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The Women Who Ran Away
In Sheila O'Flanagan's stunning new novel, two women face up to shocking truths about the men they've loved - and start to make their own decisions about what to do next...
Deira isn't the kind of woman to steal a car. Or drive to France alone with no plan. But then, Deira didn't expect to be single. Or to suddenly realize that the only way she can get the one thing she wants most is to start breaking every rule she lives by.
Grace has been sent on a journey by her late husband, Ken. She doesn't really want to be on it but she's following his instructions, as always. She can only hope that the trip will help her to forgive him. And then - finally - she'll be able to let him go.
Brought together by unexpected circumstances, Grace and Deira find that it's easier to share secrets with a stranger, especially in the shimmering sunny countryside of Spain and France. But they soon find that there's no escaping the truth, whether you're running away from it or racing towards it . . .
Deira isn't the kind of woman to steal a car. Or drive to France alone with no plan. But then, Deira didn't expect to be single. Or to suddenly realize that the only way she can get the one thing she wants most is to start breaking every rule she lives by.
Grace has been sent on a journey by her late husband, Ken. She doesn't really want to be on it but she's following his instructions, as always. She can only hope that the trip will help her to forgive him. And then - finally - she'll be able to let him go.
Brought together by unexpected circumstances, Grace and Deira find that it's easier to share secrets with a stranger, especially in the shimmering sunny countryside of Spain and France. But they soon find that there's no escaping the truth, whether you're running away from it or racing towards it . . .
448 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2020
682 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Sheila O'Flanagan
95 books1,200 followersAs you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
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April 27, 2021
EXCERPT: 'I've no car and no way of getting around.'
'But I have a car,' said Grace. 'And I have an itinerary. I also have more clues to be deciphered. We've already seen that two heads are better than one. Why don't you come with me?'
'On all your stops? Through France and Spain?' Deira looked at her in astonishment.
'Why not?' said Grace. 'To tell you the truth, you'd be doing me a favour. My elder daughter thinks I'm off my rocker doing this trip on my own. If I tell her I have company, she might stop worrying about me and asking me to share my location with her so she can check up on me without me even realizing it.'
'I'm not sure . . .'
'We still haven't worked out the full La Rochelle clue,' said Grace. 'Besides, I'd love your company.'
'Really?'
'Why not?' repeated Grace.
Why not indeed, thought Deira. Why not do something even madder than her original plan and travel with a woman she hardly knew, following a treasure hunt set by a dead man?
ABOUT 'THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY': Deira is setting out on the holiday she'd planned with her long-term partner Gavin... only she's on her own. Gavin will not be amused when he finds out she's 'borrowed' his car, but since their brutal break-up Deira's not been acting rationally. Maybe a drive through beautiful France will help her see things differently...Grace is also travelling alone, each stage of her journey outlined in advance by her late husband. Ken was head of the household when he was alive, and it seems he's still in charge. His last decision was a surprise - could there be more surprises to come? There's only one way to find out, galling though it is to dance again to Ken's tune...Thrown together by chance, Deira and Grace are soon motoring down the French highways, sharing intriguing stories of their pasts, as they each consider the future...
MY THOUGHTS: Don't you just love that cover! Especially now when we're still all restricted to armchair travel, I can just imagine strolling through that open gate, feel the sand between my toes and the water lapping at my ankles.
Unfortunately I liked the cover better than the story. I found it difficult to readily connect with both main characters, but Deira in particular. It could be an age thing, but I don't really think so. I enjoyed the story, but never became fully invested in it. I did love the travelling aspect, and O'Flanagan's descriptive powers are excellent. I loved learning about the history of some of the locations Grace and Deira travelled to and the references to famous historical literary and artistic characters. I found the map coordinates at the beginning of the chapters frustrating. I would rather have had dates and locations.
The idea behind the plot is excellent. It covers some serious subjects: terminal illness, grief, loss, suicide, and infidelity. But don't go thinking that this novel is full of doom and gloom, because it isn't. It is a novel of hope, friendship and personal growth.
I'm not quite sure why I didn't love this. I usually do love O'Flanagan's books. This is a nice, quick, easy read, just not one that left me enchanted and missing the characters when I closed the covers.
⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheWomenWhoRanAway #NetGalley
@sheilaoflanagan @hachetteaus
'One thing I've learned about life is that no matter how shitty a time you are having, it does pass. And then you look back and say, that was a terrible week, or month, or year. But you've got to remember that it's only a tiny bit of your whole life. It's important to put it into perspective.'
THE AUTHOR: As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Women Who Ran Away by Sheila O'Flanagan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'But I have a car,' said Grace. 'And I have an itinerary. I also have more clues to be deciphered. We've already seen that two heads are better than one. Why don't you come with me?'
'On all your stops? Through France and Spain?' Deira looked at her in astonishment.
'Why not?' said Grace. 'To tell you the truth, you'd be doing me a favour. My elder daughter thinks I'm off my rocker doing this trip on my own. If I tell her I have company, she might stop worrying about me and asking me to share my location with her so she can check up on me without me even realizing it.'
'I'm not sure . . .'
'We still haven't worked out the full La Rochelle clue,' said Grace. 'Besides, I'd love your company.'
'Really?'
'Why not?' repeated Grace.
Why not indeed, thought Deira. Why not do something even madder than her original plan and travel with a woman she hardly knew, following a treasure hunt set by a dead man?
ABOUT 'THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY': Deira is setting out on the holiday she'd planned with her long-term partner Gavin... only she's on her own. Gavin will not be amused when he finds out she's 'borrowed' his car, but since their brutal break-up Deira's not been acting rationally. Maybe a drive through beautiful France will help her see things differently...Grace is also travelling alone, each stage of her journey outlined in advance by her late husband. Ken was head of the household when he was alive, and it seems he's still in charge. His last decision was a surprise - could there be more surprises to come? There's only one way to find out, galling though it is to dance again to Ken's tune...Thrown together by chance, Deira and Grace are soon motoring down the French highways, sharing intriguing stories of their pasts, as they each consider the future...
MY THOUGHTS: Don't you just love that cover! Especially now when we're still all restricted to armchair travel, I can just imagine strolling through that open gate, feel the sand between my toes and the water lapping at my ankles.
Unfortunately I liked the cover better than the story. I found it difficult to readily connect with both main characters, but Deira in particular. It could be an age thing, but I don't really think so. I enjoyed the story, but never became fully invested in it. I did love the travelling aspect, and O'Flanagan's descriptive powers are excellent. I loved learning about the history of some of the locations Grace and Deira travelled to and the references to famous historical literary and artistic characters. I found the map coordinates at the beginning of the chapters frustrating. I would rather have had dates and locations.
The idea behind the plot is excellent. It covers some serious subjects: terminal illness, grief, loss, suicide, and infidelity. But don't go thinking that this novel is full of doom and gloom, because it isn't. It is a novel of hope, friendship and personal growth.
I'm not quite sure why I didn't love this. I usually do love O'Flanagan's books. This is a nice, quick, easy read, just not one that left me enchanted and missing the characters when I closed the covers.
⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheWomenWhoRanAway #NetGalley
@sheilaoflanagan @hachetteaus
'One thing I've learned about life is that no matter how shitty a time you are having, it does pass. And then you look back and say, that was a terrible week, or month, or year. But you've got to remember that it's only a tiny bit of your whole life. It's important to put it into perspective.'
THE AUTHOR: As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Women Who Ran Away by Sheila O'Flanagan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 10, 2020
How about that cover? The title, along with that, make me want to run away to that place!
Deira has been through a brutal breakup when she decides to borrow her ex’s car and drive around France. Grace is also traveling alone; her husband has passed away. Deira and Grace’s paths cross, and soon they are traveling through France together as fast friends.
The Women Who Ran Away is a feel-good type of story. These characters made me smile often and laugh, too. It’s a story of friendship, but it also has a touch of mystery and romance to it; all making for a great escape read that never takes itself too seriously. I think I’ve found a new favorite author for escape reads!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheeelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Deira has been through a brutal breakup when she decides to borrow her ex’s car and drive around France. Grace is also traveling alone; her husband has passed away. Deira and Grace’s paths cross, and soon they are traveling through France together as fast friends.
The Women Who Ran Away is a feel-good type of story. These characters made me smile often and laugh, too. It’s a story of friendship, but it also has a touch of mystery and romance to it; all making for a great escape read that never takes itself too seriously. I think I’ve found a new favorite author for escape reads!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheeelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 27, 2021
Having never read anything from this author before, I was unsure of what to expect, but I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
Sheila O’Flanagan has written an enjoyable story of two women Deira and Grace, who by chance cross paths and before they know it they are on a road trip together. Driving through France, they share their pasts and discover intriguing things about each other. The story covers many important issues like loss, suicide, grief, but it is also a story of friendship and hope. It was an enjoyable read for me and I am glad I chose to read it. Recommended.
Sheila O’Flanagan has written an enjoyable story of two women Deira and Grace, who by chance cross paths and before they know it they are on a road trip together. Driving through France, they share their pasts and discover intriguing things about each other. The story covers many important issues like loss, suicide, grief, but it is also a story of friendship and hope. It was an enjoyable read for me and I am glad I chose to read it. Recommended.
April 12, 2020
When Deira and Grace meet whilst they are both on separate road trips, they decide to travel together.
Deira has taken her ex’s sports car and is going on the holiday that they had booked together before he left her for another woman.
Grace’s husband has died, he has booked this trip for her and has left her clues for a treasure hunt
I loved how the women are on their own personal journeys but bond together and support one another, trying to solve the clues to the treasure hunt.
I was hooked by this book and couldn’t wait to see what the treasure was at the end of the hunt!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Deira has taken her ex’s sports car and is going on the holiday that they had booked together before he left her for another woman.
Grace’s husband has died, he has booked this trip for her and has left her clues for a treasure hunt
I loved how the women are on their own personal journeys but bond together and support one another, trying to solve the clues to the treasure hunt.
I was hooked by this book and couldn’t wait to see what the treasure was at the end of the hunt!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
December 1, 2020
As one who always lived by the rules, Deira is not sure what possesses her but suddenly after her husband has left her, she decides to take her revenge and take Gavin’s precious sports car to France. Her plan are altered after she meets Grace. Grace‘s husband Ken has recently died. Before he died he set up a sort of treasure hunt of a journey through France and ending in Spain. As Grace solved one piece of the puzzle from the clues another unfolds. After she and Deira meet she appreciate s the help solving the puzzle clues. As they travel through the countryside they come to know each other and themselves better.
I was after a nice easy read after the previous heavy and emotive book. This seemed to fit the bill nicely. I enjoyed getting to meet both Deira and Grace. Loved the setting as they trailed from one place to another in France and Spain. I also liked the treasure hunt idea even if I would have hated being married to such a controlling husband. But then maybe as Grace and the reader discover there was more to Ken than first thought. I also liked that the treasure hunt was fashioned around literary and art references.
This is a novel about relationships, both marriage relationships and friendships. I loved watching the way Deira and Grace interacted with each other. After a nice light read, this was exactly the book to settle in comfortably with. Yes, both woman are dealing with grief given the death of Grace’s husband and the breakup of Deira’s marriage and all she feels she has been cheated out of. But it is counterbalanced by acceptance and friendships. Even when I didn’t agree with choices made, I was happy sharing the journey with these characters I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to anyone who likes stories about women who suffer hardship and loss but then get on with life.
I was after a nice easy read after the previous heavy and emotive book. This seemed to fit the bill nicely. I enjoyed getting to meet both Deira and Grace. Loved the setting as they trailed from one place to another in France and Spain. I also liked the treasure hunt idea even if I would have hated being married to such a controlling husband. But then maybe as Grace and the reader discover there was more to Ken than first thought. I also liked that the treasure hunt was fashioned around literary and art references.
This is a novel about relationships, both marriage relationships and friendships. I loved watching the way Deira and Grace interacted with each other. After a nice light read, this was exactly the book to settle in comfortably with. Yes, both woman are dealing with grief given the death of Grace’s husband and the breakup of Deira’s marriage and all she feels she has been cheated out of. But it is counterbalanced by acceptance and friendships. Even when I didn’t agree with choices made, I was happy sharing the journey with these characters I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to anyone who likes stories about women who suffer hardship and loss but then get on with life.
December 27, 2020
The Women Who Ran Away is an endearingly enjoyable Road Trip story, about two Irish women who have both lost their life’s loves, driving down through France and Spain on a literary treasure hunt, and finding out just what they want from their futures. I don’t read much of this kind of chook-lit any more, but this went round Book Club and I liked the fact that it was about friendship rather than romance, and it was a nice way to spend a stormy post-Christmas day off.
Deira O’Brien, recently dumped by her older partner, recklessly steals his treasured Audi convertible to go on the driving holiday they had planned together. On the ferry to France, she meets recently widowed Grace Garvey, who has been given a series of clues to solve by her late husband, on a journey down to Southern Spain, which promise to lead to a hidden reward. Forced together by chance, these two very different women will help each other discover the truth about their relationships and what they are looking for next.
I wasn’t sure whether reading about women going on holiday to fabulous places, while we are trapped at home by Covid, would be frustrating, but having travelled through both countries previously I could read and enjoy this without too much jealousy. While I couldn’t relate personally to either woman’s situation, I felt the author did a good job with the characters, who felt believable and sympathetic: I’ve known enough women desperate to have a baby that Deira’s unhinged thinking did actually ring true. While this looks like a light & fluffy read, it did cover some serious topics, which were handled sensitively. I really liked that the plot wasn’t completely predictable although admit to some disappointment at the inevitable conclusion that a Happy Ending must involve meeting a man - but I guess too many readers would be disappointed if it didn’t. 3.5 rounded up for the Feelgood Factor.
Deira O’Brien, recently dumped by her older partner, recklessly steals his treasured Audi convertible to go on the driving holiday they had planned together. On the ferry to France, she meets recently widowed Grace Garvey, who has been given a series of clues to solve by her late husband, on a journey down to Southern Spain, which promise to lead to a hidden reward. Forced together by chance, these two very different women will help each other discover the truth about their relationships and what they are looking for next.
I wasn’t sure whether reading about women going on holiday to fabulous places, while we are trapped at home by Covid, would be frustrating, but having travelled through both countries previously I could read and enjoy this without too much jealousy. While I couldn’t relate personally to either woman’s situation, I felt the author did a good job with the characters, who felt believable and sympathetic: I’ve known enough women desperate to have a baby that Deira’s unhinged thinking did actually ring true. While this looks like a light & fluffy read, it did cover some serious topics, which were handled sensitively. I really liked that the plot wasn’t completely predictable although admit to some disappointment at the inevitable conclusion that a Happy Ending must involve meeting a man - but I guess too many readers would be disappointed if it didn’t. 3.5 rounded up for the Feelgood Factor.
June 12, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Women Who Ran Away is established author Sheila O’Flanagan’s new novel. A story of fateful connections, friendship, grief, loss and acceptance, O’Flanagan’s latest will be sure to appeal to contemporary fiction fans.
In The Women Who Ran Away we meet two very different women who forge an unexpected relationship that spans an eventful trip across Europe. While exploring some of Europe’s most sought after destinations Deira and Grace learn a great deal about themselves on this epic adventure. It leads them to make some difficult choices about what they want in life, as well as how they should proceed with their future. For Deira, life has issued her with a huge curve ball. Deira’s husband has left her in quite spectacular circumstances. In an act of ultimate revenge, Deira takes her ex’s beloved sports car and sets off on a cross country sojourn across Europe. Deira hopes that this trip will allow her to make some alternative life plans. While Grace is sent on a scavenger hunt, thanks to her deceased husband. With strict instructions to complete a set treasure hunt from her late husband, Grace knows that she owes her husband this one last promise. But Grace is struggling to come to terms with her husband’s shock death and she hopes that this trip will help her to finally say goodbye. With the past, the present and the future all converging, each woman must make a decision about who they want to be once the trip comes to an end.
It feels like some time since I last picked up a Sheila O’Flanagan novel. I was a big fan of O’Flanagan’s work in my early twenties, when women’s fiction was the only genre I would read! I was drawn The Women Who Ran Away by the very inviting cover. The breezy, summer feel with an open gate signifying plenty of possibly seem to call to me. Sheila O’Flanagan’s latest was a quick read that I raced through in no time at all.
The locations featured in The Women Who Ran Away was the most enjoyable aspect of this story. O’Flanagan’s new novel covers a cosmopolitan trip across some of Europe’s most beautiful and picture perfect cities. The scenario of two very different women crossing paths and coming together on an unexpected road trip appealed to me. O’Flanagan’s descriptions of the destinations featured in the travel aspects of the novel were well realised. It was a nice feeling to be invited along on this European escapade.
Deira and Grace are the central characters of The Women Who Ran Away. Both have their own past histories and personal baggage, which the reader works to unpack as the novel progresses. Each woman is haunted by their own separate issues. These personal problems include grief, loss, suicide, infidelity, infertility and marriage breakdown. These are common problems that will be sure to strike a chord with a wide audience. I do have to be honest though and confess that I struggled to connect with both women and the overall storyline arc.
There are some different touches to this novel, including the treasure hunt issued by Grace’s late husband which involves quite a few literary references. I am a fan of some of the literary figures mentioned, this aspect of the story did offer an interesting side distraction. I also appreciated the coordinate references that headed each chapter opening, I think this was a good strategy to situate the reader in the different location interchanges that occur during the novel.
All in all, The Women Who Ran Away was just an okay read for me, it was a light enough to carry me through a few weeknight reading sessions. Fans of O’Flanagan’s work will no doubt appreciate this one.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Women Who Ran Away is established author Sheila O’Flanagan’s new novel. A story of fateful connections, friendship, grief, loss and acceptance, O’Flanagan’s latest will be sure to appeal to contemporary fiction fans.
In The Women Who Ran Away we meet two very different women who forge an unexpected relationship that spans an eventful trip across Europe. While exploring some of Europe’s most sought after destinations Deira and Grace learn a great deal about themselves on this epic adventure. It leads them to make some difficult choices about what they want in life, as well as how they should proceed with their future. For Deira, life has issued her with a huge curve ball. Deira’s husband has left her in quite spectacular circumstances. In an act of ultimate revenge, Deira takes her ex’s beloved sports car and sets off on a cross country sojourn across Europe. Deira hopes that this trip will allow her to make some alternative life plans. While Grace is sent on a scavenger hunt, thanks to her deceased husband. With strict instructions to complete a set treasure hunt from her late husband, Grace knows that she owes her husband this one last promise. But Grace is struggling to come to terms with her husband’s shock death and she hopes that this trip will help her to finally say goodbye. With the past, the present and the future all converging, each woman must make a decision about who they want to be once the trip comes to an end.
It feels like some time since I last picked up a Sheila O’Flanagan novel. I was a big fan of O’Flanagan’s work in my early twenties, when women’s fiction was the only genre I would read! I was drawn The Women Who Ran Away by the very inviting cover. The breezy, summer feel with an open gate signifying plenty of possibly seem to call to me. Sheila O’Flanagan’s latest was a quick read that I raced through in no time at all.
The locations featured in The Women Who Ran Away was the most enjoyable aspect of this story. O’Flanagan’s new novel covers a cosmopolitan trip across some of Europe’s most beautiful and picture perfect cities. The scenario of two very different women crossing paths and coming together on an unexpected road trip appealed to me. O’Flanagan’s descriptions of the destinations featured in the travel aspects of the novel were well realised. It was a nice feeling to be invited along on this European escapade.
Deira and Grace are the central characters of The Women Who Ran Away. Both have their own past histories and personal baggage, which the reader works to unpack as the novel progresses. Each woman is haunted by their own separate issues. These personal problems include grief, loss, suicide, infidelity, infertility and marriage breakdown. These are common problems that will be sure to strike a chord with a wide audience. I do have to be honest though and confess that I struggled to connect with both women and the overall storyline arc.
There are some different touches to this novel, including the treasure hunt issued by Grace’s late husband which involves quite a few literary references. I am a fan of some of the literary figures mentioned, this aspect of the story did offer an interesting side distraction. I also appreciated the coordinate references that headed each chapter opening, I think this was a good strategy to situate the reader in the different location interchanges that occur during the novel.
All in all, The Women Who Ran Away was just an okay read for me, it was a light enough to carry me through a few weeknight reading sessions. Fans of O’Flanagan’s work will no doubt appreciate this one.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 23, 2021
I really enjoyed the women who ran away, i found it totally refreshing and when I first started reading I knew I was going to enjoy it.
I really enjoyed Deira’s character , my heart went out to her throughout the book. Deira is distraught after the breakup in her relationship with Gavin, so when a ticket arrives for their planned European holiday she decides to go herself.
With Grace’s character my heart when out to her, she’s ready to take a ferry across to France , her trip will end in Spain and was planned by her husband, so with her itinerary in place, Grace is travelling alone.
I really enjoyed following Deira and Grace travelling through france and spain, and found the author done amazing with the descriptions to the point I felt I could imagine it all. I found the story really easy to follow and found it seem natural when Deira and Grace came together in together.
I really enjoyed Sheila O’Flanagan’s book, I really enjoyed her writing style and how she describes the different places throughout the story, I will definitely be picking another one of her books up.
I found this story was of grief, friendship, loss and acceptance and I really enjoyed how Deira and Grace became together throughout there journeys.
