I’ve always been a firm believer that our homes are an extension of who we are. Natalie Fergie’s story about the home at 25 Library Terrace is no different. Exploring the home through the ages, she reveals the memories, laughter, tears of struggles, and achievements that are embedded within the floors, doorways, and walls. Slowly and softly, she tiptoes through time to share the signature whispers of this space, highlighting the tales of its inhabitants, its history and its soul, leaving you welcomed but aching to have more time with each family.

25 Library Terrace is more than a building, it’s a snapshot of life. It holds stories of what it has seen. Curious? Then add it to your ‘to be read’ pile.

I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

An interesting premise for a story - the book revolves around a house, 25 Library Terrace, and the women who have lived in it since it was built in 1911. The story is set in census years, and cleverly weaves the characters together throughout. I really liked the suggestions of the suffragette movement, and the inhabitants of the house being progressive. Watching Ann grow up was a particular favourite storyline of mine. Well written, interesting and engaging.

There are two things I will always read about, books and libraries. 25 Library Terrace by Natalie Fergie was well worth it. I loved it.

I was completely captivated by the concept of 25 Library Terrace — the idea of a single home carrying generations of secrets, heartaches, and hope is just beautiful. There’s so much potential in a story like this, and Natalie Fergie clearly has a deep affection for the lives she imagines unfolding behind one Edinburgh door.

However, in practice, I struggled to stay fully invested. With four distinct timelines and many characters to juggle, the narrative often lost emotional momentum. Some storylines shone brighter than others, but just as I started to connect, the perspective would shift again, leaving the deeper emotional impact just out of reach. I found myself wishing we could linger longer with a few characters instead of glancing off them and moving on.

✨ This could still be a lovely fit for readers who enjoy:
- Gentle, multi-generational historical fiction
- Character-driven stories where setting plays a starring role
- A quiet, reflective look at ordinary lives across decades

While 25 Library Terrace didn’t fully land for me, the novel’s core message is a poignant one:
Home is more than a place — it’s the lives, loves, and losses stitched into its walls.