A story about a house and all the residents that lived there over the years. Over a hundred years of strong women that lived in this Edinburgh house are written really well, a very nice read

This was my first book by Natalie Fergie, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. I loved seeing the living history of number 25 Library Terrrace. I found it really clever and interesting how every person was linked in some way to the house and it's history.

It was interesting to see the history of the time through the eyes of the characters and seeing how it directly affected them, with Ursula and the votes for women and the war and Finlay, even Covid and how is affected Georgia and she had to stay away and only visit in the garden.

It was amazing to see the house full of life and then cycle through to it just being Ann and then when Keith and Rab come how they invest their time and themselves into the house and we see it slowly coming back to life, and then with Georgia and her secret, and then to Tess who helped to keep the house going and eventually have it filled with a family again. Lost souls brought together through love and friendship, it was nice how the past residents also kept in touch and came back to visit and share how well they were doing.

It was a very thought provoking book and I found myself totally caught up in it waiting to see what was going to happen next. An excellent read and I will definately recommend it

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 25 Library Terrace by Natalie Fergie


Be still my beating heart!!! Well done and Thank You so much to Natalie Fergie for a hugely successful, emotive and stunning read!! This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly. I absolutely love the addition of the house blueprints at the front of the book and am so glad you have included them!!

OMG!!!!! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely addictive and truly unique book!!! Honestly this book has just hit my top 3 books and considering how many books I have read that is an epic success!!! Instead of wasting your time reading this just grab your copy and get lost in this immersive storyline now. I can promise you won't regret it!! Where on Earth have you been all my life Natalie??? I cannot believe that I had never read any of your books before this and am just so pleased that I have rectified that now!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to your previous and future books! Natalie's amazing and evocative writing skills really has brought the house and its inhabitants to life all throughout this fantastic book, dropping you straight into the storyline where you will see, feel and hear everything that the house and characters are thinking, feeling, seeing and hearing. I will not be forgetting any of them any time soon, if I ever do!!! This book really has been one of the best books I have ever read!!! I am not going to go into any more details about this absolutely gorgeous one of a kind book as it truly is a book you just have to read yourself. I can absolutely GUARANTEE that you will not regret reading this beauty and you can thank me later. With multiple generations, timelines and character perspective this book is truly immersive and will absorb you into the lives of Ursula, Annie, Georgia, Tess and more seeing the house, storyline and characters leap to life out of the pages. With an absolutely stunning storyline ram packed with history, woman power, society, healing, family, friendships, empowerment and covering historical topics such as the Census Protest, the Suffragettes, the wars and even up to and including Covid
and so very much more what on Earth are you waiting for? Grab your copy of this book and fall in love with 25 Library Terrace today. I can tell you one thing, this book and characters are going to be living in my mind for an extremely long time, if not for the rest of my life!!! Natalie really has created a truly stunning multi generational story with both multiple protagonist perspectives as well as multiple timelines while also including difficult topics and weaved it all together into an absolutely incredible, beautiful and just stunning must read!!! It is such a down to Earth and realistic everyday storyline but one filled with emotions that I could see it all play out in front of my eyes. I must admit my first thought is that, with it being called 25 Library terrace, it revolved around a library and books and although it didn't I was not at all disappointed as this story has so, so much more to offer!! Natalie also does an amazing job of creating such realistic characters so we see and feel what they are feeling and doing throughout the storyline while also living their lives along with them. Every single one of the characters are realistic, well developed and strong and I loved them all. The fact that she genuinely cares about her characters absolutely shines through the book as does the fact that he has done plenty of research or has experience about a variety of topics and a wide range of timelines. It is a pet hate when an author does little or no research into their chosen topics as it then runs the risk of their books being littered with mistakes and spoiling what could otherwise be a very good story but Natalie has completely avoided this by doing plenty of research! I genuinely love how she covers such a range of history and events, some of which I had never actually heard of so I not only thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in this beautiful storyline but also learnt so much!! Natalie portrays a range of family life, history, social life, friendship and more and creates this intriguing, captivating page turner that I was completely hooked on! Regardless of the fact that is one of the longer books I have read with it being 445 pages long (please DO NOT let that put you off as it is worth every single moment of reading time!!) there was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed, each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in just two sitting!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could and did happen! This book is well constructed and was absolutely ram packed with so much going on that you will just fly through the pages!!! It is multi layered with all the fantastic characters backgrounds and personalities coming out and each and every character has their own personalities. It was a very compelling and addictive read!!! I genuinely could not praise this book enough as words just will not give it justice so grab your copy today, you won't regret it!!!! The storyline is absolutely unique having never come across anything like it before and I doubt I will again so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Natalie for this. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books so it is getting so difficult to find a book with a unique storyline but she absolutely managed not only that but a storyline I truly believe will stay with me for life!

