This is a lovely heartwarming read about a guest house ran by esme. I loved the sweet story it was perfect as a holiday read.

In "The Guest House by the Sea" by Faith Hogan, readers are transported to the picturesque village of Ballycove, where the soothing rhythm of the Atlantic waves is a backdrop for stories of hope, second chances, and the transformative power of unexpected connections. Hogan's poignant narrative weaves together the lives of diverse characters as they seek solace, renewal, and a chance to find their way amidst life's challenges.

The story revolves around Esme, the devoted keeper of the guest house. As the summer season approaches, Esme's waning sight and a fall force her to step back from her role for the first time. From her vantage point in the entry hall, Esme watches over the guests who come seeking refuge and a new perspective on life.

Hogan masterfully brings each character to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in their struggles, dreams, and aspirations. Cora, whose husband is absent; Niamh, facing a life-altering decision; and Phyllie, a grandmother trying to mend her fractured family, are just a few of the individuals who grace the pages of this novel. As Esme observes their journeys, their experiences are beautifully intertwined, offering a portrait of human resilience and the interconnectedness of their stories.

Esme serves as the linchpin of the narrative, a figure of wisdom and warmth who gently guides her guests through their challenges. Her own personal journey is a testament to the power of adapting and embracing change, even in the twilight years. Her insights and compassion underscore the idea that it's never too late to seek healing and renewal.

Hogan's vivid descriptions capture the charm of Ballycove and its surroundings, creating a vivid backdrop that adds depth to the story. The guest house itself becomes a symbol of solace, where individuals find respite from their troubles and forge connections that have the potential to alter their paths.

As the characters' lives intertwine, "The Guest House by the Sea" explores themes of hope, forgiveness, and the indomitable human spirit. The novel's pacing is expertly crafted, allowing readers to become emotionally invested in each character's journey. Hogan's writing style is evocative and reflective, creating an immersive reading experience that tugs at the heartstrings.

A very pleasant book, centred around a wonderful sounding guesthouse on the Irish coast. Run by Esme for so many years, she is now struggling with her failing sight and then she has an accident, just as the season is about to start. Her right hand woman, Marta, takes over the day to day running, with Esme stationed in the hallway to greet and chat to the guests. And what an assortment they are, all with their own troubles and problems. Esme maybe old but she has plenty of life experience and helpful advice to impart. They get through the season and in fact, it turns out to be a wonderful few months for them all, with some lovely happy endings.

A easy to read story, nothing earth shattering but a nice read. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

I love Faith Hogan's books. The covers are always so gorgeously designed and the stories inside are always so heartfelt and wonderful. This newest book was no exception. It was so sweet and made me want to visit this guest house.

Thank you so much for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is a lovely and charming book. It is very well written and descriptive, the Guest house sounds like a real place. Sadly it is not, but I can picture it perfectly in my mind.
This is an easy read, very heartwarming and uplifting. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

The Guest House By The Sea was a cosy and enjoyable read.

There’s some sensitive topics covered – ageism, disability, abortion, dementia, marriage problems and affairs but they are dealt in a delicate and gentle way.

There’s also strong friendship, women supporting women, wise words and lots of love in this book.

This book is about four women, of different ages, with different lives and a gloomy present.

Their stories carefully intertwine from the moment they step into The Willows guest house, they intentionally and unintentionally help each other to take some decisions that will change their future.

I was so caught up in the journey of Esme, Phyllis, Cora and Niamh, I desperately wanted them to have a happy ending.

It was a pleasure to see them start a beautiful friendship and grow fond of each other.

I really felt that I was transported to the coast of Ballycove in the Republic of Ireland and could practically smell the fresh sea breeze.

The Guest House by the Sea by Faith Hogan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
Esme has been the owner and operator of The Willows for years now. The sea-side inn in Ballycove, Ireland has been a respite for many. It has been a place of vacation for some and healing for others. Esme’s eyesight is failing and her recent accident has left her to heal this time. The guests at the inn are all there for different reasons. Cora needs time and space from her husband to try to figure out what she really wants in life. Niamh is a woman from the city with life changing decisions to make. Phyllie is a grandmother trying to help her son and husband. Each person has an interesting story and Esme is there to help them find the answers.
I really enjoyed this book. It was like a big hug. Each person had a real storyline and it was interesting how the author wove them together. Esme was a strong and wise character. A beautiful beach read with substance!

Esme has been running her B&B for as long as anyone in Ballycove can remember. When she is cleaning and takes a fall right before the summer tourist season begins she has to rely on her employees and friends to help out. Esme sets in a chair near the front entrance and keeps track of all her guests. Her two favorites are Cora and Phyllie who are both needing a miracle. This is an uplifting story about discovering love, friendship and the healing power of the Irish sea air. A fun slightly predictable story to enjoy.

What a heartwarming story, I love the idea of a place like this where the older owner recalls memories , greets guests and in a round about way helps them with situations or problems . I want to go visit this lovely guest house and have tea with Esme. The story starts with Esme whose sight is failing falling and being delegated to a wheelchair in the front hall of the guest house. Here she greets all guests and although she can’t see picks up on what may be troubling them all. The cast of characters was wonderful and I enjoyed reading each storyline and then seeing how they all came together.

I voluntarily received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

I would recommend this book to my friends, family and book club

This is a lovely book set in a guesthouse in the West of Ireland. It is mainly Esme's story and how the guesthouse has been such a large part of her life. We meet various guests with their different reasons for seeking refuge at The Willows. The stories of all the characters are beautifully interwoven and very sympathetically written. I loved the style of writing and how each chapter came from a different character. Loved this book and it was the perfect summer read. Thankyou Netgalley for a free copy to review.

