has spent years putting everyone else first. But now widowed, fed up with being taken for granted by her daughter and facing unexpected health worries, she realises she’s lost sight of the woman she used to be.
Then her cousin Rosie proposes a daring plan: move back to the coastal village where she grew up, for twelve weeks of ‘Project Alison’ – prioritising herself, for a change. Alison isn’t sure whether to laugh or cry! But the idea of going home to Kelsea Sands, back to the sea and the beautiful, wide Holderness skies, convinces her to take the plunge.
Soon she’s on a journey of rediscovery, hastened by the unexpected return of Mac – the boy she once knew, now a handsome man with a complicated past. But then come some shocking revelations. Does Alison have the courage to stand up for herself and finally seize the happiness she deserves?
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My Review
This is a refreshing and heartfelt later-in-life romance that proves love, vulnerability, and new beginnings don’t have an age limit. Alison, newly sixty-two and reeling from health scares and family pressures, retreats to her hometown seeking comfort and control. Staying with her cousin Rosie—an absolute standout and the kind of ally everyone deserves—gives her space to breathe and reassess her life.
Enter Mac, a familiar face from Alison’s past who is navigating his own grief, family strain, and self-doubt. Their connection grows gently and authentically, grounded in shared experiences: loss, complicated relationships with adult children, and insecurities about aging bodies and romance. I loved how normal and tender their bond felt, especially Alison’s first night staying over with Mac—sweet, awkward, and deeply relatable.
Both leads are compassionate to a fault, which made the harsh behavior of certain family members particularly hard to swallow. Still, this added emotional weight and realism. Warm, thoughtful, and emotionally honest, this story is a comforting reminder that it’s never too late to choose yourself—or love.
My Rating
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