We don't see 50 as a retiring age nowadays, so it's fun to read this book about Wyn and her 'forced medical retirement', and how even though she's retired, she can't leave the job, that was her life behind. Many of us would love to have her summer escape, and live in the amazing sounding Welsh town she's taking a shine to. As Wyn gets more into village life, she realizes she doesn't want to return to her old life, that the slower pace has won her over and made her rethink what is important. You'll finish this book in a weekend, it has such a great pace, and end with a smile on your face. Chicklit for us olders!

What a refreshing romance. The characters were middle-aged, it was set on a small community in Wales, didn't have unnecessary angst and drama (apart from the characters personal circumstances).

It was a great read, and it warmed my heart. Highly recommend it.

This was a really lovely, romantic, summer read that made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions!
I loved Fran and the Sea Sisters that she met and made friends with, they were great fun! Fran wasn’t at all keen on them when she first heard them going for their dawn swims. As she got to know them she changed her mind and even tentatively joined them on the beach for a hot drink.
The setting was perfect, sunny warm Wales! I’ve been to Wales a few times and it’s normally rained, so to read about the gorgeous few weeks that Fran had was delightful, it almost made me want to go for another holiday.
The romance was lovely and felt very natural. Fran and Wyn really didn’t like each other at first, but they couldn’t hide the attraction either. It was a fab enemies to lovers romance which is one of my favourite tropes, and it worked very well, especially with all the physical and emotional baggage both of them had.
If you’re looking for a summer romance I definitely recommend this one. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s back catalogue.

It is always a relief to find good stories that featured older women! I enjoyed watching Fran heal from her heart attack and face her fears as well.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

'The Sea Sisters Swimming Club' is a warm, inspirational story about resilience, sisterhood and second chances. Once I saw the stunning cover the author had painted herself and read the inviting blurb that made me want to learn more about the main characters, Fran and Wyn, I couldn't wait to read it. I was not disappointed! With its unique storyline, it has all the characteristics I've come to expect in Ms. McDonagh's novels. It's pacy, ensuring I kept turning the pages right through to the end and it has a beautiful West Wales setting. This is enhanced by the wonderful characters' Welsh humour and colloquialisms that I loved. For me, the strength of the novel is that characterisation. The characters are all real people. I could relate to both the main ones as well as the supporting cast; I could imagine them as my friends and wanted to spend time with them. I loved Elin! I really liked the way the author delves into the innermost thoughts and feelings of both Fran and Wyn as they face their fears. I was rooting for both of them all the way. There is a satisfying twist and a wonderful uplifting conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Sea Sisters Swimming Club' and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books books for an ARC.

Synopsis: While dancing up a storm at a 70’s disco night, police officer Fran Doherty suffers a heart attack. To recover and recuperate after her health scare, Fran goes to a seaside village in Wales and it isn’t long before she makes friends with a group of women who swim in the ocean and call themselves the Sea Sisters. Fran has a fear of swimming, especially after suffering a heart attack, and her new friends encourage and challenge her to push through her fear and start living her life again. Of course, this being a contemporary romance, Fran also meets a love interest, Wyn.

My thoughts: The book was a little slow starting out but picked up the pace once I got to the part where Fran went to Wales. The book had many likeable characters and if you are looking for an easy, uplifting read I happily recommend picking this one up.

I gave this book 3/5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books/Choc Lit for a review copy of this book.

Absolutely loved the cute concept of this, the cozy Welsh community, and the inclusion of people living full, rich lives at all ages. So well done and loved the Welsh setting.

An excop that suffered a heart attack is asked to house sit for a couple who is traveling. She is awakened early every morning by noises from a group of women who go swimming. She doesn't swim but gets to know them and slowly makes friends.

Absolutely loved this book. Frans enforced retirement from policing after heart surgery takes her on a surprising journey. She house sits in Wales whilst recuperating and life takes a different turn for her and she discovers strengths she didn't know she had. She meets Wyn and together they battle fears and overcome them. The Sea Sisters are a wonderful group of life affirming women who take Fran to their hearts.
This was well written with truly believable characters who I felt I really got to know.
A great read. Highly recommend

Utterly delightful! What a great story, set in a wonderful community with themes of love, friendship, loss, trauma and starting over. As a swimmer myself, I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of the sea sisters - so relatable to virtually every group of open water swimmers I’ve ever met!

What a great book. Loved the cosy familiar characters that make the village. It was so warm with comedy which gave the story life, you felt as if you’re living in the village and they are your friends. Magic in the coastal village. A must read.

I really enjoyed this book
I love it when people have the insight enough to reevaluate life and take the risks necessary to fix what’s not working.
Fran did exactly this. A life of routine in the force that may have never changed if it wasn’t for a major health hiccup.
Not all of the bad things that happen in life are always bad in the big picture.
I loved the coastal feels, the comraderie of her new friends, a really lovely story
Congratulations Sue

I very much enjoyed this book!
Fun, likable characters. A beautiful picture of sisterhood. Will be reading again!

Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

It’s a story of friendships, love and getting over your fears. It was funny in places and I loved the main characters as well as the supporting ones.

I highly recommend this book.

"The Sea Sisters Swimming Club" by Sue McDonagh is a heartwarming tale that plunges readers into the depths of friendship, sisterhood, and the power of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, this novel invites readers to dive into a world of secrets, relationships, and personal growth.

The story follows the lives of three diverse women - Kate, Vanessa, and Daniella - who form an unlikely bond through their shared love for swimming. The author masterfully paints each character with depth and authenticity, making it easy to connect with their individual struggles and triumphs. Kate, the level-headed one facing a crossroads in her career; Vanessa, the free spirit striving to find her place in the world; and Daniella, the reserved artist haunted by a painful past - each woman brings a unique perspective to the narrative.

Sue McDonagh's writing is evocative, immersing readers in the coastal charm of the setting. The vivid descriptions of the sea, the charming town, and the swaying emotions of the characters make the reader feel like they're right there, wading in the tide alongside the protagonists. McDonagh's ability to capture the essence of the seaside locale adds an enchanting layer to the story, almost turning it into a character of its own.

The pacing of the book is gentle, allowing the characters' relationships and personal journeys to unfold naturally. As the Sea Sisters Swimming Club becomes a haven for these women to share their fears, dreams, and secrets, the bonds between them grow stronger. The themes of sisterhood and empowerment are beautifully interwoven into the narrative, reminding us of the transformative power of female friendships.

While the story delivers on its promises of emotion and camaraderie, there are moments where the plot becomes slightly predictable. However, the strength of the characters and their relationships compensates for any predictability in the story's trajectory. McDonagh's skill in portraying the emotional landscapes of her characters shines through, making even the familiar aspects of the plot feel fresh and engaging.

In "The Sea Sisters Swimming Club," Sue McDonagh skillfully captures the ebb and flow of life's challenges and joys. This novel is a celebration of friendship, self-discovery, and the healing properties of both water and human connection. If you're seeking a charming, feel-good read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you yearning for a dip in the ocean, this book is a must-read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was a lovely read. The characters of Fran and Wyn were really well written and the story line was brilliant. Highly recommended.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

What an uplifting book. This is a story of Fran who had a career in law enforcement and her career was cut short because she suffered a heart attached.

Her friend offers her a chance to housesit her home and she accepts. There she makes new friends, and they teach her things she would have never dreamed of.

What a nice story and I was happy I went on that journey with Fran. It makes you start to re-think your life.

Thanks to The Sea Sisters Swimming Club, I am now a fan of Sue McDonagh. I loved the characters and the relationships they built throughout the story. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the book, one that I simply chose because of the cover. Disappointment, conflict that turns to friendship, and maybe even a little romance make a good combination for this story. Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook that I read for this review.

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A perfect easy read. The characters are all very likeable and the story bobs along nicely. I loved the Welsh setting and it paints the coast in a beautiful light. If you’re looking for a well written joyful story about overcoming fears and finding love then this is the book for you.

Thanks @netgalley @joffebooks . General publication later this month

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This is an awesome book. Medical issues that mean a whole change in direction are phenomenally difficult to deal with. Both main characters had their own. This beautiful story shows how the support of a warm and welcoming rural community can help you through. Wonderful!