Catriona has been set a challenge- one where she has to say yes to anything and everything she is asked for a month. The reason being is that her friends think she has rather retreated into herself. The first thing she finds herself doing is the sunset swim. Set in Ireland sea swimming is a huge thing (far more so than in England) and there are lots of groups doing this- from the dippers to the full blown serious swimmers. Cat is invited into a group of the former and still thinks this is nuts as it is flipping freezing! (having swam in Ireland even in summer I can attest to this. Blue lips come as standard!) But determined she is going to keep her part of the bargain and with support finds it rather liberating and finds it takes away the stresses of the day. As she says yes to more and more things she finds there is more of a life out there than she ever thought possible- can she therefore persuade others to do the same things?

I loved this. It’s a real positive, uplifting read and made me think about my own life and making the most of things. We all know the quotes such as “one life, live it” but do we ever stop to really think about what they mean and what it may mean to us? Maybe say yes to invites and challenges and step outside the comfort zone that is repetition? Yes we get the knocks but as the book says it just proves that you are living. Be you, cos really there's only one you. Say yes to life, you are only here once. An inspiring, uplifting read I truly loved. .10* if I could.

#blogtour (amazon posted- misfits farm)

Cat's godmother sets her a challenge where for a whole month she has to say yes to everything and the first challenge is to go for a sunset swim in the sea. I love everything about this book. I loved all the characters as they each bring there own spark to the story and I loved that it truly makes you feel like living life to the fullest. Saying yes to everything is quite a scary concept for anyone as it was for Cat but it is one for sure way to get yourself out there. This is the perfect book to ensure you feel empowered and inspired long after reading the last page. There is not a thing I would change about the book. I feel so happy to have read The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers.

There is such a variety of characters and situations in this story that, as a read, it seems to fly by. At its centre is Cat who is persuaded to spend a month not refusing opportunities but saying yes. As she soon finds out, her life seems to open out as she tries new things and meet new people. She discovers a real love for swimming in the sea and finds it is something that helps her to relax and to take time out to think.

There is a rich seam of humour which runs through the story. Cat’s job as a TV presenter has plenty of scope for this and the antics of a certain celebrity chef certainly raise a smile. I enjoyed the slow burn romance but most of all the friendships which are highlighted and the uplifting family relationships which are on show.

In short: heartwarming fiction full of humour and friendship
#blogtour

Well written book.... characters great and story is easy to follow and light hearted. All in all a quick read and very enjoyable.

The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers
Pub Date: May 8, 2023
Bold wood
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I see that this is an established series so I will have to go back and read those as well.
I loved spending time in Sandycove. Cat’s story was a delight.
I fell in love with the characters. I recommend this book.
4 stars

The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers by Sian O'Gorman

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Cat Jones is given the opportunity of a lifetime to present one of Ireland’s most popular live daytime shows, alongside TV royalty David Fitzgerald she isn’t sure she is ready for the challenge.

But after being pushed by her mother’s friend Lorraine to say 'yes' to everything for a month, she reluctantly agrees.

What follows is a whirlwind of opportunities where Cat is forced outside her comfort zone with varying degrees of success.

Once she accepts the challenge to take the plunge with the eclectic sea swimming tribe The Forty Footers’ in Dublin Bay, she never looks back. She is warmly welcomed into their lives, and learns to find reserves of strength she never knew existed which helps her deal with a toxic ex, and a growing attraction for a handsome TV executive.

With best friends, Becca and Sinead also in need of a re-boot, can Cat empower them to choose 'risk and adventure' or will
they go back to their old, safe lives?

Say 'yes' and your whole life will open up in wonderful ways

My Opinion

Cat Jones has been challenged to say 'yes' to things for a month - this opens up new opportunities for Cat to further her career. This was a lovely book that was such a joy to read.

This is a really uplifting book that is going to make for a great holiday read - the perfect escape. This is the second book I have read that has been set in Sandycove, I feel that this would be a great place to visit as all of the characters seem welcoming. With this book, Sian can teach us all that good things can come from saying 'yes' to new opportunities.

Rating: 4/5

This is such a beautiful book with a heartfelt message. I fell in love with the characters instantly. The positivity radiates from the narrative in this book and I didn't want to put it down. There are some difficult topics discussed within the story but they are dealt with wonderfully and I think they add to the impact of the book as a whole. I will definitely be going back to read the Sandycove Supper Club.

This was an absolutely brilliant and uplifting read that had me completely glued to my kindle from the very first chapter. Everything about this book made it such a joy to read, from the gorgeous storyline to all the wonderful characters. Sian O’Gorman has brought the Forty Foot and Sandycove to life in this heartwarming read. The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers will most certainly have a place in my heart for a very long time . 5⭐️

This is a lovely uplifting feel-good book. I loved the characters and the setting of Sandycove.
I loved reading about the challenges that faced Cat after she had to say yes and agree to everything. She went out of her comfort zone and found that she really enjoyed doing things that she would have said no to before.
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.

