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Leaving Ocean Road
Twenty years ago, Ellen left her beloved Ireland to make a new life in Australia. Now struggling to cope with the death of her much loved husband, Nick, Ellen finds her world turned upside down when an unexpected visitor lands on her doorstep.
The arrival of Gerry Clancy, her first love from Ireland, may just be the catalyst that pulls Ellen out of her pit of grief, but it will also trigger a whole new set of complications for her and those she holds dear.
The arrival of Gerry Clancy, her first love from Ireland, may just be the catalyst that pulls Ellen out of her pit of grief, but it will also trigger a whole new set of complications for her and those she holds dear.
- GenresContemporary
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2017
16 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Esther Campion
6 books57 followersEsther Campion is from Cork, Ireland and currently lives in north-west Tasmania. She attended North Presentation Convent in Cork and has degrees from University College Cork and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Esther and her Orcadian husband have lived in Ireland, Scotland, Norway and South Australia. They have a grown-up daughter in Adelaide and the two youngest at home in Tassie with an over-indulged chocolate Labrador and two horses, which Esther firmly believes are living proof that dreams really can come true.
Esther and her Orcadian husband have lived in Ireland, Scotland, Norway and South Australia. They have a grown-up daughter in Adelaide and the two youngest at home in Tassie with an over-indulged chocolate Labrador and two horses, which Esther firmly believes are living proof that dreams really can come true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 29, 2018
The desolation and grief Ellen felt at the sudden death of her beloved husband Nick wouldn’t leave her. She’d shut herself away, unable to face each day and even with her daughter Louise and best friend Tracey doing their best, it seemed nothing would lift her spirits. Until an old friend from Ireland, Gerry Clancy arrived unexpectedly to visit his son in Adelaide, and called to see Ellen in Port Lincoln while he was in Australia.
Gerry had been more than just her good friend, and his arrival found Ellen slowly rising from the depths of grief. The blast from the past was wonderful therapy – but would Gerry’s visit cause problems for Ellen? His visit was short – soon he was gone, heading to Adelaide then back to Ireland. There was heartache, anger and uncertainty left in his wake – what was Ellen to do? Could she find happiness again?
Leaving Ocean Road is Aussie author Esther Campion's debut novel, and is set mostly in Port Lincoln in South Australia; also in Santorini in Greece and Cork in Ireland. A heartwarming, poignant story filled with emotion; hope, heartache, loss and love – of learning to live again when your heart is broken. A lovely, warm read which I highly recommend.
Gerry had been more than just her good friend, and his arrival found Ellen slowly rising from the depths of grief. The blast from the past was wonderful therapy – but would Gerry’s visit cause problems for Ellen? His visit was short – soon he was gone, heading to Adelaide then back to Ireland. There was heartache, anger and uncertainty left in his wake – what was Ellen to do? Could she find happiness again?
Leaving Ocean Road is Aussie author Esther Campion's debut novel, and is set mostly in Port Lincoln in South Australia; also in Santorini in Greece and Cork in Ireland. A heartwarming, poignant story filled with emotion; hope, heartache, loss and love – of learning to live again when your heart is broken. A lovely, warm read which I highly recommend.
February 4, 2019
Leaving Ocean Road is a heartfelt story of love and loss. As we follow Ellen on her journey as she struggles after her husband, Nick dies. Ellen must find the strength to carry on and make a new life for herself. When an unexpected visitor turns up on her doorstep, Ellen is unsure where life will take her next.
Aussie author Esther Campion has written a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to seeing what she writes next. A story of loss, love and making a new start a story that I truly enjoyed and will be enjoyed by many.
Aussie author Esther Campion has written a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to seeing what she writes next. A story of loss, love and making a new start a story that I truly enjoyed and will be enjoyed by many.
October 16, 2018
Twenty years earlier Ellen O’Shea left her homeland of Ireland for a new life in Australia. There she meets and marries Nick Constantinopoulos. For years they share a happy life with their daughter Louise. Then one evening Nick does not come home. He is involved in a fatal accident caused by a kangaroo, a common hazard in rural Australia. Ellen is devastated. She struggles to cope. Her daughter Louise away at university, rings each day to check in with her mother and Ellen’s friend Tracey is a source of support too. Still, life for Ellen seems all too hard. It is further complicated when a visitor from Ireland lands on her doorstep. Suddenly events from the past come flooding back unlocking a long held secret and a whole set of complications that Ellen never anticipated.
This book got me in from the outset. The characters all feel real and entirely believable. I particularly liked Ellen’s friend Tracey, the sort of friend everybody needs. She speaks her mind, even sometimes when she shouldn’t. But she is always a loyal support. The setting around Port Lincoln in South Australia and lifestyle there is a great contrast to when the story moves to Greece and later to Ireland. All settings were vividly described.
All the way though I was involved in this story and right there emotionally with the characters. There are moments of joy and sadness with a few tears at times. A few coincidental things happened which moved the plot along at times but when you’re involved with the characters and story, you tend not to worry about things like that too much. The ending for me fell a little flat, but that could be just me. This is a debut novel and the great thing about that, is it should mean there will be more great heart-warming family stories, not to mention romance, in the future from this author. I will definitely be looking out for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book.
This book got me in from the outset. The characters all feel real and entirely believable. I particularly liked Ellen’s friend Tracey, the sort of friend everybody needs. She speaks her mind, even sometimes when she shouldn’t. But she is always a loyal support. The setting around Port Lincoln in South Australia and lifestyle there is a great contrast to when the story moves to Greece and later to Ireland. All settings were vividly described.
All the way though I was involved in this story and right there emotionally with the characters. There are moments of joy and sadness with a few tears at times. A few coincidental things happened which moved the plot along at times but when you’re involved with the characters and story, you tend not to worry about things like that too much. The ending for me fell a little flat, but that could be just me. This is a debut novel and the great thing about that, is it should mean there will be more great heart-warming family stories, not to mention romance, in the future from this author. I will definitely be looking out for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book.
January 8, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
For those who like their novels with plenty of heart, look no further than Leaving Ocean Road by debut novelist Esther Campion. Campion’s writing style has been compared to the likes of Maeve Binchy and Monica McInerney and I can see this is warranted. There is an embracing style to Campion’s storytelling, which enabled me to enjoy Leaving Ocean Road very much.
Love, life, loss and hope define Esther Campion’s first novel, Leaving Ocean Road. It is the story of Ellen, a recent widow, who has lived in South Australia for twenty years, since she made the move from her home in Ireland, for a fresh beginning. Ellen married Nick soon after settling in Australia and together they lived happily in their small coastal based home. When Nick is killed in tragic and unexpected circumstances, Ellen goes to pieces. In the wake of Nick’s death, Ellen’s life is further complicated by the arrival of a visitor from Ireland. The appearance of Gerry Clancy sets in motion a chain of events. It encourages Ellen to break her cycle of grief, but it also kick starts the shock revelation of a deep seated secret that will impact heavily upon Gerry’s life. With cross country links to Australia, Ireland and Greece, Leaving Ocean Road is a sincere story, brimming with life.
Leaving Ocean Road is a fantastic debut novel and it is one of those novels you just want to sit back and relax over, with a good brew. It makes for the perfect holiday read, for warm or cool climates. Readers will easily be touched by the life of leading character Ellen, through her process of loss, grief, reconnection, friendship and love.
When Ellen is first introduced to the reader she is in an understandable state of disarray. She recently lost her beloved husband Nick and since then, she has struggled with everyday life in general. When an important letter arrives from her homeland in Ireland, things take quite a drastic and much needed turn for Ellen. The imminent arrival of a man from her past, Gerry, sends Ellen in a spin. Though Gerry’s appearance, long buried memories and withheld secrets come to the surface. We watch on as Ellen makes new connections with Gerry and begins to see light at the end of the tunnel. In turn, the re-entry of Gerry in Ellen’s life has a downside, it causes friction between Ellen and her daughter Louise. Campion handles this side of the novel with a strong hand, making the reader a part of the tension and emotion of it all.
There is plenty of romance to distract the reader from the grief and loss side of this novel (which is handled with sensitivity and insight). There are two romantic side stories served up by Campion. The first revolves around the rekindled love between Gerry and Ellen. While the second love story explores the love life of Ellen’s daughter, Louise. Both romance situations are heartfelt, realistic and interesting. Campion does a good job of portraying the flaws, as well as the good qualities of her characters in their new respective relationships.
A highlight of this novel is the cross country travel that takes place. The book begins in South Australia, which has been the main character, Ellen’s home, for the last twenty years. The Port Lincoln area where Ellen resides, is painted with vivid detail. At so many points of the novel, I felt like I was standing there, with the wind in my hair and the sand in between my toes. The added inclusion of the whale sightings and the breathtaking coastline of this stunning part of Australia are presented beautifully by Esther Campion. These scenes are a credit to her descriptive style of writing. A fair chunk of the book’s action also takes place in Ireland, Ellen’s roots and Gerry’s home. I was reminded of how much I love the language and one-of-a-kind phrasing used by the Irish, it brought a smile to my face a number of times. In the latter section of the novel, the action makes to Santorini. These sections of the book allowed Campion to focus on memories, family roots and the importance of laying the rest loved ones in the grief process. I laughed and I shed a tear or two for Nick, as Ellen and their family said their goodbyes to Nick in his country of birth.
Leaving Ocean Road features a full and poignant narrative, it explores plenty of emotional turmoil and draws our attention to the situations that crop up in our lives that may test us, but ultimately make us stronger for the experience. Campion does a superb job of tying up all the loose ends in her novel, providing her audience with a moving ending. The closure the book offered was one that I did see coming but that was fine as I wanted this ending for Ellen and Gerry.
I do hope we hear much more from Esther Campion, a new writer in the field of heart-warming and positive women’s fiction. Esther Campion has certainly has made quite the impression on this reader.
For those who like their novels with plenty of heart, look no further than Leaving Ocean Road by debut novelist Esther Campion. Campion’s writing style has been compared to the likes of Maeve Binchy and Monica McInerney and I can see this is warranted. There is an embracing style to Campion’s storytelling, which enabled me to enjoy Leaving Ocean Road very much.
