Enya, a GP in Ireland is battling several demons, a controlling relationship with her husband , early death of her mother and growing distance between her and her teenage son. As the book begins, she is involved with the resusitation of a teenage boy, apparently involved in a hit and run on a lonely road in a thunderstorm. Told from Enya's point of view, Enya is coming to terms with changes in her life and the feeling of reaching the age her mother was when she suddenly died. She makes changes in her life and meets new people and starts reading her mother's newspaper columns about folklore and traditions.
I did enjoy the read on the whole, though Enya is self obsessed and the reader only has her point of view . The pace is fairly slow, though that was OK, the menance of her feeling of being followed/watched is well described . Not sure about the believability of the described events and her ability to practice as a doctor with her own problems.
Not bad , have read more by the this author and will read future books too. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

Cecelia Ahern’s Into the Storm is a deeply moving exploration of personal transformation, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s life. Known for her ability to combine magical realism with emotional depth, Ahern weaves a story about survival—not only from the physical storm that sets the novel in motion but also from the storms within.

The novel opens on a dramatic and heart-pounding note: Enya, a GP, is performing CPR on a teenage boy in the middle of a fierce December storm. This event is a turning point for Enya, both literally and metaphorically. The boy survives, but the storm becomes a catalyst for Enya’s own emotional awakening. Stuck in a loveless marriage, she realizes that her life has become as suffocating as the tempest she faced that night. This moment of crisis pushes her to make the brave decision to break free from her unhappiness and seek refuge in a remote country town, where she hopes to rebuild her life.

Ahern excels in capturing the internal turmoil of her characters, and Enya is no exception. She is both relatable and complex, a woman who has spent years neglecting her own needs, driven by duty and obligation. Her emotional journey is portrayed with nuance, as she grapples with guilt, fear, and the weight of her past decisions. The novel’s setting—a quiet, secluded town where Enya takes refuge—mirrors her desire for peace and solitude, but it also becomes a place where she must confront the deeper wounds that haunt her.

One of the most compelling aspects of Into the Storm is the symbolic presence of nature, particularly the ancient tree that plays a central role in the novel. This tree, standing tall and weathered by time, serves as both a literal and metaphorical anchor for Enya’s healing process. Ahern imbues it with a sense of magic and wisdom, hinting at the stories and lives it has witnessed. The tree becomes a confidante for Enya, a silent observer of her internal struggles, and a symbol of endurance and rebirth. It is beneath these boughs that Enya begins to face the lingering trauma of that fateful night in the rain and the unresolved pain in her personal life.

Ahern’s prose is reflective and evocative, drawing readers into Enya’s world with vivid descriptions of both the external landscapes and the emotional terrain she must navigate. The contrast between the stormy opening scene and the tranquil, yet isolating, countryside where Enya seeks solace mirrors her emotional state throughout the novel.

However, while the novel’s introspective tone is a strength, it occasionally slows the pacing, especially in the middle sections. Some readers may feel that the internal focus comes at the expense of plot development, though this deliberate pacing allows for deeper character growth and contemplation.

At its core, Into the Storm is about the journey toward self-discovery and the courage to break free from societal and personal constraints. It is a story of second chances—of finding freedom in the midst of chaos and redefining what it means to live a meaningful life. The relationships Enya forges in the town, particularly with other characters who have their own battles to fight, offer moments of tenderness and hope, balancing the novel’s heavier themes of regret and emotional upheaval.

Into the Storm is a beautifully crafted tale about finding light after the darkness, and Ahern’s talent for infusing her stories with hope shines through. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of symbolism and emotional depth will find this novel both inspiring and thought-provoking. Enya’s journey to face her own fears, under the shelter of an ancient tree and in the aftermath of a storm, is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for a fresh start.

I was a little disappointed in this book. The story was convincing enough and there was a twist at the end but I had trouble finding any empathy for the main character, Enya. There was so much angst in this book that it was a relief when I had finished reading it! Enya worried about her marriage, she worried about her son (but for some reason was happy to leave him with his controlling father whilst she went off to a deserted village to start a new life). She worried about her son's friend who had been hit by a car, in fact there was nothing she didn't worry about. As she faced her 46th birthday she was worried because that was the age her mother had died. Would this be a worry for anyone who had lost their parents at a young age? I don't really think it would be. Difficult to find empathy! A good story, as Cecelia Ahern's books always are but not her usual style I fear.

