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Always and Forever
Joanna Woulfe is looking to get her life together after her husband, John, leaves. Once a PR Director, Jo now looks after her son and seeks support from her mother, Marietta, and her best friend, Nicole. But Nicole's own marriage is in trouble, and Marietta is distracted by an old flame. Jo joins a local drama group and begins a flirtation with handsome Ronan Forest...but is she ready to move on?
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
Published January 25, 2018
614 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Siân O'Gorman
15 books122 followersFor Once In My Life...
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 18, 2017
There was just something about this that didn't ring true. Jo and John have been married for years, had to undergo IVF and finally have a 3yo son. One day John comes home and says he's moving out. Sure there was trauma in their history but i just found the situation a bit unreal - sure people deal with grief in their own way - but it all felt a bit too "write by numbers" formula. Jo came across as emotionally constipated. Weird relationship with her mother, unwilling to notice that her husband is depressed (as she is). I don't know - it was all a bit too pat and neat.
Easy read but could have been better.
Easy read but could have been better.
July 4, 2017
A warm, witty, compelling and emotional novel about love, family and coming to terms with your past
This isn't 'warm and witty' - it's grim and depressing and quite frankly, sad.
MAJOR spoiler ahead - be warned
There were several inconsistencies as well:
Joanna's mother is 62 and yet Joanna describes her as ; 'An old frail woman whose nerves would be irreparably damaged by a night in jail.' Maybe she was over-egging the pudding there, but it was a rather obnoxious comment.
The 'Rollex' was another ?? moment. What woman in her right mind doesn't know how to spell 'Rolex'???
But what I really disliked about this story was the way John was treated. It was clear from the start that he was near-breaking point, close to collapse and yet Joanna simply cant 'see' him. She is too wrapped up in her own self-importance as mother to Harry to care about her husband.
I felt desperately sorry for John. In fact I would have liked to have read more about him and how he had been abandoned by his wife. He was a decent, good man who quite frankly, deserved better.
This could have been a great story if it had been about two people struggling together to overcome the tragedy of their past, but Joanna came across as selfish and thoughtless and this was a story that left me feeling sad rather than uplifted.
This isn't 'warm and witty' - it's grim and depressing and quite frankly, sad.
MAJOR spoiler ahead - be warned
There were several inconsistencies as well:
Joanna's mother is 62 and yet Joanna describes her as ; 'An old frail woman whose nerves would be irreparably damaged by a night in jail.' Maybe she was over-egging the pudding there, but it was a rather obnoxious comment.
The 'Rollex' was another ?? moment. What woman in her right mind doesn't know how to spell 'Rolex'???
But what I really disliked about this story was the way John was treated. It was clear from the start that he was near-breaking point, close to collapse and yet Joanna simply cant 'see' him. She is too wrapped up in her own self-importance as mother to Harry to care about her husband.
I felt desperately sorry for John. In fact I would have liked to have read more about him and how he had been abandoned by his wife. He was a decent, good man who quite frankly, deserved better.
This could have been a great story if it had been about two people struggling together to overcome the tragedy of their past, but Joanna came across as selfish and thoughtless and this was a story that left me feeling sad rather than uplifted.
October 24, 2022
Reliable good reading
I have now read all the books by this author. Every book has remarkably different challenges. She consistently uses low key humor, and a kaleidoscope of characters. She also chooses interesting and unusual names for her characters which makes it easy to stay on track. I regret I have no more books to read by this author.
I have now read all the books by this author. Every book has remarkably different challenges. She consistently uses low key humor, and a kaleidoscope of characters. She also chooses interesting and unusual names for her characters which makes it easy to stay on track. I regret I have no more books to read by this author.
December 15, 2017
I requested this book from Netgalley because it seemed like it was a feel-good, romantic comedy, with a bit of Irish humour thrown in for good measure. I actually hoped it was a bit of a Marian Keyes or Maeve Binchey type of read - hilarious and heartwarming all at once.
It wasn't quite those things.
The story begins with Joanna (Jo) meeting her husband, falling in love, getting married, having a successful career in PR until all she can think about is getting pregnant. After years of trying - they are finally successful (that's chapter one) ... skip ahead to 3 years later; John walks out of her and their son Harry.
