Thank you to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting to participate in the blog tour for ‘In Pursuit of Happiness’ by Freya Kennedy. It was so lovely to return to the wonderfuly supportive community of Ivy Lane and see what was happening in the lives of its inhabitants. ‘In pursuit of Happiness’ can be read as a standalone, if you haven’t read ‘The Dreams and Hopes of Libby Quinn’, which was published in May 2020 (you can see my review here).
In Pursuit of Happiness
‘A lovely escape that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Just what’s needed at the moment’ No1 bestselling author Jane Fallon
The world is waiting…but just outside of your comfort zone.
Jo Campbell is perfectly content in a perfectly structured life.
Nothing ever changes in Jo’s life, and she likes it that way.
Or at least, she tells herself she does.
Most of the time, she manages to push down the tiny voice that tells her to chase her dream and maybe, just maybe, open her battered and bruised heart up to love.
But to chase her dreams she needs to take chances that are way out of her comfort zone and learn to not put other people’s happiness above her own.
Most of all she has to learn to trust her heart, which may just be the biggest challenge of all.
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3iISOpc
My thoughts:
If I had to describe Freya Kennedy’s books in one word it would be heartwarming. In Pursuit of Happiness is set in Derry, Ireland, so, if you enjoyed Freya’s previous book Dreams and Hopes of Libby Quinn, you’ll be delighted to re-visit Ivy Lane and catch on what’s been happening in this lovely, supportive community.
Jo Campbell loves her family and her job (she is a co-owner of the local pub), but ever since she was a child, Jo dreamt of becoming a writer and sharing her stories with the world. Her friend and future sister-in-law Libby risked everything and took a chance on a shabby place which she turned into a cosy bookshop. Perhaps the time has come for Jo to step out of her comfort zone and see if her first book is any good. Jo lets her friends read it …and surprise, surprise…they love it. In fact, Libby sendsa copy of it to a famous Scottish writer who is about to visit Derry and do a book signing event in Libby’s bookshop.
Things begin to happen on the personal front too. Harry Gallagher’s grandson Lorcan comes to visit his granddad. Lorcan is in need of a quiet place to reflect on his long-term relationship which has just ended, and Derry seems to be a great place. I think this might be the right place for me to stop telling you about the plot, otherwise I might spoil your enjoyment of the story. The events are quite straightforward and once you know more about Jo and Lorcan’s past, you will also understand their present and their dilemmas.
In Lorcan’s words Jo is ‘funny and talented’ and ‘can make a horrible day seem infinitely brighter’. Jo’s relationship with her six-year-old little sister Clara is really special. I also enjoyed reading about Jo’s parents, especially her Mum’s crotchet club, which is all about ‘caring and sharing’ (read ‘good-natured gossip’) The way they care for their foster chidren and now the youngest adopted one- Clara- their kindness, attention, stability and love which they never tire of giving- are all the reasons why their children grow up to be happy, independent, and caring people. There’s also everybody’s favourite shopkeeper Harry with his inexplicable aversion to kitchen rolls and dishwasher tablets. The book is full of charming, likeable characters that will make you smile.
A charming story with my favourite slow-burn romance which highlights the importance of realising our hopes and dreams, being kind and considerate, and paying attention to things that really matter in life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel, and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Author Bio
Freya Kennedy lives in Derry, Northern Ireland, with her husband, two children, two cats and a mad dog called Izzy. She worked as a journalist for eighteen years before deciding to write full time. When not writing, she can be found reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, cleaning up after her children (a lot) and telling her dog that she loves her.
She has met Michael Buble and even kissed him. It was one of her best ever moments.
She believes in happy ever afters.
Freya Kennedy is a pen name for Claire Allan, who also writes psychological thrillers.
Social Media Links
http://www.claireallan.com/
https://twitter.com/ClaireAllan /
https://twitter.com/AuthorFreya
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireAllanAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/claireallan_author/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/freya-kennedy
Newsletter sign up: http://bit.ly/FreyaKennedyNewsletter
Thank you for reading the post! Have a great Monday!
If you would like to see what other bloggers thought of Freya Kennedy’s In Pursuit of Happiness, here is the full blog tour schedule:
If you would like to read Hope and Dreams of Libby Quinn first, you can find more information about the book here.
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Wonderful review Toni. This sounds absolutely delightful. Boldwood Books has some great authors on their roster. I just looked and both of these books are on KU, sooo, maybe in the new year.
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Thank you, Carla! I couldn’t agree more- Boldwood Books has excellent authors and Freya Kennedy is one of them. I’m sure you’ll like these ones❤❤❤
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This book even looks heartwarming. Adding to my TBR.
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