Everything about the book was just happy. I don’t know if you would describe it as a coming of age, or as an adult novel, but either way I really enjoyed it. Of course they were ups and downs, but everything ended up and I really appreciate that.

This is a lovely story. It’s heartwarming and uplifting, but equally tinged with sadness at times. I really enjoyed the mix of characters in this book. There is a lot of humorous moments as well as some fabulous characters that we get to meet. There is also some more sobering topics but if anything the story is a reminder to live for the now as well as putting yourself first. Family and friendship play a strong part throughout.

This is not the first Siân O' Gorman book I've reviewed. I really liked the way this started. I'm not that keen on books foocusing on workplace issues, as they sometimes don't hold my interest if they focus too much on the work conflicts.

However, this put a fun spin on things. I enjoyed the way we were drawn into Kitty's life as she was looking out the window at work: this made her world more immersive to me from the start.

I felt for her with what was going on at work, as well as her drive to want more out of life. I was irritiated by Dave and thought she was better off without him.

I was glad she had Shaz. They deserved an adventure, and that's what they got.

Every Siân O' Gorman book I have reviewed has been memorable, and this is the same.

Thanks to Siân O' Gorman and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.

This is a book about second chances and that is one of my favourite tropes. I loved the characters. I most definately will be looking for more books by this author.

This was a well written story that I really enjoyed reading. Sian has a great style that is comforting to read.

A great read, full of emotion and entertainment. Loved the characters. The story just flowed along nicely and kept me reading. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Another lovely book by this author full of Irish fun and charm. Very likeable characters apart from boring, Dave and his mother, and a good storyline showing that you do sometimes need to get out of the rut you are in and experience life. Perfect read for the beach

This novel unfolds a touching story of life, love, and the bonds of friendship. It delves into the transformative power of change, often appreciated in hindsight. The story takes you on a journey beyond the familiar, expanding the horizons of comfort. It's a tale that weaves fun, depth, and emotion, presenting a choice between simplifying life or fully indulging in its complexities—a subtle tribute to those acquainted with the tale.
Set in the charming Sandy Cove, a common setting for O'Gorman's novels, the book offers a chance encounter with characters from his previous works. However, it stands alone, allowing new readers to dive in without missing a beat, as it centers on a fresh story with new protagonists.

The book's charm lies in its subtle and intelligent humor that weaves seamlessly through the narrative. It's refreshingly understated, never relying on forced comedy, but rather a natural wit that consistently enriches the story. Admirers of Marian Keyes will delight in the similar humor found in O'Gorman's writing, making it a highly recommended read for those who enjoy a clever laugh.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, imperfect yet charming, with distinctive quirks and traits that make them come alive.

In summary, it's an ideal feel-good read that's as entertaining and engaging as it is substantial and witty.

An extremely easy read with a summery feel. Lots of little homilies and life hacks which at best provide some useful insights. However it soon becomes quite wearing and is not as amusing as it seems at first. It is trying too hard to be funny. No surprise all works out well in the end.

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

Sian O’Gorman’s For Once in My Life is a joyful, uplifting and hugely entertaining tale about living life to the fullest, the power of friendship and finding your voice you are going to love.

Copywriter Kitty O’Sullivan is stuck in a rut. Her five year relationship with partner Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have gone on a long hiatus and she’s even started looking at bridal magazines. Clearly, Kitty is not feeling like herself and needs to get to the root of the void in her life – which is why when Dave announces that he needs a temporary break from their relationship, she decides to be selfish and spontaneous for a change and have some much-needed fun!

Alongside her best friend Shazza, the two of them find themselves corralled into joining a football team where they meet the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory. As they sail all around the majestic Dublin coast, engage in fierce football matches and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty feels alive for the first time in a very long while. She has fallen back in love with life and the thought of going back home and being trapped by routine and domesticity feels completely terrifying, but is she strong enough to take charge of her own future? Will she continue to strive and fight for her own happiness? Or will Dave’s return from his temporary break leave her with no other choice but to go back to her old life?

Sian O’Gorman is a terrific writer who writes brilliantly about women’s lives and their feelings, frustrations and friendships and For Once in my Life is a superb women’s fiction novel about stepping out of the shadows, believing in yourself and trusting in your own happiness that is emotional, inspirational and so brilliantly readable, it will keep you reading way past your bedtimes.

Faith Hogan and Cathy Kelly fans looking for smart, immersive and compelling women’s fiction will not want to miss Sian O’Gorman’s For Once in my Life.

When her boyfriend of five years decides their relationship needs a break, Kitty takes the opportunity to have some fun and get her groove back!

Kitty and her best friend embark on some fun with a football team in Dublin - soccer to us clueless Americans. Kitty feels liberated and falls in love with this new carefree life but what will happen when her boyfriend comes back from his break? Will their relationship last, or will this new and much more fun Kitty prevail?

Dublin was one of those cities that is on my bucket list and this book definitely made me feel like I was there!

EXCERPT: Kitty thought again of Dave, how things weren't working and what she could do to make a change. They'd been together for five years, but since his father had died, he hadn't been himself. Or perhaps he hadn't been himself before then. But whatever it was, she was finding it harder and harder to remember the lovely Dave from their early days. Then, he'd been sweet and fun, and although never outgoing or remotely gregarious, he had suited Kitty. Having someone to look after made her feel wanted and needed, and she felt nothing but affection for him. She planned to bring happiness from sadness, tidiness from disarray. Marriage, she thought, might bring him back to where he had been, and wasn't getting married the ultimate relationship tidy-up?

ABOUT 'FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE': A Tale of Love, Discovery, and Second Chances...
In the bustling world of Dublin's advertising scene, Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, feels an unexplainable void in her life that she can't quite pinpoint. Her five-year relationship with Dave is stagnant, her creative juices have dried up and she’s even entertaining thoughts of marriage as a cure-all! Something’s missing from her life but she can’t work out exactly what it is…

When Dave decides to take time out from ‘them’, Kitty finds herself momentarily liberated to explore life and have some fun. She and best friend Shazza are corralled into joining a five-aside football team where she meets the intriguing Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory.

As they sail around the enchanting coast of Dublin, engage in fierce football battles and stumble upon a magical secret drinking den, Kitty falls in love with her new life - and her new self - but is it only temporary until Dave returns?

Will Kitty find the answers to life's mysteries and take charge of her future?

Join Kitty on this journey of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.

MY THOUGHTS: I find it impossible to read anything by Siân O'Gorman without a great big smile on my face, and For Once in My Life is no exception.

Set in Sandycove, the story focuses on Kitty and her best friend Shazza (Sharon), who seem to be opposite sides of the same coin. Shazza lives a very wide life, keen to embrace any new experience, while Kitty lives a very narrow life encompassing her work and Dave and cleaning her little house. Together they decide they each need to embrace a little of the other, with Shazza toning down her life a little and Kitty opening hers up a little.

The result is a warm, funny story of a young woman finding her wings, with a side helping of reactive depression in her partner which, unfortunately, is never really addressed. This would have been very close to a five-star read had someone tried to get the poor man some help!

The characters are well-developed and mostly likeable, with the exception of Dave and his mother, and the issues addressed with a subtle humor that kept me smiling most of the way. There were a few times where I wanted to shake the living daylights out of Kitty and tell her to wake up to herself, but luckily Shazza did it for me.

I love the way Siân O'Gorman makes me feel so strongly about her characters and enjoyed the way the plot developed. The epilogue is lovely!

A warm and humorous look at how getting stuck in a rut can adversely affect our lives without our really noticing.

Just be. Be you. Be brave. Be big. Be small. Just be. Live. Feel. Breathe. All of it. Be fun. Be serious. All of it. Whatever it is. Just be.

⭐⭐⭐.8

#ForOnceInMyLife #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Siân was born in Ireland, is an RTÉ radio producer and lives in the seaside suburb of Dalkey, Dublin with her seven-nearly-eight-year-old daughter, Ruby.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of For Once in Your Life by Siân O'Gorman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

The story is set against the lively backdrop of Dublin’s advertising world. Kitty O’Sullivan, a copywriter, is grappling with a lack of creative spark and an unfulfilling five-year relationship with her boyfriend Dave.

Her situation reflects the modern struggle to seek meaning despite having a seemingly successful life. Kitty’s sense of dissatisfaction and longing for something more resonates with readers who can relate to the feeling of being stuck in a rut.

Kitty’s relationship with Dave and his overbearing mother reveals her tendency to be a people pleaser, often putting others’ needs before her own. This makes her journey towards self-discovery even more difficult.

Kitty’s best friend, Shazza, is loud and unabashedly honest. For me, their friendship is a highlight of the novel, providing both comic relief and surprisingly, emotional depth. Shazza often voices the reader’s frustrations, particularly regarding Dave and his mother’s treatment of Kitty. Their contrasting personalities highlight the strength and resilience of genuine friendship.

Dave’s proposal of a break sets off a chain reaction of change, catalyzed by Kitty’s newfound freedom. Joining a five-a-side football team brings new adventure into her life. The football is not only about the game but also conveys the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the unexpected friendships that arise. The Sweetman brothers, Tom and Rory, each with their own charm, provide a stark contrast to Kitty’s stagnant relationship with Dave, highlighting what she has been missing.

For me, who has always been fascinated with Ireland, one of the best parts of this novel is its setting. Dublin’s coast, the secret drinking establishment, and the exciting escapades are all described in such a vivid way that it gives the story a magical and whimsical atmosphere. Kitty’s job helps depict the country in the story, captivating readers and cultivating their love for Ireland and its vibrant culture.

