Write your own review
Rated 
of 5
by Anne M. (Madison, WI)
Ride the rollercoaster I was very much looking forward to the book and the premise that four strangers join a therapy group together in order to get over some common, unnamed struggle. As the characters unfolded, the book took the reader into the backstories of the four strangers and there were, predictably, some intersections.
Then came the big reveal (which I won't mention here) and I immediately felt disbelief. I was dismayed that this novel was not what I wanted it to be about! How could I have been fooled?! Not one to put down a book and stop reading (I probably only left two books unfinished in all my years), I decided to continue out of curiosity, to see where it was going.
So glad I did! The book took a really delightful turn, unexpected and inspiring, and very comforting in many ways. You will get what I mean when you read it! Highly recommend! Just don't stop reading!
Rated of 5
by Ellen G. (Montclair, NJ)
The Seven O'clock Club I loved this book! I was totally engaged from the first page. The characters were unique and each had a story to tell. As the stories unfold, each person reveals the devil they are dealing with, Friendships develop and the group comes together to help each other get through their issues. The surprise ending is what makes this book so rewarding. I highly recommend this book and will recommend it to my book club once it is published.
Rated of 5
by Darcy C. (San Diego, CA)
Holy smokes – – what a ride!!! Oh my gosh, by golly!! THIS BOOK IS EXACTLY WHY I READ!!!
I never lost interest in this book at any point. To me, I could relate to all of the characters. I love getting goosebumps from a book! Each time revelations in the story made me pause and truly reflect on these magic moments. The book has a very understandable situation for the characters. I had no idea that I was going to be getting my socks knocked off. I am not trying to be vague as you can read the book synopsis. I'm trying to convey the ways that this book truly affected me. I certainly don't want to deny any reader of the too-rare-occasion of being 100 moved by a book.
There is a huge "U-turn " or "wtf" moment that gave me full – body – chills. Isn't that one of the best feelings ever — When a book can do this!?! As a matter of fact, I got full goosebumps five or six times reading a novel. That has never happened to me before. I believe I was in the absolute perfect state of mind to love every word in this book.
Rated of 5
by Melanie B. (Desoto, TX)
Thoughtful and Insightful Novel I didn't want to put this book down. The author does an excellent job of moving the reader through the grief processes of four very different people who somehow manage to share a common experience of loss and the healing acceptance of letting go and moving through their pain. I highly recommend this book for anyone experiencing loss and looking for a way to accept and live with it. I think this is a very good book for reading group discussions.
Rated of 5
by Allison R. (Twinsburg, OH)
Connection in life and death This book captured my attention right away because while you have a vague idea of what is going on, some kind of group therapy or grief counseling, you want to figure out how these people will manage to heal. The characters are interesting, mostly likable, and relatable. The author does a good job sharing their stories and their grief from their unique perspectives. And while they are all very different, they have a lot in common and form a very strong bond within the first couple meetings. I enjoyed the theme around the importance of human connection and telling one's story in order to heal and move on from grief. "Perception is reality" is a saying I have heard before and it rings true here in so many way as this book does an excellent job of walking you through different dimensions of truth.
Rated of 5
by NM
A New Kind of Therapy Amelia Ireland's debut novel The Seven O'Clock Club is the story of four people who have volunteered for a new type of grief therapy. This sounds like a simple story, but it is anything but simple. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's such a creative narrative, such a unique look at grief and loss. It's a real page turner that had me reading late into the night, lost in time and lost in the story. Ireland has created characters that are at once grief-stricken, funny, fearful, and strong. The things they come to learn about themselves and each other help mend their broken hearts. Such a refreshing way to look at second chances and new beginnings. I highly recommend this book, so mark your calendars for the April 15, 2025, publishing date! Thank you to Book Browse and Berkley/Penguin Random House for my advanced reader copy.
Rated of 5
by Barbara J. (Tucker, GA)
Mind Games Four strangers with diverse stories are invited to join an experimental therapy group. As they attend,or opt out of, these meetings, we learn
pieces of their story. At some point, I felt that I was a participant in the meetings of The Seven O'clock Club as author Amelia Ireland asked questions to draw each person out. I found myself connecting with some of these questions. You will be surprised by what you learn about each character and perhaps even a bit about yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration.
