An Irish Summer was a breezy, feel-good rom-com that hit all the right notes for a summer read—though I did wish for a bit more. I’d give it 3/5 stars! I enjoyed it but wouldn’t necessarily read again.

Chelsea leaves her job in Boston to spend a summer working at a hostel in Galway, Ireland, where she meets Colin—charming, local, and all too eager to show her the magic of the country. Their slow-burn romance had me rooting for them, but I’ll be honest, I wanted more chemistry and insight into Colin’s side of things. The setting was beautiful in theory, but it didn’t feel as immersive as I hoped. As someone who’s visited Ireland and Galway specifically, I was expecting more descriptions of the landscape and vibe. And while Chelsea’s growth is nice, her stubbornness and lack of maturity got old fast.

Still, this is a sweet, quick read for anyone craving a light escape to Ireland. It has its moments, but I wanted more depth and development from the characters.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!! ❤️❤️❤️

This was a beautiful book. A young woman, Chelsea, loses her job in Boston and decides to take a job at a hostel in Galway, Ireland. And boy, it turns out to be the best decision she ever made. What a great story about what it means to not only step outside your comfort zone but LEAP out of it.

Ireland absolutely brings out the best in people (irl and fictional). The setting was extremely descriptive and immersive and I felt like I was right back in Galway. Reading this book felt like a trip down memory lane and getting to experience Chelsea's journey alongside her- it felt like I was there again!

At certain times in the book her inability to make a decision and stick with it got quite annoying but overall the story was a beautiful arc of a young woman trying to find her way., IT was definitely fun and if you plan on taking a trip to Ireland anytime soon- make sure to snag this one for a wonderful preview! 4 stars! Slainte!

Thank you Avon and Netgally for arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was cute. It had some really sweet moments, some beautiful Irish scenes, some fun found-family adventures, and some really great characters. I enjoyed going on outings with Chelsea and Collin and was wishing I could stay at the hostel for a few weeks.

The writing was strong and dialogue was realistic and banter-y (my fave).

Solid 3 stars! A light summer read.

This was a cute, cozy romcom with themes of finding oneself and embracing change. I loved the portrayals of female friendships and found the pacing to be just right. It took me a few tries to get really engrossed in the story because I found Chelsea quite unlikeable however it made her growth so much more meaningful.

An Irish Summer is a charming and heartwarming romantic comedy that perfectly captures the thrill of adventure, self-discovery, and unexpected love.

Chelsea’s life in Boston is steady and predictable—until she loses both her job and home in one fell swoop. With few options, she takes a temporary position at a hostel in Galway, Ireland, despite her initial resistance to everything from the rain to the lack of iced coffee. But with the help of her lively coworkers and the ever-charming tour guide, Collin, Chelsea slowly begins to embrace her new surroundings. As their relationship blossoms, so does Chelsea’s internal struggle: should she return to the comfort of home or take a leap into the unknown?

This novel is the perfect mix of humor, romance, and wanderlust, making it a fantastic read for anyone who loves summer flings, travel, and personal growth. The chemistry between Chelsea and Collin and the vivid Irish setting made this an enjoyable escape. If you love stories about stepping out of your comfort zone and falling in love along the way, An Irish Summer is definitely worth picking up! I cant wait to buy the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins (Avon) for an ARC copy of Alexandra Paige’s new novel “An Irish Summer.”

Once I got into the story, I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read but I struggled to get into the book initially (that may be partially influenced by the fact that just before starting this novel, I finished a book that I absolutely loved and anything that followed wouldn’t immediately be as gripping/captivating). I picked my copy of Irish Summer up a handful of times those first few days but didn’t get very far and found myself easily distracted or disinterested (I didn’t dislike what I was reading, I just wasn’t particularly interested to keep going). At chapter 7, I decided to set the book down for a while and try again (several weeks) later. I finally went back to it this week and found it to be an easy read with very Hallmark movie-ish vibes. I liked most of the characters (including Collin & Flo) as well as the descriptions of Ireland but didn’t care for the main character Chelsea (I found her less likeable as the book went on). I wish she’d been a bit older or at least came off less immature. Despite being in her early twenties and working in Ireland, she seemed much more like a college student studying abroad (with below average maturity level). Because the novel was told from her POV, it significantly affected the overall feel of the book (it often felt more YA) I wish the story would have been a dual POV between her and Colllin - I think it would have helped to have the perspective of those around her. I think I would have found her more likeable that way and it also would have given more depth to her and Collin’s connection…I kept wondering why he was immediately so smitten with her.

