The Third Act

by Kathleen A. Brehony

Shannon O'Connell is broken. She is sixty-five years old and looks twenty years younger - there's not much that makes her happy. Her partner of thirty years left her for a mutual friend offering only the cliché: "I love you, but I'm not in love with you." Her mother is disappearing before her eyes with dementia. And now, the death of her best friend - Linda - from metastatic breast cancer brings her to her knees. In this dark night of the soul - filled with endings -- she could not have predicted that this moment could be a beginning. The "Tribe," Linda's group of lifelong friends, gather at Shannon's family's beachside resort to celebrate her life as they have for countless celebrations over the years. And while Shannon finds comfort in their company, it is an old flame, the beautiful and sexy Elizabeth Matthews, who awakens something in her that was forgotten long ago. Can they overcome the emotional roadblocks they put in their own way? Will falling in love again make this Third Act the best one of all?

Genres: Audiobook

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2024

About the author

Kathleen Brehony is a personal and executive coach whose work blends decades of experience as a psychologist, writer, speaker, and media personality. Guided by the belief that people already hold the inner resources needed for growth, she helps clients pursue meaningful goals and live with purpose. A former Jungian-oriented psychotherapist, she spent more than twenty years in private practice and has taught at the university level while leading workshops on creativity, spirituality, and life transitions.
Kathleen is the author of several acclaimed books, including Awakening at Midlife, Ordinary Grace, After the Darkest Hour, and Living a Connected Life. Her work has inspired national media features, including a PBS special based on Awakening at Midlife. Alongside her writing and coaching, she has contributed widely to radio, television, and print, always aiming to bring insight to a broad audience.

Reviews

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Besides being exasperated with one of the mains for a minute (listen to or read it and find out why) I loved this book!

First - it's about a group of friends in their 60s and 70s who are still vital, productive, sexual beings. How often do we get those?!

Second - it's a love letter to close friendships between women and how valuable they are when you find the right tribe. Again - so rare!

Third - it's a really lovely second chance romance with sexy times. Thank you very much, Kathleeen Brehony, and more of that in general, please!

The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Abby Craden who pulls off a new American accent I've never heard her do before. You'll have to listen to it yourself to hear what I'm talking about. So many teasers in this review, eh?

At just over six hours, the audio is great to enjoy between longer listens or just when you need something more like tasty dessert than a full course meal.

[Daniela Harsan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked the most about this book was that all the characters were in their 60s and 70s. It’s one of the very few romances that focuses on finding love later in life, in unexpected places and moments. Accomplished MCs, a group of friends that stayed close more than 30 years despite distance and life events, this is a beautiful story about friendship, loss and healing and it gives a wonderful perspective on “it’s never too late”.
It is NOT!

[Tissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover: Cute! I would have gone for something a bit more sophisticate, though.

I had to ask for one more day to get my thoughts in order. To do The Third Act justice, you know. Yes, it deserves that and more—it’s been such an emotional rollercoaster, I’m not so sure where to begin.

Let’s start with what enticed me to begin with just to stop me dead in my tracks: themes. From a superficial look, you get love, loss, second chances; nothing out of the ordinary nor to write home about, right? These are common tropes, after all, and a gazillion books already explored them.

True, I ain’t about to say otherwise. But. But.

Second chances at life, no matter the age is a theme that’s really dear to me. It also hits close to home, in a beautiful and full of hope way. Now, this is neither the time nor the place to digress about my personal life, haha, just. I feel it. Like, I can really relate to some events that happen to Shannon throughout the story. Her strength, her refusal to give up when everything around her seems to be in ruin gave me a lot to think about, in a good way. Uplifting, even. It shone a light on things I’ve got told, but I found hard to believe.

Good fiction needs to touch inner chords in a reader, and, if I can fall into purple for a moment, Brehony knows how to play them.

Tl;Dr, the themes are spectacular. The plot is a heavy one—talk about a gut-punching beginning, for example—but the pacing is good, well timed. It doesn’t let the story get overwhelming. Grammar and punctuation are on point, just as much as the general structure. First point of view will never be my favorite, alas, but here it’s handled in a skillful way and I can't complain about it.

What I didn’t like? Well. Hard to say. Probably the book format. .Pdf files are messy since they don’t let me take notes as I go. That’s hardly a flaw, however.

5 stars on GR and a heartfelt thank you.

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, loss and rediscovery, framed against a celebration of life event, “The Third Act” is a beautiful sapphic contemporary fiction novel by Kathleen Brehony.

Shannon O’Connell is a 65-year-old woman facing several life challenges. She’s reeling from the death of her best friend Linda, struggling with her mother’s advancing dementia and raw from the betrayal of a partner who left her after thirty years. When Linda’s close group of lifelong friends, “The Tribe,” gathers at Shannon’s family’s beachside resort to honor her life, the reunion brings both solace and an opportunity for transformation.

Among the attendees is Elizabeth Matthews, an old flame whose presence reignites long-buried emotions in Shannon. Can Shannon and Elizabeth summon the courage to open their hearts to love – even as they navigate decades of unresolved emotions and lingering scars? Will the bonds of friendship, the bittersweet celebration of life, and the promise of a rekindled connection help Shannon embrace a future she thought was out of reach? As she faces her “third act,” Shannon must decide whether she’s ready to let go of her past and step into a new chapter filled with love and possibility.

WOW. Kathleen Brehony’s writing pulled me in and never let go. The story is told through the alternating voices of Shannon and Elizabeth, allowing readers to intimately experience the characters’ contrasting perspectives—Shannon’s guarded hesitance and Elizabeth’s quiet determination—while also digging into their shared vulnerabilities and the history between them.

I love how the dual narration enriches the story, making Shannon and Elizabeth’s rekindled connection feel authentic and deeply human. The celebration of life serves as the perfect emotional backdrop, capturing the bittersweet mix of grief, laughter, and shared memories that bind these characters together. The seaside setting, with its restorative beauty and dynamic energy, mirrors the novel’s themes of renewal and hope.

The romance offers a refreshing look at love later in life. Brehony captures the hesitance, the longing, and the vulnerability that comes with reconnecting on a level deeper than friendship, as they had been, for decades. Their relationship doesn’t grow through grand gestures or unrealistic fairy tales but through small, meaningful interactions that feel raw and genuine. The courage it takes to open your heart after profound loss and life changes is shown so powerfully and I was completely captivated.

Also well done is the way Brehony expertly handles physical intimacy with care and intensity, portraying it as an extension of their emotional bond, resulting in a romance that feels both sensual and heartfelt. I love how she illustrates that love at any age can be life-affirming, and profoundly meaningful. You’re never too old to rediscover yourself or find love.

The characters in “The Third Act” are richly developed, with Shannon’s growth anchoring the story. The Tribe, as secondary characters, adds so much variety with their witty banter and unique personalities. They bring moments of levity that lighten the heavier emotional themes, and their camaraderie shows how a chosen family can offer joy and strength during life’s toughest times.

I highly recommend “The Third Act” by Kathleen Brehony. The story will appeal to readers who enjoy heartfelt, authentic stories about love, loss and rediscovery. Fans of sapphic fiction and character-driven narratives will find so much to enjoy in this beautifully crafted novel.

[AGC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio version

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Well written! I enjoyed every minute of it

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd had The Third Act sitting in my Audible library and hadn't gotten around to listening to it yet, but it fit into a reading challenge I was doing so I figured it was time. It's rare to find a spicy, second chance romance where the majority of the characters are in their 60s and 70s, but this one definitely fits the bill.

The story is told in alternating chapters from the perspective of Shannon, a 65-year-old woman whose partner of 30 years left her a year ago and whose best friend Linda has just passed away from cancer; and Elizabeth, and whose presence stirs up old feelings and longing that Shannon has kept long buried. "The Tribe," a group of lifelong friends that included all three women, reunite to celebrate Linda's life. The characters and their dynamics are wonderful, their thought processes and experiences are completely realistic, and while it is a love story, it's also an ode to friendship and healing.

My main (and maybe only) complaint is that it seems to me that Brehony, a psychologist by trade, is used to more formal writing, because there's a distinct lack of contractions. The result is conversations and internal musings that sometimes feel a bit stilted. Not a huge deal, but it did stand out to me—although to be fair, I'm not sure if I would have noticed it as much if I had read the book instead of listening to the audio. That's not to say that Abby Craden didn't do a wonderful job, she absolutely did, and I'd highly recommend The Third Act regardless.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Brehony’s The Third Act is a heartfelt novel that chronicles the emotional journey of Shannon O’Connell, a woman navigating love, loss, and self-discovery in her sixties. Shannon faces a series of seismic shifts—her partner of thirty years has left her, her mother is fading into dementia, and her best friend Linda has succumbed to cancer. Despite the darkness, a reunion with her late friend’s close-knit group and a rekindled connection with an old flame, Elizabeth Matthews, sets the stage for Shannon to embrace the possibility of renewal and love.

The writing is deeply evocative. Brehony brings the reader right into Shannon’s grief with vivid details. The opening scene, where Shannon witnesses her friend Linda’s final moments, is wrenching. You feel the weight of Shannon’s sorrow as she observes the “brutal knowledge” of Linda’s death. Brehony captures the painful minutiae of loss—like the absence of the familiar sound of medical equipment—and uses them to craft an intimate portrait of her protagonist’s suffering. This attention to emotional and sensory detail made me feel like I was standing beside Shannon as she grappled with her pain.

The dynamics between characters, particularly among Shannon, Elizabeth, and their shared “Tribe,” are a standout feature. I loved how Brehony weaves humor into the grief, like the playful teasing about lavender sweatpants when Elizabeth’s luggage gets lost. The chemistry between Shannon and Elizabeth is electric, especially when their shared past and unresolved feelings bubble to the surface. Elizabeth’s reflection on their 30-year friendship, tinged with longing, brings an obvious tension to their story. The text makes you root for them, not just as lovers but as two people rediscovering hope.

The Third Act is a novel about second chances and the courage to embrace them. It’s a story for anyone who has felt lost and wondered if it’s too late to start again. With its lush writing, complex characters, and honest exploration of aging, love, and grief, I recommend it to readers of women’s fiction and fans of deeply emotional storytelling. Shannon and Elizabeth’s journey reminds us that life’s third act might just be the most beautiful.

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the salt-kissed backdrop of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, Brehony’s latest is a deeply moving, late-in-life love story wrapped in grief, longing, and the quiet strength of enduring friendships. Sixty-five-year-old Shannon O’Connell returns to her family’s beachside inn grieving the loss of her best friend Linda, who’s just died from metastatic breast cancer. Her partner of thirty years has left her. Her mother is disappearing into Alzheimer’s. Enter Elizabeth Matthews, Shannon’s old friend, and, once upon a time, something more. Will Shannon fall in love once again?

Brehony writes with an open heart and a steady hand, weaving grief and desire with psychological insight. Her dual-perspective chapters give Shannon and Elizabeth equal space to reflect, hesitate, and yearn. The result is a romance that doesn’t rush, but lingers. And it’s not just a love story between two women. The novel is also about the fierce, decades-long bond of female friendship. Shannon’s “Tribe”—her chosen family of women—rally around her with casseroles, Scotch, and inappropriate humor. They are the book’s heartbeat, offering both levity and collective wisdom. “We’re in our sixties and seventies,” Elizabeth muses, “but still call ourselves ‘the girls.’”

With crisp prose and unflinching honesty, the novel dares to explore what happens after the fairy tale ends. It honors the complexity of aging, the weight of memory, and the surprising freedom that can come with starting over. Heart-aching in some parts, quietly swoonworthy in others, this novel is for anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s too late for a second chance.

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act is a moving story about grief, reinvention, friendship, and the possibility of discovering love again when life seems to be closing in. Shannon O'Connell begins the story surrounded by painful endings: a thirty-year relationship has fallen apart, her mother is struggling with dementia, and the loss of her best friend Linda leaves an enormous void. Yet the gathering of Linda's lifelong friends creates an unexpected space for healing and reflection.

What makes Shannon's journey particularly compelling is the idea that a person's later years can still hold enormous possibilities. Her reunion with Elizabeth Matthews, an old flame who awakens feelings Shannon had long forgotten, gives the story its romantic heart. Their relationship isn't simply about falling in love; it also becomes part of Shannon's process of confronting emotional barriers, loss, regret, and the fear of beginning again.

The novel should resonate strongly with readers who appreciate mature protagonists, later-life romance, LGBTQ+ fiction, friendship-centered stories, and narratives about rebuilding after profound loss. The Third Act ultimately offers an encouraging reminder that a life-changing chapter doesn't have to be the final chapter. Sometimes an ending can create the space for something unexpectedly beautiful to begin.

[Avi Dinsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a grieving writer returns to her beachside hometown to say goodbye to her best friend, she’s stunned to discover that her former flame is not only back—but staying in her guest room in Brehony’s compelling romance. Shannon O’Connell thought she knew how the rest of her story would go. At sixty-five, she’s been through the wringer: her partner of thirty years has left her for someone else, her mother is fading into dementia, and now her dearest friend, Linda, is gone after a long illness. She texts her closest friends—"She’s gone"—and prepares herself for the inevitable: a house full of casseroles, Scotch, and sorrow. But what she didn’t prepare for was Elizabeth Matthews.

This is a quietly gorgeous story about love and second chances. With alternating perspectives, the story explores the complicated intersection of memory, longing, and the lives we build when we think our best years are behind us. The characterization is skilled, and the setting, a Jersey Shore inn run by Shannon’s family, is steeped in generational history and carries the rhythm of healing and homecoming. A treat for fans of stories about chosen families, mature love, and the brave, beautiful mess of starting over.

[Melissa Haag · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third ACT by Kathleen is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel about grief, healing, friendship, and the possibility of finding love again when life takes an unexpected turn. Shannon's journey feels authentic and deeply relatable as she navigates heartbreak, loss, and the challenges of caring for an aging parent, reminding readers that even life's most difficult seasons can lead to new beginnings.

What makes this story so memorable is its warmth, emotional honesty, and hopeful message that it's never too late to rediscover joy or open your heart again. With compelling characters, meaningful relationships, and a touching second-chance romance, *The Third ACT* is an inspiring read that lingers long after the final page.

[Neysha Polo Lespin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3-star rating for a book I genuinely enjoyed. Weird, right? Honestly, it was a beautiful story. There were just so many instances in the book that seemed to drag on for me and my attention would drift away. I had to force myself to stick to the story.

Another thing that contributed to the rating was the ending. The book seemed to drag on with scenes I personally felt weren’t needed, yet the ending felt rushed. As if the author needed to make a deadline and she just needed to wrap it up. It was a good ending, don’t get me wrong, just rushed.

Overall though, it was a beautiful love story about two older women who have basically been in love with one another throughout their 30-year friendship.

[Pio Sabbatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act is a beautifully thoughtful exploration of what it means to enter a new chapter of life and discover that the story is far from over. Kathleen A. Brehony captures the uncertainty, courage, and unexpected possibilities that can come with change.

What makes this book especially compelling is the way it encourages us to look at transition not as an ending, but as an invitation to begin again. The characters and their experiences create plenty of opportunities for reflection, especially for anyone who has ever wondered what comes next after one phase of life comes to an end.

This is a warm, meaningful, and ultimately uplifting read about courage, identity, possibility, and the freedom to create a new direction. A truly deserving five-star read.

[Procopio Trentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something deeply relatable about The Third Act. Life rarely follows the script we imagine for ourselves, and this book beautifully explores what happens when circumstances push us toward an unexpected new chapter.

Kathleen A. Brehony has created a story that invites readers to think about change differently. Instead of seeing life's transitions as something to fear, the book reminds us that they can reveal opportunities we never knew existed.

I particularly appreciated the emotional depth behind the story. It encourages reflection while still being engaging and accessible. By the end, I found myself thinking about the meaning of reinvention and how much possibility can remain ahead of us.

[Osvaldo Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about The Third Act is its message of hope. Life can take unexpected turns, and sometimes the path ahead can look completely different from the one we imagined. This book embraces that uncertainty and shows how a new beginning can emerge from it.

Kathleen A. Brehony brings an insightful perspective to the idea of life's “third act.” Rather than treating change as something that signals the end of possibility, she presents it as a chance to rediscover ourselves and consider what we truly want.

The story is emotionally engaging and encourages readers to pause and reflect on their own lives. It reminded me that it is never too late to grow, change direction, pursue something meaningful, or open ourselves to unexpected possibilities.

[Eliano Moretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen A. Brehony explores the transitions of life with compassion and insight, creating a story that feels both personal and universal. There are moments that encourage you to consider your own choices, your own turning points, and the possibilities that may still be waiting ahead.

What makes this book special is its reminder that change can be an opportunity rather than a loss. Sometimes the most unexpected chapters can lead us toward discoveries, relationships, and experiences we never anticipated.

This is a meaningful book about resilience, transformation, and the courage to embrace what comes next. It is the kind of story that encourages you to look at life with fresh eyes—and that makes it a very worthy five-star read.

[Gustavo Paoletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act by Kathleen A. Brehony offers a title that naturally invites reflection and conversation. The concept encourages readers to think about how people evolve over time, how unexpected circumstances can reshape our plans, and how new opportunities may appear when we least expect them. These themes provide an interesting foundation for a book club discussion, where readers can share different perspectives on change, resilience, and personal reinvention. What makes the premise particularly engaging is the possibility of discovering that life's later chapters can hold just as much meaning and excitement as those that came before. Readers who enjoy books that inspire thoughtful conversations may find this title worth exploring.

[Oberto Udinesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act is the kind of book that gives you more to think about than you initially expect. At its heart is a powerful question: What if the next chapter of your life could be just as meaningful—and perhaps even more exciting—than everything that came before?

Kathleen A. Brehony approaches that question with insight and emotional honesty. The story explores change, relationships, personal growth, uncertainty, and the courage it takes to move forward when life doesn't turn out exactly as planned.

I loved the underlying message that reinvention is always possible. A person's story isn't defined by what has already happened; there can always be another beginning.

[Gerardino Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most appealing aspects of The Third Act by Kathleen A. Brehony is the sense of possibility conveyed by its title. Life rarely follows a perfectly predictable path, and the idea of entering a new chapter encourages readers to think differently about change, uncertainty, and personal reinvention. Rather than viewing transitions simply as endings, the concept invites us to recognize the opportunities they may create. This book may appeal especially to readers who enjoy stories that encourage hope, resilience, and a renewed appreciation for the possibilities that life continues to offer.

[Rosario Pagnotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act by Kathleen A. Brehony carries a promising message about the continuing evolution of the human experience. Its title suggests that even after significant changes, disappointments, or unexpected turns, there may still be room for discovery and renewed purpose. This theme can resonate with readers who understand that personal growth does not stop at a particular age or milestone. The idea of a third act reminds us that our past experiences may influence us, but they do not necessarily determine what comes next. It is an appealing premise for anyone who enjoys reflective books about life's many possibilities.

[Celeste Gasparini · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something naturally compelling about the idea behind The Third Act by Kathleen A. Brehony. The title invites readers to wonder how life changes when familiar routines give way to new circumstances and unexpected possibilities. It also encourages reflection on the decisions, relationships, and experiences that influence the direction of our lives. This is the kind of premise that can inspire meaningful conversations among book club members, as each reader may bring a different understanding of what it means to begin again. For readers who enjoy exploring life's transitions through literature, this book offers an interesting subject for discussion.

[Silvio Sartori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen A. Brehony's The Third Act has a title that immediately sparks curiosity about transformation, identity, and the possibilities that arise when life takes an unexpected direction. The idea of a third act serves as a powerful metaphor for moving beyond familiar circumstances and embracing new opportunities. It invites readers to consider how previous experiences can shape future decisions without limiting what remains possible. This theme may resonate with anyone who has experienced a major transition or wondered what a new chapter might hold. It is an appealing choice for readers who enjoy reflective storytelling and meaningful themes.

[Gianmario Colonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act is an intriguing title that invites readers to reflect on life's transitions and the possibilities that emerge when one chapter ends and another begins. Kathleen A. Brehony brings a thoughtful perspective to the idea of embracing change and discovering new meaning in the different stages of life. The concept encourages readers to look beyond expectations and consider how unexpected opportunities can lead to personal growth. For readers who enjoy reflective fiction with meaningful themes, this book offers an appealing starting point for deeper contemplation about life's journey.

[Augusto Toscano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen A. Brehony's The Third Act presents a title that immediately sparks curiosity about transformation, new beginnings, and the choices that shape our lives. The idea of a “third act” suggests that our stories are never truly finished and that important discoveries can happen at any stage. This is an appealing premise for readers who appreciate stories that encourage self-reflection and challenge the belief that life's most meaningful experiences belong only to the past. It invites us to remain open to change and the opportunities that come with it.

[Emanuele Trevisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act by Kathleen A. Brehony has an evocative title that suggests a compelling exploration of life's later chapters and the unexpected directions they may take. The theatrical metaphor of an “act” offers an interesting way to consider identity, reinvention, and the evolving nature of human experience. Readers drawn to thoughtful storytelling and themes of transition may find the book's central concept particularly engaging. It raises an important question: what happens when life takes a turn we never anticipated, and how do we respond to the possibilities that follow?

[Booked Visible · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that love doesn't have an expiration date. The author handled aging, grief, and second chances with compassion and realism. I laughed, cried, and couldn't stop thinking about the characters after I finished till I later come back to drop review and thanks to my Melissa that give me this book to read almost give up but still reading the book.

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed crossing path this book. What stayed with me most wasn't just the romance, but Shannon's journey through grief and learning how to embrace life again after so much loss. The characters felt genuine, and the friendships added just as much heart as the love story. It was a touching reminder that it's never too late for a new beginning. Definitely an emotional but hopeful read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartfelt and thoughtful. I appreciated how the story explored themes like aging, friendship, and healing without feeling overly dramatic. Shannon's struggles felt believable, and I found myself rooting for her happiness from the very beginning. The biggest takeaway for me was that life can still surprise us with hope, even after our most difficult seasons.

[Juliet Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Act is a tender, beautifully written novel about grief, aging, and rediscovery. Kathleen Brehony captures the pain of endings and the surprising joy of new beginnings with grace and depth. Shannon’s story will move you and remind you that it’s never too late to fall in love again.