Rated of 5
by MariaH
Heartfelt Characters Amelia Ireland's debut novel is ostensibly about four people who come together to heal from their respective traumatic experiences. The grief group therapy theme was initially off-putting to me. However, the author is able to quickly enmesh you in the protagonists' lives and leaves you seeking more information about them. Each chapter is presented from the point of view of a different character and allows the characters to develop slowly and thoroughly. Almost imperceptibly, you come to care deeply for the four main characters. I was equally shocked, saddened and elated at different times throughout the book. This is quite difficult to achieve and makes the book a special read.
This is also an effortless read that still has me thinking about the characters well after the story's conclusion. I highly recommend this debut novel.
Rated of 5
by Peggy H. (Erie, PA)
Could Not Put This One Down Four strangers come together with a therapist to work on an experimental technique to help each recover from a personal trauma. Over the course of the novel, each character unravels. We learn about them, without learning about their actual trauma throughout the novel. Each of them starts to relate to the other, finding that the relationship and act of communicating is, in itself, healing.
Then we find out why they are there. (No spoilers here.) I came to alternately love, hate, and feel for each of these characters more and more throughout the book. What a great debut novel!
Rated of 5
by Victoria B. (Little River, SC)
Exceeded Expectations When I first read about this book, it seemed like an interesting read. It is a story of four strangers who are finding it difficult to move past a traumatic event in their lives. As the author weaves the tale of the four who have been put into an experimental group therapy program, the reader becomes invested in the lives of the strangers. There is Mischa who is a young woman recently off being a caretaker to her mom. Freya, is a 30-something year old who finds it impossible to get on with her life and is still very much grieving. Victoria, imperious and cold, in the denial of her own grief. Finally, the reader meets Callum, a rockstar battling addiction and sorrow.
Over the stages of grief teased out by Genevieve, the counselor, the reader gets to know the people, the stories, and how they help each other out of the stasis which each character is in.
The book has two unexpected turns at the end which make the story that much richer and more interesting. For a debut author, Amelia Ireland has captivated this reader with her story, the novel construct, and the quality of the writing. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
Rated of 5
by Marianne L. (Syosset, NY)
Full of Surprises Working through grief is the premise upon which this book opens with four of the most unlikely characters expected to meld successfully into a cohesive support group. Just as I was thinking I could predict where this story was going, the bombshell lands and blows all my predictions out of the water. The characters draw you in as the book proceeds and brings you to a satisfying ending. This book surprises with its twists and turns, a really fun read, time well spent!
Rated of 5
by Rebecca H. (Bolton, CT)
Enchanting Story I loved this; it's a really different premise and an excellent read. You wouldn't expect a story about a disparate collection of people who come together for group grief therapy to make such a completely absorbing novel, but it does. Each character has such a unique voice; I could have told which one was speaking in each chapter without looking at the chapter heading, and I pretty much fell in love with each one. The story says some profound things about bereavement and grief and its stages while doing so with delightful touches of humor. The story takes an unexpected turn at a certain point, which I won't say any more about because of spoilers, but I found it engaged me in the novel even more as I raced toward the conclusion. Excellent pacing and even a touch of suspense and romance add to the enjoyment.
Rated of 5
by Dorothy S. (Carrollton, TX)
Good Grief! Four strangers, each grieving a loss, are brought together for an experiment conducted by an aspiring young therapist. Each Tuesday at seven o'clock the proverbial onion layers are peeled back to reveal the situations that brought the four together. The therapist begins by asking each wary client to hearken back to a happy childhood memory. Through weekly conversations and outside interactions, bonds are slowly built, showing the power of sharing, trust, and speaking the truth aloud. The revelations are spellbinding, heart wrenching, and believable, making for anxious reader moments awaiting the next meeting. Startling discoveries lead to an unsettling, thought-provoking ending.
The Seven O'Clock Club is a scientific rather than spiritual approach to grief. Unpacking feelings of guilt, learning to trust, seeking forgiveness, and finding truth, are themes in this soul-searching journey through grief.
Rated of 5
by Kathryn H. (Rochester, MI)
The Weight of Grief If you're looking for a book with car chases, explosions, and double agents, you're not looking for "The Seven O'Clock Club." If you'd feel at home with a book about four strangers who have each endured a tragedy from which they can't seem to heal, Amelia Ireland has written the perfect story for you.
Genevieve is a therapist who has developed a technique to help people get back to wholeness and functioning. Freya, Mischa, Victoria, and Callum are the suffering souls invited to join this group. If they accept, they commit to at least four sessions.