I read this book in one sitting, it was utterly gripping. The exploration of a woman falling apart was beautifully written. I felt immersed in Irish small town life. My favourite parts were the articles written by Enya’s mother - the customs of pre-Christianity Ireland fascinated me. Enya was a completely relatable character, from a mother’s need to check on her own offspring after the horror of the car accident she witnesses to the enduring sense of loss from her mother’s premature death I felt it all alongside her. Cecelia Ahern is at the height of her powers writing this - definitely my favourite novel of hers.

I normally like Cecelia Ahern novels but I struggled with this one although I seem to be in the minority, I found it quite dark and depressing and I can’t even say I even liked any of the characters although Margaret is good.

I really liked the idea behind this story but what could have been an amazing book kind of fell short for me. Somehow the story felt all over the place to me. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mindset but I struggled and almost DNF.

Into The Storm is a book that was a good read but could have been great.
Dr Enya Pickering is driving along in awful weather in December after seeing a patient, she rounds a corner and discovers a taxi in the middle of the road with a young boy in the floor, the taxi driver has rung for an ambulance but Enya gives CPR at the scene until the ambulance arrives. It’s a hot and run or has the taxi driver hit him? Police are on the scene and Enya goes home but the event won’t leave her mind and everything in her last comes to the front and she decides to leave her husband and son and set up as a GP in the rural Abbeydooley. Here she wants to come to peace with her problems but it only brings more as the locals aren’t liking her and the hit and run accident seems to have followed her there.
This was a book of two halves for me, the first third was enjoyable but the third in the middle seem to go nowhere and I fe,t I’d disconnected from the book and the characters. The final third did bring me back again but I feel I would have been more invested had I not checked out for a while whilst reading the second third. I have read many books by this author and have enjoyed them.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

This book started off on a promising note but unfortunately I just struggled to keep my interest . Enyas behaviour just didn’t ring true for me. Not the best Cecilia Abernathy I have read

On the day that Hurricane Milton is causing devastation in the US, it seems appropriate to be reviewing the publication of a book where the novel starts with a terrible storm.

I have read many previous novels by this author- but this one felt more uncomfortable and darker than others.

The story has many twists and layers, the characters are memorable, with Margaret in particular standing out. I was fascinated by the references to Irish traditions and folklore, in particular the rag tree.

I enjoyed the novel, but was not dashing to read it every night, maybe because some of the unsettling themes that ran through it, were just too realistic! Cecelia Ahern is a great storyteller...

Emotional, fascinating and mysterious, this literary fiction explores the life of Enya, a woman in her late forties who is struggling with her grief, mental health and relationships and how this causes unexpected consequences for her career, family and self. It is a layered story that charts Enya's life as it implodes, stabilises, recovers and reinvents itself. I enjoyed learning about the Celtic folklore through Enya's late mother's writings and the mysticism surrounding the tree. Grief is another theme that defines this story and resonates with me. I also like the believable characters, many unlikeable but all relatable, the claustrophobic and intense ethos, which keeps you reading and the ending.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Beautifully written but too depressing for me. I loved the references to Celtic history and the shock ending!

Into the Storm is a deeply emotional story about self-discovery, loss, and finding the courage to rebuild. The main character, GP Enya Pickering, is trapped in a loveless marriage and dealing with grief over her mother’s death. After saving a teenage boy in a hit-and-run accident, Enya’s life takes a dramatic turn as she moves to a small rural town for a fresh start.
The book’s atmosphere is dark and mysterious, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you hooked. I loved how Ahern weaves themes of mental health, family, and healing into the story. Enya is a relatable character who you really empathize with, and the small-town setting adds to the charm. I particularly enjoyed the strong friendships she forms in Abbeydooley.
While it didn’t quite reach the heights of Ahern’s other books for me, it’s still a thoughtful and moving read.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

I went through a phase where I really enjoyed Cecelia Ahern books, but I fell out of love with them a few years back. When I got the chance to read an ARC of this one, I decided to give her a try again, and I'm so glad that I did.

When GP Enya is driving home in a storm one night, she comes across the scene of an accident. A teenage boy injured at the scene triggers the pent up grief she's been holding onto for years over the death of her mother. As her life begins to drastically unravel, she makes the decision to move to a rural part of Ireland and take over a GP practice.

This is a very charming story. Well thought out, and well told. The characters are well developed, and believable. Although more of a drama than a thriller, there are twists and turns along the way. It's the perfect kind of book to curl up by the fire with.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly I had to archive this book to my DNF pile. I have adored Cecelia Ahern's work for years, and was super excited to read this book. Unfortunately I really struggled to connect to the leading lady. After 2 months of trying to get into it, The book started out well, but by the 25% mark, I started to avoid reading. It was at this point I decided to shelf it.

