Reviews: When in Dublin (3)
“A heartfelt journey of self-discovery, culture clashes, tea debates, and finding your place abroad. ☘️”
(Paperback)
"You've been house hunting for a year Jess... Maybe it's time to trust your gut instead of your models and spreadsheets."
I adored When in Dublin.
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
“Loved it!”
(Paperback)
I’d not heard of, or read anything by, the author and as a diaspora Dubliner, I’m not ashamed to say I was attracted to this book because of the title.
It took me a little while to get into, it but then I was hooked. I read this book in one sitting, in one day.
I quickly became invested in Jessica, her imposter syndrome, her insecurities, and her striving were all brilliantly depicted. I’m stupidly proud of the way her Irish colleagues and friends are described and the positive effect her friendships with them impacted her decisions. They were sound, a good Dublin expression for folk who are good, decent, reliable, and kind people. (Though one maybe not so ‘sound’ but no spoilers here!)
I really hope that this is the real life experience the author had when she worked in Dublin.
A lovely read. A tale of personal growth and of finding oneself.
I’m biased I know, but I can’t think of a better place to find oneself than in Dublin.
I just know that Jessica and the other characters are going to be staying with me for many days to come and I’m bereft to be leaving their company.
“Be brave and be bold and just enjoy”
(Paperback)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley, Heuston Press and of course Tracy Avery the author for this ARC.
To find out that this is Tracy’s debut novel blew me away as it definitely doesn’t feel it. I was instantly immersed and invested in Jessica’s (the MFC) journey to Dublin. Her character is so beautifully written, I found her so relatable in that sweet, perfectly imperfect and not immune to awkward moments kind of way.
Jessica travels to Dublin for a year as an ex pat. Reading her navigation of new places and people - some of which were so familiar to me; bought a whole new level of nostalgia I wasn’t expecting. There were references to some of my favourite places on Dublin such as Temple Bar and Trinity that were written so descriptively that it felt that I was transported right back there and given a warm Irish hug.
The other characters throughout the story, Simon, Orla and my favourite Aiden all help Jessica in their own way on her path of growth and self discovery.
Did I read it in one sitting YES….did I stay up past my bedtime also YES….regrets….NONE
Tracy Avery is a talented author with a shiny future ahead, whatever she writes next, I will be reading.
Read this if you love:
Strong character development
Charming locations
Stepping outside of your comfort zone
Low drama romance
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Hitting the shelves 20/05/26
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
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