It isn't easy. At the first meeting, Genevieve asks everyone to recount a happy experience from their childhood. It's heart-wrenching how difficult this is for some.
Then the twist comes-- one of the biggest I've encountered in a novel. The conclusions I'd reached no longer made sense. The story became all the more compelling and I read chapter after chapter to learn what might happen to these characters.
"The Seven O'Clock Club" is Amelia Ireland's first novel. It is so well written that the characters seem to jump off the page. I strongly recommend it.
Thank you to BookBrowse for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest review.
Rated of 5
by Charlene M. (Myrtle Beach, SC)
The Seven o'clock Club I am blown away that this is Amelia Ireland's debut novel. It is a fascinating look into grief & how each individual character handled it. Ms Ireland inspired me to think about my own experience of losing a husband & the sensation I felt when he died. I highly recommend this book. And look forward to her next novel.
Rated of 5
by Susan B. (Fort Myers, FL)
Refreshing, inspirational, pageturner Grief, not the easiest of topics, comes full circle in this book. Well written, four people in the depths of grief, each with a heart catching story, come together with a therapist who has sought them out to work thru their pain. Little by little we come to know each of the four, their lives, loves, worries, and pain. The author discloses it bit by bit and I was left wanting more after each chapter. The ending was a surprise, one I will not disclose, but worth the entire read. I found it really was a book I could not putdown.
Rated 
of 5
by Laurie M. (Palm Springs, CA)
Great debut Debut authors have my heart, knowing what my own daughter goes through as she puts her soul on paper, hoping someone bites. It's not easy.
The premise of this debut novel doesn't sound unique but you'll need patience. It begins with four people, all grieving 'someone,' unknown for a long time, working as a group with a counselor.
Candidly, I wasn't sure at first if I was invested enough to continue but oh, I am so so glad that I did! The four grieving humans slowly but surely wrapped their lives into my heart. And the twist at about 2/3rds through was MIND-BLOWING.
Ireland's writing is solid, her dialogue is well-written, occasionally too much description but it is in the service of furthering her characters' development which is a good thing.
This book made me THINK and FEEL, as well as consider my own life choices, the people I have lost, and how my life has been impacted by their absence. This book reminded me that we are not static characters; we grow and change with the movement in our lives. And oh, how I love a book that lingers.
I will be pushing this book when it comes out in April, and I will be in line for her next story; well done, Amelia Ireland!
Rated of 5
by Cathryn V. (Oak Harbor, WA)
The Seven O'Clock Club I came to know the characters in this book slowly, as layer after layer was revealed. I enjoy character driven books! I also like novels when I care about the characters. The more I learned about each character, the more I understood them.
I was taken by surprise by the revelation towards the end of the book -- in a good way. I was given something to think about... and I continue to ponder.
Rated of 5
by Tracy B. (Pittsboro, NC)
The seven o'clock club A cleverly written book. I was drawn into the lives of the 4 characters in the experiment. What was it about the group leader, it seemed that she wasn't sure of herself. The twist halfway through kept me even more curious. Maybe there are some other books that experiment with this subject, but I haven't read them. A throughly illustrated fascinating view of grieving. Expanded levels where one might find it.
Rated of 5
by Connie L. (Bartlesville, OK)
The Seven O'Clock Book Club Well- written story of four strangers and their struggles.
The characters are well developed and interesting.
This is a pleasant read.
Rated of 5
by Gloria K. (Madison, WI)
The Seven O'Clock Club As a retired psychologist and current hospice volunteer I was immediately drawn into The Seven O'Clock Club. During my career I facilitated numerous grief therapy sessions and was interested in learning about Genevieve's experimental approach. I agree with the recently published reviews in First Impressions regarding good character development and writing style. If you are considering reading this book I encourage you to do so. I think the unexpected twists in the plot which are revealed in the later half of the book will surprise you. It is my hope this compelling story will offer you hours of contemplation long after you have finished reading the book.
Rated of 5
by Marie W. (Prescott, AZ)
A Fantastic Tale The characters in this story are English. Five strangers, four members of a group plus their leader, come together with the stated purpose of dealing with loss and grief. As they speak about their lives, they struggle with guilt, sadness, anger, love, etc., and new truths and connections come to light.
This book truly keeps the reader guessing. From the beginning, the author hints that there is more to her story than meets the eye.
