Jo lacks self esteem and that makes her an unlikable character. I was interested and enjoyed the first few chapters then I found myself bored. DNF


************************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley*****************

Jo is an aspiring writer, yet is too scared to let anyone read her work. However this is the year she decides to jump and start to believe in herself, after all if she doesn’t who will?

Lorcan has arrived at Ivy Lane to to visit his Grandad. He has his own self doubts and troubles to contend with and opening up to Jo might be a step in the right direction for his to find his own happiness.

Clara, Jo’s adorable younger sister, really steals the show!

This was a heartwarming romance. A great addition to the Ivy Lane series, I really hope there are more books planned after this one.

I would just like to say a very big thank you to the wonderful Rachel’s Random Resources, for forwarding me a copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
This book was full of likeable characters and it was a great escape during our current situation.
It’s the second book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone, All the characters from the first book appear in this one too.
It was a wonderful feel-good read and the epitome of a cosy romance - I can highly recommend.

I loved this book It was like visiting old friends in Libby & the gang. Jo is also a great character This book was like a warm hug & I loved every minute of it These Covid times you need to treat yourself & this book is the perfect treat

I am thrilled to see a follow up book to The Hopes & Dreams of Libby Quinn. I adored that read by Freya Kennedy and it was so wonderful to immerse myself back into the lives of her characters.
We all fell in love with Libby Quinn didn't we and her beautiful bookstore. How I wished that bookstore was mine in this next book. It was everything I want in a bookstore, absolute heaven.
We meet Libby's love interest Noah's sister Jo Campbell in this story and what a fabulous story it was.
She featured in the first book but more of a background character.
Jo is a writer but lacks the confidence to believe she is. She has spent many a day in Libby's bookstore, the writers area, getting her story down and in a moment of madness she shows her work to Libby and asks her to read it and give her thoughts.
Jo is filled with insecurities about her writing but what happens next is beyond Jo's wildest dreams. A few knocks perhaps along the way but she is one tough cookie.
It does take her a while to believe in herself but she gets there and it's so lovely to see.
So very well worth your time. You will love these two books and this one can be read as a standalone book.

An enjoyable, hopeful and uplifting tale about having the courage to spread your wings and fly, Freya Kennedy’s latest novel, In Pursuit of Happiness, is a delightful read that aims for the heart and does not miss.

Jo Campbell is perfectly happy with her life. Or at least that is what she tells herself every morning when she opens her eyes and knows just how her day will unfold. Jo doesn’t mind the monotony, the boredom or the fact that nothing changes with the passing of time. But Jo hasn’t quite managed to stifle the persistent voice whispering in her ear that she is merely going through the motions. Rather than hiding behind dull routines and rigid schedules, Jo needs to stop hiding in the shadows and experience life close up. But does she have the courage to unshackle herself from her comfort zone? Dare she take a leap of faith and a chance on a new way of life?

For far too long, Jo has put other people’s needs above her own. She is used to catering to everyone else’s whims while she makes do with putting herself at the very end of the queue. But being selfless has meant that Jo’s heart has been shielded by an impenetrable fortress and as she tentatively beings to make her first steps into the world she has kept at bay for so long, she begins to open up her heart and put her trust in love and experience some of the happiness which she had long given up on. As Jo no longer finds herself content with being second-best and letting life pass her by, will all of her dreams come true? Or will disappointment and regret be the only things she will have to look forward to?

An inspiring, poignant and irresistible tale about chasing your dreams, taking chances, fresh starts and taking control of your life, In Pursuit of Happiness is a wonderful story featuring a terrific heroine you cannot help but root and cheer for. Jo is a nuanced, intelligent and kind-hearted heroine you would love to have as a friend and it is a delight to see her stepping out of the shadows and trying to make all of her dreams a reality.

An enchanting Irish-set tale full of charm, heart and wisdom, Freya Kennedy’s In Pursuit of Happiness is a sparkling read you will absolutely love.

This book started off slow, but I'm so glad I stuck with it! I just wanted to hug Clara the whole book and I laughed at her comments relating Jo and Lorcan to Princess Buttercup and Wesley (great reference!). Jo was a wonderful character and I enjoyed reading about her encounters with everyone in Derry. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Libby, Noah and Harry- it's like visiting old friends!

This is another book I may actually read and review later on, I just was not able to read and review before deadline because I had a lot going on in 202o and still was getting used to a new job. Thank you again for the chance to read and review this.

I quite honestly finished this over two days of reading...and I could have finished it in one!

