Plot: 

One summer, property seeker, Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there’s a problem; nobody seems to know who owns it.

‘The Welcome House’ is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there’s always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor. 

While Ren desperately tries to find the owner to see if she can negotiate a sale, she begins to delve deeper into the history and legends that surround the old house and the town. But for a woman who has always been focussed on her work, she’s remarkably distracted by Finn, the attractive manager of the local hotel.

But will she ever discover the real truth behind the mysterious ‘Welcome House’? Or will the house cast its magical spell over Ren and help her to find true happiness?

Review:

If you have not yet read Breakfast at Darcy’s pick it up! You shall enjoy some of the references mentioned in this novel of that one!

From the title alone, I knew I was going to enjoy this book which is why I was happy when my friend gave me this novel. Serendipity sounds and looks so pretty as a word and the title of this novel just conjured up the feeling of sun, adventure and romance – the cover lends itself to the romantic feeling of the novel as well.

I’ve been a big fan of Ali Mcnamara since the first novel of hers I read Letters from the Lighthouse Cottage (my review is on the links just click to view) I also loved Breakfast at Darcy’s (Dermot and Darcy make a small reappearance at times.)

It was so nice to revisit the Island Tara. The island every time I read about it describes a land so picturesque, I am definitely ready for a vacation there right about now. I can tell that Ali has a real love with Ireland by the way she describes it. The descriptions are so rich with descriptions. 

Ren Parker is intense. Kiki, is her closest friend as well as her assistant, she is the complete opposite – bubbly and enthusiastic. I loved both Ren and Kiki for their differences and each one is relatable and likeable.

One of the things I loved most about The Summer of Serendipity is the folklore explored in it. It appealed to my love of myths, mystery and legend. I went through this book because I was so invested in the plot; I needed to know what was going on (in a story that had me guessing until the very end.) 

On the one hand, I wanted to find out what was going on and at the same time, I didn’t want the book to end as the style, the writing and the content had me hooked. I kept promising myself it would be one more page… then one more chapter. You get the picture.

The reason for the rating is due to the fact that the story at times felt a bit wish-washy in terms of its actual plot and how the characters were frustrating and it became too repetitive of not finding out any information.

However, with that being said, this book is perfect if you are looking for a summer read for the holiday you’re about to take (or just taken!) or if you simply want to escape to Ireland for a while from the comfort of your armchair or garden lounger.

Ali’s writing is welcoming, warm and romantic. I love her writing style and I found this novel enjoyable.

3/5 stars!