Member Reviews
I absolutely loved this series. This book has all the feels. It is an attention keeper from the first to the last page. This is definitely a “go to” author..
This is Susanne O'Leary back to her best with this latest instalment in the Sandy Cove series.
It can easily be read as a standalone, as this is a whole new main character, although the previous mains, plus others in the village are all present again.
I loved Jasmine's story, the way she reconnects with her mum, and makes new friends in Sandy Cove.
I could understand why she had run from Paris. and her ex sounds like a nightmare.
I found I was caught up in the story really quickly and that the pages just seemed to turn so quickly. I read this in two sittings in a few short hours, and really enjoyed every moment of it.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Jasmine Delon returns to Ireland with a broken heart. She hopes to rebuild the relationship with her mother who she has kept an arm's length for the last year. She becomes immersed in the local community and enjoys the beautiful environment. Even love may be on the cards...
Warning: don't read this book if you are on a diet! Food features heavily and the descriptions are mouthwatering. The gorgeous locality and landscape is also richly described.
Daughters of Wild Rose Bay is a warm, feel good book. Jasmine is a likeable main character, running away and hiding from her past. She has an opportunity to find love again and it is clear to us as readers that she should be with her best friend Aiden yet neither makes a move and she starts dating Connor instead. There is a romantic twist at the end of the book for her mum which Jasmine doesn't pick up the clues for but is fairly obvious to us.
This is an enjoyable romantic novel with splashes of emotion, humour, history and drama. I enjoyed finding out more about the Irish culture and language, as well as liking the warmth of the characters and gentleness of the plot.
Plot
Daughter's of Wild Rose Bay was the 4th installment in the, already established, Sandy Cove series. And, although, I haven't read any of the previous three books, I wasn't lost at all as this story was set apart and only brought in older characters to add some familiarity for previous readers.
The story revolves around Jasmine--a young french woman with Irish roots who has been dealt a bad hand in love. So she escapes to her Irish mother, Sally's, home in Sandy Cove, for some comfort and solace.
Once there, things don't go as planned--some things are better, some not.
And Jasmine just so happens to meet up with an old friend, Aiden... Between Aiden, Aiden's boss Connor, and Jasmine's old love, things are certainly interesting for her.
Characters
I enjoyed Jasmine's journey in this one. I think she started out as a sad, lonely woman and ended more sure of herself. My only issue is that she was kind of a depressing character in the beginning. And, I completely understand that she was heartbroken. But for some reason I had a difficult time feeling sympathy for her. But, definitely by the end of the story I was happy for her and hoping for the best.
I think my favorite character in the whole book was Aiden. He was just a real stand-up, solid guy. I won't get into much more than that because--spoilers.
Writing
I really loved this authors writing! I love how she incorporated some history into the story and I really loved reading about this small Irish town.
Pacing
The pacing was lovely! I did not once get bored or wish that things would speed along. I enjoy stories like this that have a very seamless journey from start to finish without feeling contrived.
I definitely enjoyed this one and it made me wish I'd read the others in the series!
My review will be live on the link provided on 4/29/20. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Daughters of Wild Rose Bay by Susanne O’Leary is the fourth book in the contemporary romance Sandy Cove series. As with a lot of romance series each book in the Sandy Cove series changes the main characters so each can be read and understood as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, for those following from the beginning there are glimpses of previous characters in each new book of the series.
Daughters of Wild Rose Bay introduces readers to Jasmine Delon who has packed up her things and headed to Sandy Cove after ending a relationship she thought would be her future husband. Instead of the perfect job and marriage Jasmine had dreamed of having she found out she was being used and lied to so returning to her mother’s home in Sandy Cove seemed her only option.
I have actually followed the Sandy Cove series from the beginning and completely enjoyed the previous books in the series. Now with book four for some reason I found myself feeling a bit of a disconnect from the others of the series, I suppose since it had moved away from the original family in Sandy Cove. So while this was a perfectly fine read I had to rate a little lower this time as I missed that original feel but hopefully if the series continues we will see more of all of the former characters next time.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
Back to Sandy Cove I go, and I enjoyed my (virtual) journey there :)
Jasmine is a woman who has the world at her feet - living in Paris with a good-looking, charming man, engaged, good job etc. And then everything goes wrong and she ends up staying with her mother in Sandy Cove. A mother who has changed, a lot. So, whilst Jasmine is licking her wounds and trying to figure out what to do next, she also has to find out what has been going on with her mother. And then there is Connor...and Aiden, and a legend she needs to get to the bottom of.
This was a lovely, light, charming read of a book and just what I needed. Nice to be part of the community again and "meet" the characters from the other books in this one as well.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
I loved this book. It was filled with unique characters, and the plot was entertaining and easy to follow. Even though this is part of a series, I never felt lost; I only wanted to read the first books so I could get to know the people and towns better. I love it when an author can create a world like that. I liked Jasmine’s story; she was a character I could get behind and root for (and who doesn’t like a swoon-worthy Irish romance to boot?) I recommend getting lost in this seaside town for awhile. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
When everything goes wrong in Jasmine's life she decides to escape to Sandy Cove in Ireland and her estranged mother. Expecting to arrive to her mother's comforting Cordon Bleu cooking she is shocked to find her mother as a vegan yoga hippy.... what has happened to Sally since she last saw her! Going out to find food she is amazed to find the only restaurant is run by Aiden, her old school friend from Paris, and suddenly everything starts to feel better..... especially when he introduces her to Connor the restaurant owner!
Another great book in this series and I loved watching the relationship grow between Jasmine and Sally and Aiden was such a lovely friend., also great to catch up with the old friends from the previous three books, all of which are well worth reading
I love books that are set in Ireland and was really happy to be asked if I’d like to review this one.
The book is not just the story of Jasmine finding romantic love after suffering a terrible heartbreak. Mother daughter relationships always fascinate me – and they are often very complicated. This story also is largely about Jasmine rediscovering her mother and both of them rebuilding a relationship – learning to accept each other and trust each other to make the best decisions for themselves.
How Jasmine finds her confidence again, while discovering Sandy Cove and learns to allow new friends in while rediscovering her old friend Aiden makes a very interesting story.
I also loved what a close knit and supportive community Sandy Cove has. And of course, the entrepreneurial spirit of the residents.
As much as I loved this story, it was the characters I fell in love with. Jasmine’s quirky Mom attempting to reinvent herself through yoga, meditation and a new diet. Mad Brendan who sparks an interest in Jasmine to find out more about her Irish ancestors. The yoga teacher with his ability to look at the heart of people. All Sally’s friends who seem to lead such interesting lives. And of course, Jasmine and Aiden.
The descriptions of the coastline of County Kerry are riveting and makes one long to visit.
This is the first book of Susan O’Leary that I’m reading. It’s also Book 4 in Sandy Cove series and I’ll certainly be looking to catch up on the earlier three books and looking out for Book 5.
Thank you to netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, it is the fourth in the Sandy Cove series. I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading the first three books in the series.
When Jasmine’s life explodes in spectacular fashion, she leaves Paris and heads to a small village in Ireland to be with her mother living in her grandmothers home. As Jasmine tries to put her life back together, and reconnect with her mother, she meets an old friend who now lives in the village and who helps her move forward in her life. It is a book of love and family and new beginnings.
I do love an Irish book, and if there’s one thing that Susanne O’Leary does beautifully, it’s to make you feel like you’re right there, walking through this friendly seaside village! This is part of the Sandy Cove series, but can easily be read as a standalone as the story itself is new, with characters from previous books being brought in for continuity, and the story itself being set in Sandy Cove itself.
Jasmine Delon arrives at her mother Sally’s home desperate for the comfort of well-remembered home-cooked meals and some general TLC, after leaving her home in Paris. But she’s surprised to find that her mother is not quite who she was the last time she saw her. Rather than a nourishing and hearty beef stew, she’s a bit edgier and more inclined to offer a vegan, freshly-squeezed juice and some carrot sticks as she’s embraced an all-natural lifestyle, complete with chakra-cleansing yoga and meditation to boot! Her new friend Kamal is responsible for the drastic change and Sally is going all out to do whatever she can to transform herself.
Initially Jasmine is reluctant to let people know why she’s fled Paris but she’s thrilled to discover that the chef at the new restaurant in Sandy Cove is none other than Aiden, an old school friend of hers. As he’s also fairly new in town, he’s happy to join her in exploring and finding out about the history that ties Jasmine’s family, the O’Rourkes, to the area. One could feel the warmth of a friendship re-kindled, and the easy relationship the two quickly slipped back into from their previous school friendship. This was what Jasmine needed after feeling battered and bruised from what had occurred in Paris, causing her to leave her life there behind.
The primary focus of this story though, is the mother-daughter dynamic that exists between Jasmine and Sally. Estranged for a while, due to circumstances that become evident during the book, it takes some time for the two to become comfortable with each other, and to get over past events, and this story predominantly belongs to them. Aaaah … moms and their girls … it’s not always easy is it? A misunderstood look or word; unexplained incidents that could have been talked out, but which get left to simmer. This is their chance to re-build and to start fresh. Will they be able to do that?
It’s an easy and enjoyable read and readers who have read the previous three books will enjoy being reacquanited with characters who they’ll recognise from these. However, I really struggled with how easily everything tied up at the end. I just found it all a bit too … easy, and it was just a little too saccharine sweet for my taste! So I’d give it 3.5 stars, which I’ll round up to 4 stars. It is a perfect escape read though!
An entertaining and well written book. Great plot and character development. Beautiful Irish setting. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.
A cosy and feel-good novel, Daughters of Wild Rose Bay is book four of the Sandy Cove series.
Jasmine Delon heads to Ireland to stay with her estranged mother, Sally. She's fleeing Paris after her fiancé, Damien deceived and cheated her out of her savings. It's a bitter-sweet journey but made better when she meets up with her best friend from her Parisian school, Aiden Daley. She's not seen him since their graduation and now he's working as a chef in the town's newly opened restaurant. They quickly become reacquainted, but it's Aiden's boss, Connor Flanagan who catches her eye.
Set in the beautiful West of Ireland, the author fills the pages with descriptions of the dramatic rugged coastline of County Kerry. The focus is the relationship between Jasmine and her mother, Sally. However, both women are distracted by the men in their lives…
For a short while, I did wonder if this novel was going to involve a love triangle (it doesn't) as two men show an interest in Jasmine. It's clear from the beginning who is most suited to her, but love is blind and not everyone can see the right way to their own heart. There's also the fallout from Paris. Not surprisingly it catches her up in the sleepy Irish village and is swiftly dealt with. Playing the role of a former spoilt child, Jasmine shows her immaturity. It shines through in her attitude making her look shallow and critical. However, despite this, you can see why she is the woman she became after we learn about her background and upbringing. Thankfully, when the truths from the past are revealed, She's thrilled with the outcome, not only for herself but her parents too.
A large cast of eclectic secondary characters blends well into the narrative. For those already familiar with the series, they'll enjoy seeing favourites again and a glimpse or two of how life has treated them. I read this as standalone and didn't feel I lacked any understanding by not reading the previous three novels. Of course, if you're like me, you'll want to catch-up and read their stories too.
3.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher, Bookouture via NetGalley***
Taking time with two new characters, this is primarily the story of Jasmine Delon and her mother, Sally O’Rourke. While reeling from a disastrous relationship and her home in Paris, Jasmine arrives to find her Irish mother now eating raw foods, looking like a 60’s throwback and constantly talking of yoga and her yogi, and feeling like the distance between the two of them will never be breached. But, a welcome surprise in the form of Aiden, her ‘high school’ best friend and now chef of an exciting new restaurant in Sandy Cove gives her a sense of ‘possibilities’, even as Aiden’s boss Connor is the one she feels sparks for.
Slowly Jasmine’s story unfolds as she meets more of the locals we’ve all come to know, and learns of her Irish roots, finds some relief in a tentative relationship with Connor, as both are reeling from their own failed last relationships. Throughout it all, Aiden is there to talk, banter and show her about – and the connection and feelings is solidly ‘comfortable’. There are moments when we meet all of the others in town, get a bit of history of the O’Rourke family, see Jasmine deal with some serious choices and worry for her mother’s apparent secrecy regarding a relationship that Jasmine feels is dangerous.
Full of moments as we travel through the Kerry Ring, as well as find quiet and answers just in Sandy Cove, the story offers a small respite from the hustle and bustle, as well as the anonymity that is so often a part of today’s world. With plenty of laughs, surprises, tears and growth, the magic of Ireland and the potential of friends to become so very much more comes clearly to the forefront.
A wonderful installment and chance to visit back in Sandy Cove with characters who have time for each other and are always welcoming.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aFQ/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>
Daughters of Wild Rose Bay (Sandy Cove Book 4) is the latest addition to Susanne O’Leary’s Sandy Cove series set in the Kerry Ring of the western Irish coastline. Moving to other residents of this quaint village, this book tells the story of shop owner Sally O’Rourke and her estranged daughter, Jasmine Delon. Jasmine has run away from her fraudulent fiancé and disappointing job in Paris to find solace and reconnection with her mother while nursing her bruised and broken heart. What she did not expect to find was her mother meditating, doing yoga, eating a raw diet, and following the local guru.
After a disappointing raw dinner, Jasmine takes a walk through the village at her mother’s urging and finds a small restaurant just closing. She enters in search of a more substantial meal and a glass of wine and finds the nice looking chef closing up. As recognition strikes them both, they marvel how neither is the geeky, awkward teenager they were in school in Paris and Aiden Daley invites Jasmine to join him in a late night dinner to catch up.
Aiden becomes Jasmine’s best friend and confidant once again, especially once she is introduced to the owner of his restaurant, Connor Flanagan. Connor is fresh from a divorce, Jasmine from a serious break-up, and they form an easy, albeit tentative, connection.
As Jasmine navigates this new chapter in her life, some dreams fade and new ones come to light. Her dream of her parents reuniting seems dashed, her dreams for her own future are too sketchy, but her illusions pertaining to the legends of Wild Rose Bay call her, almost to her own demise.
I found this to be an intriguing installment to the Sandy Cove series. With rich characters and interlaced with legend and locale, this was a very enjoyable read. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
In this 4th book in the Sandy Cove series, Jasmine Delon is suffering from a broken heart. She feels the best way to heal is to spend time at her mother's home in Sandy Cove, Ireland. While reading this lovely book I felt like I was revisiting old friends.
Jasmine not only finds what she needs when spending time with her mother Sally, she finds a warm, inviting connection with the members of the idyllic town. One of the people Jasmine runs into is her best friend Aiden. However, Jasmine finds herself surprised with the many changes her mother has made. Jasmine seeks to balance these changes with possible growth and blessings to her very own future.
Spending time with Aiden brings another bonus to Jasmine, and that comes by way of his introducing her to his business partner. Even though Jasmine suffered a broken relationship, another romance might be in her future. There was some really nice surprises as the story progressed.
I love connected stories. Even though Daughters of Wild Rose Bay could do just fine as a standalone, the continuity that comes from the appearance of characters from previous books in the series was a very nice touch to a delightful story. Considering how many mystery/thriller books I read, I found this book to be a nice, light read that truly warmed my heart.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
The Daughters of Wild Rose Bay by Susanne O'Leary is fourth in the Sandy Cove series (Ireland). Jasmine arrives home from, what she thought was her new life, Paris for some comfort but she discovers her mother has morphed into a yoga love, fresh food aficionado who has purple hair and a guru. So much for the comfort food she had expected! As she is taking her dog for a walk that evening she stops in at the new, wonderful restaurant her mother had mentioned, knowing it was probably too late to be served, but desperate after a plate of uncooked greens and other veggies. A man walked out to tell her the restaurant was closed and who should it be but a friend from school: Aiden. He was so happy to see her he cooked them both steaks and gave her a glass of wine (another things her mother has given up). As Jasmine begins to heal, Aiden helps her by hiking, being his friendly self, and introducing her to his investor, a man with whom Jasmine may have many things in common.
This was a lovely romance, not without its heartbreak and surprises along the way. Everyone ended up exactly as they should, which is the point of the genre. They way things worked out and the route they took was intriguing and different. Often, the reader was left wondering what would happen next. More importantly the rift between mother and daughter was healed. This story had twists and turns, but more importantly it had likable, interesting characters, well-written and well-rounded. It was totally a feel-good read which hit the spot. I would enjoy more. I recommend it. '
I received a free ARC of The Daughters of Wild Rose Bay from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thedaughtersofwildrosebay
A beautiful love story where an ancient love brought two friends together. It was in the Wild Rose Bay that Jasmine made a strong connection with her mother Sally.
Susanne O’Leary’s books always make me happy. The cover was so beautiful, it made me want to jump into the book and never come out. The author too had etched the characters with a loving hand, reality was seeped into the prose, but there was something rosy and warm about them.
It was wonderful to see Jasmine emerge out of her shell after losing her confidence in an unfortunate event. The story moved at a steady pace with the history of another love story of the bygone times making its way to the present to connect Jasmine with her best friend Aiden. Love too made an appearance in her life, and it was quite a surprise.
The characters bonded well with me, stress disappeared while reading this book. Overall, it was an easy-breezy read with endearing emotions and lifelong friendships.
Jasmine returns to her mothers house in sandy Cove after a heartbreaking time in Paris. She falls in love with the small Irish village and finds the love of her life. Great new series. You will love this!
This is book #4 in the Sandy Cove Series. It can be read as a standalone book however, although I would recommend reading the previous books for a better understanding of the back stories of the characters. This latest book does focus more on new characters though and we get to meet Jasmine, who has left her Paris home to return to her mum, Sally in Sandy Cove following a relationship break up. Not having remained close to her mother over the years, she finds things have changed and Sally is quite a different person.
As with the other books of this series, the first thing that hits you is the stunning backdrop that the series is set against. The rugged Irish coastline paints vivid images and makes you feel like you are actually there. Jasmine and her mother are both great characters and it’s lovely to share their journey in rediscovering their relationship. It was also interesting to follow Jasmine in her search to learn more about her old family history from the area.
This is definitely a book where once you begin it you won’t be able to put it down. It’s wonderful to be back in Sandy Cove and re-visit some of the characters from previous books in the series, as well as meeting new ones. I really enjoyed this book and, for me, it was my favourite of the series so far. This heart-warming read is full of love, relationships and second chances. Would definitely recommend!