It's a simple statement of fact. I simply couldn't wait to finish this one and it wasn't because it was dragging on or anything, but rather I was enjoying it so much! So, yes, there was reading into the wee hours...and I regret nothing! Story wise, it took one turn I guessed, a few others I didn't, avoided several I had my fingers crossed it wasn't pursuing, and in the end, we have a pairing that was surprisingly meant to be! I loved visiting Ivy Lane again. Meeting up with the gang I was introduced to in The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn was absolutely a welcome gift. Taking walks with Paddy, checking out Libby's bookshop, visiting the Beer Garden...and getting to know Jo a little better! She may come off as a little tough, straight forward, and no nonsense, but there is a heart of gold that beats within. The love she has and shows for family and friends is breathtaking. The self doubt she experiences in sharing her hidden talent was heartache inducing, but so SO real. The tangles she gets into were shout worthy (for SEVERAL reasons), but the ending was worth every step of the journey.

A high recommendation for Contemporary Romance fans, as well as those of Women's Fiction. You won't be sorry if you pick this one up...in fact, you'll end up feeling, by book's end, a part of the family.

Cute story, a cosy read, though I felt it took a while to get going.

3.5

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book

In Pursuit of Happiness is a sweet and heartwarming novel set in Derry, Northern Ireland. Jo is an aspiring novelist and part-timer owner of the local pub with her brother, Noah. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her friend, Libby secretly sends her book draft to a renowned author, who is willing to mentor her. On the romantic front, Lorcan is the new guy in town - visiting his grandad who owns the local corner store. While they naturally get off to a rocky start, it turns out Lorcan and Jo have heartbreak in common 💔.

So, I adored this book. Jo is a likeable protagonist struggling to believe in her writing, who's surrounded by such a loveable cast of characters (cute pup included). In particular, her relationship with her adopted six-year-old sister, Clara will no doubt warm your heart. In Pursuit of Happiness is also a little love letter to Derry and I loved it. I didn't see the twist coming either, which I always appreciate, especially in romance novels. All in all, if you're looking for a book with those warm and fuzzy feels, I recommend In Pursuit of Happiness!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

Ms. Kennedy’s charming and heartwarming follow-up to The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is fine to read as a standalone. However, I was so excited to return to the lovely town of Derry in Northern Ireland to see what Jo, Libby, Noah, Erin, Harry, and the others are getting up to.

It appears Jo Campbell, Noah’s sister and co-owner of the Ivy Inn, is not herself lately. She’s dragging her feet on launching her dream to become a writer and her longing for the love her friends and family have is getting her down. So she becomes friends with Harry’s visiting and seemingly nice grandson, Lorcan, and her best friend sends her manuscript to a famous author. Sounds promising, right? Let’s just say, there are some surprises and revelations in store that finally pull Jo out of her slump and she starts to believe in herself again.

Jo and Lorcan make a good team after they start to open up to each other about their very sad pasts. And Jo’s support system including her loving mum, her adorable little sister, Clara, her protective brother, Noah, her best friend, Libby, Paddy the dog, and even the cantankerous and endearing Harry, are what round out the whole small-town experience.

I recommend this delightfully funny and sweet tale full of lovable characters and a beautiful setting.

Thank you to Ms. Kennedy for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

When I picked this up, I only did so because I had liked and read the author earlier this year. I did not realise going in, that this is actually a second in the series, with the characters continuing on from when we last left them previously. I personally think this is an important factor because some of the introductions seem to rely on any previously formed bonds with all those on the street. This does not mean, however, that you cannot pick this up with no prior introductions. There are no secret plotlines, all the people are as they are shown with minimal backgrounds, so in actuality, you are not losing out on much in terms of story (I still recommend going in order)
Our leading lady in this is Jo, who has always harboured the wish to be a published writer. She is closer to achieving this dream since Libby came to town and set up shop. Jo needs a boost, and her friends and family try to ensure she gets it. The narrative plot is brief and is about Jo achieving her dream, but the way she gets there takes the scenic route. We are shown how much work goes into getting a book ready and how her relationships with everyone around her works positively for her. It is a heartfelt narrative that is a quick but leisurely read, and I will definitely be visiting the town in the next book if I get the chance.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I enjoyed this book as it made a lot of ‘Derry Girls’ references and I am a fan of the show. Furthermore it was unique as it portrayed a Northern Irish community, which there isn’t enough representation of. I love how the main character, Jo strutted along the street jamming to Beyoncé where she met Lorcan (the shopkeepers grandson) She hated him at first and found him to be stuck up but eventually warmed up to him and gave him a tour of Derry. Both characters bonded over overcoming miscarriage and their past relationships. The relationship between Jo and her adopted younger sister Clara was so sweet and really warmed my heart. I like how Jo was able to leave the comfort of her job helping her brother Noah in the pub to becoming a writer. Towards the end of the story, Jo flourished as an individual and was able to make her dreams come true. I have given the book 3 stars as the story started to drag a little. I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

This follows on from The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn which I still need to read but could be read as a standalone. A heartwarming, charming story about taking a chance and chasing your dreams. A pleasure to read. Can't help but smile. A great escape.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I had to describe Freya Kennedy's books in one word it would be heartwarming. In Pursuit of Happiness is set in Derry, Ireland, so, if you enjoyed Freya's previous book Dreams and Hopes of Libby Quinn, you'll be delighted to re-visit Ivy Lane and catch on what's been happening in this lovely, supportive community.

Jo Campbell loves her family and her job (she is a co-owner of the local pub), but ever since she was a child, Jo dreamt of becoming a writer and sharing her stories with the world. Her friend and future sister-in-law Libby risked everything and took a chance on a shabby place which she turned into a cosy bookshop. Perhaps the time has come for Jo to step out of her comfort zone and see if her first book is any good. Jo lets her friends read it ...and surprise, surprise...they love it. In fact, Libby sendsa copy of it to a famous Scottish writer who is about to visit Derry and do a book signing event in Libby's bookshop.

Things begin to happen on the personal front too. Harry Gallagher's grandson Lorcan comes to visit his granddad. Lorcan is in need of a quiet place to reflect on his long-term relationship which has just ended, and Derry seems to be a great place. I think this might be the right place for me to stop telling you about the plot, otherwise I might spoil your enjoyment of the story. The events are quite straightforward and once you know more about Jo and Lorcan's past, you will also understand their present and their dilemmas.

In Lorcan's words Jo is 'funny and talented' and 'can make a horrible day seem infinitely brighter'. Jo's relationship with her six-year-old little sister Clara is really special. I also enjoyed reading about Jo's parents, especially her Mum's crotchet club, which is all about 'caring and sharing' (read 'good-natured gossip') The way they care for their foster chidren and now the youngest adopted one- Clara- their kindness, attention, stability and love which they never tire of giving- are all the reasons why their children grow up to be happy, independent, and caring people. There's also everybody's favourite shopkeeper Harry with his inexplicable aversion to kitchen rolls and dishwasher tablets. The book is full of charming, likeable characters that will make you smile.

A charming story with my favourite slow-burn romance which highlights the importance of realising our hopes and dreams, being kind and considerate, and paying attention to things that really matter in life.

I agreed to take part in this tour because I loved the sound of this book, I am a sucker for a tale of someone stepping out of their comfort zones and chasing their dreams, probably because I am too scared to do it myself. I was even more delighted when I realised that this book was a return to Ivy Lane following on from The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn. However this book could definitely be read as a standalone.

This book follows Jo Campbell, she works and co-owns a pub with her brother Noah, but deep down her dream is to be a writer and publish a book. Jo also wants to find love, and when Lorcan turns up in Ivy Lane to visit his grandfather, can Jo open up her heart as well as chase her dream.

I was hooked on this book from the start, I found that I could relate to Jo, in fact it was almost like I was reading about myself at the start, someone who dreams of becoming an author and finding love. Jo is a believable and relatable character, as are the supporting characters in the book.

Jo’s story is full of love, hope and friendship and is the perfect escape, and a reminder to us all that we should be following our dreams and stepping out of our comfort zones.

In Pursuit of Happiness follows Jo as she tries to find happiness-- in love and in her career-- while not letting herself actually have it. The cast of characters is wonderful, from Jo, who just needs a push in order to believe in herself and admit what she wants, to Lorcan, who's more 3-dimensional than he initially appears, to Clara, Jo's exuberant 6 year old sister, and everyone else.
The plot is compelling, but it's really the characters who drive this story and make it unforgettable. This is definitely going into my "to read again" pile.

This is the first Freya Kennedy book that I've read and I wasn't disappointed. I love a story of self-discovery and In Pursuit of Happiness had that in spades, and more. The heroine Jo is an aspiring writer, but doesn't quite have the confidence to pursue her dream. The other residents of Ivy Lane, both new and old, help her on her quest.

This is a lovely novel which was a real treat to read. I look forward to discovering more novels by Freya Kennedy.

This book was an absolute delight and I loved returning to the residents of Ivy Lane. The start of the book begins just over a year after ‘The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Kennedy’ ended and it was great to be immersed directly back into the world of Derry and Ivy Lane….it felt like returning home to old friends.

In Pursuit of Happiness focuses on the character of Jo, who along with her adopted brother Noah (who featured heavily in the first Ivy Lane book) runs the local pub. In this book we are reunited with Jo, Noah, and Libby as well as a new characters including Lorcan and Ewan McLachlan. Jo has dreams of being a writer and this book follows her journey to try and fulfil those dreams. As someone who would absolutely love one day to write my own book I immediately fell in love with the world that was portrayed and wanted to know more. The book for me got stronger and stronger as it went on, and there was a point near the end where the character of Lorcan surprises little 6 year old Clara with flowers, and I genuinely forgot for a moment that these weren’t real people! My heart felt full to bursting at what a lovely tender moment it was.

Freya has such a real, natural writing style and I couldn’t put the book down by the end – I loved the little twist as at the start I was scratching my head as to how it was all going to work out the way I expected it would.

I think, even after reading this book, I am secretly hoping that I will visit Derry one day and stumble across a real life Ivy Lane and its wealth of characters!!