For Once in My Life

by Siân O'Gorman

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.

Praise for the wonderful Sian O'Gorman

'Utterly irresistible and joyful - the perfect summer read!' Faith Hogan

'A gorgeous story of friendship, community and starting over' Jessica Redland

'A book with everything. A real 5 star read.' Claudia Carroll

'Delicious! An upbeat, witty read about friends, family and following your dreams.' Gillian Harvey

Genres: Friendship, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

About the author

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.

Siân is on instagram as sianogorman1. Come and say hello!

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For once in my life is a great book. Good characters and storyline. Thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I loved the characters they became like friends to me in the end. Would recommend this book.

[Marte Haga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding a new Sian O'Gorman book makes me so happy that I want to thank some random god and being an atheist that's quite something, isn't it?

This is a feel good story about life and love and friendships, of making a change and making that change without really realizing how necessary it was until after it's done. It's about stepping out of the comfort zone, or maybe more expanding it. It's about having fun, and having soul and heart, of shredding some frills or embracing more of them (if you've read the book, you understand my choice of words!).

The book takes place in Sandy Cove, which so many of O'Gormans other books do and we do bumb into some previous characters. That said, you don't need to read the previous books first as this can be read alone without anything being lost as the story is a different one with different main characters.

I don't really have anything more to add except that I enjoyed this alot, that I love the clever humor that keeps it fun without being forced humor or without creating comical situations just for the sake of being funny - the humor is subtle, but ever present. The writing style and the humor reminds me a bit of Marian Keyes, so I'd you're a fan of her, I'd strongly recommend you give O'Gorman a shot!
The characters are well developed, they aren't perfect but still likeable, they have their own quirks and personalties that make them come alive.

All in all a perfect feel-good book that's entertaining, engaging and funny without lacking substance!

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. I want to thank Boldwood books and net Galley, please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 .

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few of the books set in Sandycove, Dublin by the same author. They are not really required to be read in any particular order because people do not feature prominently in others’ stories enough for their own to make a difference.
When we are first introduced to the protagonist, Kitty, I felt like she was a little absurd. She seemed like an intelligent person except for the fact that she couldn’t hear herself talk about the odd relationship she was working so hard to salvage.

Once the story picked up, I realised that there was a blind spot in her otherwise reasonably normal secluded life. Her best friend talks her into trying new stuff and slowly, a new outlook appears. Kitty is an interesting character with a story arc that has its ups and downs but like several of the other books by the author, I read it in a few subsequent sittings!

We jump right into the story when the book begins and then we are introduced to various people who play different roles in the rest of the story. Although I expected to be annoyed by a sudden jump in the story when everything seemed to be moving along smoothly, I actually found it entertaining.

I would definitely recommend this book and the series to fans of the genre.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Lyn Mueller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Sian O’Gorman. It was an enjoyable read but I found Kitty very frustrating. For such an intelligent 32 year old I found it so hard to believe that it took her sooooo long to work out the Dave was not right for her. Her inner struggle to come to that decision was repeated a few times which was irritating. Apart from that the characters were likeable and well defined. The story line was good with some very good life lessons talked about. Not a must read but good for a lazy wet Sunday afternoon read. I look forward to reading another book by this author.

[Avalon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty lives with Dave who is a narcissistic little twerp and after a brief argument he packs his bags and runs to his mummy who coddles him but while he's away she joins a footie team with her mate Shazza and meets Tom who is interesting and fun to be with so she's beginning to think she doesn't need Dave after all until he turns up with a cheap plastic ring and proposes. Does she accept or does she finally see him for the loser that he is???

[BeverlyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first novel for me for this author and this was an audio book. It took me a while to get into the story. I felt a wee bit impatient with the main character, Kitty, that she was willing to settle for a man who did not deserve her and could not see what a horrible man he was to her.
But her best friend and life circumstances force her to try new things, meet new people and before long, she was questioning her life choices and finding out that life was meant to be lived not settled for.

[Mrs P A Mahood · Rating 5 out of 5]

happy story

I love the way Sian writes about people in everyday life. The ups and downs, I laughed and cried ( happy and sad tears) I lived near sandy cove : I like being able to visualise where the story takes place.
Yes I guess I knew it would all end well but we all need happy endings!

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Wendy Rossiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing and heartwarming book.

For anyone and any stage of life, this book puts everything important in perspective. Great writing and wonderful humor. I read several books a month and this one tops the last several years of reading! What a well written book that captures your heart and soul. Thank you Sian.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Christy Forester Theiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life

This was an interesting read. Loved how the people became friends, people grew up & grew into themselves, living & learning. They were brave & put themselves out there. Don’t read a lot of books like this but enjoyed it.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty is in a dead end relationship with Dave, and while she’s content…..she’s certainly not happy. When Dave moves back to his mother for a while to get away from the pressure of life, Kitty makes new friends and new activities and finally starts to have some fun.

[Ms Helen Felton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

So enjoyed this book. I'm not one for writing reviews but this book made me think. It made me think about my life, the good and the bad. I need to change a few things for the bettef. Thank you Sian xx

[Elaine M Cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

I love reading about Sandycove!
Always different, and yet familiar as you know some of the characters and the new aspects never disappoint!
Red in one sitting, easy and delightful, love the sporting addition!
Recommended!

[pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with all the characters.

I loved how the characters were so alive and drew me into their stories. I put off reading the ending because I just didn't want to say goodbye.

[Emma Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good, I liked it a lot more then I thought I was going too. The writing was really well done, definitely wanted to know what was gonna happen next, even if you could kind of guess, haha.

[J.M. Langan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty is a copywriter from Sandycove, near Dublin. She has lived with Dave for the past five years, but the spark has disappeared from their relationship, this is not helped by his need to wear his dead Dad's clothes. Kitty is stuck.

This book is about self-discovery, finding who you are and who you want to be, Kitty has been going through the paces for too long, which is why this book will resonate with so many people. Whether you are stuck in a relationship or a job you are unhappy in, this is the book for you.

Along the way, you will meet several well-developed characters who all influence and affect Kitty in some way, these are brilliantly written and nicely introduced throughout the book so you don't feel overwhelmed by an abundance of characters.

Sian O'Gorman has written a beautiful piece of contemporary women's fiction. I laughed and cried while reading this, which was unexpected as I am not normally a fan of this story-telling style. The author has done an excellent job, plus, quietly promoting Ireland fantastically. If you don't want to visit after reading this I would be surprised!

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for the opportunity to review this book.
@msogorman - congratulations on such a well constructed story - loved it.
#blogtour

[patricia mctaggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but wanted more. Thanks

[Chris Bendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Deborah Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good story with wonderful quirky characters. I always love the characters in Sian O’Gorman’s books.

[Cheryll Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Love a happy ending. Onto the next Sian O'Gorman book!

[Rebecca Owens · Rating 2 out of 5]

TMC had me tearing my hair out and skipping entire chapters. Of all the lily-livered people, she takes the cake.

[Christi Jamieson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read

A good story with a happy ending. A little bit predictable but I enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good love story.