4.5⭐️ This book hooked me, my interest, and my heart from the beginning, and didn’t let go until the last page.

Grief is such a big topic, and I loved the way this book approached it. I’m a big fan of the found family trope, and this book so beautifully delves into that. Each of the 4 characters had their own kind of grief to deal with, and seeing how differently they all did that was interesting. I loved the way they supported one another in their journeys, and how close they all became was sweet. The multiple POVs were a great way to have the story unfold, and being able to see all the characters’ reactions to things helped me feel more connected to them.

There were one or two times throughout the book where something was vaguely/briefly said that made me think some kind of twist was coming, but I was 100% unprepared for what that twist was. I’m talking gasping, jaw hanging open, eyes wide, unbelieving kind of unprepared. From that point on I was glued to my book, needing to find out how it was all going to end. I absolutely loved how it all wraps up, and the very last chapter left me feeling content and hopeful.

Run, do not walk, to read this book!

The Seven o’clock Club
Amelia Ireland

a newly developed form of group therapy for grief with 4 people, 1 therapist, once a week

📍 London
🗣️ multiple POVs, distinct and easy to follow
❤️‍🩹 peeling back everyone’s heart and reason to grieve
📖 a sad girl book but not JUST a sad girl book
✨ complicated characters, thought-provoking chapters, and explores beyond grief & loss
🥊 short chapters, packs an emotional punch

I recommend knowing less before jumping into this, but come right back when you’re done and tell me what you thought about the book!!

I really enjoyed this read & think a lot of people can resonate deeply with this book. what an amazing debut, I cannot wait to read more from this author!!

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group.

In a perfectly ordinary building, four strangers who could not be more different meet for the first time. Their skepticism of this new kind of grief therapy—and the unnervingly perceptive group leader—means they are all wary, but as the weeks go by, they find themselves returning again and again, pulled to work toward healing, even if it means first facing the pain head-on.

A sharp-tongued lawyer who has no intention of letting down her walls, a fragile young woman looking for a place to belong, a musician at the top of his game who is one drink away from losing it all, and an interior designer facing the crumbling of her picture-perfect life—this unlikely group slowly opens up, not only to the possibility of a happier future but to friendship, change, and even romance.

When a shocking revelation reveals the real reason they were chosen for this group, it shakes the very foundation of what they thought they knew. What began as a journey designed to heal turns out to be a much greater test of friendship, strength, and love as they realize happiness is just outside the door if they are brave enough to seek it.

The Seven O'Clock Club is a surprising and heartfelt debut from Ireland. It is a reminder that life can give you hope. Four strangers are brought together to participate in an experimental treatment designed to heal broken hearts. This book was a wonderful tale of grief and the healing process. I really enjoyed reading about an entire group going through the grief process, and each one was different. This group really needed each other, and it just proves that connection, community and shared experience can mean a lot and can make a difference. It was a really sad book, but it was amazing to see how each of them were able to grow throughout this story. I found myself so invested in each of the characters journey of self-discovery and healing. And that plot twist. The short chapters were also a bonus. Be prepared for it being a slightly slow start as you get to know the characters. But I highly recommend checking this one out if you are looking for a heartfelt book about life, love, and loss.

Rating: 3.5/5

i so thoroughly enjoyed this book. I simply couldn’t put it down. It was such a unique concept and I thought it was done so so well!!

This book follows 4 strangers (Mischa, Victoria, Freya, and Callum) who meet in a type of grief support group led by Genevieve. Genevieve had this idea she is trying for the first time with this group and it’s a group counseling to help these individuals process and work through their grief. We follow these characters through the different stages of grief and through this learn more about each character and their story. This unlikely group of individuals formed such a strong bond that was so fun to read. The twist that is revealed when we learn what happens to each of these individuals gave me chills.

This is a story that really takes you on a journey with these people and makes you feel their emotions with them. From the character building, comedic relief, multiple POVs, short chapters, and touch of magical realism this was so good. I was so enthralled with the story.

There was a lot to this one that is compelling. Individually developed characters, all with unique personalites and pasts. it takes some time to get to know them and their pasts but once you do, you are hooked. This is a book that will make you think after.

ABSOLUTELY MY FAVORITE BOOK SO FAR THIS YEAR. YES I SAID IT. This was the perfect immersive novel with the perfect jaw-dropping moments and was drawn in right from the start. The story was easy to follow even with multiple characters and POVs. I went in pretty blind and absolutely loved it. Without giving much away, I felt like it was a perfect mix between TJ Klune’s fun fantasy and Fredrick Backman’s Anxious People writing style. LOVED IT.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC!

The Seven O'Clock Club by Amelia Ireland is a captivating story that I devoured in one sitting. I was completely engrossed in the plot, unsure of where it was leading but sensing an underlying tension. The unexpected twist at the end left me reeling, taking me on one final exhilarating ride when I thought the story had concluded. This novel is truly unique, cleverly crafted, and authentically emotional. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.

When four strangers answer an advertisement for grief therapy, they don’t know what they’re getting into. Led by the quiet Genevieve, the participants seemingly have nothing in common besides grief itself.

First there is Victoria, a no nonsense and skeptical lawyer with a devoted husband. Then comes Freya, a quiet interior designer in a troubled marriage. Next is Mischa, a young and lonely woman who has had a lot of heartache in her short life. Finally there’s Callum, the swoon worthy, but self destructive rock star.

While each enters their sessions initially guarded, the foursome can’t help but to open up to one another, slowly forming a unique bond that none of them could have anticipated. Before long friendships are formed and even, quite possibly, love could blossom. But the bigger question still remains. Why were they chosen and how do they move forward?

The first three quarters of the book unfold in a pretty predictable manner, though the specifics behind each individual’s loss remain unstated. But it’s the last quarter, where all is revealed, and that’s where the story steps outside the typical circle of grief into unexpected philosophical depth and some pretty creative storytelling. This is also why it’s hard to elaborate (or review) this book without giving much away. What I will say is that the last bit had this book go from mediocre to memorable.

The Seven O’Clock Club is an impressive debut that successfully weaves together so many emotions, not unlike the stages of grief itself. I highly recommend checking this out if you’re looking for a timely twist on life, love, and loss.

Amelia Ireland's novel "The Seven O’Clock Club" explores the grief process of four distinctive individuals who have faced personal tragedies. Their stories are explored in a series of unconventional counseling sessions.

The narrative delves into themes such as grief, acceptance, friendship, support, and the journey of coping with trauma. These four individuals, initially strangers, come together to process their grief in their own way. They gather weekly over a series of sessions, gradually revealing their stories and forming connections. As time progresses, bonds of friendship and love begin to flourish. The group sessions offer a secure space to express their truths, no matter how difficult.

The book presents a multi-character narrative, incorporating perspectives from the therapist as well. The author skillfully weaves these viewpoints together, resulting in a unified and engaging story. A significant twist in the plot introduces an unforeseen element that reshapes the reader's initial interpretation of the narrative. The author skillfully illustrated the stages of grief with each character. The Seven O’Clock Club is a uniquely touching story that I really enjoyed and highly recommend.

Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Seven O’Clock Club is an interesting read. It is written by Amelia Ireland and is her first book in print. The premise of the book is a different way of looking at things and the twist was an interesting feature that will either sit well or not with readers.

The book starts out introducing us to four characters who have been selected for a new type of grief therapy. They meet weekly at 7 and seemingly face their healing head on. The leader seems to ask questions in an open ended way to help facilitate their story. Each of the four characters are forced to face their grief and in working together seem to have made a strong connection to move forward. Then the twist happens.

I really enjoyed the four different characters. I found them to be interesting and liked how they were supportive of each other. I liked the overarching theme of the book, and didn’t find it objectionable, if anything it allowed another way for the book to move in a positive way. What an interesting debut novel from Amelia Ireland. I can’t wait to read her second novel. The Seven O’Clock Club was a really good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This book was unfortunately too depressing for my taste. I was hoping to love it based on that beautiful book cover, and I did really try and get into it, but unfortunately this book was not for me. I may be open to reading more by Amelia Ireland in the future.

I was intrigued by this book as soon as I saw it. The circle of chairs on the cover gave a hint that it would be about a group as did the title. As someone with a social work background and as a facilitator of support groups, I was curious to see who the group was for, what the sessions would be like, and how Ireland's story would unfold. I was not disappointed.

The novel opens with a witness transcript. This adds an element of immediate suspense. Why was it necessary to testify?

The story then moves to the four characters who are attending a unique bereavement group run by a therapist named Genevieve. She has the right credentials for the job. The members of this circle have varying degrees of motivation and their own unique stories.

Readers get to know Mischa, Freya, Callum and Victoria in book sections that are titled with stages of grief as, for example, denial. The grief of the four unfolds over the course of the book as do their relationships and interactions with each other.

The story had a feel of authenticity in that first session. Each member was asked, not to talk about their loss, but rather about a happy memory. This is the beginning of getting to know these characters and readers will indeed get to know them well.

Having been specially selected to be in this particular group, will the four get the help that they need or will other forces come into play? Have the four been selected for individual reasons or does something bind them together? Readers will have to pick this one up to find out.

I thought that this book was well written and intriguing. It would make a good book club pick.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

This almost felt like two books in one - in a good way.

Four unlikely strangers meet for group grief counselling in an unorthodox session. As they tell their stories, they all start to feel connected in ways they couldn’t have expected.

I was SO into all four stories and thought all the characters were extremely well thought out. I honestly even cried a bit, there were a few parts extremely shocking and moving. I think it’s a good idea to go into this book as blind as possible, let the story take you in.

Incredibly compassionate, emotional, and immersive. Amelia Ireland is a very intelligent writer that understands humanity and I can’t wait to read more by her. Great for fans of Matt Haig and Fredrik Backman.

It was a good depiction of how grief can manifrst itself in different ways. It was a bit unexpected, which was nice as well. I'm always happy when books can surprise me in a positive way.

This is a beautiful story of four broken beings that comes together processing their loss through the stages of grief. If you have experienced loss, this book will definitely bring out the water works in you.