Clear your schedules and get ready to get completely sucked into a gorgeous, immersive and beautiful page turner. This book is such a unique and intriguing page turner!! Congratulations Natalie on an absolutely stunning successful book, an absolutely brilliant, unique and thought provoking must read and I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your amazing books!! Welcome to my favourite authors club and here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!!!

Overall an absolutely gorgeous, unique page turner filled with history. emotions and with memorable characters!!!

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Spanning over a hundred years, 25 Library Terrace follows generations of female inhabitants within the same Edinburgh house. Hopping across decades, we get a snapshot of societal change and how it affected this household in particular. The linear timespan allows the reader to easily follow all the various characters and their personal stories, and I loved how intertwined all the characters and their stories became. Sometimes, I did wish for more details about what happened to a character in the intervening years, this, for me, was especially noted with Isobel. I loved reading all the references to the household appliances bought and used and the changing eating habits across the years. I'm also in a bit of a reading slump, and this book was a nice cozy read for me.

Follow the lives of the occupants of 25 Library Terrace, Edinburgh from when it was built in 1908 to the present day, in this delightful saga full of historical content, friendship and love. The tale begins in 1911 when Ursula marries John, a widower with two children. Gradually and quietly, Ursula makes adjustments to the way the family live, wholly supported by stepdaughter Annie. This novel is full of strong women encouraging other women to find their inner strength.

I really enjoy fiction that takes historical facts, weaves a story around them, and brings the past to life. With social commentary aplenty, this book does not disappoint. There are references to the suffragette movement, with interesting detail about the census protest and the role of women as domestic servants. The true story of the tragic death of the illusionist The Great Lafayette is a clever inclusion, the impact of which resonates throughout the book. The descriptions of the house itself are excellent, making it so easy to picture the characters in the setting of their time.

Definitely a book whose pages you can 'climb into'. I loved it!

With many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #25libraryterrace #netgalley

25 Library Terrace is a new build in the 20th Century that the Black family moved to. From the outside they were the true nuclear family although undercurrents ran through the house that only the owners knew. Follow a 100+ year history of the historical new build and see what it uncovers behind the walls!

I am really enjoying historical reads currently and the area of history that interests me is social history so I knew I must read this book from the description.

This book covers some very emotional topics which are essential to be spoken about and brought into British history. It really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head and shows how there were many people who did not believe in the societal values of the time but felt it was their duty to conform. These topics covered were suffragettes, vegetarianism, abuse, world wars, MIA, pregnancy out of wedlock as well as many other topics . All of these topics are delicately written to show how life has its challenges and secrets at every point through the ages. It also shows how a decision one person makes can influence a host of other people throughout their lives.

However I felt that the book ended very abruptly. I was really hoping we would get to see a good ending for Tess and also see Georgia’s reaction to Nicola’s return even if it was in a prologue. The way it ended makes it feel unfinished but I’m not sure that there is enough for a second book as a series which would be the other reason that I could see for the author leaving it as they did.

What a wonderful journey I’ve been on - spanning more than a century with the residents of 25 Library Terrace. I love the idea that it’s not just people who have stories and experiences to share, but a house also has stories to tell.

Natalie Fergie has truly captured so many highly relevant social and historical details in each time period which I found fascinating and informative; ranging from the Census protest of 1911, the Suffragettes, Vegetarianism, the fire that destroyed Edinburgh’s Empire Palace Theatre, the post-World War One years, the way in which the status of women has changed across the years, right up to the post-Covid society in 2021. 25 Library Terrace has indeed seen it all!

Everyone who reads this book will certainly take away their own specific characters and time periods that they connect with or feel inspired by.

I love the way the rippling effects through the family generations are so skilfully portrayed; all the joys and the sorrows, with 25 Library Terrace at the heart of it all.
I highly recommend this 5-star book - it will leave a lasting impact on you.

What a cozy, lovely book about life in a home in Edinburgh from 1911 to 2022. I would have loved if the. book were longer and could have touched on other boarders at 25 Library Terrace. I also appreciated that everything was not tied up with a neat little bow at the end. I want the house to be there with Tess in 2031 and forward - not as a sequel but in the fictional world that the author created.

Each of the characters had a connection to the house -- not in contrived coincidences -- in believable ways. Those connections tied the book together so it wasn't just a story about a house. Most of the action of the book takes place in or at the house, there are only a few short chapters that occur elsewhere. So, the reader feels connected to the house and its residents.

The author did a lot of research to ensure the accuracy of her descriptions of the time periods. I love a fiction book that makes me go look into historical facts of which I was unaware. I'm American, so much of this social history was unfamiliar to me (e.g., the census boycott and the fire in 1911). I appreciate a well-researched historical fiction book.

Overall, this book made me feel like I was seated in the kitchen at 25 Library Terrace with the fire going and Isobel cooking Parkin. Cozy and safe and at home.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We are all familiar with the saying, If the walls could talk, the stories it would tell. Well, this is the story of 25 Library Terrace. As we weave our way from its first residents, Finlay & Ann Black and their parents in 1911, right through to 2022, we are gifted a beautifully told story. The main focus is not only the house, but more so on the lives of the women who reside here. Highly recommend.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating reading this book and it didn’t disappoint. 25 Library Terrace looks at the people who lived in that particular house in Edinburgh again over the course of more than 100 years.

25 Library Terrace starts off as a family home and the first resident we meet is Ursula Black who becomes second wife to John Black and step-mother to his children Finlay and Ann. Ursula is an well educated woman, who is strongly in favour of women’s suffrage and becomes involved in the census protest of 1911, something I’m ashamed to confess I hadn’t heard of. Census years form a focus for the rest of the book as we meet residents in 1931, 1951, 2011 and 2022. Ursula’s firm beliefs in the rights of women leave a legacy in the form of the rules of the household throughout the years. I enjoyed reading about all the women who are the focus of different strands of the book, getting to know them, finding out their connections to Ursula and their reasons for staying at 25 Library Terrace.

The house itself of course is a constant in the story, very much a character in its own right, and I felt I could easily visualise the various rooms, the garden, the huge old cooking range, the maid’s room above the scullery. I enjoyed reading about Edinburgh at various times in its fairly recent history too.

Reading 25 Library Terrace gives the reader a fascinating insight into the social history of the past century and especially how women were affected over those 100+ years. It’s a story about strong women helping and supporting other women. With brilliant characters and a gripping and intriguing storyline, I thought this was a fantastic read. This is book which historical fiction fans should definitely have on their reading radar.

Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for this eCopy to review

I recently finished 25 Library Terrace by Natalie Fergie, and I absolutely loved it. This novel is a beautifully woven tapestry of history, resilience, and the lives of strong women who have called the house at 25 Library Terrace home over the decades.

The story spans more than a century, beginning in 1911, when Ursula Black moves into the house and becomes deeply involved in the fight for women’s suffrage. She embraces vegetarianism and takes on the challenge of raising children who are not her own, all while navigating the shifting social landscape of the time. In 1931, during the Great Depression, the house transforms into a radical experiment in communal living, and a long-buried family secret is uncovered. Fast-forward to 2011, when Tess Dutton arrives at 25 Library Terrace after a failed relationship, only to find herself drawn into the house’s rich history and the unconventional landlady who welcomes her. Finally, in 2022, as Scotland faces another census year, the lives of past and present residents intertwine, revealing the enduring legacy of the house and the women who shaped it.

