"The Family Next Door" felt like Liane Moriarty's books: a complex set of characters, a microcosm of the social world and a collision of personal incidents. I was not convinced of its realism once past the phase of character establishment. The plot began to feel too mechanical after the arrival of Isabelle and the final section of the novel seemed irrelevant and rather "happy ever after", even though it was not necessarily "happy". The novel teeters between a "good read" and soapie but I did want to find out what happened, so there is merit in that!

During the biggest part of the book I really disliked the main characters Ange, Fran and Essie for their moaning about motherhood and how they never had time for themselves and wanted their house to look magnificent. But at the end of the book with a most unexpected turn of what was really going on below the surface... I was baffled!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of the book.

I found this an easy read, interesting plot line, but it didn’t hold my attention. The story line is based on the premise of never really knowing what goes on behind closed doors.

I could imagine it as a tv drama, but for me it lacked something - it was a bit too predictable in parts. A good holiday read maybe.

This review will not be published on my blog, instagram or goodreads until March 2018.

As we all know, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks. . . .which basically means, it’s so very easy to make assumptions about other peoples lives.

This book centres on a Cul De Sac in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia where the residents are all nice enough, saying hello and good night as they pass in the street but never really going any further than this. We join Mount Pleasant just as Isabelle moves in to the street. She is single and without children. She is so very unlike all of the other residents.
As the women of the street begin to get closer, we begin to see through some of the lies and discover that nobody has the perfect life and that everyone is battling something.

The characters are well developed and the way that each chapter focused on different members of the street really kept my interest. You get to see how they interact with each other and their strengths and weaknesses. I think readers who enjoy works of Maeve Binchy and Cathy Kelly would enjoy this very much.

I’d never heard of this author before and will certainly keep an eye out for other books of hers.

I received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This is a brilliant novel that delves into the minds of several families and the neighbourhood Pleasant Court.

I am not sure about this book, in some places it felt like a soap opera

It centers around a family friendly community.

Not everyone is married and the story centers around a unmarried mum and her daughter.

Does anyone really know what goes on behind closed doors? Is that perfect family you see in the street as perfect as they seem - probably not.

Pleasant Court is in an Australian suburb. It lives up to its name being a nice place for young families to live. Ange, Fran and Essie all have young families and seemingly ideal lives. In moves Isabelle. A single woman with no children. Just why would she want to live here? Why does she get so involved in the families lives, taking well to their children. Is there more to her than meets the eye?

This book is written from the point of view of the four ladies - each chapter is from a different woman's point of view. I enjoy this style of writing as it really enables to reader to understand the mind of the person writing. Having more than one narrator means the reader often gets to see the same event from differing viewpoints.

I enjoyed this book. It seems on the surface to be a gossipy book about suburban life. However the book is actually a bit deeper than it seemed at first. Who is Isabelle and why is she so attracted to the ladies and their children? Is she sexually attracted to one of them or is someone harbouring a deep secret?

I did have a fair idea what was going on and how the book was going to pan out from quite early on. However, I didn't know exactly how the author was going to tackle it and that I found very interesting. I was satisfied with the ending - although I haven't had the experiences of the people in the book their reactions and the conclusions worked for me.

I would certainly be happy to read another book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Hodder Stoughton and Sally Hepworth for the copy of ‘The Family Next Door’ in return for my honest review.

The narrative of the story switches between the main characters and centres around a street in Australia, Pleasant Court, which is a family orientated street until a single woman arrives with unknown motives.

We never know what goes on behind closed doors and never really know our neighbours and friends, or even our relatives. A cleverly crafted novel which is an excellent look at the frailty of human relationships and facing up to reality with numerous twists and turns to keep interest.

Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book, I realised quite quickly there was a link between Essie and Isabelle but never quite realised what, so very cleverly done! The sub plots with Ang and Fran were vert cleverly woven in. I started off wishing I lived in their road, but by the end of it realised i
there was far too much going on that people keep hidden. Overall a great read which kept me reading and guessing right the the end. Would definitely recommend.

I really enjoyed the book. You’re introduced to the residents of Pleasant Court, Ange, Fran and Essie all with their secrets to hide. A new resident arrives Isabelle Heatherington with no partner and no children in a street of families. What is she hiding?
Each chapter is written in the first person of one of these 4 characters. As the story unfolds you learn what each of the residents is hiding behind their own front door and their relationships.
I enjoyed all the intertwining relationships and the story took turns I wasn’t expecting so it kept me guessing. I will definately read Sally Hepworth again.
Thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Sally Hepworth for a ARC in return for an honest review.

An enjoyable read. Taking a glimpse into peoples lives. On the surface people, all seem normal but many and not necessarily the ones you expect are harbouring secrets. This book reminded me of Wisteria Lane and Desperate Housewives. Recommended.

I love a good plot twist, one that takes your breath away just when you think you have a story all worked out. This book did not disappoint, I fell in love and rooted for the characters in this book, my heart broke and I laughed out loud in equal amounts. Such an easy and delightful read was this book that I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. I look forward to reading further novels by Sally Hepworth, right after I've knocked on my neighbours door and invited myself round for a coffee. Who knows? #TheFamilyNextDoor #NetGalley