The Seven O'Clock Club by Amelia Ireland

Title: The Seven O'Clock Club

Author: Amelia Ireland

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Four strangers are brought together to participate in an experimental treatment designed to heal broken hearts in this surprising and heartfelt debut novel from author Amelia Ireland.

In a perfectly ordinary building, four strangers who couldn't be more different meet for the first time. Their skepticism of this new kind of grief therapy—and the unnervingly perceptive group leader—means they're all wary, but as the weeks go by, they find themselves returning again and again, pulled to work toward healing, even if it means first facing the pain head-on.

A sharp-tongued lawyer who has no intention of letting down her walls, a fragile young woman looking for a place to belong, a musician at the top of his game who's one drink away from losing it all, and an interior designer facing the crumbling of her picture-perfect life—this unlikely group slowly opens up, not only to the possibility of a happier future but to friendship, change, and even romance.

When a shocking revelation reveals the real reason they were chosen for this group, it shakes the very foundation of what they thought they knew. What began as a journey designed to heal turns out to be a much greater test of friendship, strength, and love as they realize happiness is just outside the door...if they're brave enough to seek it.

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A twist I didn't see coming!

The Seven O’Clock Club begins with Genevieve, a therapist, conducting an experimental grief therapy group. She has selected four participants—Victoria, Callum, Mischa, and Freya—who must attend weekly group therapy sessions for four weeks.

Initially, the group is hesitant. Victoria, Callum, Mischa, and Freya are either skeptical about therapy or reluctant to share the reasons for their presence. What we do know is that they all have lost someone, and the loss has marked them.  At different stages of grief, they doubt Genevieve’s ability to help.

As readers learn about these characters and their losses, it’s easy to grow attached, rooting for their healing and the release of their inner demons. Then comes a plot twist that changes everything.

This entertaining debut delivers a compelling narrative and richly developed characters. Despite exploring profound loss and guilt, the story avoids being overly somber. Ultimately, it offers hope.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.