What do you think?
Rate this book
The Honeymoon Affair
Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn't after her fiancé broke her heart. She's not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?
In Ireland, Charles's ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She's in constant contact with Charles. They're very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She's an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she's sure she only has to say, and they'll pick up where they left off.
No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out . . .
Sheila O'Flanagan's new novel tells a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together - with explosive consequences . . .
In Ireland, Charles's ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She's in constant contact with Charles. They're very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She's an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she's sure she only has to say, and they'll pick up where they left off.
No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out . . .
Sheila O'Flanagan's new novel tells a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together - with explosive consequences . . .
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2024
438 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Sheila O'Flanagan
95 books1,201 followersAs you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
As a child I enjoyed reading and telling stories and everyone thought that I end up in a job which had something to do with books and literature. But though I applied for a job in the library all of the job offers I got were in commerce.
I turned down lots of them before my mother accepted one for me (I was on holiday at the time). It was in the Central Bank of Ireland and that’s how my career in financial services began.
I started out in administration and then moved jobs until finally I was working as a dealer in a commercial bank. Eventually I was promoted to Chief Dealer (the first female CD in the country). I traded lots of different things – foreign exchange, swaps, options, bonds…all of the kind of things you read about in the papers and that sound very technical and difficult. Of course once you’re doing it, it’s not half as technical as it sounds.
But I still loved reading and writing (which I did in my spare time) and I desperately wanted to write my own book. I guess I never quite got over the fact that I was never offered the library job! In my thirties I decided that it was now or never and I sat down, stuck Chapter 1 on a page, and started. I wrote the whole thing before sending it off.
I was offered a publishing deal (with no advance) by an Irish company but only if I wrote a different book! So back to the drawing board, I started again. It was another two years before it was published. It wasn’t until I’d written a few books and was offered a contract (this time with an advance!) from another publisher that I felt able to give up my trading job and write full time. So, even though it took a long time, I eventually realised my dream of being a full-time writer.
And now I also write a business column for the Irish Times.
When I’m writing a book I want to do three things:
* Tell a good story
* Make the reader feel like they know the characters
* Make each book better than the last
I don’t write for any particular audience but I suppose I must have people like me in mind – people who have busy lives and who like to escape into someone else’s for a while.
I love writing books. I hope you enjoy reading them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
June 6, 2024
3.5 stars.
Found it difficult to relate to the characters and not one of the three main three were likeable.
The story went round the houses and back again getting nowhere and nothing was resolved by the end. Disappointing
Found it difficult to relate to the characters and not one of the three main three were likeable.
The story went round the houses and back again getting nowhere and nothing was resolved by the end. Disappointing
June 14, 2024
I don’t usually bother with a review past a star rating but I need to rage about how unenjoyable this book was. The FMC is set up as immature and unreliable after getting engaged to two men she barely knows, one right after another. There was absolutely no tension built between the primary characters to make the reader invested in their relationship. And the MMC was selfish, equally immature, and the relationship clearly made no sense. Worst of all, just when I thought she had somewhat redeemed herself by breaking it off because it clearly was not going to work / they barely knew each other / he didn’t treat her with respect, the book ends with an unresolved will they won’t they get back together because “she just loved him so much”. The ex-wife was the best part of the story. SKIP IT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Very disappointed
May 12, 2024
Izzy is on her honeymoon in the Carribean, except that instead of being with the groom, she is with her cousin after the marriage was called off. Here she meets author Charles, 20 years her senior. After a whirlwind romance that transfers back to Ireland, Charles proposes. However, Charles' ex, Ariel, is still on the scene, as she happens to be his agent. Can Izzy handle their closeness, and will their relationship survive?
The story is told from multiple view points, and I enjoyed the glimpse into the literary world and that of the customs officer role that Izzy has. However I didn't connect with any of the characters, and simply didn't care what happened to them after a while.
The story is told from multiple view points, and I enjoyed the glimpse into the literary world and that of the customs officer role that Izzy has. However I didn't connect with any of the characters, and simply didn't care what happened to them after a while.
June 6, 2024
Disappointed in the characters in this novel none of them were likeable all wrapped up in themselves,Charles was weak and Izzy bossy
July 19, 2024
Weak characters and plot very disappointing
May 20, 2024
The Honeymoon Affair by Sheila O’Flanagan published May 9th with Headline and is described as ‘a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together – with explosive consequences . . .'
Sheila O’Flanagan has written over 30 bestselling books, such is the demand for the stories she tells, and rightly so. Reading one of her books is like being reacquainted with an old friend. There is a comfort in knowing that she will not lead you astray, always taking her captivated fans on a warm-hearted and empathetic journey.
In The Honeymoon Affair, we get a sneak peek into the world of publishing, with Ariel Barrett and her Booker Prize winning soon-to-be-ex-husband, Charles Miller, alongside that of customs officer Izzy (Iseult) O’Connor. Izzy is suffering from a shattered heart, after her engagement was broken off by her fiancé Steve shortly before they were due to tie the knot. They were planning on honeymooning on a luxury Caribbean resort and, as the holiday was paid for, it was decided that Izzy would go with her cousin, and best friend, Celeste. Izzy knew that she would have emotional moments on this trip but there was no way she was going to let it go to waste so she packed her bags and held back the tears. On arrival it’s clear to both Celeste and Izzy that the setting is very romantic, with stunning accommodation and scenery, but Izzy isn’t looking for romance and is determined to just relax, sunbathe and read the latest crime fiction novel from her favourite author.
Charles Miller is a renowned literary author who is suffering from writer’s block. His reputation puts a big pressure on him and he is struggling to get his writing mojo back, with a deadline looming. A trip to the Caribbean seems like the perfect solution. He can isolate himself from his day-to-day demands and focus on the peace and quiet of the surrounding landscape.
Ariel Barrett is a high-flying agent with a top-class reputation for discovering new authors. Her success rate is well known across the industry and for awhile both her personal and private life were exactly where she wanted them to be. Ariel had been Charles’ agent from the launch of his career and over time their relationship developed and boundaries were blurred. They married but their lives were so very much caught up in the literary world, they allowed little time to enhance and protect their relationship outside of work. Having parted company, on one level, they felt that their working relationship could and should remain the same. Charles and Ariel were a recognisable force in the industry so both felt no need to fix what they clearly felt wasn’t broken.
When all three become inextricably linked, an inescapable clash occurs, leading them all to examine their lives. Izzy, Charles and Ariel are wonderfully cast characters. Having a life mapped out in a certain manner can seem like a sensible idea but obstacles are unavoidable and crinkles are inevitable. As each attempts to navigate their way in this new world, we journey with them through the ups and downs. Sheila O’Flanagan uses wonderful dialogue and humour which keeps the story flowing at a steady speed. There are times our allegiances shift from one to the other but only in a superficial way as they are all portrayed as so very human and authentic in their actions. Izzy is a grounding force throughout, surprising herself when things get a little complicated. As a customs officer, she is well used to dealing with crises and pressure. She is resilient and strong allowing her to clear a path and see the wood from the trees when others are bogged down.
The Honeymoon Affair is a joy to read. It is a novel packed with warmth and authentic characters who all come alive as the story unfolds. If you are looking for a novel that will provide you with a sense of escapism and bring you a little window of joyful pleasure, then The Honeymoon Affair is one I recommend.
Sheila O’Flanagan has written over 30 bestselling books, such is the demand for the stories she tells, and rightly so. Reading one of her books is like being reacquainted with an old friend. There is a comfort in knowing that she will not lead you astray, always taking her captivated fans on a warm-hearted and empathetic journey.
In The Honeymoon Affair, we get a sneak peek into the world of publishing, with Ariel Barrett and her Booker Prize winning soon-to-be-ex-husband, Charles Miller, alongside that of customs officer Izzy (Iseult) O’Connor. Izzy is suffering from a shattered heart, after her engagement was broken off by her fiancé Steve shortly before they were due to tie the knot. They were planning on honeymooning on a luxury Caribbean resort and, as the holiday was paid for, it was decided that Izzy would go with her cousin, and best friend, Celeste. Izzy knew that she would have emotional moments on this trip but there was no way she was going to let it go to waste so she packed her bags and held back the tears. On arrival it’s clear to both Celeste and Izzy that the setting is very romantic, with stunning accommodation and scenery, but Izzy isn’t looking for romance and is determined to just relax, sunbathe and read the latest crime fiction novel from her favourite author.
