I would like to thank Faber Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of 'May All Your Skies Be Blue' by Fíona Scarlett.

Ever since 'Boys Don’t Cry', I’ve looked forward to Fíona Scarlett’s next novel, hoping she’d deliver the same brilliance. After reading ‘May All Your Skies Be Blue’, I can tell you, she doesn’t disappoint.

Fíona has a rare talent. For writing, beautiful and sensitively, without resorting to sentimentality. For bringing characters to life. For representing the working classes as they are, as a diverse group; not glorifying, not putting down, not condescending.

I won’t give away any of the plot. But if you like love, loss and real people, then this should be your next read.

This novel is going on my ‘want to read again’ stack, hardcover pre-ordered.

No surprise then, that I’m giving ‘May All Your Skies Be Blue’ five stars (but only because six stars aren’t available).

Fiona, I’m already looking forward to novel number three.

May All Your Skies Be Blue is the forthcoming novel from Fíona Scarlett, author of Boys Don't Cry.

The story is told in two timelines, one punctuated rhythmically with entries from the booking diary of the hair salon in which Shauna now works, and in the past that Shauna remembers, from when her mother first bought that salon, bringing them into the lives of Pam, Mark, and especially Dean. Something I noticed quite early on is that, while Shauna narrates the entire book, the parts of the novel set in the past are written in the first person and the parts in the present are written in the third person, and as I read on I felt strongly that this must mean a real disconnect between the two selves, as Shauna seems them, though Scarlett withholds a lot of key details until towards the end of her book, and the reader has to piece together a lot of what is happening themselves.

Like her first novel, her second is something of a tearjerker, so bring your tissues, but I don't want to spoil why 😂 its a really poignant picture of friendship, and how the bonds we make as children can last a lifetime. It's about growing up, in the sense of reaching adulthood, sure, but it's also about the growing up people have to do as they realize the "real adults" around them are getting older, or more frail, or just aren't as strong as they thought they were.

I can see how this will be a favourite of many readers, especially those who grew up in the eighties and nineties in Dublin, and I think Scarlett is a fantastic writer. The type of story isn't exactly my favourite and it was a little sentimental for my taste, but I still could see a lot of strength in it. If you liked Boys Don't Cry, you should absolutely pre-order May All Your Skies Be Blue.

I’ve read nearly one hundred books so far this year and this may be the most powerful and moving yet. Fíona Scarlett manages to create instantly recognisable characters and storylines in this book which feel so nostalgic for the 90s.

May All Your Skies Be Blue switches from the past events of Shauna, Pamela, Mark and Dean’s teenage years to present day, with Shauna working in a hair salon where we meet her at each appointment of the day. The chapters detailing key events in their teenage years are not long, but I found myself instantly identifying with them and I’m struggling to remember a book which manages to do that so well in such a concise way, stories by Claire Keegan come to mind as a comparison. The book is around 250 pages but certainly packs a punch and by the end I was in bits, thankful to have a box of tissues to hand.

Just wonderful and much like her first novel, a must read.

May All Your Skies Be Blue takes readers back to the summer of 1991, a time of sticky ice pops, long walks to The Green, and the arrival of new faces in town. When Shauna first meets Dean, the brooding boy with jet-black hair who hides his emotions as he dreads returning home, it’s clear their lives are about to change. Shauna, standing behind her mother in front of their new salon, is equally haunted by her past, with the smell of Body Shop perfume clinging to her jumper—a fresh start for both her and her mother.

From that moment, Shauna and Dean become inseparable, their friendship blossoming into something deeper as time passes. Yet, with the pressures of school, family responsibilities, and the painful blushes of youth, their bond is continually tested. The story masterfully explores their journey, with dual perspectives showing both Shauna's present and her memories, adding layers of emotional tension as love, loss, and regret colour their lives.

Aoife Larkin captures the indelible mark one person can leave on another with vivid storytelling. I found myself completely absorbed in Shauna and Dean’s struggles, rooting for their happiness as the pages turned. The writing beautifully conveys the complexities of growing up, finding love, and holding on to the hope of reconciliation even when it seems all is lost. The dual timeline is particularly effective, making their emotional journey feel all the more poignant and immediate.

May All Your Skies Be Blue is a tender and moving portrayal of young love, heartbreak, and the ties that bind us across time. I couldn’t tear my eyes away, feeling every emotion right alongside these compelling characters. A captivating read that will linger with you long after the final page.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

My guess is that anybody that read Boys Don’t Cry, will be keen to get their hands on this book.
It is as well written, and I enjoyed the depth of the characters, but I read Boys Don’t Cry a couple of years ago and it stays vividly in my mind, this one won’t be the same.
The story is told in dual timeline and I thought I knew how it was going to pan out and I was right, so no real joy or mystery in the end.
It has put me off egg mayonnaise sandwiches, with a very insightful piece of writing.
It’s definitely worth reading.
Out in Feb 25, I was given a free digital copy from Faber and Faber Limited.

This was my first Fiona Scarlett book, and it won't be my last!
This decades-long story is beautifully written. Scarlett's prose is so vivid and you can feel the sharp iciness of the ice pops from the opening scene, the smell of shampoo in Shauna and Maggie's salon, the sun when it touches the characters' skin. The emotional rollercoaster of being a teenager is plastered on the page throughout, as we follow Shauna, Dean, and their gang of friends and family over thirty-odd years. I could hardly look away, and I found that reading this on the train was a hazard as I nearly missed my stop multiple times. The structuring is very clever, with the alternating of past and present deepening the emotional impact of the story.
I loved the characters in this too. I cared deeply for Shauna from the start, and I loved the people around her, especially Pam and Mark. I wished they'd had a stronger presence on the page, especially in the back half. Even though I could see that this was partly due to Shauna's isolation in places, I wanted more detail on where they ended up and how they got to the present day. I also wished we'd had more detail on Dean's character, both because his backstory was genuinely intriguing and to understand his and Shauna's connection better.
I found the ending a bit unsatisfying. I think I understand why it ended the way it did, but the episodes of miscommunication throughout made it feel bleaker than it needed to be – and I thought some ends that would've been better off tied up were left loose.
All in all, a beautifully told story, that I wanted to love more than I actually did!

I absolutely loved this book & reading it made me feel all nostalgic for times gone by.
Thanks for the opportunity to read & review it

It took me alittle while to get into the writing style of this, but once I did, I found myself lost in this beautiful story of friendship, love and loss.

The nostalgia this instilled in me! 😭 I absolutely love reading books set in the 90's because of the memories they release in my own head and heart and despite not growing up in Ireland, where this was set, it still made me feel like I was home if that makes sense. The innocence, the hopes and dreams, first loves and heartbreaks. All of the characters were just a reminder of my own childhood in some ways and I really connected with them.

Despite there being afew hints and signs I wasn't expecting the ending. It broke me. I think I was just so invested in Dean and Shauna that I chose to ignore them and wow, my heart suffered for it. Devestating, sad and bittersweet.

Thank you netgalley for letting me read an early copy of May all Your Skies be blue. It's one I'll be recommending to my other reader friends in need of a good cry!

This book is a beautifully poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of growing up. From the very first moment, I was drawn into it and the summer of 1991, feeling the warmth of the sun and the innocence of youth that Dean and Shauna embody. Their friendship is a delicate blossom that transforms into something deeper, capturing the bittersweet essence of first love. Their connection is tender yet fraught with tension, reminding us how love can sometimes clash with the weight of reality. The writing is vibrant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of their world. I loved how their interactions are laced with both humor and heartbreak, showcasing the innocence of youth while hinting at the challenges that lie ahead. The climax of the story left me breathless, as the characters confront their fears and desires under that same blue sky. It’s a powerful reminder that love can leave indelible marks on our lives, shaping us long after the moments have passed. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the complexities of young love and the choices that define us. I can’t recommend it enough.

Ever read a book and have a little bit of a "this feels like home" feeling? That's what this book did to me. Very, VERY sad from time to time. But there was always hope on the horizon. Even if it was thousands of miles away.

All the places in the book made this feel so nostalgic to me (I spend a lot of time in Ireland myself) and even the way the characters speak, and the slang! Fiona, you nailed it!

If you like authors such as David Nichols or even Sally Rooney, this will be the one for you. Highly recommend it!

Just finished this amazing book this morning. Really couldn't stop reading. Such beautiful writing and so realistic. I highly recommend. I will be picking up another copy on release day in Feb. Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy.

Very excited for this beautiful book! I love the concept between friends and how that will evolve over the course of their lifetimes. A beautiful poignant read.