"The Dream House" was my first read by Jess Ryder and it was a real cracker!

I loved the creepy and claustrophobic story and the authentic and intriguing characters. The story was told in alternating timelines of the past and present and I was desperate to find out how the two storylines would eventually connect. The ending was surprising and very satisfying. The novel brilliantly portrayed the difficult subject of domestic violence with great empathy and realism. This was a superbly executed psychological thriller that I am very happy to recommend.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I really enjoyed this thriller- it kept me guessing throughout and kept my interest throughout. After the excitement of most of the book the finale felt like a letdown. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for review.

Stella uses her inheritance money to buy derelict Westhill House for her and Jack to live in, do up and make their family home. Until one night, there's a knock at the door from a woman who has been beaten and refuses to go to the police. Stella's good heart takes the woman, Lori, into her home, against Jack's wishes and so the story begins.

We also meet Kay, her daughter Abigail and Foxy and we learn that Westhill House had previously been a squat and refuge for women who had suffered from domestic violence

I found The Dream House compelling reading and I want to particularly mention the way that the author makes reference to the issue of violence against women at the end of the book.

Thanks
With many thanks to the author Jess Ryder, Publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an independent review.

The first thing to mention about this book is that it contains some trigger factors, the main one being domestic violence which may cause concerns for some readers.

As seems to be a popular style for a lot of books at the moment we have the two time frame thing going on, the now and the then, and the reader's task is to make the connection(s) between the two. I almost managed to be successful in this case but my thought process lacked the detail involved in the story - unsurprisingly, as the author trickle feeds information to us along the way.

Stella has inherited some money from her parents who were tragically killed together in a hit and run accident. She decides the sensible thing to do with the money would be to invest in property and finds herself strangely drawn to Westhill House in Nevansey, a coastal town which is yet to be up and coming. Boyfriend Jack tags along, nowhere near as enthusiastic about the project as Stella.

Then one dark night a stranger named Lori comes literally crashing into their lives - and is reluctant to leave. Jack has his doubts about Lori's story, something doesn't add up. Stella however has been brought up to help anyone in need and is keen to act in a manner she believes her parents would have done, and goes above and beyond to support Lori in her hour of need. I have to admit I was on Jack's side on this one, and felt Stella was far too generous with her favours. I felt it was just a matter of time before things went horribly wrong, especially once Lori's story started to get more holes than a colander. There was definitely a lot more going on than we were being allowed to see.

Mixed in with Stella's story we get to know details of another timeline a number of years previously. Kay has found herself with a young baby following a misjudged fumble with a Spanish waiter on her very first foreign holiday. Fortunately for her, her parents have stood by and helped her through the first few years of her daughter's life but at the first sign of a young man showing honourable intentions they are quick to encourage her to get married and settle down. But how do Stella and Kay's stories connect? There clearly has to be some reason we are being told the two stories - and who on earth is Lori?

I love the way the house seems to be holding all the cards in this story, as if it needs to reveal the secrets it has held within its walls for decades before it will allow Stella to bring it up to date and move on comfortably with the next stage of its life. It's as if the house is yet another character in the story and it won't rest until it gets rid of its shady past. I think the demons of the past were certainly tackled, but I didn't feel like I reached a 100% satisfactory conclusion by the end of the book and it might be an interesting idea to have a follow up book to find out what happened next for Westhill House moreso than the human contingent of the story. There's a thought Ms Ryder....

Please buckle up before you start reading this book, because the author takes you on a breathtaking ride. She throws you into the past and hauls you back into the present and again and again ...

Someone who takes care of a stranger must be a good person, right? And when you look at that stranger there is no doubt that that person is genuine, right? Of course you can trust and believe your other half, right? 

But when push comes to shove you are in for a serious surprise.

This story caught my interest from the beginning and I had to keep on reading. I wanted to know which secrets where going to be unreaveled.

People can be cruel, but some people will always have your back. 4 stars.

Thank you, Jess Ryder, Bookouture and Netgalley.

I’ve been a fan of Jess Ryders’ books since her debut and her newest The Dream House did not disappoint! While there were times I felt I had certain characters vetted out, none turned out to be who I truly expected them to be. The PT genre is my all time favorite and I’m always looking for the next true-blue Gone Girl, so out plot twisting me is hard to do and while this one didn’t have me 100% shocked it did have enough twists to make me think “no way”! I will recommend this book to others for sure. Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC!

Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers for allowing me a copy of “The Dream House “for an honest review..

I found the book to be a tense , absorbing read , which I found hard to put down.
Because of the subject matter of abuse it’s a tough read , but I couldn’t wait to find out how the characters would connect ,and what the outcome of the story would be.
Quite often psychological fiction becomes easy to predict but I must confess “ The Dream House “ kept me guessing right to the end..
I will definitely read more from Jess Ryder and recommend this to anyone looking for a good read

I found this a really interesting storyline as new characters appeared and I was asking myself how the puzzle fitted together, especially given the dual time-line. Having the old house at the centre of the story gave it menacing undertones, especially as the history of the place was revealed. A clever tale well told!

This was a pretty decent psychological thriller that kept me awake and reading, just like the author's other novel did. Jess Ryder is an author to keep an eye out for as she hopefully keeps writing good books!

This is the first book I have read by Jess Ryder. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more.
I like the way the book is written with 2 stories, Stella now and Kay then that intertwine within each other. This keeps the book interesting and a real page turner I wanted to know what would happen next with each of the women.
The author has been sympathetic to the topic of domestic violence not getting too caught up in the actual violence but certainly makes the reader understand what the character is going through and how it effects their life and others around them.
I did guess some of what would happen next but this did not make the story any less appealing.
A great page turner I loved it and will definitely be reading more by Jess Ryder.

(Also posted on my GR page!)

1.5 stars rounded up

I'm gonna make this short because it's Friday and I deserve a better read.

I like that author made domestic abuse as its center. On how even the most professional woman might befall such unfortunate experience and that it didn't always occurred between partners/couple.

However, a big NO for characterisations. Main character had no thoughts of her own, she constantly undermined others', and spoiled through the end. I almost DNF-ed the book repeatedly, but I guess this is the only thing I could do as a reader. The plot was all over the place, I have zero sympathy for anyone there, and frankly, none had self-awareness either.

THE DREAM HOUSE (also titled as THE GUEST) is the second book by Jess Ryder I've read. The first one I was a little disappointed in and though this one rated better, I still found it somewhat lacklustre. I'm not sure how or why, but something is missing to pack it with that punch. It was still enjoyable...just not fantabulous.

Told from two perspectives in dual timelines, THE DREAM HOUSE begins with Stella in the present day, with Kay's story from 1978 interwoven throughout.

Having bought a completely run down fixer-upper in the seaside town of Nevansey away from the hustle and bustle of London, Stella is looking forward to putting down roots and building a life together with her boyfriend Jack. The sprawling house is massive and the task of renovating it is even bigger, but with the inheritance money from her parents' estate Stella feels that she could do something to make them proud of her. That, and the fact that it may help assuage her guilt for a terrible secret from her past.

Late one night they hear the frantic knocking on their front door and wondered who would be doing so this late? Their builder, Alan, has his own key to come and go as needed, but he wouldn't turn up this late, surely! When they open the door, a beaten and battered woman is standing there looking scared and begging for help. Is this Westhill House, she asks, insisting the helpline told her they'd take her in, no questions asked. Wanting to help protect Lori from her abusive husband Stella doesn't hesitate to offer her refuge and ushers her in quickly, but Jack isn't so sure. Something about Lori doesn't add up and he believes she isn't being truthful, citing Stella as being too naive for her own good. But Stella is adamant. Her parents were foster carers to numerous children when she was growing up, and this act of kindness is something she believes would make them proud of her...something for which she craves. When it is revealed that Westhill House was a refuge for battered women for forty years, Stella finds a new purpose in fulfilling the house's past objective in helping Lori with determination.

But the longer Lori occupies the attic bedroom, the more suspicious Jack becomes. He believes Lori is hiding something...more than an abusive husband. And one night, after Stella has gone to sleep, he follows her and sees her climbing into a car. Who was she meeting, Jack wonders. But when he poses the question to Stella, she refuses to believe him. Lori needs their help, not their suspicions.

Dismayed that Jack doesn't share her concerns, Stella feels torn between wanting to help Lori and her love for Jack. She wants to respect his wishes but doesn't know how to do so and help Lori at the same time. Then she comes up with an idea to please both...but the plan backfires and she is left wondering who she can trust.

