THE THIRD ACT

An aging woman gets a second chance at love in Brehony’s novel.

At the age of 65, Shannon O’Connell is weathering a storm of personal losses, including the death of her best friend, Linda; the painful departure of her longtime partner, Kim; and the slow erosion of her mother’s mind due to Alzheimer’s. Most of the life she’s known over the past several decades is slipping away, but the arrival of her group of close-knit, longtime friends (called “The Tribe” amongst themselves) just might herald the start of a new chapter as they celebrate Linda’s life at Shannon’s family’s beachside property. During this reunion, Shannon reconnects with Elizabeth Matthews, who has secretly carried a torch for Shannon before and after the passionate night they shared together 30 years ago (“that night—even through the haze of Tequila—was extraordinary and not just because it was passionate but because I let her all the way into my heart,” Elizabeth reflects). After decades of unsaid words and unresolved emotions, their tender, complicated courtship unfolds slowly but surely. Through chapters alternating first-person perspectives, the novel offers a balanced, nuanced view of Shannon and Elizabeth’s rekindled connection. Shannon’s reluctance to move on after her unexpected breakup contrasts effectively with Elizabeth’s steady determination and her own reservations about opening up to love. Their chemistry feels grounded and believable within the flow of the novel’s events. The individual personal growth of the characters proves to be as compelling as the romance itself, and the rest of the cast isn’t sidelined—everyone is a fully realized person in their own right. Brehony explores a wide spectrum of life’s complexities, from issues of aging, regret, and identity to the loss of friends and family with honesty and grace. The coastal setting also plays a meaningful role, mirroring the novel’s emotional terrain—sometimes turbulent, sometimes calm, but always capable of reflecting beauty. Unexpected moments of humor and warmth bring levity to the emotional depth of the story, highlighting the enduring bond of lifelong friendship.

An emotionally rich novel that delivers a heartfelt exploration of grief, renewal, and late-in-life love with authenticity.