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Life's What You Make It
Dreams can come true, you just have to believe...
After 10 years in London, working in a stressful City firm, Liv O’Neill returns home to Sandycove, a picturesque seaside village, just outside Dublin to care for her mother after a fall.
Whilst Liv reconnects with friends and family, she is amazed by Sandycove’s thriving community spirit with its artisan shops, delis and cafes - it’s not quite the place she left behind.
As village life begins to creep under her skin, Liv is forced to confront the things that drove her away.
Can Liv balance her past, present and future and find her own happy place?
And will a handsome young doctor help her make a decision about the life she really wants?
Suddenly her old life in London begins to seem extremely unappealing and Liv is forced to use her family’s past in order to forge a brand new future.
After 10 years in London, working in a stressful City firm, Liv O’Neill returns home to Sandycove, a picturesque seaside village, just outside Dublin to care for her mother after a fall.
Whilst Liv reconnects with friends and family, she is amazed by Sandycove’s thriving community spirit with its artisan shops, delis and cafes - it’s not quite the place she left behind.
As village life begins to creep under her skin, Liv is forced to confront the things that drove her away.
Can Liv balance her past, present and future and find her own happy place?
And will a handsome young doctor help her make a decision about the life she really wants?
Suddenly her old life in London begins to seem extremely unappealing and Liv is forced to use her family’s past in order to forge a brand new future.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2021
1401 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Siân O'Gorman
20 books124 followersFor Once In My Life...
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…
When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.
As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?
Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?
Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.
Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
July 22, 2021
This was my first book by Sian O'Gorman and I immediately fell in love with her writing style, the setting of a small villige at the seaside near Dublin and all the lovely, quirky, big-hearted characters Sian O'Gorman created in her Life's What You Make It.
Olivia O'Neill is working in London as a PA of a highly-strung, overdemanding financial genius with a drink problem. She's been doing it for ten years and cannot imagine going back to the tiny village where she was born and raised by her mum. Then suddenly her boss is sent to a rehab clinic and Liv gets an unexpected five week holiday to go back to Ireland and help out her mum who's had an injury. Liv's flatmate and best friend Roberto keeps telling her that she needs to find what makes her really happy and make her life the life she deserves, but up to now overworked Liv's never had time to see the big picture.
Once she is back home, she is amazed at how easy it is to step back into her lovely, close-knit community and how right it feels to finally allow herself to do what she likes, wear things that she likes, and care for people around her. There's a mystery of her own family to uncover, there are a few adorable pets, the village gossip to catch up on, the best friend to help, a festival to organise, possibly an old business to revive, and …a handsome man tofall in love with. Liv may have lost the sight of her own unique personality and her own dreams, but here she gets a second chance at living the best life possible and finding her happiness.
Liv's a very likeable protagonist. She is sweet and considerate (despite feeling guilty for living too far away from her mum to be able to see and help her often enough). Loved her friends Roberto and Bronagh-so different and so much fun to read about. There is a whole cast of wonderful secondary characters that make you feel welcome in their village. There are also a few bad apples that create the tension and drama, but there is a great sense of confidence that whatever life throws at you, you are not helpless, you can choose how to deal with it.
I really enjoyed the setting- sun, salty air breeze and seagulls, lifelong friendships and family connections, old memories and new experiences that link you together. This was an enjoyable read, sweet, optimistic, heart-warming, and fun, and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley and BoldwoodBooks for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Olivia O'Neill is working in London as a PA of a highly-strung, overdemanding financial genius with a drink problem. She's been doing it for ten years and cannot imagine going back to the tiny village where she was born and raised by her mum. Then suddenly her boss is sent to a rehab clinic and Liv gets an unexpected five week holiday to go back to Ireland and help out her mum who's had an injury. Liv's flatmate and best friend Roberto keeps telling her that she needs to find what makes her really happy and make her life the life she deserves, but up to now overworked Liv's never had time to see the big picture.
Once she is back home, she is amazed at how easy it is to step back into her lovely, close-knit community and how right it feels to finally allow herself to do what she likes, wear things that she likes, and care for people around her. There's a mystery of her own family to uncover, there are a few adorable pets, the village gossip to catch up on, the best friend to help, a festival to organise, possibly an old business to revive, and …a handsome man tofall in love with. Liv may have lost the sight of her own unique personality and her own dreams, but here she gets a second chance at living the best life possible and finding her happiness.
Liv's a very likeable protagonist. She is sweet and considerate (despite feeling guilty for living too far away from her mum to be able to see and help her often enough). Loved her friends Roberto and Bronagh-so different and so much fun to read about. There is a whole cast of wonderful secondary characters that make you feel welcome in their village. There are also a few bad apples that create the tension and drama, but there is a great sense of confidence that whatever life throws at you, you are not helpless, you can choose how to deal with it.
I really enjoyed the setting- sun, salty air breeze and seagulls, lifelong friendships and family connections, old memories and new experiences that link you together. This was an enjoyable read, sweet, optimistic, heart-warming, and fun, and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley and BoldwoodBooks for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 22, 2024
Four and a half stars.
After 10 years in London working for the toxic Maribelle who has more than a few issues, Olivia O’Neill comes home to her Irish roots in Sandycove, a seaside village outside of Dublin. Olivia, known as Liv, is home temporarily to care for her mother after a fall. She begins to realise how much she has missed the place where she grew up. As she connects with friends and those in the community, Liv realises she really doesn’t want to go back to London. Except in London there is Roberto, her good friend and flat mate, recently broken up from his boyfriend Felipe.
The longer she stays in Sandycove, the more Liv is drawn into the community and the issues of various people. She is also enjoying reconnecting with her good friend Bronagh. The one thing Liv regrets about her young life is not knowing anything about her father who disappeared from the scene before she was born. It is the one subject her mother refuses to talk about. Maybe this time while she is home she can get some answers out of her mother? It is the one negative in their loving close relationship. And then Liv meets the charming Dr Will Butler. How will this impact on her future?
I settled easily into this story. Loved the setting and the community. Loved the relationship between Liv and her mother and that of Cara, who works part time in Liv's mother’s shop, and her grandmother. These are very different to the relationship Bronagh has with her mother, who constantly belittles and criticises her.
Roberto, Liv’s London friend, whose idol is Kylie Minogue, adds some amusing moments. As well as many likable characters there are a couple who are toxic. A novel of family, friendship, romance, life decisions and their consequences, as well as maybe a mystery solved. And at least one serious issue addressed.
My first book by this author and she quickly drew me in. A little predictable and repetitive at times but it didn’t matter. I still loved this feel good novel. An enjoyable read.
After 10 years in London working for the toxic Maribelle who has more than a few issues, Olivia O’Neill comes home to her Irish roots in Sandycove, a seaside village outside of Dublin. Olivia, known as Liv, is home temporarily to care for her mother after a fall. She begins to realise how much she has missed the place where she grew up. As she connects with friends and those in the community, Liv realises she really doesn’t want to go back to London. Except in London there is Roberto, her good friend and flat mate, recently broken up from his boyfriend Felipe.
The longer she stays in Sandycove, the more Liv is drawn into the community and the issues of various people. She is also enjoying reconnecting with her good friend Bronagh. The one thing Liv regrets about her young life is not knowing anything about her father who disappeared from the scene before she was born. It is the one subject her mother refuses to talk about. Maybe this time while she is home she can get some answers out of her mother? It is the one negative in their loving close relationship. And then Liv meets the charming Dr Will Butler. How will this impact on her future?
I settled easily into this story. Loved the setting and the community. Loved the relationship between Liv and her mother and that of Cara, who works part time in Liv's mother’s shop, and her grandmother. These are very different to the relationship Bronagh has with her mother, who constantly belittles and criticises her.
Roberto, Liv’s London friend, whose idol is Kylie Minogue, adds some amusing moments. As well as many likable characters there are a couple who are toxic. A novel of family, friendship, romance, life decisions and their consequences, as well as maybe a mystery solved. And at least one serious issue addressed.
My first book by this author and she quickly drew me in. A little predictable and repetitive at times but it didn’t matter. I still loved this feel good novel. An enjoyable read.
November 18, 2021
Wow. I really needed just a solid romance read. This was very good and it definitely is much better than the prior O'Gorman book I read, "Friends Like Us. That book followed 3 separate women and it just dragged. I think O'Gorman just focusing on the character of Liv and her life back home in Sandycove, located in Ireland. I also loved that O'Gorman didn't try to tie up some of the things with a neat little bow. There's a side plot dealing with Liv and her upset with her mother for so many years. It gets resolved (between the two of them) but O'Gorman resisted the urge to just do something cheesy with it I think. I just liked reading about the entire village, their messiness, and their friendship.
"Life's What You Make It" follows Liv O'Neill. Liv has been away from her home (Sandycove) for 10 years and lives in London. She has a great roommate and best friend (Roberto) but does miss her mother and her best friend Bronagh. After Liv's mess of a boss gets a forced sabbatical, Liv gets a month off and decides to return to Sandycove to help her mother run her store due to her having an injury. Being home again has Liv wondering what she is going to lose when she returns to London in 4 weeks.
I really liked Liv. Her friendship with Bronagh and Roberto was great. It was just nice to see supposed best friends in a romance book, actually be you know, best friends. She supported both her friends, and they supported and loved her right back. And though Liv has lingering feelings towards her mother about her past, they finally move past that and it was great to see. The slow burn romance we get is wonderful too in this one.
The secondary characters were just as memorable as Liv. We have the local butcher that definitely seems to be up to something. James who has a lovely dog. Dr. Butler who also has a dog. Jessica, who helps Liv's mom run the store. And just a bunch of other people I am sure I am forgetting.
I thought the dialogue and the side plots worked well together. We had a lot going on in this one, but it dovetails nicely together.
The flow really works in this one as well. We start at the end and then we work our way back to what happened to Liv to change her life.
The ending I thought was very sweet and I loved how the book ended. This book honestly reminded me a bit of Maeve Binchy's books so I was quite happy to sit down and read it. I got this yesterday and finished it up last night. I just couldn't put it down.
"Life's What You Make It" follows Liv O'Neill. Liv has been away from her home (Sandycove) for 10 years and lives in London. She has a great roommate and best friend (Roberto) but does miss her mother and her best friend Bronagh. After Liv's mess of a boss gets a forced sabbatical, Liv gets a month off and decides to return to Sandycove to help her mother run her store due to her having an injury. Being home again has Liv wondering what she is going to lose when she returns to London in 4 weeks.
I really liked Liv. Her friendship with Bronagh and Roberto was great. It was just nice to see supposed best friends in a romance book, actually be you know, best friends. She supported both her friends, and they supported and loved her right back. And though Liv has lingering feelings towards her mother about her past, they finally move past that and it was great to see. The slow burn romance we get is wonderful too in this one.
The secondary characters were just as memorable as Liv. We have the local butcher that definitely seems to be up to something. James who has a lovely dog. Dr. Butler who also has a dog. Jessica, who helps Liv's mom run the store. And just a bunch of other people I am sure I am forgetting.
I thought the dialogue and the side plots worked well together. We had a lot going on in this one, but it dovetails nicely together.
The flow really works in this one as well. We start at the end and then we work our way back to what happened to Liv to change her life.
The ending I thought was very sweet and I loved how the book ended. This book honestly reminded me a bit of Maeve Binchy's books so I was quite happy to sit down and read it. I got this yesterday and finished it up last night. I just couldn't put it down.
June 21, 2021
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒Life's What You Make It by Sian O'Gorman is a pleasant small town novel set in an idyllic seaside village in Ireland. I enjoyed this book very much, and I could feel the author’s love of Ireland and the small villages in the beautiful country.
Liv O’Neil has a very stressful job in London and the only relief from the constant stress is her roommate Roberto and his lively antics. When her mother has a fall, and her employer gives her a one-month paid leave, she returns to the small town of Sandycove and learns to love small-town life again.
Sian O’Gorman’s love of Ireland shines brightly in this lovely book about small-town communities and family. This lively well-paced book is full of delightful characters and its optimistic outlook on life was a delight to read. I immediately sympathized with the main character and was rooting for her during the entire book. The village of Sandycove was very well described and I felt like it was a village I would enjoy living in.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Liv O’Neil has a very stressful job in London and the only relief from the constant stress is her roommate Roberto and his lively antics. When her mother has a fall, and her employer gives her a one-month paid leave, she returns to the small town of Sandycove and learns to love small-town life again.
Sian O’Gorman’s love of Ireland shines brightly in this lovely book about small-town communities and family. This lively well-paced book is full of delightful characters and its optimistic outlook on life was a delight to read. I immediately sympathized with the main character and was rooting for her during the entire book. The village of Sandycove was very well described and I felt like it was a village I would enjoy living in.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 1, 2024
*Subtle Romance*
This book for me was gentle and felt quiet and understated. Even the parts where there was drama it felt slightly contained. That being said it did not take away from how much this book suddenly grew on me. It is set in Dublin, Ireland and filled with an array of likeable characters, one in particular was completely hateful.
