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readers_sea's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Emily and Kieran were perfect, but this book was also so much more!!
Emily has always lived in Martha's Vinyard, but needing change when an opportunity in Ireland presents itself, she cannot hesitate to take it. Out on a limp she had applied to be the assistant to her favorite author, Siobhan, who left her favorite series hanging for 10 years! Emily cannot think of a better idea than to be away from home and also helping conclude the series that helped her grow up.
What Emily did not expect was the broody bookshop owner - Kieran - who instantly seems to not be a fan of Emily. She is working part time at Last Chapter, which is a pretty famous bookstore while in Ireland for a year helping Siobhan finish the final book in the series. She soon finds out that Kier is the son of Siobhan and that they will continuously be in forced proximity. BUT Emily refuses to be like every other woman who falls at his feet due to his attractiveness (and ofc the accent).
I loved what a strong character Emily was. She came to Ireland looking for an escape but seeing her find a family she deserved was so heartwarming. She was so used to be a people pleaser, but when she first meets Kier, she immediately responses differently. She finds herself holding her ground and speaking out when she wouldn't usually.
Kieran is extremely hesitant to not only have Emily in the bookstore, but in Ireland and helping his mother write again. He doesn't think that this will be good for her (for valid reasons) and so he does what he can to push Emily out. He gives her the worst tasks in the shop and constantly defies her. Emily sticks it out either way and both Kier and Em figure out that there is more to the other person, and they seem to have a lot more in common than they would've thought.
I loved Emily so much. Watching her find herself and a new family who truly valued her was amazing. I do think the storyline of her mother fell off a bit, which was odd since that was the main reason of her going to Ireland. It was a strong story in the beginning about her mom and I understand that she was developing boundaries, but I feel like after some time her mother was never even mentioned lol.
Kieran was an amazing hero to root for. While he was broody and standoffish I don't think it was to an unreasonable extent. His feelings were valid and while he tried to resist it, he couldn't help but eventually opening up and falling for Emily like the rest of the town.
I loved seeing all the adventures they went on to get the creative flow going! It made me want to go visit Ireland (it is already on my bucket list lol). All the different personalities throughout the book with the staff and side characters added another fun layer to the story!
Overall it was such a fun time and I enjoyed my time in this wonderful Irish village with amazing characters!
Emily has always lived in Martha's Vinyard, but needing change when an opportunity in Ireland presents itself, she cannot hesitate to take it. Out on a limp she had applied to be the assistant to her favorite author, Siobhan, who left her favorite series hanging for 10 years! Emily cannot think of a better idea than to be away from home and also helping conclude the series that helped her grow up.
What Emily did not expect was the broody bookshop owner - Kieran - who instantly seems to not be a fan of Emily. She is working part time at Last Chapter, which is a pretty famous bookstore while in Ireland for a year helping Siobhan finish the final book in the series. She soon finds out that Kier is the son of Siobhan and that they will continuously be in forced proximity. BUT Emily refuses to be like every other woman who falls at his feet due to his attractiveness (and ofc the accent).
I loved what a strong character Emily was. She came to Ireland looking for an escape but seeing her find a family she deserved was so heartwarming. She was so used to be a people pleaser, but when she first meets Kier, she immediately responses differently. She finds herself holding her ground and speaking out when she wouldn't usually.
Kieran is extremely hesitant to not only have Emily in the bookstore, but in Ireland and helping his mother write again. He doesn't think that this will be good for her (for valid reasons) and so he does what he can to push Emily out. He gives her the worst tasks in the shop and constantly defies her. Emily sticks it out either way and both Kier and Em figure out that there is more to the other person, and they seem to have a lot more in common than they would've thought.
I loved Emily so much. Watching her find herself and a new family who truly valued her was amazing. I do think the storyline of her mother fell off a bit, which was odd since that was the main reason of her going to Ireland. It was a strong story in the beginning about her mom and I understand that she was developing boundaries, but I feel like after some time her mother was never even mentioned lol.
Kieran was an amazing hero to root for. While he was broody and standoffish I don't think it was to an unreasonable extent. His feelings were valid and while he tried to resist it, he couldn't help but eventually opening up and falling for Emily like the rest of the town.
I loved seeing all the adventures they went on to get the creative flow going! It made me want to go visit Ireland (it is already on my bucket list lol). All the different personalities throughout the book with the staff and side characters added another fun layer to the story!