A cosy heartwarming story that would make a lovely holiday read. I would love to stay in this guesthouse. Another wonderful novely by Faith Hogan.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for the e-arc.

Faith Hogan - The Guest House By The Sea.

Esme is the feisty octogenarian owner of The Willows guesthouse. After an accident, Esme is out of action and totally reliant on her friend and employee Marta.

As the holiday season begins, guests start to arrive. They all come carrying their own troubles and worries.
The Willows is a perfect place to stop and take stock. A place where guests can recharge, pause and consider their next move.

Every day Esme is parked in reception and despite being out of action physically, she still manages to offer words of advice and comfort to all who need it. With her endless supply of stories and words of wisdom from the guest book.

I think I fell a little bit in love with The Willows and it’s residents.
Esme is a wise old bird who isn’t ready for the quiet life any time soon.
Marta is fabulous. A straight talking force of nature.

Cora, Phyllie and Niamh are all going through their own troubles and dilemmas when they arrive at The Willows.
I liked all three women and felt for the situations that they found themselves in.

The setting of the book is idyllic. I could clearly picture the veranda at the front of The Willows. With it’s breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean, it sounds perfect.

Faith Hogan wrote this story beautifully. The characters are relatable, as are their situations.

This story wrapped itself around my heart and carried me along on it’s journey.

Faith Hogan has sensitively and intelligently covered a number of difficult subjects in this book. It’s a tough read in places, but utterly worth ploughing through anything that touches close to home.

#TheGuestHouseByTheSea is a powerful, but gentle read. Full of Irish charm, wit and warmth.
It’s poignant, touching, bitter sweet, heartbreaking, uplifting and utterly gorgeous.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for a digital arc of this title.

I’ve loved all of Faith Hogan’s Ballycove novels and I couldn’t wait to head back there and see what characters she was going to introduce to us this time. The answer is, of course, a cadre of interesting, strong women who are dealing with life issues that will be familiar to all of us reading her novels whilst trying to deal with what life is throwing at us. Pregnancy, marital hiccups, illness, loss and aging are all recognisable topics that Faith is exploring here in a tender and understanding way.

At the centre off the story is Esme, an octogenarian who is having to face up to the fact that her increasing age and frailty is making it harder and harder for her to run The Willows Guest House in Ballycove. The fact that the guest house is looking a bit worse for wear and is being circled by a shark-like property developer isn’t helping, but how can she contemplate giving up on the place that has been her refuge in the worst times in her life?

Not only has it been a refuge for Esme, but the other women in the book find peace, comfort and friendship in the cosy atmosphere of The Willows as well, as they work through the problems in their own lives. Getting away from their every day and being able to consider their problems from a distance, along with the sage wisdom of Esme and the gems of advice from The Willows guest book, all help them come to a resolution about their way forward and give them a firm foundation of camaraderie on which to build their futures. The magic of Ballycove is weaving its spell again, on both characters and readers alike.

This book, out of all the Ballycove novels I’ve read, reminded me most of the writing of Maeve Binchy, the woman who introduced me to Irish women’s writing and remains to this day one of my favourite authors. Her death left a hole in my heart and some big shoes to fill. She was a genius at understanding human nature and translating it on to the page so, to say that Faith has evoked echoes of her writing in this book is some of the highest praise I could possibly give. I really loved this book, I think Faith has elevated her writing to a new level here and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Serious issues with a cosy touch. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

The Guest House by the Sea by Faith Hogan is a comforting read. The Octogenarian owner, Esme, recently had a fall and is confined to a wheelchair temporarily. Added to her compromised mobility, Esme's eyesight is also failing. Reluctant to hand over the running of the guest house entirely to her best friend and companion, Marta, Esme requests to be near the reception. From her vantage point, Esme can keep up with all the coming and going of the guests.
The guests include Cora, whose marriage has lost its spark; Niamh, a pregnant (and single) city professional with a life-changing decision to make and Phyllis, whose husband's health is failing, Esme, who has seen it all over the years, can tell that these particular guest are either running away from something or trying to hold on to something. They gradually open up to Esme.
As with The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club by the same author, this novel tackles serious issues lightheartedly.
Warmth, friendship, and new beginnings are all wrapped up in this beautifully written book.



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A delightfully comfortable book, melding together the lives of women who seek refuge in a guesthouse by the sea. Dreamy but also relatable, this book is the perfect read for our stressful times.

Starts a little like a sequel, with a condensed back story. Then it starts to fill out with the stories of the guests and the reasons they came to stay. Dealing with old people and dementia, old relationships that need a rework, and new possibilities, the house is a place to cone to terms with the past and forge a new road ahead.

The Guest House by the Sea by Faith Hogan

Esme has run a guest house in Ballycove for many years but her eyesight is failing and an accident leaves her immobile and relying on her housekeeper Marta to do everything. But the guests still need her friendship and emotional support - Cora who has left her husband of many years, Niamh who is facing a tough decision and Phyllis who worries about her husband and her widowed son and grandson.

What a lovely book! I loved the friendship and community of the guest house, the characters were all interesting and different, but worked so well together, and I absolutely loved the setting - I'd love to go and stay at the guest house myself! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I love this story and the theme of second chances. It made me want to take a trip to the seaside and relax like a guest.

This was my first Faith Hogan read but it will not be my last! This book had a Maeve Binchy feel…full of warmth and wisdom and amazing characters. Esme owns and runs a guest house in Ballycove where families have enjoyed the holidays for many years. When Esme’s life takes a rough turn, she worries that this will be the end of what she loves so much. This is an amazing story of love and friendship and how bad things can turn to good with a little help from our friends.