the setup…
Genevieve Dempsey is a psychologist who has a theory about the five stages of grief and has assembled four people to participate in an experiment designed to mend their broken hearts. There’s Victoria, an acerbic 52-year old lawyer who doesn’t think she belongs there; Mischa, a 20-year old who can’t find a place in this world; Callum, a 29-year old rock star whose career and life is tanking because of his drug and alcohol abuse; and Freya, a 31-year old interior designer whose marriage is failing and suffers from panic attacks. Each has experienced a recent loss and Genevieve believes their sharing it with the group will put them on the path to being healed.
the heart of the story…
The group is unconventional and it didn’t take long for me to get invested in all of them, individually and collectively. They meet once a week at seven o’clock and participation is fragile until something magical begins to happen and they start bonding. But there’s more…and I never saw it coming!!!
the narration…
Clare Corbett, Emma Gregory, Luke Francis and Nikki Patel all gave wonderful performances, each sounding like the characters they portrayed as designed. Their storytelling skills were excellent and made a complicated structure flow with ease.
the bottom line…
The transitions between characters are seamless as they navigate through each group stage. I was rooting for all of them in different ways and got caught up in the spirit of the story, especially when it took a turn that lifted my imagination. I’ve not read a story quite like this and Ireland is an author to watch. I certainly will.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 15, 2025
- Narrators: Clare Corbett, Emma Gregory, Luke Francis & Nikki Patel
- Audio Length: 10 hours
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Great review – I do like the sound of this one
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Thank you, Sarah💜 I loved it!
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Sounds lie a wonderful story, Jo!
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It very much is, Marialyce 💜
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This one sounds interesting and I really enjoyed your review of it!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 I hope you’ll consider it.
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Intriguing! Glad you enjoyed it.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜
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Fab review, Jo, glad you enjoyed it!
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Thank you, Nicki💜
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Fab review! You definitely have me intrigued now. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I hope you’ll check it out.
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So glad to hear they got different narrators for the different characters. That would really be essential for this one. And glad you enjoyed it of course.
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Thanks, Joanne💜 Separate narrators were essential to the story and made such a difference.
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I have seen this one around and some rave reviews. I’m glad you enjoyed it and with individual narrators, I will have to see if I can find the audiobook. Wonderful review, Jo.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I got this from the library. The hype is earned.
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