with Anna by re-reading it.
In this one, I loved that along with where Anna is now (48 and going through perimenopause), a lot of time is devoted to catching the reader up on Anna’s journey in the 15 or so years since Anybody Out There? ended with hope and healing. As this story begins, she has resigned from her PR job at the beauty company, and her happy 10 year relationship with Angelo has come to a friendly close. Missing her family and tired of New York, she moves back to Ireland. Shockingly, we also learn that she has had a falling out with her "ride or die" best friend, Jacqui, who was such a loyal help and support to her in her previous book.
Anna has not been able to find a suitable job in Ireland, so when Rachel’s friend Brigit needs her PR skills to save her family’s resort venture, she is glad to accept. Someone, or a group of someones from the locality are working to keep Brigit and her husband Colm’s upscale resort from coming to fruition. They are spreading false rumors and sabotaging the ongoing construction. But when Anna arrives at their small village of Maumtully, everything goes surprisingly well. Being Anna, she makes friends with almost everyone. Plus, she is very good at her job, and soon puts the town’s skeptics’ fears at rest and smooths ruffled feathers.
Being nice is my literal job. The only reason I was hired.” “And you’re brilliant at it. Those poor men. They fell right into your trap and they still think you’re lovely.” “Yeah. Resting Eejit Face strikes again. Helen says that’s my default expression.”Although there are still problems, a mystery, and some baddies still looming in the background, I’m glad that the danger of Brigit and Colm’s plans going bust did not take front and center. It would have been too much of a dark specter.
We get to know many of the entertaining and (mostly) likeable villagers. And it wouldn’t be a Walsh Family novel if at at some point the entire Walsh family didn’t descend upon Maumtully to support (and take advantage of) Anna. Her only problem is working with her old frenemy “Narky Joey,” with whom she has some mysterious “history.” Joey, now a successful financial broker is the liaison between Bridget and Colm's resort and its investors, who were in danger of pulling out when the dirty tricks started. Joey has been a satellite character in at least 3 previous Walsh novels. We meet him in Rachel’s Holiday, one of the “Real Men” and Luke’s best friend. He also makes an appearance in the sequel, Again, Rachel and, of course, Anna’s first story. To say Joey has turned over a new leaf in the intervening years is putting it mildly. We know that he had a child with Anna’s best friend Jacqui. They eventually broke up and he married again to an upstanding citizen had 3 more children with her, and divorced. He is a wonderful and loving father to all 4 of his kids. As Anna learns, he has truly become a sterling character and that old spark is turning into a new flame. But Anna is very hesitant given what her past experience with him has been.
Joey had known me during several incarnations. I was privy to information about him that almost no other person was. But our unique connection was bound up in pain. Better to park it in the past where it couldn’t hurt us..
Despite my fuzzy, and sometimes totally absent, memory, one part of Anybody Out There? has always stuck with me. In the last few pages when Aiden comes to Anna in a dream one last time, he tells her to “look for the signs” that he is watching over her. Years later, Anna still sees signs in her hours of need. In the dream he told her that she will have a great love with a man once again. Anna asks him if he knows who, and the only thing he will tell her is that “she already knows him.” I had no idea.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
April 15, 2024
damn it feels blasphemous to give queen marian 3 stars but this was one was disappointing ..
May 19, 2024
Anything by Marian Keyes is always going to be a treat. I especially enjoy listening to her narration on the audio versions. As always this story (and especially the interaction between all members of the Walsh Family) had me laughing out loud. But there were also many deeper moments delving into the characters history and their previous traumas. It's really special seeing characters aging alongside you and dealing with similar issues. Can't wait for the next instalment in this series!
September 27, 2025
Marian Keyes'
My Favorite Mistake
is her seventh in the Walsh Family series. As for me, it is my first to read in the series - not something I usually do, reading out of order when it comes to serials. . .however, all was well, it felt busy with lots of characters, but Anna remains central throughout, so nothing was lost for this reader. (Says She now. . .I'll follow up when I've read others of the series!)
