Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this, book which was an interesting read.

The story is set in 1927 where Agnes is looking to rent out her room, where she lives at No 23 Burlington Square.

There are three prospective applicants that she interviews, and in each part of the book we find out their reasons for wanting the room.

We also meet Agnes’s niece Clara, as well as Stephen and Mercy. Each from a have totally different lives, they’re also hiding something.

The story had some “what ifs”, friendship and so much more. The story keeps you hooked, turning the pages to know what happens next and how the story ends.

I recommend this book.

No. 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer is a charming read filled with characters that will make your heart sing. I was initially drawn to the book because of its clever premise. Set in 1927, the book tells the story of Agnes Humphries, who has lived at No. 23 since she was born. Due to changing circumstances she has let out the other floors in the house as a way of making money, but also to help to counteract her loneliness. On the top floor lives the reclusive photographer Gilbert, the second floor is currently vacant while the first floor is rented by an elderly Polish pianist who suffers from arthritis and is no longer able to play his beloved music. Agnes herself keeps the ground floor where she lives surrounded by the memories and mementoes of the mother who died when she was just twelve, the sister she raised and the father she nursed for decades before his death. In the basement lives a young family, husband, wife and three young daughters with another one on the way. The clever idea behind this book is that it follows three different potential timelines, in each of which the vacant second floor is rented to a different person, Agnes's flighty niece Clara who is one of the Bright Young Things and has been disowned by her family because of a minor scandal, Mercy , a timid war widow who seems in need of a new start, or the staid but reliable banker Stephen. In each of the sections of the book we follow what happens when the new tenant moves in, with dramatically different outcomes for everyone involved,
This is a book for readers who love character driven stories, each of the characters has a unique and fascinating story to tell, and each has a secret that is revealed as the book unfolds. I loved that the characters felt very real, they all had their flaws, some more than others of course, and each seemed to show growth as the book unfolded. I also loved seeing how Agnes was changed by the choices she made, and how each of the different tenants impacted on her life.
If I had to pick a flaw I would say that the pacing is a little uneven, the distribution between the three storylines is skewed pretty heavily to Clara's timeline, which dominated almost the first half of the book. I didn't mind this at all as it was my favourite of the three storylines, but it did leave me feeling like the others, particularly Mercy's story, were a little rushed in comparison,
I think readers who like to imagine what if, those who love movies like Groundhog Day, or those of us who spent our childhood reading choose your own adventure books will find that this book will resonate , and I would certainly encourage them to pick it up.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

The story revolves around three individuals applying for one room, each with their unique life stories. Miss Agnes Humphries the landlady has a decision to make. The book emphasizes the impact of our choices. Showing us how others’ lives can be affected by one choice.

I enjoyed the 'what ifs' concept, something I'd only seen in movies before, but never read in a book. Intriguing characters make the story very engaging. A bit of mystery, drama, and romance. I'm glad I read it.

I received the ARC via NetGalley from the publisher.

Absolutely charming, delightful book with a fascinating and unique concept. The author really made effort to include excellent detail. Alternating timelines makes it fascinating to see how things could have gone differently. I am so grateful I got a chance to read this and highly recommend.

Wow! Such a clever idea for a historical novel!
I loved having three separate stories that actually blend together to give a “what if” storyline.
We meet Agnes who owns the house, inherited from her father and we find her in a dilemma, she has to choose a new lodger for the house. All three appeal to her and we are given the opportunity to see what happens when she chooses each person, a sort of Sliding Doors type affair.
Firstly we see what happens when she offers the room to her wild niece Clara. It was an intriguing story with some unexpected twists, and I ended up liking this character more than I expected.
Second up was the steady bank worker Stephen, who on paper seems the best choice. Again we are given his story and again I was surprised by his backstory.
The third lodger definitely pulled at Agnes heartstrings, and again another fascinating story is woven about her.
Somehow the author interweaves all the stories together and adds in Agnes’s own personal story, and ties it all together so well! I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I won’t go into too much detail, suffice to say that this was filled with some emotional drama, some hidden truths and blossoming friendships that made the ending so special.
It’s like no other book that I have read, it’s unique and clever and I enjoyed every single page!

This book was such an intriguing read and it really captivated me right from the very beginning. It was such an engaging story and it pulled me in and made me want to find out how the story unfolds.

It was a wonderful ‘sliding doors’ story with quite a few little twists and turns that have you feeling all the wonderful and some not so wonderful feels…

No 23 Burlington Square was a lovely and intriguing book that will make you gasp throughout, laugh a little bit and maybe shed a tear or two too…….

No 23 Burlington square is a timeslip novel. Agnes is faced with 3 choices of lodger, and wonders how she can choose. The book allows us to see what would have happened in each of her choices.

Through the 3 strands we find out more and more about all the residents of no 23 Burlington square. Each resident has an intriguing story to tell.

Agnes, herself, is not without her own story, and we learn of this in time.

Varied characters, and intriguing back stories make this into an interesting read.

This book confused me- there were too many characters and subsequently too many sub-plots. It drained me and I didn’t enjoy it at all.

'How strange it was that one simple decision could have so many ripples.'

After one of her lodgers passes away outspoken spinster Agnes Humphries has to decide which of the three applicants for the room would be most worthy & fit in best.
In sliding-doors style we are treated to the outcome of each person taking the room & the effect on the household.
I loved this unique book, a little twee & clichéd but you're drawn into each character, their backstory &, as the stories intertwine, the result a wrong decision can make.

This book waa pleasant enough and we find out about all the characters involved in this story as they make their way to No 23 Burlington Square.
Poor Agnes loses a well loved tenant Mr Blandford, and is left with a decision between three possible tenants. But which should she choose?. On the surface they all seem good choices but as we the reader find out, some of them are hiding their true characters and may not be a good fit for Agnes and her other tenants, who are treated like family..
I started to read this story and really wanted to love this book but I'm afraid I missed the cue to realise the next possible story was upon me, and became extremely confused as to what was going on! This seemed to be what happened throughout the book!. There was plenty of information to feast upon from each character but I found it a little flat once the story was ending. So that was a little disappointing.
It could be a perfect fit for another reader but just not me. I'm sorry, as I know how much work goes into writing a story.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #bookandttonic, #jennykeer.

This was such an interesting and unexpected read. I was intrigued by the description, but was completely not expecting how things turn out. Not to give any spoilers, but the story had some very surprise endings that were in the positive. More importantly, I could feel for all the characters. I wasn’t sure whether to pity or despise everyone as you learned more about them. Good read!

This book was a bit of a slow burn for me at the beginning of the book - and other than the description for the book there is no clear indication of why or how this repeating of time and events with different outcomes happens. This is reminiscent of the movie --Groundhog Day-- but where the week's events repeat with different choices being made we see the different outcomes. I had a hard time with the first one-third of the story which centers around Clara- the proprietor of 23 Burlington Square`s niece -- but once I got past that version of events the story went faster for me. I found all the other characters quite enjoyable and Clara was a more likable character in the other 2 versions of events in the book. Overall -- I felt pleased and shocked by some of the story's outcomes. This book does well in discussing issues and historical events of the time of the 1920s -- at the core of the book it is about life choices and their consequences, being yourself, human nature and the power of friendship.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood books for this ARC. This is my honest review.

I loved this book!!! It's a bit different to what I normally read and I'm so glad I read it.
Agnes Humphries is a spinster who's life was taken over caring for her sister, when her mother died and then her father as his health deteriorates. She meets James who wishes to marry her but she can't bring herself to abandon her family. When she ends up alone in Burlington Square, which she loves, she decides to take in lodgers. When one of her lodgers dies, she advertises for someone new and gets three applicants.
The story then follows these people as in each timeline Agnes picks a different person for the room. It's about how the decisions Agnes makes affects the lives of those already living there and the new person who comes to stay because they all carry a secret with them.
First up is Clara, Agnes's niece. She's flighty and thoughtless and selfish, one of the bright young things of the twenties. This was my favorite part of the story. I was floored by the revelation of her secret. The only thing about this part was that Clara's problems were solved too easily. It's also the longest part of the book and it's like the author realised that and rushed the finish but it wasn't worth dropping a star for.
Then it's Stephen Thompson, a person I did not take to and again I didn't see what was coming. Mercy is the third person with probably the thinnest story but enjoyable anyway.
The lodgers who have lived there for a long time get their chance in the spotlight too. The story is about how each person who comes to stay, changes. How the influence of Agnes helps them to become better people, in some cases anyway.
There's an epilogue, which I love. I was enthralled by the whole household but I have a soft spot for Agnes. Was delighted how things worked out for her.
This is the first novel of this author's that I've read and I'll definitely be looking up more by her.
Would highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy to read.

Sliding Doors is one of my favorite movies. It was definitely a comfort movie in college and I loved watching it when I didn’t feel good or needed a pick me up or even played it in the background when I studied. This book is that movie, there is a similar premise but with additional characters and there is so much comfort in the story.

This story follows three main characters and begs the questions, what if? I love premises like that! I love stories with heartfelt characters that you grow to love and 23 Burlington Square had many of those. It was a little slow to start but stick it out and you won’t be disappointed!

I did not realize what a back list @jennikeer has! I can’t wait to read more from her! The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows also looks amazing!

Thank you @netgalley and @theboldbookclub for the early copy!

4 stars

This one is out on Halloween!

The bold red cover and "sliding doors" set up drew me in from the start. Each story reveals key details about the lodgers as well as the back story for the gracious homeowner, Agnes Humphries (my favorite character). Here are my star ratings for each Chapter:
🌟🌟 Clara Goodwin - spoilt, controversial, and unappreciative of the aunt who had raised her mother. This section is far too long.
🌟🌟🌟 🌟🌟 Stephen Thompson - a man who is not exactly who he claims to be and his story has some fascinating twists and turns.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Mercy Mayweather - may have been the best choice of all.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Agnes Humphries - we all need someone like her in our lives.

In the end, an engaging read. Glad I did not give up during the Clara story as I was tempted to.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

A Sliding Doors type historical fiction novel, set in a house with rooms to let where the landlady has 3 prospective new tenants. Over the course of each section we see how life would be different with each new lodger, and the impact they have on others around them. This is a cosy, quick read, a few heavier moments (TW: miscarriage, still birth)

While I can appreciate that this was a very well written, well thought out book, I just found it a little bit boring for my own taste. It took me a long time to get into it, but by the time we got to Mercy's scenario, I was a bit more invested.

I enjoyed the characters more as the story went on and I learned more about them. Clara was irritating at first, but I enjoyed her character arc. I especially liked her dynamic with Matilda. I also like Mercy and her story was probably my favourite.

I liked the sliding door story telling of seeing the outcomes for each option. I really liked how there was overlap between all three stories. It really makes you think about the what ifs in life.

Like I said, I can really appreciate that this is a well written story, I just found it a bit repetitive and boring. I do think it's worth giving a shot though.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

No 23 Burlington Square is an stylish ‘what if’ kind of story. We begin with landlady Agnes making the decision as to which of three prospective tenants she will accept for the empty rooms she has available. All three have need of the rooms and it’s a difficult decision for her to make. From this beginning, we follow three alternate possible stories as we find out what might happen depending on who she chooses.

I thought this story was very cleverly done. I liked that the author chose to tell each potential story in its entirety rather than moving between the three possibilities which could have been confusing. The three potential tenants were all very different and it was so interesting getting to know them and to find out their reasons for wanting the rooms. It soon becomes clear that all three aren’t perhaps exactly what they seem though it is some time before we discover what their secrets are. Jenni Keer cleverly leaves hints as to what they might be hiding, but there are still plenty of surprises even if you think you have guessed their secrets.

One thing I thought was a particularly nice touch was that in each variation, we get to see what has happened to the other characters who didn’t get picked for the rooms. There seems to be a strong connection between them all for a variety of reasons and it kept my attention wondering if they would all have the same outcome regardless of who Agnes chose as her new tenant. Also threaded through the narrative are vignettes from Agnes’s life as she too ponders what could have been.

No 23 Burlington Square is a charming story and Jenni Keer captured perfectly the tone of the 1920s era from the way people spoke, to what they wore and to how post-war society was changing in many ways. I enjoyed following the three different journeys and thought the ending was very satisfying. A warm-hearted, well told and intriguing piece of historical fiction.

The premise of this is ‘What If?’ Who hasn’t looked at their life and pondered this question, wondering what a different decision may have led to?

It’s 1927 and No 23 Burlington Square is the cluttered establishment of Miss Agnes Humphries. She loves the house bequeathed to her by her beloved father and it’s chock full of items that are wonderful reminders. The house is large and expensive to run in these tricky between war times and so she has become a landlady. She has permanent residents in elderly musician Alexander Gorski, photographer Gilbert Adams and in the basement are the family of Nicholas and Jemima Smith. Following the untimely demise of Mr Blandford, Agnes advertises the vacancy. There are three potential candidates, the first being her flighty, entitled good time girl niece - Clara Goodwin. Her impulsive behaviour has vexed her parents to the degree that they have thrown her out of their home and she is currently “sofa surfing”. Then there's Mercy Mayweather, a war widow who is alone in the world and working to make ends meet at Pembertons, think Selfridges. Finally, there’s Stephen Thompson whose job in a bank would lend respectability to the household. Should Agnes go with family even though she knows Clara will be hard work and will probably break every house rule, or with quiet Mercy who she likes and whose offers of help are a boon to aging Agnes or with Mr Thompson whose secure job will mean few issues with rent? The novel cleverly examines what if with all three, Sliding Doors style, presenting a number of different scenarios.

Although this is perhaps a little slow at the start, once I’ve twigged what’s going on I grow to love this book and relish the scenarios, hoping for the best for some characters and the worst for others. The characterisation is excellent, it’s impossible not to like kindhearted, funny and colourful Agnes and her backstory is a good one of love and loyalty. Clara is definitely headstrong and privileged but when you see behind the facade, sympathy grows for her issues. Through her, the author really does capture the roaring twenties, including the lingo and giving historical context too. Mercy is harder to ‘see’ but again understanding dawns and Stephen Thompson is secretive and brings an element of mystery to the storytelling. All these characters are woven together in an engaging story with intriguing what ifs which somehow becomes a cohesive whole.

Along the journey to a good ending it glimpses the turns that life might take, the chance to redeem oneself, kindness, trust, love, selfless duty over desire but most of all, friendship. There are plenty of sliding doors twists, some which make you cheer, some to make you gasp and some that make you feel sad. It’s a lovely blend of the heartwarming with the heartbreaking but is never sentimental or mushy. This is an immersive read - I haven’t read this author before but she’s intrigued me.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

This book had an intriguing premise and I was keen to read it after enjoying other books by the same author. It was quite different from the others, being almost like three novellas joined by one character and setting. I found it very enjoyable. The characters were fascinating and there were numerous unexpected twists throughout each character’s story which sustained my interest. There was an excellent sense of the historical period and how this, and attitudes to women, affected ordinary people’s lives and choices. I’ll definitely recommend this to friends and look forward to reading Jenni Keer’s future work.