Love, life, loss and hope define Esther Campion’s first novel, Leaving Ocean Road. It is the story of Ellen, a recent widow, who has lived in South Australia for twenty years, since she made the move from her home in Ireland, for a fresh beginning. Ellen married Nick soon after settling in Australia and together they lived happily in their small coastal based home. When Nick is killed in tragic and unexpected circumstances, Ellen goes to pieces. In the wake of Nick’s death, Ellen’s life is further complicated by the arrival of a visitor from Ireland. The appearance of Gerry Clancy sets in motion a chain of events. It encourages Ellen to break her cycle of grief, but it also kick starts the shock revelation of a deep seated secret that will impact heavily upon Gerry’s life. With cross country links to Australia, Ireland and Greece, Leaving Ocean Road is a sincere story, brimming with life.
Leaving Ocean Road is a fantastic debut novel and it is one of those novels you just want to sit back and relax over, with a good brew. It makes for the perfect holiday read, for warm or cool climates. Readers will easily be touched by the life of leading character Ellen, through her process of loss, grief, reconnection, friendship and love.
When Ellen is first introduced to the reader she is in an understandable state of disarray. She recently lost her beloved husband Nick and since then, she has struggled with everyday life in general. When an important letter arrives from her homeland in Ireland, things take quite a drastic and much needed turn for Ellen. The imminent arrival of a man from her past, Gerry, sends Ellen in a spin. Though Gerry’s appearance, long buried memories and withheld secrets come to the surface. We watch on as Ellen makes new connections with Gerry and begins to see light at the end of the tunnel. In turn, the re-entry of Gerry in Ellen’s life has a downside, it causes friction between Ellen and her daughter Louise. Campion handles this side of the novel with a strong hand, making the reader a part of the tension and emotion of it all.
There is plenty of romance to distract the reader from the grief and loss side of this novel (which is handled with sensitivity and insight). There are two romantic side stories served up by Campion. The first revolves around the rekindled love between Gerry and Ellen. While the second love story explores the love life of Ellen’s daughter, Louise. Both romance situations are heartfelt, realistic and interesting. Campion does a good job of portraying the flaws, as well as the good qualities of her characters in their new respective relationships.
A highlight of this novel is the cross country travel that takes place. The book begins in South Australia, which has been the main character, Ellen’s home, for the last twenty years. The Port Lincoln area where Ellen resides, is painted with vivid detail. At so many points of the novel, I felt like I was standing there, with the wind in my hair and the sand in between my toes. The added inclusion of the whale sightings and the breathtaking coastline of this stunning part of Australia are presented beautifully by Esther Campion. These scenes are a credit to her descriptive style of writing. A fair chunk of the book’s action also takes place in Ireland, Ellen’s roots and Gerry’s home. I was reminded of how much I love the language and one-of-a-kind phrasing used by the Irish, it brought a smile to my face a number of times. In the latter section of the novel, the action makes to Santorini. These sections of the book allowed Campion to focus on memories, family roots and the importance of laying the rest loved ones in the grief process. I laughed and I shed a tear or two for Nick, as Ellen and their family said their goodbyes to Nick in his country of birth.
Leaving Ocean Road features a full and poignant narrative, it explores plenty of emotional turmoil and draws our attention to the situations that crop up in our lives that may test us, but ultimately make us stronger for the experience. Campion does a superb job of tying up all the loose ends in her novel, providing her audience with a moving ending. The closure the book offered was one that I did see coming but that was fine as I wanted this ending for Ellen and Gerry.
I do hope we hear much more from Esther Campion, a new writer in the field of heart-warming and positive women’s fiction. Esther Campion has certainly has made quite the impression on this reader.
July 29, 2017
Huge congratulations must go to MS Campion for a fabulous debut book it was amazing it pulled me in from page one and that was it I didn’t want to put it down, I got lost in this beautiful story of heartache, of life and of living again. Ellen Constantinopoulos is a strong Irish woman who has moved to Australia and loved and lived and lost and learnt to love again, sit back and enjoy.
I loved the strength that Ellen shows through this story the ups and downs that follow the loss of her beloved Greek husband Nick and how her and her daughter Louise cope in their own ways and the friends that help them. But it is not till Ellen’s first love Gerry Clancy arrives at The Block on Ocean Road that Ellen starts to come alive again 9 months after Nick’s death and there is a secret to reveal that will change lives and cause some big upheavals.
This story is a fabulous journey through some tough times for Ellen, Gerry and Louise this one takes us from beautiful Port Lincoln South Australia to Santorini Greece and Cork in Ireland where Ellen and Gerry hail from. Gerry is now divorced but when he first sets eyes on Ellen again after so many years it doesn’t take him long to realize that he has never stopped loving her and Ellen knows that she has never forgotten Gerry.
Make sure you have some tissues at the ready when you read this one I am still tearing up writing this review after finishing the book late last night, I cannot highly recommend this one enough it is fast paced there are so many fabulous characters that add so much to the story, but in the end love surely will prevail and Ellen and Gerry will realize that home is where their hearts are if they are together and I was defiantly left smiling. Thank you MS Campion for a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time and is one for the keeper shelf and I look forward to more of your stories.
I loved the strength that Ellen shows through this story the ups and downs that follow the loss of her beloved Greek husband Nick and how her and her daughter Louise cope in their own ways and the friends that help them. But it is not till Ellen’s first love Gerry Clancy arrives at The Block on Ocean Road that Ellen starts to come alive again 9 months after Nick’s death and there is a secret to reveal that will change lives and cause some big upheavals.
