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The Wedding Promise
Does a rambling Spanish villa hold the key to love? No. 1 Irish bestseller Emma Hannigan returns with her heartwarming new novel. If you like reading Cathy Kelly and Patricia Scanlan, and enjoyed the film UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, you will love this. 'Brimming with hope and joy' Sunday Independent Restoring a Spanish villa brings Shelly back to the place she and her husband once loved, fulfilling the promise he made that they would return. But as plans to transform the villa into a romantic wedding venue take shape, Shelly discovers her children may need the move more than she does. Her son Jake has begun to question the things he values his career as a pilot, his relationship with his girlfriend. Could Spain offer him the change he's seeking? Shelly's daughter Leila arrives with a new-born baby in tow, but then hears some startling news she wasn't expecting. As Casa Maria takes its first booking, will it turn out to be more than a romantic promise made all those years ago? Perhaps a second chance at new beginnings?
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2017
26 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hannigan
23 books164 followersEmma Hannigan was an Irish author and blogger, best known for writing about her experience of suffering from cancer.
With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.
With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 23, 2017
Ah, what a really enjoyable book! I thoroughly recommend "The Wedding Promise" by bestselling author Emma Hannigan - if you love reading contemporary romance then this is definitely one book that should be on your reading pile this year!
I found this gripping book at times truly heart breaking but yet it stayed heart warming and uplifting. There is just such a summery feel to this story that makes you feel so good whilst reading it - easily losing yourself in Shelly's family and their relationships. After reading some very heavy books recently this was like a refreshing and relaxing breath of fresh air.
Life is perfect for Shelly her husband Gerry and their family, but after a tragic life changing event will their lives ever be the same again - and can a tumbledown hacienda in Spain breathe new life into the Irish family in need of hope?
The author has covered virtually every emotion and major life event that can occur during adulthood with such compassion and emotional understanding. I was very impressed with the skill of how she conveyed all this to the reader without it becoming an emotional overload.
The varied and engaging characters are very well developed, each with their own uniquoe personality and I liked all of them, especially Shelly - her strength, love and devotion to the family whilst overcoming heartache was highly commendable.
I unfortunately haven't read any of the authors previous books before, but having now read this brilliant book, I thoroughly intend to go and buy more as i love the authors writing style and wonderful storylines. I found "The Wedding Promise" to be easy to read and follow, interesting and entertaining yet still remaining realistic and believable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book.
I found this gripping book at times truly heart breaking but yet it stayed heart warming and uplifting. There is just such a summery feel to this story that makes you feel so good whilst reading it - easily losing yourself in Shelly's family and their relationships. After reading some very heavy books recently this was like a refreshing and relaxing breath of fresh air.
Life is perfect for Shelly her husband Gerry and their family, but after a tragic life changing event will their lives ever be the same again - and can a tumbledown hacienda in Spain breathe new life into the Irish family in need of hope?
The author has covered virtually every emotion and major life event that can occur during adulthood with such compassion and emotional understanding. I was very impressed with the skill of how she conveyed all this to the reader without it becoming an emotional overload.
The varied and engaging characters are very well developed, each with their own uniquoe personality and I liked all of them, especially Shelly - her strength, love and devotion to the family whilst overcoming heartache was highly commendable.
I unfortunately haven't read any of the authors previous books before, but having now read this brilliant book, I thoroughly intend to go and buy more as i love the authors writing style and wonderful storylines. I found "The Wedding Promise" to be easy to read and follow, interesting and entertaining yet still remaining realistic and believable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book.
August 2, 2017
5☆ Beautifully Written full of Emotion, A Fully Compelling read!
The Wedding Promise is a beautifully Compelling read that is full of emotion and depth.
It's a story of family, loss, struggles, love, relationships, new beginnings, and takes the reader through a range of emotions.
Shelly always believed she had the best life... But all that was about to change when a devastating event was about to impact Shelly's family and their life forever!
So when Shelly decides to leave Ireland and renovate a beautiful villa in Spain, she becomes to realise it might not be just her that needs this change but her family needs it too.
Her Daughter Leila has just become a new Mum and is struggling with motherhood. Leila seems to be struggling with post-natal depression, Which I'm certain Mum's can relate too. All the insecurities she's facing as a new Mum is very real and heart breaking to read.
Shelly's Son Jake is also having problems, with work and he's relationship.
He's struggling with lots of emotions and he's not dealing with them very well.
So when Shelly decides to make a go of it in Spain and to turn Casa Maria into a wedding business it really could be the best thing for the whole family.
I love how Emma takes the reader on a journey of the real life struggles families face.
Emma writes with sensitivity, passion and the knowledge to connect the reader with the characters and their emotions. Making each character very believable and real.
What I loved was that the story was told by each character so you could really relate and understand what each individual character was going through. Their personal journey within the story.
The Wedding Promise truly is a beautiful read. But be prepared to shed a tear, smile and laugh as this beautiful story really does trigger all your emotions.
Would I recommend this book..... most definitely.... Yes!
Chick Lit written with passion and raw emotion!
I received this book from the Publisher for free, in which I voluntarily reviewed.
The Wedding Promise is a beautifully Compelling read that is full of emotion and depth.
It's a story of family, loss, struggles, love, relationships, new beginnings, and takes the reader through a range of emotions.
Shelly always believed she had the best life... But all that was about to change when a devastating event was about to impact Shelly's family and their life forever!
So when Shelly decides to leave Ireland and renovate a beautiful villa in Spain, she becomes to realise it might not be just her that needs this change but her family needs it too.
Her Daughter Leila has just become a new Mum and is struggling with motherhood. Leila seems to be struggling with post-natal depression, Which I'm certain Mum's can relate too. All the insecurities she's facing as a new Mum is very real and heart breaking to read.
Shelly's Son Jake is also having problems, with work and he's relationship.
He's struggling with lots of emotions and he's not dealing with them very well.
So when Shelly decides to make a go of it in Spain and to turn Casa Maria into a wedding business it really could be the best thing for the whole family.
I love how Emma takes the reader on a journey of the real life struggles families face.
Emma writes with sensitivity, passion and the knowledge to connect the reader with the characters and their emotions. Making each character very believable and real.
What I loved was that the story was told by each character so you could really relate and understand what each individual character was going through. Their personal journey within the story.
The Wedding Promise truly is a beautiful read. But be prepared to shed a tear, smile and laugh as this beautiful story really does trigger all your emotions.
Would I recommend this book..... most definitely.... Yes!
Chick Lit written with passion and raw emotion!
I received this book from the Publisher for free, in which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 6, 2017
The Wedding Promise by Emma Hannigan for me was a great work of fiction which soon had me involved in the lives of Shelly and her close-knit family who she clearly adores.
We first meet Shelly at her fiftieth birthday party which has been arranged by her daughter Leila and son Jake. Her husband Gerry is with Shelly and life is sweet for them. Everything that they had worked for has repaid them with children who are both successful in life plus her husband Gerry a very handsome pilot who has promised to cut down his hours and think about early retirement to allow him more time at home to be with the love of his life his darling Shelly and his family.
But we all know fate has a way of taking your plans for the future and tossing them up in the air and this is when the story really started. As each character narrates their own story you are able to see how life has changed for them which will take the family over to Spain to help restore the house which is full of history named Casa Maria.
This for me was a wonderful read as the author developed each character and allowed the reader to fully engage with them and understand their hopes and fears for the future. As we follow each of them you will see a family having to rely on each other while coming to terms with the life they once had. But for us readers, we soon realise the “perfect life” they show to the world is not what is really happening behind closed doors.
I loved how Emma Hannigan brought the beauty of Spain alive and really introduced not only the house of Casa Maria but the village where it is based as well as the beautiful fragrances which make Spain unique in its own captivating way. The history of Casa Maria was, in my opinion, fascinating and opened up to me the lives of those men who worked the famous bullrings of Spain especially the ones in Marbella which is the near the area the main storyline is based on.
This is one work of modern day fiction which I simply loved and with it being the audio version the narration by Michele Moran fully acted out each character and with simple changes of her voice I could follow the mood changes of each character.
The Wedding Promise is another wonderful read by Emma Hannigan where once again she shows how human emotions can take a person's life and rearrange it in so many ways.
We first meet Shelly at her fiftieth birthday party which has been arranged by her daughter Leila and son Jake. Her husband Gerry is with Shelly and life is sweet for them. Everything that they had worked for has repaid them with children who are both successful in life plus her husband Gerry a very handsome pilot who has promised to cut down his hours and think about early retirement to allow him more time at home to be with the love of his life his darling Shelly and his family.
But we all know fate has a way of taking your plans for the future and tossing them up in the air and this is when the story really started. As each character narrates their own story you are able to see how life has changed for them which will take the family over to Spain to help restore the house which is full of history named Casa Maria.
This for me was a wonderful read as the author developed each character and allowed the reader to fully engage with them and understand their hopes and fears for the future. As we follow each of them you will see a family having to rely on each other while coming to terms with the life they once had. But for us readers, we soon realise the “perfect life” they show to the world is not what is really happening behind closed doors.
I loved how Emma Hannigan brought the beauty of Spain alive and really introduced not only the house of Casa Maria but the village where it is based as well as the beautiful fragrances which make Spain unique in its own captivating way. The history of Casa Maria was, in my opinion, fascinating and opened up to me the lives of those men who worked the famous bullrings of Spain especially the ones in Marbella which is the near the area the main storyline is based on.
This is one work of modern day fiction which I simply loved and with it being the audio version the narration by Michele Moran fully acted out each character and with simple changes of her voice I could follow the mood changes of each character.
The Wedding Promise is another wonderful read by Emma Hannigan where once again she shows how human emotions can take a person's life and rearrange it in so many ways.
August 14, 2017
Shelley and Gerry's fairytale relationship started in Rondilla in Spain, they married and had their children young and were determined that life would start again at 50! Gerry unknown to Shelley bought a beautiful villa in Rondilla and saw it as their future to renovate and retire to......unfortunately he died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
Shelley is devastated, as are her two children Leila and Jake and when Gerry's will is read and she finds out about the Casa Maria she decides that she will make a new life for herself in Spain. When Jake has a crisis at work and Leila is struggling as a first time mum they both decide to visit Shelley and can this house work its magic on them too
A lovely book with great believable characters and at the centre of it a stunning house, you can really picture it in your mind with its beautiful gardens and setting .......a summer read not to miss!
Shelley is devastated, as are her two children Leila and Jake and when Gerry's will is read and she finds out about the Casa Maria she decides that she will make a new life for herself in Spain. When Jake has a crisis at work and Leila is struggling as a first time mum they both decide to visit Shelley and can this house work its magic on them too
A lovely book with great believable characters and at the centre of it a stunning house, you can really picture it in your mind with its beautiful gardens and setting .......a summer read not to miss!
June 12, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Shelly and Gerry are happy seeing their grown children build a life of their own, but then an unforeseen and shocking event changes everything.
Shelly now is determined to restore a Spanish villa and make the best of the situation. A lot of memories are connected to the place, which doesn’t make things easier.
Jake, is a pilot like his father and engaged to Fee, who is a doctor. However, he starts questioning what he really wants, feels unhappy as a pilot and the relationship with Fee is not what it used to be.
Leila is very happy with Matthew; their new born baby makes their happiness complete. It’s not always easy though, especially because her partner Matthew is not always around and she gets some unexpected news.
I loved reading about this family, because they were all so passionate and full of heart. The way they are connected to each other is unique and they all have been through a lot. This is not your ordinary chick-lit book, it’s much more. It’s full of deep emotions, family love, important decisions to me made and life with it’s perks.
They all have their individual story to tell, but it’s all connected to each other as well. I was hooked from the start and I feel like Emma Hannigan has done a fab job including some touching and serious topics in this story, without them overtaking the whole thing. This shows real talent.
Part of the book is set in Spain, which was lovely to read about and gave the storyline a refreshing touch.
I really enjoyed reading this unique book!
Rating: 4.5/5
Shelly and Gerry are happy seeing their grown children build a life of their own, but then an unforeseen and shocking event changes everything.
Shelly now is determined to restore a Spanish villa and make the best of the situation. A lot of memories are connected to the place, which doesn’t make things easier.
Jake, is a pilot like his father and engaged to Fee, who is a doctor. However, he starts questioning what he really wants, feels unhappy as a pilot and the relationship with Fee is not what it used to be.
Leila is very happy with Matthew; their new born baby makes their happiness complete. It’s not always easy though, especially because her partner Matthew is not always around and she gets some unexpected news.
I loved reading about this family, because they were all so passionate and full of heart. The way they are connected to each other is unique and they all have been through a lot. This is not your ordinary chick-lit book, it’s much more. It’s full of deep emotions, family love, important decisions to me made and life with it’s perks.
They all have their individual story to tell, but it’s all connected to each other as well. I was hooked from the start and I feel like Emma Hannigan has done a fab job including some touching and serious topics in this story, without them overtaking the whole thing. This shows real talent.
Part of the book is set in Spain, which was lovely to read about and gave the storyline a refreshing touch.
I really enjoyed reading this unique book!
Rating: 4.5/5
August 16, 2019
I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10. If you like a nice gentle story about romance and family life, that's well written and a joy to read. Then this is the perfect book for you.
Shelley and Gerry appear to have it all. However, life often can and often does throw an odd spanner or two into the works, so to speak. As Shelley has to come to terms with certain events, she finds herself returning to Spain a place that meant a lot to both of them. As she takes on the task of transforming a very rundown villa, a germ of an idea forms in her head. The villa could be the perfect venue for a wedding, as her mind begins to wander plans take shape in her head.
It's not just Shelley that needs distractions in her life, her children Jake and Leila have problems of their own to and it's not long before the villa is becoming instrumental in helping them all to take their minds off life. It's a family affair in more ways than one. The villa takes on a personality of it's own and is an instrumental character to the story helping them all to deal with things.
This was a well written story that was chock full of the whole gamut of emotions. I have to admit that this is the first book that I've read by Emma Hannigan and it's sad that she won't be writing more. Her writing will be missed by many.
Shelley and Gerry appear to have it all. However, life often can and often does throw an odd spanner or two into the works, so to speak. As Shelley has to come to terms with certain events, she finds herself returning to Spain a place that meant a lot to both of them. As she takes on the task of transforming a very rundown villa, a germ of an idea forms in her head. The villa could be the perfect venue for a wedding, as her mind begins to wander plans take shape in her head.
It's not just Shelley that needs distractions in her life, her children Jake and Leila have problems of their own to and it's not long before the villa is becoming instrumental in helping them all to take their minds off life. It's a family affair in more ways than one. The villa takes on a personality of it's own and is an instrumental character to the story helping them all to deal with things.
This was a well written story that was chock full of the whole gamut of emotions. I have to admit that this is the first book that I've read by Emma Hannigan and it's sad that she won't be writing more. Her writing will be missed by many.
June 17, 2017
Another book by Emma Hannigan that I just loved . This is the perfect holiday read. It's a story of family life , love , sadness with sprinkles of romance. I loved the characters and they all had their own different personalities . A truly great read.
June 13, 2017
This is a very sweet and lovely book. But is also bittersweet sad too. It really is a lovely sweet book however and I enjoyed reading it. Emma always has a way of weaving a beautiful story which always manages to make me cry at one point of another. Another wonderful book. Thank you for letting me read it for an honest review. You can find my review on Amazon, Goodreads.com/karenwhittard and instagram.com/bookfairyuk from publication date.
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July 22, 2017My Review:
The Wedding Promise is a tale of love, hope and second chances. Uplifting, heart-warming, this is a timeless novel that will utterly blow you away. A hugely enjoyable read from a wonderful, wonderful author.
When Sherry’s beloved husband passes away, she is suddenly adrift in life, floating through her days, consumed with grief and yet desperately trying to stay strong and be there for her children, Leila and Jake. But when a plan of Gerry’s comes to light, her life takes an unexpected turn. Tasked with the renovation of an old Spanish villa, she throws herself into the project of transforming it into a beautiful wedding venue, gradually beginning to feel that perhaps there is a future for her in the tumbledown villa.
There is a fabulous cast of characters in this novel. Leila, a strong-minded young woman who is about to become a mother; Jake, a passionate pilot, who is about to embark on a new life with fiancé Fee and is questioning his future; And Shelly – strong, devoted, kind-hearted, she was my favourite. She pulled me into the immersive plot and kept me glued to the pages.
Suffused with warmth and humour, this beautifully written novel will pull at your heartstrings and have you wishing you could hop on a plane and stay at Casa Maria. I completely fell in love with the area ��� such a beautiful setting for a truly beautiful novel.
I’ve never been to Spain and through the wonderful descriptions, I had a fabulous insight into the scenery, culture and food. It was almost as if I was there with Shelly and the gang. This novel was a fabulous breath of fresh air!
Uplifting. Heart-warming. Charming.
I received my review copy via the publisher
The Wedding Promise is a tale of love, hope and second chances. Uplifting, heart-warming, this is a timeless novel that will utterly blow you away. A hugely enjoyable read from a wonderful, wonderful author.
When Sherry’s beloved husband passes away, she is suddenly adrift in life, floating through her days, consumed with grief and yet desperately trying to stay strong and be there for her children, Leila and Jake. But when a plan of Gerry’s comes to light, her life takes an unexpected turn. Tasked with the renovation of an old Spanish villa, she throws herself into the project of transforming it into a beautiful wedding venue, gradually beginning to feel that perhaps there is a future for her in the tumbledown villa.
There is a fabulous cast of characters in this novel. Leila, a strong-minded young woman who is about to become a mother; Jake, a passionate pilot, who is about to embark on a new life with fiancé Fee and is questioning his future; And Shelly – strong, devoted, kind-hearted, she was my favourite. She pulled me into the immersive plot and kept me glued to the pages.
Suffused with warmth and humour, this beautifully written novel will pull at your heartstrings and have you wishing you could hop on a plane and stay at Casa Maria. I completely fell in love with the area ��� such a beautiful setting for a truly beautiful novel.
I’ve never been to Spain and through the wonderful descriptions, I had a fabulous insight into the scenery, culture and food. It was almost as if I was there with Shelly and the gang. This novel was a fabulous breath of fresh air!
Uplifting. Heart-warming. Charming.
I received my review copy via the publisher
May 20, 2018
Stella has lots to celebrate, she has turned fifty and is feeling fabulous, her daughter Leila is detailed and about to have her first grandchild. Her son, Jake is full of ambition as a pilot and has a lovely girlfriend, Fee an up and coming surgeon. Plus there is Gerry her husband the man she has spent her life with.
When tragedy strikes Stella finds herself in Spain. At a rundown villa called Casa Maria.
THis is now her future and she finds that restoring the villa to its former glory is not just helping her but also her family.
Leila is rather shocked by the way her baby arrives in the world and with Christmas coming she wants to be near her mum. But how can she manage anything, when she cannot even manage to feed the baby well enough and make herself look presentable. No one else can possibly feel like she does, do they?
Jake has hit self destruct, events make him reckless and when faced with it all he wants to do is run away, switch off and just be. What better place than in Spain with his mum. trouble is Fee is struggling to understand the man she fell in love with is not the man he is now. Only time will heal, but Fee seems to not be able to wait,.
With all of Emma Hannigan's novels this deals with so much. Postnatal Depression, grief, reckless actions, love, sickness and humour in such a way that with the storyline you are pulled in to the world and you do not want to leave.
To learn about the characters when they are at Casa Maria was lovely, the sense of community that is around the villa and the way the Spanish locals embrace Stella and of course the what happened at Casa Maria before Shelly arrived.
This is a lovely uplifting book and a joy to read.
When tragedy strikes Stella finds herself in Spain. At a rundown villa called Casa Maria.
THis is now her future and she finds that restoring the villa to its former glory is not just helping her but also her family.
Leila is rather shocked by the way her baby arrives in the world and with Christmas coming she wants to be near her mum. But how can she manage anything, when she cannot even manage to feed the baby well enough and make herself look presentable. No one else can possibly feel like she does, do they?
Jake has hit self destruct, events make him reckless and when faced with it all he wants to do is run away, switch off and just be. What better place than in Spain with his mum. trouble is Fee is struggling to understand the man she fell in love with is not the man he is now. Only time will heal, but Fee seems to not be able to wait,.
With all of Emma Hannigan's novels this deals with so much. Postnatal Depression, grief, reckless actions, love, sickness and humour in such a way that with the storyline you are pulled in to the world and you do not want to leave.
To learn about the characters when they are at Casa Maria was lovely, the sense of community that is around the villa and the way the Spanish locals embrace Stella and of course the what happened at Casa Maria before Shelly arrived.
This is a lovely uplifting book and a joy to read.
December 27, 2018
Love Emma hannigan and her books are so heart felt and touching. This is mainly about Maggie and the journey her life takes after a surprisingly sad event. You follow her children and their partners over obstacles and joy. I love the way that the light comes after dark even if it doesn’t work out the way you want or expect.
March 8, 2018
This is a very enjoyable easy to read novel, sometimes a little predictable but it leaves you with a warm comfy feel.
June 23, 2017
The Wedding Promise is a lovely story which follows Shelly and her family as she renovates a villa in Spain, a place she and her husband Gerry have always loved. Shelly moves to Spain at a time when there is so much going on in her family: her daughter Leila has just had a baby, her son Jake is having problems in his work and personal life. Will the move to Spain be a new beginning for them all?
Although this book is set over the course of a year it has a really summery feel to it with its Spanish setting. Rondilla, where Casa Maria is, is based on Ronda in the hills high above Marbella. It's a place I've visited a couple of times myself and I felt that the author really captured the beauty of the town. Her descriptions of the town and the villa combined with the heat certainly put me in the mood to visit this beautiful area again.
Emma Hannigan has also created characters who are easy to identify with and to like. I particularly liked Leila who was struggling to cope with her new baby and feeling like such a failure. I think that any mum will recognise her worries that she couldn't cope and her insecurities and it will take them back to that scary time when you are coping with a new baby for the first time. The confusion felt by Jake as he faced a career crisis was well depicted. Shelly's coping with a unexpected crisis in her family was sensitively covered and felt like a very realistic portrayal of the range of emotions she would feel. Her love and concern for her close-knit family came across really clearly throughout the book.
I'm not sure that I've read many of Emma Hannigan's novels before (apart from Driving Home for Christmas) but I really enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more in future. It was a lovely, feel-good read about second chances, exploring all kinds of emotional events in the life of this family, both happy and sad. The author has a talent for creating really enjoyable storylines which don't shy away from dealing with the emotional traumas but which are also uplifting.
Although this book is set over the course of a year it has a really summery feel to it with its Spanish setting. Rondilla, where Casa Maria is, is based on Ronda in the hills high above Marbella. It's a place I've visited a couple of times myself and I felt that the author really captured the beauty of the town. Her descriptions of the town and the villa combined with the heat certainly put me in the mood to visit this beautiful area again.
Emma Hannigan has also created characters who are easy to identify with and to like. I particularly liked Leila who was struggling to cope with her new baby and feeling like such a failure. I think that any mum will recognise her worries that she couldn't cope and her insecurities and it will take them back to that scary time when you are coping with a new baby for the first time. The confusion felt by Jake as he faced a career crisis was well depicted. Shelly's coping with a unexpected crisis in her family was sensitively covered and felt like a very realistic portrayal of the range of emotions she would feel. Her love and concern for her close-knit family came across really clearly throughout the book.
I'm not sure that I've read many of Emma Hannigan's novels before (apart from Driving Home for Christmas) but I really enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more in future. It was a lovely, feel-good read about second chances, exploring all kinds of emotional events in the life of this family, both happy and sad. The author has a talent for creating really enjoyable storylines which don't shy away from dealing with the emotional traumas but which are also uplifting.
June 3, 2017
Gerry & Sheila alongside their grown children live a very happy life. Until a devastating event rocks them.
Sheila finds herself in possession of the beautiful but dilapidated Casa Maria in Spain.
She makes the difficult choice to leave behind her life in Ireland and restore the property with the hope of building a wedding business around it.
I really liked this book. For one, it wasn't predicable. Her son Jake falls apart a little and doesn't always act in the best way and nearly ruins his career. Her daughter suffers with post natal depression, and carries the burden and guilt that she isn't a good enough mother when she's unable to nurse her son.
This story has a whole lot of heart and all of the characters are very relatable and likeable.
Everything ends in a feel good way, just what I like in this genre.
I would like to thank the folks at Headline for a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Sheila finds herself in possession of the beautiful but dilapidated Casa Maria in Spain.
She makes the difficult choice to leave behind her life in Ireland and restore the property with the hope of building a wedding business around it.
I really liked this book. For one, it wasn't predicable. Her son Jake falls apart a little and doesn't always act in the best way and nearly ruins his career. Her daughter suffers with post natal depression, and carries the burden and guilt that she isn't a good enough mother when she's unable to nurse her son.
This story has a whole lot of heart and all of the characters are very relatable and likeable.
Everything ends in a feel good way, just what I like in this genre.
I would like to thank the folks at Headline for a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
July 3, 2017
What can I say, this book is full of emotion and it's a truly heart warming story. Having been around the heartbreak and loss of a close family member, it was easy to relate to the loss Shelly and her children were feeling. The emotion that poured out of this book is amazing, it had me in tears from the very beginning and left me with a massive smile on my face at the end.
I think there was a nice balance between all of the characters, it was heartbreaking to see how Jake wasn't coping with the loss of his dad, almost as if he was so lost he didn't know what his life was for anymore. Although everything changed for the worse for a while, it enabled him to do what he needed to do, something many don't realise they need to do.
The style of writing was personable, it was as if it was my family going through it all, it was so easy to relate to that it dragged me through to the very end! An amazing read and definitely an uplifting story for summer time.
I think there was a nice balance between all of the characters, it was heartbreaking to see how Jake wasn't coping with the loss of his dad, almost as if he was so lost he didn't know what his life was for anymore. Although everything changed for the worse for a while, it enabled him to do what he needed to do, something many don't realise they need to do.
The style of writing was personable, it was as if it was my family going through it all, it was so easy to relate to that it dragged me through to the very end! An amazing read and definitely an uplifting story for summer time.
March 30, 2018
Remember the promise I made to you at our wedding.......
Restoring a Spanish villa brings Shelly back to the place she and her husband once loved, fulfilling the promise he made that they would return. But as plans to transform the villa into a romantic wedding venue take shape, Shelly discovers her grown-up children may need the move more than she does.
Her son Jake has begun to question the things he values most; his career as pilot, his relationship with his girlfriend. Could Spain offer him the change he's seeking Shelly's daughter Leila arrives with a new-born baby in tow, but then hears some startling news she wasn't expecting.
As Casa Maria takes its first booking, will it turn out to be more than a romantic promise made all those years ago? Perhaps a second chance at new beginnings.
Restoring a Spanish villa brings Shelly back to the place she and her husband once loved, fulfilling the promise he made that they would return. But as plans to transform the villa into a romantic wedding venue take shape, Shelly discovers her grown-up children may need the move more than she does.
Her son Jake has begun to question the things he values most; his career as pilot, his relationship with his girlfriend. Could Spain offer him the change he's seeking Shelly's daughter Leila arrives with a new-born baby in tow, but then hears some startling news she wasn't expecting.
As Casa Maria takes its first booking, will it turn out to be more than a romantic promise made all those years ago? Perhaps a second chance at new beginnings.
October 14, 2017
A really good all round book, plenty of good interesting characters and each with their own dramas and as a family. A family faced with an unexpected change early on in the book has them all facing a new and uncertain future. Some of the characters like Fee and Jake were as bad as each other and I could see where they were both coming from but they still annoyed me most of the time. I did like Lydia though though she could be rather judgemental and free with her unwanted opinions.
At the start it was rather tweedle-de in that it was all hugs n love yous n wholesomeness but as the drama kicked in it got much better.
At the start it was rather tweedle-de in that it was all hugs n love yous n wholesomeness but as the drama kicked in it got much better.
December 31, 2017
I loved all the scenes in Spain, and was really starting to feel a part of life there, was well as a member of the Dillon family.
With each Emma Hannigan book that i read, I am becoming more and more impressed by her writing style and how she draws you into the story.
This book had me feeling a whole range of emotions, and while I generally liked all the characters, I found Fee a bit harder to get on with.
Pure escapism for any time of year, this is highly enjoyable and will give you a much needed break from your life while you are absorbed in a whole other families trials and triumphs.
Thank you to Bookbridgr for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
With each Emma Hannigan book that i read, I am becoming more and more impressed by her writing style and how she draws you into the story.
This book had me feeling a whole range of emotions, and while I generally liked all the characters, I found Fee a bit harder to get on with.
Pure escapism for any time of year, this is highly enjoyable and will give you a much needed break from your life while you are absorbed in a whole other families trials and triumphs.
Thank you to Bookbridgr for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 15, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Shelly is a woman who seemingly has it all....but then in one moment, her life changes to something she doesn't recognise. She has 2 adult children who are negotiating their ways through life in very different ways, but they still need their mum. They have a very close bond, which is lovely to read about.
I got completely emotionally involved with this family, it has to be said. And even though I have never been to Spain, I could visualise Casa Maria and all its wonders.
Really special book, this one. By a storyteller who was clearly a special person as well.
Shelly is a woman who seemingly has it all....but then in one moment, her life changes to something she doesn't recognise. She has 2 adult children who are negotiating their ways through life in very different ways, but they still need their mum. They have a very close bond, which is lovely to read about.
I got completely emotionally involved with this family, it has to be said. And even though I have never been to Spain, I could visualise Casa Maria and all its wonders.
Really special book, this one. By a storyteller who was clearly a special person as well.
September 29, 2017
What can I say about this wonderful book !!
A really heartfelt, emotional read about family life, coping with grief and learning how to live again .
I haven't read any of Emma Hannigan's books before but I was really lucky to win a copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway .
She writes really believable stories with interesting and likable characters, set in the most wonderful settings .
The descriptions of Spain made me feel like I was there and going through all these events with this family .
A really heartfelt, emotional read about family life, coping with grief and learning how to live again .
I haven't read any of Emma Hannigan's books before but I was really lucky to win a copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway .
She writes really believable stories with interesting and likable characters, set in the most wonderful settings .
The descriptions of Spain made me feel like I was there and going through all these events with this family .
Read
October 23, 2023perfect fluffy book for Amalfi on my honeymoon. Found an ARC from 2017 in the hotel forgotten books room, lol. Poolside, stressful train and airports, through a bit of traveling illness, it sustained me and helped flex my reading muscle rather than constantly scroll insta. and satisfied my (hereto unacknowledged for awhile) desire for reality-TV esque drama without the trashiness.
needed a break from Christ in Dachau--it was just too sunny and happy :)
needed a break from Christ in Dachau--it was just too sunny and happy :)
March 20, 2018
A good holiday read. Nothing challenging! quite superficial. I didn't really feel any sympathy with any of the characters, they were all a bit 2 dimensional even Gerry, who came across as a bit of a manipulator. Jake and Fee were incredibly selfish and self centred. A bit of a nothing book only good for reading on a beach.
August 19, 2023
Grief of the rich family, they seem to buy and sell houses at their whim. Characters lack depth, they all are short sighted and take immediate decisions based on a single thing and jet off immediately.
the setting seems to be in a lala land where progress happens just by a swish of the magic wand.
the setting seems to be in a lala land where progress happens just by a swish of the magic wand.
September 11, 2025
It was a cute book, but a little bland, there was no gripping parts or anything like that. Struggled to finish, because I knew not much was going to happen.
If you like a nice easy read, its for you, if you need something where you can't wait to read to see what happens next, its not for you.
If you like a nice easy read, its for you, if you need something where you can't wait to read to see what happens next, its not for you.
February 17, 2017
3.5 stars
Review to follow...
Review to follow...
May 21, 2017
What a totally awesome book, nice easy chic lit, great story great characters. Really kept you hooked to the end
October 15, 2017
Heerlijk boek !
November 6, 2017
really enjoyed
January 20, 2018
Almost perfect. A tiny bit slow to start but then wonderful.
July 8, 2018
A heart warming story. Family orientated. Very moving. Great characters. Loved it.
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