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The Summer Everything Changed

Is it ever too late to reclaim the life you never lived?

Rosie O'Malley has not drawn breath after tragically losing her mother and then being abandoned by the one man she knew she loved.

Burying her grief and heartbreak, Rosie threw herself into running Sandycove’s Cliff Top hotel determined to make a success of her mother's legacy and keep a roof over her family’s heads. It's now ten years later and this weekend, the hotel throws open its doors to host its very first wedding.

Boston-based Patrick Power touches down at Dublin Airport for his brother's Seán's wedding, having dedicated the last decade to building his thriving Irish restaurant business. A decade earlier, he left behind the love of his life and try as he might, he's never been able to forget her.

Imagine Patrick's shock when he discovers the wedding is being held in Cliff Top, Rosie’s hotel - the girl he let slip away.

As Sandycove shimmers in a heatwave, can Patrick navigate a family wedding as well as his own feelings? And will Rosie realise she’s been living her late mother's life and not her own? Can she forgive Patrick for leaving her or will ambition and responsibility once again stand in the way of love?

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2026

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About the author

Siân O'Gorman

26 books151 followers
For 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!


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5 stars
1,608 (53%)
4 stars
936 (30%)
3 stars
406 (13%)
2 stars
52 (1%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus).
2,778 reviews2,524 followers
April 21, 2026
EXCERPT: Rosie O'Malley was now thirty-two and, these days, her main occupation was the hotel and decisions about laundry and paint colours and the fact that the hot water wasn't hot enough in the bedrooms and managing her team.
Cliff Top had prevailed. It was the hotel she had chosen over love all those years ago, and it had been the right decision. Of course it had. The hotel was successful and finally in a good profit and her mother's dream had not dies as she had.
Rosie had concentrated on making serious changes in the hotel, such as the décor, and had turned it from a lovely but shabby old country guest house into a chic boutique out-of-town hotel. So, it had all been worth it, hadn't it?


ABOUT 'THE SUMMER EVERYTHING CHANGED': Is it ever too late to reclaim the life you never lived?

Rosie O'Malley has not drawn breath after tragically losing her mother and then being abandoned by the one man she knew she loved.
Burying her grief and heartbreak, Rosie threw herself into running Sandycove’s Cliff Top hotel determined to make a success of her mother's legacy and keep a roof over her family’s heads. It's now ten years later and this weekend, the hotel throws open its doors to host its very first wedding.

Boston-based Patrick Power touches down at Dublin Airport for his brother's Seán's wedding, having dedicated the last decade to building his thriving Irish restaurant business. A decade earlier, he left behind the love of his life and try as he might, he's never been able to forget her.

Imagine Patrick's shock when he discovers the wedding is being held in Cliff Top, Rosie’s hotel - the girl he let slip away.

As Sandycove shimmers in a heatwave, can Patrick navigate a family wedding as well as his own feelings? And will Rosie realise she’s been living her late mother's life and not her own? Can she forgive Patrick for leaving her or will ambition and responsibility once again stand in the way of love?

MY THOUGHTS: I'm always after going back to Sandycove for a visit, to catch up on the latest gossip, to see where everyone is at with their lives. The residents there have become like family, like friends.

It doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the Sandycove books before as each book is designed to be read as a stand-alone. The setting remains the same and there's a mix of new and old characters for continuity.

The Summer Everything Changed is a wonderful, warm and uplifting read. If you remember your first love with a certain fondness and have ever wondered what became of them, then this is the book for you. There's a great emotional dilemma, a character or two you'll love to hate, and two small children who will steal your heart and who provide many funny moments. Out of the mouths of babes . . .