Charles Miller is a renowned literary author who is suffering from writer’s block. His reputation puts a big pressure on him and he is struggling to get his writing mojo back, with a deadline looming. A trip to the Caribbean seems like the perfect solution. He can isolate himself from his day-to-day demands and focus on the peace and quiet of the surrounding landscape.
Ariel Barrett is a high-flying agent with a top-class reputation for discovering new authors. Her success rate is well known across the industry and for awhile both her personal and private life were exactly where she wanted them to be. Ariel had been Charles’ agent from the launch of his career and over time their relationship developed and boundaries were blurred. They married but their lives were so very much caught up in the literary world, they allowed little time to enhance and protect their relationship outside of work. Having parted company, on one level, they felt that their working relationship could and should remain the same. Charles and Ariel were a recognisable force in the industry so both felt no need to fix what they clearly felt wasn’t broken.
When all three become inextricably linked, an inescapable clash occurs, leading them all to examine their lives. Izzy, Charles and Ariel are wonderfully cast characters. Having a life mapped out in a certain manner can seem like a sensible idea but obstacles are unavoidable and crinkles are inevitable. As each attempts to navigate their way in this new world, we journey with them through the ups and downs. Sheila O’Flanagan uses wonderful dialogue and humour which keeps the story flowing at a steady speed. There are times our allegiances shift from one to the other but only in a superficial way as they are all portrayed as so very human and authentic in their actions. Izzy is a grounding force throughout, surprising herself when things get a little complicated. As a customs officer, she is well used to dealing with crises and pressure. She is resilient and strong allowing her to clear a path and see the wood from the trees when others are bogged down.
The Honeymoon Affair is a joy to read. It is a novel packed with warmth and authentic characters who all come alive as the story unfolds. If you are looking for a novel that will provide you with a sense of escapism and bring you a little window of joyful pleasure, then The Honeymoon Affair is one I recommend.
May 24, 2024
Really disappointing. Felt like I was constantly waiting for something to happen... and it just didn't.
January 30, 2025
DNF. Just could not get into it.
June 19, 2024
3.5 stars
Another great read by this brilliant author.
Did the characters make some stupid decisions that made me mad? Yes.
Was it slightly too long? Yes.
Did this spoil my enjoyment? No!
Sheila O'Flanagan has always been an auto buy author for me and reading this hasn't changed my mind.
For fans of Marian Keyes and Veronica Henry.
Another great read by this brilliant author.
Did the characters make some stupid decisions that made me mad? Yes.
Was it slightly too long? Yes.
Did this spoil my enjoyment? No!
Sheila O'Flanagan has always been an auto buy author for me and reading this hasn't changed my mind.
For fans of Marian Keyes and Veronica Henry.
June 15, 2025
I really tried to enjoy this book but pulling teeth would have been more bearable. Pretty much all the characters bar Celeste and Ellis were absolutely infuriating, selfish and immature. Unfortunately, this one is headed straight for the charity shop.
May 23, 2024
Loved it. Perfect holiday reading.
May 24, 2024
More 3.5 stars
May 13, 2025
Thought this would be a great smushy holiday read. I was wrong - crap!
May 30, 2025
Arguably the most bullshit book I’ve read in recent times. Not quite 1 star but #AwfulCharacters #StupidHashtagsEveryChapter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
Big thanks to Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
As part of a challenge (25in2025) this choice was picked from that unread pile.
Popular Irish author Sheila O’Flanagan most recent release is a contemporary fiction love triangle story.
At the centre of this narrative is three characters, complex and emotional lives and one happy ever after.
Izzy is on her honeymoon with her best friend.
Her ex fiancée jilted her and she decides to still go on holiday.
There she meets writer Charles who is currently vacationing while writing his latest bestseller.
His ex wife and agent Ariel, wants him back.
They were a power couple and could be again.
Now all their worlds collide………
This was good but a little long winded.
Many of the plot points were dragged out unnecessarily.
The premise, the cast, the exotic backdrop and most of the storyline was very readable but I could have done without about 100 pages.
It clocks in at nearly 500 pages but overall I did enjoy.
As part of a challenge (25in2025) this choice was picked from that unread pile.
Popular Irish author Sheila O’Flanagan most recent release is a contemporary fiction love triangle story.
At the centre of this narrative is three characters, complex and emotional lives and one happy ever after.
Izzy is on her honeymoon with her best friend.
Her ex fiancée jilted her and she decides to still go on holiday.
There she meets writer Charles who is currently vacationing while writing his latest bestseller.
His ex wife and agent Ariel, wants him back.
They were a power couple and could be again.
Now all their worlds collide………
This was good but a little long winded.
Many of the plot points were dragged out unnecessarily.
The premise, the cast, the exotic backdrop and most of the storyline was very readable but I could have done without about 100 pages.
It clocks in at nearly 500 pages but overall I did enjoy.
September 2, 2025
Skip it, none of the characters were likeable. Found it hard to finish
May 26, 2024
I’ve read lots of Sheila O’Flanagan books over the years and as soon as I saw this one I knew I had to read it. It certainly didn’t disappoint, I loved it.
Izzy and her fiancée Steve have booked their wedding in the Caribbean. Just before they are due to go Steve tells her he can’t marry her and he calls the whole thing off. Izzy ends up going on her holiday / wedding trip/ honeymoon with her cousin Celeste. Their hotel is beautiful and Izzy can’t help but think how different things would be if she was here with Steve and their wedding was going ahead.
Izzy notices a handsome, older man in their resort and ends up talking to him. Izzy and Celeste spend time with him and discover that he’s a writer and is there working on his next book. Izzy and Charles become close and she points him in the direction of crime novels.
Ariel Barrett is Charles literary agent and his ex- wife , although they are yet to be divorced. Ariel works in her office which is a mews flat attached to their old marital home. She and Charles see each other daily and are still very close.
The book is spilt into chapters about Izzy and Ariel and is very easy to read. I loved the quotes from authors at the start of every chapter.
I loved this book, it’s the perfect summertime read. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Izzy and her fiancée Steve have booked their wedding in the Caribbean. Just before they are due to go Steve tells her he can’t marry her and he calls the whole thing off. Izzy ends up going on her holiday / wedding trip/ honeymoon with her cousin Celeste. Their hotel is beautiful and Izzy can’t help but think how different things would be if she was here with Steve and their wedding was going ahead.
Izzy notices a handsome, older man in their resort and ends up talking to him. Izzy and Celeste spend time with him and discover that he’s a writer and is there working on his next book. Izzy and Charles become close and she points him in the direction of crime novels.
Ariel Barrett is Charles literary agent and his ex- wife , although they are yet to be divorced. Ariel works in her office which is a mews flat attached to their old marital home. She and Charles see each other daily and are still very close.
The book is spilt into chapters about Izzy and Ariel and is very easy to read. I loved the quotes from authors at the start of every chapter.
I loved this book, it’s the perfect summertime read. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2024
I’ve read quite a few of Sheila O’Flanagan’s Books and they are always enjoyable, light reads which hold my attention.
“The Honeymoon Affair”was this sort of book with an interesting cast of characters, some of whom are rather self obsessed, including Charles, the romantic lead.
Izzy and her cousin, Celeste, decide to use Izzy’s honeymoon holiday after her fiancé, Steve, unceremoniously dumps her just before their wedding. Whilst in the Caribbean she meets Charles Miller, a well known author, who is trying to get rid of his writer’s block and complete his latest novel. Izzy inspires him after a rocky start and when they both return home to Dublin surprisingly their relationship continues
.However Ariel, Charles’s agent and ex wife still has a close relationship with him and this makes Izzy’s life difficult.
