I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide me review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

The blurb set the scene for a heart warming story, helping the main characters with their mental health through gardening. It focuses on the importance of mental health, family and finding your own way in the world. It was a really enjoyable read.

I was really excited about this one as a follower of the authors other endeavours. It was an enjoyable and special read which I really enjoyed.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future!

A great read with wonderful characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Melanie is a beautiful writer and creates lovely characters in this book,. I loved, Jenna, and Peter the most. This book will make you cry and is so so gorgeously written. It is not to be missed.

I really enjoyed this book, I read her first book and I couldn't put either of them down. Definitely worth reading both of her books.

It took a while to find a footing in the narration. It caught me a bit off guard and it took a couple chapters for each sister for each to develop their distinct voice. In the end I appreciated that each main character had its own voice because they saw different things, had different emotions and overall enriched the story.

Topics pertaining to mental health were quite prevalent, so if in a vulnerable emotional state, i would not recommend picking this right off the bat.

I appreciated how a sort of group therapy setting helped develop the story of how relying on other people can only make us overcome trauma much more easily. Sometimes you only need a shoulder to rest on, i guess.

Also appreciated the play of "no strings attached, but maybe I love him, but I keep him at a distance", plus the subtle love triangle.

I didn't buy Peter as a singer on youtube, nor the exposing bits on the internet part with Nathan. Nathan however was delightful. Also the parts with Mam and David. And the ending was quite endearing. Overall I rooted for Jenna, not because Rose's story wasn't good enough, it's just I've been in a mood for stories of personal revelations and reinvention.

However, it is evident by how well the social media bits were done, just how much experience the author has with the social sphere. In this i include dealing with haters, the mental health impact social media has on the individual, especially those in the public eye, being exposed on pornographic sites, algorithms feeding unhealthy behaviors (pushing people to food disorders for example).

Overall it was clearly not your rom-com feminine literature book, but rather it would place nicely with 'Elinor Oliphant is completely fine'. It's quite intense for a beacy read, but is a very qualitative one if books like that are your jam.

Thank you to NetGallery for the advance copy of this book. I have been following Melanie Murphy's career for the past couple of years and am a fan of her videos on mental health. I was eager to read 'Glass houses' as I did like her debut novel 'If only'. Firstly, I adore the cover of this book as it gives the reader warm autumn vibes.I believe 'Glass houses' delivered a strong message on mental health and addiction in a hopeful way. The characters were complex which I really appreciate and went from hating to loving. Everyone had different issues and although the metaphor of the book was cheesy, it resonated with me.However at times I did find the writing to fall flat as I got lost in long winded writing. Despite this, it is a wonderful story and it is definitely for readers who enjoy character driven stories.

Glass Houses has a near perfect balance between darkness and hope. The deep gloom of mental illness and grief that seems never ending is represented so well, and offers up an uplifting, hopeful narrative that doesn't undermine the experiences of the characters, nor glorifies it, but makes for a lovely read.

I think this is my favourite depiction of a sibling relationship I've ever read! It felt so real and perfectly illustrated the simultaneous distance and closeness that comes with sisterhood. I found both Rosie and Jenna to be interesting and vivid characters, and both had excellent development throughout the book.

There were many other characters, all of which were given a good amount of time, description, and development to make the book work really well as a whole. I found all the characters to be interesting and nuanced.

The elements of spiritual and magical realism in the book was so interesting and left a lot of space for interpretation. Overall this was such a lovely read, very accessible language and well written. I would definitely recommend!

Afraid this book was too slow paced for me. I didn’t form a connection with any of the character which meant I did care for any of the mystery elements. A very descriptive book and I did find myself immersed in the world, just without caring for what happened. I would try this author again, I’m grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for this review

I was so obsessed with Melanie Murphy on YouTube but never read any of her books before. I was so surprised with this book. You can really hear her personality in her writing which is fun and full of spirit and humour.

This book isn't an easy read and makes you feel an array of emotions. The characters aren't easy to like at first but they grow on you and you begin to care about what happens to them.
The story teaches you so many things about mental health, relationships and family

3.5 ⭐️

*Thank you to NetGalley, Melanie Murphy and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Glass Houses is a story told through the POV of two sisters, Jenna and Rosie, who both went down 2 completely different paths and reconnect and attempt to heal their relationship. In doing so, they end up attending a weekly group therapy.

I loved the anonymous comments twist, as I believed it added more to the story, and the dynamic between them and their mother, but I personally think there was too many characters for me to keep track of. Also massive TW for pet death, that really got me.

It was a good book overall, just don’t think it was for me.

Lovely story totally uplifting, sad at times but totally recommend. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

When we first meet estranged sisters Rosie and Jenna each are dealing with their own problems.

Rosie was a pilot with her own high flying life. Now she’s absorbed in the role of care giver to their mother after she was diagnosed with MS. When is there time to do something for herself? Will she ever get her life back on track?

Jenna is a talented artist but recently she’s been coasting through life. She’s not interested in making long term plans. Her cat Bertie is the only lifeline she has.