Siân O'Gorman is an auto-read for me. I love her warmth, her wit and her wisdom.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.2

#TheSummerEverythingChanged #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: SIÂN O'GORMAN was born in Galway and now lives just along the coast from Dublin. She works as a radio producer alongside writing contemporary women's fiction inspired by friend and family relationships.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Summer Everything Changed by Siân O'Gorman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Profile Image for Carla.
8,103 reviews189 followers
April 9, 2026
4.5 Stars rounded up: Rosie O'Malley is still dealing with grief and loss for the last ten years. First, her mother died and she is now running Sandycove's Cliff Top Hotel. Then, she was abandoned by the man she loved and thought loved her back. Now, with the goal of making a success of the hotel and her mother's legacy, they have begun to offer wedding packages. Their first wedding is Seán Power's, the brother of Patrick Power, Rosie's lost love, who now lives in Boston, where he is a huge success, running an Irish restaurant business. Although on the other side of the ocean, he has never forgotten Rosie. He was shocked when he arrived, to find out that the wedding was at Rosie's hotel. Was this his second chance with the only woman he has ever truly loved?

What a wonderful and uplifting story. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the whole storyline. This is not the first book set in Sandy Cove, but besides the setting, each book is a standalone, but I absolutely love the setting and the feel of a small community. Rosie is not alone in running the hotel, but she doesn't let her sister do much, as it is her way to deal with her life. The only character I didn't like was her aunt. She was so self-centered, didn't care much about others, and had meddled in Rosie's life many years ago, and didn't even remember. Definitely narcissistic tendencies there. It became very apparent that both Rosie and Patrick still cared about one another, but they had lives far from each other and neither was ready to give up that life to be together. The secondary characters were wonderful and supported the relationship, even finally telling Rosie the truth about her need to control everything and how that effected them. Themes of family relationships, mental health, dreams, family interference, and grief all play a part in this story. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to those who enjoy romance with other themes throughout.
2 reviews
August 20, 2026
The story was alright but loads of extra detail that wasn't required that made the story slow.
114 reviews
April 27, 2026
I have read every one of her books and loved them all. I actually visited Sandycove and the beach and would love to visit again.
Profile Image for Sara (my_kindle_and_me).
66 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 4, 2026
The Reality Check:
I really wanted to love this, but I had to put it down. While the premise of lifelong friends promised a heartfelt summer read, the execution felt more like a marathon of "rambling" rather than a cohesive story.

​Why it didn't work for me:

​Over-Description: The prose is bogged down by minute, unnecessary details. I found myself skimming paragraphs about mundane tasks (like placing pillows) that didn't move the plot or the emotional needle.

​Information Overload: The dialogue is heavily laden with "as you know" style background info. Instead of getting to know the characters through their actions, I felt like I was being lectured on their entire history in every conversation.

​Pacing: By the 30% mark, I still wasn't sure where the central "romance" or hook was. There are simply too many characters introduced too quickly, making it hard to form a connection with any of them.

​Final Thoughts:
If you enjoy very slow-paced, atmospheric Women’s Fiction with a high level of domestic detail, this might be for you. However, for those looking for a snappy romance or a plot-driven story, this was a miss.
Profile Image for Cindy P Huntington .
105 reviews
March 25, 2026
4.75⭐️s Any book by this author featuring Sandy Cove is a must read! Love the continuation of characters and sites from the Sandy Cove Irish area. Family love drama traditions and emotional connections make for an excellent and charming read. Enjoy the journey with laughs and tugs on your heart.
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,990 reviews1,712 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 24, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up

Rosie O'Malley has not drawn breath after tragically losing her mother and then being abandoned by the one man she knew she loved. Burying her grief and heartache, Rosie threw herself into running Sandycove' Cliff Top hotel determined to make a success of her mother's legacy and keep a roof over her family's heads. It's now ten years later and this weekend, the hotel throws open its doors to host it's very first wedding. Boston-based Patrick Power touches down at Dublin airport for his brother Sean's wedding, having dedicated the last decade to building his thriving Irish restaurant business. A decade earlier, he left behind the love of his life, and try as he might, he's never been able to forget her. Imagine Patrick's shock when he discovers the wedding is being held at Cliff Top, Rosie's hotel - the girl he let slip away.

When Patrick and Rosie split up, he moved to America and Rosie threw everything she had into making a success of her late mother's hotel. Rosie decided to start holding weddings at the hotel - the first wedding booked his her ex-Patrick's brother, Sean. Ten years have passed since they last saw each other, and neither of them have moved on. They have a chance at a second romance.