Overall it was such a fun time and I enjoyed my time in this wonderful Irish village with amazing characters!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Minor: Abandonment
jehansen127's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
aurora_selene13's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
It is truly so refreshing to read a romance novel about two grown adults that can be vulnerable with one another. In addition to that vulnerability, the conflict wasn’t overbearing on the plot. Which I personally feel is a typical pit fall that a lot of romance novels fall into. The more chapters I read the more I couldn’t put this book down. There was intrigue, a sweet budding romance and Irish butter references on every page. This is an enjoyable book and an easy read due to the authors beautifully crafted plot, detailed descriptions of Ireland and most importantly - dialogue between the love interest. Dialogue that started off as witty banter then turned to deep conversations of their past and growing love for one another.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Abandonment
mollymcnew's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Audio book was fantastic!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
chelsea_shelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a beautiful story and an absolute treat for book lovers. This slow burn romance is bursting with perfectly placed literary references and quotes as all main characters are deeply invested in the book world. The novel follows Emily Allen, a Massachusetts librarian, as she takes a short term job in a small town in Ireland as an assistant to the writer in residence and a bookstore clerk. The writer happens to be her all time favorite childhood writer (think JK Rowling or Madeleine L’Engle level fame). The author’s son runs the bookstore, and he is a handsome brooding Irishman fit for a romance novel… I think you can guess where this is going. The book is balanced with humor and heart. This is not completely lighthearted. It deals with grief, loss and complicated parent-child relationships. McKinlay’s beautiful crafting of a stunning Irish setting at the coziest bookshop helps to make these heavy topics more digestible. On the whole the characters are warm, intelligent and loving. It’s really a beautiful story, and not just the romance. Everything comes together so thoughtfully. I cried. I laughed. I didn’t want to leave the story when it ended, and I immediately put another McKinlay novel on hold.
I listened to this an audiobook and think that hearing the Irish accent really elevated my experience of the book. It was well narrated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Abandonment
reading_ladies_blog's review
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
infjkiki's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexual content
hdunscombe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Coming from a librarian, this is the perfect "booklover" romance. It made me giggle, sob, and daydream right along with Em and Kier, and Siobhan is the wise, motherly figure everyone longs to have in their corner - though she still has her flaws.
This is a great read for anyone trying to turn over a new leaf, learn to let go, embrace a new community, and/or navigate complicated parent relationships. It's awfully sad at times (keep the tissues on standby), but the lows are matched with swoonworthy highs, plenty of self-aware romance tropes, and dreamy romps through quaint villages, bookshop shelves, and castles. This will especially suit anyone who appreciates cozy and bookish settings (books + coffee + scones + rain), literary references, deeply lovable characters learning to be vulnerable, and a bit of spice to round things out. I legitimately wish the YA series that the plot centers on actually existed so I could read it. The details about Irish culture (slang, learning to drive, historic sites, pub culture) felt authentic, at least to an American reader.
The characterization is well-rounded and relatable, with representation of anxiety disorders, dyslexia, recovery from emotional trauma, blended families, and queer, immigrant, and differently aged and shaped characters.
I listened to the audiobook and really appreciated Pressley's commitment to the Irish accents. I found her to have great talent in bringing both playful and emotional voice acting, and her voices for Kier and Siobhan were stellar.
My only confusion: why is there a cat on the cover? The story has a great canine sidekick, but I don't recall any noteworthy cats.
This is a great read for anyone trying to turn over a new leaf, learn to let go, embrace a new community, and/or navigate complicated parent relationships. It's awfully sad at times (keep the tissues on standby), but the lows are matched with swoonworthy highs, plenty of self-aware romance tropes, and dreamy romps through quaint villages, bookshop shelves, and castles. This will especially suit anyone who appreciates cozy and bookish settings (books + coffee + scones + rain), literary references, deeply lovable characters learning to be vulnerable, and a bit of spice to round things out. I legitimately wish the YA series that the plot centers on actually existed so I could read it. The details about Irish culture (slang, learning to drive, historic sites, pub culture) felt authentic, at least to an American reader.
The characterization is well-rounded and relatable, with representation of anxiety disorders, dyslexia, recovery from emotional trauma, blended families, and queer, immigrant, and differently aged and shaped characters.
I listened to the audiobook and really appreciated Pressley's commitment to the Irish accents. I found her to have great talent in bringing both playful and emotional voice acting, and her voices for Kier and Siobhan were stellar.
My only confusion: why is there a cat on the cover? The story has a great canine sidekick, but I don't recall any noteworthy cats.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Medical trauma, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, and Self harm
lavdisy's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent