“The Irish Goodbye” by Amy Ewing (5 stars)

Cordelia wants to escape to Ireland and Niall is escaping back home to Ireland. What happens when these two lost and broken-hearted singles can’t seem to stop running into each other on their tiny Irish island? Clearly you have to read on to find out…or maybe you already know. Either way, it’s worth the read to watch these two lovelorn individuals try to rebuild their lives, their hearts, and maybe even their passion for the things they hold most dear.

Amy Ewing started writing for young adults, but The Irish Goodbye shows she clearly has a knack for adult fiction as well. Plus, her website bio states, “As the daughter of a librarian, books were a crucial part of my childhood” (Amy Ewing). So as a librarian and fellow book-lover, I knew I was going to love her writing. As her first foray into adult romance, she knocked it out of the park. There’s so much to love about this book, so let's dig in…

A romantic read for those looking to escape into the Irish countryside. If you’re an obsessive lover of all things Irish (not pointing fingers, except maybe at myself), then this is the book for you. From the classic coziness of a remote island to the overwhelming kindness of the people you meet along the way, this is the epitome of everyone’s dream visit to Ireland. I couldn’t stop reading and I fell completely in love from page one.

Ultimately, it’s an everyday romance, but if you’re okay with that (which honestly what romance reader isn’t?) then I’d suggest diving in right now. It’s got some of your favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers, finding oneself, found family, and so much more all wrapped into one tiny village. It doesn’t break the mold of romantic fiction, but it does add to the genre in the perfect way.

Besides, who doesn’t want to escape to a small Irish island every once in a while? I know I would personally love an escape to any town as beautiful and peaceful as Ewing makes Inishmore seem. It’s the descriptive telling and the passionate intensity of these two characters that makes the story shine. Plus, it’s fun to read a book where you can easily imagine yourself in the character's shoes. I couldn’t believe how easily I became absorbed by the depictions, romance, and sense of belonging that Cordelia develops throughout the story.

The depictions of the Irish island are beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of imagining I was living in a cozy cottage on the shore with my grumpy new guy. Quirky side characters, steamy romance, and the classic enemies-to-lovers trope we all love will keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m not saying it’s perfect (or maybe I kind of am). But I am saying that it’s one of the few books I would read again and again…and actually have! Reread number three is coming up in March as my St. Patrick’s Day celebration read.

Maybe that’s why it’s gotten so many amazing reviews:

• “I've seen it said before – If you liked the movie Leap Year, this is 1000% the summer read for you! Just trust me, you're going to be obsessed with this one.” (dearhaleynicole)
• “The Irish Goodbye is a heartfelt, emotional, and steamy romance for anyone who likes travel, Ireland, family dynamics, and important career arcs.” (Amanda’s Book Corner).

Personally, “Who doesn’t dream of a holiday romance with the grumpy neighbor? It’s absolute perfection in every way. Cordelia is quirky and lovely and impossible not to root for throughout.” (Goodreads). Clearly what I’m trying to say is: GO READ THIS BOOK!