Member Reviews

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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Okay I have seriously been thinking I couldn't possibly read another romance book with how they all seem to be blurring together and nothing is really hitting with the absolute over saturation of the genre in popularity right now- but this was a refreshing read! I'm not saying it's breaking the mold or anything, but it deals with some heavier and deeper themes and it lifted me out of my funk a whole lot that's for sure. I loved the picturesque Ireland setting, it's got an enemies to lovers vibe and of course gotta have a bit of steam.

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The Irish Goodbye is a romcom set against a backdrop of grief and betrayal. Cordelia and Niall start out rough but end up being a great pairing, and they're able to help each other grow through their challenges. I'm ready to go to Ireland after the evocative descriptions in this book!

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The Irish Goodbye ist ein richtig süßer, nicht zu kitschiger Liebesroman. Ich bin ganz begeistert von der Autorin Amy Ewing! Hatte noch kein Buch gelesen und sie konnte mit ihrem super heiteren, leichten Schreibstil überzeugen. Die Story war auch echt plausible und logisch und könnte so in "Echt" auch passieren.

Recommend!

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"The Irish Goodbye" by Amy Ewing takes readers on a captivating journey filled with grief, self-discovery, and unexpected romance. Cordelia James, a once-successful street photographer, finds herself at a crossroads after the devastating loss of her father. Consumed by sorrow and unable to venture beyond the confines of her apartment, Cordelia's life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon an enticing job opportunity on Inishmore island, Ireland. Ewing skillfully portrays Cordelia's inner turmoil as she battles her own demons and confronts the pain of her past. The author's vivid descriptions of the picturesque Inishmore island transport readers into Cordelia's world, where they can almost feel the salty sea breeze and hear the crashing waves. Upon her arrival, Cordelia's first encounter with Niall O'Connor, a local grappling with his own heartbreak and personal struggles, sets the stage for a tempestuous relationship. Ewing masterfully builds tension and chemistry between the two characters, expertly navigating their encounters from hostility to a simmering attraction. Their interactions form the heart of the story, offering a perfect blend of fiery banter and tender moments that keep readers fully engaged. While the narrative expertly explores the complexities of grief and healing, Ewing also weaves in themes of community, resilience, and the power of human connection. As Cordelia and Niall's lives intertwine, their individual journeys of self-discovery unfold in a captivating manner, leaving readers rooting for their personal growth and eventual happiness. "The Irish Goodbye" is a delightful escape, transporting readers to a charming Irish island while immersing them in a tale of emotional healing and unexpected love. Ewing's lyrical prose and well-drawn characters make this novel a page-turner that will captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of romance, self-discovery, or simply enjoy richly woven narratives, "The Irish Goodbye" is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

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The Irish Goodbye by Amy Ewing is a great contemporary romance set in picturesque Ireland.

I liked this contemporary romance that centered around Cordelia and Niall. Fish out of water, second chance at life, enemies to lovers are the name of the game with this one.

A quick and entertaining read.

I took off one star only due to the foul language that was placed throughout the book. It was kind of jarring, and would have been quite enjoyable without it to be honest. Maybe I am a stick in the mud on that one, but oh well.

4/5 stars

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

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/4/23.

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Amy Ewing is now added to my list of immediate reads! What an adorable story! I'm not normally a fan of the 3rd act breakup but this one was done with purpose and for a good reason, it's easy to see how this could translate into real life. I would love to see more of these characters; it's amazing when an author can make you fall in love with an entire town! TWNGO: Ireland sounds like a wonderful universe to me!

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The Irish Goodbye will be one of the top books of 2024 MARK MY WORDS. It had me from the first page. I laughed, I cried, I was gasping for air at times. This is everything a romance novel should be

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This was such a good read! Cordelia and Niall were just so wonderful together, they complimented each other so well. While this had heavy undertones, the journey they both went on was beautiful. This book made me laugh, kick me feet and giggle, and it invoked a little melancholy at times. The support they had for one another was refreshing.

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I don’t have enough words to describe how much i enjoyed this book. It’s so beautifully written, every prospect of the book was so entertaining and riveting. Their (Cordelia and Niall’) dynamic was chaotic yet so beautiful. Loved it.

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Fantastic book! Love the Irish setting! Cordelia and Niall both had their own grief to deal with and their friendship helped them work through it. They were great together, and the secondary characters were quirky and funny and supportive. Great book all around!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Irish Goodbye to come out June 4, 2024.

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