What I loved most about 25 Library Terrace was how Fergie masterfully connects the lives of these women across generations. The house itself feels like a character, witnessing moments of triumph, heartbreak, and transformation. The themes of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling resonated deeply with me. The writing is immersive, and the historical details are rich without feeling overwhelming.

This novel is a celebration of the quiet yet profound ways women shape history, and I found myself completely captivated by its depth and warmth. 25 Library Terrace is an unforgettable journey through time, love, and the enduring spirit of a home that holds so many stories. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads and a beautifully layered narrative, this book is a must-read!

Have you ever wondered about all the people who lived in your house before you?
25 Library Terrace in Edinburgh is a house where lives are changed.
In 1911, new resident Ursula Black embraces women's suffrage in the form of census protest, discovers vegetarianism, and learns just how difficult it can be to bring up someone else's children.
In 1931, the house becomes part of a radical experiment in a different way of living, and a family secret from the past is uncovered.
In 2011, Tess Dutton needs somewhere to live in the wake of a failed relationship, and is introduced to a rather unusuallandlady.
In 2022, delayed by the pandemic, it's another census year for Scotland, and as Edinburgh's residents are able to gather once more, the strands of four generations at 25 Library Terrace are finally woven together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved seeing not only the progression of time, and how things changed from decade to decade, but also how things came around full circle. If I had to choose, I would say my favorite timeline was the 1911 timeline. I adored Ursula. She stepped in as her husband's second wife, and stepmother to his children, and had no idea the minefield she was entering. Her husband had no idea what his first wife was like when he wasn't at home, so both children and the cook/housekeeper were traumatized. She made such a difference in all of ther lives, as well as being a driving force for "modern ideas" such as vegetarianism and the women's right to vote. I highly recommend this one!

Every house has its own story to tell and this book does just that. This was an interesting read in that the house kept getting new occupants and it tells there story, however in parts it was confusing as the residents changed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read this advance reader’s copy.

Any book with library in the title (or bookstore) will draw me right in, but this novel, while it confirms the importance of books, doesn’t have much to do with libraries. If there is a central concept, it is the national decennial census of Great Britain. Not coincidentally, each of the four storylines, and each of the four dominant female characters in them, have a loyalty to the census that has little to do with its purpose of enumerating the population.

Starting with Ursula, who is so transformed by marrying the good and kind John Black that she suddenly becomes a rebel, a suffragist and a vegetarian, filling out the census document is a profound declaration of selfhood. Until women received the vote, they were effectively the property of their husbands and fathers, and only men could fill out the census form. With her husband’s approval, Ursula and her fellow suffragists defy the law by staying out until midnight on census day so they are not counted—until they count by being voting citizens. I didn’t know about this historical connection between the census and suffrage and it was a fascinating discovery.

The next chapter, 1911, follows stepdaughter Ann (later Annie) as she grapples with her late biological mother’s constant attempts to undermine her. This is a truth that emerges only very slowly. It gradually becomes apparent that the first Mrs Black was unhinged, very possibly a paranoid schizophrenic, who kept an unnaturally close watch over her household. She was always ready to denigrate her son Frank, her maid Isobel, and her servant Dave. Ursula is the heart and soul of kindness as the three vulnerable parties carry the trauma through.

Each story is about a strong woman who can happily live alone at 25 Library Terrace. Eventually each of them meets or is introduced to people who are navigating rough waters—bereavement, heartbreak, unemployment, homelessness—and agree to rent rooms to them. Eventually these interactions become solid friendships or even romantic relationships, leading to unconventional but nonetheless loving families. It is as if the house itself, shiny and new when John Black had it built for his ailing first wife and two young children, plays its own role in the unfolding history of several generations. It truly gives them shelter, almost magically bringing together, at the right time,those who need each other.

