I am delighted to be taking part in the celebrations for the publication of Faith Hogan's The Ladies Midnight Swimming Club. Set in Ireland, it is an emotional but uplifting read.
Three women. Three different stages of life. United by one
thing: the chance to start again.
'Uplifting, emotional and brimming with warmth
and humour' –Cathy Bramley
When Elizabeth's husband dies, leaving her with
crippling debt, the only person she can turn to is her friend, Jo. Soon Jo has
called in her daughter, Lucy, to help save Elizabeth from bankruptcy. Leaving
her old life behind, Lucy is determined to make the most of her fresh start.
As
life slowly begins to return to normal,these three women, thrown together by
circumstance, become fast friends. But then Jo's world is turned upside down
when she receives some shocking news.
In search of solace, Jo and Elizabeth find
themselves enjoying midnight dips in the freezing Irish Sea. Here they can
laugh, cry and wash away all their fears. As well as conjure a fundraising plan
for the local hospice that will bring the whole community together...
From
bestselling Irish writer Faith Hogan,The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club is an
emotional story about finding new friends and living life to the fullest, that
will appeal to fans of Sheila O'Flanagan, Heidi Swain and Liz Fenwick.
My Thoughts
Set on the coast in beautiful Ireland, the community spirit of Ballycove permeates this novel from start to finish. There is a great feeling of comfort and coming home throughout, despite the direst of circumstances. Three women are brought together when they go for a night-time swim in the freezing waters and it seems as though their troubles are lifted from their shoulders as they float weightless in the sea. As we find out, Jo, Elizabeth and Lucy all have their own story to tell. Lucy and Elizabeth's marriages are over and they set about finding a new purpose to their lives. Jo has a different path to tread. But they are not the only ones who are looking for home and acceptance. Lucy's son, Niall and Dan also are looking for a place to belong.
I thoroughly enjoyed following all the stories as they evolved. As each chapter focused on a different character, you discover their lives and see the village through their eyes. Crossing the generations, you get a sense of family and belonging. There is a mystery to be solved which gradually comes centre stage but I liked how the ending left a few things more open. Just like life, not everything is tied up neatly.
In short: An emotional story of a community.
About the Author
Faith Hogan is an Irish award-winning and bestselling author
of five contemporary fiction novels. Her books have featured as Book Club
Favorites, Net Galley Hot Reads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up
women's fiction which is unashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.She is
currently working on her next novel. She lives in the west of Ireland with her
husband, four children and a very busy Labrador named Penny. She's a writer,
reader, enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger -except of course when it
is raining!
Thanks to Faith Hogan and Aria for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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