The author tells the story from both Izzy’s and Ariel’s point of view so the reader feels a lot of sympathy for both of them. Charles himself seems more concerned about his books and writing with little empathy for the women in his life. I did feel particularly sorry for Ariel as she seemed to be willing to do anything for her ex despite his treatment of her.
Despite these obstacles, Izzy and Charles continue their relationship but which woman will prevail in the end? And more to the point is he even worth the effort?
This was a quick, romantic read which I skipped through in a few days. It was quite a slow start but as the book progressed it became more fast paced. I liked the characters, particularly Izzy, who seemed a well balanced and competent person, with a responsible job working for the customs service, much more down to earth than Charles’s literary existence.
The author has obviously drawn on her knowledge of the publishing industry which is a major part of the background in this book. This made for a reasonably entertaining setting. although the customs service aspect was actually slightly more interesting as I knew very little about this subject!
If you like light romantic reads “The Honeymoon Affair” is definitely worth a punt.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
“The Honeymoon Affair”was this sort of book with an interesting cast of characters, some of whom are rather self obsessed, including Charles, the romantic lead.
Izzy and her cousin, Celeste, decide to use Izzy’s honeymoon holiday after her fiancé, Steve, unceremoniously dumps her just before their wedding. Whilst in the Caribbean she meets Charles Miller, a well known author, who is trying to get rid of his writer’s block and complete his latest novel. Izzy inspires him after a rocky start and when they both return home to Dublin surprisingly their relationship continues
.However Ariel, Charles’s agent and ex wife still has a close relationship with him and this makes Izzy’s life difficult.
The author tells the story from both Izzy’s and Ariel’s point of view so the reader feels a lot of sympathy for both of them. Charles himself seems more concerned about his books and writing with little empathy for the women in his life. I did feel particularly sorry for Ariel as she seemed to be willing to do anything for her ex despite his treatment of her.
Despite these obstacles, Izzy and Charles continue their relationship but which woman will prevail in the end? And more to the point is he even worth the effort?
This was a quick, romantic read which I skipped through in a few days. It was quite a slow start but as the book progressed it became more fast paced. I liked the characters, particularly Izzy, who seemed a well balanced and competent person, with a responsible job working for the customs service, much more down to earth than Charles’s literary existence.
The author has obviously drawn on her knowledge of the publishing industry which is a major part of the background in this book. This made for a reasonably entertaining setting. although the customs service aspect was actually slightly more interesting as I knew very little about this subject!
If you like light romantic reads “The Honeymoon Affair” is definitely worth a punt.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
June 23, 2024
This book seemed to go on and on and I must admit to getting a bit bored with it and then to finally make it to the end and not have the story have a satisfying conclusion was incredibly frustrating.
Charles was a pompous spoilt brat who doesn’t deserve Izzy.
I wonder if there will be a follow up book because Sheila has certainly left us with a cliff hanger ending!
Charles was a pompous spoilt brat who doesn’t deserve Izzy.
I wonder if there will be a follow up book because Sheila has certainly left us with a cliff hanger ending!
August 26, 2024
Quite average writing, no real complexity to the way the story was told which is ironic given it’s written about an author and their writing process. Very random blunt ending given it was such a long read
November 10, 2024
I did not give one single shit about any of the characters in this book.
Should have quit halfway through, I'm mad that I wasted time reading this that could have been spent reading something better.
Should have quit halfway through, I'm mad that I wasted time reading this that could have been spent reading something better.
June 21, 2024
Drivel. I won't bother reading any more by this author
July 12, 2024
Wanted to DNF but reading for a little book club and had to get through it
October 28, 2024
Aiyiyi. I have no excuse for why I read all 470 pages of this book, other than to get it over with.
May 15, 2024
When Izzy's fiancé drops the bombshell that he no longer wants to get married to her, she takes the decision to jet off on what was supposed to be her honeymoon with her cousin Celeste, rather than with the man she thought she would be spending her life with. Depressed and heartsore, the last thing she expects is to find herself falling for another man while she is there, but the chemistry she feels with handsome, older, and very famous author, Charles Miller, who is supposed to be in the Caribbean working through his writer's block, is undeniable. It is a meeting that sparks not only a new direction for Miller, but the possibility of something more than a holiday fling.
