Five years ago Eden and Andy were newlyweds and then Andy died. Now Eden is a single mum to five year old Lila and with the help of Andy’s family she is managing her life as best she can. When she reconnects with Rafe, an old friend from her past, will Eden get a second chance at happiness? Not if her in-laws have anything to do with it she won’t.

A great book with a lovely mix of characters which made for an enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this story of someone who'd been through a few tragedies in her life, but was working through her grief towards a better life for herself and her daughter.

Eden lost her parents when she was young, and was brought up by her aunt and uncle, who were childless and didn't really know what to do with her. So they all just muddled along the best they could, until Eden left home and then they hardly saw each other as the aunt and uncle moved to France. It's funny how you see things as a child and as an adult though, and how looking back with an adult perspective puts a totally different outlook on things, as Eden finds out later in this book when there's a medical emergency with her aunt.

The main story is about Eden, who is a nurse/personal carer, but also has a sideline in calligraphy which was something a bit different but a really nice addition to the story, and her loving but quite controlling in-laws, mostly her mother-in-law. Eden's husband was a firefighter and died before their daughter was born, so his family stepped in and did everything for Eden initially. But as time has gone on they continue to assume Eden will go along with their plans all the time and it becomes more difficult as she doesn't want to hurt them, but equally she is more than capable of deciding what, or who, she wants in her life. It's difficult though as the dead son/husband has been put on a pedestal by his mother so there's a fine line to tread.

Then Eden bumps into an old friend, Rafe, who has recently moved back to Dublin from the States, and also has a young daughter and has been through a personal tragedy, and they start getting close again, much to the anxiety of both families.

I really enjoyed all the characters in this book, even the nosy women on the WhatsApp group in Sycamore Grove the Close where Rafe lived, all trying to get to meet him first and the oneupmanship that was always in the background! Eden was caring for a lovely elderly lady in the same Close, Elizabeth, who'd been robbed and had a fall, so a fair bit of the story happens around this Close.

This was just a really delightful read about loss, families and trying to make your own way along in life, coming out the other side stronger and happier.

I was delighted to receive an early copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – many thanks to the publisher. I'm a big fan of Sheila O'Flanagan's books.

The strongest part of this book was the characterisation and I particularly appreciated the use of a WhatsApp group which made this novel particularly current. Although the book dealt with difficult topics, it also had lighter moments that made me smile.

A definite five stars from me.

Such a special book. How our past influences our future, but when should we let it go? A lovely book that makes you consider the influence of family and the need to be your own person. A brilliant romance.

We meet Eden five years after the death of her husband Andy. She has a four year old child Lila, a child who Andy never got the chance to know. about. Andy has a large family and they have helped and supported Eden through the last five years.

Eden is as nurse who works as a caregiver in the homes of her clients. One day she bumps into Rafe who she knew years ago before her life was devastated.
As she gets to know Rafe all over again Eden wonders if she can move on from Andy who was the love of her life. Can she fall in love again.?
Just as she is about to make a decision her mother in law tells her what plans she has made on her behalf, plans which will mean she will always be Andy's widow and never be allowed to move on.

There are a few sad stories in this book. The loss of loved ones, the loss of independence and the loss of a future you had planned. Eden is such a lovely woman. She has a great relationship with Andy's family, his mother and his sisters but lately when things are moving for her they become smothering.
I particularly liked Eden's client Elizabeth. She was witty and very wise and wanted the best for Eden who had became a friend to her.
As ever Shelia O'Flannagan tells a great story, one that stops you putting the book down even for a minute. Loved it !

I adore Sheila OFlanagans books and this one is simply no exceptions, honest, real, heartbreaking and heart watming, really well written, with great characters and it is gripping and absorbing, I read this in one sitting and loved it.

I have been anxiously awaiting for a new novel by this wonderful author, and so was delighted to receive a copy of this book! This is a beautiful and life affirming story of a woman whose partner has passed away and is trying to forge a new path for herself, despite the obstacles thrown her way.

Eden husband's Andy died 5 years ago shortly after their honeymoon, just after she found out she was pregnant with their first child. Devastated she has picked up the pieces of her life with the help of her in laws bit never really moving on from the loss. When a chance encounter leads her to meetings with her childhood best friend Raff, the new neighbourhood eligible bachelor, a spark ignites between them. Will it get a chance to game before her inlaws put it out. I loved this book, especially the lead character Eden who is a stronger character than she realises herself. The characters are well developed and mainly likeable.