A challenge from her Mum's friend
Puts Cat saying "No" to an end
Just for a month, that's what she'll do
A life changing decision she'll find it's true!

The first challenge is to join a swimming group though
The swim in the sea, too cold, but she'll give it a go.
The Forty Footers are the swimming tribe who
Welcome Cat and her challenge, too.

New friendships are formed right from the start,
Then comes the chance to present on TV, a starring part!
She has to say, "Yes" and give it a go
How it will work out she doesn't know!

There are more surprises in store
As negativity she has to ignore.
A lodger, friends old and new,
There are changes for all as dreams can come true.

A heartwarming read with changes for all,
An inspiring read I suspect I'll long recall.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

It was so lovely to be back at Sandy Cove. To catch up with all the wonderful ladies we met in the first book.

In this book we meet Cat who has a good life, she has a job she is content with, a life she likes, and close family and supportive friends. However she is a little bit lost and is looking to explore outside of her comfort zone and so her friends challenge her to say yes to everything that comes her way for a month. At first Cat really isn't sure at all about this new challenge but she soon finds herself part of the Sandycove Sunset Swimmers, finding herself with a new lodger, a explained group of friends, a new hobby, and even taking part presenting a gig live on tv.

This book is a little hug in book form. We all need friends like the ladies in the Sandycove Swimming club. It's always lovely to spend time in Sandycove. For Cat it expands her life and finding new joys that she would never have found before.

I would just like to say a big thank you to NetGalley who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

I absolutely loved spending time in Sandycove, it was such a wonderful place and Cat’s story made me feel that warm feeling all over.

There were some difficult topics within the story that the author dealt with really well and sensitively and it didn’t take anything away from the lighthearted feel of the story.

I loved the wonderful cast of characters and even the great side characters added something special to the story.

It was a very uplifting read and i was left with a very satisfied smile on my face…….

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really enjoyed this feel good book and liked all the individual characters.

I loved this. It’s a real positive, uplifting read and made me think about my own life and making the most of things.

I enjoyed this book very much and will recommend to my friends. When Lorraine, issues a challenge to say yes to everything for one month. Cat and her mom Annie take the challenge, Cat and Annie end up opening their life to different possibilities and new friends along the way. This was a quick fun read with wonderful characters. It will also make you think about your life no matter what age to say yes instead of no. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books. This is my own opinion.

I really enjoy Siân Gorman's books, and have reviewed some in the past. They are all heartfelt and centered around tough subjects which are dealt with sensitively.

The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers was no exception.

I really felt for Catriona as she went through feeling like she was stuck in a rut in life. It is reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary too. with the TV appearance people laugh at.

I liked Catriona and was glad she had supportive friends. I wouldn't have liked to have been in the Irish Sea, she and her friends were brave. I'm glad she decided to to take more chances and risks in life.

The book reminded me of Faith Hogan's The Midnight Ladies' Swimming Club because of the swimming and supportive friends, but Siân O' Gorman has her own writing style, and the blend of themes is one that's easy to enjoy, since I loved both Faith Hogan's book and Bridget Jones' Diary (book and movie).

Who hasn't questioned their decisions and actions in life? This book will resonate with everyone who has, and will hopefully encourge them to make changes.

Every time I come across a book by an Irish author, I feel proud to be half Irish, and it was nice to experience the area around Dublin, as Dublin is one of the places my family are from.

Thanks to Siân O' Gorman, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Cat and her mum Annie reluctantly agree to saying YES to everything for one whole month! Annie’s best friend Lorraine ( also Cat’s Godmother) who is a little bit of a free spirit has strong armed them into it.

Cat is happy with her little life in Sandycove with her safe job and and home, why would she want to change anything?.

What follows is a lovely life affirming book that made me question a few things actually and it will resonate with SO many other readers too.

We should all take a leaf out of Cat’s book and begin saying YES to everything for a month because so many life changing things can happen and you can truly find a once in a life time happiness.

As with most people questioning your life and the decisions you have made Catriona makes them and makes us laugh along with her as she journeys through them in the most heartfelt and hilarious ways.

I have read The Sandycove Supper Club and thoroughly enjoyed it so I was thrilled to be able to read this book and it didn't disappoint, the characters are so well written the story just flows off the page and now I want to be a sea swimmer too, fabulous story

Loved this one. Uplifting and sweet, the sort of book my heart has really been needing lately. I can definitely see this book becoming quite meaningful to many people!