Three generations. Two families. One secret.
After another relationship disaster Alice Littleton returns home to spend summer in Dublin’s Sandycove with her Mum, Ciara and beloved grandmother, Eva at their family deli and grocers.
As Alice settles back into her old life with best friend Becca and her new boyfriend Conal Blake, she begins to fall back in love with the everyday rhythms of their family shop and Irish life. Is this the tonic she needs to mend a broken heart?
Single and with mid-life looming her mother Ciara is consumed with running the family deli and feels life is passing her by until best friend Mary-Marg suggests they restart the disco they used to run as teenagers. Could this be what Sandycove’s millennials need or will there be murder on the dancefloor? But it seems all small-towns have their fair share of secrets and ultimately the past will always catch up with you.
Why does Conal’s grandmother insist on meeting Alice and what happened between her and Eva?
And why hasn’t Ciara spoken to Conal’s father, Paddy, for thirty years?
Is it time for the truth to be told so they can change their future?
If We Could Turn Back Time by Sian O’Gorman is an absolute joy of a read that transported me straight to the heart of Sandycove. The picturesque Irish setting, beautifully described by the author, came alive with such vivid detail that I could almost smell the freshly baked bread and hear the chatter in the family deli.
From the very first page, I felt immersed in the rhythms of small-town life and completely invested in the Littleton family—three generations of women, each with their own challenges, secrets, and dreams. Alice, Ciara, and Eva felt so real and relatable, with their hopes and struggles interwoven into a heartwarming story of love, resilience, and rediscovery.
Alice’s return home after heartbreak and her journey of healing were beautifully handled, and I loved watching her reconnect with her family and rediscover her roots. Ciara’s storyline, as a single mother grappling with mid-life, was equally touching and empowering. Her decision to restart the disco with her best friend Mary-Marg added a wonderful touch of nostalgia and fun to the story. And Eva, with her gentle wisdom and strong presence, was the glue that held the family together.
The secrets revealed as the story progressed were perfectly paced and added just the right amount of intrigue. Conal’s grandmother’s connection to Eva, and the long-buried history between Ciara and Conal’s father, Paddy, kept me hooked. The emotional depth of these revelations, paired with the light-hearted charm of Sandycove life, created a wonderful balance.
I picked this book up as a break from my usual crime and thriller reads, and it was exactly what I needed. The cover drew me in with its fun and vibrant vibe, and the story delivered on every promise. The descriptive narrative allowed me to envision every scene, and by the end, I felt like a part of this delightful community. Knowing that Sian O’Gorman has published a number of books set in Sandycove, I’m eager to delve into them and spend more time with these wonderful characters in this charming setting.
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read that resonated deeply with me. If you’re looking for a story brimming with charm, heartfelt moments, and delightful surprises, If We Could Turn Back Time is perfect. Five sparkling stars from me!
Sincere thanks to Sian O’Gorman, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing the digital advanced reader copy of this novel. I have already pre-ordered a paperback copy for a friend, and I know I’ll want to read this again in the future. Definitely one of my top reads of 2025!
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts of it, may also be shared on my social media channels and various book platforms. Links are accurate at the time of publication.
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