The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland – a Review

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Description:
In a perfectly ordinary building, four strangers who couldn’t 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’re 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’s 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’re brave enough to seek it.

Review:

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.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher