Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Another great thriller that kept me wondering what was going to happen next.

Great thriller that keeps you on your toes the whole way through the book. I love the way that the story unfolds for the reader.

This is a book that had me hooked from the first page. We are introduced to Eileen and Lucy. They are next door neighbours who appear to have nothing in common. Eileen lives a lonely life with just her dog Dora for company and rarely ventures out. She is still recovering from her traumatic past. Lucy, her husband Neil and daughter Annabel live next door and they seem the perfect family. But things change and when Lucy finds herself in trouble, Eileen is the person who helps her. In the end they become very good friends. This was a highly emotive read, highlighting mental health and domestic violence. I loved the friendship between the two women and can thoroughly recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Family Next Door" by Caroline Finnerty is a page-turning and addictive read that immerses readers in a gripping narrative filled with suspense. Finnerty excels in creating a tense atmosphere and weaving a tale that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

One of the novel's notable strengths is Finnerty's ability to build and maintain suspense from the outset. The plot unfolds with well-executed twists and reveals, ensuring that the reader is constantly on edge, eager to unravel the mysteries within the story. The characters are skillfully developed, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the overall sense of intrigue.

However, readers familiar with the suspense genre might identify certain common elements within the storyline. While the pacing is generally effective, there could be moments where certain events feel somewhat expected. Despite this, Finnerty's storytelling prowess and the compelling nature of "The Family Next Door" contribute to its status as a captivating and addictive read.

In summary, "The Family Next Door" lives up to its promise as a page-turning and addictive thriller. Caroline Finnerty's storytelling finesse, coupled with the well-drawn characters and the constant suspense, makes it a compelling choice for readers who enjoy thrilling narratives. While the novel may incorporate some familiar suspense elements, its execution and the overall addictive quality set it apart as a highly engaging and enjoyable read.

I like this book. Hard concepts to read, definitely could be hard for certain people who have experience similar things. I like reading books that take place in the UK. overall a good thriller.

A gripping page turner that will keep you hooked from the very first page! The book transports you to St Brigid's Terrace and makes you feel like you are part of the story watching it all unfold in front of your eyes!

Enjoyed this book which was a well written story about the different types of abuse both physical and mental. With the twist and turns it kept me reading although it became very stale towards the end.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the friendship between the neighbours. It was actually quiet an emotional read. Im looking forward to reading more of this authors books.

I absolutely loved this book, the characters were so well developed I loved Elieen and Lucy and really felt for them after what they had both been through and the friendship that had brought them together.

What a brilliant book. This is one that I devoured in just one sitting. My only regret, I can’t experience this as a first read all over again.

Two women with their own hidden secrets become friends. This is emotional and takes the reader on a rollercoaster. I found myself unable to put this one down. I just wanted to know where this one was going.

This is raw, beautifully written and transports the reader. This is one of those books that stays with you after reading.

This flows perfectly and has kept me hooked. This is my first read by this author. It definitely won’t be the last.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Two stories in one here and both sad and traumatic. Lucy’s tale takes up about seventy percent of the book but it is overlaid by Eileen’s history which then takes over the final third. Told in one timescale with two perspectives and certainly both very interesting. However for me Lucy’s was the part I enjoyed the most and whilst it didn’t need a tidy ending it did need more than it got rather than being superseded by Eileen’s part.
I’m sure this is going to get some very good reviews and will appeal to a lot of readers.

A deep seeded story about family, women, relationships, and life. This book was unexpectedly enjoyable and made me really feel for the characters and their friendships. The Family Next Door reminds us that things are not always greener, although they may appear so. A quick, but thoughtful and engaging read. A few triggers: mental health, domestic abuse/ violence.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Family Next Door by Caroline Finnerty is a book, that should come with a warning its about Domestic Violence, Mental Health Issues.......However, You will also need tissues and lots of them. Caroline has written her latest book from the heart and it will pull your heart.
Once I opened my kindle and read the first few pages I could not stop reading it......the pages kept on turning and I found it hard to put it down. Caroline did a great job with all the main characters Lucy and Eileen stories of their friendship and seeing them fight for each other to make both of their lives happier. A great encouragement for others, they can do the same. I felt sorry for them - I felt they were real people.

