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Paper Heart
From the bestselling author of PS I Love You comes a story of finding yourself – and finding your way home.Pip’s world is small. But it’s about to become a whole lot bigger.
For years she’s tucked away her dreams, shrinking herself into the space left behind – like the delicate origami she creates alone in her room.
Then hope comes from an unlikely an astronomer from the local observatory. He teaches her to look up at the stars, and to see a world far bigger and more beautiful than she ever imagined.
And perhaps in that big, beautiful universe there’s someone waiting for her. If she can find the courage to open her heart.
Pip never stopped dreaming, but now it’s time for her to live – and maybe even to fall in love.
'A lovely, transportive, deeply felt story. My heart grows a bit bigger each time I read a Cecelia Ahern book' Karin Slaughter
'An immersive, sometimes heartbreaking, yet ultimately uplifting rollercoaster read. Her best yet' Patricia Scanlan
'Cecelia Ahern brings you the story you need most, exactly when you need it, and this is a must read. Beautiful, heart wrenching, a soaring triumph of a book' Sam Blake
For years she’s tucked away her dreams, shrinking herself into the space left behind – like the delicate origami she creates alone in her room.
Then hope comes from an unlikely an astronomer from the local observatory. He teaches her to look up at the stars, and to see a world far bigger and more beautiful than she ever imagined.
And perhaps in that big, beautiful universe there’s someone waiting for her. If she can find the courage to open her heart.
Pip never stopped dreaming, but now it’s time for her to live – and maybe even to fall in love.
'A lovely, transportive, deeply felt story. My heart grows a bit bigger each time I read a Cecelia Ahern book' Karin Slaughter
'An immersive, sometimes heartbreaking, yet ultimately uplifting rollercoaster read. Her best yet' Patricia Scanlan
'Cecelia Ahern brings you the story you need most, exactly when you need it, and this is a must read. Beautiful, heart wrenching, a soaring triumph of a book' Sam Blake
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2025
184 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Ahern
98 books19.4k followersCecelia Ahern was born and grew up in Dublin. She is now published in nearly fifty countries, and has sold over twenty-five million copies of her novels worldwide. Two of her books have been adapted as films and she has created several TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
August 20, 2025
'Origami girl/ Has an origami heart/ She folds it/ And folds it again/ Disguising it/ As a triangle/ Makes it so small/ No one can see it/ Or find it...'
Pip is a 32 year old single mother who lives at home and makes sandwiches at the local gas station. Life is pretty ordinary, '...consistent as a drip from a leaky tap...'. It wasn't always like this. She used to be in love, she used to have dreams, but when she fell pregnant, the shame and humiliation she was made to feel, the forced separation from her boyfriend and daughter's father, the continued erosion of her confidence by her narcissistic mother left her feeling very, very small. Daily, 'Her pen finds words she can't say out loud, her fingers find the shapes, the shapes form feelings she can't express in any other way'. She is an origami girl. However, after she meets a newcomer to town and bumps into her old boyfriend, Pip starts to wonder what might happen if she dares to unfold her heart again, if she dares to live her life off the pages she fills each night.
I enjoyed reading about Pip's paper heart and her journey of self-discovery. I particularly enjoyed the emotive writing in the first half of the book. Although I avidly cheered Pip on in becoming more assertive and confident, towards the end of the book, I felt it became slightly fantastical and lost some of the story's lyrical rhythm. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book and I'll continue to read whatever Cecelia Ahern writes.
Pip is a 32 year old single mother who lives at home and makes sandwiches at the local gas station. Life is pretty ordinary, '...consistent as a drip from a leaky tap...'. It wasn't always like this. She used to be in love, she used to have dreams, but when she fell pregnant, the shame and humiliation she was made to feel, the forced separation from her boyfriend and daughter's father, the continued erosion of her confidence by her narcissistic mother left her feeling very, very small. Daily, 'Her pen finds words she can't say out loud, her fingers find the shapes, the shapes form feelings she can't express in any other way'. She is an origami girl. However, after she meets a newcomer to town and bumps into her old boyfriend, Pip starts to wonder what might happen if she dares to unfold her heart again, if she dares to live her life off the pages she fills each night.
I enjoyed reading about Pip's paper heart and her journey of self-discovery. I particularly enjoyed the emotive writing in the first half of the book. Although I avidly cheered Pip on in becoming more assertive and confident, towards the end of the book, I felt it became slightly fantastical and lost some of the story's lyrical rhythm. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book and I'll continue to read whatever Cecelia Ahern writes.
October 9, 2025
This was just not working for me, sad with horrible people, stopped at 25%. My second recent fail by the usually good Cecilia Ahern.
August 11, 2025
3.5
This seems to be a return to more of a romance novel than Ahern's last two books, which felt a bit edgier to me. For me, it's not as engaging but you can make your own mind up. Traditional Ahern fans will surely love it although even they may have to suspend their belief for some parts.
Pip is 32 years old, her daughter Bella is 16. However, Pip doesn't run her own show, that's left up to her mother, Josephine and father, Philip, who Pip and Bella live with. Sixteen years ago Pip got pregnant with the love of her life, Jamie, but the families sent Jamie away and Josephine took over the mothering. But things in Ballybeg are changing. Pip is getting tired of being treated like a child; she wants her independence. Will she get it at her dead-end job or will handsome and rich Sammy Wolverson come to her rescue? Just to throw a spanner in the works a new customer with a strange name has appeared and Bella's father is back to support his own family.
Paper Heart is a romance with a story of rural Ireland wrapped around it. Cecelia Ahern does bring up serious issues such as turf cutting, quarrying in rural areas along with violence against women but she handles each sensitively enough.
I'm afraid I found the slightly out of this world element a little forced and the showdown at the end was quite farcical. If you can suspend your disbelief you will love it.
Great for fans of romance and (dare I say it) traditional chick-lit. It would make a great summer or book club read.
Thankyou to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the advance review copy.
This seems to be a return to more of a romance novel than Ahern's last two books, which felt a bit edgier to me. For me, it's not as engaging but you can make your own mind up. Traditional Ahern fans will surely love it although even they may have to suspend their belief for some parts.
Pip is 32 years old, her daughter Bella is 16. However, Pip doesn't run her own show, that's left up to her mother, Josephine and father, Philip, who Pip and Bella live with. Sixteen years ago Pip got pregnant with the love of her life, Jamie, but the families sent Jamie away and Josephine took over the mothering. But things in Ballybeg are changing. Pip is getting tired of being treated like a child; she wants her independence. Will she get it at her dead-end job or will handsome and rich Sammy Wolverson come to her rescue? Just to throw a spanner in the works a new customer with a strange name has appeared and Bella's father is back to support his own family.
Paper Heart is a romance with a story of rural Ireland wrapped around it. Cecelia Ahern does bring up serious issues such as turf cutting, quarrying in rural areas along with violence against women but she handles each sensitively enough.
I'm afraid I found the slightly out of this world element a little forced and the showdown at the end was quite farcical. If you can suspend your disbelief you will love it.
Great for fans of romance and (dare I say it) traditional chick-lit. It would make a great summer or book club read.
Thankyou to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the advance review copy.
October 13, 2025
So true to life it hurt to read.
Yes, there are bullies/manipulators/users/despicable characters (many of them) in this novel but that is life and Ahern captures these awful people so accurately in this story. It does make it uncomfortable to read but imagine having to face these types of people day after day…
The plot and storyline move at a realistic pace and it was easy to like and understand Pip and Bella’s decisions and actions. A complex scenario that does not always unravel as I was expecting- until the very end but that was needed by then.
An excellent writer with an important message in this book.
Yes, there are bullies/manipulators/users/despicable characters (many of them) in this novel but that is life and Ahern captures these awful people so accurately in this story. It does make it uncomfortable to read but imagine having to face these types of people day after day…
The plot and storyline move at a realistic pace and it was easy to like and understand Pip and Bella’s decisions and actions. A complex scenario that does not always unravel as I was expecting- until the very end but that was needed by then.
An excellent writer with an important message in this book.
November 27, 2025
A quietly beautiful, character-driven story of finding oneself through folding and unfolding the layers that are within us and all around us.
‘There are people you can spend a lifetime trying to warm to, and there are those who feel like old friends on a first encounter.’
I appreciated Pip as a main character, with her love for origami and poetry. I found some of her decisions difficult to follow at times, although it did tie into her very insular life, controlling mother and her developing sense of self.
‘She loves to hear about other places.
Because Pip never goes anywhere.’
There were some difficult topics covered in this story, some unexpected revelations, as well as a gentle romance. I really enjoyed the epilogue.
‘There are people you can spend a lifetime trying to warm to, and there are those who feel like old friends on a first encounter.’
I appreciated Pip as a main character, with her love for origami and poetry. I found some of her decisions difficult to follow at times, although it did tie into her very insular life, controlling mother and her developing sense of self.
‘She loves to hear about other places.
Because Pip never goes anywhere.’
There were some difficult topics covered in this story, some unexpected revelations, as well as a gentle romance. I really enjoyed the epilogue.
August 3, 2025
Oh what a beautiful read. I felt all the emotions reading this, sadness, anger, happiness, it made me cry… it was an absolute rollercoaster but wonderful!
I devoured paper heart in two sittings, I was completely into this story and I think a big part of being engrossed was the hope I had for Pip.
Pip hasn’t had an easy life or been able to have a life at all, she’s a young mother but Pip’s own mother, Josephine, has taken everything from Pip, her independence, being a mother to Bella and Josephine controls every aspect of Pip’s life and I couldn’t help but have so much hope for her while reading this.
I adored the origami and the powerful words through poems written throughout the book and how Pip stored these away safely and secretly.
There are some beautiful relationships in this book, old ones and new ones and there are some not so beautiful relationships and I just adored how everything worked out.
Paper heart is definitely one to add to your pre order list, it’s a story about self discovery and resilience and it’s truly wonderful!
There is a stunning copy available on the first UK print run too, this will include a foiled hardback design and instructions to create your own paper heart origami!
I devoured paper heart in two sittings, I was completely into this story and I think a big part of being engrossed was the hope I had for Pip.
Pip hasn’t had an easy life or been able to have a life at all, she’s a young mother but Pip’s own mother, Josephine, has taken everything from Pip, her independence, being a mother to Bella and Josephine controls every aspect of Pip’s life and I couldn’t help but have so much hope for her while reading this.
I adored the origami and the powerful words through poems written throughout the book and how Pip stored these away safely and secretly.
There are some beautiful relationships in this book, old ones and new ones and there are some not so beautiful relationships and I just adored how everything worked out.
Paper heart is definitely one to add to your pre order list, it’s a story about self discovery and resilience and it’s truly wonderful!
There is a stunning copy available on the first UK print run too, this will include a foiled hardback design and instructions to create your own paper heart origami!
July 18, 2025
After not enjoying Cecelia Ahern’s release last year, I’m happy to say that her latest novel is a hit, Paper Heart is a heartfelt and engaging read that I truly enjoyed.
The story follows Pip, a thirty-two-year-old woman with a sixteen-year-old daughter, still living with her parents and working a low-income job. She’s shy, lacks agency, and is heavily influenced by her parents. Her one personal joy is making origami, something that feels entirely her own. The novel is a slow-burn journey of self-discovery, as Pip gradually begins to reclaim her life, confidence, and independence.
Pip’s character arc is particularly strong. While it was often frustrating to watch her make poor decisions, or have decisions made for her, I found it incredibly rewarding to see her grow and gain self-assurance. The addition of Io, with his love of astronomy, brought a refreshing energy to the story and reminded me of the charm found in Ahern’s earlier works. One character I couldn’t stand was Sammy—easily one of the most infuriating characters I’ve encountered this year. But my strong reaction only speaks to Ahern’s powerful character writing.
A small note that didn’t affect my rating: I think it’s time for Ahern to move away from the recurring “terrible mother” trope. The overuse of strained mother-daughter relationships across her novels is starting to feel a bit tired.
That said, I’m still eagerly anticipating her next book. Cecelia Ahern remains an author I’ll always want to read.
The story follows Pip, a thirty-two-year-old woman with a sixteen-year-old daughter, still living with her parents and working a low-income job. She’s shy, lacks agency, and is heavily influenced by her parents. Her one personal joy is making origami, something that feels entirely her own. The novel is a slow-burn journey of self-discovery, as Pip gradually begins to reclaim her life, confidence, and independence.
Pip’s character arc is particularly strong. While it was often frustrating to watch her make poor decisions, or have decisions made for her, I found it incredibly rewarding to see her grow and gain self-assurance. The addition of Io, with his love of astronomy, brought a refreshing energy to the story and reminded me of the charm found in Ahern’s earlier works. One character I couldn’t stand was Sammy—easily one of the most infuriating characters I’ve encountered this year. But my strong reaction only speaks to Ahern’s powerful character writing.
A small note that didn’t affect my rating: I think it’s time for Ahern to move away from the recurring “terrible mother” trope. The overuse of strained mother-daughter relationships across her novels is starting to feel a bit tired.
That said, I’m still eagerly anticipating her next book. Cecelia Ahern remains an author I’ll always want to read.
October 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, but it felt really rushed at the end, so much of the story felt un concluded.
June 26, 2025
u can’t understand the luck i’m feeling while writing this review about paper heart by cecelia ahern because recently i read my very first book by her and i had enjoyed myself in a very unique way that made me curios about her other books and guess what? i happened to find out that paper out’s was going to be released soon and so i wanted try my luck and hoping to read it during these days and now here i am writing about it!
“origami girl hides inside herself she tucks and folds a pith in her peel she expresses with shapes touches with corners feels with a concealed pleated heart she whispers in ink”
so we met pip (our origami girl) a strong woman that happens to feel very small thanks to the situation and people she has near unfortunately :( she’s a woman but she’s also a mother of a young girl bella and the father our jamie’s not with them but due to new things happened in the small town she lives our jamie will return back and well everything will change and not only because of this fact but especially also thanks to pip because our female main character’s finally standing up for herself and her beloved and i honestly I couldn’t be more happier and proud for her because reading this story gifted me a lot of different emotions from being angry to being extremely emotional and proud in fact i shouldn’t hide the fact that i exclaimed more than once while reading the words: “that’s my girl” “yes. pip.”
this is the type of story that i would advice to read it just like that because it will surprise you and trust me because i truly was so just go for it and especially if you are in the mood for a complex story about a girl that discover herself again through her love and passion and well it made me feel more curious about cecelia ahern previous and future stories :”)
a lot of thanks to HarperCollins Uk, HarperFiction and Netgalley for the e-arc of this lighthearted story in exchange for my honest opinion!
“origami girl hides inside herself she tucks and folds a pith in her peel she expresses with shapes touches with corners feels with a concealed pleated heart she whispers in ink”
so we met pip (our origami girl) a strong woman that happens to feel very small thanks to the situation and people she has near unfortunately :( she’s a woman but she’s also a mother of a young girl bella and the father our jamie’s not with them but due to new things happened in the small town she lives our jamie will return back and well everything will change and not only because of this fact but especially also thanks to pip because our female main character’s finally standing up for herself and her beloved and i honestly I couldn’t be more happier and proud for her because reading this story gifted me a lot of different emotions from being angry to being extremely emotional and proud in fact i shouldn’t hide the fact that i exclaimed more than once while reading the words: “that’s my girl” “yes. pip.”
this is the type of story that i would advice to read it just like that because it will surprise you and trust me because i truly was so just go for it and especially if you are in the mood for a complex story about a girl that discover herself again through her love and passion and well it made me feel more curious about cecelia ahern previous and future stories :”)
a lot of thanks to HarperCollins Uk, HarperFiction and Netgalley for the e-arc of this lighthearted story in exchange for my honest opinion!
July 30, 2025
I enjoyed this but didn't feel it was the best that I have read by this author. I really couldn't take to Pip at all at the beginning - she got better as she started to find her backbone but she so annoyed me at the start! (Perhaps that was the author's idea?!). I'm not sure if this was why I didn't really feel invested in this story - yes, there was improvement as it went on, but I still feel it was a bit underwhelming in my opinion.
August 30, 2025
Paper Heart
By Cecelia Ahern
Published by HarperCollins Publishers
From the bestselling author of Into the Storm and PS I Love You comes a heart-warming, beautiful tale of unexpected new beginnings for the main character Pip.
Pip’s world is small. After having her baby at sixteen years old, her life and her dreams have been crushed by her parents. Embarrassed by the pregnancy, they do everything, bringing the baby up as their own, leaving Pip drifting alongside. Whilst her teenage sweetheart and father of the baby is shipped off to Liverpool.
So through her heartbreak and loss, Pip creates beautiful poetry within delicate origami alone in her room.
Until she meets Io - an astronomer from the local observatory. He teaches her to look up at the stars, and to see a world far bigger and more beautiful than she ever imagined.
Who would have thought that an inspiring astronomer could make such a difference to the life of a shy and quiet origami enthusiast?
Now her daughter Bella is sixteen and wants her freedom too. No longer happy being dictated to by her grandparents, she schemes for a teenage lifestyle. But all is not fair in love. And so Pip begins to see who cares and If only she can find the courage to open up her heart she may be able to fall in love again.
A beautifully written story of heartbreak, lost opportunities and bravery to open your eyes and your heart and give life a chance to start again.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
By Cecelia Ahern
Published by HarperCollins Publishers
From the bestselling author of Into the Storm and PS I Love You comes a heart-warming, beautiful tale of unexpected new beginnings for the main character Pip.
Pip’s world is small. After having her baby at sixteen years old, her life and her dreams have been crushed by her parents. Embarrassed by the pregnancy, they do everything, bringing the baby up as their own, leaving Pip drifting alongside. Whilst her teenage sweetheart and father of the baby is shipped off to Liverpool.
So through her heartbreak and loss, Pip creates beautiful poetry within delicate origami alone in her room.
Until she meets Io - an astronomer from the local observatory. He teaches her to look up at the stars, and to see a world far bigger and more beautiful than she ever imagined.
Who would have thought that an inspiring astronomer could make such a difference to the life of a shy and quiet origami enthusiast?
Now her daughter Bella is sixteen and wants her freedom too. No longer happy being dictated to by her grandparents, she schemes for a teenage lifestyle. But all is not fair in love. And so Pip begins to see who cares and If only she can find the courage to open up her heart she may be able to fall in love again.
A beautifully written story of heartbreak, lost opportunities and bravery to open your eyes and your heart and give life a chance to start again.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
November 29, 2025
"Pip, when are you going to put yourself first?"
Paper Heart is a meaningful crafted novel that follows Pip, a 32-year-old single mother who has spent years living under the weight of expectations after becoming pregnant at sixteen. Still living with her parents and working at a local gas station, her life seems ordinary, yet internally, she has long felt overlooked and confined.
Everything begins to change when two people enter her life: Io, a kind stranger who opens her eyes to a world beyond the limitations she has accepted, and Bella’s father, who returns with a genuine desire to reconnect. Through these encounters, Pip gradually starts to reclaim her voice, set meaningful boundaries, and rediscover the dreams she once lost.
This book isn’t fast-paced, and it took me some time to finish because of the slower pacing. However, what kept me turning the pages was Ahern’s beautiful writing and the emotional growth seen in Pip. Cecelia Ahern portrays Pip’s transformation with warmth, empathy, and remarkable sensitivity. Her journey from silence to self-worth is quietly powerful and deeply moving.
Paper Heart is ultimately a story about second chances, personal growth, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. It's gratifying to read. And I love the epilogue!
Thank you, Times Reads, for the review copy! 🫶🏻
Paper Heart is a meaningful crafted novel that follows Pip, a 32-year-old single mother who has spent years living under the weight of expectations after becoming pregnant at sixteen. Still living with her parents and working at a local gas station, her life seems ordinary, yet internally, she has long felt overlooked and confined.
Everything begins to change when two people enter her life: Io, a kind stranger who opens her eyes to a world beyond the limitations she has accepted, and Bella’s father, who returns with a genuine desire to reconnect. Through these encounters, Pip gradually starts to reclaim her voice, set meaningful boundaries, and rediscover the dreams she once lost.
This book isn’t fast-paced, and it took me some time to finish because of the slower pacing. However, what kept me turning the pages was Ahern’s beautiful writing and the emotional growth seen in Pip. Cecelia Ahern portrays Pip’s transformation with warmth, empathy, and remarkable sensitivity. Her journey from silence to self-worth is quietly powerful and deeply moving.
Paper Heart is ultimately a story about second chances, personal growth, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. It's gratifying to read. And I love the epilogue!
Thank you, Times Reads, for the review copy! 🫶🏻
November 7, 2025
32-year-old Pip still lives at home with her parents. Pip had a daughter Bella at the age of 16 her parents have brought her up and Pip has felt stifle and isolated. Her and Bella‘s father Jamie were young and in love determined to make the best of it, however their parents had other ideas Keeping them apart for over 16 years.
In this story, we follow pip as she slowly comes back to life and breaks free from her parents hold becoming the mother that she has always wanted to be
I really enjoyed reading this story getting to know Pip and understanding how she felt as a young mum and the years that followed how she couldn’t break free. Until one day she meets a stranger IO who gives her the courage to start doing things more on her own. He takes a flying he gives her driving lessons. He gives her the courage she needs then is Jamie the father of her 16-year-old daughter they have been separated for 16 years he was sent to Liverpool. He has recently returned and wants to be the father. He was never allowed to be
Whilst I did enjoy this story, I did feel that the ending was rushed. There was never any clarification about what was going on at the airfield and I almost felt that story needed to be told I needed more.
In this story, we follow pip as she slowly comes back to life and breaks free from her parents hold becoming the mother that she has always wanted to be
I really enjoyed reading this story getting to know Pip and understanding how she felt as a young mum and the years that followed how she couldn’t break free. Until one day she meets a stranger IO who gives her the courage to start doing things more on her own. He takes a flying he gives her driving lessons. He gives her the courage she needs then is Jamie the father of her 16-year-old daughter they have been separated for 16 years he was sent to Liverpool. He has recently returned and wants to be the father. He was never allowed to be
Whilst I did enjoy this story, I did feel that the ending was rushed. There was never any clarification about what was going on at the airfield and I almost felt that story needed to be told I needed more.
August 8, 2025
A beautifully crafted story about a woman trapped in a situation, and how she finally breaks free.
Pip is a 32-year-old woman who still lives at home with her parents and 16-year-old daughter, Bella.
She has spent the last 16 years living a life filled with guilt at having fallen pregnant so young, conforming to all the ideals her parents wish to portray.
Her only saving grace, besides her beautiful daughter, is her passion for art, origami and poetry, which she keeps hidden from everyone.
Many threads run through this tale, but a strong one is shame, as Pip's mother has never really got over her child having a baby so young. Then there is control, where Pip has spent most of her adult life relying on her mother and father, as they have never fostered a sense of independence in her, and how a local wealthy family holds power over the family, as well as regret, stemming from Pip's non-existent mother-daughter relationship with Bella.
I don't want to regurgitate the story, but it comes full circle, and it is a joy to see Pip finally grow a backbone and begin to live the life she should have been living all these years.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.
Pip is a 32-year-old woman who still lives at home with her parents and 16-year-old daughter, Bella.
She has spent the last 16 years living a life filled with guilt at having fallen pregnant so young, conforming to all the ideals her parents wish to portray.
Her only saving grace, besides her beautiful daughter, is her passion for art, origami and poetry, which she keeps hidden from everyone.
Many threads run through this tale, but a strong one is shame, as Pip's mother has never really got over her child having a baby so young. Then there is control, where Pip has spent most of her adult life relying on her mother and father, as they have never fostered a sense of independence in her, and how a local wealthy family holds power over the family, as well as regret, stemming from Pip's non-existent mother-daughter relationship with Bella.
I don't want to regurgitate the story, but it comes full circle, and it is a joy to see Pip finally grow a backbone and begin to live the life she should have been living all these years.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.
September 27, 2025
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Irish Charm, Sweet Escape, Self Discovery
- - -
PS I Love You is one of my all time favourite book to movie adaptations, so when HarperCollins sent me Cecelia Ahern’s latest book Paper Heart, I felt very spoilt.
Romance isn’t my usual go to genre, but I love diving into a sweet story as a palate cleanser between thrillers and this one was exactly that.. warm, heartfelt and easy to sink into.
The Irish setting added just the right amount of charm, the characters felt real and relatable and following the main character Pip’s journey from insecurity to rebuilding her confidence as a woman, daughter and mother gave the story both sweetness and substance. Admittedly, her frustrating decisions made me want to have words with her a few times, but that only shows how invested I was.
Seasoned romance readers may have seen this kind of storyline before, but I felt this book had a special twinkle making it feel fresh and uplifting to me.
A big thank you to HarperCollins for sharing a copy of this lovely read with me.
Vibes: Irish Charm, Sweet Escape, Self Discovery
- - -
PS I Love You is one of my all time favourite book to movie adaptations, so when HarperCollins sent me Cecelia Ahern’s latest book Paper Heart, I felt very spoilt.
Romance isn’t my usual go to genre, but I love diving into a sweet story as a palate cleanser between thrillers and this one was exactly that.. warm, heartfelt and easy to sink into.
The Irish setting added just the right amount of charm, the characters felt real and relatable and following the main character Pip’s journey from insecurity to rebuilding her confidence as a woman, daughter and mother gave the story both sweetness and substance. Admittedly, her frustrating decisions made me want to have words with her a few times, but that only shows how invested I was.
Seasoned romance readers may have seen this kind of storyline before, but I felt this book had a special twinkle making it feel fresh and uplifting to me.
A big thank you to HarperCollins for sharing a copy of this lovely read with me.
May 3, 2025
I've loved all of Cecilia Ahern's books, some more than others. Her debut P.S I love you has always been my favourite, but this will be a close second.
Pip is a Mum to Bella, but you wouldn't know it. Josephine, Pip's Mum, took over that job when Pip became pregnant aged 16. Bella, now 16, has never called Pip Mam. Josephine has seen to it that it's her Bella sees as Mum, not her disgraceful daughter.
Poor Pip. I felt so sad for her. Everything was taken from her and her awful mother controls every aspect of her life.
Then Jamie, the boy that was sent away aged 16, the father to Bella and love of her life comes back into Pips life.
I'm not going to give anything away, but this is a book about families, hopes, and dreams. Will Pip finally break free and become a woman she deserves to be?
There's also a little twist at the end that I really didn't expect.
A brilliant book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Pip is a Mum to Bella, but you wouldn't know it. Josephine, Pip's Mum, took over that job when Pip became pregnant aged 16. Bella, now 16, has never called Pip Mam. Josephine has seen to it that it's her Bella sees as Mum, not her disgraceful daughter.
Poor Pip. I felt so sad for her. Everything was taken from her and her awful mother controls every aspect of her life.
Then Jamie, the boy that was sent away aged 16, the father to Bella and love of her life comes back into Pips life.
I'm not going to give anything away, but this is a book about families, hopes, and dreams. Will Pip finally break free and become a woman she deserves to be?
There's also a little twist at the end that I really didn't expect.
A brilliant book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
May 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC and I’m so glad I did.
The majority of this book was both achingly sad and encouraging. A group of gorgeous characters to love and love to hate.
It’s hard to say too much without giving spoilers, but I was so glad for the ending, well deserved and lovely.
Pip and Jamie broke my heart in a million different ways and I just wanted to give them the world… or whatever else there is in the universe 👀
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC and I’m so glad I did.
The majority of this book was both achingly sad and encouraging. A group of gorgeous characters to love and love to hate.
It’s hard to say too much without giving spoilers, but I was so glad for the ending, well deserved and lovely.
Pip and Jamie broke my heart in a million different ways and I just wanted to give them the world… or whatever else there is in the universe 👀
October 7, 2025
Paper Heart
Cecelia Ahern
One small change, everyday.
Awww I loved this one. Had so much heart.
From the bestselling author of PS I Love You, comes a story of finding yourself - and your way home.
‘She can identify with Io now, having to wait. Waiting for a signal from a distant star, is like waiting for a phone call from Jamie. When will he contact her? When is he going to make his move? What is his plan?’
Pip’s world is small. But it’s about to become a whole lot bigger. For years, she’s shrunk herself and hidden away, just like the delicate origami she creates.
‘I'm learning a lot on this trip, about myself, and I know now that happiness isn't a destination. It's not about leaving something or somewhere to find it, it's not at the end of something. Not in a car, or a pair of shoes.'
'Or in your job?" she asks.
'Or in my job. My happiness is the pursuit. It's the journey, it's in the discovering, the learning, the listening, the following, the trying, the hoping. The take-off, the flying and the landing?
"The waiting?'
'Especially in waiting. Like this, with you. The people you meet, the friends you make along the way. Maybe it shouldn't be about the signal, maybe it should be more about what you do when you're waiting?'
Then comes hope from an unlikely place; an astronomer from the local observatory. He teaches her to look up at the stars, and to see a world far bigger and more beautiful than she ever imagined.
"Remember to look up at the stars, and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up."
Pip never stopped dreaming, but now it’s time for her to live - and maybe even to fall in love.
'But it's not a date. It's . ... business.'
Bella's eyes widen. 'Are you a prostitute now?'
Cecelia Ahern
One small change, everyday.
Awww I loved this one. Had so much heart.
From the bestselling author of PS I Love You, comes a story of finding yourself - and your way home.
‘She can identify with Io now, having to wait. Waiting for a signal from a distant star, is like waiting for a phone call from Jamie. When will he contact her? When is he going to make his move? What is his plan?’
Pip’s world is small. But it’s about to become a whole lot bigger. For years, she’s shrunk herself and hidden away, just like the delicate origami she creates.
‘I'm learning a lot on this trip, about myself, and I know now that happiness isn't a destination. It's not about leaving something or somewhere to find it, it's not at the end of something. Not in a car, or a pair of shoes.'
'Or in your job?" she asks.
'Or in my job. My happiness is the pursuit. It's the journey, it's in the discovering, the learning, the listening, the following, the trying, the hoping. The take-off, the flying and the landing?
"The waiting?'
'Especially in waiting. Like this, with you. The people you meet, the friends you make along the way. Maybe it shouldn't be about the signal, maybe it should be more about what you do when you're waiting?'
Then comes hope from an unlikely place; an astronomer from the local observatory. He teaches her to look up at the stars, and to see a world far bigger and more beautiful than she ever imagined.
"Remember to look up at the stars, and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up."
Pip never stopped dreaming, but now it’s time for her to live - and maybe even to fall in love.
'But it's not a date. It's . ... business.'
Bella's eyes widen. 'Are you a prostitute now?'
October 28, 2025
It's not the usual book i read, but it intrigued me quite a bit, especially as a lover of origami.
This story was so heartbreaking, I just felt so awful for poor Pip, she didnt deserve any of what happened. But it's a beautiful story of taking back your life and making it how you want it to be. Stepping up for yourself and not letting your dreams die. The ending was so beautiful. Just honestly, an all-around incredible book, I couldn't put it down!
This story was so heartbreaking, I just felt so awful for poor Pip, she didnt deserve any of what happened. But it's a beautiful story of taking back your life and making it how you want it to be. Stepping up for yourself and not letting your dreams die. The ending was so beautiful. Just honestly, an all-around incredible book, I couldn't put it down!
May 7, 2025
Pip is still living at home with her parents and her sixteen year old daughter.
A slow moving story about family life.
I enjoyed parts of this story but I found it sad and depressing at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction. for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A slow moving story about family life.
I enjoyed parts of this story but I found it sad and depressing at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction. for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
This has been a return to what Ahern’s books used to be like. There always used to be some element of magic in her first couple of books and I loved it. Lately her stories have been grittier and slower and I gotta say, rather unenjoyable. This one has bought back some of the magic, and I really enjoyed seeing Pip learn to stand up for herself and what she wanted.
September 9, 2025
This book took me a little while to get into, the origami girl I found a bit strange. However, once I was into it, I was sucked in, and I was team Pip all of the way.
I was really rooting for her, the character development was just right.
Its probably not my favourite books by this author, but I still really liked it.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was really rooting for her, the character development was just right.
Its probably not my favourite books by this author, but I still really liked it.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
Loved it! The first 100 pages could be a little slow. After that it picks up and without you realising you are done with the book. Like the themes explored: complicated mother-daughter relationship, teenage pregnancy, environmental concerns. Also reminded me a little of Gilmore Girls. Full review soon.
August 24, 2025
3.75🌟. Thank you so much to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. After not loving the last novel I read by Cecilia Ahern I was very happy to have been thoroughly sucked into this storyline!
Many times throughout the book I was so engaged by Josephine and repulsed by Sammy - it’s been a while since I felt such strong hatred toward characters! But this all nods to Ahern’s excellent writing and character building.
While a times aspects of the story were a little far fetched, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading and look forward to the next book she produces!
Many times throughout the book I was so engaged by Josephine and repulsed by Sammy - it’s been a while since I felt such strong hatred toward characters! But this all nods to Ahern’s excellent writing and character building.
While a times aspects of the story were a little far fetched, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading and look forward to the next book she produces!
September 6, 2025
I felt like this book the paper heart it took me well over halfway to get into the book but once I got into the book I really enjoyed it. Is it the best book I’ve ever read? No did I enjoy it yes 🦋
November 4, 2025
I’m a big fan of Cecilia Ahern and have read all of her books. Pip, the main character grows so much in this story. I love the origami, poetry, art, and space connections.
December 7, 2025
Paper Heart is the kind of story you pick up when you want to feel everything. It’s emotional, raw, and quietly powerful. A journey of resilience, identity, and family roots, told through the delicate art of origami and poetry. Pip, thirty-two, is living under her mother’s controlling shadow while raising her sixteen-year-old daughter, Bella. She’s still carrying the weight of a teenage pregnancy that changed her life, and the paper figures she folds, containing little poems are reflections of her heartbreak, hope, and slow transformation.
