This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Susan Lobban
Nell Mulcahy and James Baker leave the Island of Roone to get married at County Clare and, as they are enjoying their special day, they are oblivious to what is happening at the same time. When they are returning home, however, they discover the whole island has been rocked by the disappearance of a young girl holidaying on the island.
The weeks tick by with no news on the missing girl and everyone’s lives must return to normal. Nell has her ex Tim, James’s brother, visiting the island, which threatens to burst the newlywed’s bubble. Her best friend Laura, has her hands full with young twin boys and another set on the way. Imelda and Hugh down the road, meanwhile, decide to try fostering, but they get more than they bargain for when surly teenager Eve arrives.
Island life is not as idyllic and peaceful as you would think.
The book opens with a wedding, but as weddings go this was a bit of a non-event. However we are given a glimpse of the bride’s past, in that she was once engaged to her groom’s brother. After I finished the book I did notice that there was a book before this one, so this might have provided more details. “After the Wedding” not much happens either. Yes there is the intrigue of what happened to the little girl who went missing while the couple were exchanging vows, but then this is only occasionally mentioned without being a big plot line. The style of narrative grated at times in that paragraphs or chapters often started with speech or thoughts, which meant you had no idea which character it was. I was so busy trying to figure out which character it was, I sometimes missed what was actually being said or thought.
I know it may not sound like it, but I did find this a good read. The pages seemed to turn themselves as I found myself engaged in the lives of the various islanders. I was surprised at times to see how far I was into the book because nothing of any real note had happened, but the characters endeared themselves to me. I especially liked Imelda and Hugh as they decided to disrupt their wedded bliss by taking in a foster child. Imelda had visions of holding hands and sharing icecreams with a toddler, but instead she got a sullen teenager who hid behind a face of heavy makeup. The way she continually tried to befriend Eve was admirable and I wanted her to be rewarded in some way.If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life then this is the read for you. Put your feet up and enjoy the slow pace of island life.
7/10