Sometimes happily ever after is only a wish away . . . There’s a wishing tree in Irish Falls. The bits of paper tied to its gnarled branches hold the hopes and dreams of everyone in town . . . except Annie Quinn. Single mom Annie has spent years rebuilding her life and trying not to have regrets. After giving up her dream of music stardom, she returned to her Adirondack hometown—and convinced … hometown—and convinced herself she’s content with a simpler life.
The last thing she needs is a man to remind her of the heartbreak she left behind.
A divorced dad, Seth Taggart used to be a successful LA songwriter. But now his reputation is in tatters, he’s burnt-out, and estranged from his adult son. Inheriting a small-town radio station just might be the do-over he needs.
Although he always planned to go back to LA, when working with Annie turns into sharing music and more, Seth realizes second chances—and home—are where he least expects.
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The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls is an emotional and beautifully written story about finding love in the most unexpected place. Seth Taggart, an LA Music Executive, inherits a small radio station in Irish Falls. First thing he tries to do is to sell the station to the first bidder! But a small contingency in the will prevents exactly that from happening. Seth must stick around for 6 months before anything can be done with the station. Jen Gilroy masterfully took me in this amazing small town journey and I fell in love with this charming story and its characters. If you are looking for that feel good read I have the book for you!
Like a soft fuzzy blanket, The Wishing Tree by Jen Gilroy is a cozy uplifting story full of hope, family, and second chances that wraps you in warmth! Jen Gilroy’s lovely descriptions of the town of Irish Falls and those who live there will immediately draw you into its charm. A story that reminds us romance isn’t always just the love story between two characters, but the dreamy magic of finding your way even when life tries to get the best of you!
I always enjoy finding new authors whose novels leave me waiting for their next and reaching for those they wrote before. Jen Gilroy has written a wonderful feel good book about matters of the heart. Perfect for lovers of women’s fiction, & romance during the holiday season!
“Each wish is a story, part of a beginning, a middle, or an end. People wish for their hopes and dreams. Some wishes are happy, others are sad.” Oh, how I loved this wonderful, sweet, romantic, fun story! It had me hooked from the first page & even though it was a bit predictable it left me feeling warm & fuzzy! It reads like a wonderful Hallmark movie…an easy, comfortable & delicious read with great characters & love story! Can’t wait to read more of Gilroy’s books! Thank you so much @suzyapprovedbooktours @Jen.gilroyauthor & @soulmatepublishing
Annie lives in upstate New York in the small town of Irish Falls in the Adirondack Mountain area. She lives with Hannah, her teenage daughter and the rest of her family also lives in town – her mom, step-dad, brother and sisters all live in Irish Falls and they all work at the family bakery. Annie tries to be content in her small town but as her 16 year old daughter wants to go to Nashville and try to make a success in the music industry, Annie is reminded of her move to Nashville years before. She tried to break into the music industry but she came home pregnant and defeated with secrets that she never shared with her family. After her return home, she decided that small town life was the best for her future and buried her dreams. One day at the bakery, Seth shows up. He is a famous song writer from LA and has come to Irish Springs to sell the radio station that his long lost uncle had left for him. Seth is burnt out and his reputation is in shatters due to his business partner so maybe a little time in a small town are just what he needs. When Seth finds out that he has to stay in town and run the radio station for 6 months he is at first very unhappy but then decides that it will do him good to be out of LA. As he spends more time with Annie and her family, he realizes that he might have been chasing the wrong life and as his relationship with Annie intensifies, he tries to help her live her dream. Will it work for Seth and Annie – will they get their happily ever after or are their lives just too different to let them find happiness together.