There are plenty of deet-by-deet reviews of the narrative flow on this, so I will leave that to others. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Anna and her circle, hearing her backstory focusing on her many mistakes (men). There's rather more slippy-slidey physical jungling than I like in a read, but the ways she traded in some of her obstinate fierceness for authentic teachability appealed to me.
Watermelon is the author's first in this series. I've added it to my list!
*A sincere thank you to Marian Keyes, Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:3g
There are plenty of deet-by-deet reviews of the narrative flow on this, so I will leave that to others. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Anna and her circle, hearing her backstory focusing on her many mistakes (men). There's rather more slippy-slidey physical jungling than I like in a read, but the ways she traded in some of her obstinate fierceness for authentic teachability appealed to me.
Watermelon is the author's first in this series. I've added it to my list!
*A sincere thank you to Marian Keyes, Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:3g
March 30, 2024
I really enjoyed reading about the Walsh family again.
This time the main character was Anna.
Homesick and no longer happy with her life in New York she returns home to her family in Dublin. She is looking for a new job and her sister gets her some part time hours working in a small seaside town on a new retreat being built on farmland.
Lots of funny moments and family dynamics that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This time the main character was Anna.
Homesick and no longer happy with her life in New York she returns home to her family in Dublin. She is looking for a new job and her sister gets her some part time hours working in a small seaside town on a new retreat being built on farmland.
Lots of funny moments and family dynamics that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2024
I love love love Marian Keyes. So it really does pain me to to say this was absolutely terrible. It was so boring I wish there was another word than boring as it doesn’t capture the full somatic and cognitive experience of how boring this was. Stuff happens - not a lot - but because of the way it’s written it feels like nothing happens. I had no idea who anyone was by the end as I just couldn’t make my brain engage with the ‘story’. I’m only giving it 2 rather than 1 because I listened to the audiobook and thought Marian was a great narrator.
September 23, 2024
Utter drivel, painfully long. Written like an essay you'd write in 6th class. Too many characters. Way too much boring details without any depth to the story. Just so incredibly boring.
April 2, 2024
First of all, the audiobook narrated by Marian herself is a must - there’s no one else I’d like to have in my ears for 8 hours, and no one else could get the comic timing and voice so spot on!
Now the story itself is pure JOY, with endless laughter and kindness. The Walsh family feel a bit like home at this point, and I loved picking up with Anna, who is a gorgeous human being 🫶 (Although their mum will always be my favourite, I genuinely want her for my own please). This is a story that looks at female friendship and ageing in such a relatable and honest way, all whilst providing some swoon-worthy (and rather steamy) romance. It had me in absolute FITS of laughter, but also made me emotional because I love all of these characters so deeply - Marian just writes brilliant, flawed, funny and fabulous women so well that you can’t help but root for them.
I can find zero faults with this book - a Marian novel is pure comfort for me and should be prescribed on the bloomin’ NHS as far as I’m concerned. I was just gutted when it was over!
Now the story itself is pure JOY, with endless laughter and kindness. The Walsh family feel a bit like home at this point, and I loved picking up with Anna, who is a gorgeous human being 🫶 (Although their mum will always be my favourite, I genuinely want her for my own please). This is a story that looks at female friendship and ageing in such a relatable and honest way, all whilst providing some swoon-worthy (and rather steamy) romance. It had me in absolute FITS of laughter, but also made me emotional because I love all of these characters so deeply - Marian just writes brilliant, flawed, funny and fabulous women so well that you can’t help but root for them.
I can find zero faults with this book - a Marian novel is pure comfort for me and should be prescribed on the bloomin’ NHS as far as I’m concerned. I was just gutted when it was over!
April 24, 2024
I'm a huge Marian Keyes fan and have read everything she has written - she is one of those authors who I pre-order without even bothering to find out what the book is about!
In My Favourite Mistake we return to the Walsh family - this is book 7 featuring the Walsh family and this time we return to Anna, a high-flying beauty publicist living in New York with her boyfriend. But she has had enough of her glamourous life style in New York, and after Covid she wants to return to Ireland to be nearer her family. Her relationship fizzles out so she quits her job and heads home.
She soon finds herself a new role in PR. Employed by friends Bridgit and Colm she is tasked with trying to get to the bottom of who doesn't want a luxury coastal resort to be built in the tiny Irish town of Maumtully. But the main problem is that she'll be working with Joey Armstrong, one of the "real-men" whom she originally met in New York, with whom she has a chequered history!
Once again Keyes has written a fantastic book. I loved returning to the Walsh family - I feel like I have grown up with this family (I'm the same age as Anna) and I love reading about characters of a similar age to me. We know from Anna that something went on between her and Joey and it is gradually revealed as the story goes on. As well as Anna, her sisters and Mammy Walsh, a whole new group of characters are introduced. Keyes does characters so well - they are often funny but also have hearts of gold and Anna soon falls in love with her life in Maumtully.
Quite a long book for me, this was an absolute joy to read and I couldn't wait to return to it. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the others because Keyes skilfully fills you in on what you need to know, but I bet you will want to after you've read this! There are sad bits, some sexy bits and some bits that deal with the realities of being a perimenopausal woman! It made me laugh out loud and I just thought it was wonderful.
In My Favourite Mistake we return to the Walsh family - this is book 7 featuring the Walsh family and this time we return to Anna, a high-flying beauty publicist living in New York with her boyfriend. But she has had enough of her glamourous life style in New York, and after Covid she wants to return to Ireland to be nearer her family. Her relationship fizzles out so she quits her job and heads home.
She soon finds herself a new role in PR. Employed by friends Bridgit and Colm she is tasked with trying to get to the bottom of who doesn't want a luxury coastal resort to be built in the tiny Irish town of Maumtully. But the main problem is that she'll be working with Joey Armstrong, one of the "real-men" whom she originally met in New York, with whom she has a chequered history!
Once again Keyes has written a fantastic book. I loved returning to the Walsh family - I feel like I have grown up with this family (I'm the same age as Anna) and I love reading about characters of a similar age to me. We know from Anna that something went on between her and Joey and it is gradually revealed as the story goes on. As well as Anna, her sisters and Mammy Walsh, a whole new group of characters are introduced. Keyes does characters so well - they are often funny but also have hearts of gold and Anna soon falls in love with her life in Maumtully.
Quite a long book for me, this was an absolute joy to read and I couldn't wait to return to it. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the others because Keyes skilfully fills you in on what you need to know, but I bet you will want to after you've read this! There are sad bits, some sexy bits and some bits that deal with the realities of being a perimenopausal woman! It made me laugh out loud and I just thought it was wonderful.
May 2, 2024
I love Marian Keyes and I was so excited to read this, but unfortunately I did not like it as much as I'd expected. I did love seeing the Walsh family again but we saw hardly any of the poor dad and we didn't even see anything from Kate from Again, Rachel. There was so many characters introduced and I couldn't keep up with them all, there was a Reagan and a Teagan and I kept mixing them up as I listened to the audiobook. I didn't like Jacqui, I thought she was selfish and a bit of a bitch, Anna just let her walk all over her. I didn't care about the whole renovation thing and who was sending threats and that. Joey was a man whore who had a baby with her best friend and slept with her sister! And we are supposed to believe he loved Anna this whole time. I guess it was entertaining hearing about all the drama in the flashbacks, they were the best parts really but I don't think she should have done another book about Anna, there just wasn't enough of a storyline for her. Oh and I hate when covid is mentioned a lot in books, I don't want to hear about it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2024
The last couple of Marian Keyes books have just not hit the mark for me. I was a huge fan back in the 90s and early 2000s, but the quality for me has just decreased significantly. Sadly this one was no exception.