The author really captures each stages of grief accurately. Here I was wondering when Sci-Fi comes in, and boy did it come in with a plot twist!

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Amelia Ireland for this beautiful read and for letting me give my honest review on this ARC.

This was an engrossing and emotional debut with a unique mix of heartwarming content and surprising twists. It was a wonderful tale of grief and the healing process, and the author dealt with it with sensitivity and depth without using the typical character portrayals. I loved how it was an entire group going through the grief process, and each one was different. It set up the various stages of grief in a uniquely profound manner. This group needed each other, and it just proves that connection, community and shared experience can mean a lot and can make a big difference.

The character development was easy to see as the book progressed; they were richly drawn and relatable. I found myself completely invested in their journeys of self-discovery and healing. The relationships between the group members are well crafted and clearly show the power of human connection. The plot twist was both unexpected and impactful, it added a layer of depth and complexity to the storyline. The narrative itself is well-paced, gradually building tension. I was emotionally invested in the story when the twist came along, so it made it more effective.

The author’s writing style is very expressive and insightful as well as thought-provoking, making it a very immersive read. It made me think of my own experiences of losing loved ones. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom, the book does an excellent job of mixing very heavy emotional moments with times of happiness. Amelia Ireland has written a moving and unforgettable story that will hit home with anyone who has lost a loved one.

I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster, navigating the lives of Mischa, Freya, Victoria, and Callum. Each character's perspective opened a window into a soul burdened by grief, their stories so raw and real that I couldn't help but feel a profound connection. Their pain became my pain, their journey my own.

Ireland's storytelling? Nothing short of masterful. She weaves these individual threads into a tapestry so intricate, I found myself gasping as the patterns emerged. And just when I thought I had it all figured out – a twist so shocking, it left me reeling, questioning everything I thought I knew.

But here's the real magic of "The Seven O'Clock Club": amidst the heavy themes of loss and sorrow, there's an undercurrent of hope that bubbles up in the most unexpected places. Watching friendships blossom between these unlikely companions was like witnessing a flower push through concrete – improbable, beautiful, and utterly captivating.

This book challenged me to suspend my disbelief, to embrace the extraordinary lurking within the ordinary. For those of us who love our fiction with a dash of magic and a hefty dose of emotional truth, "The Seven O'Clock Club" is an absolute must-read.

Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for my free books for review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amelia Ireland, and Berkley for this advanced reading copy of The Seven O'clock Club in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book.

The Seven O'clock Club is an intriguing story about four strangers in a therapy group for grieving people. Each one of them has different reasons for being there and comes from a different background, but they all have one thing in common. Finding out what that one thing was blew my mind!

This book is told from the viewpoints of the four strangers and the therapist running the group. It was interesting to read the logic of each person and why they were grieving. It was interesting to see the characters develop friendships outside of the therapy sessions too.

I loved how unique this story is, and the ending is very clever. I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time. I love the take on the stages of grief and how there are more than just the usual stages.

If you are interested in books with a bog plot twist, multiple POVs, and learning about grief, I think you will enjoy this book.

The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland is a stand-alone novel centered on four strangers who are brought together in an experimental treatment to fix broken hearts. This was a powerfully emotional read. Genevieve Dempsey promises a different approach to healing, and four participants are selected, with all four showing up every Wednesday night at 7 O’Clock. Genevieve, the group facilitator, who poses questions to be answered by each participant in a round-robin style.

We meet the four participants;

Victoria: a lawyer, who is 41, and strong, independent, taking no nonsense in openly dealing with others.
Freya: 31 year old, very nice, struggling in her marriage, also suffering from panic attacks.
Mischa: 20 years old, sweet, quiet and sensitive, giving up much of her life to care for her mother.
Callum: 29 year-old, successful musician/rock star, who is spiraling from drug and alcohol abuse.

All four of these have experienced loss, bereavement, tragedy, grief, despair and anger, with us learning about each of the alternating POV’s, during their weekly sessions. As they learn more about each other, they become closer and friendships grow; with coming to terms with their grief. There were so many heart-warming stories, with love, sadness, forgiveness, drama and remorse.

About three quarters into the book, a shocking revelation changed everything, which was a fantastic twist that I did not see coming. This twist blew my mind. Rather than reveal anything, I will say that the twist was a shock, and did enhance the story.
The Seven O’Clock Club was a fantastic and different story line. I really enjoyed this book, as well as the amazing twist. The Seven O’Clock Club was so very well written by Amelia Ireland. Loved this story, and plan to check out Ireland for future books.

Four people meet for a group therapy session with a psychologist to help with their grief. Victoria is the oldest at 52, is happily married, a top lawyer, and well off. She seems to be dealing with her grief the best. Freya is in her early 30s and is having a hard time. She has a panic attack during the session and has barely left the house. Mischa is the youngest and seems very sad and lonely. Callum is in his late twenties and is a famous musician. Genevieve is their psychologist. At first, the participants aren't interested in the therapy sessions, but as they answer Genevieve's questions and get to know each other, they can finally face their grief. The participants weren't chosen randomly; they all have something in common besides their grief. The beginning half of the book moves slowly until you find out why these four particular people were chosen.