Member Reviews

This was such a sweet, cozy romance read! I loved every minute of it and almost wish we got to see more beyond the ending and epilogue. The characters were robust and entertaining, and I loved how the island town of Inishmore was such a character in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted, cozy read!

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I have not read anything by this author before, but I will definitely be looking out for their work in the future. I loved seeing the story unfold and seeing the characters grow.

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I liked the premise of this book. I enjoyed the characters and the found family aspect and the whole idea of learning a new culture and traditions. It was a really wholesome read for me. I also really loved Niall, I thought he was a great love interest.

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Let’s just say I didn’t give this one the Irish goodbye because I couldn’t put this one down. I WILL be adding this one to my bookstore shelves!

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To help heal her heartache from her father's death, Cordelia goes to Ireland for the summer, hoping to rediscover her passion for photography. But when a brooding man bumps into her and breaks her camera, she begins to question her choices. But the stranger crosses her path again and again, and as she gets to know him, she learns that he's recovering from a heartbreak of his own. Niall and Cordelia find healing in one another and rediscovering their own passions. The Irish Goodbye is the perfect romance with loveable main characters, quirky side characters, a beautiful setting, and a wise and hilarious old woman who always speaks her mind.

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I've never traveled the world. I've never gone further than across the border to Canada. But Ireland has always been a dream for me. A lifelong dream that I'm sure will never be realized. This book though, this book was like living there a little.

The author, Amy Ewing, wrote about Ireland in such a way that was so romantic, and sad, and lovely all at once. It makes me want to go there even more now. It also makes me grateful for authors who can write such lyrical type books that touch me so deep. Amy used her words like a paintbrush on a masterpiece.

That said, Cordelia and Niall were a very fun couple to root for. Inishmore is an idyllic place to live and the cast of characters in that town were a riot. Roisin is the hero of the story, well, and Pocket too. Who knew a cranky old lady and a dog could bring everyone together???

This book was SO fun and uplifting. I definitely recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This is such a cozy endearing rom com!! I was immediately drawn to Cordelia and her story, she is feeling a little lost in life and decides on a last minute trip to a small town in Ireland to shake herself out of her funk. Niall is also lost, he is nursing the loss of his big dream and also a broken heart.

What unfolds is a summer of healing for them both, together they learn what it truly means to be happy again, to trust again and to enjoy their passions. Along with the eclectic town of Inishmore island and it's incredible cast of characters!

This is a must read that will make you feel like you are wrapped up in a warm, cozy Irish hug!!

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This one was quite cute but otherwise not particularly memorable. I liked the irish setting and the side characters were fun!

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That was really, really good! An amazing Irish setting, a likeable cast of characters, lots of cozy food and drink references, a perfect amount of sweet and just enough spice.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to review.

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Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title.

A grieving American street photographer and a disillusioned Irish chef find new hope— and love— in The Irish Goodbye, a charming contemporary romance by author Amy Ewing.

This was so lovely! I’ve been on a hot-streak lately with books about Americans finding love abroad, and The Irish Goodbye totally held its own with some of my favorite books of the year. I loved the writing, the characters, the found family, and the reflections on grief and new beginnings, but, most of all, I loved the romance between Cordelia and Niall, whose bright fizzy chemistry leapt off the page. I especially loved how the third act played out, which felt very real to the way two flawed, damaged people would try to navigate their feelings, their hopes for the future, and their desire for the best for their partner— and the fact that it took time to resolve these conflicts instead of a shortcut to a whirlwind reconciliation. If I have any (incredibly minor!) quibbles with the book, I could note that Cordelia’s issues with her mom resolved really quickly considering given their role as a driving motivator for Cordelia's early actions and that Cordelia really didn’t have to look after Roisin that often despite the fact that that was ostensibly the reason for her coming to Inishmore, but, honestly, I was enjoying myself so much that these really didn’t bother me. 4.75/5 stars, and an author I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for in the future!

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I loved The Irish Goodbye! I read this entire book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. It was funny, romantic, and I teared up multiple times. Now I need to go to Ireland! I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a great Irish rom-com.

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The first half of this grabbed me and I flew through it, but the last half took me a bit longer. Overall though the Irish setting and characters were what made this. The chemistry between characters was a bit lacking for me but it was easy to ignore that and enjoy the rest.

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Thank you to NG and Alcove Press for the ARC of Amy Ewing's The Irish Goodbye– “It’s hate-at-first-sight when a jilted Irish chef returns home to Inishmore and immediately clashes with a mouthy American tourist.”

The Irish Goodbye isn’t your typical love story. We met Cordelia James, a famous(?) street photographer that found herself needing a change. Traveling to Ireland, Cordelia does not have a meet cute with Niall O’Connor. The pair slowly unravel the pain, grief, fear, and bumpy parental relationships holding them back from living their lives.

Amy Ewing crafts a narrative full of Irish coast and attractions. This story is a slow burn, and heats up very quickly. The relationships in this story feel genuine. And the supporting characters really steal the scenes that they are in. I would love to see more of the supporting characters in their own relationships done the line.

The root of this story is more than a romance; it is complex and real. I definitely enjoy a light-hearted romance, and while the Irish Goodbye is a romance it challenges what you expect from the genre.

Thank you, NG and Alcove Press for this arc and in return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

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Ireland, tension, and a man that can cook! Sign me up! This story was perfectly light and fun. I really enjoyed following both characters on their journey and having their own POV for the romance.

The spice in this book was good!! I mean the cliffs scene…cmon! Chefs kiss! Niall falling hard was beyond sweet. I do wish the characters got a little deeper with one another but I really liked it as is.

I do hope there is a next book following Collin!

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I adored this book! It does not only have a cute cover but is actually so entertaining. I loved the characters (side characters as well) and the setting so much. There is so much wit. I just had a great time! Please read it!

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by Amy Ewing

4 out of 5 stars

First, a big thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of Amy Ewing's "The Irish Goodbye" – a romantic jaunt through Ireland that mixes the right amount of love, laughter, and life's little lessons.

Let's dive in, shall we? "The Irish Goodbye" is more than your average love story; it's a journey through grief and finding the unexpected on the other side. Cordelia James, a renowned street photographer, finds herself at life's crossroads, grappling with the overwhelming loss of her father. In a bid to find herself again, she lands on the picturesque shores of Inishmore island, where she crashes, quite literally, into the broody Niall O'Connor. Their encounter is less of a meet-cute and more of a collision of two worlds – each carrying their own storms.

Amy Ewing crafts a narrative that's as rich and textured as the Irish coast itself. The dialogue crackles with energy and wit, making the pages practically turn themselves. Cordelia and Niall's love story unfolds with a delicious tension, the kind that makes your heart do a little jig. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and their journey towards each other is filled with as many ups and downs as the rolling Irish hills.

Supporting characters like the sassy best friends, Collin and Allison, and a scene-stealing gran called Roisin add layers of humor and heart to the story. Ewing doesn't just create characters; she breathes life into them, making you wish you could pull up a chair in their cozy kitchens or walk the cliffs of Inishmore alongside them.

The book doesn't shy away from deeper themes either. It delves into the messiness of grief, the complexity of returning home, and the courage it takes to start anew. But fear not, it handles these with a deft touch, ensuring the lightness of romance is never too far away.

In essence, "The Irish Goodbye" is a love letter to Ireland, to healing, and to finding love in the most unexpected places. It's about the beauty of second chances and the promise of new beginnings. Ewing's storytelling is a blend of warmth, wit, and wisdom - making this book a solid four-star read that's sure to win over romantics and adventurers alike. So, here's to love, laughter, and a little Irish luck – "The Irish Goodbye" is a journey worth taking. Cheers!

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Cordelia and Niall clash immediately, both drowning in their grief and anger, only to realize that there’s no way to avoid each other no the island if Inishmore, a lovably quirky small town. The author crafts the warmth and support of family and friends really beautifully, as both MCs are enveloped. Cordelia and NIall’s romance sparkles off the pages as they both find home again, in themselves and each other. Things I loved: sassy best friends abound, bada*s quirky grandma, gorgeous setting, excellent pacing, a terrible ex to hate, family redemption, and she knows what she wants in the bedroom.

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Funny and heartwarming and set in Ireland, there really wasn’t much not to love here.

Roisin was my favourite character and I enjoyed her antics.

From despair to new love and plenty of adventure and stress between. Highly recommend.

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What a fantastic book that takes you right to the heart of Ireland! Cordelia and Niall’s story was just perfect - both dealing with grief in their own ways and finding love where and when they least expected it. Admittedly, it took a little while to take off, but once it did, I could not put it down. This book made me laugh out loud and it made me stressed in the best way. The main characters as well as the supporting characters were beautifully and deeply developed (Roisin is giving MAIN. CHARACTER. ENERGY.). While our lovebirds are the focus of the book, other relationships were masterfully developed and I fell in love with the entire small town as the story went on. Overall, it was an absolutely dazzling story and I finished it completely satisfied!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Amy Ewing for the ARC copy for my honest review.

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Honestly I thought this was so cute!! This might be super specific to me, but I am obsessed with the Ireland/Scotland area and my travel itch to go specifically there had been on overdrive lately. When I saw this arc I was instantly thinking this book was made just for me!! It was really cute and atmospheric. One of those reads where you can just kind of kick back, use little brain power and just enjoy your time. Your typical cute romance and I truly enjoyed every bit

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