Nice novel about a woman who is rethinking her life and marriage. Joanna is a good character and you will root for her. It's a good read.

Really enjoyable read with likeable characters - this definitely won't be my last read from this author.

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

I requested this book from Netgalley because it seemed like it was a feel-good, romantic comedy, with a bit of Irish humour thrown in for good measure. I actually hoped it was a bit of a Marian Keyes or Maeve Binchey type of read - hilarious and heartwarming all at once.

It wasn't quite those things.

The story begins with Joanna (Jo) meeting her husband, falling in love, getting married, having a successful career in PR until all she can think about is getting pregnant. After years of trying - they are finally successful (that's chapter one) ... skip ahead to 3 years later; John walks out of her and their son Harry.

And so the story resumes with a period of time that we as the reader don't know - but you get the sense that something very bad has happened. We finally learn the secret about 60% through the book ...

Without giving too much away, I will say that the "secret" should have been revealed much sooner than it was.

It would have (1) explained so much and (2) would have allowed the author to go into further depth regarding Jo and John's relationship, rather than adding the unnecessary secondary storylines involving her mother and her best friend Nicole. Both of those stories felt like they were "filler" - and both subplots could have been eliminated and it wouldn't have changed the major plot.

Actually, it would have been nice to have alternating narrators - that would have brought about a change of perspective (because Jo was a hard character to empathise with - especially before we learn the secret), and also moved the story along.

The last 40% of the book was quite good (a much stronger finish that beginning - which is why I wish things had been different with the organizing/editing of this book) - so this is close to a 3 star read - but too much of the first half was spent wondering what was going to happen.

An ok read.

I really enjoyed the book, it has everything I love in a novel from start to finish. I can’t wait to read what the author has planned next!

It took me awhile to get into this one. I found it hard to work out quite what was wrong with Jo & John. It seemed like they were busy making a big fuss about nothing. However as the story progresses you realise that what was wrong was anything but nothing.

This was filled with some fun characters and a number of crises, some funny, some tragic.It was a good undemanding read that I enjoyed although I wouldn't put Sian O'Gorman on a par with Jodi Picoult or Diane Chamberlain, but that's just me. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read this book.

Fans of Cathy Kelly and Patricia Scanlan are going to love Sian O’Gorman’s addictive and enjoyable new novel, Always and Forever.

High-flying PR Director Joanna Woulfe had given up the cut and thrust of the corporate world to to be a wife to her husband John and a mother to her son Harry. Joanna had thought that she was going to spend the rest of her life immersed in blissful domesticity – until her husband announced that he wanted to leave the family home. Joanna finds herself heartbroken, confused and absolutely dumbfounded as she finds herself forced to pick up the broken pieces of her life. Determined not to wallow in self-pity and to get her life back on track, Jo turns to her mother Marietta and her best friend Nicole for help. However, her two friends have got their own crosses to bear…

Just like Jo, Nicole’s marriage is also rocked by a bombshell of epic proportions. Facing her own marital crisis, Nicole finds herself wondering whether she will also find herself single and lonely – or whether there is light at the end of the tunnel for her. Meanwhile, Marietta’s world is rocked by the appearance of a former flame, ex-Showband singer and playboy Johnny Realta. Should Marietta throw caution to the wind and embrace this chance at happiness? Or should she be sensible and be cautious with putting her heart on the line?

As Jo begins to take chances and widening her horizons by joining a local amateur dramatics society, she finds herself drawn to the gorgeous Ronan Forest. But is Jo ready to move on with her life? Or does she still have feelings for John, the man who ripped her heart to shreds?

Is Jo ready to let go of her past and embrace her new future? Or will old ghosts and past wounds continue to hold her hostage?

A compelling, entertaining and uplifting tale of friendship, romance, second chances and the ties that bind, Always and Forever is a juicy page-turner readers will struggle to put down. Peopled with wonderful characters you will love, humour, pathos and emotional intensity, Always and Forever is too good to resist!

Rating: Four Stars

I'm not going to lie, I had absolutely no idea what to except with this book. Personally, the cover gave nothing away, and seeing as I don't read blurbs, I began the book without even a hint of information.

By golly wasn't I glad about that...

I am SO glad that the cover didn't give anything way! The entire storyline was full of surprise, after surprise, after shock; if you think you're getting a light-hearted novel due to the colourful cover, think again. Don't get me wrong, the storyline was hilarious and had some rather questionable (but brilliant) characters for even more entertainment. However, a lot of the plot was deep and meaningful as well. There were times where I struggled to keep up with the ongoing dramas and shocking situations as there was a lot of information to take in. Not only that, as soon as I was able to digest one shocker, another one took its place almost immediately! Before you start thinking that I am stating negatives here, I'm not. Having a storyline which contains drama, shocking situations and even hilarity, can be quite rare. If done 'correctly' it can be a wonderful read.

Thankfully, I thought O'Gorman nailed it. There seemed to be the right amount of everything (except maybe a smidge too much info all at once). O'Gorman's book is definitely one to keep you busy, that's for sure!

I didn't really quite know what to make of Joanna and John's relationship; to be honest, neither did they! Joanna's mother proved to be quite a fiery character and completely different to her daughter! Joanna's best friend, Nicole, also had a little bit of a situation going on and whilst I probably shouldn't have laughed at times, I couldn't help myself! Somewhat OTT but enjoyable nonetheless. I did feel sorry for Nicole though I must say; I'm curious to hear other people's opinions on her situation so once you buy the book and read it, come back and let me know what your thoughts are (without spoilers).

'Always and Forever' really is a book that keeps on giving right until the very end. One moment you might be laughing, the next moment you might be thinking 'what the...', and then you may even end up shocked. It's safe to say that storyline really does contain such a wide variety of emotional situations. Sian O'Gorman has put her own spin on a realistic situation (marital issues) by modernising it and making it a storyline to remember.

Yes, there was a lot for me to take in, and yes some of the situations were a tad OTT. BUT, 'Always and Forever' made me laugh, and it gave me an escape which I so desperately needed because of its uniqueness.

A mixture of everything, a storyline to remember, as well as giggles aplenty; 'Always and Forever' is the ideal pick me up on a day when you need it the most.

Thanks Aria Fiction.

Set in beautiful Dún Laoghaire, Ireland this heartwarming story is about love family and triumph over heart break. When Joanna gave up her successful PR career to raise her family she thought her life would be perfect. That all comes crashing down when her husband, John, announces he is moving out. She struggles to take care of her three year old son, he mother and herself. She becomes content living in sweat pants and surviving on cookies and bad reality television shows. Her love life is not the only one thrown into chaos; her best friend, Nicole, is dealing with an unexpected development in her own marriage, and who does her mother keep sneaking out to see? After a fluke outing and rush of courage Joanna decides to take a chance on living her life differently. Her new world opens her up to a cast of characters who influence her life in ways she could never imagine.

I enjoyed this novel from Siân O'Gorman and look forward to reading more of her work.

Always and Forever is the first book that I've read by Sian O'Gorman, but it won't be my last. I wasn't sure what to expect, seeing as this is an author that I haven't read before, but must admit that I was pleasantly surprised!

Joanna Woulfe is trying to figure out what to do with her life after her husband, John, decides to leave her and their three year old son, Harry. She turns to her mother, Marietta, and her best friend Nicole for support. All three women are facing problems in their lives and are a great support to one another. Joanna decides to try to move on, and meets Ronan Forest. She is definitely attracted to Ronan, but isn't sure that she's ready to give up on her marriage.

The story that unfolds is extremely well written, with characters that are well-developed and realistic. This is a story filled with true to life moments that play out in such a way that it grabs and holds your attention from beginning to end. The ups and downs of marriage are examined and you feel as if you are easily able to relate to what each character is feeling. As the story unravels, you realize there is a lot more to the storyline than you initially suspected. With the turning of each page, you become completely engrossed with the emotions of each character, and truly want to see each one find the happiness they so desire, as well as deserve. Always and Forever is a story filled with emotion, friendship, sadness and humor. It is a story about the journey we all take in life, love and marriage...the good and the bad. I can't honestly stress enough just how amazing this book is!! I definitely recommend reading this...you won't regret it!

I would like to thank the author, Aria and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

great read and easy to follow story line. look forward to reading more from this author.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's one of those ones that gets better and better as the book goes on. I felt it started a little slowly, however, the pace soon picked up and I felt a ton of emotions throughout - from laugh out loud to tearfully happy and, at some points, quite sad.
We meet the main character, Jo, at a turning point in her life when her long term husband and father to her 3-year-old, announces he is leaving. We can tell from the way the story is told there's more to the marriage problems than meets the eye, however, all is not revealed until a good bit into the book. Jo is a very relatable and likable character. I wasn't too keen on her husband John initially, but like I say, bear with it as the story unravels - there's more to it - and to him.
This isn't just a run of the mill chick lit, there's so much more to this book. Jo's family and friends (new and old) are also so likable and have their own stories, there's a lot to grab your attention! I thought "Fro-Yo" was pretty fantastic, and Nicole, although sweet, I wanted to shake her at times!
I couldn't wait to find out how things would work out for all of them. This is a story about life's journeys, how things affect everyone differently and how it can be amusing and heartbreaking along the way.
All in all I really liked this book. I loved how the author made you feel like you really got to know everyone and can create a picture of them in your head. The relationship between Jo and her Mum, Jo and her friends and most importantly, Jo and her son, helps to understand what Jo is like as a person, and what she has suffered in her life. A well-written book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice story with a bit more to it than your average chick lit. I'd definitely read another by this author.

A wonderful read, with short chapters, so perfect for short reads in the sun. Covering hard themes, this book is written really well and will have you in tears with a smile on your face.

Thanks Netgalley. What a great feel good and thoroughly enjoyable book

Joanna Woulfe and John Beckett meet as young students at Trinity College in Dublin.
Perfect couple with a perfect marriage. But difficulties in conceiving lead to fertility treatments until finally we catch up with Joanna(Jo) as mum to 3 year old Harry. But life now isn't quite so perfect and their 15 year marriage appears to be disintegrating.
When John leaves, Jo has to find a new direction in life. But will the deep seated problems ever be resolved?
This is a bit of an Irish Bridget Jones novel with some good characters thrown into the mix- I particularly liked Jo's mother Marietta and the Michael Fassbender look alike ice cream man Ronan. The scenes with the local am-dram group are particularly laugh out loud. Although Jo begins as a selfish and sarcastic wife, events will unravel to show why the past can cause resentment.
But sometimes the flow of the plot was a bit contrived and adding sub plots which were perhaps too unbelievable, but it did keep my interest and had some twists which were both funny and emotional.
I hadn't heard of the author before. She has a light touch and I think many will like her style.

Always and Forever by Siân O'Gorman is a story of love, family and life. O'Gorman's plot line for this novel is superb. He created an outstanding list of characters with an amazing setting. This novel talks about the true life struggles that many married couples face. Not to mention the fact that most couples separate and never return to their pre-marriage self. Some marriages are just meant to be. I really enjoyed this novel and felt it was a great read that would relate to a lot of people