Since You've Been Gone

by Emma Heatherington

They call it Little Hollywood, but to a passer-by, the country village of Millfield is nothing more than a blink and you'll miss it one street no man's land nestled somewhere in the north of Ireland. Taylor Smith - TV actor and media darling - is loved by the residents of Millfield him more than life itself, but when Taylor hits the big time life in Little Hollywood is all set to change... Erin O'Brien is Taylor's girlfriend and love of his life. But when Taylor leaves to pursue his once in a lifetime chance in the real Hollywood, Erin finds it difficult to deal with life without her rising star. Taylor's departure also affects lonely journalist Sorcha Daly badly. She has always been in love with Taylor. Will she have the courage to tell him before it is too late Life at the Millfield Players Theatre Group is also under threat as Taylor's move to the real Hollywood Hills leaves a gap in plans for their annual production, much to director Darryl's dismay. Enter handsome choreographer Olivier Laurent; an uber talented, super-sexy French dancer who is set to shake Erin's heart as often as he shakes his hips! Since You've Been Gone is full of romance, drama and a laugh-a-minute for its residents as they wait for Taylor's return home in time for the show. Whoever said it was quiet in the countryside

366 pages

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Emma Heatherington is from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.

Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.

Reviews

[Stella Stenroos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of the NI accents, and because my mind plays a film version of whatever I'm reading, I had to cope with the accents.. I didn't mind Olivier's accent, though!

The book started OK, but then Taylor was more or less forgotten, until he'd had a personality transplant in Hollywood (and Sorcha's holiday was just ridiculous.. the American girls would not use the words and phrases that were put in their mouths..), and then he was dropped again, until he returned home..

Also, Erin's alcoholism - in the beginning, it was a very central issue, which was mentioned here and there, but finally forgotten..?

2,5 stars, really.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely romantic story 😊❤️

[Preet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Heatherington has another great book on her hands. Erin and Taylor are the beautiful couple of Millfield, a village in Ireland, also known as "Little Hollywood." Erin is an anchor on a television show, while Taylor is a gorgeous, talented actor (Think along the lines of Brad Pitt). They are the main focus of the book, even though Taylor is absent for most of it since he's finally been noticed by the real Hollywood.

It was nice to read about the assorted people in the village, including Taylor's parents and the assorted enemies and friends of the golden couple. My favorite character was Olivier Laurent. He managed to overshadow the two leads brilliantly. Ms. Heatherington did a great job writing her characters and descriptions of Millfield. I was easily able to picture in my head what she was writing about.

As the book progressed it was easy to see what was going to happen. I loved the tension between Erin and Olivier. It was what kept me hooked when he entered the scene. I never really took to Taylor, so I was really rooting for Erin to end up with Olivier. All in all this book is a great read, from start to finish. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that Emma Heatherington is majorly underated, this was a fantastic read... right up there with the other queens of chick lit