Set against the misty, green backdrop of rural Ireland, the story blended tradition, pride, shame, and the quiet strength of community with deeper issues like environmental damage and gender-based violence. It unfolded gently, revealing its layers with patience and care. Pip’s friendship with Io, a newcomer at the local observatory, became a turning point and invitation to find strength within herself instead of waiting for someone else to hand it to her. The title metaphor says it all: a paper heart, once crumpled, never fully smooths out again. The creases were like emotional scars from gaslighting and bullying and they never really faded. But there was beauty in that imperfection, a reminder that that compassion, courage, and healthy boundaries can heal more deeply than apologies can, and sometimes, cutting ties with those closest to you is the most loving thing to do for yourself.
As Pip peeled away her layers, she confronted painful truths about herself, her past and how her mother was more focused on saving her own dignity, which left Pip feeling unloved and unmothered: “You could have taught me how to be a mother. Learned from your own mistakes and passed the lesson on to me. But instead, you tried to take that from me too”. There was raw emotion, heartbreak, and hope, where strength emerged from vulnerability to face inner scars, shed old fears, and craft a brave new chapter rooted in self-love and authenticity.
Set against the misty, green backdrop of rural Ireland, the story blended tradition, pride, shame, and the quiet strength of community with deeper issues like environmental damage and gender-based violence. It unfolded gently, revealing its layers with patience and care. Pip’s friendship with Io, a newcomer at the local observatory, became a turning point and invitation to find strength within herself instead of waiting for someone else to hand it to her. The title metaphor says it all: a paper heart, once crumpled, never fully smooths out again. The creases were like emotional scars from gaslighting and bullying and they never really faded. But there was beauty in that imperfection, a reminder that that compassion, courage, and healthy boundaries can heal more deeply than apologies can, and sometimes, cutting ties with those closest to you is the most loving thing to do for yourself.
As Pip peeled away her layers, she confronted painful truths about herself, her past and how her mother was more focused on saving her own dignity, which left Pip feeling unloved and unmothered: “You could have taught me how to be a mother. Learned from your own mistakes and passed the lesson on to me. But instead, you tried to take that from me too”. There was raw emotion, heartbreak, and hope, where strength emerged from vulnerability to face inner scars, shed old fears, and craft a brave new chapter rooted in self-love and authenticity.
September 26, 2025
What a beautifully written story! This has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year.
The main character, Pip, has spent most of her life under the oppressive influence of her narcissistic mother, who constantly undermines her self-worth and dreams. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Pip is ready to break free from this painful dynamic and step out of her protective shell.
Amid a whirlwind of life-changing events—from unexpected friendships to moments of self-discovery—her determination and courage to confront her mother start to blossom. But the question remains: will her newfound strength and willpower be enough to reclaim her life and pursue her aspirations?
Reading this book was a truly moving experience. I felt a deep connection to Pip's struggles, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she fought to find her voice and seek the happiness she truly deserves.
I wholeheartedly recommend this warm and inspiring novel to anyone looking for a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. It’s a story that lingers long after you turn the final page.
The main character, Pip, has spent most of her life under the oppressive influence of her narcissistic mother, who constantly undermines her self-worth and dreams. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Pip is ready to break free from this painful dynamic and step out of her protective shell.
Amid a whirlwind of life-changing events—from unexpected friendships to moments of self-discovery—her determination and courage to confront her mother start to blossom. But the question remains: will her newfound strength and willpower be enough to reclaim her life and pursue her aspirations?
Reading this book was a truly moving experience. I felt a deep connection to Pip's struggles, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she fought to find her voice and seek the happiness she truly deserves.
I wholeheartedly recommend this warm and inspiring novel to anyone looking for a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. It’s a story that lingers long after you turn the final page.
October 9, 2025
Paper Heart is one of those rare books that doesn’t just tell a story, it quietly reaches into your soul and exposes the fragile truths you often hide from yourself. Reading it, I felt as though the author had taken my unspoken fears and desires and laid them bare on the page. I have always struggled with expressing my thoughts freely, opening up, letting someone in, being vulnerable. These are things I deeply desire, but there’s a vast difference between imagining them and truly living them.
What Paper Heart does so beautifully is remind us that vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s a form of strength that binds us to others in ways silence never can. The protagonist feels achingly human, stumbling through the same insecurities, doubts and longings that many of us keep buried. The prose is gentle yet piercing. It broke me apart in moments and healed me in others and left me with the quiet but powerful belief that the universe might hold more for us, if only we find the courage to reach for it.
This book isn’t just something you read, it’s something you feel. Paper Heart became a mirror, reflecting both my wounds and the possibility of their healing. It’s an unforgettable, tender and soul-stirring experience that I'll cherish forever.
What Paper Heart does so beautifully is remind us that vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s a form of strength that binds us to others in ways silence never can. The protagonist feels achingly human, stumbling through the same insecurities, doubts and longings that many of us keep buried. The prose is gentle yet piercing. It broke me apart in moments and healed me in others and left me with the quiet but powerful belief that the universe might hold more for us, if only we find the courage to reach for it.
This book isn’t just something you read, it’s something you feel. Paper Heart became a mirror, reflecting both my wounds and the possibility of their healing. It’s an unforgettable, tender and soul-stirring experience that I'll cherish forever.
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