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Unexpected Prince Charming #1

Beside Golden Irish Fields

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Art teacher Angie Newcastle’s life is all monotone.

She wasn’t always this dull. She’d been an up-and-coming artist with the world at her feet. But after contracting the Wrong Man Syndrome and spending years doubting herself, she no longer recognizes herself.

When she loses her job, she can’t afford to keep ignoring the obvious: her life needs a serious overhaul. And she knows exactly where to start: in Ireland, teaching art classes to her ex-pat cousin’s village community.

Angie expected the golden fields beside her ancient Irish cottage to inspire her. She didn’t expect them to be populated by sheep sprayed with uplifting words. And she certainly didn’t expect anyone like their owner, reclusive sheep baron Carrick Fitzgerald, or the matchmaking ghost determined to bring them together.

Neither want to find love—especially Angie, who’s on a self-imposed man-fast because she doesn’t want her life to take another nosedive. Only she slowly realizes that Carrick is the most unexpected of Prince Charmings and that he might help her make all her dreams come true.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2021

1167 people are currently reading
694 people want to read

About the author

Ava Miles

101 books1,139 followers
Millions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.

Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.

After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.

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5 stars
1,723 (67%)
4 stars
590 (23%)
3 stars
171 (6%)
2 stars
47 (1%)
1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Donna Keith.
209 reviews
August 28, 2021
This book has a bit of everything, yes it's a love story but also the love of families and small towns. Angie and her sister Megan (who has been recently widowed) and nephew Ollie (Megan's son) travel to Ireland to visit relatives. Angie has given up on men she want's to be able to get back her painting skills. She drags Megan along to try and make her live a normal life again. Megan has relied heavily on Angie and this is another this that has put her painting on the back burner. On their was to Betsy's they meet Carrick who is a sheep farmer whose sheep have messages of hope written on them. Carrick has lost his wife Sorcha, but Sorcha has other ideas for him, like finding a new wife, she comes and visits throughout the story to try and push him towards Angie.
Whilst Angie and Carrick are the main characters in this book, there are lots of other people who are front and centre as well.
If you have read the Dare Valley series you definitely won't be disappointed, even if you haven't you will love this book.
Ava Miles writes these books with such great descriptions of the surroundings you can picture the story as you are reading it.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
882 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2021
Love Is Here ... and poor Carrick doesn't stand a ghost of a chance 👻

It Can Be the Easy Way or the Hard Way…. but Sorcha is bound and determined for it to be HER way. Buckle up Carrick. You’re in for a rough ride…

Ahhhhh, there is a Prince Charming after all

Angie was burned at love once…. he ex wasn't the prince charming she thought, Then her rebound love dumps her too. Soooo she builds walls and barriers to protect herself. Not only does she find herself a divorcee but her job now is gone too due to budget cuts.

Starting all over won’t be easy but with the luck of the Irish, not all is lost. Angie’s somewhat eccentric cousin, who lives in Ireland, makes an offer she can’t refuse. Come to Ireland, she says. Use your artistic talents here, she says. Fall in love, she says…. well maybe not that, but remember this is Ireland, a place where magic is assumed and not just hoped for. So, why not a real Prince Charming after all?

This is a story full of emotion and fantasy. There’s heartbreak but there’s healing too. There’s tragedy but also hope. The people here are far from perfect, but they’re real… well as real can be considering a dead wife is out to bring love back to her Carrick. You’ll be sad at times and then find yourself laughing too. And, this being Ireland, there is magic and a little bit of luck …. okay, maybe more than a little bit. But it all comes together beautifully. And yes, as said above, Prince Charming does exist and so does happy ever after. ☘️

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Saskia.
1,775 reviews55 followers
August 5, 2021
The first book in a new series taking place in Ireland. A land filled with magic, beauty, healing and rainbows.

The real world is an uncertain and scary place at the moment and being able to forget about the real world for a while while immurged in a heartfelt story which made me laugh out loud is a wonderful thing.

This book is such a feel good book about people finding themselves, healing and falling in love. It is filled with wonderful slightly scarred and quirky characters, a small community that stands together, lots of animals, art, flowers, mischief and the picturesque landscapes of Ireland. But most of all love in all its shapes and forms.

While reading this book I felt I was transported to Ireland and these characters. Ava Miles really knows how to write very descriptive scenes, which make it so easy to see the story in your head. And you characters you fall in love with and are rooting for during the entire story.

I can’t wait for the next book.
10 reviews
August 10, 2021
HEA. Is alive and well.

