This book really touched me it was such a powerful story which explored so many aspects of life,

The characters were so well written , they became my friends.

Constance who is in her ninth decade looking back on her life, full of ups and downs. Her best friend Dotty was more like a sister to her but events changed their friendship and it seems they may never reconcile. Constance was special to me, reminding me of my own mum, who loved people and company and was fiercely independent.

Heather, Dotties daughter who had recently lost her mum , and is returning to the island to bury her. Struggling from the breakdown of her marriage and business., she finds comfort in the tranquil surroundings.

Ros who is filling in as a temporary ranger on the island but hopes to settle permanently, finding new friendships which give her the family she never had.

The friendship of these woman, supporting each other, discovering long lost secrets that shake them but also bring acceptance and peace is so beautifully explored.

My emotions were tested throughout the book, I was rooting for each of the woman , hoping they would find their happy ending. How the past can shape our future and the negative consequences of keeping secrets was so well written.

The beautiful setting in Ireland was perfect. Who wouldn’t want to visit Oceans End and Constance’s home ?

The narrator was perfect I loved listening to her voice and how she distinguished between different characters was amazing.

Grab a box of tissues, and travel to Oceans End and I hope you will love it as much as I did.

John 8:32 and the truth will set you free

Oh Lordy lord, this was an emotional rollercoaster of the most beautiful kind.

I’ve been missing out massively it seems. I’ve only read one other book by Faith Hogan, so the wishlist grows again.

Set on a fictional island off the coast of County Mayo, in the house that she shared with her mother, we meet Constance Macken approaching 90, reflecting on her past, and fiercely hanging on to her independence. Over a split timeline we are introduced to Constance’s childhood friend Dotty, we hear the stories of their childhood, the love they shared, the secrets they kept buried and the hard truth that made them part ways.

When Constance locks herself out and calls upon the new girl on the island for some help, we meet Ros on secondment to the island from parks and recreation department, Ros has absolutely fallen in love with the island and the cottage that’s only hers for the length of the job. It doesn’t take long until Ros has fallen in love with Constance and they strike up the most beautiful friendship.

Heather, Dottys daughter, is returning to the island following the death of her mother, Dotty has expressed the wish to be back home and buried on the island. This takes Heather back to Constance and the three woman set about trying to get the beautiful old art deco house back into some sort of repair, as the house comes together the relationship between the three women strengthens and they become found family, and of course, the secrets of the past start to come out.

Faith Hogan paints a stunning picture of the island, you could imagine walking the hills and watching the sea, but the real beauty is in the friendships and love that the women find, I was completely captivated, these characters are so well written they feel like friends. There’s a little goat named George who absolutely steals the show. I cried tears of joy and sorrow, I rooted for each of the women every step of the way and I was really sorry to say goodbye.

I don’t want to spoiler in any way, look out for this on release, you won’t regret it.

Flora Montgomerys narration is beautiful, her voice is a tonic for the ears.

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

Huge thanks to Head of Zeus Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