There are places where an otherwise flowing narrative falters. The stories have characters in common, but. As much as they are linked and situated in the same but ever-changing house, they often end abruptly and sometimes the connections are unclear. Tess, for example , appears in 2011, and also in 2021. The house’s then-inheritor, Georgia, has a long history with its previous families. Having provided refuge for Tess, the elderly Georgia then departs for an unexpected new opportunity. She leaves the house in Tess’s hands but not before encourages her to take in a motherless family in need. And here the story ends, leaving readers to assume what may take shape.

In the end, the writing is wonderful, the characters are sharply drawn, and the house has a magnetic pull for readers as much as characters.

This book tells the stories of the women who have lived at 25 Library Terrace over the decades. Told over different timelines and multiple POV. It is an easy read. Thank you to Netgalley and Embla Books for ARC.

Unique story encompassing close to a century of lives in one address in Edinburgh. 25 Library Terrace housed one traditional family for a short time and then it's life really took off in unusual directions. The nuclear family was headed by a seemingly kind/normal father and tyrannical mother who died before the story commenced. However, the mother pervaded the lives of those who lived in 25 Library Terrace for many years after her death. Subsequent inhabitants including a kindly vegetarian quasi-suffragette 2nd wife, the maid, and daughter of the original family ran the house as a novel boarding property where women (primarily) could live for two year.

The writing style was enjoyable and straightforward; the story moved at a very nice pace and had just that bit of mystery to keep me turning pages. I didn't quite believe the "present day" character's discretion was enough to warrant the psychological scars she carried however, that is solely my take. It took me a few chapters to arrange all the characters in my mind but once that was established the plot was easy to understand.

This novel share the lovely tales of 25 Library Terrace and all of its inhabitants, particularly the strong females who ruled and managed the home, through decades of census filings.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

This novel had so many elements that I love: multiple points of view, layered timelines, and a cozy old house brimming with stories and secrets. 25 Library Terrace offered a rewarding and heartwarming reading experience.

What really worked for me: Tess’s journey and the encouragement to step away from the tech life and social media was both timely and refreshing. I connected with her and wish we had more time with her within the novel like we got with Annie and Ursula. And the way the story came full circle in the end? Loved it! There’s something so satisfying about narratives that honor connection and closure across generations.

What didn’t quite land for me: A few of the timeline transitions felt a little jarring; which is unusual for me, since I typically have no trouble following dual or multiple timelines. I can’t pinpoint exactly why this one was a tad choppy for me. I also found myself waiting for a bigger payoff with some of the details, like the vegetarianism and the census references. They didn’t quite click for me, though they may resonate more with other readers.

Overall, 25 Library Terrace is cozier than my usual picks, but it left me with that warm, reflective feeling I always appreciate. It’s a gentle reminder of how interconnected our stories really are, even across time.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book.

25 Library Terrace by Natalie Fergie is an upcoming novel set in Edinburgh, exploring the lives of multiple generations who have lived in the same house. The story spans from 1911 to 2022, covering themes like women's suffrage, unconventional living arrangements, personal struggles, and the connections between past and present residents. The story intertwines the lives of multiple generations within a single Edinburgh home and has very rich historical detail and good story telling particularly with the focus of strong and determined women. The novel highlights the fight for women's rights, particularly through Ursula Black's involvement in the 1911 census protest. Her journey reflects the broader struggle for equality and independence. Across different eras, the house becomes a place where people redefine family and community. Throughout the story the challenges faced by each generation is explored and the house itself is a symbol of c0ntinuity carrying the stories and secrets of all who have lived there with it across the generations.

If you enjoy multi-generational stories and reflective historical fiction then this book is for you. The story serves as a reminder that while times change, certain values—love, kindness, and shared stories—remain constant. Really enjoyed this book and got very involved with it.

DNF 25%

Too wholesome and unproblematic that it’s boring. Not that there should be drama, but like any good music, even the fun ones should have some ebbs and flows. This is so monotonous that there’s no contrast between the good stuff v whatever challenges the family is facing whether it’s within or from outside forces. It may come later, but at a quarter in I expect a little bit of tension esp if this spans generations and multiple POV’s.