Back in Dublin, Charles' ex-wife Ariel is still very much part of his life, as the agent who set him on the path to winning a Booker Prize. Although their marriage has gone awry, their working partnership has always been good, and he still relies on her to support him through his trials and tribulations - both personal and professional. Ariel misses being part of a literary power couple, and wonders whether their marriage still stands a chance.
When Charles returns with a potential best-seller in the making, and his relationship with Izzy continues to blossom, it is only a matter of time before these two women bump heads over who really belongs with the complicated author... and it does not help that Izzy's ex-fiancé is not yet off the scene.
The story unfurls in beautifully written first person narratives from Izzy and Ariel, and O'Flanagan does her classic thing of getting right into the emotional nitty gritty from the outset, comparing and contrasting the ties of old relationships and the promise of the new. She also uses her two locations, of a sunny holiday destination, where cares can be cast aside while you are in the moment, and the cold-hard reality of being back home having to deal with all the real-life situations you briefly left behind, to perfection.
At first glance, Izzy and Ariel seem to have very little in common - one a young woman completely out of her depth in literary circles (although she certainly knows what she likes about books), but beginning to grow into herself, and the other older, more assured and with a reputation as a successful business woman. But as the story develops, you realise that they are alike in many ways. Inevitably, they find themselves part of a complex triangle with Charles at the centre, and he is a very unconventional romantic lead, with a sizeable ego - and a very spiky mother! I found Charles a difficult character to warm to, but Izzy and Ariel are both marvellous, and I think they could easily have been friends under different circumstances.
The course of true love certainly does not run smooth in this story, and O'Flanagan plays mercilessly with your emotions, as well as those of her characters. Yes, there is romantic suspense in spades, but the relationships here are very real too, and the way she delves into jealousy, regret, the weight of shared memories, shifting boundaries, and different facets of love is spellbindingly good. As the story flips back and forth between Izzy and Ariel I really could not see where it would finally land, which I really enjoyed.
I loved how this is all about the world of publishing, and not just from the point of view of the authors. Ariel's part of the story takes you into the back room business of literary agents and the whole process of publishing a book, which was fascinating to read about. The literary quotes at the head of each chapter were absolute gold, and I adored all the book chat by the different characters too.
As with all of O'Flanagan's books, this is a heart-felt page-turner that you will be unable to put down once you have started reading it. I am already craving more of her fabulous female characters.
Back in Dublin, Charles' ex-wife Ariel is still very much part of his life, as the agent who set him on the path to winning a Booker Prize. Although their marriage has gone awry, their working partnership has always been good, and he still relies on her to support him through his trials and tribulations - both personal and professional. Ariel misses being part of a literary power couple, and wonders whether their marriage still stands a chance.
When Charles returns with a potential best-seller in the making, and his relationship with Izzy continues to blossom, it is only a matter of time before these two women bump heads over who really belongs with the complicated author... and it does not help that Izzy's ex-fiancé is not yet off the scene.
The story unfurls in beautifully written first person narratives from Izzy and Ariel, and O'Flanagan does her classic thing of getting right into the emotional nitty gritty from the outset, comparing and contrasting the ties of old relationships and the promise of the new. She also uses her two locations, of a sunny holiday destination, where cares can be cast aside while you are in the moment, and the cold-hard reality of being back home having to deal with all the real-life situations you briefly left behind, to perfection.
At first glance, Izzy and Ariel seem to have very little in common - one a young woman completely out of her depth in literary circles (although she certainly knows what she likes about books), but beginning to grow into herself, and the other older, more assured and with a reputation as a successful business woman. But as the story develops, you realise that they are alike in many ways. Inevitably, they find themselves part of a complex triangle with Charles at the centre, and he is a very unconventional romantic lead, with a sizeable ego - and a very spiky mother! I found Charles a difficult character to warm to, but Izzy and Ariel are both marvellous, and I think they could easily have been friends under different circumstances.
The course of true love certainly does not run smooth in this story, and O'Flanagan plays mercilessly with your emotions, as well as those of her characters. Yes, there is romantic suspense in spades, but the relationships here are very real too, and the way she delves into jealousy, regret, the weight of shared memories, shifting boundaries, and different facets of love is spellbindingly good. As the story flips back and forth between Izzy and Ariel I really could not see where it would finally land, which I really enjoyed.
I loved how this is all about the world of publishing, and not just from the point of view of the authors. Ariel's part of the story takes you into the back room business of literary agents and the whole process of publishing a book, which was fascinating to read about. The literary quotes at the head of each chapter were absolute gold, and I adored all the book chat by the different characters too.
As with all of O'Flanagan's books, this is a heart-felt page-turner that you will be unable to put down once you have started reading it. I am already craving more of her fabulous female characters.
September 17, 2025
Lika delar frustrerande som berörande!
Sheila O'Flanagan skriver med en lätthet som lurar läsaren att tro att På nya vägar är enkel underhållning - men under ytan finns både skärpa och igenkänning. Språket är följsamt, med små glimtar av humor och mycket känsla. Hon har en förmåga att få vardagliga situationer att kännas viktiga, och relationerna får ta plats utan att det blir överdrivet dramatiskt.
Ett riktigt intressant grepp att låta de två rivaliserande kvinnorna - Izzy och Charles exfru Ariel - få varsin röst i vartannat kapitel. Det ger en fin rytm till berättelsen, även om jag ibland ville ruska om dem båda och säga: "Nu får ni väl bestämma er!" Det är mycket velande, mycket hoppande, och medan kvinnorna kämpar med känslor och självrespekt, glider Charles runt som om han vore huvudpersonen i sin egen romantiska komedi. Och kanske är han det - i sitt eget huvud.
Med risk för att låta som en stereotyp kärring (och ja, kalla mig det om ni vill), så påminner det faktiskt om verkliga livet. Kvinnor som analyserar, känner, försöker förstå - medan mannen bara... finns. Och ändå lyckas han få båda att snurra runt honom som om han vore solen själv.
Men trots allt detta - eller kanske tack vare - så är det en varm, underhållande och stundtals frustrerande läsning. O'Flanagan vet hur man skriver relationer som känns, och även om jag ibland ville kasta boken i väggen, så ville jag lika gärna plocka upp den igen för att se hur det skulle gå.
Vill du läsa en bok som får dig att känna igen dig, sucka högt och ändå läsa vidare med ett leende? Då är På nya vägar perfekt för dig.
Sheila O'Flanagan skriver med en lätthet som lurar läsaren att tro att På nya vägar är enkel underhållning - men under ytan finns både skärpa och igenkänning. Språket är följsamt, med små glimtar av humor och mycket känsla. Hon har en förmåga att få vardagliga situationer att kännas viktiga, och relationerna får ta plats utan att det blir överdrivet dramatiskt.
Ett riktigt intressant grepp att låta de två rivaliserande kvinnorna - Izzy och Charles exfru Ariel - få varsin röst i vartannat kapitel. Det ger en fin rytm till berättelsen, även om jag ibland ville ruska om dem båda och säga: "Nu får ni väl bestämma er!" Det är mycket velande, mycket hoppande, och medan kvinnorna kämpar med känslor och självrespekt, glider Charles runt som om han vore huvudpersonen i sin egen romantiska komedi. Och kanske är han det - i sitt eget huvud.
Med risk för att låta som en stereotyp kärring (och ja, kalla mig det om ni vill), så påminner det faktiskt om verkliga livet. Kvinnor som analyserar, känner, försöker förstå - medan mannen bara... finns. Och ändå lyckas han få båda att snurra runt honom som om han vore solen själv.
Men trots allt detta - eller kanske tack vare - så är det en varm, underhållande och stundtals frustrerande läsning. O'Flanagan vet hur man skriver relationer som känns, och även om jag ibland ville kasta boken i väggen, så ville jag lika gärna plocka upp den igen för att se hur det skulle gå.
Vill du läsa en bok som får dig att känna igen dig, sucka högt och ändå läsa vidare med ett leende? Då är På nya vägar perfekt för dig.
