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A Posy Of Promises
What happens when the relationship you have taken for granted suddenly ends?
Ava Connors is comfortable with her life just as it is, still living in the tiny terrace house where she was brought up by her grandmother, Maggie, seeing her long-term boyfriend, Finlay, and working in a florists.
But Maggie’s health is declining and Finlay is fed up waiting for Ava to make a commitment.
Ava has never really known her mother, Scarlett, and when she inherits an old and dilapidated house it ignites an interest in the mother who had abandoned her as a child.
Why did Scarlett leave her to be brought up by her grandmother?
Soon Ava begins to ask this question and in turn sets off a series of events that will change her life forever.
A Posy of Promises looks at the relationships we have and the questions we ask of those we love.
Ava Connors is comfortable with her life just as it is, still living in the tiny terrace house where she was brought up by her grandmother, Maggie, seeing her long-term boyfriend, Finlay, and working in a florists.
But Maggie’s health is declining and Finlay is fed up waiting for Ava to make a commitment.
Ava has never really known her mother, Scarlett, and when she inherits an old and dilapidated house it ignites an interest in the mother who had abandoned her as a child.
Why did Scarlett leave her to be brought up by her grandmother?
Soon Ava begins to ask this question and in turn sets off a series of events that will change her life forever.
A Posy of Promises looks at the relationships we have and the questions we ask of those we love.
- GenresFiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2018
16 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Dempsey
14 books53 followersSharon Dempsey is a Belfast based writer of fiction and non-fiction books, with four health books published. She facilitates therapeutic creative writing classes for people affected by cancer and runs a creative writing group for young people, called Young Scribblers. Sharon studied Politics and English at Queen’s University and went on to City University to do a postgraduate diploma in journalism.
Through the Arts Council NI’s Support for the Individual Artist Programme, Sharon was awarded funding, to be mentored by Irish crime writer Louise Phillips, while writing Little Bird, her first crime novel.
Through the Arts Council NI’s Support for the Individual Artist Programme, Sharon was awarded funding, to be mentored by Irish crime writer Louise Phillips, while writing Little Bird, her first crime novel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 10, 2018
Being a massive fan of programmes like Grand Designs. I instantly fell in love with the house that Ava inherits and had so many visions and ideas of what the house should look like. I'm not sure whether Ava would agree but it was lovely to fantasise about inheriting a house like that and what I would do with it myself.
Ava is such a wonderful character. I warmed to her from the off and by the end she felt like one of my friends. In fact there are many wonderful characters in this book. From Hazel, Ava's boss, to her wonderful friend Niamh and her childhood friend Joseph, they were all great and I would love to see more of them.
This was such a wonderful story. There are lots of things going on in Ava's life with her beloved grandma being in a home, the house, her love life and to top it all her mother, but it all slots in so lovely making this a mesmerizing read.
A Posy Of Promises is a gentle and beautiful story that took hold of me and wouldn't let go. I finished it in one day as I was so invested in Ava's life and was quite melancholy when I reached the end as I wasn't ready to say good bye to the characters. An enchanting and heartwarming story with characters that will stay with me for quite a while. Loved it.
My thanks to Bombshell Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Ava is such a wonderful character. I warmed to her from the off and by the end she felt like one of my friends. In fact there are many wonderful characters in this book. From Hazel, Ava's boss, to her wonderful friend Niamh and her childhood friend Joseph, they were all great and I would love to see more of them.
This was such a wonderful story. There are lots of things going on in Ava's life with her beloved grandma being in a home, the house, her love life and to top it all her mother, but it all slots in so lovely making this a mesmerizing read.
A Posy Of Promises is a gentle and beautiful story that took hold of me and wouldn't let go. I finished it in one day as I was so invested in Ava's life and was quite melancholy when I reached the end as I wasn't ready to say good bye to the characters. An enchanting and heartwarming story with characters that will stay with me for quite a while. Loved it.
My thanks to Bombshell Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
July 16, 2018
3 women of 3 generation
Grandmom Maggie, absentee mother Scarlett, daughter Ava
3 best friends
Ava, Niamh, Cal
3 boyfriends (not at the same time)
Finlay, Ben, Joseph
A Posy of Promises by author Sharon Dempsey was full of potential in premise, lacking in delivery, at least for me. The book started with Ava inheriting a mansion and then went on to show her relationship with the grandmother in a Nursing Care , followed by breakup with boyfriend Finlay. Her two best friends rallied around her in support, went to a bar, boogied the night away, followed by a horizontal cha-cha-cha with Ben.
Ava's mother Scarlett made an appearance after decades of being a non-show, and the 3 women tried to recreate a new relationship with each other. Ava was fun and sweet, and she pretty much got along with everyone including her boss Hazel (Ben's mom)
The story had humor, romance, change in outlook, makeover written in its scenes; it read more like a chick-lit than a women's fiction. For me, it lacked genuine emotions, I didn't laugh or cry. There was no slow building of emotions between the mother daughter; I wanted to see that intense bond of love.
The book was a nice read but left me cold and unfeeling.
P. S Joseph was the international (USA) texting friend maybe boyfriend (when he flew down to Belfast)
Grandmom Maggie, absentee mother Scarlett, daughter Ava
3 best friends
Ava, Niamh, Cal
3 boyfriends (not at the same time)
Finlay, Ben, Joseph
A Posy of Promises by author Sharon Dempsey was full of potential in premise, lacking in delivery, at least for me. The book started with Ava inheriting a mansion and then went on to show her relationship with the grandmother in a Nursing Care , followed by breakup with boyfriend Finlay. Her two best friends rallied around her in support, went to a bar, boogied the night away, followed by a horizontal cha-cha-cha with Ben.
Ava's mother Scarlett made an appearance after decades of being a non-show, and the 3 women tried to recreate a new relationship with each other. Ava was fun and sweet, and she pretty much got along with everyone including her boss Hazel (Ben's mom)
The story had humor, romance, change in outlook, makeover written in its scenes; it read more like a chick-lit than a women's fiction. For me, it lacked genuine emotions, I didn't laugh or cry. There was no slow building of emotions between the mother daughter; I wanted to see that intense bond of love.
The book was a nice read but left me cold and unfeeling.
P. S Joseph was the international (USA) texting friend maybe boyfriend (when he flew down to Belfast)
October 10, 2018
Ava has been raises by her Grandmother, Maggie when her mother Scarlet left Ireland to start a music career in the United States. Ava runs her flower shop and visits Maggie at the nursing home when she is gifted a large rundown home in need of a lot of love. She discovers it is from her mother, Scarlet. I enjoyed the story of rebuilding relationships and maintaining friendships but I think it needed one or two more chapters to tie up all the strings of the story. This is the first book I've read by Sharon Dempsey and she is an author I'll look for in the future. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 13, 2018
The title and the imagery on the cover of A Posy of Promises immediately pulled at my attention. I have been turning books down recently due to health etc so the first glance is crucial in helping me make a decision on how to spend my time.
Next I took a quick squiz at the blurb and knew it contained enough to entertain me. So did all of that then live up to my expectations? Yes, I’m pleased to say it did.
This is a very simple book to read, the writing flows smoothly, the characters are the type you can instantly class as friends. Add in a dilapidated old mansion that has been bequeathed to Ava by a mystery donor. An amazing gesture but she isn’t sure whether to keep it or sell it off and gain a sizeable profit.
Joseph is her life long friend, they chat via Skype whenever they can but she soon begins to feel the distance between him in San Francisco and her in Belfast. This leaves options open for him to come and help her with the renovations or possibly a bit more.
A classic beach read, close loving friends, a skeleton or two in the family closet, a will they won’t they romance .. pick up a copy of A Posy of Promises and you won’t be disappointed. There is definitely potential for further adventures with these people so I look forward to meeting up with them again in the not too distant future.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Next I took a quick squiz at the blurb and knew it contained enough to entertain me. So did all of that then live up to my expectations? Yes, I’m pleased to say it did.
This is a very simple book to read, the writing flows smoothly, the characters are the type you can instantly class as friends. Add in a dilapidated old mansion that has been bequeathed to Ava by a mystery donor. An amazing gesture but she isn’t sure whether to keep it or sell it off and gain a sizeable profit.
Joseph is her life long friend, they chat via Skype whenever they can but she soon begins to feel the distance between him in San Francisco and her in Belfast. This leaves options open for him to come and help her with the renovations or possibly a bit more.
A classic beach read, close loving friends, a skeleton or two in the family closet, a will they won’t they romance .. pick up a copy of A Posy of Promises and you won’t be disappointed. There is definitely potential for further adventures with these people so I look forward to meeting up with them again in the not too distant future.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 6, 2018
Gentle, Funny Sweet Story of A Young florist...
Ava Connors works in a florist shop..She has been brought up by her grandmother Maggie, who loved her to the moon and back,now though Maggie is at The Sisters of Mercy nursing home after a stroke.When Ava receives news that she has been bequeathed a house at Mount Pleasant Square..at first she can't believe it..Niamh her bubbly, sparkly best friend from childhood is delighted for her..Ava has been with her boyfriend Finlay for 8 years...but can't commit to him so they part ways..When Ava goes to see the house she knows it's going to need a bell of a lot of work to it...One day at her grannies house she is in the midst of a clearout when she finds a box ..In it are photographs along with a letter..This makes Ava want to find her mother who abandoned her many years ago.Her mother it seemed wanted more from life..Scarlett was a songstress..and at one time was at the top of the charts...Just as Ava is about to move into the house she gets the shock of her life...There in a room is a bag...Meanwhile Ava in trying to get over the split..tries to reinvent herself...and then fate has either ideas ...This is story about different kinds of love, fleeting, meaningful and unconditional love..It's also a story of deep friendships how they meld together..A Gentle ,Sweet ,Funny look into the life of an Irish colleen...and I have a feeling we haven't heard the last of Ava....
Ava Connors works in a florist shop..She has been brought up by her grandmother Maggie, who loved her to the moon and back,now though Maggie is at The Sisters of Mercy nursing home after a stroke.When Ava receives news that she has been bequeathed a house at Mount Pleasant Square..at first she can't believe it..Niamh her bubbly, sparkly best friend from childhood is delighted for her..Ava has been with her boyfriend Finlay for 8 years...but can't commit to him so they part ways..When Ava goes to see the house she knows it's going to need a bell of a lot of work to it...One day at her grannies house she is in the midst of a clearout when she finds a box ..In it are photographs along with a letter..This makes Ava want to find her mother who abandoned her many years ago.Her mother it seemed wanted more from life..Scarlett was a songstress..and at one time was at the top of the charts...Just as Ava is about to move into the house she gets the shock of her life...There in a room is a bag...Meanwhile Ava in trying to get over the split..tries to reinvent herself...and then fate has either ideas ...This is story about different kinds of love, fleeting, meaningful and unconditional love..It's also a story of deep friendships how they meld together..A Gentle ,Sweet ,Funny look into the life of an Irish colleen...and I have a feeling we haven't heard the last of Ava....
June 21, 2018
Really enjoyed the book. I just wish there was more to it. The story feels incomplete. I couldn't believe when I got to the last page, there were so many loose ends and it just seemed to end. I loved reading about Ava and her friends. I have so many questions.
Ava was raised by her grandmother, Maggie, in Belfast while her mom pursued a singing career in America. Scarlett (Ava's mom) was in and out of Ava's life until she was about five years old. Ava works in a florist shop and has somehow inherited an old dilapidated house. Maggie's health has declined and she's living in a nursing home. Scarlett finally returns home to Ava's surprise.
I do recommend the book. It was a cute story. I just wish it was longer. It was no surprise who Ava was going to end up with, but what happened to Finlay and Hazel's son? I loved all the characters, especailly Hazel and Niamh. Wasn't a fan of Scarlett. I hope there's a second book to follow up on the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Sharon Dempsey, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
Ava was raised by her grandmother, Maggie, in Belfast while her mom pursued a singing career in America. Scarlett (Ava's mom) was in and out of Ava's life until she was about five years old. Ava works in a florist shop and has somehow inherited an old dilapidated house. Maggie's health has declined and she's living in a nursing home. Scarlett finally returns home to Ava's surprise.
I do recommend the book. It was a cute story. I just wish it was longer. It was no surprise who Ava was going to end up with, but what happened to Finlay and Hazel's son? I loved all the characters, especailly Hazel and Niamh. Wasn't a fan of Scarlett. I hope there's a second book to follow up on the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Sharon Dempsey, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
July 14, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. This is not my usual type of fiction but it is great. Cleverly written, all entirely plausible but not predictable. I can’t stand weak endings and this book doesn’t have one.
