It begins in Autumn, 2008, on the coast of Dublin. Bruno, an American, has come to Ireland to search for his roots. Addie, an out-of-work architect, is recovering from heartbreak while taking care of her infirm father. When their worlds collide, they experience a connection unlike any they've previously felt. But soon their newfound love will be tested in ways they never imagined possible.

It’s impossible to look away from this love story. Addie may be struggling when we meet her . . . but she's cool and funny and she carries this novel with the charisma of a classic heroine. It will leave you a weeping mess just as Em and Dex's story did. It will also leave you feeling utterly bereft to no longer be in its company (Observer)

Be warned. MacMahon subtly - almost imperceptibly - weaves her readers so tightly into her story that when she rolls out her shattering ending it's best to be alone, far from prying eyes. Stave off the tears if you can: I was a wreck (Sunday Times)

When you have long forgotten many other fictional lovers, there is something about Addie and Bruno, their past and their world, that will not go away - Maeve Binchy, The Irish Times

This richly poetic first novel combines a strong contemporary feel with a sense of timelessness. MacMahon's prose fizzes from page one, capturing the imagination and holding the reader. As the title suggests this is a poignant book yet remarkably life-affirming thanks to the sheer quality of MacMahon's writing. Her characterisation is deft and believable. She has perfect control of tone and a gift for piercing metaphor. I predict a glittering future. - Daily Express

It has 'future classic' written all over it - Glamour

An exceptional novel . . . It is truly a story for our time. This is How it Ends signals the belated arrival of a new Irish commercial writer with an extraordinary gift and a voice that is entirely her own - Irish Independent

Kathleen MacMahon's prose could not appear more effortless or beautiful . . . The twist in this tale is utterly unexpected and satisfyingly unpredictable . . . A bittersweet, engaging novel that will no doubt become a book-club darling - Sunday Independent
 

A tender love story. A book about love, family, children and that glorious sense of being alive - Irish Examiner

The beginning of bank protests, alongside the American election and how crucial it seemed, send a tremor through the narrative - Sunday Times, Ireland