SAVING 6 🍫 REDEEMING 6

This is a combined review for both books 3&4 in The Boys Of Tommen series. They just keep getting better ! It was all things broken, healing, and full of love.

I’ve rewritten this review a few times, contemplating how much I wanted to share being a former foster youth due to the results of DV, but stories like these are so important and mirror so much of what is true and unfortunately possible. This series is beyond cathartic and reading about siblings who conquer the statistics, like me and my siblings, is representation in the highest form for me. What I will say, from my own personal growth, after years of trying to fit in so many spaces just to be continuously misunderstood, no one will see you quite like a book. It opens up to you and never judges. This one held me. It saw me. And Im so grateful for @authorchloewalsh and authors who have stories like this to share. So happy these books found me at this time in my life.

May Contain Spoilers :

The woven timeline with 13 was so satisfying. Joey, the man that you are, the big brother, the partner, protector, and friend. I was rooting for him always and it was so good to see him turn around and mention everything he needed to say in the end. His rehab chapters were written to perfection. I felt like I was in the room, just deeply profound and had me sobbing. My girl Aoife she was the perfect match. She went through hell and high water for her man with an unwavering commitment. Even for herself she stood her ground. She knew exactly who she was and didn’t let anyone forget it. Thank goodness for comedic relief and it was placed so perfectly. I have so many LOL tabes of when I busted out laughing.

My favorite parts were him being called out to speak Irish 🫠 and moments of highlighting pregnancy and motherhood on all sides. All of it is such a great representation of the journey that isn’t talked about enough. Edel and Trish are mom goals I love them so much. I have a newfound respect for each and every person who will take on the characters for the TV show, it won’t be easy. Can’t wait to get to the rest of this series ! #boysoftommen

6/1 Edited to

You know, one of the things that truly stuck with me while diving into Chloe Walsh's 'Saving' and 'Redeeming' was the beautiful integration of Irish culture, especially those little phrases that pop up. Like 'ceart go leor, a mhúinteoir' – it might seem small, but it adds so much depth to the story and the characters! Literally meaning 'all right, teacher,' this phrase isn't just a throwaway line. In the context of the books, and especially with characters like Joey and Aoife, it often speaks to a deeper connection to their roots, a beautiful nod to their Irish heritage that shapes so much of who they are. It’s like a secret handshake for those familiar with the culture, but even for those who aren't, it paints such a vivid picture of authenticity and belonging. I remember seeing a highlighted page with an Irish dialogue and its translation, where a character was explaining an Irish phrase about love, and it just clicked – these aren't just details; they're the heart of the story. The way Chloe Walsh weaves in these linguistic details makes the world of Tommen feel incredibly real and lived-in. It's a testament to the author's attention to detail, making characters like Joey feel even more authentic when he's 'called out to speak Irish,' as I mentioned in my review. It's not just a plot device; it's part of his character, his history, and his connection to his community. These moments of linguistic flavor bring a genuine charm that you don't always find in romance or coming-of-age series. For me, these moments of cultural immersion, especially through language, mirrored the themes of healing, finding one's voice, and establishing one's place that are so central to the series. Just like the characters are navigating their pasts and building their futures, these Irish phrases serve as anchors to their identity. It’s a beautiful way to show how our heritage, our language, and our roots shape us, often in ways we don't fully realize until we see it reflected in stories like these. It creates a sense of profound realism that makes the characters' struggles and triumphs even more impactful. The books themselves, like the copies of 'Saving' and 'Redeeming' I held, feel infused with this cultural richness. So, when you come across 'ceart go leor, a mhúinteoir' or any other Irish phrase in 'The Boys of Tommen,' take a moment to appreciate the layer it adds. It’s more than just words; it’s a piece of their world, a bit of their soul, and it makes the entire reading experience so much richer and more profound. It truly makes you feel like you're right there with them, understanding their struggles and their triumphs on a deeper, more personal level. These cultural touches are truly what set Chloe Walsh's series apart and make it so memorable.