An Amazon Top 10 best-selling series
She’s always seeking the next adventure. But is the passion she yearns for right on her doorstep?
Dublin, Ireland. Aoife O’Reilly’s life is almost the way she wants it. Apart from her dysfunctional family, she’s grateful for a steady job and a bright future to embrace. But when she’s made redundant from her job and her beloved grandfather dies in the same … grandfather dies in the same month, she impulsively moves to an idyllic village to sort herself out.
Settling in the quaint little town so very different from the big city, she’s quickly frustrated by developing feelings for her handsome-but-engaged neighbor. And just as both he and the charming atmosphere begin to grow on her, the opportunity of a lifetime arrives.
Can Aoife discover who… and where she’s meant to be?
All That Compels the Heart is the engrossing first book in the Aoife O’Reilly new adult women’s fiction series. If you like deeply drawn characters, lyrical sagas, and slow-burn chemistry, then you’ll love Erin Bowlen’s moving journey.
Buy All That Compels the Heart to feel the pull of unexpected chances today!
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Overwritten; Unlikable Heroine
This is a proper, novel-length book, so I don’t quite understand why the author felt the need to info dump right at the start of the book. Few things put me off a book quicker than that. Show me, don’t tell me! With so many words in play, she definitely could have woven backstory in more gracefully. Actually, though, this felt indicative of the overwriting that permeated every chapter of the book. I wasn’t wild about the heroine. She is inconsistent, which can be okay if the author shows this in a gradual growth arc, but that didn’t happen here. Because of her fickle character, I didn’t really get a genuine sense that they were in love with each other, though everybody around them kept saying it was so. The author didn’t do a good job of showing any palpable love between them. Again, show me, don’t tell me! I felt sorry for the hero at times; I liked his character, and I felt like he should have a better love interest; perhaps he will at some point. I don’t want to give away the end, but if you love romances and their standard finish, you will not like the ending. All in all, I find myself disappointed in this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Erin Bowlen; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful story with intense and complex characters. Entertaining and witty read. Good dialogue and situations to keep you turning to the next page. Great story that keeps you hooked until the last page! Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read the blurb and was captivated with the story right from the start. Such an emotional and compelling story, I was engrossed all the way till the end. It was so easy to immerse myself in Aoife and her life. With the author’s great attention to details, I could easily imagine myself in the Ballyclara community. This is a lovely story, so heartfelt and emotional. I started out with second book and went back to read the first one. I am glad I did as I understand the character of Aoife so much more! It was a delightful read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first book in The Aoife O’Reilly Series a well written story, but I will warn read these books in order. I will be reading these books again but in order the next time. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can Aoife figure out what she wants?
All That Compels The Heart by Erin Bowlen is another soap opera book about a poor, wealthy girl who no one understands. Ms. Bowlen has a way to transport you to Ireland with her descriptions, but that wasn’t enough. If some things could have gone differently, I think for it to be a bit better. Aoife O’Reilly and Michael Flanagan are interesting characters. Perhaps there is a reason why they say not to make big life decisions after the death of a loved one.
Aoife O’Reilly – Female Lead
Ms. O’Reilly is the main character as we follow her throughout the story. Aoife has gone through a lot of development from the beginning to the end. Well on parts of her life but not really on anything emotional. She says that she is a gypsy, but then Aiofe contradicts that by saying the home she is making is where she belongs. If that’s the case, I think she would fight a bit more to stay in her home. Aoife is a very wishy-washy person, and she can’t stick with one thing. She acts like a different person when near her family in Dublin, then when she is near her friends or when she is alone. She isn’t one of my favorite characters; in fact, I didn’t like her much by the end.
Michael Flanagan – Male Lead
Michael Flanagan is the male lead. He isn’t rich but owns two small businesses and makes a good living. Michael is older than Aoife by five years. He and Aoife get together eventually, but were they meant to be? Everyone says that they are genuinely in love with each other, but Aoife doesn’t behave like it. The two of them have a bit of a communication issue. They also don’t fully trust either. Otherwise, they could talk to each other no matter what. I liked Michael and felt like he deserved better than what received.
Three Stars
All That Compels The Heart by Erin Bowlen was a pretty interesting read. Once it was all said and done, I was left with more questions than answers. I am sorely disappointed in this book, and I wanted to love it but with everything that went on in this long-winded book I wasn’t satisfied. All That Compels The Heart by Erin Bowlen is getting a three-star rating from me. I thought this story would be completely different than what it turned out to be.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of All That Compels The Heart by Erin Bowlen.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
All that Compels the Heart by Erin Bowlen is a heartfelt and profoundly moving novel about family, friendship, love, taking chances and chasing your dreams. It’s beautifully written, engrossing, and emotional. It was such a delightful read and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Aoife.
This story is simply lovely! Even though it is quite lengthy with some slow moving parts and a few moments that I thought seemed a bit drawn-out, the overall storyline without a doubt touched my heart. Bowlen’s writing is gorgeous, elegant and compelling. I have never read anything by her before so I was impressed when I found myself wonderfully immersed into the story that I could easily experience what the characters feel. I also think Bowlen’s descriptions are vivid, dreamy, and absolutely breathtaking, I really had fun exploring all the beautiful places in Ireland that I personally cannot wait to visit someday.
The pacing is good and the plot is well-developed. Bowlen wonderfully blends interesting family drama, hilarious and sad moments, important life lessons, and realistic relationship. While the story isn’t romance heavy, there are still many swoony moments sprinkled here and there that made me smile. I loved the chemistry between Aoife and Michael and I totally rooted for them. The story is also not emotionally intense like I thought, but it still managed to make tear up a few times. And that ending… ouch! It made my heart ache so much leaving me absolutely desperate to find out what would happen next.
The characters are not always likable. Sometimes, they’re frustrating and annoying. Some of them even had my eyes rolling. But, it’s their flaws that make them incredibly relatable individuals who have interesting personalities and unique quirks. I adored Aoife with all my heart. I liked that she’s down-to-earth, caring, adorable, sweet, and has a big heart. She does make mistakes, but Aoife is such a lovable heroine that I felt so protective of her. Michael has such an intense and strong personality, yet I found myself very drawn to him. Yes, he’s quite stubborn, blunt, and acts kind of a jerk at times…But, he also has an amazingly charming and tender side. He’s kind, genuine, and loving. Michael is definitely the type of character that will slowly make you fall for him as you get to know him and once you do all bets are off!
The secondary characters like Paddy, Bex, Millie, Brendan, Connor, and the Flanagans are utterly charming and I really liked them. I thought they’re fascinating characters and some even made me laugh. The rest or those that I didn’t quite like … well they’re great characters too and definitely added intrigue to the story.
This book is a nice cozy read with the perfect combination of drama, adventure, humor, romance, and so much heart. Bowlen paints a beautifully relatable narrative of Aoife’s life experiences, struggles, and triumphs weaving together an intricate and believable story that will grip readers until the last page. The story explores elements of tragedy, grief, friendship, family, love, and self-discovery. It’s ultimately about finding yourself, appreciating life, and doing what truly makes your heart happy.
I had so much fun going on this lovely journey with Aoife. All that Compels the Heart is a gorgeous story with lovable characters, realistic life situations, and meaningful themes and lessons. Erin Bowlen is such a talented author with a very promising career and I absolutely recommend you add this book on your TBR now!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.