And so the story resumes with a period of time that we as the reader don't know - but you get the sense that something very bad has happened. We finally learn the secret about 60% through the book ...
Without giving too much away, I will say that the "secret" should have been revealed much sooner than it was.
It would have (1) explained so much and (2) would have allowed the author to go into further depth regarding Jo and John's relationship, rather than adding the unnecessary secondary storylines involving her mother and her best friend Nicole. Both of those stories felt like they were "filler" - and both subplots could have been eliminated and it wouldn't have changed the major plot.
Actually, it would have been nice to have alternating narrators - that would have brought about a change of perspective (because Jo was a hard character to empathise with - especially before we learn the secret), and also moved the story along.
The last 40% of the book was quite good (a much stronger finish that beginning - which is why I wish things had been different with the organizing/editing of this book) - so this is close to a 3 star read - but too much of the first half was spent wondering what was going to happen.
An ok read.
It wasn't quite those things.
The story begins with Joanna (Jo) meeting her husband, falling in love, getting married, having a successful career in PR until all she can think about is getting pregnant. After years of trying - they are finally successful (that's chapter one) ... skip ahead to 3 years later; John walks out of her and their son Harry.
And so the story resumes with a period of time that we as the reader don't know - but you get the sense that something very bad has happened. We finally learn the secret about 60% through the book ...
Without giving too much away, I will say that the "secret" should have been revealed much sooner than it was.
It would have (1) explained so much and (2) would have allowed the author to go into further depth regarding Jo and John's relationship, rather than adding the unnecessary secondary storylines involving her mother and her best friend Nicole. Both of those stories felt like they were "filler" - and both subplots could have been eliminated and it wouldn't have changed the major plot.
Actually, it would have been nice to have alternating narrators - that would have brought about a change of perspective (because Jo was a hard character to empathise with - especially before we learn the secret), and also moved the story along.
The last 40% of the book was quite good (a much stronger finish that beginning - which is why I wish things had been different with the organizing/editing of this book) - so this is close to a 3 star read - but too much of the first half was spent wondering what was going to happen.
An ok read.
May 5, 2017
Set in beautiful Dún Laoghaire, Ireland this heartwarming story is about love family and triumph over heart break. When Joanna gave up her successful PR career to raise her family she thought her life would be perfect. That all comes crashing down when her husband, John, announces he is moving out. She struggles to take care of her three year old son, he mother and herself. She becomes content living in sweat pants and surviving on cookies and bad reality television shows. Her love life is not the only one thrown into chaos; her best friend, Nicole, is dealing with an unexpected development in her own marriage, and who does her mother keep sneaking out to see? After a fluke outing and rush of courage Joanna decides to take a chance on living her life differently. Her new world opens her up to a cast of characters who influence her life in ways she could never imagine.
I enjoyed this novel from Siân O'Gorman and look forward to reading more of her work.
I enjoyed this novel from Siân O'Gorman and look forward to reading more of her work.
June 4, 2017
This is a novel full of wit and warmth - one which I've shed more that a few tears over, both happy and sad along with many tears of laughter!
The story is a very good one, thought-provoking as well as entertaining and true-to-life. The characters are so well drawn. As with all really good authors, it is easy to 'see' them all and this book lived as much in my head as on the page.
With some really heart-wrenching moments alongside some quite hysterically funny ones, I have no hesitation in recommending this as a good all round read - and not one easily forgotten.
I would like to thank both the author, Siân O'Gorman and publishers Aria who sent me a copy of this novel as a competition win.
The story is a very good one, thought-provoking as well as entertaining and true-to-life. The characters are so well drawn. As with all really good authors, it is easy to 'see' them all and this book lived as much in my head as on the page.
With some really heart-wrenching moments alongside some quite hysterically funny ones, I have no hesitation in recommending this as a good all round read - and not one easily forgotten.
I would like to thank both the author, Siân O'Gorman and publishers Aria who sent me a copy of this novel as a competition win.
June 4, 2017
It took me awhile to get into this one. I found it hard to work out quite what was wrong with Jo & John. It seemed like they were busy making a big fuss about nothing. However as the story progresses you realise that what was wrong was anything but nothing.
This was filled with some fun characters and a number of crises, some funny, some tragic.It was a good undemanding read that I enjoyed although I wouldn't put Sian O'Gorman on a par with Jodi Picoult or Diane Chamberlain, but that's just me. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read this book.