June 13, 2018
Maggie has brought Ava up since her own mother disappeared to find her fortune in the USA. They named their daughter Scarlett but found that the name suited her far too well. Flighty is one way to describe her.
Ava has lived with Maggie (her husband died some-time beforehand) and has now been moved to a nursing home after a stroke. Avan loves Maggie but starts to realise that there is a life outside their home and she needs to begin living it.
Having recently split up with boyfriend Finlay, after 8 years, it all feels a bit scary. Her best friend Niamh, and friend Cal, are always trying to get her out and about meeting new people.
All changes when she receives a request from a solicitor to discuss something to her advantage. She is now the sole owner of a house, in a rather upmarket area of Belfast, where she grew up. It is only after she begins going through Maggie's papers that she discovers the house was bought by Scarlett years ago, for Ava and Maggie to live in. Why did they never live there? The house is run down having been empty for years, but Ava loves it. She can immediately see what it would be like if it was restored. Little by little, that is what she does when not working in a florist.
Ava embarks on a journey of self-discovery, gaining confidence and insight as to what made herself and Maggie tick. Scarlett returns from the US after hearing that the house had been passed to Ava. She thinks that her mother has died, and so sets sail for home. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The characters are very likable, and the author has empathy with the struggles of growing up and realising a dream.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
Ava has lived with Maggie (her husband died some-time beforehand) and has now been moved to a nursing home after a stroke. Avan loves Maggie but starts to realise that there is a life outside their home and she needs to begin living it.
Having recently split up with boyfriend Finlay, after 8 years, it all feels a bit scary. Her best friend Niamh, and friend Cal, are always trying to get her out and about meeting new people.
All changes when she receives a request from a solicitor to discuss something to her advantage. She is now the sole owner of a house, in a rather upmarket area of Belfast, where she grew up. It is only after she begins going through Maggie's papers that she discovers the house was bought by Scarlett years ago, for Ava and Maggie to live in. Why did they never live there? The house is run down having been empty for years, but Ava loves it. She can immediately see what it would be like if it was restored. Little by little, that is what she does when not working in a florist.
Ava embarks on a journey of self-discovery, gaining confidence and insight as to what made herself and Maggie tick. Scarlett returns from the US after hearing that the house had been passed to Ava. She thinks that her mother has died, and so sets sail for home. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The characters are very likable, and the author has empathy with the struggles of growing up and realising a dream.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
June 26, 2018
So I have just finished reading Posy of Promises and I have to say I just don't get it. I feel like every aspect of the book is unfinished and you are left wondering how it all ends. Hopefully there will be a second part and then perhaps I can give a better review.
June 14, 2018
What a wonderful tale! And, best of all, it's first in a trilogy .. so two more to look forward to with eager anticipation.
Ava Connor is very happy with her life; living with the grandmother who raised her, working in a job she loves and sharing her down time with a long term boyfriend. Then Finlay dumps her, her beloved Gran's health is on a downward spiral and, out of the blue, she is bequeathed a rather large house, but has no idea from whom. Being content with her lot in life, Ava is thrown by these events. What will she do with her good fortune? How could Finn break it off when her gran, Maggie, is so ill? And will she ever find out where this house fits into things?
This is a grand read, full of warmth. So much going on with beautifully created characters and a well-spun tale that drew me in so quickly. The characters are so true to life, I would expect to bump into any of them should I visit Belfast. I was more than happy to drink in all the details and quite sad to reach the final page. Roll on book two!
My thanks to publishers Bombshell Books / Bookouture for approving my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Ava Connor is very happy with her life; living with the grandmother who raised her, working in a job she loves and sharing her down time with a long term boyfriend. Then Finlay dumps her, her beloved Gran's health is on a downward spiral and, out of the blue, she is bequeathed a rather large house, but has no idea from whom. Being content with her lot in life, Ava is thrown by these events. What will she do with her good fortune? How could Finn break it off when her gran, Maggie, is so ill? And will she ever find out where this house fits into things?
This is a grand read, full of warmth. So much going on with beautifully created characters and a well-spun tale that drew me in so quickly. The characters are so true to life, I would expect to bump into any of them should I visit Belfast. I was more than happy to drink in all the details and quite sad to reach the final page. Roll on book two!
My thanks to publishers Bombshell Books / Bookouture for approving my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
July 16, 2019
A beautifully written, big-hearted book set in Belfast, which the author describes so compellingly that you feel you are there, with female characters you grow to care about as friends. 5 bouquets!
Grateful to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books/Bombshell Books for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#APosyOfPromises #NetGalley
Grateful to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books/Bombshell Books for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#APosyOfPromises #NetGalley
June 15, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book by the blurb. It sounded as though it might be a tale of long lost family members which I guess it is in a way but the not the way I expected.
Ava Connors is finding her life changing from all directions. Her boyfriend of many years has ended their relationship and her grandmother has moved into a nursing home after health struggles. When she discovers she has inherited a house it sets her on a path of self discovery that even she didn't expect.
Ava is written in a very real way. She is more than happy with spending nights at home with her cat rather than out drinking. She feels a loyalty to her grandmother which finds her wanting to stay close by. The other characters we are introduced to are also very likeable and have little side stories of their own. This is the first book I have read in a while which hasn't had me feeling dislike for somebody. All the people in this book are nice in their individuals way.
I liked the unpredictability of this book. I started the first few pages thinking I already had the ending sussed but it continually surprised me with the roads it took me on. This made it a different read for me and added to the enjoyment.
I couldn't write a review without talking about THAT ending. I really hope this is the first in a series otherwise you finish this book very frustrated...talk about a cliffhanger!
I would recommend this book to all fans of chick lit that fancy something different and unpredictable.
Ava Connors is finding her life changing from all directions. Her boyfriend of many years has ended their relationship and her grandmother has moved into a nursing home after health struggles. When she discovers she has inherited a house it sets her on a path of self discovery that even she didn't expect.
Ava is written in a very real way. She is more than happy with spending nights at home with her cat rather than out drinking. She feels a loyalty to her grandmother which finds her wanting to stay close by. The other characters we are introduced to are also very likeable and have little side stories of their own. This is the first book I have read in a while which hasn't had me feeling dislike for somebody. All the people in this book are nice in their individuals way.
I liked the unpredictability of this book. I started the first few pages thinking I already had the ending sussed but it continually surprised me with the roads it took me on. This made it a different read for me and added to the enjoyment.
I couldn't write a review without talking about THAT ending. I really hope this is the first in a series otherwise you finish this book very frustrated...talk about a cliffhanger!
I would recommend this book to all fans of chick lit that fancy something different and unpredictable.
May 22, 2018
Ava has been brought up by her grandmother Maggie due to her mother Scarlett having flown the nest to go to America making her fortune singing. Ava can’t remember Scarlett but treasures pictures and mementos she finds when Maggie has to go into a home due to old age. When she is bequeathed a large rather broken down house she wonders whom her benefactor is. Add into the mix that after a night on the tiles she finds herself in bed with the son of her boss, Ava’s life is a little mixed up at the moment having finished an eight year relationship not so long ago. This is a wonderful easy read that makes you think about life and not taking things for granted. Of friendships and relationships that we treasure along the way. Of the little things that matter and how others or even “things” can have such an effect on our lives. “The possibilities are endless”. A wonderful,beautifully written, relaxing read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
September 8, 2018
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions are entirely my own.
Honestly? It was a fun read but it felt kind of all over the place. There were quite a few nice moments but that's all it is. I think the author could've made it a much better book if she decided to add another 100 pages. I get it, Ava's story came to a close for her but there were still so many unanswered questions and random plotlines that made this book definitely a bit meh for me. Also, the timeline was very weird with gaps consisting of days, weeks or even months. Plus, I really don't get why we were supposed to root for Ava and this Joseph character when we know absolutely nothing about him? All we know is that he's a developer and he lives in Sillicon Valley and he grew up with Ava and they have a weird thing about squids. It was an OK read but not even a cute love story and all the characters felt really flat and one dimensional. I won't be recommending this book any time soon.
I will be, however, editing this review at some point. Probably.
Honestly? It was a fun read but it felt kind of all over the place. There were quite a few nice moments but that's all it is. I think the author could've made it a much better book if she decided to add another 100 pages. I get it, Ava's story came to a close for her but there were still so many unanswered questions and random plotlines that made this book definitely a bit meh for me. Also, the timeline was very weird with gaps consisting of days, weeks or even months. Plus, I really don't get why we were supposed to root for Ava and this Joseph character when we know absolutely nothing about him? All we know is that he's a developer and he lives in Sillicon Valley and he grew up with Ava and they have a weird thing about squids. It was an OK read but not even a cute love story and all the characters felt really flat and one dimensional. I won't be recommending this book any time soon.
I will be, however, editing this review at some point. Probably.
June 2, 2018
Ava's life is thrown into disarray when her longterm boyfriend splits up with her and she inherits a house from an anonymous benefactor. As she is forced to reassess her life we laugh, cry and hope with her throughout the novel. Although sadly I felt this book was rushed at times, with some situations not being fully explored. And I found some chapters didn't flow seamlessly on from one another; occasionally I had to flick back to check I hadn't skipped a bit. Overall the novel is a good story that in my opinion could benefit from some extra chapters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound books for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound books for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.
June 4, 2018
I enjoyed this and wizzed through it really quickly. It’s a nice easy read that flows well. The characters and dialogue feel real, but it doesn’t seem like this is the end of the story. Fully expecting a sequel!
June 19, 2018
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I was intrigued by the blurb for this book and I think that the cover is lovely and very in keeping with the book!
I really enjoyed the story and I thought that Ava was a brilliant character, very well developed and I instantly liked her. The book really did make me think about some of the relationships we have.
The book has a great ending, I was genuinely a bit saddened when it finished as I had really enjoyed the story and wanted to carry on being in their lives!
It is only a short read at 194 pages (according to Goodreads) but there is a lot of story contained in those pages and I have to say I loved it - five stars from me, very highly recommended!
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book and I think that the cover is lovely and very in keeping with the book!
I really enjoyed the story and I thought that Ava was a brilliant character, very well developed and I instantly liked her. The book really did make me think about some of the relationships we have.
The book has a great ending, I was genuinely a bit saddened when it finished as I had really enjoyed the story and wanted to carry on being in their lives!
It is only a short read at 194 pages (according to Goodreads) but there is a lot of story contained in those pages and I have to say I loved it - five stars from me, very highly recommended!
December 9, 2022
Audiobook.
April 7, 2023
book was just ok
Took a while to get into the book when I did I wanted to keep reading but the ending was so quick and made no sense is there a follow up
Took a while to get into the book when I did I wanted to keep reading but the ending was so quick and made no sense is there a follow up
February 18, 2024
Predictable old-friends-to-lovers rom-com.
January 31, 2025
Liked it overall but ended too abruptly for me. I wanted more!
June 13, 2025
Good basis for a story - based in Belfast it follows the life of a young woman who mysteriously inherits a large dilapidated house. I prefer the author’s crime novels.
February 18, 2025
"Ava Connors is comfortable with her life just as it is, still living in the tiny terrace house where she was brought up by her grandmother, Maggie, seeing her long-term boyfriend, Finlay, and working in a florists.
But Maggie’s health is declining and Finlay is fed up waiting for Ava to make a commitment.
Ava has never really known her mother, Scarlett, and when she inherits an old and dilapidated house it ignites an interest in the mother who had abandoned her as a child."
A lovely, if predictable in places, read about Ava, her grandmother Maggie and the distant mother Scarlett who she has never known but has always been curious about. The book explores how multi-layered relationships can be and how you can love from afar and how Scarlett tries to put things right after all her mistakes in her earlier life. Scarlett was difficult to like, on the other hand Maggie was a delight and I enjoyed the idea of romance between Ava and Finlay, her boss's son, and the elusive Joseph in America. Perfect ending for a sequel.
But Maggie’s health is declining and Finlay is fed up waiting for Ava to make a commitment.
Ava has never really known her mother, Scarlett, and when she inherits an old and dilapidated house it ignites an interest in the mother who had abandoned her as a child."
A lovely, if predictable in places, read about Ava, her grandmother Maggie and the distant mother Scarlett who she has never known but has always been curious about. The book explores how multi-layered relationships can be and how you can love from afar and how Scarlett tries to put things right after all her mistakes in her earlier life. Scarlett was difficult to like, on the other hand Maggie was a delight and I enjoyed the idea of romance between Ava and Finlay, her boss's son, and the elusive Joseph in America. Perfect ending for a sequel.
May 28, 2018
An easy summer read,it started off fine got the readers attention but soon became boring throughout the book,not progressing with the story at all and got a bit boring found that the story ended abruptly as if something was missing in the end needed more polishing up to make it a page turner.Characters should have been more developed especially Joseph a bit far to fetched to be believed.
July 5, 2018
A Posy of Promises by Sharon Dempsey is a great summer read!
Ava has been bequeathed a large mansion that needs much renovation. Who left her this mansion?
Finlay had recently broken up with Ava. "...you just don't light up for me." After being together 8 years, she was content being herself.was dumbfounded - yet she did realize that. Also, Ava had other things on her mind - should she keep the mansion with its many needed renovations, o r sell it?
She chats via email with an old friend, Joseph, who now lives in San Francisco - a long way from her home in Belfast. She calls Joseph and asks his opinion on the mansion.
Also, Ava spends a lot of her time visiting her grandma who literally raised Ava. Her grandma had 2 strokes, already, and was 86 years old. Ava clung to the woman who raised her. Ava's mom had run off to make good in America when Ava was a baby. Didn't Scarlett (Ava's mom) care enough to even check up on her once in awhile? After all, Ava found out that the mansion was meant to be for Ava and her grandma to live in.
Since Finlay's rejection, Ava goes "out on the town" and ends up sleeping with Ben Dale - her employer's son.
Oh, oh! And to make things worse, Ava left a necklace in Hazel's (her boss) bed the night she spent with Ben.
Ava is worried she will lose her job if Hazel finds out she slept with Ben.
Scarlett returns to Belfast, sees the mansion in disrepair, and wants to see Ava. Scarlett and Ava meet up and have a stormy, albeit, encounter that lasts throughout the story. Scarlett tells Ava that she is limiting herself, and to afraid of any change. Instead of continuing to pine for Finlay, Ava now looks forward to a visit from Joseph...
Definitely a place for a sequel!!! Fast, interesting, read. Recommend! Many thanks to Bloodhound and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Ava has been bequeathed a large mansion that needs much renovation. Who left her this mansion?
Finlay had recently broken up with Ava. "...you just don't light up for me." After being together 8 years, she was content being herself.was dumbfounded - yet she did realize that. Also, Ava had other things on her mind - should she keep the mansion with its many needed renovations, o r sell it?
She chats via email with an old friend, Joseph, who now lives in San Francisco - a long way from her home in Belfast. She calls Joseph and asks his opinion on the mansion.
Also, Ava spends a lot of her time visiting her grandma who literally raised Ava. Her grandma had 2 strokes, already, and was 86 years old. Ava clung to the woman who raised her. Ava's mom had run off to make good in America when Ava was a baby. Didn't Scarlett (Ava's mom) care enough to even check up on her once in awhile? After all, Ava found out that the mansion was meant to be for Ava and her grandma to live in.
Since Finlay's rejection, Ava goes "out on the town" and ends up sleeping with Ben Dale - her employer's son.
Oh, oh! And to make things worse, Ava left a necklace in Hazel's (her boss) bed the night she spent with Ben.
Ava is worried she will lose her job if Hazel finds out she slept with Ben.
Scarlett returns to Belfast, sees the mansion in disrepair, and wants to see Ava. Scarlett and Ava meet up and have a stormy, albeit, encounter that lasts throughout the story. Scarlett tells Ava that she is limiting herself, and to afraid of any change. Instead of continuing to pine for Finlay, Ava now looks forward to a visit from Joseph...
Definitely a place for a sequel!!! Fast, interesting, read. Recommend! Many thanks to Bloodhound and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
July 27, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book has the makings of a good story, But I just don’t feel that the author followed through. There were so many good things about this book but there are also some bad things about this book. All in all, I really don’t feel that much even happened in the book and just when it was going to get good, maybe, it was over. I didn’t really care for most of the characters, I did like Ava. I may check out another book by this author in the future if it sounds good.
This book has the makings of a good story, But I just don’t feel that the author followed through. There were so many good things about this book but there are also some bad things about this book. All in all, I really don’t feel that much even happened in the book and just when it was going to get good, maybe, it was over. I didn’t really care for most of the characters, I did like Ava. I may check out another book by this author in the future if it sounds good.
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