Jenna turns up suddenly one day at Rosie’s apartment, Rosie knows she has no choice but to let her stay.

David is a retired G.P. and Rosie’s neighbour. He comes up with a plan to help Jenna and in fact Rosie but she doesn’t know it at the time. He, helped by his late wife June has decided to set up a support group type scenario. Except this is a group with a difference, they have a task. That task is to sort out the garden at Avalon, David’s home he shared with his wife. Will the hard work help chase all those demons away?

This my first of Murphy’s books, it wouldn’t have been my normal go to genre. It does deal with some pretty hard hitting topics such as suicide, self-harm, revenge porn and a depression related eating disorder.

An extremely well written, multi layered story with just the right amount of characters. Told mainly from the perspectives of both Jenna and Rosie in alternating chapters.

At the beginning I couldn’t relate to any of the characters in the sense that they were so far removed for current life with anxiety and depression. I did however, as the story progressed begin to have an attachment to the whole group. Each character had their own tale and reason for being part of the group.

From cover to cover this book was full of humour, wit and sarcasm. The topic of mental health illness especially within a family is never really discussed. I particularly liked the fact that it was explored in this novel and the toll it takes on our loved ones.

Glass Houses was released May 5th.

Thank you to #Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy of Melanie Murphy’s second fictional novel, in exchange for a review. Glass Houses is officially published on the 5th of May - not long to wait at all! ⁣
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I have been following Melanie Murphy’s YouTube channel for a very long time, as well as her writing career. Murphy likes to dig deep and get right into the heart of complex, difficult topics and discussions, which is why I am such a big fan hers. ⁣
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I really enjoyed this book. From the outset the tone is clear and is very intentional. Murphy’s progression in her writing talent has seriously upped its game and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. I am assuming more books will be coming our way. ⁣
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We follow two sisters who have a growing tension between them. Jenna hates where she is in life and feels like there’s not a lot of worth in being here anymore. Rosie has got a lot on her plate and is avoiding getting close to anyone. Jenna ends up at Rosie’s door after losing her job and her home and so the two are thrust into a cohabiting relationship that is not without its struggles. ⁣
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What I liked: ⁣
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💚 The writing was rich and beautiful. ⁣
💚 Characters were fully developed and felt very real. ⁣
💚 Discourse around online bullying and trolling online. ⁣
💚 Mental health advocacy. ⁣
💚 The relationship between the sisters. ⁣
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What I disliked: ⁣
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❤️ The magical realism didn’t quite hit it for me, I think it needed to come into the book much earlier to establish itself. ⁣
❤️ The tension between the sisters sort of becomes repetitive and the unreciprocated love interest wasn’t fully developed enough for me. ⁣
❤️ There were moments that I feel could have been condensed as it did drags in parts. ⁣
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Please read up on the trigger warnings for this book. I won’t be listing them here as I don’t want to trigger anyone. But there are some pretty strong conversations here that might warrant a little check up on first before going in!

Glass Houses is a heartfelt, uplifting novel about family, growth, friendship and hope. Books like this make me realise again why I love reading, totally enjoyable with no hassles attached, loved it Recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve been following Melanie Murphy for years on YouTube, and even though I was aware of her having published two books prior, I’ve never picked them up. I’m so so glad NetGalley approved me to read Glass Houses to get to know Mrs. Murphy the writer, and not only the content creator.

It’s funny how her style of writing reflects her (online) personality and her esprit. She delivers her humour, sarcasm and sharpness perfectly. Sometimes I imagined her reading certain passages out loud with her devastatingly gorgeous irish accent. But I have to admit, it was the first time reading an eARC, where I missed having the physical copy in my hands. I strongly believe flipping pages for real adds to the reading experience.

Glass Houses made me feel uncomfortable, full, outraged and hopeful. At first I didn’t particularly liked the characters, but I cared for them. I guess that’s family for you…But they grew on me and I hoped for a HEA for every one of this crazy bunch of people.
The story teaches you so many things about mental health, relationships and family. And even though all emotions are valid, it’s crucial to reflect on them and not pity yourself constantly but learn from them and especially learn to navigate your emotions.

A MUST read for everyone in this fast-paced, crazy, demanding society who knows the struggles and pressure of simply being human.

This is an absolute gem of a book and Melanie’s voice really shines through in the writing as there’s such a unique feel to it.

The story is told from the POV of both sisters, Rosie and Jenna, but all of the characters are complex, flawed, and very human. They’re all dealing with difficult relationships and mental health struggles, which makes them incredibly relatable. Their healing journey being centered around fixing a glasshouse and reconnecting with nature and each other has a magical feel to it and explores how messy but beautiful life is.

A lot of this story hit closer to home than I was ready for, but it was such an honest, almost cathartic, read. Please do make sure to check the trigger warnings as this book deals with some heavy topics.

TW: Suicide, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Bereavement, Revenge Porn, Brief HP reference

For me this book was very wholesome. The characters are human, morally grey with their flaws and everything and yet they rise from it and are accountable. It also discusses about mental health, it could be a bit triggering but the wholesome ness of the book covers it all. Amazing read!