I really enjoyed Deira’s character , my heart went out to her throughout the book. Deira is distraught after the breakup in her relationship with Gavin, so when a ticket arrives for their planned European holiday she decides to go herself.
With Grace’s character my heart when out to her, she’s ready to take a ferry across to France , her trip will end in Spain and was planned by her husband, so with her itinerary in place, Grace is travelling alone.
I really enjoyed following Deira and Grace travelling through france and spain, and found the author done amazing with the descriptions to the point I felt I could imagine it all. I found the story really easy to follow and found it seem natural when Deira and Grace came together in together.
I really enjoyed Sheila O’Flanagan’s book, I really enjoyed her writing style and how she describes the different places throughout the story, I will definitely be picking another one of her books up.
I found this story was of grief, friendship, loss and acceptance and I really enjoyed how Deira and Grace became together throughout there journeys.
March 4, 2021
A road trip of rediscovery. Daira is not one to break the law, but here she is driving the car she stole from her ex-boyfriend on a road trip through France. Grace recently unexpectedly lost her husband and this is her farewell trip of sorts to him. He has sent her on a treasure hunt across France. Daira and Grace meet one another on the ferry to France and decide to travel together. What follows is a lovely story of friendship, grief, discovery, healing and romance.
What a wonderful story! I loved both of these characters and related to both of them on a different level. Loved how healing this road trip was for both of them. Both women had gone through so many things and I think sharing their stories, their hopes, and their dreams was so cathartic for both of them. Loved getting to know these ladies and traveling France through the pages of this book.
What a wonderful story! I loved both of these characters and related to both of them on a different level. Loved how healing this road trip was for both of them. Both women had gone through so many things and I think sharing their stories, their hopes, and their dreams was so cathartic for both of them. Loved getting to know these ladies and traveling France through the pages of this book.
July 24, 2020
Sheila O'Flanagan’s new novel, The Women Who Ran Away, is a heady and refreshing tale that drew me right in from the very outset.
In this story of friendship, fate, grief, loss and acceptance, the reader gets to meet two very different women whose unexpected bonding spans an eventful trip across Europe. Whilst touring some of Europe’s most desirable places, Deira and Grace learn an awful lot about themselves on their exciting journey.
Central characters Deira and Grace both have their own past histories and personal baggage, which the reader gradually becomes privy to as the story unfolds. Each of them is haunted by their own demons and issues that include suicide, infidelity, infertility and marriage breakdown. These are commonplace problems and I found I had a definite connection to the wonderfully individual, affable pair.
Sheila O'Flanagan’s writing style helped to make this novel a joy to read and I liked how she managed to make the more mundane aspects of life sound interesting. The pacing of the story was absolutely perfect and although there were no huge surprises, I wasn’t expecting any with this type of novel. I thoroughly revelled in this pleasurable tale and I will be reading more from Sheila O'Flanagan in the future.
A beautifully told story that will surely appeal to contemporary fiction fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Headline via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
In this story of friendship, fate, grief, loss and acceptance, the reader gets to meet two very different women whose unexpected bonding spans an eventful trip across Europe. Whilst touring some of Europe’s most desirable places, Deira and Grace learn an awful lot about themselves on their exciting journey.
Central characters Deira and Grace both have their own past histories and personal baggage, which the reader gradually becomes privy to as the story unfolds. Each of them is haunted by their own demons and issues that include suicide, infidelity, infertility and marriage breakdown. These are commonplace problems and I found I had a definite connection to the wonderfully individual, affable pair.
Sheila O'Flanagan’s writing style helped to make this novel a joy to read and I liked how she managed to make the more mundane aspects of life sound interesting. The pacing of the story was absolutely perfect and although there were no huge surprises, I wasn’t expecting any with this type of novel. I thoroughly revelled in this pleasurable tale and I will be reading more from Sheila O'Flanagan in the future.
A beautifully told story that will surely appeal to contemporary fiction fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Headline via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 6, 2024
3.5⭐️= Quite Good.
Paperback.
I liked the two female protagonists and their back stories, although at times, I became frustrated by Deira’s desperate actions.
Maybe it dragged on a little longer than I would’ve liked- but a decent story all the same. The hint of mystery added an interesting dimension.
This might be for you if you want a gentle read about two maturer women searching for conclusions in their life paths.
Paperback.
I liked the two female protagonists and their back stories, although at times, I became frustrated by Deira’s desperate actions.
Maybe it dragged on a little longer than I would’ve liked- but a decent story all the same. The hint of mystery added an interesting dimension.
This might be for you if you want a gentle read about two maturer women searching for conclusions in their life paths.
November 17, 2020
Two women whose lives are at a crossroads. One road trip through France and Spain that helps them to sort out who they are and what they want. And a friendship built along the way.
May 17, 2023
This could have been a really good story but, the two women bickering all through the book really irritated me. It’s a shame as I loved all the searching for clues and driving to different places but, the nasty relationship between Deira and her ex wasn’t very pleasant and made me feel uncomfortable at times. She seemed quite clueless at times and it didn’t make for good reading
June 19, 2020
Grace's husband has died but has sent her on a treasure hunt on a trip through France and Spain. It was along the lines of a trip they might have done together. Deira's partner of thirteen years leaves her for someone else and she's still reeling. She takes his car and starts on a trip that they had already planned before, starting in France. The two women meet while on the ferry going across from Ireland to the continent and enjoy each other's company. Later on they encounter each other again and circumstances have them travelling together. There are a lot of up and downs along the way but they each have issues to work through and they do a lot of that together.
I've read other books by Sheila O'Flanagan in the past and for the most part enjoyed them. This book was a bit hit and miss for me. Sometimes the story goes into great detail and that's not something that bothers me in the right context. But here it seemed to drag the story down at times and I could have done with some paring down of some parts. Also, the conversations sometimes seemed unnatural the way they were written and it made for difficult reading. The overall story is quite an interesting one and it was nice to see how the women were able to support each other as their journey continued.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Hachette Australia for sharing the advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review.
Overall I'd give this three stars.
I've read other books by Sheila O'Flanagan in the past and for the most part enjoyed them. This book was a bit hit and miss for me. Sometimes the story goes into great detail and that's not something that bothers me in the right context. But here it seemed to drag the story down at times and I could have done with some paring down of some parts. Also, the conversations sometimes seemed unnatural the way they were written and it made for difficult reading. The overall story is quite an interesting one and it was nice to see how the women were able to support each other as their journey continued.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Hachette Australia for sharing the advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review.
Overall I'd give this three stars.
November 8, 2022
I didn't like Deira first: her way to think was painful to read about. But I was so glad how she finally understood some things but there was a point when I couldn't stand her at all.
I loved travelling but this wasn't as light as I thought this would be.
I liked the ending and it's message.
I loved travelling but this wasn't as light as I thought this would be.
I liked the ending and it's message.
June 26, 2021
A slow burner that draws you in with a good ending
July 24, 2021
Sheila O’Flanagan’s The Women Who Ran Away is about 2 women who travel abroad separately and end up joining forces and travelling together, whilst they both have troubles going on in their lives.
Unfortunately I found it quite hard to get into this book and found my mind wandering often. I think this book would be great for you if you love cheesy books- I felt that the obstacles were quite easily overcome in the book and had an all round happy ending where the majority of things were resolved.
I also felt that the conversation within the book between Grace and Deira seemed almost awkward? The small talk often seemed to have no direction and seemed to give the characters no personality. I’m not sure if perhaps the writer intended to make the conversations this way as they hadn’t known each other long and perhaps it was meant to seem awkward. I did also find that the treasure hunt was completed quite easily, they seemed to solve all the clues without much trouble.
I found the whole scene with Deira and Charlie completely random when she wanted him to be the father of their child, and I found it very strange when Charlie and Deira end up rekindling again at the end of the book - I feel like nobody in real life would want to start dating someone who had behaved that way towards you, so I found that a bit unrealistic but also quite obvious that that may happen due to the cheesiness of the book.
Despite the couple negatives I found within the book,
I found that you could really picture the areas in which they travelled to and it has made me really eager to go on holiday again and explore a bit more when I do go away! I also really liked Grace’s relationship with her kids, it seemed very genuine and heartfelt.
If you love a cheesy chic-lit then I think that this is definitely for you!
Unfortunately I found it quite hard to get into this book and found my mind wandering often. I think this book would be great for you if you love cheesy books- I felt that the obstacles were quite easily overcome in the book and had an all round happy ending where the majority of things were resolved.
I also felt that the conversation within the book between Grace and Deira seemed almost awkward? The small talk often seemed to have no direction and seemed to give the characters no personality. I’m not sure if perhaps the writer intended to make the conversations this way as they hadn’t known each other long and perhaps it was meant to seem awkward. I did also find that the treasure hunt was completed quite easily, they seemed to solve all the clues without much trouble.
I found the whole scene with Deira and Charlie completely random when she wanted him to be the father of their child, and I found it very strange when Charlie and Deira end up rekindling again at the end of the book - I feel like nobody in real life would want to start dating someone who had behaved that way towards you, so I found that a bit unrealistic but also quite obvious that that may happen due to the cheesiness of the book.
Despite the couple negatives I found within the book,
I found that you could really picture the areas in which they travelled to and it has made me really eager to go on holiday again and explore a bit more when I do go away! I also really liked Grace’s relationship with her kids, it seemed very genuine and heartfelt.
If you love a cheesy chic-lit then I think that this is definitely for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
4.5 stars
The Women Who Ran Away by Sheila O’Flanagan swept me away to Spain and France for a lovely escapist read.
FIRST LINE OF THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY BY SHEILA O’FLANAGAN
“Even after she’d put the luggage in the tiny boot of the convertible, Deira still wasn’t sure if she was going to go through with it.”
MY THOUGHTS ON THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY
I feel like this is a very empowering book. We meet two women – Deira and Grace – who are at low points in their lives and both are unsure of the road ahead of them. Literally and figuratively, as they are both on road trips and trying to figure out their lives.
They are strangers, but end up travelling together, and sharing their struggles. I loved watching their friendship, build slowly, but surely. And I appreciated their honesty and strength with each other, as they didn’t hold back and spoke their opinions even if it made uncomfortable listening for the other person. But because their opinions came from truly caring and wanting the best for the other person, it was very uplifting and genuine.
The locations were fab, and I felt like I was road tripping right along with them. And there was even a treasure hunt thrown in to add a little mystery to the trip. It made me feel like throwing my own bags into the boot and heading off too. If only it wasn’t 2020!
This is a book about women, finding their identities and making their own way in the world and I loved it.
The Women Who Ran Away by Sheila O’Flanagan swept me away to Spain and France for a lovely escapist read.