This is a beautifully written story about friendship and love and family and community. Not only were Annie and Seth fantastic characters but all of the supporting characters were easy to like. This is my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be my last.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Something I’ve always liked about this author’s writing is her ability to pen a story that draws you in from the start, encircling you with small town charm. They invite you in for a spell while they work their magic, and though the stories are more life than fantasy driven, it doesn’t mean that the characters wishes can’t come true. Take today’s story…
From the moment I cracked the cover, I already felt like I had known Annie and her sister for years. You could feel their connection, their familiarity with the town and the people that call it home, making you a part of that community in an instant. When the tall, dark, and handsome stranger strides in, you can feel your own heart race for a moment, while understanding that his real purpose there was for something more than the “zing” reaction caused…yet you’re content in the knowledge that though semi-tabled, it is a topic of conversation that will be pursued (*giggle*). As things progress and the potential for changes builds, you can’t help but wonder what the future will bring for them all, and yet you’re still so consumed with the present, you simply can’t let it go.
In the end, I adored the charming setting of Irish Falls, and the magic that this little town holds not only in natural beauty, but the beating hearts within its boundaries. There is much to learn regarding second chances, following dreams, and letting others into your heart, and many of those lessons can be carried right off the page into the real world…but then again, why hurry back?
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
You know that feeling when you stumble across a book that turns out to be exactly the comfort read you needed, but you didn’t know you needed it? That was The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls for me. I started reading this in the middle of all of my atmospheric October reads (aka creepy thrillers and horror stories) and was worried I’d feel the pull of the other books, and find my experience with this book diminished. But that didn’t happen and I was so, so happy about that. This turned out to be a perfect addition to my reading life.
This book is filled with characters that are so dang relatable; people struggling through rough spots and doubts, and they’re trying to find their way back to even ground. I loved how prominent the second chances were in this story. It invoked such a great feeling, the idea that you don’t have to accept the crappy hand you may have been dealt, that you can find support in the people around you if you just ask for it. (Idealistic? Maybe. And that’s why I loved it.)
And the setting! Gilroy did a phenomenal job of bringing Irish Falls to life. It wasn’t just the town in the background. I can’t tell you how many times I looked up from these pages baffled to realize I was still in my own living room. I mean, I could hear the falls and feel myself walking down the streets of this town. It was fantastic.
This one is going to be a “highly recommend” from me. Looking for a great women’s fiction read? A feel-good story about second chances? A cozy, comforting read to transport you on a chilly autumn afternoon? A little country music and romance? Then you want to read The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls.
This small-town story is perfect. The amazing characters, the wonderful setting, and the beautiful families all made me fall into The Wishing Tree and never want to leave. The characters were not perfect, they had their problems but they also had incredible families/friends that support them when it was needed.
Seth is finding an entirely different life than what he left behind. Irish Falls is his second chance at life. While he doesn’t expect to like or stay in Irish Falls, he finds a family he didn’t know that he was missing. Seth also finds Annie. Annie opens his eyes to all a small town can offer and she also opens his heart to the love he didn’t know he was looking for.
Jen Gilroy wrote a wonderful book. The family, friends, forgiveness, and love are all things that I love about her books. I would certainly recommend this book.
The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls is a book of the heart; a book with characters I fell in love with, a story that captivated my heart, and a setting that felt like home. When Annie meets Seth, they are two people with scars that are bone deep. As the story unfolds, their wounds are revealed slowly, with layers of mistrust and pain mingling with hope and love. I became emotionally invested in everything that happened between Seth and Annie, as well as all the other wonderful residents of Irish Falls. I loved the part that music played in this story as well; it added intimacy and warmth to so many of the scenes in this book. Irish Falls is a world I don’t want to leave, so I hope the author will write more stories set here…I want to catch up with Hannah, Dylan and Annie’s Sisters!
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“He’s got a face and body to match his voice, too. The word at yoga last night was he sent Lisa Drysdale into a hot flash when she bumped into him in the produce aisle at Nolan’s grocery. I can sure see why.” Holly grinned and fanned herself with a potholder.
“We don’t know for sure, but Duncan might have prostate cancer… Duncan doesn’t want anybody to know because he’s a man and, well . . .” Her cheeks went red. “He’d be uncomfortable with people, family even, talking about his . . . equipment.”
Hannah gave him a hopeful look, mixed with the kind of face Seth remembered Dylan making a few years back. Like adults were a different species and teenagers only tolerated them because they were a source of food, money, and rides to wherever the kid wanted to go.
My dad wouldn’t have wanted me to give up on a dream. He always told us to reach for the stars. Even if you didn’t get there, he said you had to try and maybe you’d catch the moon instead.
“The new bank manager seemed interested.” “Please. Although I might be able to overlook his Star Trek obsession, he wears white socks with brown sandals. That should be illegal.”
My Review:
Jen Gilroy is an expert storyteller, she quickly drew me into her small-town tale of contemporary romance with flawed yet endearing characters, relevant and compelling family issues, and interesting storylines. While I didn’t enjoy living in the tiny and inbred rural hamlet of my youth, I do seem to enjoy reading books featuring small-towns, albeit these small towns are far more entertaining and genteel than the harsh, backward, and uptight landscape of my childhood memories. Nor did it have a rich heritage or an imaginative draw like an epic and magical wishing tree. Ms. Gilroy’s engaging writing style and interesting story threads tapped all the feels and kept my curiosity primed while alternating between squeezing my coronary muscle and putting an amused smile on my face. I’m hoping this is just the start of a new series with more tales to come.
Once again, Jen Gilroy comes through with an emotional read, and a story that touches every sense. When you can feel the weather surrounding you, taste the delicacies of the family bakery, smell the lilacs in the small Adirondack town, hear the rousing, singing voice of a character who had put away her music, you know this story resounds on every level. Add in two, single-parent of teens, and lost in so many ways, characters that have carried a lot of baggage, you root for them to finally have happiness. Together? All the better. Gilroy does northeastern small-town so well, as she builds in many three-dimensional, supporting characters. Can’t wait to see if she decides to write books about the heroine’s two sisters. And if you haven’t read her Firefly Lake, Vermont series, you’ve missed some engaging, emotional, and very happily-ever-after books. They are on my keeper shelf and need to be reread.
Wow! Jen Gilroy, Author of “The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls” takes us on an emotional, captivating, intense, thought-provoking journey. This is also a journey of self-growth, self -worth, second chances, coming of age, forgiveness, love, and hope. The Genres for this book are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Romance. I love the way Jen Gilroy vividly stresses and describes music, singing and playing instruments in this story. The story takes place in the Adirondacks. In this town is a tree that everyone makes wishes on, known as “The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls” The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Of course, there are cats and a dog, with their loveable personalities.
Annie Quinn and her daughter have settled in this town. Ann has the support of her sisters and her Mom and works in the Bakery. Annie has put all wishes and dreams of being a professional singer in the background, after being traumatically hurt many years ago.
Seth Taggart, a single Dad that is estranged from his son is brought to the area after inheriting a radio station from a dear relative. His original roots are L.A. where he is a songwriter and plays the guitar. Seth has to promise to stay in town for 6 months, to be able to sell the station.
Can dreams and wishes come true? What makes a home? I love the way Jen Gilroy brings up the importance of family, friends, neighbors, second chances, forgiveness, love and hope. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable novel.
When Seth Taggart learns that he has inherited a small radio station from his uncle in Irish Falls he immediately puts plans together drop into town, and sell it to the first interested buyer. But his uncle planned for him to pull a stunt like that, and put a contingency in the will. He must stick around town and run the radio station for at least six months, before he can do anything with it, which comes as a big surprise when he shows up to get the keys. The idea of giving up his life in the city for small town living for six months is more than a little unsettling… but once he meets one it’s most charming residents he begins to see it’s appeal.
He never expected to meet a woman like Annie Quinn in Irish Falls, nor meet a one that would inspire him to reconsider his stance on love, but one look at her and he fell hard!
Between the pages of this delightful little tale readers will meet an unlikely couple that is brought together by their love of music. Seth only meant to stay in town long enough to sell his uncles radio station, but once he is there he begins to remember why he fell for music in the first place. Watching him find his love for music again, and encourage Annie and her daughter to embrace their musical gifts was inspiring and good on my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this one took me on, I was in the mood for a sweet story that would give me the feels, and this one hit the mark!!
The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls is a touching and sweet small town romance story that is sure leave you singing it’s praises… just crack the cover and let it’s mesmerizing words steal your attention!
Jen Gilroy writes a warm, wonderful romance in a picturesque little town, where people make wishes on a wishing tree next to a waterfall in hopes that their dreams come true. The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls is a touching, and satisfying story.
Anne and Tara run Quinn’s bakery. After the death of their dear friend Jake Kerrigan, Annie was given instructions to hand over Jake’s dog Dolly, and the keys to their local radio station to Jake’s nephew. Seth Taggart is coming to Irish Falls from his big LA town. He is a songwriter for movies, tv, and Broadway. His plans are to sell the radio station with no complications. In Jake’s will is a stipulation that he must run the radio station for 6 months.
I loved this story. It is an easy read. Friends to lovers romance. Small town, great characters, hometown setting that is described perfectly and vividly. The story flows easily. This would make a grat fall read. I can’t wait to see what Jen Gilroy writes for us next.
As someone who lives for thrillers, this book was a completely new genre for me. I’ve dabbled in romance, but usually only those titles I’m familiar with. When I was given the opportunity to read this book and participate in the Book Tour, I jumped at the chance to try something outside my comfort zone. I’m so pleased with my decision! This book was absolutely adorable and I mean that in the best possible way. From the family bakery set in a quaint upstate New York village, to the handsome stranger that stumbles into town to claim a mystery inheritance, I loved every inch of it.
The story is set in a charming little town where everyone knows your name and your business. When Seth comes to town to settle his “Uncle’s” estate, he walk right into Annie’s life. Working at her family bakery, Annie is a single mom raising her teen daughter Hannah. Both woman have a voice for country music, but only Hannah is ready to follow her dreams. Annie helps Seth uncover his Uncle Jake’s estate, which includes the only radio station in town, and the two begin to form a close bond over music, loss, and finding what matters most in life. If you’re a fan of romance, this books is definitely for you. Country music fans will absolutely love it and when it was over, I was left craving Annie’s famous cheesecake. This book was as sweet as pie and well worth every page. Check it out!
Jen Gilroy ’s talent shines bright with this amazing story! i was instantly transported to the heart of the story and fell in love with each of the characters, the setting and the message behind the story. Being able to feel each emotion that the characters had was amazing!
I absolutely loved Seth’s character. I loved the way he was chiseled and loved the way he fit into the story. Watching him interact with Annie was a beautiful experience. And, seeing Annie with her daughter Hannah, it reminded me of a time when I was a single mom. Seth, Annie and all of the Irish Falls community truly gripped me and made me a part of their lives!
Gilroy has a beautiful talent that should not be missed by anyone! She has a knack for making you feel as if the story was written just for you. Each page turn brings you something new within the story. Playing out like a movie on the big screen, this story of second chances, finding a true love in an unexpected time and place, and the value of what family truly means, this story will steal your heart instantly. I highly recommend this book with two thumbs up, hats off, and most definitely 4.5 stars!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This is one of the most sweetest books I have read all year. Jen had me turning the pages quickly. I connected and loved the characters in this book. I will definitely read again and suggest to anyone who would love a light and cozy read!!
The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls by Jen Gilroy is a story based in a small town in upstate NY. Jen has written a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I loved how the author described everything so vividly I was able to visualize and fee everything that was going on. This is very well written has well developed and likable characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I felt like I was right there in Irish Falls with the characters. This is a very emotional and enjoyable story full of second chances, love, friendship and wonderful characters. I laughed I cried and I felt all the emotions of this book. The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls is one of those books you read, savor and read again.