Where Rainbows End (also known as Love, Rosie or Rosie Dunne) is the second novel by Irish writer Cecelia Ahern, published in 2004.[1] The entire novel is written in epistolary structure in the form of letters, emails, instant messages, and newspaper articles. The book reached number one in Ireland and UK and was a best seller internationally.[2] The book won the German Corine Award in 2005. In 2014, the novel was adapted into a film titled Love, Rosie.
Where Rainbows End tells the story of Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart, two childhood best friends whose lifelong bond is tested by distance, time, and life’s unexpected challenges. Growing up together in Dublin, they share their dreams and secrets, always side by side—until Alex’s family moves to Boston, suddenly putting miles between them.[3]
Despite the separation, Rosie and Alex maintain constant contact through letters, emails, and messages, keeping their connection alive. However, as the years pass, their lives take different paths. Rosie faces a turning point with an unplanned pregnancy that forces her to give up plans for university abroad and focus on raising her daughter in Dublin. Meanwhile, Alex pursues a medical career in the United States, eventually becoming a surgeon and starting a family of his own.
Throughout the novel, their friendship is challenged by missed opportunities, misunderstandings, and the complications of their personal lives — relationships formed and ended, family hardships, and the everyday struggles of growing up. Yet their bond never truly fades, reflecting a deep affection and loyalty that spans continents and years.
The story also explores the lives of those around them, including Rosie’s daughter Katie and her friend Toby, whose own friendship mirrors the early relationship between Rosie and Alex. This next generation’s experiences add further layers to the themes of love, friendship, and timing.
At its heart, the novel asks whether Rosie and Alex’s connection was always meant to be more than friendship. It captures the bittersweet tension between holding on and letting go, revealing how life’s twists can both separate and bring people back together. With warmth, humor, and heartfelt emotion, Where Rainbows End is a poignant exploration of true friendship, missed chances, and the hope for second beginnings.[4]
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Characters
Rosie Dunne: One of the main characters who lives in Dublin with her daughter Katie and has always dreamed of working in a hotel. The book follows her relationship with best friend Alex as distance and circumstances are forever testing their friendship. Rosie begins to question whether she was always meant to be more than friends with Alex and these feelings soon begin to take effect on their friendship.
Alex Stewart: The other main character of the book, originally from Dublin where he grew up with Rosie, his family moves to Boston where Alex eventually becomes a surgeon. Alex gets married there, but later discovers that he has feelings for Rosie.
Phil Stewart: One of the minor characters of the book and is Alex's brother. The two often communicate via email and Phil is always giving Alex advice about love and his friendship with Rosie.
Sally Gruber: Sally meets Alex in Boston and the pair fall in love and get married and have a son together called Josh. Soon their relationship begins having problems.
Greg Collins: A minor character in the book who marries Rosie. It soon becomes apparent that Greg is not right for Rosie and he is unfaithful to her.
Katie Dunne: Rosie's daughter, Katie has a best friend in the book called Toby and their relationship mirrors the relationship that Alex and Rosie had as children. As she gets older her relationship with Toby changes and it teaches Rosie about her real feelings for Alex.
Toby Quinn: Katie's best friend and their relationship is very similar to the relationship Alex and Rosie had as children. Toby and Katie lose touch and meet after several years where they realize they were always meant to be more than friends.
Brian: Katie's father who comes back into her life midway through the book. He went to school with Rosie and Alex.
Ruby: Ruby is best friends with Rosie after they meet working in an office for a stationery company. Ruby is always on hand to offer Rosie advice when she is unsure of her feelings in life and love.
Mrs. Julie Casey: Also known as "Mrs. Big Nose Smelly Breath Casey" by Rosie and Alex. Towards the middle of the story Rosie, after quitting her job, goes to work at her old primary school as a receptionist and the two become friends.
Bethany Williams: Alex's second wife. She was his first girlfriend in high school, but were reunited years later. They have a son named Theo. Rosie never liked her.
Dennis Dunne: Rosie's father.
Alice Dunne: Rosie's mother.
Stephanie Dunne: Rosie's older sister.
Kevin Dunne: Rosie's younger brother.
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Reception
Publishers Weekly commented stating that "the novel endears despite its flaws, thanks to Rosie and our endless appetite for stories of love finally requited."[5]
While a reviewer for The Guardian wrote: "overall this is a clever novel with bright, entertaining characters and is perfect for any older readers looking for a bittersweet love story."[6]
A film adaptation of the book was released in October 2014. It was directed by Christian Ditter, and stars Lily Collins as Rosie Dunne and Sam Claflin as Alex Stewart.
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