This story is a fabulous journey through some tough times for Ellen, Gerry and Louise this one takes us from beautiful Port Lincoln South Australia to Santorini Greece and Cork in Ireland where Ellen and Gerry hail from. Gerry is now divorced but when he first sets eyes on Ellen again after so many years it doesn’t take him long to realize that he has never stopped loving her and Ellen knows that she has never forgotten Gerry.
Make sure you have some tissues at the ready when you read this one I am still tearing up writing this review after finishing the book late last night, I cannot highly recommend this one enough it is fast paced there are so many fabulous characters that add so much to the story, but in the end love surely will prevail and Ellen and Gerry will realize that home is where their hearts are if they are together and I was defiantly left smiling. Thank you MS Campion for a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time and is one for the keeper shelf and I look forward to more of your stories.
August 24, 2017
Copy received from Hachette Australia for an honest review
Leaving Ocean Road is the light, sweet debut novel from Ms Campion, and is one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It is a beautiful story of old love, love lost and love rekindled.
Ellen's story is beautiful, and tragic, and heartbreaking - but also full of love and hope.
Me heart broke with her, my heart soared with her, as she finds a way to move on after tragedy strikes her family.
What i really liked about this story though, was that it wasn't just all rainbows and butterflies, and wasn't just centred on the romance of it all. There were so many different kinds of relationships touched on in this story, and all felt real.
Leaving Ocean Road is a light and fluffy read, something fans of Maeve Binchy would adore. The perfect book for an afternoon on the couch with a cup of tea.
I can't wait to see what Ms Campion brings us in the future.
September 4, 2017
Leaving Ocean Road is Australian author Esther Camipion’s first novel. With a strong theme of mother-daughter relationships as well as what constitutes a family, I was very excited to read this after winning it. The book is largely set in South Australia. I felt somewhat let down with this as I didn’t get to visit Ireland and Greece through the various characters until about three quarters of the way through. This was too late for me. Another minor bug bear was the end of the chapters. I constantly felt like the chapters ended abruptly and I was left waiting for more.
Told in the third person, Esther’s book begins in Australia with newly widowed Ellen Constantinopoulos meeting her first love after 20 years. I felt a little lost because I was missing the background of how Ellen came to be. Who was her husband and what happened to him? While this information came out in later chapters it would have suited me to have it at the start as it was like I had just walked into the middle of a movie. Ellen herself was a likeable character with a feisty best friend, Tracey. Ellen is the dark horse though because she had a secret that I admit I didn’t see coming. Louise is Ellen’s daughter and I wasn’t a fan of her initially. I realised on deeper reflection that it was because Louise reacted exactly like a teenager would when they discover their mother’s secret past. The rift this causes between the two isn’t solved neatly and quickly. It takes month of hard work and communication as well as growing up on Louise’s part. In the end, I did appreciate the realism of Louise’s character. I also respected Ellen’s first love, Gerry. He is the perfect gentleman when he renters Ellen’s life and later deals with her revelation in a mature and thoughtful manner. With all three lives colliding, hard decisions will have to be made…..
Esther Campion’s first novel may not have been perfect (for me) but she is worth the read and one author to keep an eye on in the future!
Told in the third person, Esther’s book begins in Australia with newly widowed Ellen Constantinopoulos meeting her first love after 20 years. I felt a little lost because I was missing the background of how Ellen came to be. Who was her husband and what happened to him? While this information came out in later chapters it would have suited me to have it at the start as it was like I had just walked into the middle of a movie. Ellen herself was a likeable character with a feisty best friend, Tracey. Ellen is the dark horse though because she had a secret that I admit I didn’t see coming. Louise is Ellen’s daughter and I wasn’t a fan of her initially. I realised on deeper reflection that it was because Louise reacted exactly like a teenager would when they discover their mother’s secret past. The rift this causes between the two isn’t solved neatly and quickly. It takes month of hard work and communication as well as growing up on Louise’s part. In the end, I did appreciate the realism of Louise’s character. I also respected Ellen’s first love, Gerry. He is the perfect gentleman when he renters Ellen’s life and later deals with her revelation in a mature and thoughtful manner. With all three lives colliding, hard decisions will have to be made…..
Esther Campion’s first novel may not have been perfect (for me) but she is worth the read and one author to keep an eye on in the future!
January 14, 2018
I thought this was going to be about the Ocean Road in Victoria but was pleasantly surprised to discover it was based in my home state of SA. A lovely heartwarming story and a great debut for Esther Campion. Slightly disappointed with the ending.
September 22, 2021
Really enjoyed this read. Ellen and her daughter Louise are recovering from the shock death of their husband/father Nick and trying to establish a new normal. When Ellen hears an old flame from Ireland is coming to visit, she is sent into panic mode. She has been hiding a secret from Gerry Clancy that she has no choice but to reveal but the secret risks ruining her relationship with her daughter. A beautiful story about families, secrets and love.
February 13, 2019
Really enjoyed the twists and turns of relationships in this tale. Esther creatively mixes multiple locations, and her characters are a wonderful blend of strength and weaknesses. Thanks Esther for the lovely Irish/Australian tale!
August 13, 2017
I think there are a lot of people out there looking for someone who writes heart-warming stories like the late Maeve Binchy (myself included). Esther Campion could be that person. In her debut novel, Leaving Ocean Road, she combines warmth, love and loss wrapped up in a story that crosses both Australia and Ireland. It’s a solid debut that shows great promise.
When we first meet our main character Ellen, she’s in the depths of despair. Her husband died suddenly, and she’s finding it exceptionally hard to hope with her grief. She’s not cleaning, driving or working. It’s up to teenage daughter Louise to check in on her mother each night. It doesn’t look like anything will change soon, until a letter from Ireland drags Ellen back to the real world. Her first love Gerry is coming to Australia and he’d like to catch up with her very, very soon. (This is what happens when you don’t check your post box in country Australia for weeks). Gerry is just what Ellen needed, a tonic that gives her the energy to live again. But unbeknownst to him, Gerry brings up many memories and uncovers decades old secrets. In turn, Louise becomes very upset and angry with her mother, driving a rift between them. But now Ellen is determined to once again take hold of her future, which may just have Gerry in it.
I loved the Irish sayings in Leaving Ocean Road, perhaps made more poignant by an Irish friend of my own going back home. There’s lots ‘eejits’ and ‘it’ll be yourself then’. You can’t help but smile at then, particularly when the conversations are combined with the familiar Aussie slang. The combination of the two countries is just right – both are warm, friendly and inviting meaning that the story has a feeling of familiarity no matter where. (We won’t talk about the weather). I don’t know which setting I enjoyed more!
The characters are another highlight of Leaving Ocean Road. They are clearly differentiated, right down to all of Louise’s uni friends. Each character has their own quirks and failings. (Another reason I liked them so much – they aren’t afraid to try, then fail, like both Ellen and Gerry). Even in the midst of her grief, Ellen is an intriguing character. She gives the reader just enough to be interested in what happened and the feeling that grief won’t overwhelm the story. I don’t think I need to say too much about Gerry besides he’s a lovely Irish gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. He does have the habit of giving up just that little bit too easily on occasions, which is fortunately what good friends and family pick up on.
As for the narrative, it covers a lot of ground both in physical distance and emotionally. There are many themes here and occasionally I felt that some of the little hiccups in Ellen and Gerry’s lives were resolved a bit quickly. For example, Gerry’s brother hasn’t been honest with the taxman, but it never becomes a big deal. It’s mentioned, exclaimed over and then fixed. There’s also an idea Ellen has of fixing up an old cottage – at first she’s heavily invested, organising everything and then after a chat with Louise, everything goes cold. The major dramas though are thoughtfully written and explored.
I look forward to reading more of Esther Campion’s work. I feel that her writing is only going to get more and more wonderful.
Thank you to Hachette for the ARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
When we first meet our main character Ellen, she’s in the depths of despair. Her husband died suddenly, and she’s finding it exceptionally hard to hope with her grief. She’s not cleaning, driving or working. It’s up to teenage daughter Louise to check in on her mother each night. It doesn’t look like anything will change soon, until a letter from Ireland drags Ellen back to the real world. Her first love Gerry is coming to Australia and he’d like to catch up with her very, very soon. (This is what happens when you don’t check your post box in country Australia for weeks). Gerry is just what Ellen needed, a tonic that gives her the energy to live again. But unbeknownst to him, Gerry brings up many memories and uncovers decades old secrets. In turn, Louise becomes very upset and angry with her mother, driving a rift between them. But now Ellen is determined to once again take hold of her future, which may just have Gerry in it.
I loved the Irish sayings in Leaving Ocean Road, perhaps made more poignant by an Irish friend of my own going back home. There’s lots ‘eejits’ and ‘it’ll be yourself then’. You can’t help but smile at then, particularly when the conversations are combined with the familiar Aussie slang. The combination of the two countries is just right – both are warm, friendly and inviting meaning that the story has a feeling of familiarity no matter where. (We won’t talk about the weather). I don’t know which setting I enjoyed more!
The characters are another highlight of Leaving Ocean Road. They are clearly differentiated, right down to all of Louise’s uni friends. Each character has their own quirks and failings. (Another reason I liked them so much – they aren’t afraid to try, then fail, like both Ellen and Gerry). Even in the midst of her grief, Ellen is an intriguing character. She gives the reader just enough to be interested in what happened and the feeling that grief won’t overwhelm the story. I don’t think I need to say too much about Gerry besides he’s a lovely Irish gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. He does have the habit of giving up just that little bit too easily on occasions, which is fortunately what good friends and family pick up on.
As for the narrative, it covers a lot of ground both in physical distance and emotionally. There are many themes here and occasionally I felt that some of the little hiccups in Ellen and Gerry’s lives were resolved a bit quickly. For example, Gerry’s brother hasn’t been honest with the taxman, but it never becomes a big deal. It’s mentioned, exclaimed over and then fixed. There’s also an idea Ellen has of fixing up an old cottage – at first she’s heavily invested, organising everything and then after a chat with Louise, everything goes cold. The major dramas though are thoughtfully written and explored.
I look forward to reading more of Esther Campion’s work. I feel that her writing is only going to get more and more wonderful.
Thank you to Hachette for the ARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
October 1, 2017
http://jessjustreads.com
Leaving Ocean Road is a warm, funny, delightful romance novel for fans of Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly and Monica Mcinnerney — the story takes us across Australia, Greece and Ireland and explores a long lost love and the chance of reconnection.
Ellen Constantinopolous has been living in South Australia for twenty years, and she’s happy. Her family — her Greek husband Nick and her daughter Louise — live on a farm in a rural town in South Australia. But then Nick dies suddenly when his car veers off the road and hits a tree, and Ellen is in mourning. Louise heads off to university but calls her mother every night to check up on her. Ellen is struggling to move on with her life after her husband has died. She is still weighed down with depression and grief — she struggles to pay bills or check the mail or even get up in the morning.
But when Ellen receives a letter from Gerry Clancy, her first love back in Ireland, she is able to pull herself out of her grief. He still lives in Ireland, but is now in Adelaide visiting his son. He wants to see her. The two reconnect and with Ellen’s best friend Tracey pushing her to try to make things work, Ellen starts to resume her life and she feels like she is able to move on.
“Once inside the house, Ellen went upstairs to make the bed she’d been in too much of a rush to make that morning. It was the little things that would keep her sane, she realised. The small routines she’d let go in the height of her grief. Only suddenly and in a fit of shame at the thought of Gerry Clancy seeing the state of the place had she been spurred into action. Maybe the timing of his visit hadn’t been so bad.”
There’s a hurdle in their love story when a deep and buried secret comes out, and Gerry and Ellen must face their relationship and their future. Tension builds between Ellen and Louise, because she is still grieving the death of her father and she doesn’t feel ready to forget him. The family is fragile, and Ellen must work to save it.
“Last night both she and Jennifer had been so shocked they’d hardly said a word on the drive to Felicity’s. The crew were there when they arrived and the punch was flowing. Louise didn’t care how bad it tasted as long as it helped her forget about what happened at the Popes’.”
Ellen is a wonderful protagonist. She’s strong and determined, and also incredibly relatable and likeable. She is an anchor for the book, the entire plot revolving around her. The relationships between Ellen and Gerry and Ellen and Louise are well-developed and plausibly placed. Additionally, Tracey is a hilarious side character and I loved any scene she was in. She provided comic relief and helped break up an otherwise sombre and melancholic scene.
Leaving Ocean Road is about learning to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of a new future. There are romantic plots for both Ellen and Louise, and together they find hope and purpose amidst their grief and mourning. Esther has done a great job of capturing this and illustrating it effectively and realistically.
This book may be a romance novel, but it’s also about family and friendships and the importance of letting go of the past and embracing the future. It’s sweet, but not over the top. I recommend this to fans of romance novels.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Leaving Ocean Road is a warm, funny, delightful romance novel for fans of Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly and Monica Mcinnerney — the story takes us across Australia, Greece and Ireland and explores a long lost love and the chance of reconnection.
Ellen Constantinopolous has been living in South Australia for twenty years, and she’s happy. Her family — her Greek husband Nick and her daughter Louise — live on a farm in a rural town in South Australia. But then Nick dies suddenly when his car veers off the road and hits a tree, and Ellen is in mourning. Louise heads off to university but calls her mother every night to check up on her. Ellen is struggling to move on with her life after her husband has died. She is still weighed down with depression and grief — she struggles to pay bills or check the mail or even get up in the morning.
But when Ellen receives a letter from Gerry Clancy, her first love back in Ireland, she is able to pull herself out of her grief. He still lives in Ireland, but is now in Adelaide visiting his son. He wants to see her. The two reconnect and with Ellen’s best friend Tracey pushing her to try to make things work, Ellen starts to resume her life and she feels like she is able to move on.
“Once inside the house, Ellen went upstairs to make the bed she’d been in too much of a rush to make that morning. It was the little things that would keep her sane, she realised. The small routines she’d let go in the height of her grief. Only suddenly and in a fit of shame at the thought of Gerry Clancy seeing the state of the place had she been spurred into action. Maybe the timing of his visit hadn’t been so bad.”
There’s a hurdle in their love story when a deep and buried secret comes out, and Gerry and Ellen must face their relationship and their future. Tension builds between Ellen and Louise, because she is still grieving the death of her father and she doesn’t feel ready to forget him. The family is fragile, and Ellen must work to save it.
“Last night both she and Jennifer had been so shocked they’d hardly said a word on the drive to Felicity’s. The crew were there when they arrived and the punch was flowing. Louise didn’t care how bad it tasted as long as it helped her forget about what happened at the Popes’.”
Ellen is a wonderful protagonist. She’s strong and determined, and also incredibly relatable and likeable. She is an anchor for the book, the entire plot revolving around her. The relationships between Ellen and Gerry and Ellen and Louise are well-developed and plausibly placed. Additionally, Tracey is a hilarious side character and I loved any scene she was in. She provided comic relief and helped break up an otherwise sombre and melancholic scene.
Leaving Ocean Road is about learning to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of a new future. There are romantic plots for both Ellen and Louise, and together they find hope and purpose amidst their grief and mourning. Esther has done a great job of capturing this and illustrating it effectively and realistically.
This book may be a romance novel, but it’s also about family and friendships and the importance of letting go of the past and embracing the future. It’s sweet, but not over the top. I recommend this to fans of romance novels.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2017
What would you do if your first boyfriend suddenly turned up on your doorstep when you had no idea he was even contemplating a visit to the remote coastal area of Port Lincoln in Australia?
Ellen and Nick are happy with their simple country life on Ocean Road in South Australia. Family life with their only daughter is almost perfect … until disaster struck.
Nick was gone. Snatched away far too soon – another tragic statistic. Not much later Louise heads to Flinders University in Adelaide. Suddenly life for Ellen has turned into a never-ending ticking of the clock and not much else. The housework is neglected, spider-webs fill the gaps between furniture and a network of mini gossamer curtains hang from the ceiling. The dishes wait hours, sometimes days, in the sink, not to mention the growing pile of unironed clothes on the sofa.
Why bother? There’s no one no else to see except for Paddy, her faithful little scruffy terrier who’s growing old and tired. He doesn’t care what the house looks like, as long as he gets a scratch and his bowl filled each morning. Thankfully, the constant blare of the television fills the empty house with something beyond that awful everlasting silence.
It’s just as well Louise rings every night to make sure her mum is okay, along with a few caring neighbours willing to keep an eye out to ensure she doesn’t end up where Nick has gone, only from choice and not a terrible accident. Louise misses the dad she adored and mum she once knew — the wise one with good sense — not this shell of a woman who still resembles her despite the sloppy track pants and unkempt hair.
Tracey is a Godsend and tries her hardest to turn her bestie’s life around but you can only do so much for someone who can’t see the point anymore. Until Gerry, a handsome divorcee from Ellen’s hometown in the Emerald Isle, lands in town.
After a couple of awkward meetings, that old familiar camaraderie returns and they soon fall into reminiscing about the ‘old days back home’. Underneath it’s another matter … that old simmering attraction is keeping them company while play acting at being nonchalant. It doesn’t help when she’s just a more mature version of the young beauty he used to long for and he’s as good-looking as she remembers, only more refined and with a slight hint of grey to make her heart beat that little bit faster.
And just as things start to look promising for these former sweethearts, she drops a bombshell …
This is a delightful tale, oozing with pathos and possibilities — perfect for when you want to forget about your own problems and slip inside Ellen’s heart, one that was once terribly broken and is slowly rising from the ashes. A well-written novel with beautiful descriptions from this new Irish author.
Ellen and Nick are happy with their simple country life on Ocean Road in South Australia. Family life with their only daughter is almost perfect … until disaster struck.
Nick was gone. Snatched away far too soon – another tragic statistic. Not much later Louise heads to Flinders University in Adelaide. Suddenly life for Ellen has turned into a never-ending ticking of the clock and not much else. The housework is neglected, spider-webs fill the gaps between furniture and a network of mini gossamer curtains hang from the ceiling. The dishes wait hours, sometimes days, in the sink, not to mention the growing pile of unironed clothes on the sofa.
Why bother? There’s no one no else to see except for Paddy, her faithful little scruffy terrier who’s growing old and tired. He doesn’t care what the house looks like, as long as he gets a scratch and his bowl filled each morning. Thankfully, the constant blare of the television fills the empty house with something beyond that awful everlasting silence.
It’s just as well Louise rings every night to make sure her mum is okay, along with a few caring neighbours willing to keep an eye out to ensure she doesn’t end up where Nick has gone, only from choice and not a terrible accident. Louise misses the dad she adored and mum she once knew — the wise one with good sense — not this shell of a woman who still resembles her despite the sloppy track pants and unkempt hair.
Tracey is a Godsend and tries her hardest to turn her bestie’s life around but you can only do so much for someone who can’t see the point anymore. Until Gerry, a handsome divorcee from Ellen’s hometown in the Emerald Isle, lands in town.
After a couple of awkward meetings, that old familiar camaraderie returns and they soon fall into reminiscing about the ‘old days back home’. Underneath it’s another matter … that old simmering attraction is keeping them company while play acting at being nonchalant. It doesn’t help when she’s just a more mature version of the young beauty he used to long for and he’s as good-looking as she remembers, only more refined and with a slight hint of grey to make her heart beat that little bit faster.
And just as things start to look promising for these former sweethearts, she drops a bombshell …
This is a delightful tale, oozing with pathos and possibilities — perfect for when you want to forget about your own problems and slip inside Ellen’s heart, one that was once terribly broken and is slowly rising from the ashes. A well-written novel with beautiful descriptions from this new Irish author.
August 15, 2017
Book blurb...
Twenty years ago, Ellen O'Shea left her beloved Ireland to make a new life in Australia. Now a popular local in a small coastal town, but struggling to cope with the death of her much-loved Greek husband, Nick, Ellen finds her world turned upside down when an unexpected visitor lands on her doorstep. The arrival of Gerry Clancy, her first love from Ireland, may just be the catalyst that pulls Ellen out of her pit of grief, but it will also trigger a whole new set of complications for her and those she holds dear.
Home is where the heart is - but where exactly is home? Can Ellen and Gerry's rekindled romance withstand the passage of time, family, young adult children with their own lives, and the shock disclosure of a long-held secret that will put all their closest relationships at risk?
Set in Ireland, Greece and small-town coastal Australia, Leaving Ocean Road is a warm-hearted, poignant story about treasuring our memories while celebrating our new beginnings.
My thoughts…
It is great to see another debut Australian Author writing about love and family relationships and giving readers everything they need in a story to curl up with.
This book certainly shows how characters lives can 'turn on a dime’ and how resilience (and a little humour) helps overcome, no matter what is thrown at them. In this case, not only is Ellen dealing with the tragic loss of her husband, but also her daughter’s grief.
If you like heartwarming stories that included adventures in Greece and Ireland, then be prepared to snuggle up with this one.
Leaving Ocean Road is a sweet story and an easy read, bringing light and humour to the topic of loss and grief.
Review also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
March 17, 2018
Thoroughly recommend Irish writer Esther Campion’s debut novel -‘Leaving Ocean Road’ - Ellen moved to Australia 20 years ago - she is in total disbelief and deep depression after her husband Nick dies. Her daughter is away studying and Ellen has retreated into a world of grief. Her best friend is doing her best to help Ellen recover and take control of her life - the jolt of a long lost love arriving unexpectedly from Ireland sends Ellen on a roller coaster of emotions- and a secret just adds to the mix. A real page turner - warm, poignant, humorous - bring on the next book Esther!
April 26, 2022
Really enjoyed this book - light reading, kept me turning the pages, most enjoyable
Twenty years ago, Ellen left her beloved Ireland to make a new life in Australia. Now struggling to cope with the death of her much loved husband, Nick, Ellen finds her world turned upside down when an unexpected visitor lands on her doorstep.
The arrival of Gerry Clancy, her first love from Ireland, may just be the catalyst that pulls Ellen out of her pit of grief, but it will also trigger a whole new set of complications for her and those she holds dear.
Twenty years ago, Ellen left her beloved Ireland to make a new life in Australia. Now struggling to cope with the death of her much loved husband, Nick, Ellen finds her world turned upside down when an unexpected visitor lands on her doorstep.
The arrival of Gerry Clancy, her first love from Ireland, may just be the catalyst that pulls Ellen out of her pit of grief, but it will also trigger a whole new set of complications for her and those she holds dear.
August 2, 2017
An enjoyable story about loss, secrets and carrying on with life when it doesn't go as we planned. A story of old love, new love and renewed love. I found all the characters easy to relate to, Port Lincoln is a place I could easily find myself settling down in, a small town where friends are always around. The conclusion was satisfying but there were moments I wondered how it would all turn out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Australia for the copy of this book
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Australia for the copy of this book
November 7, 2020
Unfortunately, it did nothing for me. Informal writing style makes for a light reading experience but this did not gel with the plot (it is about a woman who has just lost her husband). I found the dialogue very clichéd too. Depending on what country the character is from, they talk in a very unnatural way. I also didn’t like the insensitive marketing ploy used: the book’s cover had a sticker asking ‘Missing Maeve Binchy?’ Maeve Binchy has died. Use some tact.
December 9, 2023
This family span many locations, being Australia, Greece and Ireland. What happens in history comes to haunt Ellen O'Shea and secrets must be divulged, declared and dealt with. Ellen has already gone through trauma in her life so the opening of her secrets creates more drama and needs a huge amount of understanding from others. Ellen travels her journey making things right for her own life and those she loves.
February 18, 2018
Leaving Ocean Road is a heartfelt story of love, loss and family.
Beautifully written, I found it easy to see myself in the settings described, whether Australian or overseas.
Each character was perfectly integrated into the rich tapestry of the story.
I look forwards to reading more novels by Esther Campion
Beautifully written, I found it easy to see myself in the settings described, whether Australian or overseas.
Each character was perfectly integrated into the rich tapestry of the story.
I look forwards to reading more novels by Esther Campion
February 9, 2022
"warm, wise and full of humour" Cathy Kelly on the cover - why? the first half had death, betrayal, lies, mother/daughter angst, dead dog, neighbour falling into drink and losing his kids... honestly it was like a country and western song. it improved somewhat but even the title left me cold, no-one really left Ocean road.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
A great read!
This was a great read and I read the whole book in one sitting, on an overseas flight - I'm looking forward to a new story from Esther Campion, an easy to read, interesting story line with likeable and believable characters.
This was a great read and I read the whole book in one sitting, on an overseas flight - I'm looking forward to a new story from Esther Campion, an easy to read, interesting story line with likeable and believable characters.
March 16, 2018
A charming story set mainly in Port Lincoln in South Australia, Santorini in Greece and Cork and West Cork in Ireland. Family dynamics feature strongly with sad, happy and romantic moments as well as the importance of good friends. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2018
An entertaining and well-observed novel, full of warmth Irish humour set in Australia, Ireland and Greece as protagonist Ellen struggled to rebuild her life after the death of her husband. The dialogue had me laughing out loud and brought the characters came to life on the page.
September 25, 2017
Loved it, great read
May 27, 2018
I loved this book! I hope the author writes many more - she writes with humour and empathy with a great understanding of people!!
June 10, 2018
This was a light read. Ok, but probably won’t remember it in twelve months.
June 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
August 7, 2019
Nice easy read that had enough story line to keep you intrigued
Great beach/holiday reading
Great beach/holiday reading
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