FIRST LINE OF THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY BY SHEILA O’FLANAGAN
“Even after she’d put the luggage in the tiny boot of the convertible, Deira still wasn’t sure if she was going to go through with it.”
MY THOUGHTS ON THE WOMEN WHO RAN AWAY
I feel like this is a very empowering book. We meet two women – Deira and Grace – who are at low points in their lives and both are unsure of the road ahead of them. Literally and figuratively, as they are both on road trips and trying to figure out their lives.
They are strangers, but end up travelling together, and sharing their struggles. I loved watching their friendship, build slowly, but surely. And I appreciated their honesty and strength with each other, as they didn’t hold back and spoke their opinions even if it made uncomfortable listening for the other person. But because their opinions came from truly caring and wanting the best for the other person, it was very uplifting and genuine.
The locations were fab, and I felt like I was road tripping right along with them. And there was even a treasure hunt thrown in to add a little mystery to the trip. It made me feel like throwing my own bags into the boot and heading off too. If only it wasn’t 2020!
This is a book about women, finding their identities and making their own way in the world and I loved it.
July 21, 2020
It’s been quite a while since I read anything by this author. I inhaled her books about fifteen years ago. I was so hoping I’d enjoy this story as much as I loved her early stories. I’m glad to say I loved it. The Women Who Ran Away is a great page turner. Once I started I didn’t want to put the book down.
Deira and Grace are two strangers who find themselves on a ferry from Ireland to France. They strike up a friendship and go on a journey together.
This is a well told story with a great storyline. Would make a great beach read.
Deira and Grace are two strangers who find themselves on a ferry from Ireland to France. They strike up a friendship and go on a journey together.
This is a well told story with a great storyline. Would make a great beach read.
June 15, 2020
From the first chapter I just knew that I was going to enjoy this book. It was a great story and even though it was a easy read it was one which I was soon engrossed in. At times I felt that I was travelling through France and Spain with Grace and Deira the descriptions of the places were so good. A lovely story that held my interest the whole way through the book.
September 12, 2022
Härlig mysbok
Grace har blivit änka, och hennes make har efterlämnat ett antal kryptiska uppdrag till henne. Hon är kluven till om hon verkligen vill, men det kanske finns en mening, så hon ger sig iväg.
Deiras sambo har svikit henne och deras gemensamma resa till Frankrike blir inte av. Men mot hennes egen natur, bestämmer hon sig för att åka själv.
De två kvinnorna möts och det blir att de gör en gemensam resa genom Europa. Båda uppskattar att kunna dela med sig av sitt innersta till någon de inte känt sen tidigare.
”En oväntad resa” är en härlig resa genom tid och rum. Den innehåller mycket humor, och känslor. Jag blir så sugen på att besöka orterna de passerar på sin väg mot sanningen.
Jag gillar författarens enkla sätt att berätta och sidorna flyger fram.
☀️☀️☀️☀️av 5 ☀️
#enoväntadresa @sheilaoflanagan @lbforlag @alskapocket #feelgood #caritasläsning2022 #75
Grace har blivit änka, och hennes make har efterlämnat ett antal kryptiska uppdrag till henne. Hon är kluven till om hon verkligen vill, men det kanske finns en mening, så hon ger sig iväg.
Deiras sambo har svikit henne och deras gemensamma resa till Frankrike blir inte av. Men mot hennes egen natur, bestämmer hon sig för att åka själv.
De två kvinnorna möts och det blir att de gör en gemensam resa genom Europa. Båda uppskattar att kunna dela med sig av sitt innersta till någon de inte känt sen tidigare.
”En oväntad resa” är en härlig resa genom tid och rum. Den innehåller mycket humor, och känslor. Jag blir så sugen på att besöka orterna de passerar på sin väg mot sanningen.
Jag gillar författarens enkla sätt att berätta och sidorna flyger fram.
☀️☀️☀️☀️av 5 ☀️
#enoväntadresa @sheilaoflanagan @lbforlag @alskapocket #feelgood #caritasläsning2022 #75
May 29, 2024
Naiset karkuteillä on melko geneerinen viihdekirja, joka käsittelee myös vakavampiakin aiheita, kuten avioeroa, aviopuolison itsemurhaa ja naisen roolia parisuhteessa. Vaikka kirjassa tuodaan esille naisen roolia, esiintyy kirjassa myös hyvin ummehtuneita käsityksiä ja toisteisuutta. Sinänsä matkakertomus kahden naisen emansipaation metaforana toimii, mutta kirja käsittelee emansipaatiota melko pinnallisella tasolla.
Kirjan käännös on kuitenkin pääosin sujuva joitakin sanontoja lukuun ottamatta. Juoni ja päähenkilöiden tarinat eivät silti onnistu pitämään otteessaan. Juonenkäänteet ovat etenkin loppua kohden hämmennystä herättäviä ja vaikuttaa siltä, että loppuratkaisua haetaan keinolla millä hyvänsä. Sen sijaan Deiran siskontytön, Bexin, tilanteen pohdinta on kiinnostavaa.
Deira vaikuttaa kirjassa ärsyttävältä hahmolta, sillä hänelle on muodostunut pakkomielle lapsen hankkimisesta ja sitä toistetaan monessa kohdassa. Lisäksi kirjassa ärsytti se, miten holhoavasti Gracen mies kohtelee tätä ja kuinka alentavasti miehen ystävä, Pat Rice puhuu Gracelle.
Alzheimerin tautia sairastavan Gracen aviomiehen kuvaus kirjan lopussa on epäuskottava, joskin se on luultavasti rakennettu juonen kulun vuoksi monologiksi. Myös brändien viliseminen tekstissä vaikuttaa erikoiselta, mutta sillä luultavasti halutaan korostaa Deiran ja Gracen sosiaalista statusta.
Kirjan käännös on kuitenkin pääosin sujuva joitakin sanontoja lukuun ottamatta. Juoni ja päähenkilöiden tarinat eivät silti onnistu pitämään otteessaan. Juonenkäänteet ovat etenkin loppua kohden hämmennystä herättäviä ja vaikuttaa siltä, että loppuratkaisua haetaan keinolla millä hyvänsä. Sen sijaan Deiran siskontytön, Bexin, tilanteen pohdinta on kiinnostavaa.
Deira vaikuttaa kirjassa ärsyttävältä hahmolta, sillä hänelle on muodostunut pakkomielle lapsen hankkimisesta ja sitä toistetaan monessa kohdassa. Lisäksi kirjassa ärsytti se, miten holhoavasti Gracen mies kohtelee tätä ja kuinka alentavasti miehen ystävä, Pat Rice puhuu Gracelle.
Alzheimerin tautia sairastavan Gracen aviomiehen kuvaus kirjan lopussa on epäuskottava, joskin se on luultavasti rakennettu juonen kulun vuoksi monologiksi. Myös brändien viliseminen tekstissä vaikuttaa erikoiselta, mutta sillä luultavasti halutaan korostaa Deiran ja Gracen sosiaalista statusta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
Things I liked about the story. The places visited and the road trip (the getaway car), the friendship between the two women and it did not end all happily ever after it was more bitter sweet.
The things I did not like so much. The main one was I did not totally connect to any of the characters and did not particularly like them.
Good enough story could have had more likeable characters.
3.5 Stars
The things I did not like so much. The main one was I did not totally connect to any of the characters and did not particularly like them.
Good enough story could have had more likeable characters.
3.5 Stars
March 1, 2021
I loved the support the two women gave eachother in this heartwarming story. Thrown together on a road trip, Deira and Grace are each dealing with their own grief and are wonderful together. I loved the idea of the treasure hunt to explore the various towns and cities of France and Spain, and the descriptive details of their journey were beautifully written.
November 6, 2021
Loved it, my first Sheila O'Flanagan book but certainly not my last. Good pace, engaging writing style and enjoyable story.Thank you Beverley George for the recommendation.
March 31, 2021
Really lovely story of friendship and travel. I think the characters will stay with me for sometime and it really made me want to do a road trip too.
May 11, 2020
It has been far too long since I read one of this author's books. I just hoped that I wasn't expecting too much now. Within the first chapter, I had left reality and social distancing behind and joined two amazing women on a life-changing adventure.
Grace by name and Grace by nature. What a woman! Grace is a former air hostess from a day when they were chosen for their beauty and height as well as their brains. It had been on one of her trips that she had met Ken, the man that she would marry. They had three children, all grown up with lives of their own now. Ken was the reason that she was now on a ferry from Ireland to France, although she was travelling alone.
Deira was also on the ferry and travelling alone but the holiday had been planned by her now ex-partner Gavin, who had moved on to a much younger partner. The little sport's number that Deira had parked on the lower decks of the ferry was his but she had taken it without his knowledge. She wasn't coping very well with the break-up and had quite a mission brewing in her mind.
When fate keeps throwing the two women together they eventually go with the grain and an incredible treasure hunt begins.
I loved the connection between the two women which threw a different perspective on another main character. I felt that I probably got to know Ken better than anyone strangely enough, how different people saw him, how he related to people and the person he hid so well. He really made me think about life.
The places were amazing in the story, the descriptions detailed enough for me to see them come to life and the snippets of information about classic authors just brilliant. The research was perfection from this author as I always remembered it to be.
I cringed and smiled, shed a tear or two and just felt so uplifted. Loved this.
Grace by name and Grace by nature. What a woman! Grace is a former air hostess from a day when they were chosen for their beauty and height as well as their brains. It had been on one of her trips that she had met Ken, the man that she would marry. They had three children, all grown up with lives of their own now. Ken was the reason that she was now on a ferry from Ireland to France, although she was travelling alone.
Deira was also on the ferry and travelling alone but the holiday had been planned by her now ex-partner Gavin, who had moved on to a much younger partner. The little sport's number that Deira had parked on the lower decks of the ferry was his but she had taken it without his knowledge. She wasn't coping very well with the break-up and had quite a mission brewing in her mind.
When fate keeps throwing the two women together they eventually go with the grain and an incredible treasure hunt begins.
I loved the connection between the two women which threw a different perspective on another main character. I felt that I probably got to know Ken better than anyone strangely enough, how different people saw him, how he related to people and the person he hid so well. He really made me think about life.
The places were amazing in the story, the descriptions detailed enough for me to see them come to life and the snippets of information about classic authors just brilliant. The research was perfection from this author as I always remembered it to be.
I cringed and smiled, shed a tear or two and just felt so uplifted. Loved this.
December 23, 2021
Two women are on the same ferry to France and through a set of odd circumstances meet and then continue on the journey together. Both have problems to solve and come to the conclusion that two heads are better than one. It was all a bit cheesy and predictable but the details and descriptions of the places they went to/drove through are worth the stars alone. None of that could be faulted at all, but the women did jar a bit. This is a nice frothy read for anyone in the mood for something lighthearted I was given this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
Nice story, great locations!
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