I have read a few @clareswatmanauthor and loved them and this did not disappoint. This book has an interesting and unique storyline that pulls you in instantly and I couldn't put it down. I empathised with Laura throughout and I was desperate for her to get the closure she needed. The book is beautifully written and has an emotional depth that makes you feel every emotion the characters go through. I love the dual time line and the way it builds the story to its perfect conclusion. #clareswatman #theworldoutsidemywindow #goodreads #netgalley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story of Laura and Jim is interesting. The development of Laura's agoraphobia is very well done, and it is so easy to see how someone could descend into this after a traumatic event. Jim's movements and disappearance are very well written too. Without giving too much away, the manipulation of someone is so easy to do if the someone is besotted. The predicament Laura finds herself in is believable.

I did see the end coming from about 1/3 into the book, but didn't mind at all. The only thing I am less enamored with is the speed of the relationship at the end of the story. Whilst I can believe the progress Laura made in a few weeks, I find it harder to believe the outcome developed so quickly. That said, it did show that a woman does not need a man to be strong...

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

For the most part I enjoyed this read. Laura is a vulnerable and likeable character and I took her into my heart and wanted her to be okay. There was a strong sense of foreboding as I read this and I did think the plot was obvious. For me, there were not any surprises and I could see what would happen a mile off. However, I still enjoyed the plot and it made sense for the characters and the direction Swatman takes the book in.
There is a lot of raw emotion in this read which made for difficult reading at times but I thought Swatman writes sensitively and having wonderful characters to follow certainly made it easier.
This is a emotional yet brilliant read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

A sensitive and emotional read that has so much warmth and depth. It felt like a warm hug while reading and the romance was sweet.

This one ended up being kind of meh for me, but I don't however regret reading this one. However, I'm not sure if I would read anything else by this author.

While the plot is quite predictable, I loved Laura's character! Watching her overcome agoraphobia was a journey worth reading ✨

I requested this one as I suffer from agoraphobia and am happy to see it represented. I'm always glad to see it being represented more in books so more people can understand.

I'm currently struggling badly with my condition so don't see myself picking this up as I think it would just make me worse that I can't break out of it.

I've heard good things so don't take this review as a sign to not read it. I feel like more people should be educated on the matter!

I have gone back and forth in my mind about my thoughts on this book. It hasn't been an easy one to rate. On the one hand, it was a quick read, it didn't feel like a slog and I somewhat enjoyed it. On the other, the characters annoyed me and the plot was quite transparent.

If you're looking for a big reveal after reading the blurb of this book, then it has to be said, that you're not going to get it. How the book ends is exactly how I knew it would end from the first couple of chapters. This may very well have been intentional but the blurb does read as though there is a mystery to be unravelled. What I did find frustrating was that the story was so obvious, but none of the characters seemed to see it.

I did like some of the characters; Debbie was very straight and honest without being mean and I enjoyed that. She was supportive of her best friend without enabling her. I also liked Jane. Although she had a smaller role in the story, she seemed like a neighbour I would like to have.

So I've landed on this rating. This was by no means unbearable and it was a nice easy, quick read. But it didn't give me the emotional and evocative feelings that I was hoping for.

When I delved into "The World Outside My Window," I found myself instantly connected to Laura, the central character in this captivating narrative. Her world shatters when her husband, Jim, fails to return home after a work trip. For Laura, Jim isn't just a spouse; he's her lifeline. You see, Laura battles an overwhelming fear of the outside world, and Jim is her anchor, her source of strength. The void left by Jim's absence is devastating.

Laura's solitary confidante, Debbie, steps in to support her through this traumatic period, even with her own family responsibilities. Together, they embark on a journey towards healing. With Debbie's unwavering help, Laura tentatively starts breaking free from the self-imposed constraints she's placed on herself. As the story unfolds, we witness a transformation in Laura that is both heartwarming and remarkable.

What I particularly enjoyed about this tale is the strong sense of community that pervades the narrative. The neighbors in Willow Close rally together to aid Laura and Debbie in their quest to uncover the mystery behind Jim's disappearance. It's heartening to see this support system in action.

As the plot progresses, we're taken on a journey that weaves seamlessly between past and present, offering insight into Laura's life, her relationship with Jim, and the events that have shaped her paralyzing fear of the outside world. The author masterfully delves into the complexities of unresolved trauma and the dynamics of coercion and control. This approach breathes life into Laura's character, making her relatable and evoking genuine empathy from the reader.

While "The World Outside My Window" may not be a conventional mystery in the sense that the plot's outcome becomes apparent early on, it's undeniably Laura's story that takes center stage. Her struggles with indecision, mental health, and her paralyzing fear of the world are portrayed with a profound sensitivity that resonates throughout this immersive narrative.

In short, "The World Outside My Window" is a powerful exploration of one woman's inner world, her battles, and her remarkable journey toward personal growth. Laura's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the unwavering support of a close-knit community.

Following a traumatic attack in London, chef Laura becomes agoraphobic and moves to the suburbs with her husband, Jim. Her increasing dependence on him strains their relationship, and she resorts to alcohol when lonely. When Jim mysteriously doesn't return from a trip, Laura is forced to seek help from her neighbors.

This book addresses relationships, trauma, and mental health with a mix of first-person and third-person narratives. While the portrayal of relationships and emotional manipulation is commendable, Laura's failure to notice red flags over seven years seems implausible. The shifting perspectives can disrupt the reading flow, and the plot progresses predictably. Despite its shortcomings, the book offers insights into Laura's emotional journey, though it may not resonate with all readers.