We meet the main character Milly, she is in a mess when her wonderful father passes away and her boyfriend Darragh decides to up sticks and go off to Italy. This is just at the time when she needed him the most.
Milly is devastated and she slowly pulls herself up. In time she is going out with someone else but her heart is still with her ex.
Quite a lot of emotions are displayed in this book such as death, grief, heartbreak and anxiety. There are touches of humour and it surprised me that Milly was a corporate lawyer. Her boss Catriona was a real trouper. On discovering she was having a baby, there were no announcements and no one mentioned it as her bump grew. Her plan was to give birth and get back to work practically the same day. I won’t say how that panned out.
As Milly is going through the motions in her work and her romantic life, things change when a blast from the past returns. At the same time she is given a case that unknown to her will change her life. This case sees her take on a big corporation and then I could see her spark coming back.
This blast from the past is unsettling her and makes her question her choices. She finds herself facing the prospect of settling and going through the motions or fighting for what she really wants….
This book for me was gentle and felt quiet and understated. Even the parts where there was drama it felt slightly contained. That being said it did not take away from how much this book suddenly grew on me. It is set in Dublin, Ireland and filled with an array of likeable characters, one in particular was completely hateful.
We meet the main character Milly, she is in a mess when her wonderful father passes away and her boyfriend Darragh decides to up sticks and go off to Italy. This is just at the time when she needed him the most.
Milly is devastated and she slowly pulls herself up. In time she is going out with someone else but her heart is still with her ex.
Quite a lot of emotions are displayed in this book such as death, grief, heartbreak and anxiety. There are touches of humour and it surprised me that Milly was a corporate lawyer. Her boss Catriona was a real trouper. On discovering she was having a baby, there were no announcements and no one mentioned it as her bump grew. Her plan was to give birth and get back to work practically the same day. I won’t say how that panned out.
As Milly is going through the motions in her work and her romantic life, things change when a blast from the past returns. At the same time she is given a case that unknown to her will change her life. This case sees her take on a big corporation and then I could see her spark coming back.
This blast from the past is unsettling her and makes her question her choices. She finds herself facing the prospect of settling and going through the motions or fighting for what she really wants….
September 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book from O’Gorman. It was sweet and uplifting; perfect for the summer.
The drudgery of Olivia’s life is not to be ignored when we first meet her, struggling with working and living in London. Despite having an amazing flatmate (and, actually, I would love to have him on my contacts list!!), Olivia knows she is just settling with the convenience of what she is doing – even if she hates every minute of it. So, when the opportunity arises to return home for a few months, Olivia grabs it with both hands.
Yet, the community of Sandycove works its magic on Olivia. I loved how O’Gorman presents Sandycove and the community; the village is full of such lovely people who genuinely look out for one another. Olivia cannot help but acknowledge this as she becomes more and more involved in village life. Olivia is like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly with the longer she stays at Sandycove, making her decision to return to London even harder.
I liked watching Olivia get more settled in Ireland. Her relationship with her mother improves significantly after learning more about her father and grandparents. I found myself wishing that the writer had made this past story a bit more central to the plot. On the other hand, this would have been at a detriment to Olivia’s experience at Sandycove and how she starts to put roots down, even if she knows it might be only temporary.
The subplots were all really interesting and engaging. I loved reading about Bronagh and could understand how she feels about her family. She is such a supportive friend to Olivia that I wanted her to find success with romance after so many failures. Jessica’s story was a bit obvious but I appreciated how O’Gorman handled it with sensitivity and that it didn’t drag down the generally positive atmosphere of the story.
This was a great summer read that had a happy ever after – just what I was after! Although there is romance, I think this story focuses more on friendships and connections; the importance of village life that allows you to feel like you belong. When I learned about Olivia’s past business ventures, I was hopeful that she would be brave enough to restart it and I do wonder that this, coupled with the past stories of Olivia’s family, could have meant this book could have been a mini series?