I could not even really tell you what the plot of this book was… there’s some local objections to a hotel development, a sick child who we never meet, a romantic interest that the protagonist isn’t sure about, and the extended Welsh family, who admittedly are probably the best thing in the book… I also did not hate the flashback sections of Anna‘s life in New York and what was going on with her friendship with Jaqui.
But honestly this book is nearly 600 pages and to be that long, in my opinion, it warrants a far better story than what we got. It was middling at best, and a major drag at worst.
The next novel Marian Keyes writes will not be an auto buy for me. I’d rather just re read Last Chance Saloon again!
I could not even really tell you what the plot of this book was… there’s some local objections to a hotel development, a sick child who we never meet, a romantic interest that the protagonist isn’t sure about, and the extended Welsh family, who admittedly are probably the best thing in the book… I also did not hate the flashback sections of Anna‘s life in New York and what was going on with her friendship with Jaqui.
But honestly this book is nearly 600 pages and to be that long, in my opinion, it warrants a far better story than what we got. It was middling at best, and a major drag at worst.
The next novel Marian Keyes writes will not be an auto buy for me. I’d rather just re read Last Chance Saloon again!
April 25, 2024
Sadly this was very disappointing. I usually love all of Marian Keyes’ novels and was excited about another Walsh family book. But this is definitely my least favourite. Felt like it hadn’t been edited and I eventually gave in to skimming the last third. Basically a bit boring and repetitive.
April 11, 2024
Well, she’s back and she’s done it again!
Happy publication day to icon and legend, Marian Keyes.
#MyFavouriteMistake is her sixteenth novel and follows on where the story ended in “Anybody Out There?”. Yes, lots of people will be delighted to hear this is a Walsh family book; firm faves for many of us, and consisting of Mammy & Daddy Walsh, and five sisters; Claire, Margaret, Rachel, Helen, and Anna.
This is Anna’s story, and has a dual timeline. Present day where Anna has made the decision to leave her hectic but glamorous beauty pr job in New York behind and move back to Ireland, and the second timeline takes us back to where Anna’s first book left off, to her recent bereavement and struggles to find herself again in NY.
As she fast approaches 50, Anna has to figure out where she belongs, both geographically and romantically. Facing into challenges from a new job, the menopause, a whole new cast of characters in a new town, lustful dalliances, and dealing with some old issues from her past, can she find true happiness after all this time?
Isn’t it just so lovely to be reading a new MK book? I find her writing endlessly comforting; I see the phrase “a hug in a book” mentioned about her work a lot, and it’s so accurate.
Part of it is nostalgia; I’ve been reading her books since I was a teenager, but it’s also the warmth that radiates from the pages. There’s such a strong sense of community and family in this story, it was a joy to read; poignant and emotive but also hilarious. No one writes Irish humour like Marian Keyes.
If I was to make any critique, I would say this is a long read, clocking in at 600 pages. There’s a lot of characters in there to get confused over, and it’s a slower paced read, all of which I expect at this stage of reading this author’s work, but I’m pointing it out for any MK newbies.
I loved this book! Definitely recommending it, particularly for fans of Marian Keyes; I think you’ll all adore it too.
With many thanks to @michaeljbooks @penguinbooksireland for my early copy, all opinions my own, as always. My Favourite Mistake is available to buy today! Hurrah!
Happy publication day to icon and legend, Marian Keyes.
#MyFavouriteMistake is her sixteenth novel and follows on where the story ended in “Anybody Out There?”. Yes, lots of people will be delighted to hear this is a Walsh family book; firm faves for many of us, and consisting of Mammy & Daddy Walsh, and five sisters; Claire, Margaret, Rachel, Helen, and Anna.
This is Anna’s story, and has a dual timeline. Present day where Anna has made the decision to leave her hectic but glamorous beauty pr job in New York behind and move back to Ireland, and the second timeline takes us back to where Anna’s first book left off, to her recent bereavement and struggles to find herself again in NY.
As she fast approaches 50, Anna has to figure out where she belongs, both geographically and romantically. Facing into challenges from a new job, the menopause, a whole new cast of characters in a new town, lustful dalliances, and dealing with some old issues from her past, can she find true happiness after all this time?
Isn’t it just so lovely to be reading a new MK book? I find her writing endlessly comforting; I see the phrase “a hug in a book” mentioned about her work a lot, and it’s so accurate.
Part of it is nostalgia; I’ve been reading her books since I was a teenager, but it’s also the warmth that radiates from the pages. There’s such a strong sense of community and family in this story, it was a joy to read; poignant and emotive but also hilarious. No one writes Irish humour like Marian Keyes.
If I was to make any critique, I would say this is a long read, clocking in at 600 pages. There’s a lot of characters in there to get confused over, and it’s a slower paced read, all of which I expect at this stage of reading this author’s work, but I’m pointing it out for any MK newbies.
I loved this book! Definitely recommending it, particularly for fans of Marian Keyes; I think you’ll all adore it too.
With many thanks to @michaeljbooks @penguinbooksireland for my early copy, all opinions my own, as always. My Favourite Mistake is available to buy today! Hurrah!
March 23, 2024
So this is a story about Anna. Anna is one of the Walsh sisters; so prevalent across Keyes’ novels either in their own story or side characters. Anna is in her late 40’s, perimenopausal and following a break up, on her way home to Ireland. Given a role to help friends out in a far flung corner of the country, Anna soon finds herself amongst a cast of old and new friends, as she investigates events at Brigit & Colm’s country retreat.
Back in the day, I lived for Marian Keyes’ novels and so I guess it’s loyalty that keeps me coming back, even though over recent years I have really struggled with some of them.
The writing is trademark Keyes with all of its wonderful Irish spirit, family strife and will-they-won’t-they romance. I just don’t think this type of plot is original enough for me anymore. I mean we could all see the ending a mile off!!
However what Keyes did really well was to highlight, and celebrate, a woman going through menopause. The highs, the lows, the struggle for HRT and ‘shock horror’ the portrayal of a character who at 48 still wants to have sex. Thank you Marian for representing!
Thank you NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for this honest review
Back in the day, I lived for Marian Keyes’ novels and so I guess it’s loyalty that keeps me coming back, even though over recent years I have really struggled with some of them.
The writing is trademark Keyes with all of its wonderful Irish spirit, family strife and will-they-won’t-they romance. I just don’t think this type of plot is original enough for me anymore. I mean we could all see the ending a mile off!!
However what Keyes did really well was to highlight, and celebrate, a woman going through menopause. The highs, the lows, the struggle for HRT and ‘shock horror’ the portrayal of a character who at 48 still wants to have sex. Thank you Marian for representing!
Thank you NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for this honest review
April 30, 2024
I liked Is Anyone Out There and usually enjoy a sequel, however this sequel is essentially a variation on Again Rachel with a similar plot arc, the same devices and set pieces with the wider Walsh Family and very similar dialogue. M’town and its denizens replace the Cloisters and Anna’s story is less heartbreaking than Rachel’s loss of a child but otherwise Keyes has just used the same formula but not to such good effect. Rachel and Luke were reduced to idiots whose only point was to provide the connections with Brigit and Joey and the other Walsh family members were even more cartoonish than in the previous book. There was also far too much repetition of the plot lines of previous books and the whole Anna/ Joey dynamic was totally contrived and drawn out. Lazy nonsense.
April 28, 2024
Very disappointed in this book it was so dull I usually love Marian Keyes and the Walsh family but this book did nothing for me at all it needed to be edited a lot more it was quite dragged out could have lost at least 100 pages and been better for it .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,631 reviews