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An impressive debut from a lyrical storyteller who gives a new twist to the story of a young woman stuck on the wrong guy in a career that’s going nowhere.

Copywriter Kate McDaid receives the rather disconcerting news that she’s invited to the reading of her namesake and several-times-great grandmother. The unusual bequest turns Kate’s quiet life into a circus, complete with anorak wearing zealots and old lore faeries. Will Kate embrace her new life and do as the faeries ask (for better or worse), or will she deny her destiny and possibly miss her chance at Mr Right?

Reluctantly Charmed is the delightful tale of a young Dubliner who unwittingly causes a national obsession over the seven steps she publishes in order to inherit her namesake’s estate. Written with humour and insightful observations of the Irish culture, including the quirky coupling of old lore faeries and modern life, Kate’s dilemma is entertaining with many laugh-out-loud moments. The seven steps have a message that will resonate in a world concerned with climate change and the story moves along at a fair pace. The lead up to the climax is perhaps a little drawn out as the story lines come together, but there is plenty to keep the reader entertained with colourful characters in all parts of Kate’s life. With a nod to some of the more sobering moments of Irish history, O’Neill’s writing is effortless and laced with unexpected witticisms.

Reluctantly Charmed is superb escapism and will be a popular summer read.

With thanks to Simon and Schuster for the ARC – and for introducing me to a such a wonderful new author! 

Find out more about Ellie and her lovely novel when we chat on my blog Sept 25 2014