O’Gorman has created a wonderful setting of Sandycove. Yes, everyone seems to know everybody’s business but, despite the slight cheesiness, it is all rather warm and supportive. It was an idyllic summer read and I enjoyed every chapter of it.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The drudgery of Olivia’s life is not to be ignored when we first meet her, struggling with working and living in London. Despite having an amazing flatmate (and, actually, I would love to have him on my contacts list!!), Olivia knows she is just settling with the convenience of what she is doing – even if she hates every minute of it. So, when the opportunity arises to return home for a few months, Olivia grabs it with both hands.
Yet, the community of Sandycove works its magic on Olivia. I loved how O’Gorman presents Sandycove and the community; the village is full of such lovely people who genuinely look out for one another. Olivia cannot help but acknowledge this as she becomes more and more involved in village life. Olivia is like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly with the longer she stays at Sandycove, making her decision to return to London even harder.
I liked watching Olivia get more settled in Ireland. Her relationship with her mother improves significantly after learning more about her father and grandparents. I found myself wishing that the writer had made this past story a bit more central to the plot. On the other hand, this would have been at a detriment to Olivia’s experience at Sandycove and how she starts to put roots down, even if she knows it might be only temporary.
The subplots were all really interesting and engaging. I loved reading about Bronagh and could understand how she feels about her family. She is such a supportive friend to Olivia that I wanted her to find success with romance after so many failures. Jessica’s story was a bit obvious but I appreciated how O’Gorman handled it with sensitivity and that it didn’t drag down the generally positive atmosphere of the story.
This was a great summer read that had a happy ever after – just what I was after! Although there is romance, I think this story focuses more on friendships and connections; the importance of village life that allows you to feel like you belong. When I learned about Olivia’s past business ventures, I was hopeful that she would be brave enough to restart it and I do wonder that this, coupled with the past stories of Olivia’s family, could have meant this book could have been a mini series?
O’Gorman has created a wonderful setting of Sandycove. Yes, everyone seems to know everybody’s business but, despite the slight cheesiness, it is all rather warm and supportive. It was an idyllic summer read and I enjoyed every chapter of it.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
This was quite a good read where Milly was just drifting through life as a corporate lawyer and living with an overbearing boyfriend after her father's death.
But life threw a curveball, and soon she started discovering her family and her passion for her work. The book was a cute amalgamation of characters, some likable and others not so much.
My first book by this author, I liked getting to know Milly. It was endearing to see her enjoying life again and finding herself. Overall a good read.
But life threw a curveball, and soon she started discovering her family and her passion for her work. The book was a cute amalgamation of characters, some likable and others not so much.
My first book by this author, I liked getting to know Milly. It was endearing to see her enjoying life again and finding herself. Overall a good read.
July 26, 2021
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a good couple of weeks for me in terms of reading, because holy wow, this book was wonderfully enriching for me. I immediately fell in love with the irish village, and the characters that resided there, such as Roberto, Olivia, and the secondary characters who are just too darn heartwarming and sweet overall. I could really relate to Olivia, how she wanted to make a better life for herself but at the same time have a strong longing for home, and how she immediately fell in place with everything she once thought she wouldn't go back to. Overall, it's an enriching, heart warming, emotionally tugging, wonderful novel about what it means to have an identity about yourself, but also come back to our roots peacefully and not fight it, and just have family and friends who support you in general.
Until the next read,
-TMR
It's been a good couple of weeks for me in terms of reading, because holy wow, this book was wonderfully enriching for me. I immediately fell in love with the irish village, and the characters that resided there, such as Roberto, Olivia, and the secondary characters who are just too darn heartwarming and sweet overall. I could really relate to Olivia, how she wanted to make a better life for herself but at the same time have a strong longing for home, and how she immediately fell in place with everything she once thought she wouldn't go back to. Overall, it's an enriching, heart warming, emotionally tugging, wonderful novel about what it means to have an identity about yourself, but also come back to our roots peacefully and not fight it, and just have family and friends who support you in general.
Until the next read,
-TMR
July 21, 2021
A nice, quick, easy book, perfect for a relaxing summer read.
Enjoyable characters, beautiful settings, a cozy community (and a cute dog), surely you won't need anything more. Happy reading (I'm sure you will!)!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoyable characters, beautiful settings, a cozy community (and a cute dog), surely you won't need anything more. Happy reading (I'm sure you will!)!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2021
Loved the beautiful descriptions that this author could weave around me with likable protagonists embedded in life situations that felt real. This I think was my first book by the author, and I enjoyed it completely. The cover completely drew me in too.
