Reach for the Stars

When Evelyn Dooley married her high-school sweetheart, James, she thought she was set for life. Now she’s 28, single, and fleeing to Dublin from her small hometown to avoid the gossip surrounding their break-up.

This was not in her five-year plan.

Then a chance encounter with gorgeous musician Danny leads to an unlikely friendship, and soon the pair are running music nights together. Surrounded by new friends and a welcoming community, Evelyn is building a life that she really loves – and sparks are beginning to fly between her and Danny…

But when her savings run out and home beckons, Evelyn has to choose. The safe, comfortable life she left behind, or a new adventure with Danny? Will Evelyn flee back to the familiarity of her ex, or reach for the stars and take a leap into the unknown?

A laugh-out-loud, feel-good story of friendship, second chances, and romance, perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lindsey Kelk and Marian Keyes.

‘I fell in love with this book, like actually head over heels in love with it… A funny, emotional, inspirational and powerful read… A brilliant debut.’ The Blossom Twins, 5 stars

‘I laughed out loud so much that I cried reading this book... I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and really can't wait to see what comes next from Colleen – she's an author to watch… I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book.’ A Page of Fictional Love, 5 stars

‘I was in need of a smile and a pick-me-up and this gave it in spades. I loved it… For a really heart-warming, uplifting read with a smile, you can’t go far wrong.’ Nicki’s Book Blog, 5 stars

‘Oh my goodness, how much did I love this book, from first page to last!!... Such a gorgeous read, I read it pretty much in one go… I just HAD to finish it.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Awwww, my heart! This story was so sweet...hopeful and inspiring…Poppy Bloom truly is a thing of beauty…I really loved this story… Props to the author, you really wrote something beautiful with this book!’ Books are Here for You, 4 stars

‘Loved this wonderful, warm, feel good tale. The writing is glorious and addictive… Beautiful story, great book… Highly recommended.’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars

‘A great feel good book. I absolutely loved it!… I laughed so much whilst reading this book… [Poppy is] strong, courageous, honest, open, caring, and best of all she kicks butt!… There was something for everyone in this gem of a book… I can't recommend this book enough! I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to see if there will be more.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A little gem of a book which had me laughing out loud.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Don’t Stop Me Now is a riveting story, beautifully told… This story really struck a chord with me.’ My Nights In, 5 stars

‘Inspiring and entertaining… I loved watching every step of the journey… I am very eager to see what else this talented author will write.’ Rachel’s Random Reads, 5 stars

‘An outstanding book that is both witty and inspiring… fantastically funny… Truly the best book I have read in ages.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I love the feeling when you’ve read just the first few chapters of a novel and you just know this is going to be a read you’re going to enjoy until the very last page… A great and promising debut… A warm-hearted, feel-good and simply great read that I didn’t want to put down.’ A Spoonful of Happy Endings, 5 stars