A beautiful depiction showing the struggles different people throughout different fazes of life face and how you can always overcome the darkest of times. The writing was beautiful and I loved seeing every characters story connect and everyone's growth throughout the bool. This was a really sweet, heart-warming book and a great read.

Esme is the charming owner of this gorgeous guesthouse overlooking the wild Atlantic sea. Getting elderly now but refusing to give in even though she's now forced to sit in a chair with her leg up, having broken her ankle, she still manages to be the beating heart of the hotel. Though almost blind now,she manages to greet every guest and quickly discovers their secrets and worries. She dispenses wisdom and advice through her many stories and also with the aid of her guest book: at the top of each page is a handwritten quotation and when she invites het guests yo open a page at random, it invariably proves to be pertinent to their lives and problems.
This book is a wealth of Irish charm, warmth, humour and love.

I absolutely loved this book. All the people coming in and out of the guest house sharing their lives with each other and becoming unexpected friends.
Everyone coming to the guest house to try and take a break from what’s going on (good &bad) )in their lives. Some needing time away from their real life to find answers, figure our for themselves what to do and others just wanting to spend time with family while Esme is at the center of everything while recuperating.She listens, gives advise and offers them a welcoming place to stay. In the end everyone became a family of friends.

The descriptions were described so well that I wanted to visit with the characters at the Willows (guest house). There are wonderful, real situations presented in each of the characters. Not everything goes smoothly for each of them, but there are lessons learned without an iron hand. At the center of the guest house is the wise lady that has sweet tidbits to share about every situation. The story lines are so well woven together and the characters are so real that it's as if you are stepping into the story. When the book was wrapped up, I honestly wanted more.

An enjoyable story that touches on several current social issues and makes you think about what it was like to be a woman years ago when you had no agency. Well written, with well developed and sympathetic characters. You won't be disappointed.

I loved the cover of this book. I just wanted to sit in that window and look out over the sea. I wanted to do that even more when I began reading the book. Faith Hogan has conjured up such a lovely little community who all find themselves, one way or another, at Esme's guest house in the delightful town of Ballycove. (I actually googled that to see if it was a real place you could go to. Sadly it isn't.)
This story was charming. Easy to read but not twee. I liked the way the characters' stories were interwoven and I'll be seeking out other books by this author - in fact, I've already bought one!

This book wraps you up in love and hope. It is funny and wise, leaving you uplifted and warm.
A charming story with lovely people. I enjoyed it very much.

I would so love to visit and have some rest at The Guest House!
The cottage has been around for ages and it seems to give its visitors a renewed sense of direction and hope!
Each person in this novel has different challenges, including Esme the elderly lady who is in charge of this magical place. However, nothing stops Esme from listening and helping her guests to find their goals, no matter how hard they might be.
While reading, I could visualize the beautiful house and sea in the backyard!
It is definitely a beautiful read that many will enjoy as well!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Aria &Aries for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

I received a free copy of, The Guest House by the sea, by Faith Hogan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I could not finish this book. I read book for joy and the love of reading, but I do not like stories about termination.