The story's focus on Kitty's self-growth enriches her character and makes her more authentic. Readers stay engaged as they question whether Kitty's newfound joy is fleeting or long-lasting, making the novel a gripping read.

Another winner from Sian O’Gorman, "For Once in My Life" is a captivating read that explores love, friendship, and the search for fulfillment.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of For Once In My Life. This was a brilliantly written book of family, friendships and fun. When Kitty's long term boyfriend and mummys boy decides to take a break from their relationship and go and stay with his mother for a while, Kitty his a bit of a slump at work and at home. Shazza, Kitty's recently single lovable,lively friend steps in to try and find a way to inject some much needed fun into their lives. Together they go on a journey of discovering just how much fun there can be out there, with or without a boyfriend in tow. I definitely recommend this one.

For Once In My Life is another lovely read set in the picturesque seaside town of Sandycove in South County Dublin. Kitty O’Sullivan seems to be stuck in a rut . She works in an advertising company as a copywriter and after work every evening she heads home to her long term partner Dave. Dave isn’t the most exciting of people and we wonder why Kitty puts up with him. When things with Dave take a sudden turn Kitty finds out what it’s like to start enjoying life for herself and starts to appreciate more all the good things that are around here . Is not having Dave around the right thing for Kitty or is she missing out on him not being in her life . I won’t say any more you’ll just have to read this book to find out .
Whilst this is an easy read with some humour throughout it’s also a thought provoking one that makes you think about life and how we often just carry on doing things even if they don’t make us happy and we are more or less doing it to please other people . The cast of characters were great with some being lovely and others being not so nice . This is a perfect holiday read. Although Sian’s books are set in the same town they are all standalone reads .

Sian O’Gorman - For Once In My Life.

Welcome back to Sandy Cove! Sian O’Gornan has set a number of her books here in this big-hearted coastal setting.
Despite the familiar surroundings#ForOnceInMyLife is a completely stand alone story.

Kitty needs to get out of a rut after her long term boyfriend runs for the hills… well, to his mother!
Joining forces with her vibrant best friend Shazza, Kitty sets out to try new things and have new adventures.
Will Kitty grab her new life with both hands and go with it? Or will she be pulled back into the same old same old with her past?

This is a lovely story. It’s heartwarming and uplifting, but equally tinged with sadness at times.

I enjoyed the mix of characters in this book.
At times I wanted give Kitty a shake and tell her to wake up! Thankfully Shazza was on hand, and she isn’t backwards in coming forwards when it comes to being honest with her friend.
Dreary Dave and his mother were annoying, but that is a credit to the quality of writing, when characters can make the reader feel strongly towards them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, touched my heart and left me with all the feels and a smile on my face.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For Once In My Life by Sean O’Gorman is about Kitty O’Sullivan who works for an advertising company in for the past five years has been living with her boyfriend Dave he doesn’t like to go out or change his schedule,smile,laugh,let Kitty be Kitty ET see and he especially doesn’t want to get married this is why Dave takes his middle-age attitude and moves back in with his mom Maureen something Kitty he sees as the end of the world but little does she know it’s only the beginning. When Dave leaves everything changes she joins a soccer team called five on the side and slowly but surely her world opens up despite an accident with a cat Romeo everything will turn out for the best. I love so much about this book from Tommy to her dad Billy her coworkers especially Who. I mean this book has everything from laughter to romance to drama to competition and I am not just talking about the soccer game but what happens when Dana comes back and wants to give her everything she’s wanted… This is win the book just gets better. I don’t understand why she did everything after that but having said that it was fun finding out. I really enjoyed this book and totally recommend it. I want to thank Boldwood Books and net Galley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of For Once In My Life by Sian O'Gorman
I was so excited to receive this advanced copy, I love this author and I love Sandycove. I got hooked when I read The Sandycove Cove Sunset Swimmers.
This is a feel good, fun book with  great characters, the description of places and people are awesome. The author has depicted the characters very well. I liked Kitty, did not like her boyfriend Dave, but we weren't supposed to like him. I like Kitty's feiends and family. I liked the plot and the turn of events as they happend. Loved the ending/ epilogue.
This was a great read excellent for a summer vacation, or sitting on your back patio with a glass of wine in the weekend.
Totally recommend and I'm waiting for the next book

We return to Sandycove, where we meet Kitty and her best friend Shazza. Kitty is organized and reserved, while Shazza is loud and dysfunctional, yet their friendship works perfectly. Kitty's people-pleasing nature keeps her in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend Dave and his awful mother, causing her to lose her spark in both her personal and professional life. The novel blends humor with serious themes, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and prioritizing oneself. The setting and characters are heartwarming, making it a must-read that celebrates family, friendship, and self-love.