June 30, 2024
Izzy is in the Caribbean on the 'honeymoon that isn't' after her fiance Steve backed out of their wedding. As the honeymoon had already been paid for, Izzy takes her cousin with her.
She meets Charles Miller, an author who is twenty years her senior. Charles is spending time in the Caribbean to work on his latest novel. Izzy and Charles are immediately attracted to each other and since her wedding didn't happen, a holiday romance begins. After all, what does Izzy have to lose.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland, Charles's ex-wife Ariel and also his agent, continues to pressure him for his next book. Though she is an independent woman, Ariel wonders if the time has come for them to get back together. Ariel has always been in charge of his author meetings, readings and publication of his books and always enjoyed being part of a couple in the book publishing industry.
Once Izzy and Charles return to Ireland and they meet again, then come the surprises for the three of them: Izzy, Charles and Ariel.
This is my first book by Sheila O'Flanagan and I very much enjoyed it. Told alternatively from the point of view of both Izzy and Ariel, almost from the very beginning of the romance between Izzy and Charles (and as I read further) I knew how I would like this story to end.
I would like to read more by this author and I see that there is an extensive back-list of stories so I have quite a choice.
Thank you Sheila O'Flanagan, I very much enjoyed the characters in this story and it was an interesting and enjoyable read.
She meets Charles Miller, an author who is twenty years her senior. Charles is spending time in the Caribbean to work on his latest novel. Izzy and Charles are immediately attracted to each other and since her wedding didn't happen, a holiday romance begins. After all, what does Izzy have to lose.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland, Charles's ex-wife Ariel and also his agent, continues to pressure him for his next book. Though she is an independent woman, Ariel wonders if the time has come for them to get back together. Ariel has always been in charge of his author meetings, readings and publication of his books and always enjoyed being part of a couple in the book publishing industry.
Once Izzy and Charles return to Ireland and they meet again, then come the surprises for the three of them: Izzy, Charles and Ariel.
This is my first book by Sheila O'Flanagan and I very much enjoyed it. Told alternatively from the point of view of both Izzy and Ariel, almost from the very beginning of the romance between Izzy and Charles (and as I read further) I knew how I would like this story to end.
I would like to read more by this author and I see that there is an extensive back-list of stories so I have quite a choice.
Thank you Sheila O'Flanagan, I very much enjoyed the characters in this story and it was an interesting and enjoyable read.
March 17, 2024
Free courtesy of Netgalley
I normally love Shelia O'Flanagan's books but I am not sure what I feel about this one. It was well written and the story was good but it felt a little flat for me. I'm not sure if the last one I read of hers (The Woman on the Bridge) was so amazing, or that I just didn't like any of the characters in this book. I didn't feel I connected with any of them and that is a shame.
The book is centred around 3 main characters, Izzy, who is on her honeymoon with her cousin after being dumped just before the wedding, Charles a renowned writer, who is in the Caribbean to try and get rid of his writers block and produce another best seller and Ariel, his ex wife and agent. Izzy and Charles meet on the holiday and pursue their relationship when they get back to Ireland, but with Ariel still very much in Charles's life, it makes it difficult for a new relationship.
The book is worth reading but it wasn't my favourite of Sheila's but I still think she is one of my favourite authors ❤️
I normally love Shelia O'Flanagan's books but I am not sure what I feel about this one. It was well written and the story was good but it felt a little flat for me. I'm not sure if the last one I read of hers (The Woman on the Bridge) was so amazing, or that I just didn't like any of the characters in this book. I didn't feel I connected with any of them and that is a shame.
The book is centred around 3 main characters, Izzy, who is on her honeymoon with her cousin after being dumped just before the wedding, Charles a renowned writer, who is in the Caribbean to try and get rid of his writers block and produce another best seller and Ariel, his ex wife and agent. Izzy and Charles meet on the holiday and pursue their relationship when they get back to Ireland, but with Ariel still very much in Charles's life, it makes it difficult for a new relationship.
The book is worth reading but it wasn't my favourite of Sheila's but I still think she is one of my favourite authors ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews