Publication 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.
A PEOPLE MAGAZINE BOOK OF THE WEEK ∙ A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ A ZIBBY OWENS MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2025
Freya, Callum, Mischa, and Victoria have nothing in common—well, except for one thing: they’ve each experienced a deep personal loss that has led them to an unconventional group meeting, every Tuesday night at seven. A meeting they’ve been particularly selected for that will help them finally move on. At least, that’s the claim.
As they warily eye one another and their unnervingly observant group leader, one question hangs over them: why were they chosen? To get the answer, they are going to have to share a whole lot of themselves first. Getting Freya, Callum, Mischa, and Victoria to trust each other is vital—because the real reason they’re connected will shift the ground beneath their feet.
Riveting and wise, The Seven O’Clock Club shows us the courage needed to face your past and the joy that can be found in stepping into your future.
The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland was nothing like I expected. It is a book divided into many parts, all dealing with grief and death.
The story is complex, with many layers, and things are not always as they seem. The four main characters have a connection that no one expected, especially since they didn’t seem to have anything in common except how they dealt with their grief. The group that brought them together became an essential part of their lives even when they thought they would rather give up. But they unexpectedly formed a bond and were there for each other. They learn to live with their grief. They find many truths about themselves, some of which are hard to fathom.
Led by Genevieve, their therapist/counselor, who is an integral part of the story. Callum, the rockstar, Freya, a housewife, Victoria, an uptight lawyer, and finally Misha, who worked in insurance and cared for her mother in her last stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The story has a great flow as we are taken through the stages. Multiple stories were being told, and we got to know each of them on a deeper plane. We learn about their lives, the reasons for their grief, and why they can’t forgive themselves. The story begins with a prologue that sets the stage. We get closure six months later before an epilogue tops off the story.
The Seven O’Clock Club was an emotional read and the story touched me on several layers. It was thought-provoking and reminiscent to me of several books by Mitch Albom.
Amelia Ireland lives in London but travels extensively to far flung places. She likes to rock climb, kite surf, and ride horses. She is also a mother to two very dramatic children.