Ava Miles brings to us....what we most need now. Faith and hope, in our own families and communities. " Together we STAND, divide we will FALL".... "Play it forward", and pass it on, from this new series to Dare Valley, the Merriam's, and all the ones in between her characters show us happiness is there. Thank you for giving me heart....be safe and well always.
834 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2021
The humor, the characters and the romance makes this an amazing story. Angie and Megan have been forced to doubt their feelings, their confidence and their talents by people that claimed to love them. By coming to Ireland, being with family and making so many new friends they are given great gifts, unconditional love and passion. Angie and Carrick find so much more then love, a story worth reading.
Profile Image for Karen L Ledee.
906 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2021
10*********stars! What a wonderful start to a new series. A beautiful well rounded story about love, tragedy and healing. A bit of the delightful Irish paranormal, you just never know. Angie and Carrick find it takes a village to lift you up from a grief stricken to acceptance to love. You have to love the fairies, fae and ghosts to spice up a story. Superbly written and fills your heart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Profile Image for Aleksandra.
441 reviews3 followers
Read
March 22, 2024
Thank you @rick_283 for sending me this ARC!

Beside Golden Irish Fields by Ava Miles is a beautiful story about family, grief and finding love again when you least expect it. It was written very well and the characters were all fleshed out and interesting and while I’m sure many people will love this book, especially if they enjoyed this author’s other books, sadly, it just wasn’t for me and I DNF’ed at 55%.

I liked the romance, Carrick and Angie have a great chemistry together from their first meeting and I enjoyed their banter and how they tried to fight their growing feelings for each other. I liked all the characters, they were all three dimensional and complex and I enjoyed getting to know their story. Also, the paranormal element was a nice touch and I was interested to see how that would play out.

I don’t really like romances where the hero is still in love with his ex/dead wife and that’s definitely the case here. Carrick’s love for Sorscha and his grief were written in a beautiful way, but it stopped me from fully enjoying his and Angie’s romance, maybe it changes later in the book but I just didn’t wait to see it. I also noticed I’m not a fan of this author’s writing style, a lot of people love it but it’s just not for me. And I had a little issue with the pacing, this book is set in a small town and is mostly focused on the importance of family, grief and love, but it was missing something for me and I was getting bored at times.

Despite that, I really think this is a great book. It was well written and had me full of emotions while reading and I’m sure a lot of people are going to fall in love with Angie and Carrick’s story.
Profile Image for ForestGardenGal.
441 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2023
To find love, try finding yourself first

Figure out who you are, find your passion. Find love. That's what it all boils down to, apparently. Cute, sweet, but seriously? Ok, the simplistic nature of the story and writing were somewhat endearing in truth, and I did enjoy it despite myself. That said, there were larger issues here.

The confounding of deep grief with the emotions of guilt and failure did not reflect well on the author or her characters. Of course there is some grieving process after a failed marriage, death of a neglectful spouse or parent, or a job loss, but that kind of grieving is altogether different from the deep grief brought about by the untimely death of a soul mate. Yes, everyone grieves differently, but there is some grief that is simply devastating to the survivor. The death itself changes you permanently. The other stuff just isn't comparable. Losing your sense of self in a co-dependant relationship is not the same. Please don't pretend it is.

PG13 for some language, some sexual content. No violence (except a massacre of roses by sheep!)
1,002 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2025
Two sisters travel to Ireland to visit their cousin and to escape recent heartbreak. Will they be able to find happiness with the help of a matchmaking "spirit"?
"Carrick Fitzgerald has got to be the grumpiest Irishman on the planet.
Angie Newcastle isn’t exactly Miss Sunshine herself, but at least she’s trying to be happy. Case in point: she’s up and left her old life and come to Ireland to be a painting teacher for a local art center.
Take that, grumpy—but hot—Irish sheep-herder.
Only someone who paints lovely, uplifting words on his sheep can’t be all that much of an ogre, and Angie is compelled to delve into this mysterious man. Only the closer she gets, the more Carrick resists her.
But the luck of the Irish is on her side. The charming small town is practically throwing Carrick at her at every turn to show her Carrick is the most unexpected Prince Charming of Angie’s dreams. And when the local matchmaking ghost arrives to take matters in hand, happily ever after is just a jig away." synopsis copied
920 reviews
April 24, 2025
I found this Irish romance series at my library book sale and purchased the entire series. Ava Miles is a talented writer who writes both an interesting family / village drama as well as a great romance.

