Marian Keyes and Louise O'Neill raved about this book, so I knew I would love it

It is no surprise to see the lack of sun have an impact on our spirits, but we're trying to embrace cozy season as best we can.

We're looking forward to more quiet nights at home, mainly because we can finally catch up on our reading.

And I've found one book that is completely perfect for this time of year, and it's just been nominated for an An Post Book Award.

Our Song by Anna Carey is one book that is bound to cheer you up this winter.

Not only is this novel heartwarming, but it's also full of hope without ever losing its sensitivity.

The novel follows former musician Laura, whose relationship has broken down, and her job has recently made her redundant. However, things change when her former bandmate and now global superstar, Tadhg Hennessy, comes back into her life.

Just when Laura thinks there's no hope, she is given the opportunity of a lifetime, but will old feelings ruin her chance at a new beginning?

You can buy the Kindle version here.

What I loved about this book is the theme of second chances woven throughout it. It was refreshing to read about someone in their 30s whose life wasn't going according to plan, but that little glimmer of hope is lingering, even at the darkest times.

Anna Carey has written a rom-com that doesn't make you cringe or roll your eyes, but one that makes you feel comforted, one that fully engrosses you.

And what makes this rom-com so special is the characters. Laura and Tadhg are some of the most likable Irish characters I've come across in a book in years. They were so perfectly crafted that they both felt like people you'd know from a past life.

Laura is the down-on-her-luck friend that you only want the best for, and Tadhg is the person everyone wants to be friends with.

Their love story was messy, it was complicated, it was full of heartwarming moments and surprisingly deep chats, which I feel are few and far between in rom-coms these days.

It's been a few days since I finished reading Our Song, and I cannot stop thinking about the conversation Laura and Tadhg had about having children.

Laura's honesty was beautifully refreshing and will undoubtedly be a comfort to those who don't want children.

Rom-coms are the greatest comfort, but they're even more special when they feature characters that feel so real, and ones that have dilemmas many of us have faced at some stage in our lives.

Our Song is a book that will make these dreary winter evenings feel lighter. Reading about Laura and Tadhg's second chance will make you feel hopeful, brighter, and hopefully a little less alone during this time of year.

What is Our Song about?

Laura used to have big dreams, but she gave them up – because that’s what grown-ups do. Trying to turn her love of music into a career would have been absolutely ridiculous.
But when she hears one of Tadhg’s songs on the radio, she isn’t so sure.

Tadhg and Laura used to be in a band together. They used to be a lot of things. Now he’s a superstar, touring the world with his songs, making Laura feel like a failure and reminding her of what might have been.

Then she gets an email that could change everything: Tadhg wants to finish a song they started writing together nearly twenty years ago. Making music again would be a dream come true, even if it’s with a person she swore she’d never speak to again. And they can keep things professional, right?

As Tadhg and Laura start working together though, sparks begin to fly. Maybe music isn’t the only thing that deserves a second chance?

Buy here.

Our Song by Anna Carey has been nominated for an An Post Book Award. You can vote here.