Firstly I love books by Cecelia Ahern, each with their own unique, quirky, touching story. Secondly this one really connected with me personally as Enya faces a point in her life that I too have faced and the emotions described were so on point.
This is a raw, emotional and captivating story, delving into Irish folklore and traditions, as well as giving the reader a flavour of life in a remote country town in Ireland.
I loved the characters, some drew chuckles, some empathy and some total distaste. The settings are gorgeous and clearly portrayed.
It is difficult to reveal more without giving any plot spoilers. Simple to say, I loved it and was transported to dwell alongside Enya.

This was such a wonderful and moving book about loss and delayed grief.

I loved the Celtic history in the book, and found the rag tree so fascinating.

A wonderfully written story and I loved every minute of it! I normally have more to say about a book after reading, but this book left me speechless!

I really enjoyed this one. I was completely hooked from the first page. It just pulls you in. It’s immersive and emotional. A dark and atmospheric story about grief, self discovery, love, family, mental health and so much more.
It’s beautifully written, with an engaging storyline and it’s easy to follow.
GP Enya is driving in a storm and comes across a hit and run accident where she helps a teenage boy, Ross, who reminds her so much of her own son Finn. Enya is grieving her mum, struggling with her marriage and relationship with her son, as things spiral she moves away to rural Abbeydooley to take over a medical practice.
It’s a thought provoking read with several twists and turns. The mystery of who hit Ross keeps you guessing with many suspects, with a brilliant ending.
Enya is a believable and relatable character who you feel empathy for. All the characters are well written. I especially liked Margaret with her straight talking and sarcasm. I also enjoyed the friendship that formed between Enya and Margret. Just beautiful.
Definitely recommend. It’s well worth a read.
With thanks to #NetGallery #HarperCollinsUK @harperfiction for an arc of #IntoTheStorm in exchange for a honest review. Book publishes 10 October 2024.
My review will be posted on Instagram @allthingsbookswithclaire

I loved this book as I've loved all her books I liked the way Enya's story slowly unfolded and the shock ending made this a very worthwhile read can't wait for her next book would definitely recommend

A mysterious story, starting with a hit and run on the edge of a road on a stormy night. Enya is driving home when she comes across a taxi in the middle of the road, flagging down her car to help with the barely breathing body of a young teen he claims to have discovered. She performs CPR, the boy survives but the accident forever changes her, and she flees her husband, her son and her seemingly idyllic life to run a small doctor's practice in rural Ireland. But she struggles to cope there too and is finally forced to face the demons that have plagued her since childhood.
A fantastic read, as we follow Enya on her journey trying to get her life back together after everything fell apart.

GP Dr Enya Pickering, driving home during a bad December storm, comes across a young man, lying in the road badly injured. A taxi driver arriving ahead of her has phoned the emergency services. Enya gives CPR and stabilises the young man, waiting with the taxi driver until the ambulance and police arrive. Despite her intervention, as she resumes her journey home, it’s clear from her thoughts that she is a troubled woman. She is married to a difficult man (Alex, also a GP), with a very low tolerance level and her happy relationship with her teenage son Finn appears to have stalled. Deciding to abandon both Alexander and Finn she takes up a GP post in Abbeydooley far away from Dublin. She is looking for space and the chance to find inner peace. But from being a safe haven, her arrival in the small community not only brings her personal problems into sharper focus, it appears the events of that rainy night have also followed her there.
Enya is a dedicated doctor. Unfortunately, she is married to the most awful, uncaring man and her son, with whom she has had a close bond, currently appears to prefer his own company. With her mind in turmoil, she hopes the move will stabilise things. On the positive side, escaping to Abbeydooley does give her the challenges she needs - a new environment, with different medical challenges. However, the death of her mother still continues to haunt her, coupled with the fact, she fears for her own mortality. Her 46th birthday is approaching and coincides with the exact age mother experienced her fatal heart attack.
I enjoyed Enya’s journey, her life in Abbeydooley and the friends she made while there. I would love Alex to have had some sort of karma visited on him, particularly as there was a mystical element to the story with the rag tree. But you can’t have everything, and I was pleased with how, despite many obstacles, she learned to face her fears, enabling things to work out in the end.
I would like to thank Harper Collins, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Into the Storm in exchange for an honest review.