There is some magical realism here, the kind that gave this reader something to fantasize about: what if all of this were real? (As a therapist who has led many bereavement groups, I'd like to ask the group leader some questions myself!)
Each chapter is narrated by one of the group members as he/she participates in the group. Thus we come to know and care about them as individuals.
I recommend this book for its creativity, humor, and warmth. I enjoyed it, and believe it would provide book groups with much material for a lively discussion!
Rated of 5
by Sharon J. (Raleigh, NC)
The Seven O'Clock Club I really enjoyed the initial part of The Seven O'Clock Club where the story focused on four strangers who, working with a grief counselor, slowly and with heartfelt support of each other come to heal their own hearts. The characters were well developed as were the friendships and even a bit of romance. But I found the plot twist, which came toward the end and without any foreshadowing to be quite a leap. Maybe if hints had been woven in, beyond the introduction, I would have been able to make this leap. I do like how Ireland writes and will read another when available.
Rated of 5
by Helen B. (WINTHROP, ME)
The Seven O'Clock Club Grief is the strongest of emotions; it can hold people back, but it can, under the right circumstances,help a person become a stronger, kinder human. Amelia Ireland's debut novel, The Seven O'Clock Club, explores what happens when four people, who can't seem to move on from their different tragic circumstances, are brought together in one therapy group. Ireland is deft with character creation. They are flawed, but you root for them, even in their worst moments. However, this is more than a story about the power of the human spirit or the usefulness of therapy, it gives a gift of hope, when near the end, truths are revealed and decisions are made. I was quickly turning the pages as I came to care deeply about each character. It does stall a bit in the last chapters, but it makes up for it in the epilogue. An excellent novel for those dealing with the challenge of letting go.
Rated of 5
by Holly B. (Phoenix, AZ)
Group Therapy with a Twist How do others help us heal ourselves? The four strangers who meet weekly at seven o'clock have each suffered a loss they cannot heal on their own. Genevieve, their capable group facilitator, tries a new approach with them. Through rotating points of view, each member tells pieces of their stories as well as takes turns narrating their group sessions. The narration is heavy on the telling, lighter on the showing.
This storyline was a slow burn for me. I found the first 3/5ths a little uneventful. But reader patience pays off with the reveal of Genevieve's special strategy. The twist—that I did not see coming!—redeems the slow first half of the book and gives the last chapters new energy.
Rated of 5
by Carolyn S. (Kennesaw, GA)
The Seven O'clock Club I hadn't known this book was Science Fiction when I requested it, so I thought the plot was a bit farfetched, but intriguing. However, the book redeemed itself by showing the power of group therapy and how helpful it is in showing how each person deals with sadness and self-loathing. And by showing this, it helps people validate their feelings and realize they are not alone in the world, and we are more alike than different.
Rated of 5
by Laura B. (New York, NY)
Engaging This book grabbed me right away. The 4 main characters were well written, interesting and intriguing. In fact, I couldn't put the book down. However there is a big reveal in the plot, and it threw me. At that point I lost interest and the story lost credibility for me. As the plot dealt with grief, I was interested, as like most readers it is a topic I have dealt with and struggle with.
Rated of 5
by Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)
This is my kind of read Four grieving people of different walks of life respond to a wanted participation in an experimental grief therapy. They feel stuck in their lives living with this grief.
These four people are extremely different and the author has the reader feeling as though you know them intimately.
The book is staged so they go through the usual stages of grief until the end. The final part of the story comes as a surprise. I had mixed feelings about the author using high tech at the end.
I loved how phycological this story was written. It would be a good book for book clubs to discuss. A book not soon forgotten,
Rated 
of 5
by Yvonne T. (YORK, ME)
The Seven O'Clock Club I would recommend this book to a young book club, whose interest is in fantasy. Our senior book club would not enjoy reading this particular genre. I was totally surprised when the real story setting was revealed. I didn't see it coming... The short chapters about specific characters are a good technique to make the reader focus on each character. The character development of Victoria and Andrew is missing any foundation to make the plot plausible. As Victoria moves through the story, her persona and actions are incompatible. Spoilers are not allowed but having Miss Prim, Proper, and Person-in-charge clean disgusting messes and scale fire escapes was totally unbelievable. Arthur is a one-dimensional character. Callum was a well-developed character and consistently evolved throughout the story. I liked the different characters and wanted to see how the author ended their stories!
more...