The story starts off slowly and I found that it took me a few chapters before I was fully invested in this book. There is a mix of funny and emotional, but some parts felt bogged down with information overload.Once I got into the story I did enjoy it.

Published 5th March 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #SianOGorman for my ARC of #TheSummerEverythingChanged in exchange for an honest review.








Profile Image for Susan Barber.
558 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2026
Sigh. Another free Amazon Prime ebook. Why do I keep reading these?

The basic storyline seemed OK, although the ending was very predictable. But there was so much about this book that was just annoying.

The characters. The characterization was OK, with many different personalities fairly well depicted. But almost everyone was so wonderful and perfect and caring and kind, it was just not believable. Sure, there were a few antagonists, but even they became more likable by the end.

The repetitive inner dialogue of Rosie and Patrick. It was so tedious! “I should never have left Ireland but I love my life in Boston!” “I should have been braver and gone to Boston with Patrick 10 years ago!” On and on and on. I know the reader was expected to feel bad for them but I just wished they would shut up.

The sappy, saccharine, too good to be true way that everyone helped and supported each other, assisting with the hotel, climbing down cliffs to save a vicious dog, thinking of others’ needs before their own etc. It was too hard to believe, and because of everyone’s being so wonderful, there was never really any tension or suspense. As I said, it was obvious how it would end, so why bother reading it? I only did it to kill a few hours.

I have read a lot of books by Maeve Binchy, and I enjoyed most of them. I get the feeling that this author is trying to copy Ms. Binchy, but her writing isn’t nearly as deep or as interesting.

2 stars for keeping me turning pages, albeit against my better judgment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
244 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 5, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for the ARC!

I'm currently on a Sian O'Gorman book binge after finally reading a late ARC and of course I had to start on this one, despite receiving it only very recently. I see the pattern - it's always a parent who has passed away that is always on the main character's mind and is probably going to affect her future actions.

In this case, Rosie lost her mother who was instrumental in setting up the Cliff Top hotel. She decides to run the hotel in memory of her mother and is perhaps afraid to live a bigger life, experience more in the world, partly because she is thinking she has to be running the hotel to always keep her mother's memory alive. I loved the love story - where Patrick came back after 10 years for his brother's wedding and finally met Rosie again and explained why he left.

The BBQ on the beach set up made me laugh out loud, especially when the smoke and fireballs made the other beach goers scream. I was trying so hard to keep my giggles down in public, it was such a comedic moment - typical of Rosie - trying so hard to do everything herself.

I actually stayed up half the night reading it because I couldn't sleep, but I am glad I did. Happy endings all around (for both Rosie & Patrick & other family members) and I love it!
Profile Image for Patty.
1,056 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 10, 2026
Sweet second chance romance

Rosie and Patrick fell in love one summer, but her Aunt Lucinda managed to convince Patrick that he wasn't good enough for Rosie, and he left for America, leaving Rosie heartbroken. Having lost her Mom as well, Rosie threw herself into keeping the hotel going that her Mom loved, it also kept her mind off losing Patrick.

Years later, Rosie is still managing the hotel, improving it as time goes on, a bit here, a bit there. She's hired on a great staff who are helping her keep it running and profitable. All's well, but she feels something is missing from life. Grace, one of the staff, convinces Rosie that they should hold weddings at the hotel, and has a perfect starter test. Sean and Niamh, a nice young couple who got engaged at the hotel. The rest of the story is focused on the wedding weekend and the surprises it brings, the biggest one being that Patrick is the brother of Sean!

This book started a bit slow for me, but then it picked up. It was a clean, sweet, small town in Ireland second chance romance. Sandycove sounds like a lovely seaside town that I'd love to visit. I enjoyed the story and will look for other books by this author.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kirsty.
2,327 reviews65 followers
April 24, 2026
The Summer Everything Changed by Sian O’Gorman

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Is it ever too late to reclaim the life you never lived?

Rosie O'Malley has not drawn breath after tragically losing her mother and then being abandoned by the one man she knew she loved.

Burying her grief and heartbreak, Rosie threw herself into running Sandycove’s Cliff Top hotel determined to make a success of her mother's legacy and keep a roof over her family’s heads. It's now ten years later and this weekend, the hotel throws open its doors to host its very first wedding.

Boston-based Patrick Power touches down at Dublin Airport for his brother's Seán's wedding, having dedicated the last decade to building his thriving Irish restaurant business. A decade earlier, he left behind the love of his life and try as he might, he's never been able to forget her.

Imagine Patrick's shock when he discovers the wedding is being held in Cliff Top, Rosie’s hotel - the girl he let slip away.

My Opinion

The Summer Everything Changed was a quick and fun read. A wonderful story with some charming characters. Sian O’Gorman has a lovely writing style, so I am always on the lookout for upcoming releases.

Rating 4/5
12 reviews
July 29, 2026
4.5 stars rounded down.
To be clear from the start...this book was close to being 5 star. Yes it's a standard second chance trope, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is such a good story! The characters were fantastic with some you are rooting for and others you love to hate!
I got the impression while reading that there may be other books about some of the supporting characters and a quick search after has confirmed that. I can't wait to read them and dip back into the world of Sandycove.
The story between Rosie and Patrick was just so relatable and heartbreaking in a way to read about. It's a story of so many young Irish people in the last few decades who are making the choice between home, family, love and a new life of opportunity.
The miscommunication aspect wasn't dragged out which was refreshing!!
I was sorry to finish this book as I just wanted to follow Rosie and Patrick and find out what happened next.
My demotion down to 4.5 is thanks to a few typos (can't cope with them!) and a few clunky conversations in the book.
While it was nice that the miscommunication wasn't dragged out it also felt a bit unnatural when major topics were brought up in casual conversation.
But that is me nitpicking. It's a fantastic book and I can't wait to read the other Sandycove books.
Profile Image for Lily.
1,985 reviews19 followers
June 10, 2026
In this romantic new novel from Sian O’Gorman, readers follow Rosie O’Malley as she struggles with grief and heartbreak and immerses herself in the running of the Cliff Top Hotel in Sandycove for a decade. Now preparing for the hotel’s first big wedding, she has no idea that groom Sean’s brother and the one that got away, Patrick Power, is back from Boston and staying at her inn. As the festivities commence and chaos reigns behind the scenes, Rosie and Patrick must negotiate the surprise proximity and keep the party on track in this second-chance novel. The characters have great chemistry and history, so the second-chance trope works well with the circumstances of their reunion. The other characters, particularly Rosie and Patrick’s families, really bring Sandycove and the hotel to life because they are such characters, and the drama really adds a fun level to Rosie and Patrick’s relationship chances. The setting is cozy, whimsical, and detailed, and readers will really love the calm of the Cliff Top Hotel and the natural beauty of the area. Romantic, charming, tropey, and cozy, romance readers will love this new release from Sian O’Gorman and the characters that drive this heartwarming narrative forward.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Page Escapes by J.
188 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2026
There’s something quietly magical about stories that remind us how love can grow out of the most familiar places — friendships, routines, summers that feel endless. The Summer Everything Changed is exactly that kind of comfort read.

Sian O’Gorman writes with a warmth that makes the setting feel like a character in itself. The seaside atmosphere, the slow rhythm of summer days, and the nostalgia woven through the story create a gentle backdrop for a friends-to-more romance that feels natural rather than forced.

What I particularly enjoyed was the emotional layering. Beneath the light, summery surface, the story touches on change, second chances, and the way life quietly shifts when we least expect it. The characters feel relatable — imperfect, thoughtful, and trying to figure out what happiness looks like for them.

The pacing is slow and reflective, which worked well for this kind of story. It’s less about dramatic twists and more about the quiet moments that build into something meaningful.

If you enjoy seaside settings, heartfelt friendships, and romances that unfold gradually, this is a lovely escape.
Profile Image for Corinne Rodrigues.
502 reviews61 followers
April 13, 2026
‘The Summer Everything Changed’ explores young love, the sting of regret, and the courage it takes to forge your own path.

Having lost her mother and been left by Patrick, the man she loved, Rosie O’Malley is pouring everything into the Cliff Top Hotel in Sandycove, determined to safeguard her family and maintain her mother’s legacy. Duty and responsibility mask her quiet grief.

Patrick Power is back from Boston for his brother’s wedding, burdened by his own baggage. He looks successful, but he’s actually got a lot going on. Then he finds out the wedding’s at Rosie’s hotel. The past returns with a vengeance, dredging up lost love and regrets.

This story, set in sunny Sandycove, perfectly shows the feelings between our past and present selves. This story is really about letting go of grudges, both for others and yourself, and realizing that being stuck in the past prevents you from moving forward. This is a cosy, thoughtful, and hopeful story about finding love again. This story is right up your alley if you enjoy intimate, family-centric love stories with a focus on heritage.
Profile Image for Joanne Rawson.
125 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 12, 2026
I enjoyed this ARC I received from NetGalley. Rosie and Patrick met when they were both in college and rooming in the same summer house while working at their internships and fell in love. When summer ended Rosie was saying in Ireland to help her father and sister run their family inn while Patrick was headed to Boston to make his own dreams of opening an Irish pub in America come true. 10 years later Patrick is back in Ireland for his brother's wedding.. and is surprised to realize the wedding is behind held at Rosie's inn. The two have done well making their dreams come true but neither has ever really moved on from the heartache of letting one another go. It was such a sweet second chance romance but it is a pretty slow paced story which I both loved and hated. I loved that I really got a sense of all the characters and setting but I also really wanted to get to the point in the story where Rosie and Patrick FINALLY have a heart to heart over their old hurts and how they really feel about their current lives.
1,989 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 20, 2026
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Summer Everything Changes” is by Sian O’Gorman. This book is a second chances romance that takes place in Ireland at a hotel. The hotel is owned by Rosie, who shares responsibilities with her sister, with a number of staff. Patrick is “the one that got away” who resides in Boston and although he now runs a restaurant there, he sometimes longs to return home to Ireland. When Patrick’s brother decides to get married, the wedding is held at the Rosie’s hotel. I found this book, for me, a very slow moving one. I had problems keeping the characters separated, though once the story got rolling it became easier. I also found the pacing a bit off - this book took a while to get going and while I liked the background story, I felt that the story got bogged down in some of those details. On the positive however is that I did like a number of the side characters. Overall, for me this was an okay read, but I seem to be in the minority on that - which is fine.
Profile Image for Skylar Reiss.
66 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2026
I almost feel bad writing this review because I’m certain the author is a very nice person if she is anything like the characters in her book BUT, this book was so dull.

I feel like I’m nice for an American and maybe I just don’t get the culture but everyone was “just grand” and never spoke their mind about anything! I felt like the characters had zero connection because no one actually spoke about what they were actually feeling. Patrick and Rosie supposedly had this hot summer romance and were still in love but just acted pleasantly around each other like strangers.

Outside of their non romance, absolutely nothing happened. The dad gardened, the guests held their boring events, the kids swam and ate ice cream- multiple times.

The cliffhangers in the chapter were literally Patrick being like, it’s fine, I can’t wait to go back to my life in Boston and forget about her. And Rosie, I guess I’ll never wear this navy pantsuit again and live my boring life.

I struggled HARD to make it through all parts of this book. I’m sorry but it was not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Lit .
457 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 6, 2026
I’m giving this a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC! This was such an unputdownable, happy-ending-guaranteed read.

I’m starting to notice a bit of a pattern in these stories—the main character is always haunted by a parent who has passed away, and those memories heavily influence her choices. But the heart of this book is the romance. I am a sucker for the second chance trope, and seeing Patrick return after a decade for his brother's wedding was everything. Finally getting that explanation for why he left and seeing him reconnect with Rosie was so satisfying.

It wasn't just emotional, though; it was genuinely funny! The beach BBQ setup actually made me laugh out loud. If you're looking for a "happy endings all around" kind of book, this is the one for you.

Want more "Second Chance" romance picks? Slide over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer for the ultimate trope guide!
Profile Image for theweebookworm .
468 reviews29 followers
April 18, 2026
This is the first Sian O'Gorman book I have read and I'm sure it won't be the last.

It is set over a short time period, and based mainly in Rosie’s hotel.

There are many wonderful characters in this book and I loved the majority of them although there were a few I didn't take to.

I felt for Rosie as I felt her life had got stuck living her mum's dream but she couldn't see it and it took family and friends to point this out. Patrick, on the other hand is living his dream. Unbeknown on each other they both remembered their summer together.

I loved the author's writing style with plenty of warmth and humour.

The book is heartwarming, emotional and uplifting, touching on the subjects of grief, family relationships, mental health, dreams and lost love.

I will certainly look out for other books by this author.
1,808 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 8, 2026
This was a delightful story. It’s pretty clear from the start that Rosie and Patrick are destined for each other, but it’s the solving of all the problems that are between them and happiness that is the nub of the plot. First meeting at 22, Rosie is now 32 and stuck in a pleasant rut of her making. Patrick is successful but not that happy. There is a diverse cast of characters in this book, some kind and some rather unpleasant. I particularly enjoyed the insights from the eight year old twins. Things come to head when Patrick’s brother has his wedding at Rosie’s hotel. There are some entertaining moments where things go awry, but there is a wonderful dollop of Irish congeniality as well. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for sharing this author’s work with me.
Profile Image for Mo Chapter.
566 reviews69 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 16, 2026
This is my second Sian O’Gorman novel — and I think that makes this one even more special. I went into The Summer Everything Changed already hoping to fall in love all over again… and within just a few pages I knew I was in the safest of hands. That comforting, heartfelt warmth I remembered was right there waiting for me.

There is something about Sian O’Gorman’s writing that feels like exhaling. Her stories don’t just entertain; they wrap around you. From the moment I returned to Sandycove, I felt as though I had stepped into a place filled with heart, history and community. The setting shimmers with warmth, but it’s the emotional depth that truly stays with you. These characters feel real — flawed, loving, burdened, hopeful — and you don’t just read their journey, you feel it.

Rosie’s quiet strength and buried heartache moved me more than I expected. There’s such tenderness in the way her story unfolds — that delicate balance between responsibility and longing, between honouring the past and daring to choose your own future. I felt her hesitation, her guarded hope, her vulnerability. And when those emotional walls begin to shift? Oh, I felt that too.

This is a story about second chances, but it’s also about forgiveness — not just of others, but of yourself. It’s about family, community, shared history, and the ties that pull us back to where we truly belong. The wedding setting adds such a beautiful sense of togetherness and atmosphere — I could almost feel the summer heat, hear the laughter, sense the undercurrents of old memories and unresolved feelings simmering beneath the surface.

And I have to say, once I started reading, I genuinely could not put it down. This is one of those books where you tell yourself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly it’s much later than you planned. The world outside fades. The to-do list waits. Meals are delayed. These are the kinds of stories that deserve - no, require - a comfy chair, a steady supply of tea and a packet of biscuits within easy reach. Consider yourself warned.

There were tears — the lovely, hopeful kind — and by the final pages I felt completely uplifted. Not in a dramatic way, but in that quiet, soul-soothing way that lingers long after you close the book.

Finishing this novel confirmed something for me: I want to read everything Sian O’Gorman writes. In fact, I may have immediately purchased every available title on Kindle just so I know they’re there waiting. Her stories offer the most beautiful break from real life — immersive, emotional, comforting and utterly absorbing. Once you begin, you simply don’t want to leave.

A truly heartfelt, radiant read that left me full of warmth and already longing for my next visit to Sandycove.
Profile Image for K McKenzie.
269 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 18, 2026
I have thoroughly enjoyed every Sian O’Gorman book I’ve read, this one absolutely included. She has such a deft way of sketching characters and capturing them and their relationships in an entirely believable way. And sometimes we all just need to escape to a happy ending. In this one, Rosie feels stuck taking care of the family business when she runs into Patrick again, ten years after he changed her life and then left the country. They both have to work through family dynamics and their own patterns and expectations as they try to see if the future might be any different. All of it is marked with humor and a keen understanding of how humans really act. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
Profile Image for Barb Graham.
430 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 22, 2026
Rosie, her sister Nessie and dad Teddy are reeling from the death of their mother. Rosie throws herself into managing the hotel that was her mother's dream. When her love Patrick is off to Boston after school, he asks her to come with him, and she refuses because she "can't leave." When he suddenly breaks up with her at the airport, she is devastated and pulls even more into herself. Years later Patrick comes home to Ireland for his brother Sean's wedding which happens to be at the hotel that Rosie runs. Will this be a chance to begin again?
This was a very sweet story of possibilities, second chances and love. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
104 reviews
March 17, 2026
Rosie runs her mums boutique hotel, along with her dad, sister and a great team.
Grace convinces Rosie to host a their first wedding to a couple who got engaged there a year ago.
It’s the hottest Irish summer, everything is going well then Rosie spots Patrick, a guy she had a relationship with 10 years ago and he just upped and left. He just happens to be the grooms brother and has flown in from Boston. Can they find love again, will Rosie’s aunt stop the love, will the wedding go off with out a hitch?
I really enjoyed this book, lots of funny moments, and some unexpected twists.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
278 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2026
Irish Delight

Ms. O'Gorman has written a beautiful story of love--love for others, love of family and love of place. Rosie and Patrick share one magical summertogeter, falling in love. But when Patrick moves to Boston, Rosie is asked to choose between her mother's hotel in a Dublin suburb or joining him, she chooses home and family. The majority of the story takes place 10 years later during the hotel's first wedding. This is also a story of young adults trying to find who they are and what they want from life. The big question the book asks is this: what would you do if the love of yout life was leaving in 2 days, and you will have to say good-bye for the very last time? Makes engaging reading,
Profile Image for Lee-Ann27.reads.
438 reviews
May 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Sandy has taken over her late mother's Sandy Cove Hotel and she wants to make her late mom proud. When a request is made to host their very first wedding at Sandy Cove, Rosie is hesitant. After thinking about it she decides to go ahead with the wedding and is assured that everything will go smoothly and there will be nothing to work about. That is until she sees Patrick her long lost love who walked out of her life a decade ago and broke her heart. This was a quick cute read and it was a nice change from my normal everyday genre.....Enjoy!!!
363 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2026
I almost didn’t finish this. Kinda boring. Very predictable and annoying really at how they pined for each other but neither wanted to move. This guy and girl meet in their 20’s one summer and fall in love in Scotland. She won’t leave because she has a hotel her Mom used to run to take care of. He is heading off to the USA in Boston. He opens a restaurant. He’s got daddy issues. His brother books a wedding at the girl’s hotel so he comes back home to attend. Of course they reconnect and he again asks her to move to Boston to be with him. She says no again. But as predicted changes her mind at the last minute. I wouldn’t waste your time with this one.
Profile Image for Shannon.
578 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2026
Sweet but tough story about Rosie and all she's lost while trying to hold onto what she has.
She lost her mother and someone who had her heart. She now runs the families Cliff Top hotel with her dad and sister. She feels like she didn't have a choice ones her mom passed away because her mom loved the hotel so much . Plus she sees memories in every corner.
Then Patrick shows up from Boston for his brother's wedding and all the memories of their young days and what they shared come flooding back.
She has very mixed feeling about Patrick as does he for Rosie. There are of course many experiences over the course of the wedding festivities that bring them together and many other's where they are setup by others to be together. A lot of soul searching by them and conversations leads to a very satisfying end that will make you smile.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,560 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2026
Rosie was madly in love with Patrick but he moved to Boston breaking up with her at the airport.
Rose takes over the family hotel after her mother died making lots of improvement.
Over a decade later she was persuaded to hold her first wedding there.
Patrick arrives at the hotel for his brother's wedding not knowing where it was being held.
Patrick tries to tell Rose why he left her behind and all secrets and feelings are revealed.
A good read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review
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