Then when a second woman appears at the door, Stella wonders just what is going on and what has she let herself in for? Was Jack right? Is Lori hiding something and not all that she appears?

In the alternating narrative, we meet Kay who became pregnant at 15 much to her parents' disgust. To them she was soiled goods, useless to anyone. But then she meets the handsome and charming Alan Foxton - "Foxy" to his friends - and her parents think the world of him, telling her to make sure she hangs on to him because not everyone would take on another man's child. Despite the fact Foxy never acknowledged little Abigail's existence or even spoke to her, Kay was forced to push that aside and think of this as a new beginning for her and her daughter. But all dreams must come to an end, and Kay's certainly did as soon as the wedding was over. First came the accusations and the taunts quickly followed by the fists. Kay knew it was her fault. She provoked him by talking back or not having the house clean or his shirts ironed or speaking to other men. Her latest transgression was to fall pregnant.

One night, Abigail was at the other end of his tirade as Kay locked herself in the bathroom. From behind the locked door, she heard her daughter screams as Foxy yelled at her to do as she was told. Then she heard her husband cry out and she opened the door to find Abigail tearing down the stairs and out the door. Foxy didn't care that she could be run over. All he was concerned about was that "the little bitch bit me"! Then all at once there were blue lights strobing in through their windows. The police? Kay was suddenly scared her daughter had been in an accident, but Foxy gripped her tightly whispering "Say anything against me and your daughter's dead!" The police informed them a 999 call had come in from their daughter claiming "Foxy's killing my mummy!" But whilst he was all sweetness and light to the police, declaring they had been having trouble with Abigail who had taken to answering back and not doing as she was told, he continued to hold a tight grip on Kay almost daring her to contradict him. Foxy's story appeased the police and they left them with Abigail who had sought refuge with a neighbour. That night, as Kay lay in bed, she knew it would never get any better. She and Abigail had to leave.

The next morning after Foxy had left for work, Kay hurriedly packed a suitcase for her and Abigail and fled to the refuge Abigail's teacher had told her about in Nevansey. Westhill House. She had told her they will take you in, no questions asked, and keep you safe. Westhill House was more like a squat with many women and children to each room, but it didn't matter. At Westhill House Kay knew she was safe and after just a few weeks of being there, she had never felt happier.

All the way through, we know both stories will collide but the how or why, or even when, eludes us. And as the tension builds we just know it will be with a deadly force. Then comes the twist, the revelations and as Stella finds herself hanging on by a thread, she wonders where she is and how she got here.

While the both stories are well told, complete with tension and intrigue, the book as a whole still didn't fill me with excitement. I don't know what it was, or wasn't, I just felt it was lacking somewhere...though Ryder has told both stories well and woven them together with such ease. I want to like it more, but I really don't know why I can't. I guess maybe it wasn't as gritty or as shocking. While THE DREAM HOUSE did have me puzzling and pondering, it didn't surprise me...or shock me, for that matter.

I applaud Ryder's note at the end with reference to the domestic abuse, giving numbers in the UK for those that seek help and are unsure how. Having explained she tried not to go into graphic detail as far as the abuse was concerned, although it was necessary for parts of the story, anyone who has suffered at the hands of such abuse would find even the remotest reference to it triggering. I know I did. But I applaud her for being sensitive and respectful, despite this.

As well as domestic abuse, the story also touches on mental illness and, although not highlighted, is completely understandable.

Stella, Jack, Lori and Kay are the main characters across both stories. I found the former three in the present day to be unlikable in many ways and it was Kay I connected with the most, probably due to my own experience in the past. Stella made some really stupid choices and to be honest, I would have listened to Jack. After all, she knew him and not Lori - so why trust her and not him? And Lori? Well, like Jack I knew she was hiding something. She couldn't be in a story like this without having secrets, could she? I just wasn't sure what her story really was or how she was being untruthful.

With everything handled expertly and tied up at the end, THE DREAM HOUSE is an enthralling read that will keep you guessing and turning the pages. I give it 3 stars because while I did like, I didn't LOVE it. But it is still a great read.

I would like to thank #JessRyder, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheDreamHouse also known as ,b>#TheGuest in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jess Ryder and Bookouture for this ARC.

Does Jess Ryder even know how to write bad books?? I loved The Dream House, just as I loved all her other books.. The ending was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable.

A good read full of suspense. Most of the story was really gripping and well written. I felt though that it dragged a bit in places. I also thought it was unbelievable in places.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This is an engrossing story told from two different timelines. There is lots of mystery but this would not be my dream house !!!! You must read it !

Dark and disturbing but in a great way. This certainly wouldn't be my dream house! However, to Stella it will change her life following the death of her parents and meeting Jack who she envisions life forever in this huge house by the sea. Then enters Lori an abused wife with her secrets. The new guest brings tension between Stella and Jack who is already resenting the move. The story is cleverly written and you can feel the derelict old house and the claustrophobia of living with the past history. You can almost sense the dust and banging of the renovations. A slow burner at first but a gripping conclusion with lots of twists and turns on the way. A good read.

Absolutely fantastic had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from.this author. Storyline was great, characters were easy to.connect with

Thank you for the advanced copy

I want to first thank NetGalley and Jess Ryder for my ARC of the The Dream House. I read The ex-wife a few months back and it was such a great thriller and I could not wait to get my hands on this book and just dive in. I have to say Jess Ryder did not disappoint. This was another great psychological thriller and it had me from page one and I didn't want it to end. Also online this books title is the dream house but when it sent to my kindle it just says the guest so if you are confused that is why.
"It’s everything she’s ever wanted … 
When I first set eyes on Westhill House with its breath-taking views of the sea I knew Jack and I could make this our forever home. 
It may be falling apart with an overgrown garden, but with some tender loving care, we can repair this beautiful building and perhaps our relationship too … But the more time I spend renovating our new house, the more time Jack is spending at work. 
At least Lori is here to keep me company. She has her own troubles yet she always listens to mine. 
She’s helping to restore the house, uncovering its secrets one by one. 
Like the children’s drawings under the wallpaper in the back bedroom. 
The hidden papers underneath the floorboards in the turret room. 
And the fact that Westhill House is a place women used to go to feel safe … Lori seems to know a lot about Westhill House. 
The question is, why?"
This book starts off with Stella buying a fixer upper outside of the city for her and her boyfriend. Her plan is to renovate it and make it their dream house. One night there is a knock on the door and a battered women named Lori begs them for help. Stella takes her in but Jack is wary of her fro the start. She seems to know things about the house and you keep trying to figure out what all of the secrets are. I am happy to say I was surprised with the twist. The book goes back and forth between past and present to give you a look into these ladies stories and you start to wonder how they are intertwined together in all of this. If you love surprises and suspense check this one out for sure. I love Jess Ryder's books and for me they just keep getting better and better. Can't wait for the next!

Just finished reading 'The Dream House' by Jess Ryder. This book is addictive, thrilling and gripping. It is told from two narratives and two different timelines, which keeps the reader both engaged and guessing how the story will unfold. It was an emotional read as it is based around domestic violence which might also be a trigger for some. However, the book grabbed my attention from the first page until the very last. Absolutely loved the writing style of the author and cannot wait to read more books by her.

Overall really enjoyed reading this, 4.5 Stars from me!!

Full of mystery and suspense that will have you guessing up until the end, Dream House is a beautifully written novel by Jess Ryder.

Stella comes into a wealthy inheritance after the tragic death of her parents. Against her boyfriend's (Jack) advice, she decides to spend the money on a mansion overlooking the English Channel in Nevansy ( somewhere near Whitstable, England). The mansion is in near shambles so she hires a one man band builder, Alan, to fix up the house. One day, a bruised and battered lady, Lori, shows up at the front door. Lori is seeking refuge from her abusive husband, claiming the house Stella bought used to be a shelter for women.

Questions arise and a web of lies is strung. Another character, Kay, is introduced with her own chapters that are listed as being in the past. As the story unravels, Kay's path eventually finds her way into Stella's story.

I found the story vivid with descriptions and well put together, It is a quick read and the plot is full of mystery. But honestly, I just couldn't get immersed in the story as much as I was hoping for. None of the characters are that likeable in my opinion, and I found some of Stella's actions unbelievable. That being said, others are giving this novel great reviews. So don't just take my word for it; read it for yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jess Ryder for the advanced copy to review.