Thank you to NetGalley, Sinead Moriarty and Penguin UK for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this novel and I was trying to stop requesting novels but for some reason the blurb of this novel really stuck with me. I enjoyed half of the characters in this novel and could really relate to them. I loved how real the issues and people were; some were issues we've all had in our relationships or could even be having right now. I relate so easily to one of the families and how exhausting it is to try to maintain your relationship and be a parent, and I only have one! It felt like a long novel, but it all seemed very necessary to address all the issues with each character. It still ended without knowing what happened to one couple and it kills me.

A beautiful read following the ups and downs of relationships and the strength it takes to pursue love. This story kept me captivated, had me laughing out loud and even examining my own relationships – I couldn’t wait to keep reading. All the stories wove together brilliantly and the crossover between characters was very well done. I was a bit unsure when I started the book as the opening character was older than I was expecting and in a different life stage from myself. However, the writing was fantastic and easy to follow and I was soon immersed completely in the book. I felt I was able to relate and understand the perspective of all characters even if they were experiencing things I had not. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Sinead Moriarty!

About Us is a beautifully written account of the lives of Dubliners (how refreshing that it isn't set in London!), who are all seeking something in their lives. The novel focuses on three couples/individuals and although their is some intertwined-ness (?) the stories more or less could be read on their own (also refreshing!). I think this book could speak to a lot of different people and that's what works with the varied viewpoints from which its written. We meet our protagonists Ann, Alice and Orla. We meet their family and friends. And then we meet Maggie.

Maggie, a couples/sex therapist, plays an important role in the novel but I did wonder if she'd pop up somewhere else too - ...and she never did - yet she is the one that brings each character through the pages to the "ending" or "new beginning" of the final chapters.

I really identified with Alice, a busy stay at home mom of four school-aged children, as well as Ann - both, as it turns out, struggling to redefine themselves outside of their role of mum/caretaker. And perhaps now that I think more about it - this applies to Orla too - charge to her twenty something kindergarten-aged charges.

Perhaps though, the most under-rated character, close to the least liked (although Niall, Alice's husband scores a close second for me), Ken - Ann's husband of almost 40 years - provides ultimately provides us with a beautiful, inspiring ending. Ken left me with hope as I clicked to the last page of this novel. I would never have chosen this character as the one to surprise me - I never thought he'd get off the couch (something he and Niall have in common).

I do have to wonder though, who was Paul's one night stand? Was it Zoe? Or are we meant to keep wondering about that too?

I would rate this 3.5 out of 5. It’s a quick read. The three main characters are Alice, Ann and Orla. I think we all can relate to Alice and Ann at some point in our lives. Orla was a bit weird. Overall a good chic lit book. Gave me a few good laughs! I definitely recommend. Nice light read.

This book is about sex, sexual problems, and struggling relationships. Three couples find very different solutions to their problems within a no-nonsense therapeutic relationship. Their difficulties and attempts to deal with them had me partly clucking in empathy and partly roaring with laughter. I could relate to many of the aspects brought to therapy, a further point that made me enjoy this book, together with the easily flowing prose. I did however struggle a bit with the characters and outcomes. The former were a bit clichéd and irritating at times,  the latter almost miraculous. Nevertheless, the exploration of problems and motives, and the emergence of underlying emotions was well done by the author and conveys the value of self-exploration as a path to healing and satisfaction with life.
I was well entertained by this easy, recommendable novel and wish to thank NetGalley and the publishers for this enjoyable eARC.

This is my first Moriarty book and the first novel I've read that contain multiple stories wrapped into one. I usually try to avoid books like this because I find it difficult to connect with characters when there are so many people/couples to cover. Most books feel rushed. I was not let down, however. As someone who has never been in any of these situations (or possibly yet to experience it), I was pleasantly surprised to be able to relate in some sense. I think what really drew me in was the actual advice given during sessions. What you think you know vs what it actually is... is very intriguing. This had me really appreciate the beauty of therapy and healing. Worth the read.

Like another reader I had to force myself to finish this book where three couples find healing in their relationships. I just find some of their problems were pretty routine with aging , caring for a young family, job commitments, and stress of every day living. Therapists certainly can be useful but I did not connect with these characters and their issues.

I loved this book. The writing and storyline was easy to follow. I loved all the points of view of the characters. Highly recommend.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was fantastic and easy to follow, so I’m definitely interested in reading more by this author. I found the plot intriguing but some of the characters were quite annoying at times. Maybe it is because I’m 24 and not able to connect with the two older couples and their inability to communicate. Still a good read! 3.5