This was filled with some fun characters and a number of crises, some funny, some tragic.It was a good undemanding read that I enjoyed although I wouldn't put Sian O'Gorman on a par with Jodi Picoult or Diane Chamberlain, but that's just me. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read this book.
June 12, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in return of my honest review.
Grief can take different forms in people and when that grief is over a lost child, it can break the very foundation of a marriage. But this book shows you that grief can be survived and marriages mended. It was a nice family coming back to get after a loss.
Some side stories were unnecessary like why would an intelligent woman like Nicole put up with a womanizer husband that manipulated her from the start. Glad she left the toxic relationship.
Grief can take different forms in people and when that grief is over a lost child, it can break the very foundation of a marriage. But this book shows you that grief can be survived and marriages mended. It was a nice family coming back to get after a loss.
Some side stories were unnecessary like why would an intelligent woman like Nicole put up with a womanizer husband that manipulated her from the start. Glad she left the toxic relationship.
October 23, 2017
From a smile to shedding a tear, or two …
A very engaging read that reflects real-life issues with which many will empathise. I experienced everything from a beaming smile, to wiping away a tear and the cast of characters gave a wonderful mix of personalities. Marietta and Nicole get a special mention – affected by age-old dilemmas, life is never straightforward, is it? A great read to get you way from what the weather is doing outside!
A very engaging read that reflects real-life issues with which many will empathise. I experienced everything from a beaming smile, to wiping away a tear and the cast of characters gave a wonderful mix of personalities. Marietta and Nicole get a special mention – affected by age-old dilemmas, life is never straightforward, is it? A great read to get you way from what the weather is doing outside!
February 22, 2019
Yes - Emotional - certainly worth a read
I wasn't sure about this story - my first thought was " get over it and move on". However the characters become people whom you want to know how they cope in their different ways with life and living.
A really good story - certainly deep and meaningful in many aspects.
I wasn't sure about this story - my first thought was " get over it and move on". However the characters become people whom you want to know how they cope in their different ways with life and living.
A really good story - certainly deep and meaningful in many aspects.
May 6, 2022
Binchy with Sass
A brilliant cast of warm, strong women dealing with life-sapping grief, betrayal, love and conflict with unbelievable determination. Made me grateful for the wonderful women I’ve been blessed to know and sad for the times I’ve been much less of a help than a hindrance.
A brilliant cast of warm, strong women dealing with life-sapping grief, betrayal, love and conflict with unbelievable determination. Made me grateful for the wonderful women I’ve been blessed to know and sad for the times I’ve been much less of a help than a hindrance.
December 13, 2022
Friendships
Lovely engaging read about the friendships and relationships in life. Jo and her husband had a falling out over the loss of a child through not communicating and each lost in their own grief. Jo's friends, her Mum and her Mum's friendships. Life in all its shapes and forms. Engaging characters.
Lovely engaging read about the friendships and relationships in life. Jo and her husband had a falling out over the loss of a child through not communicating and each lost in their own grief. Jo's friends, her Mum and her Mum's friendships. Life in all its shapes and forms. Engaging characters.
July 12, 2017
Great read
Have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book the loss of a child so very young and a husband walking out on you you begin to feel part of the book its very well written. It's nice to read at the end what happened to all the other characters
Have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book the loss of a child so very young and a husband walking out on you you begin to feel part of the book its very well written. It's nice to read at the end what happened to all the other characters
October 30, 2022
Oh dear. Just skim read the last few chapters. I felt so sorry for John, a nice, decent chap who was clearly struggling and needed sympathy and understanding but the ghastly Jo (his wife) was so up herself and her needs she didn’t notice. I really did not enjoy this book one little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2018
Years and laughter
Heartwarming story that has you crying and laughing in equal measures. Very much enjoyed the read. Will look for the author in the future.
Heartwarming story that has you crying and laughing in equal measures. Very much enjoyed the read. Will look for the author in the future.
January 1, 2022
Very good read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2022
secrets
Powerful, tragic,dramatic, LIFE… real and raw. I was surprised by this story which is not easy to do. Very much enjoyed it.
Powerful, tragic,dramatic, LIFE… real and raw. I was surprised by this story which is not easy to do. Very much enjoyed it.
September 27, 2022
Can't review as DNF @ 20%. Too slow for me.
July 4, 2023
Better than I anticipated
Once I got into it, the story flowed and I was really interested in what was going to happen to the characters.
Once I got into it, the story flowed and I was really interested in what was going to happen to the characters.
July 28, 2023
what a beautiful, stunning story
Tears, tears, tears…of grief, of joy, gratitude and hope. This one gets it right. Plus, it’s funny. The perfect story.
Tears, tears, tears…of grief, of joy, gratitude and hope. This one gets it right. Plus, it’s funny. The perfect story.
January 13, 2024
A story about love, loss, grief and coping. Jo's husband John, tells her one day he is leaving…they have been growing apart for 3 years. Further into the book, you find the reason why. I enjoyed it.
April 12, 2025
Easy sweet read
February 27, 2021
A great book to read....... I loved it
Congratulations Sian
I absolutely love your style of writing.
The book was a bit of everything , sadness, happiness, humour
Grief ,ETC.
I very highly recommend reading this book.
Congratulations Sian
I absolutely love your style of writing.
The book was a bit of everything , sadness, happiness, humour
Grief ,ETC.
I very highly recommend reading this book.
July 7, 2021
Great story
Well told interesting story about life and loves and wha5 happens to people after tragedy strikes, and how they handle things.
Well told interesting story about life and loves and wha5 happens to people after tragedy strikes, and how they handle things.
April 2, 2017
Always and Forever by Siân O’Gorman is a story of love, family and life. O’Gorman’s plot line for this novel is superb. He created an outstanding list of characters with an amazing setting. This novel talks about the true life struggles that many married couples face. Not to mention the fact that most couples separate and never return to their pre-marriage self. Some marriages are just meant to be. I really enjoyed this novel and felt it was a great read that would relate to a lot of people
May 5, 2017
Always and Forever is the first book that I've read by Sian O'Gorman, but it won't be my last. I wasn't sure what to expect, seeing as this is an author that I haven't read before, but must admit that I was pleasantly surprised!
Joanna Woulfe is trying to figure out what to do with her life after her husband, John, decides to leave her and their three year old son, Harry. She turns to her mother, Marietta, and her best friend Nicole for support. All three women are facing problems in their lives and are a great support to one another. Joanna decides to try to move on, and meets Ronan Forest. She is definitely attracted to Ronan, but isn't sure that she's ready to give up on her marriage.
The story that unfolds is extremely well written, with characters that are well-developed and realistic. This is a story filled with true to life moments that play out in such a way that it grabs and holds your attention from beginning to end. The ups and downs of marriage are examined and you feel as if you are easily able to relate to what each character is feeling. As the story unravels, you realize there is a lot more to the storyline than you initially suspected. With the turning of each page, you become completely engrossed with the emotions of each character, and truly want to see each one find the happiness they so desire, as well as deserve. Always and Forever is a story filled with emotion, friendship, sadness and humor. It is a story about the journey we all take in life, love and marriage...the good and the bad. I can't honestly stress enough just how amazing this book is!! I definitely recommend reading this...you won't regret it!
I would like to thank the author, Aria and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Joanna Woulfe is trying to figure out what to do with her life after her husband, John, decides to leave her and their three year old son, Harry. She turns to her mother, Marietta, and her best friend Nicole for support. All three women are facing problems in their lives and are a great support to one another. Joanna decides to try to move on, and meets Ronan Forest. She is definitely attracted to Ronan, but isn't sure that she's ready to give up on her marriage.
The story that unfolds is extremely well written, with characters that are well-developed and realistic. This is a story filled with true to life moments that play out in such a way that it grabs and holds your attention from beginning to end. The ups and downs of marriage are examined and you feel as if you are easily able to relate to what each character is feeling. As the story unravels, you realize there is a lot more to the storyline than you initially suspected. With the turning of each page, you become completely engrossed with the emotions of each character, and truly want to see each one find the happiness they so desire, as well as deserve. Always and Forever is a story filled with emotion, friendship, sadness and humor. It is a story about the journey we all take in life, love and marriage...the good and the bad. I can't honestly stress enough just how amazing this book is!! I definitely recommend reading this...you won't regret it!
I would like to thank the author, Aria and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews