The Hopeful Romantic

Escape to the cozy Irish village of Ballydara, where you'll discover the strength of family bonds, a warm community, and enduring love. In this tender novel, a Dublin wife and mother risks her already shaky marriage when she rekindles her friendship with her husband's old mate.

Kerry McCormack yearns to trade her cubicle-bound job for a simpler life. At 33, she has an outwardly successful marriage to steady, successful Stephen—who has had an abiding passion for her since the first time he saw her.

Yet after a recent, shattering loss, Kerry and Stephen have grown apart. And Kerry's lifelong dream to live in the country, and flee her predictable city routine, is only creating more tension between them.

When Stephen's old friend comes back into her life, she embarks on what she thinks will be an idyllic country weekend with her family. Instead, her life is turned upside down. She longs to give her marriage a second chance…but can she and Stephen ever recapture the passion they once shared?

Let this deeply romantic novel take you on an unforgettable journey to the tender heart of a marriage.

Susan Colleen Browne's Village of Ballydara series, set in a sleepy Irish village, also includes The Galway Girls (Book 4), the sequel to The Hopeful Romantic—it's a warmhearted tale of women's friendship and discovering love where you least expect it.  

"The Hopeful Romantic was a pleasure to read for its engaging characters, its authenticity, and its unforgettable moments…a poignant and sometimes humorous, old-fashioned romantic story."    —Chanticleer Reviews

About the Author:

Susan Colleen Browne weaves her love of Ireland and her passion for country living into her Village of Ballydara series, novels and stories of love, friendship and family set in the Irish countryside. A community college creative writing instructor, Susan runs a mini-farm in the foothills of the Pacific Northwest, USA. When not writing, Susan is wrangling chickens, tending vegetable beds, and dreaming up new Irish stories!