Angie and her sister, Megan, and nephew, Ollie make a move to Ireland so that Angie can teach art at her mother's cousin new community art institute. Megan and son tag along because Megan's soldier husband died in Afghanistan several months earlier and Megan cannot cope with her depression and son without Angie's help. One of their first sights when nearing cousin Bets' home is sheep with words spraypainted on their wool: Be. Good. Here. The prophesizing sheep are actually the work of a ghost: Sorcha Fitzgerald, who believes that Angie is the perfect person to help her husband Carrick get over her loss.

This is a story of love and loss, magic and romance, friendship and family. Great read!
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,497 reviews25 followers
August 6, 2021
This is going to be such a good series. I loved this first story and can't wait for the next one. The characters are so fun and yet they are all struggling with something. When Angie came to Ireland, she didn't expect to find such a wonderful man right off the bat. But, she has given up on men forever. Men have brought her nothing but problems. Hence the reason she is in Ireland, she is trying to get her painting mojo back. Carrick doesn't want another relationship. After his wife died, he knew he couldn't ever love anyone again. With a little help from his dead wife and some friends, Carrick begins to see that his life isn't over yet. Will Angie stay in Ireland with Carrick or will she have to go away if he can't return her love? They both have fears and neither are sure they can get past that fear.
Profile Image for Michelle Ham.
Author 2 books32 followers
January 23, 2023
This was a gorgeous story that made me want to live in a little Irish village and enjoy all the love and ‘craic’ that comes up in a tight-knit community full of quirky, nosy (ie. interested and caring) characters. I loved that Angie was a painter in a slump of her own – and how could that slump last when surrounded by such beautiful golden Irish fields and a handsome Irishman who’d do anything to help her get her arty mojo back – even if that means keeping his hands to himself?!

I only deducted one star as it was a bit longer than it probably needed to be, and some of the shenanigans of old men streaking through the art studio got a bit too drawn out for my liking.

I definitely want to read the next book, all about Angie’s sister Megan. She’s an interesting character, and I'd like to get to know her supportive impending love interest Kade better, too.
3,708 reviews40 followers
August 5, 2021
This is book one in The Unexpected Prince Charming Series and it is Angie and Carrick's story and what a great start to a new series and a must read. I absolutely loved this and I couldn't put it down and it was a real page turner. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and you have to keep turning the pages to see what would happen to Angie and Carrick and you will definitely not be disappointed the the outcome. Aha Miles is an amazing author and writer and I definitely look forward to reading many more of her books as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
239 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2025
So very refreshing and uplifting!
This was truly a gem of a find. However, one needs to put aside any dis-beliefs and simply enjoy the story, its amazing characters and the beautiful messages that are conveyed. Ava Miles is a very talented writer who brings the words on the page to life. This love story (or two) is told with such honesty the rekindling of emotions and a sense of self-worth with endearing patience amongst its characters you cannot help falling in love with this Irish Village. There are thoughtful moments, festive moments and laughable moments to treasure. For me, this was a heartwarming experience and I look forward to reading more by Ava Miles.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 11, 2021
The first book in the Unexpected Prince Charming Series, and I will say after reading this book I want to read the next one. The story is well written with a very good storyline that flowed smoothly across the pages. This Author made you feel like you where there watching as the story unfolded. I enjoyed seeing Angie Newcastle and Carrick Fitzgerald,the friends, family and town as it came together for this project even with the hiccup along the way. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sherry Roberts.
Author 6 books17 followers
August 29, 2021
This descriptive book of the landscape of golden Irish fields and seascape bring the reader into a wonderful little community of Ireland. I wasn't sure I could love characters as much as Ms. Miles's other series but oh my goodness, she has brought us a new rich, intriguing, and colorful cast of characters you will immediately fall in love with and draw you into their lives. I found myself in Angie, laughing at Bets and the Lucky Charms, and yes, there are animals with their own messages. Add in the mystical character to stir up trouble. I am ready for the next in the Prince Charming Series!
71 reviews
January 26, 2023
More 2.5 stars. There was nothing wrong with the plot or even the writing, but I did have issues with the author's approach. She had too many characters for starters and often mere;u listed them in a scene by name without any distinguishing characteristics. The story itself was a little long and when Miles seemed in doubt as to how to move the action forward, she would simply bring in the ghost. It wasn't exactly lazy writing, but it didn't hold my attention either. As I had no trouble setting the book aside and returning to it much later, I doubt I will continue with the series.
1,230 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2023
There is so much going on in this book, it's bound to maintain one's attention. Love/job loss between Angie and sister Meghan from being dumped and fired to losing one's husband in the military, and the different ways of grieving. To healing in Ireland visiting kin, meeting the entire intrusive town while developing one's talent in art and sharing it. A mystical past wife ghost guiding an unlikely relationship. Several ongoing scenarios along with a bit of fantastical humor will keep one reading throughout the night to find out the happily ever after endings.
40 reviews
February 8, 2024
Best book I've read in awhile !

I loved this book so much because it had so many different subjects. There's people starting over, grief , inner healing, artist, love, sex and of course Irish folklore. I forgot one subject, ghost ! Plus it was so well written that at times it made me laugh, cry, celebrate, hope and just plain old enjoy ! I am so looking forward to the rest of this series and I whole heartily recommend this book. You'll wish you could live there in Ireland with this wonderful community. If I could give this book a 10 star I would !
116 reviews
August 14, 2024
Ava Miles' books always leave me feeling hope in my heart

No matter the emotional roadblocks that pop up in the path of romance and happy endings, Ava Miles' characters find a way through and around them. They come from troubled relationships and both feel a need for more time to reflect, possibly to decide they aren't meant to find true love, ever or again. They need to protect themselves from the terrible pain of another ending. But love can creep up before you realize it's there.








op up so the road to happy endings is in doubt,
Profile Image for Anita.
163 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2025
First I was impressed with the vocabulary choices, but having come across "verdant" and "Payne's gray" for the umpteenth time I was much less impressed. Plus "palette" spelt "palate" just irks me.
As for the plot, it is ok, slightly quirky with a meddling ghost. The MCs are interesting, though the build up to intimacy is rather tepid, and the intimacy itself is behind closed doors. Absolutely no thrills.
The FMCs sister is a nightmare and whenever she's in the scene I just wanted to throw something... yeah, and the second book is about her... not gonna read it.
1,221 reviews36 followers
August 9, 2021
Another love story for the ages. This author never disappoints! Complex characters with flaws you can relate to. The community is one I want to live in. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. The humor is perfect. I loved the Lucky Charms and their husbands antics. This new series is a must read. It left me with a big emotional sigh and a smile on my face.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,474 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2021
Angie comes to Ireland for a job teaching art, introduced by Betsy a relative.and Megan comes to Ireland as a grieving widow and mother. Each have their own issues.
Carrick widower farmer taunted and haunted by his dead wife, urging him to move on.
Love and laughter, troubles and strides amongst all the residents of this small town.
Ghostly goings on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
14 reviews
August 15, 2021
Oh, those American and Irish connections!

I love Ava’s books and this one is no exception! The complexity of her characters, the journeys they must travel, and the promise of more as we learn to love the characters and see where they go, book after book after book (yes, I’m hoping for more than 2 of them)! I’m so glad I found Ava and look forward to reading lots more from her!!!!!
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2023
Another wonderful book to start Ava Miles' new series. Carrick and Angie are two troubled souls whose lives have been touched by tragedy and sorrow. Can the rediscover their lives by trusting in each other? Will the ghost of his dead wife bless their relationship? You'll laugh and cry along with all the inhabitants of this lovely Irish village as they negotiate the way to happiness and second chances.
204 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book from the first paragraph to the last in the book. Getting to know Angie and Carrick, watching them slowly make their way to each other was sweet to watch. Love all of the characters in the village and the ghost. Yes, ghost, but a good one. This book made me want to go to this village in Ireland and get to know all of the people there, good & bad.

You really need to take the time to sit down and read this book, either with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Meet the villagers, the sheep and watch the love that grows.
57 reviews
August 11, 2021
This book is a joy to read. It has a ghost, sheep & funny people doing crazy things. Two lost people find each other, work their way together, come apart but in the end realize that they are meant to be together. Ava Miles’ first book in a new series is funny and heart-warming. I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am posting an honest and voluntary review.
1 review2 followers
August 12, 2021
Love this book!

I love all of Ava’s books. This one did not disappoint. I am on my second run through, the Dare Valley, Dare River, The Merrimans, and The Billionaire series. Just as great the second time around. Anxiously awaiting for book two of the unexpected Prince Charming series. As always Ava thank you for the read.
16 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2021
Never disappoints

Ava Miles never disappoints. This new series is off with a bang! I love the setting in Ireland and all the characters are wonderful. Their romance and humor is very entertaining and satisfying. I'll be counting the days til the next book, like I have with all Ava Miles' other books.
2 reviews
August 12, 2021
I have read all of Ava’s series. I'm saddened each time one ends. I love each and every character. The way she writes in families keeps me invested. When the next book comes out, I can't wait to delve into it. This book is no exception. It sweeps you away into their lives and let's you believe that happiness is out there for the taking…..no matter your age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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