The World Outside My Window - Clare Swatman

This book turned out to be more of a mystery than I thought it was going to be from my original thoughts (from looking at the cover). I loved the characters and enjoyed how they all (neighbors) contributed to Laura's questions on the disappearance of her husband. An enjoyable easy read, which would make a great read for a plane journey. Thanks so much Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. In the summer of 1984 there weren’t many female chefs, except for Laura who worked at one of the top restaurants in London. This is where she meets the handsome but older Jim a man she would soon become obsessed with. Her lifelong best friend Debbie didn’t like him and thought there was something off about Jim but Laura was in love and soon moved in together and eventually marry. Not long after a man tried to assault Laura on her way home from work this cost her to not want to leave the flat at all, not to mention she started drinking a lot and Jim enabled all of it. He supported her so she could give in to her paranoia she soon starts getting prank phone calls and sees people watching her flat from the street. This is when he decided to move them to a cul-de-sac a little ways outside of London a place she would move into but not leave for months but when Jim doesn’t come home one night Laura is beside herself with worry, where is Jim, what has happened to him?! When Debbie shows up she decides to come up with a plan. Jim had made friends with every one in the cul-de-sac and Debbie decides Laura should do the same so she could find out what happened to Jim. Laura learns it was only when her life ended but it truly began. This was an interesting read, watching Laura grapple with her Agoraphobia whilst trying to locate Jim added an element of complexity to her difficulties. I enjoyed how supportive her friend Debbie was in helping her to cope with that issue and also unravel what had happened with Jim. I started to get an inkling of what may be going on but the exact whys and hows as Jim explains them left me not disliking him as much as I had started to. I would describe it as more of a mystery read than a thriller. #theworldoutsidemywindow #clareswatman #netgalley #tea_sipping_bookworm #getlitsy #thestorygraph #goodreads #mystery

Laura, confined to her house after a trauma, must face the world outside when her husband, Jim, mysteriously disappears. As she embarks on her journey, she discovers the warmth and support of her Willow Crescent neighbours, each with their own stories and secrets. Swatman weaves a masterful narrative that is emotional, uplifting, and utterly captivating.

Firstly I have to say I love the representation of Arogpbia that Laura is suffering from. I liked the process of her slowly healing and being able to go small sets at a time and eventually figure out things that she didn't know about. I feel like she was a bit naive in this book, especially about Jim and their relationship. Her best friend Debbie was my favourite in this book as she is always there for Laura and is very mistrusting of Jim; alas she is proved wrong at a point to be. Laura's husband Jim has gone missing Laura then wants to figure out where he went so she is battling with multiple illnesses mainly agoraphobia and alcoholism thriving throughout this book.

#bookreview #theworldoutsidemywindow #bookinstragam #mentalhealthrep

i loved this book such a great story and you just knew there was a twist coming but it didn’t take anything away from the story.
a new author for me and i love the way the story evolved and getting to know the characters.
a fun easy read that i would recommend

The main reason that I am rating the book the way I am is because I guessed the twist in the story. That took away a certain factor which would have otherwise led me to a different reaction.
The story is about triumphing against the odds and fighting with the cage that one's own mind threw up. Laura has not stepped out of her house in years. It began with an attack back at her old place, which led her to become a recluse with severe agoraphobia. She managed to move into the house she currently is in an almost comatose state.
Her husband is currently missing. Any change in her routine upsets her terribly, and this is not a small problem. She starts to panic. Luckily she has one friend she can call on. With the help of this friend and working on her past issues (while simultaneously letting us know what happened in the past), she takes literal baby steps out of her comfort zone because of her concern for her husband.
Usually, books with covers like this one does, do not have this kind of a story hidden within. There is very little that separates it from being a thriller. Although there is a sense of unease and mistrust that permeates through the content, the focus on the positive and the work that Laura puts in (along with the people in the neighbourhood) into reclaiming her way of life ensures that this book cannot be classified alongside all those brooding dark book covers with silhouettes near windows/doors.
I liked the interpersonal bonds that everyone shares, at least by the time the story comes to a close. I will not comment further in fear of giving away anything else about the events that happen in the book.
I ended up reading this in several short sittings, solely to see if my hunch was correct, and the author made it easy.
Despite her trials, Laura is an easy protagonist to champion. She is someone who puts in the effort when required. This latter part is what keeps the momentum going, despite setbacks at relative intervals.
I would recommend this to fans of books with a good growth arc, and for people who do not mind a little bit of mistrust as the foudnation for the entire plot.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

At 1st I couldn't connect with this book and thought I'd not continue. So glad I did reading about Laura who's agoraphobia has prevented her from living life and she relies heavily on husband Jim who appears quite controlling at times and is away most of the week. Something happens and Laura has to find the strength to leave her safe place. I guessed what she would find out and I was right, thought, so I wish the ending was more surprising than that. But it was a great book !

I enjoyed this one very much. Another new author which I’ll be looking out for in the future. The story was quite sad at times as I felt for the main character but it was a good solid story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for The World Outside My Window. Laura is a talented chef who scraped her way to leading a fancy restaurant in London, where she meets Jim and after a whirlwind romance, they marry. After Laura suffers a traumatic event (potential trigger warning), she becomes agoraphobic and doesn’t leave their residence for 18 months. She depends on Jim for everything when he is in town and is totally isolated the 4 days a week he has to be in Leeds for work.

Then one day Jim disappears. Laura has to face her fears— with strong support by her one remaining friend Debbie.

I enjoyed Laura and Debbie and the supporting characters as well as the plot. While I wasn’t totally shocked by the twists and turns in the plot, I did fully enjoy the book.

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARc in exchange for my opinion.