The author brought up important themes and common struggles in the novel and in that way, I like what she attempted to do…and despite my complaints about the FMC, I did enjoy the book once I got further into it and accepted it for what it was. I think this had the potential to be much more impacting & memorable had the FMC had more maturity. That being said, others may relate to her more easily so perhaps it’s more of a reader problem than a character issue.

Overall, I found the book to be a light and easy read and am glad I picked it back up and finished it quickly. Overall, I’d rate this 2.75 but rounded up to 3 stars.

📖 Book Review 📖 If you are ever lucky enough to escape to Ireland for the summer, my advice is to take the opportunity! I got to spend a summer studying at Trinity College in Dublin and my dorm room overlooked the iconic front arch. When the B&B Chelsea works unexpectedly closes, she is offered a job in Galway, Ireland. Alexandra Paige creates a fun and whimsical journey of self-discovery. An Irish Summer is a beautifully breezy not to miss summer read!

Funny story about studying abroad: We went up to Belfast for the weekend and stayed in the dorms up there and in an attempt to save water, there was a button you had to keep pressing every few seconds to keep the water running. However, the shower was so tiny that you had to keep all of the soap and shampoo outside and it was a very far reach so the water kept turning off and it was a comedy of errors. It was such a small inconvenience but it has stuck with me. What is a culture shock you have had traveling?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A fun story about a young woman who suddenly loses her job and goes to Ireland for a summer job. She plans to search for a job and housing back home in Boston and flee ASAP. She soon makes friends and finds adventure in Ireland, but will she stay or return home for her dream job?
I enjoyed it the pacing and storyline

When Chelsea suddenly finds herself with no job and no apartment, she quickly has to pivot and figure out her next steps in life. Leave the comfort and security of Massachusetts or go on an adventure. With a summer work opportunity in Ireland, Chelsea decides to take a leap for few months to plan for the future ahead.

I enjoyed this book! It's a very cute and cozy hallmark style romcom. Ireland is one of my favorite places and I feel like it felt realistic and captured the Irish spirit! I think I would have liked it more if I read it during the spring/lead up to summer.

This was a lovely story about a girl finding herself by challenging her preconceived notions. The author's gorgeous descriptions of Ireland that make you want to visit and makes a truly relaxing and enjoyable read. A fun romance that isn't too racy, you find yourself rooting for the main characters to find their way to each other. I loved reading this book.

Ireland sounds like a magical place and it’s no surprise the changes that Chelsea experienced while there. Collin was such a charming character and vital for Chelsea’s new look on life. The book was charming and fun. I loved the supporting characters. I love then the main characters really make so much personal growth especially when done in a way that feels organic and Chelsea fought those changes the entire way but in the end figured out what made her happy.

Chelsea’s world unexpectedly falls apart, but she is given the opportunity to work and live in Galway for the summer working at a B&B. This was not part of her plan but intends to make the most of it and focus on getting the career of her dreams.

Then, there is the charming Collin, the tour guide at the B&B, who continuously temps her with the beauty and wonder of Ireland. He shows her that sometimes what you think you want isn’t actually want you want at all.

This is a very cute story about discovering yourself. Chelsea has a lot of internal conflict while finding her way. Overall this is a very feel good book with minimal spice. Alexandria Paige portrays female friendships in a thoughtful, uplifting way.

Cute Irish romance Rom Com, quick read. Loved the story and Irish background. Definitely recommend for anyone who wants a quick/cute read.

Started a little slow for me but once i got hooked, i got hooked. Gives a nice hallmark rom com vibes and i loved it! Easy lighteardeted read.

Chelsea learns she’s losing her job. Her boss has another lined up for her for the summer- event planner at a hostel in Galway, Ireland. She’s unsure, but she decides to go and try something new. She’s very resistant to settling in or learning about Ireland until she makes an agreement with her coworker Collin. He shows her around the country and sparks fly, but Chelsea is set on returning to Boston and finding her “dream job” and moving on with her 5 year plan.

I mostly enjoyed this. Chelsea wasn’t very likable for a while, to be honest. Collin, however, gave me butterflies. I really enjoyed him wearing Chelsea down and making her love Ireland. 3.75 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC!

3.75 stars

This was a book that I read at the exact right time in my life for the overall message/theme of this book to hit home, and HARD! Because of that, I could've easily given it 5 stars, but I knew it would be a biased rating. So I have waited to write this review and have come up with this:

In An Irish Summer, we follow our FMC Chelsea. She has held the same job in Boston for several years, and she also lives above the business she works at. She was happy in life, performing well at work, and was content with her life remaining exactly like that. So when the owners tell her they are selling the business, Chelsea finds herself suddenly without a job and without a home. Her only choice is to move home with her parents and work for them- both of which Chelsea has no interest in doing. However, her current boss informs her that her sister owns a hostel in Ireland and has agreed to give Chelsea a summer job while she figures out her next steps. While Chelsea's desire to move to Ireland is nearing rock-bottom low, it still is a step above the alternative.

After much hesitation, Chelsea decides to leave Boston and move to Ireland. BUUUTT, just long enough to line up a new job and place to live. She will not be staying in Ireland a moment longer than that, and CERTAINLY not for the entire summer!

Chelsea arrives to Ireland and the hostel- the Wanderer- closed off with a strict plan. But the Wandered, the staff, and the people passing through are full of life, joy, and love. There is a richness and quality to their lives that Chelsea is lacking, and it quickly starts to seep into her heart and mind. Before she knows it, her rigid way of thinking slowly softens and begins to change- as does the length of her time in Ireland.

This story is a delightful breath of fresh air. It does a remarkable job showcasing how American culture/society is so intent on chasing and achieving the 'next thing' instead of enjoying life and living in the here and now. The contrast in the definition of success in America vs other areas in the world (in this case, Ireland) is undeniable. It is refreshing to get to experience slowing down and enjoying life through the pages and words of Alexandra Paige.

An Irish Summer showcases how we can so easily get trapping in the ideals of what our life is supposed to look like instead of living a life that is true to us and one that we love!

The writing is incredibly immersive, which was so fun because Ireland is on the top of my travel list!

You can expect a written tour of Ireland that will make you feel as though you have been there. I also enjoyed the Irish slang- such a fun addition to the story.

The romance/love interest is very respectful and mature in nature, which I appreciated.

I fully understood and could empathize with Chelsea's dilemma of the life she has always known and the life she has discovered- and which is more true to her. However, towards the end of the story, I was a bit frustrated with how she still clung to her original ways of thinking. The indecision, while relatable, became frustrating.

In the end, I would recommend this read. Perfect for a quick summer read if you're in the mood for a Hallmark-esque, self-discovery, romcom set in Ireland!!

3.5/5 ⭐️ but rounded up due to bias for Galway.

I received this Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager.

Chelsea Gold is in her late 20s and she has a plan. She wants a promotion, a husband, and house with a white picket fence in the Boston suburbs by 35. All that changes when unexpectedly gets terminated from her job due to the owner selling the business. She gets offered the opportunity to spend the summer working at a hostel in Galway where the adventure begins with Flo, Lars, and most importantly Collin.

Chelsea is slightly unlikeable as a main character and it works, mainly because she reminds me of myself in my mid-20s. She sometimes puts her own goals above her own happiness which is relatable. Collin brings out the best in her and let’s be honest, he’s the dream Irishman we all hope for when we travel to Ireland.

The setting was perfect. I may be biased because I went and had an Irish adventure last summer but it took me back and makes me miss the magic of Ireland.

Overall, it’s a cute book. It is a closed door romance and very tame so don’t go into it expecting any spice. I will warn the chapters are LONG so if that’s not your vibe just be warned.

An Irish Summer is a sweet. dreamy, fun summer read. Chelsea's life gets flipped upside down when her stable job decides to close its doors offering her an opportunity to work in Ireland for the Summer. Chelsea is only looking at this new job as a way to grow her resume and get out and back to Boston as soon as possible. She is cynical, a little self-centered, and wants nothing to do with Ireland or its people. She meets local Irishman Collin who is desperately trying to get her to fall in love with Ireland and maybe even him...

As someone who fell in love with Ireland and had part of my personal love story evolve there, this book was very nostalgic for me from the crumbling countryside castles, rolling emerald green hills, and rich folklore and culture - I was transported back! I would give this a 3.75 - it is a fun hallmark romance and easy read. I loved Collin, from the get-go as he had a strong presence that drew you in. He was captivating, from his love for Ireland and wisdom about life and love. Chelsea was feisty and playful and I loved her banter with Collin and their chemistry. However, Chelsea's back and forth struggle of not knowing what she wanted was a little much. Lastly, I felt there was a missed opportunity in not exploring Chelsea's Jewish upbringing/background since there was a strong theme of Irish community and culture in this book, and it seemed like Chelsea was longing for a place to belong that was her own.

Ugh, I wanted to enjoy this so badly but I just don't think it was for me. I couldn't connect to Chelsea AT ALL - I found her to be quite annoying actually.. I'm sorry to say it!! I did like that she did have some character development and found herself once she was in Ireland, but getting there was a struggle. I also liked Collin, he was why I stuck around; I loved his energy and full of life he was. Def golden retriever vibes.

When she faces the possibility of losing her job at a B&B in Boston Chelsea takes a job at the sister B&B in Galway Ireland and of course adventure and finding herself happen.