July 26, 2021
The reader is instantly drawn to Liv, the main protagonist in this heartwarming story of love, life and second chances. Returning to her hometown, Liv finds the sense of community and completeness she's missed. Family secrets, friendship rekindled, and romance are woven into the plot making it an engaging read. It's about finding what makes you happy and being brave enough to follow your dreams.
The setting is intrinsic to the story. It's described with powerful sensory imagery that draws the reader into the world. If you enjoy heartbreak, happiness and soul searching, this story delivers them all beautifully.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The setting is intrinsic to the story. It's described with powerful sensory imagery that draws the reader into the world. If you enjoy heartbreak, happiness and soul searching, this story delivers them all beautifully.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 11, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: Milly is just filling time and space. Oh she works very hard, in fact she is a workaholic Corporate lawyer who is a junior to the only female partner. She has a boyfriend- sort of- but there is no commitment or passion and he has an overbearing manipulative mother. It has been this way since her dear father died, her family drifted and her former boyfriend took off for Italy when she needed him most.
But like the springtime after a harsh winter, life seems to return. Her family finally reconnects after a health scare. She helps a client who reminds her why she took up the law and she rediscovers her passion. And the wandering love of her life returns. There are so many changes, not all good, but all necessary. She goes through many a trial and tribulation but by the end of the book, she has found the happiness that seemed to vanish when her father died.
While not as evocative of the changing Irish society as Maeve Binchey, there were times I felt like I was reading one of her books. It is filled with characters in whom the reader can be invested. Even when we want to yell at them, it is because they seem so real and we are living the story with them. They are definitely people with whom you would want to spend time as they learn and evolve. It was a highly satisfying read.
Five purrs and two paws up.
But like the springtime after a harsh winter, life seems to return. Her family finally reconnects after a health scare. She helps a client who reminds her why she took up the law and she rediscovers her passion. And the wandering love of her life returns. There are so many changes, not all good, but all necessary. She goes through many a trial and tribulation but by the end of the book, she has found the happiness that seemed to vanish when her father died.
While not as evocative of the changing Irish society as Maeve Binchey, there were times I felt like I was reading one of her books. It is filled with characters in whom the reader can be invested. Even when we want to yell at them, it is because they seem so real and we are living the story with them. They are definitely people with whom you would want to spend time as they learn and evolve. It was a highly satisfying read.
Five purrs and two paws up.
July 19, 2021
This is a novel which takes a look at someone returning to her roots and re-evaluating her goals and aspirations. Liv ran away to London and on returning to Ireland, takes another look at the assumptions she made about herself when she was a young girl. The community of Sandycove emerges as a welcoming and largely caring one. Life has moved on from the place that Liv remembers in some ways and she sees her place in it through a different filter.
I enjoyed some of the characters who Liv meets. Not everyone has a picture- perfect life and there are some darker moments below the surface. On the whole however, the overall tone is hopeful, with people encouraged to fulfil their potential and look forward with confidence. The ties of family bonds are strong as is forgiveness and sticking together. There are also a couple of four-legged friends who add to the general colour of the plot.
In short: Starting over and following your dreams
Thanks to Boldwood for a copy of the book
I enjoyed some of the characters who Liv meets. Not everyone has a picture- perfect life and there are some darker moments below the surface. On the whole however, the overall tone is hopeful, with people encouraged to fulfil their potential and look forward with confidence. The ties of family bonds are strong as is forgiveness and sticking together. There are also a couple of four-legged friends who add to the general colour of the plot.
In short: Starting over and following your dreams
Thanks to Boldwood for a copy of the book
July 21, 2021
This is the perfect summer read ! A wonderful atmospheric setting of Ireland on the coast. The author has captured the culture, people and scenery perfectly to transport you to this wonderful village. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the ARC. My review opinions are my own.
Liv O’Neil returns to her home town of Sandycove to help out her ailing Mother. Liv has a full life in London with a fabulous career, friends and activities . She finds upon returning she is enjoying Sandycove for the small warm welcoming village it is. Lilv finds herself reconnecting with her Mother, childhood friends and soon is making life decisions that offer her a second chance at a happy life.
I loved the charcters, the setting of coastal Ireland and the emphasises on family . This was such a enjoyable relaxing read that I highly recommend for your summer reading. Well done to the author.
Liv O’Neil returns to her home town of Sandycove to help out her ailing Mother. Liv has a full life in London with a fabulous career, friends and activities . She finds upon returning she is enjoying Sandycove for the small warm welcoming village it is. Lilv finds herself reconnecting with her Mother, childhood friends and soon is making life decisions that offer her a second chance at a happy life.
I loved the charcters, the setting of coastal Ireland and the emphasises on family . This was such a enjoyable relaxing read that I highly recommend for your summer reading. Well done to the author.
July 20, 2021
This is my first Siân O’Gorman book and I did enjoy her writing style. It is easy to follow along and is well-paced. It's a story of love, friendship, family and hope. It was easy to like the characters and to wish the best for them.
The story is set in London, England and Sandycove, Ireland. The written descriptions of both locations was well done and really provided a real-life feeling. As a reader from the other side of the world I was able to place myself there and see what the characters in the story were seeing.
Unfortunately, I can't give more then 3 stars for this book. I'm happy that so many other people enjoyed it more but it just did not hit the 4 star level for me.
Thank you so much to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving the opportunity to read and review this book!
The story is set in London, England and Sandycove, Ireland. The written descriptions of both locations was well done and really provided a real-life feeling. As a reader from the other side of the world I was able to place myself there and see what the characters in the story were seeing.
Unfortunately, I can't give more then 3 stars for this book. I'm happy that so many other people enjoyed it more but it just did not hit the 4 star level for me.
Thank you so much to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving the opportunity to read and review this book!
November 18, 2022
Life's What You Make It by Sian O'Gorman
After 10 years living in London, Olivia returns to the coastal village of Sandycove in Ireland to look after her mum for a few weeks. She quickly becomes involved in village life again and starts to have doubts about returning to London and her horrible job, especially when she meets handsome doctor Will.
I loved this story so much - what a fabulous cast of characters and such a brilliant setting. Please can I move to Sandycove?!! The book reminded me of a Maeve Binchy novel - such a warm read of families and friendships in a small community, but dealing with difficult issues too. Very highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
After 10 years living in London, Olivia returns to the coastal village of Sandycove in Ireland to look after her mum for a few weeks. She quickly becomes involved in village life again and starts to have doubts about returning to London and her horrible job, especially when she meets handsome doctor Will.
I loved this story so much - what a fabulous cast of characters and such a brilliant setting. Please can I move to Sandycove?!! The book reminded me of a Maeve Binchy novel - such a warm read of families and friendships in a small community, but dealing with difficult issues too. Very highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
July 8, 2021
After Together Forever and Life After You, I was pleased to recieve the ARC of Life's What You Make It.
Liv O' Neil works and lives in London and she has her good friend Roberto but she is stressed.
When her mother has a fall, she finds herself back in the Irish seaside town of Sandycove. The town is quaint and I love how Siân O' Gorman creates it and the characters.
I love the Siân O' Gorman books I have reviewed so far and want to get more books by her.
Thanks to Siân O' Gorman, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4.5 stars.
Liv O' Neil works and lives in London and she has her good friend Roberto but she is stressed.
When her mother has a fall, she finds herself back in the Irish seaside town of Sandycove. The town is quaint and I love how Siân O' Gorman creates it and the characters.
I love the Siân O' Gorman books I have reviewed so far and want to get more books by her.
Thanks to Siân O' Gorman, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
4.5 stars.
May 22, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book, I had totally bought into the book after reading the first few pages, so much so I read it over the course of a day.
Set in Ireland in the small village of Sandycove, it's about the people who live there, especially Olivia who was born there, moved to London for her job but is home looking after her Mum for a few weeks.
There are some great characters written in the book, Olivia, Roberto, Will, Nell and Bronagh to name a few.
Whilst not a series, I noticed there are a couple of more books set in Sandycove by the same author, so I've downloaded the next one.
If you like books by Maeve Binchy, try this books by this author.
Set in Ireland in the small village of Sandycove, it's about the people who live there, especially Olivia who was born there, moved to London for her job but is home looking after her Mum for a few weeks.
There are some great characters written in the book, Olivia, Roberto, Will, Nell and Bronagh to name a few.
Whilst not a series, I noticed there are a couple of more books set in Sandycove by the same author, so I've downloaded the next one.
