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Lola Quinlan #3
When Sullivan Met Lola
Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she's not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she's flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They think she's in search of distraction and entertainment. The truth is, she's chasing an elusive dream.
Sullivan Farrington is twelve years old. His life in Melbourne has turned upside down. His mother is in hospital, hiding a secret. His father lives on the other side of the world. School is a battleground. But Sullivan is no ordinary boy. He's set himself a series of goals to turn his life around.
In a hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, Lola and Sullivan meet. When Lola's fierce passion for people and stories teams up with Sullivan's curiosity and brilliance, they discover that a friendship can bloom - magically - just when it is needed most.
What they don't know yet is the wonder that's about to unfold - or the emotional reckoning that will follow.
From one of Australia's most beloved authors comes an inspiring and heartwarming story that celebrates all that makes life worth living and the extraordinary power of everyday acts of kindness.
Sullivan Farrington is twelve years old. His life in Melbourne has turned upside down. His mother is in hospital, hiding a secret. His father lives on the other side of the world. School is a battleground. But Sullivan is no ordinary boy. He's set himself a series of goals to turn his life around.
In a hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, Lola and Sullivan meet. When Lola's fierce passion for people and stories teams up with Sullivan's curiosity and brilliance, they discover that a friendship can bloom - magically - just when it is needed most.
What they don't know yet is the wonder that's about to unfold - or the emotional reckoning that will follow.
From one of Australia's most beloved authors comes an inspiring and heartwarming story that celebrates all that makes life worth living and the extraordinary power of everyday acts of kindness.
- GenresFictionContemporary
Audible Audio
First published September 29, 2026
About the author
Monica McInerney
32 books1,180 followerswww.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
instagram.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, was published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Her new novel, When Sullivan Met Lola, will be published in Australia/New Zealand on 29 September, 2026.
Monica, 61, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For more than thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They currently live in Dublin.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
facebook.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
instagram.com/monicamcinerneyauthor
Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, was published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Her new novel, When Sullivan Met Lola, will be published in Australia/New Zealand on 29 September, 2026.
Monica, 61, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For more than thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They currently live in Dublin.
Visit her website at www.monicamcinerney.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 23, 2026
Clare, South Australia. Lola Quinlan is feeling her eighty-six years, she has a few things she plans to do before she meets her maker, and she wants to travel to Melbourne for a week. Her son Jim and granddaughters Bett and Carrie don’t think she should go on her own and Lola’s adamant she will be fine.
Lola just makes to the luxury hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, but it does knock the stuffing out of her and she’s worried how she’s going to visit the places from a special time in her life and over fifty years ago?
Melbourne, Victoria. Sullivan Farrington is twelve, his parents are divorced and his dad now lives in Scotland. After Sullivan’s mum suffers a medical emergency, Eliza Miller offers to be his temporary guardian and her boyfriend Lawrence Greene runs the hotel. This is how Lola and Sullivan meet, both like to talk and have common interests, and they decide to help each other accomplish their plans.
I received a copy of When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney from Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Despite not reading The Alphabet Sisters I had no trouble working out the members of the Quinlan family and piecing the backstory together. I really liked the following characters in the narrative and how they all interacted with each other, Lola, Margaret, Sullivan, Lisa, Eliza, Lawrence and Frankie.
It covers serious topics such as aging and the medical problems older people face and how they fear losing their independence. Divorce, the impact his has on children, smart and quirky kids like Sullivan are bullied and harassed on the way and at school.
The importance of friendship, family, secrets are revealed, goals are achieved and the precious memories of a lost love is revisited. I adored When Sullivan Met Lola, reading it enriched my soul, it makes you think about and understand what’s really important in life, I highly recommend and five stars from me.
Lola just makes to the luxury hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, but it does knock the stuffing out of her and she’s worried how she’s going to visit the places from a special time in her life and over fifty years ago?
Melbourne, Victoria. Sullivan Farrington is twelve, his parents are divorced and his dad now lives in Scotland. After Sullivan’s mum suffers a medical emergency, Eliza Miller offers to be his temporary guardian and her boyfriend Lawrence Greene runs the hotel. This is how Lola and Sullivan meet, both like to talk and have common interests, and they decide to help each other accomplish their plans.
I received a copy of When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney from Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Despite not reading The Alphabet Sisters I had no trouble working out the members of the Quinlan family and piecing the backstory together. I really liked the following characters in the narrative and how they all interacted with each other, Lola, Margaret, Sullivan, Lisa, Eliza, Lawrence and Frankie.
It covers serious topics such as aging and the medical problems older people face and how they fear losing their independence. Divorce, the impact his has on children, smart and quirky kids like Sullivan are bullied and harassed on the way and at school.
The importance of friendship, family, secrets are revealed, goals are achieved and the precious memories of a lost love is revisited. I adored When Sullivan Met Lola, reading it enriched my soul, it makes you think about and understand what’s really important in life, I highly recommend and five stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eighty six year old Lola Quinlan was looking forward to her trip to Melbourne with her granddaughter in a week or so, to see a musical among other things, but when Bett couldn't go - her morning sickness was overwhelming her - Lola decided to go by herself. She stood her ground against her son and granddaughters, and it wasn't long before she was winging her way from Adelaide to Melbourne. Lola and now her son Jim and his wife, had owned B&Bs and hotels; now the years had passed, Jim was carrying on the tradition well.
Staying in a premium hotel beside the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Lola relaxed into the luxury. She met the owner, Lawrence, who assured her he'd make sure she had a fine time. And then Lola met Sullivan Farrington. An extraordinary twelve year old, he told it as it was, was extremely polite and caring, but had some secrets. Being bullied at school was one of them. Sullivan and his mother had just moved to their new apartment when Lisa became unwell and ended up in hospital. Lawrence's partner and Sullivan's good friend Eliza, came to the apartment to make sure Sullivan was alright. Gradually Lola and Sullivan became great friends, as he escorted Lola to the places she wanted to visit. But secrets tend to get found out...
When Sullivan Met Lola was an absolutely delightful novel by Aussie author Monica McInerney and is the 3rd in the Lola Quinlan series. I flew through the pages, loving every minute. The characters are special - Lola and Sullivan (especially Sullivan), along with most of the others. Lola was getting frail, finally admitting she needed help, but she wouldn't go down without a fight. This one will read perfectly as a standalone (I haven't read the first two) and I recommend it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Random House AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
Staying in a premium hotel beside the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Lola relaxed into the luxury. She met the owner, Lawrence, who assured her he'd make sure she had a fine time. And then Lola met Sullivan Farrington. An extraordinary twelve year old, he told it as it was, was extremely polite and caring, but had some secrets. Being bullied at school was one of them. Sullivan and his mother had just moved to their new apartment when Lisa became unwell and ended up in hospital. Lawrence's partner and Sullivan's good friend Eliza, came to the apartment to make sure Sullivan was alright. Gradually Lola and Sullivan became great friends, as he escorted Lola to the places she wanted to visit. But secrets tend to get found out...
When Sullivan Met Lola was an absolutely delightful novel by Aussie author Monica McInerney and is the 3rd in the Lola Quinlan series. I flew through the pages, loving every minute. The characters are special - Lola and Sullivan (especially Sullivan), along with most of the others. Lola was getting frail, finally admitting she needed help, but she wouldn't go down without a fight. This one will read perfectly as a standalone (I haven't read the first two) and I recommend it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Random House AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Sullivan Met Lola is the fourteenth novel by award-winning bestselling Irish/Australian author, Monica McInerney, of which the main protagonists, and several secondary characters, feature in four previous novels. At eighty-six, Lola Quinlan has had a life-altering diagnosis that makes her determined to visit some special places while she still can.
She and granddaughter Bett had plans to travel from Clare in South Australia to see a musical in Melbourne, but Bett’s severe morning sickness results in a need to cancel. Much to her very caring family’s disapproval, Lola goes anyway, extending her stay to see the spots where she and Alex Lombardi fell in love, half a century earlier. But is she really up to doing all that on her own?
Sullivan Farrington is almost thirteen, very smart and a bit different: topping his class in most subjects doesn’t win him any friends, even in his new, supposedly-inclusive, secondary school. He is mercilessly bullied, but keeps that from his mum, Lisa, and spends his breaks in the library: the librarian is kind and helpful with his many inquiries.
When Lisa ends up in hospital for an extended period, it’s his online scrabble friend, Eliza who moves into their flat to look after him. As that coincides with term break, Sullivan asks if he can shadow her boyfriend, Lawrence, who manages the Elm Hotel, for a class project. The small boutique hotel is the one Lola has booked, so naturally, they are bound to meet.
Lola tells her family that the hotel has provided a driver (true) and the perfect companion for her excursions. She just doesn’t tell them how young he is. They hit it off, and Sullivan shows control and presence of mind when there’s a minor emergency.
Before the story is done, there are pregnancies and twins, a secret room make-over, a bearded dragon named Hagrid, an absent father, a faraway friend, a remorseful ex, a marriage proposal, some cooking failures, a dramatic rescue, hospital visits for several characters, and a new friend with a talent for movie-making.
McInerney’s characters get to experience joy and happiness, but also jealousy and resentment, guilt and grief. Once again, Sullivan is an utter delight, with his eavesdropping and snooping into emails and messages, but also his unfailing curiosity, his kindness and consideration. McInerney has a singular talent for providing happy endings that might not be quite the ones you expect. More of this cast (especially Sullivan) and setting will be most welcome. Monica McInerney has yet to disappoint.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia.
She and granddaughter Bett had plans to travel from Clare in South Australia to see a musical in Melbourne, but Bett’s severe morning sickness results in a need to cancel. Much to her very caring family’s disapproval, Lola goes anyway, extending her stay to see the spots where she and Alex Lombardi fell in love, half a century earlier. But is she really up to doing all that on her own?
Sullivan Farrington is almost thirteen, very smart and a bit different: topping his class in most subjects doesn’t win him any friends, even in his new, supposedly-inclusive, secondary school. He is mercilessly bullied, but keeps that from his mum, Lisa, and spends his breaks in the library: the librarian is kind and helpful with his many inquiries.
When Lisa ends up in hospital for an extended period, it’s his online scrabble friend, Eliza who moves into their flat to look after him. As that coincides with term break, Sullivan asks if he can shadow her boyfriend, Lawrence, who manages the Elm Hotel, for a class project. The small boutique hotel is the one Lola has booked, so naturally, they are bound to meet.
Lola tells her family that the hotel has provided a driver (true) and the perfect companion for her excursions. She just doesn’t tell them how young he is. They hit it off, and Sullivan shows control and presence of mind when there’s a minor emergency.
Before the story is done, there are pregnancies and twins, a secret room make-over, a bearded dragon named Hagrid, an absent father, a faraway friend, a remorseful ex, a marriage proposal, some cooking failures, a dramatic rescue, hospital visits for several characters, and a new friend with a talent for movie-making.
McInerney’s characters get to experience joy and happiness, but also jealousy and resentment, guilt and grief. Once again, Sullivan is an utter delight, with his eavesdropping and snooping into emails and messages, but also his unfailing curiosity, his kindness and consideration. McInerney has a singular talent for providing happy endings that might not be quite the ones you expect. More of this cast (especially Sullivan) and setting will be most welcome. Monica McInerney has yet to disappoint.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia.
October 11, 2026
EXCERPT: 'Yes, you are eighty-six. No, you probably shouldn't travel on your own. Yes, you might drop dead over there, while you're trying to find the exact tree in the Botanic Gardens that you and Alex smooched under one afternoon when you were both young and -'
'Overheated?'
'I was going to say beautiful. You're still beautiful. So am I. We might be old but we're not dead yet, Lola. Go revisit your special Melbourne places. Record your beautiful memories. As you've said to me so many times, why not? If something bad happens, so be it. But who knows, maybe something good will.'
ABOUT 'WHEN SULLIVAN MET LOLA': Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she's not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she's flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They think she's in search of distraction and entertainment. The truth is, she's chasing an elusive dream.
Sullivan Farrington is twelve years old. His life in Melbourne has turned upside down. His mother is in hospital, hiding a secret. His father lives on the other side of the world. School is a battleground. But Sullivan is no ordinary boy. He's set himself a series of goals to turn his life around.
In a hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, Lola and Sullivan meet. When Lola's fierce passion for people and stories teams up with Sullivan's curiosity and brilliance, they discover that a friendship can bloom - magically - just when it is needed most.
What they don't know yet is the wonder that's about to unfold - or the emotional reckoning that will follow.
MY THOUGHTS: Not an original idea, but so beautifully executed that I couldn't put it down. What a brilliant idea to introduce two of my favorite characters to one another - one in the early stages of his life, the other nearing the end of hers.
I love that McInerney doesn't gloss over the pitfalls of aging, but neither does she dwell on them. She presents them realistically and with her trademark humor.
Families, can't live with them, can't stop loving them. McInerney captures all the petty rivalries, jealousy, guilt, love, loyalty, affection, joy and tragedy that families experience. A little like Forest Gump's box of chocolates, I never knew what was coming next.
An absolutely charming and delightful read featuring characters I loved and want more of. And it won't matter at all if you haven't read any of the previous books. When Sullivan Met Lola will stand up perfectly well on its own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#WhenSullivanMetLola #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: MONICA MCINERNEY grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For more than thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They currently live in Dublin.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia via NetGalley for providing an uncorrected Digital Review Copy of When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney. This review reflects my reading experience and all opinions expressed are my personal opinions.
'Overheated?'
'I was going to say beautiful. You're still beautiful. So am I. We might be old but we're not dead yet, Lola. Go revisit your special Melbourne places. Record your beautiful memories. As you've said to me so many times, why not? If something bad happens, so be it. But who knows, maybe something good will.'
ABOUT 'WHEN SULLIVAN MET LOLA': Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she's not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she's flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They think she's in search of distraction and entertainment. The truth is, she's chasing an elusive dream.
Sullivan Farrington is twelve years old. His life in Melbourne has turned upside down. His mother is in hospital, hiding a secret. His father lives on the other side of the world. School is a battleground. But Sullivan is no ordinary boy. He's set himself a series of goals to turn his life around.
In a hotel beside the Botanic Gardens, Lola and Sullivan meet. When Lola's fierce passion for people and stories teams up with Sullivan's curiosity and brilliance, they discover that a friendship can bloom - magically - just when it is needed most.
What they don't know yet is the wonder that's about to unfold - or the emotional reckoning that will follow.
MY THOUGHTS: Not an original idea, but so beautifully executed that I couldn't put it down. What a brilliant idea to introduce two of my favorite characters to one another - one in the early stages of his life, the other nearing the end of hers.
I love that McInerney doesn't gloss over the pitfalls of aging, but neither does she dwell on them. She presents them realistically and with her trademark humor.
Families, can't live with them, can't stop loving them. McInerney captures all the petty rivalries, jealousy, guilt, love, loyalty, affection, joy and tragedy that families experience. A little like Forest Gump's box of chocolates, I never knew what was coming next.
An absolutely charming and delightful read featuring characters I loved and want more of. And it won't matter at all if you haven't read any of the previous books. When Sullivan Met Lola will stand up perfectly well on its own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#WhenSullivanMetLola #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: MONICA MCINERNEY grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For more than thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They currently live in Dublin.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia via NetGalley for providing an uncorrected Digital Review Copy of When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney. This review reflects my reading experience and all opinions expressed are my personal opinions.
September 22, 2026
My goodness, what a delightful novel! The story of Lola Quinlan continues with Lola visiting Melbourne to revisit the locations where she and her long lost love spent time. 12 year old Sullivan is back with his mother who unexpectedly goes into hospital and he is being cared for by Eliza who he met on a plane some time before. Eliza’s friend Lawrence manages the hotel where Lola is staying and that’s where she meets Sullivan, who is helping out in the hotel.
What follows is the most wonderful story about an elderly lady and her unlikely friend Sullivan. I laughed and cried at what happens in this book and it’s the most heartwarming novel I’ve read for some time. In fact I dragged out the reading of this as I didn’t want it to end! This can be read as a standalone even if you haven’t read any of the previous books and will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and family stories. I hope to see Sullivan in future books as his story really has only just begun!
What follows is the most wonderful story about an elderly lady and her unlikely friend Sullivan. I laughed and cried at what happens in this book and it’s the most heartwarming novel I’ve read for some time. In fact I dragged out the reading of this as I didn’t want it to end! This can be read as a standalone even if you haven’t read any of the previous books and will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and family stories. I hope to see Sullivan in future books as his story really has only just begun!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A warm hug of a book. I read this in 24 hours, the perfect start to my holiday. Thank you Monica for writing a book that heroes the fragility, importance, complexity and beauty of human relationship. I particularly loved Sullivan, what a delightful kid!
October 1, 2026
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Kindness, acceptance and consideration are traits that humanity should embrace and celebrate, but in a busy and cruel society increasingly don’t. They can create the most unorthodox and beautiful friendships when allowed to flourish.
Two very special characters from fabulous and unconnected books meet and prove caring relationships can be borne out of the blue.
Lola and Sullivan become a formidable force at a time when they both could benefit from each other.
Lola is determined to make a trip to Melbourne, a reconciliation with the past and a nostalgic trip to honour her beloved Alex.
A recent macular degeneration diagnosis both urging and scaring her.
A desire to capture the beauty of life on a cassette will ensure she won’t forget what is around her.
Sullivan is twelve years old and sees life through a different lens.
Making him an easy target for bullying.
Loyal friendships during tough times a must for the young lad.
A chance meeting creates an immediate bond where they understand and communicate with each other.
A friendship unravels as dramas on both home fronts causes stress and worry.
What a special, entertaining and wonderful narrative from one of our best storytellers.
The reader is immediately drawn in, perhaps nostalgic if a huge fan and indulge in a story that evokes emotion and heart.
Simple sentences powerfully convey messages in two lines and the complexities of relationships nailed succinctly too.
Immense joy is derived from this pairing.
Kindness, acceptance and consideration are traits that humanity should embrace and celebrate, but in a busy and cruel society increasingly don’t. They can create the most unorthodox and beautiful friendships when allowed to flourish.
Two very special characters from fabulous and unconnected books meet and prove caring relationships can be borne out of the blue.
Lola and Sullivan become a formidable force at a time when they both could benefit from each other.
Lola is determined to make a trip to Melbourne, a reconciliation with the past and a nostalgic trip to honour her beloved Alex.
A recent macular degeneration diagnosis both urging and scaring her.
A desire to capture the beauty of life on a cassette will ensure she won’t forget what is around her.
Sullivan is twelve years old and sees life through a different lens.
Making him an easy target for bullying.
Loyal friendships during tough times a must for the young lad.
A chance meeting creates an immediate bond where they understand and communicate with each other.
A friendship unravels as dramas on both home fronts causes stress and worry.
What a special, entertaining and wonderful narrative from one of our best storytellers.
The reader is immediately drawn in, perhaps nostalgic if a huge fan and indulge in a story that evokes emotion and heart.
Simple sentences powerfully convey messages in two lines and the complexities of relationships nailed succinctly too.
Immense joy is derived from this pairing.
October 19, 2026
Such a treat of a novel, such kindness and acceptance in a storyline involving more blood, twins and a bearded dragon than I was expecting!!! Sullivan and Lola are a delight, and it was so nice to check back in with Eliza and Lawerence again, see Carrie and Bett living their lives…this is such a gorgeous novel, I loved it from start to finish
October 17, 2026
Delightful, relaxed, holiday reading. The beautiful friendships in this book, demonstrate the importance of valuing individuals for their uniqueness.
September 29, 2026
I first met Lola 13 years ago as the grandmother of The Alphabet Sisters. To get to revisit her, and her extended family, was just like coming home.
McInerney’s writing is warm and vibrant, and she creates characters that are equally flawed and endearing. Her stories navigate heavy but relatable issues like aging, loss, divorce and family in a reflective and hopeful way.
I found something remarkably cathartic in the way Lola processed and reflected on her life and her future. Her friendship with Sullivan was charming and moving, and I loved the way that their stories connected in one time and location.
This can be read as a standalone, but I’d highly recommend reading the other three books first.
McInerney’s writing is warm and vibrant, and she creates characters that are equally flawed and endearing. Her stories navigate heavy but relatable issues like aging, loss, divorce and family in a reflective and hopeful way.
I found something remarkably cathartic in the way Lola processed and reflected on her life and her future. Her friendship with Sullivan was charming and moving, and I loved the way that their stories connected in one time and location.
This can be read as a standalone, but I’d highly recommend reading the other three books first.
October 4, 2026
A lovely story
October 1, 2026
So this just came out on my Kindle two days ago and I couldn't wait to get it started. Luckily I was just about finished another (fabulous) book, so I could start straight away. Such a beautiful story about Lola Quinlan and the people she engages with in her life. In this instalment, Lola got to go on an adventure to Melbourne by herself, to relive some amazing memories while she still could. Sullivan is a wonderfully interesting child who was dealing with some awful bullies at school, and it takes some time before Lola and Sullivan actually meet, and I was trying to work out what the connection was for a while before it clicked. There is a very enjoyable crossover with another of Monica McInerney's recent books and it works just fabulously.
Lola's ability to get on with everyone was so very satisfying, and it was just meant to be for her to meet Sullivan and help ensure his own life was fulfilled in difficult circumstances. In the end, of course she is more important to everyone than ever before, and her trip to Melbourne has enriched both her life and those of the people she meets there. It was a delightful read hearing about Melbourne landmarks as well, as a Melburnian reader. I am so looking forward to hearing Monica McInerney talking about this book on her book tour, which is why I absolutely devoured this book and for not one second was I wishing it was over.
Deeply satisfying read.
Lola's ability to get on with everyone was so very satisfying, and it was just meant to be for her to meet Sullivan and help ensure his own life was fulfilled in difficult circumstances. In the end, of course she is more important to everyone than ever before, and her trip to Melbourne has enriched both her life and those of the people she meets there. It was a delightful read hearing about Melbourne landmarks as well, as a Melburnian reader. I am so looking forward to hearing Monica McInerney talking about this book on her book tour, which is why I absolutely devoured this book and for not one second was I wishing it was over.
Deeply satisfying read.
October 13, 2026
“Books aren’t baggage. Books are portals to other worlds”.
I’ve been a huge fan of Monica McInerney for many years and I absolutely adored this book!
Lola is 86, so capable, the best grandma and won’t let anyone stop her once she’s decided on doing something.
Sullivan is 12, so smart, with incredible vocabulary and like an old soul. Sullivan was such a joy to read about, I love his character so much. Everyone that came across him was so surprised and impressed by his maturity.
We get to know and love these two main characters and as the book progresses we are lucky to see Lola and Sullivan meet and get to know each other. It really warmed my heart.
This friendship is so beautiful. But I loved all of Sullivan’s friendships, Eliza and Lawrence, Frankie and the librarian. There were so many good people in Sullivan’s life.
I will miss Lola, such an amazing 86 year old. Such a fun lady who enjoys eavesdropping and asking people to share more about their lives.
But I’ll miss Sullivan more, the kindest and most lovable 12 year old out there. He was a special person to so many people and he brought so much happiness to everyone he met.
I’ve always loved Monica’s books for their wholesomeness and the kindness amongst people. I highly recommend this one, I can’t stop thinking about it.
Thank you so much @penguinbooksaus for my copy.
I’ve been a huge fan of Monica McInerney for many years and I absolutely adored this book!
Lola is 86, so capable, the best grandma and won’t let anyone stop her once she’s decided on doing something.
Sullivan is 12, so smart, with incredible vocabulary and like an old soul. Sullivan was such a joy to read about, I love his character so much. Everyone that came across him was so surprised and impressed by his maturity.
We get to know and love these two main characters and as the book progresses we are lucky to see Lola and Sullivan meet and get to know each other. It really warmed my heart.
This friendship is so beautiful. But I loved all of Sullivan’s friendships, Eliza and Lawrence, Frankie and the librarian. There were so many good people in Sullivan’s life.
I will miss Lola, such an amazing 86 year old. Such a fun lady who enjoys eavesdropping and asking people to share more about their lives.
But I’ll miss Sullivan more, the kindest and most lovable 12 year old out there. He was a special person to so many people and he brought so much happiness to everyone he met.
I’ve always loved Monica’s books for their wholesomeness and the kindness amongst people. I highly recommend this one, I can’t stop thinking about it.
Thank you so much @penguinbooksaus for my copy.
October 3, 2026
What a lovely book! It is clearly part of an ongoing series with many of the characters featuring in the author’s previous books. This didn’t matter for me at all, even though this is my first McInerney novel.
As the title suggests, the narrative centres around Sullivan, a delightful (I thought) 12 year old who is facing a number of challenges both at school and at home, and Lola, an 86 year old great grandmother who is facing challenges of her own. They discover each other just at the right time when exactly what they need is … each other.
This is not an action packed, driven by plot twists sort of book. It is, however, a book about relationships, understanding, love, kindness, families and a tinge of living with regret.
You will fall in love with the characters and their side kicks and revel in some sensitive writing about feelings, loss and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
#WhenSullivanMetLola #NetGalley
As the title suggests, the narrative centres around Sullivan, a delightful (I thought) 12 year old who is facing a number of challenges both at school and at home, and Lola, an 86 year old great grandmother who is facing challenges of her own. They discover each other just at the right time when exactly what they need is … each other.
This is not an action packed, driven by plot twists sort of book. It is, however, a book about relationships, understanding, love, kindness, families and a tinge of living with regret.
You will fall in love with the characters and their side kicks and revel in some sensitive writing about feelings, loss and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
#WhenSullivanMetLola #NetGalley
May 23, 2026
Monica McInerney has done it again, with amazing characters that you will just fall in love with and of course recurring characters from The Alphabet Sisters. This book will make you laugh and shed a tear or two as you follow the glorious Lola from the Clare Valley to Melbourne. Such a beautifully written family drama. I have loved Lola from her first appearance in The Alphabet Sisters right through to this latest book. I adore the connection that Lola has with her grandchildren, and of course with Sullivan. Before you read this book, go back and read the other books that feature Lola….you will not be disappointed. 5 🌟 for When Sullivan Met Lola.
October 20, 2026
Monica McInerney is one of my favourite authors and I was thrilled to read her lovely new book ‘ When Sullivan Met Lola’. Lola has been a character in several of Monica’s books and this time we see her heading to Melbourne for one last look at the places she loves. Her family in Clare Valley are concerned that she won’t manage a big trip in her 80’s. Yet while she is staying in a swanky hotel she finds a companion in twelve year old, Sullivan. Sullivan is smart and quirky and the perfect guide and friend. The story centres on family, friendship, kindness and celebrating our unique differences. It’s like a lovely warm hug and i whizzed through this beautifully written story.
October 8, 2026
An easy and quick holiday read. I've read all Monica McInerney's books and loved how she brought us back into the Quinlan's world in her latest, When Sullivan Met Lola. It's such a great reminder of the importance of family and having friendships with people from different generations. As Lola reaches the later years of her life, her reflections gave me a lot to think about, despite being a few decades away from my 80s.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
4 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House AU for my digital ARC to read and review.
4 stars
October 17, 2026
An absolute delight to read, it was warm, charming and heartwarming. Lola Quinlan, is 86 years old and living in the Clare Valley, in South Australia (my home state) where her granddaughters also live while her son and his wife live in the Adelaide Hills when she receives some devastating medical news. Lola had booked a trip to Melbourne and decides to go anyway, in spite of her family’s concerns about her frailty. Lola has kept her diagnosis a secret from them. There she meets Sullivan Farrington, a 12 year old boy with his own issues. They soon become firm friends, with Sullivan being of great support to Lola. There are some difficult themes covered in this story but the whole story is written beautifully, engaging and unputdownable. Later in the novel the reader understands the choice and importance of the cover. Utterly brilliant story and writing.
Contains Book Club questions.
Contains Book Club questions.
October 21, 2026
Monica McInerery never disappoints. I love her character driven stories and I'm always invested them . In When Sullivan met Lola we revisit the Quinlan Family some of my favourite characters ! Lola visits Melbourne after getting the devastating news that she is losing her sight . She meets young Sullivan as he is spending his holiday working at the hotel and is staying in . An easy read with an entertaining storyline !
This is the final book featuring the Quinlan family . I'll miss the characters !
This is the final book featuring the Quinlan family . I'll miss the characters !
October 5, 2026
Yet another brilliant book by Monica McInerney. This is one author who never fails to deliver an outstanding book.
I felt all the emotions with this book, tears, out loud laughter, anger at Sullivan’s bullies, frustration with Carrie etc
It has also made me want to go back and re-read the earlier books with Lola and also The Godmothers that introduced us to the gorgeous Eliza.
I really should have taken longer to read this so I could savour every delicious page but I was just too impatient.
I felt all the emotions with this book, tears, out loud laughter, anger at Sullivan’s bullies, frustration with Carrie etc
It has also made me want to go back and re-read the earlier books with Lola and also The Godmothers that introduced us to the gorgeous Eliza.
I really should have taken longer to read this so I could savour every delicious page but I was just too impatient.
October 7, 2026
such a delightful book
I was very happy to meet up with Sullivan again and with our old friend Lola. How fortuitous that they should meet in this novel, and that they should have such an interesting and rewarding relationship.
Thanks Monica
I was very happy to meet up with Sullivan again and with our old friend Lola. How fortuitous that they should meet in this novel, and that they should have such an interesting and rewarding relationship.
Thanks Monica
October 9, 2026
I met Monica in person on Monday and she was effervescent. This is an intergenerational family drama with a focus on a friendship between 86 year old Lola and 12 year old Sullivan. It was just beautiful.
October 9, 2026
I have read and enjoyed several of this authors books, but this one did not live up to expectations. Although Lola is her usual feisty self, now tempered somewhat by her age, I was less enamoured of the precocious and single minded Sullivan. However, an easy read to pass time on a flight.
October 17, 2026
Life is turned around for 12 -year-old Sullivan and 86-year-old Lola when their friendship blooms in a world which has left them on its sidelines. I most enjoyed Sullivan's eccentricity as the author skilfully portrayed him as a bullied victim at school, but a caring soul to his elderly friend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very lucky to receive an advance copy of this book to read. It’s Monica at her best. Such a moving, funny and joyful book. Loved it.
October 2, 2026
A lovely light easy read, Monica McInerney doesn’t disappoint!
October 6, 2026
A generational journey through life that will make you smile and have your heart tugged.
Enjoy
Enjoy
October 7, 2026
😭😭😭 so sweet
I love this series. I tore this book up in two days and now have an unbelievably long for the next drop.
I love this series. I tore this book up in two days and now have an unbelievably long for the next drop.
October 13, 2026
A warm hug of a book, makes me want to go back and reread her other books that feature the same characters.
Read
October 18, 2026An easy read. A beautiful story about the friendship of a young boy & an elderly woman & family dynamics.
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