This was a very cosy read and as someone who is from Ireland and loves the description of the country I usually love novels like this. The premise was great but I found that the characters were not fleshed out very well. It felt like we were skipping through the story too quickly and any hint of emotional climaxes fell flat. I wasn’t really invested in the characters.

I’ve not read anything else from this author to it could be a one off.

Captivating and heartwarming this story will make you feel good from the very beginning. Faith Hogan is an amazing storyteller and this book just confirms it once more. I loved being back to Ballycove ( such a pleasure to see a cameo from previous characters, too!) and hope to read more soon!
One of my favourite Irish novelists, most recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley, Aria - Head of Zeus and the author for an early copy.
#TheBookshopLadies #NetGalley

This is a book about the important things in life. Family (whether actual or found), community, a sense of purpose. A lovely easy read which is both warm hearted and well written. The characters were sympathetic and felt very real. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wished it was longer.

This is the first book I’ve read by Faith Hogan and I definitely plan to check out more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book to review.

Firstly, what a lovely cover. It draws you straight into the Bookshop world. A mystery unfolds, when Joy's French husband dies in an accident, having just managed to tell her that he has a daughter, He has left a painting to his daughter, Robyn, and Joy goes to Ireland to deliver it, becoming very involved in helping to promote the bookshop.
This is a lovely book, without being sentimental it draws on the family relationships. Thanks to netGalley for a chance to read and review this book.

I absolutely loved this book, my favourite read of the year so far. Such a feel good vibe from the book, with the characters so well described I felt like I knew them.

When Joy's husband is suddenly dying of a heart attack he reveals that he has a daughter in Ireland and he wants her to take a painting to her. Ballycove is a small Irish village and Joy gets roped into helping Robyn run her bookshop and also meets her mother Fern. Lovely book thoroughly enjoyed reading it

A book of two parts. One set in the art world of Paris where a career as an artist is started, a baby is born, one is lost and a couple is formed. Those simple events are then unpicked over the summer in Ireland in a tiny village. tTe characters are great, they have their own hurts, and fears and nerves that shape them and the relationships that they have. The women are strong and fight for what they want, and that isn’t millions, but the joy of a life together painting, running a bookshop and happily retired above a bakers. A lovely lovey tale of friendship and love,

Another great book from Faith Hogan. Set mainly in Ireland Robyn opens a bookshop but is struggling. In another world Joy’s husband dies and on his deathbed declares he has a daughter. Joy sets off to find her and along the way meets Robyn and her family but how will she explain her reason for her visit. Loveable characters and easy to follow. Thanks to Faith and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley.

This is the second book I have read by Faith Hogan and I loved it - a definite 5 star read for me!

Joy Blackwood is presented with a shocking discovery on the sudden death of her husband. He leaves a painting in his will to Robyn Tessier and she has no idea why but is determined to find out why.

Robyn is finding her way in life by setting up a bookshop in Ballycove - she is shy and needs help to make a go of her new venture. Joy finds herself become embroiled into the life of the village and its inhabitants as she sets out to find out her husband’s secrets.

A tale of friendship, betrayal and secrets. An examination of what family means. A genuine warm hearted story.

To be recommended.

An enjoyable read with characters you are involved with from the start. The one part that slightly grated with me was the theft of the valuable book. In the belief that it was so valuable why would it be carelessly manhandled around a group of people?