The Guest House by the Sea: An absolutely heartwarming Irish novel to curl up with in 2023 from the kindle #1 bestselling author
£0.90
Esme has run the guest house for as long as anyone in Ballycove can remember. But in her declining years, her sight is failing, and when she has a fall on the eve of the summer season, she is forced to take a back seat for the first time in her life.
From her chair in the entry hall, not much passes Esme by. There’s Cora, the wife visiting indefinitely… without her husband; Niamh, the city professional with a life-changing decision to make; and Phyllie, the grandmother whose family is slipping away from her.
Esme’s guests provide the colour that helps her keep her grip on the world. All of them have something they want to escape – or to hold on to. But can Esme help them find their way before the summer is over?
From bestselling Irish writer Faith Hogan comes a new, uplifting story about discovering love, friendship and the healing power of the Irish sea air. It will charm fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Heidi Swain and Susanne O’Leary.
‘Once again Faith pulls you into her world instantly and never lets you go, with such an incredibly real cast of characters who you feel actually exist. A Life affirming and unputdownable read.’ Phillipa Ashley
‘What a delight this book is. A gorgeous cast of characters, the perfect seaside setting and Faith Hogan’s wonderful talent for dialogue all come together to make this a lovely feel-good story with an ending that will cheer your heart.’ Imogen Clark
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Additional information
| Publisher | 1st edition (8 Jun. 2023), Aria |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 3810 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 366 pages |
by GRAHAM CLARKE
I love this book,so much emotions,happiness,dispair,love, caring and experienced wisdom Wish real life can be like this we all need some healing
by Nikkib
Lovely easy read with well rounded characters. A couple of modern moral dilemmas occur and the author obviously put a lot of thought into the resolution of these. This is a compassionate book and although easy to read is deals with modern complex issues. Would highly recommend this book.
by Kindle Customer
A wonderful story full of delightful characters and the effect that the guest house and its elderly owner has on them while they stay at her guest house in a beautiful place by the sea.
by Crooksonbooks
The Guest House by the Sea is a dream of a book, set in the wonderful Irish coastal town of Ballycove, home to the Midnight Ladies Swimming Club – what an absolute treat to be back.
The Willows guesthouse and owner Esme are the heartbeat of this story. They wrap their arms around a whole host of visitors, some on a nostalgic return visit, back to a time in their past lives, trying to recreate the happy memories and put perspective into their lives.
Esme was devoted to the running of the guesthouse just like her family had been for the previous 200 years. She was virtually blind and her frustrations with her lack of sight and her immobility having broken her foot in an accident was hard to read. She knew that she was naturally nearing the end of her life and the fact she wasn’t able to give her all to the running of the guest house was heart breaking, she hated being reliant on life long friend Marta who not only had to run the guesthouse but also take care of Esme too, I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug.
Esme was just so lush, banished to an observation, meet and greet role because of her broken foot she inadvertently finds herself in the perfect spot to observe, listen and offer insightful advice just when it was needed the most. She did it mainly by listening and asking questions – letting each and even guest find their own way.
As in all Faith Hogan novels, the story ebbs and flows, with emotions rising and falling like the tide for the characters and the reader. All of the guests were seeking solace and a safe space to breathe, to think and find their way. The Willows was a safe haven for each of them. I loved how all of the guests made their own connections with each other too, friendships formed and support given to each other. From Cora and Niamh looking to make life changing decisions. To Phyllis trying to find a happy place for her family before a life changing illness in the family would change each of their lives. Not forgetting Esme and Marta, each giving each other the support the other needed even if it was always visible to them – their friendship ran deep and was a joy to unpick.
As for The Willows, when can I check in? This was such a fab read, my heart melted time and again – I loved it.
by Pat Robinson
What a wonderful book. It drew me in from the first few pages and kept me reading til the end.
Ballycove is home to The Willows Guest House, home of Esme for man, many years. Over those years, many people have stayed there, for holidays, to regroup or to simply while away the days.
It’s the start of the summer season, and disaster strikes, Esme falls and finds she’s confined to a chair in the hall. However, all is not as bad as she thinks, and she spends the summer getting to know her guests. Some old friends, some new friends, each with a story to tell.
It’s a must-read book, especially if you like stories set in Ireland, family stories, stories with a message.
I’ve saved each of Faith Hogan’s books in my Must Read list, and I’m going to be working my way through them.
by Unknown
A thoroughly grand book to read. I was always glad when it came to the time to relax on my comfy bed and continue this fascinating story. Excellent.
by Catherine
One of my favourite authors – usually.
I found the story a bit simplistic and there was forever a new, irrelevant, character popping up as Esme told her tales to demonstrate a point. She always knew someone whose experienced reflected her guest’s problem. Hey ho, guest ponders, problem solved. It was readable but won’t stay on my memory.
by Crooksonbooks
Interesting book once you start it you want to finish it. I was a little disappointed in the ending but apart from that I enjoyed it.