If you like books by Maeve Binchy, try this books by this author.
March 21, 2024
This book has sat in my Kindle Unlimited library for quite some time. I would get started on a series and never seemed to get to this one. In an effort to clear out my library for more unlimited selections and because I am going to Ireland later this year, I started this book 5 days ago. What a delightful read. The characters were all engaging and it went at a good pace. There were a few times I got a little frustrated with the main character for her lack of self worth but it all resolved in the end. If you are looking for a light read that will keep you entertained and wanting to pick it back up, read "Life's What You Make It" - you will be glad you did.
November 21, 2020
A nice easy read for a lazy day. We meet Milly a corporate lawyer and her family and friends. Her ex boyfriend who left her 5 years previously shortly after the death of her father comes back to Dublin, how does Milly cope with his return along with everything else in her life. Meanwhile she is helping a dear sweet lady who stands to lose her apartment to a property developer. Her current boyfriend buys her expensive gifts but has no idea how to treat a woman. An enjoyable book with likeable characters (and a couple who are anything but likeable)
May 10, 2021
Tears & Laughter
No way did I want this book to end!! EVER. I read something special for me & think I will never forget it. And then I do. Or I cry over something that I find profound & say I will never forget it. And then I do. But the very best part is I remember why I felt that way.(This is really, I hope not a spoiler alert) down to the realities of facing cancer. I kept looking at the time because I didn't want this story to be over. I could re-read this story over and over again. Thank you, Sian.
Mary
No way did I want this book to end!! EVER. I read something special for me & think I will never forget it. And then I do. Or I cry over something that I find profound & say I will never forget it. And then I do. But the very best part is I remember why I felt that way.(This is really, I hope not a spoiler alert) down to the realities of facing cancer. I kept looking at the time because I didn't want this story to be over. I could re-read this story over and over again. Thank you, Sian.
Mary
January 8, 2022
What I thought at first was a light hearted read became a lesson about life after grief that I desperately needed. I lost my parents in 6 months 4 years ago and my grief (dragged) me on a journey through three states.
This book spoke to me -about being the matriarch of the family, the glue I had always been but had abandoned.
I’m rallying my family to wrote a memoir together about our 47 years of running a chain of family restaurants. This book gave me the encouragement and inspiration yo go forth and create. I loved this book!!
This book spoke to me -about being the matriarch of the family, the glue I had always been but had abandoned.
I’m rallying my family to wrote a memoir together about our 47 years of running a chain of family restaurants. This book gave me the encouragement and inspiration yo go forth and create. I loved this book!!
July 29, 2021
A great read. Olivia is stuck in a rut in her life in London, moves back temporariily to the village where she grew up , Sandycove near Dublin to help out at her mother's shop. Lots of description of village life and characters are fairly well portrayed. Story a little predictable in places, but it was a relaxing , feel good read
Thank you to Net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to Net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 21, 2020
Lovely, like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day7.
Clever, funny, absorbing. Interesting true to life characters that come alive in the pages. Millie is brilliant and complex, makes a great read altogether.
Clever, funny, absorbing. Interesting true to life characters that come alive in the pages. Millie is brilliant and complex, makes a great read altogether.
November 7, 2020
Lovely book packed with many thoughtful things
Rating because book deserved it
Liked the book very much.
Would recommend to family and friends a
normal book with no smut!l
From beginning to end lovely read. Characters played were all interesting. what I call a norma
Rating because book deserved it
Liked the book very much.
Would recommend to family and friends a
normal book with no smut!l
From beginning to end lovely read. Characters played were all interesting. what I call a norma
Read
May 11, 2021A story of self awareness. A learned truth that everyone suffers death and lost love in their own way. The real story is for a person to realize you are not alone but your experience of how you deal with your loss is your own.
March 13, 2021
Cute quick read
April 23, 2021
Life after you
A heartwarming Irish story about love , loss and family and after many events that happen in their lives, it ends with the feeling of hope for all
A heartwarming Irish story about love , loss and family and after many events that happen in their lives, it ends with the feeling of hope for all
June 7, 2021
Smaltzy but entertaining and heart warming enough to finish.
June 19, 2021
Nice story
I enjoyed this book, lovely story, interesting characters, happy, sad, this book had it all. Thank you for an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book, lovely story, interesting characters, happy, sad, this book had it all. Thank you for an enjoyable read.
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