I highly recommend this book and inspiration for others,

I couldn’t stop reading this one, Caroline did such a great job putting you into what these characters were feeling. I feel so sorry for both women as if they were real people. Their stores and friendship was so nice to watch unfold and seeing them fighting for each other to have a happier life was very encouraging for any reader who may be in a situation like that. Very well done and will be reading more from Caroline!

I went into this blind and was expecting a psychological thriller, what I actually got was a well plotted family drama with quite literally a punch ot two to it.

The book actually takes you on an emotional journey with Lucy and Eileen, the unlikely friends/neighbours. You never know what's going on behind closed doors or what secrets someone is hiding from you. I was absolutely gobsmacked when I read Eileen's story, it was heartbreaking and then turned around into something wonderful.

Totally addictive, compelling and domestic abuse moments aside, highly enjoyable.

A really enjoyable book. When we are first introduced to the two main characters Lucy and Eileen the neighbours appear to have nothing in common but soon a significant situation arises that links the women. Mutual respect and bonding develop as the story unfolds. A fantastic read that touches on gritty topics and will keep you turning the pages. One to be read.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'The Family Next Door' by Caroline Finnerty.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Caroline Finnerty, Boldwood Books, Book And Tonic and Rachel's Random resources Tours.


Publication date 27th July 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be my last!!


This novel consists of 48 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

'The Family Next Door' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Caroline discusses mental health issues, violence and domestic abuse.


I really enjoyed reading this page turning family drama that had me turning the pages from the moment I started it in the morning until I finished it a few hours later. It is one of those books that I just didn't have any will power to put down as I just had to know exactly what was going to happen next and so I ended up walking around with my nose glued to my kindle!! It is an emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you thinking about what happened long after you have finished the last chapter. Caroline does an amazing job of weaving such important topics such as domestic violence and mental health problems into an absolutely gripping page turner. I am a huge believer of the fact that these are both very important topics and issues that need to be discussed and talked about more in order for people to understand more and how to recognise signs and how to help victims of either and one of the best ways to share awareness, especially for those who need support, is in a fiction book as, especially in the case of domestic abuse the signs can be so subtle and the instigator tends to watch everything so it would be hard to pick up a leaflet or similar to discover the signs and Under that what is happening isn't normal. I won't say anymore about that as I don't want to give anything away but a huge well done to Caroline for helping to spread awareness of both mental health and domestic violence. The storyline is absolutely addictive and is filled with friendship, emotions, heartbreak, secrets, jealousy, love, tension, suspense and so much more!! Lucy and Eileen are both strong, realistic and very likeable characters and I was completely invested in them both from beginning to end. Caroline's evocative writing skills ensures that not just the storyline comes to life in front of the reader but so do all the characters. I enjoyed seeing how their friendship and personalities changed and developed throughout the book and I was rooting for them both throughout. This book really does go to show that you never know what happens behind closed doors, things aren't always how they seem and never to judge people as you don't know what is going on in their lives. Appearances really can be deceiving!!! It really is a thought provoking, emotional and page turning domestic thriller/drama. I love the fact that Caroline included Eileen's dog Dora. I am a huge animal lover and any animals in books are always a huge bonus for me!!! I enjoyed reading the book from multiple protagonists perspectives as it helps to give the bigger picture of what is going on and Caroline did a fantastic job of weaving their stories together perfectly. This would make a great movie which I would love to watch and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by this very talented author!!

Clear your schedules, get the tissues ready and get ready to go on an emotional rollercoaster ride!! I am looking forward to reading more of Caroline's books which all look just as good as this one!!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Caroline's 'A Sister's Promise' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!

Overall an emotionally packed family drama filled with tension and suspense along with many life lessons that we can all learn from!!!!



281 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £11.15 in paperback, at time of review, via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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The story revolves around two seemingly different women, Eileen and Lucy, living next door to each other. On the surface, Lucy appears to have a perfect life with a loving husband, a happy child, and a comfortable lifestyle, while Eileen seems to have very little, living in a rundown house and being rather private and reserved.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving. Lucy's life starts to unravel as she faces domestic issues, and she discovers that her seemingly perfect life is far from it. Meanwhile, Eileen, who has experienced a difficult past, carries the burden of guilt and believes she doesn't deserve happiness.

Despite their differences, Eileen and Lucy find support and friendship in each other during their times of need. Eileen, with her compassionate nature, steps in to help Lucy during her challenging moments, and their bond grows stronger. As Lucy's façade crumbles, she begins to recognize her own flaws and realizes the need for change in her life.

Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses both frustration and hope as Lucy's initial reluctance to acknowledge her problems is contrasted with Eileen's determination to help her. Gradually, Lucy comes to understand the true value of friendship and the strength it brings in times of difficulty.

In turn, Lucy's support helps Eileen confront her past and come to terms with her own traumas. With Lucy's guidance, Eileen learns to forgive herself and embrace the possibility of happiness.

This is a compelling and easy-to-read tale that beautifully illustrates the importance of empathy, friendship, and understanding. It reminds us that everyone has their own struggles and challenges, and we should never judge someone solely based on appearances. Ultimately, the book portrays the transformative power of human connections and the capacity for growth and healing that can arise from genuine companionship.

I can’t begin this review without mentioning the superb cover. Once you find yourself in the heart of this story, it becomes apparent just how much reference is in the cover design. The contrast between perceived light and darkness, the shadows conveying hidden secrets, even the doors being open or closed, yet still not truly reflecting what takes place inside, encapsulates the plot line perfectly.

I’m a huge fan of Caroline Finnerty’s work and while I’m always impressed with her writing, I think ‘The Family Next Door’ definitely ranks as one of my favourite reads from her so far.

I loved the way details about Eileen’s past were kept secret until her big reveal and how both hers and Lucy’s stories led to a bond between them that neither would have thought possible when they first became neighbours.

The characterisation is brilliantly executed, with each one having their own contribution to the storyline, be it large or small. I particularly loved Anabel and the scenes where she witnessed events between Lucy and Neil were heart wrenching. I did however love how these were balanced out with the details of her natural bond with Eileen’s dog Dora and how this allowed Lucy and Eileen to become acquainted in the first place.

This is a hard hitting plot with descriptions of domestic abuse and mental health issues but these are dealt with in such a way as to emphasise the importance of being able to reach out and access support in order to remove yourself from harmful situations.

I raced through this one; the narrative was pacy and full of drama and intrigue and I found myself desperate to find out what would happen next.

A fabulous, emotional read and most definitely recommended!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

**TW** Domestic Violence. Mental Health Issues


The old adage 'No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors' rings true for this tale. Form the outside looking in Eileen Murphy is virtually a recluse living with her dog Dora and rarely going out, and to her, her neighbours - Lucy who lives with her husband Neil and their daughter Anabel, with their flashy cars and show home quality interior seem to be the perfect family.

Each neighbour commenting and surmising on the other, but yet both woman are more alike than they will ever know until one night Eileen discovers that Lucy doesn't have the perfect life after all. When Eileen tries to get Lucy to see sense after seeing her with a bruise that is hard to cover up with makeup - Lucy dismisses it as an accident, that is until Eileen has called to the house by Anabel and finds Lucy laying on the floor next to a pacing Neil.

Once Lucy is recovered she makes and effort to get to know Eileen and soon discovered that she has her own secrets from her past that led her this point in her life. Lucy and Eileen embark on a friendship of sorts brought together by there similarities, and in doing so Lucy tries to help Eileen undo the mistake from her past.

This was a great domestic drama, and despite all the heavy topics it was and engaging read.

5 stars