this book is such a wonderful read. i delved deep in and didnt come out until it finished. there is so much heart in this book. there is so much to learn and be reminded of by this book. and it really shines a light on how much times have changed which offers so much more kindness to people. but also how we should never stop trying to change and there is STILL a whole lot more work to do with so many things. but when i found myself getting a little down by this is was soon picked up by keeping reading again.
the book is about one big holding pen for so many lives that run through it over the span of decades. and that holding pen happen to be this gorgeous home. this gorgeous house.
the book opens with us in 1911 with a marriage.John is widowed and he has married Ursula who will now also be the stepmother to Ann and Finley. but this isnt a wicked stepmother trope. the children all flourish under her care and way of living. Ursula also become part of the suffragette movement and new movements in food. the legacy this woman leaves is someone i myself would love to have either known or followed. she set the tone for this house. almost like she was weaving herself through it. leaving herself, or her guidance amongst the atmosphere the next people would find.
then we have 1931. the daughter Ann now manages the house. she has grown under her own guidance from Ursula. so she creates a house for those who arent being helped by life. who find themselves with somewhere to stay and a kind place to stay.
then in 2011 the house is managed by Georgia who was raised by Ann. this story follows more broken or broken hearts of the people living in this house.
then we have 2022 and Tess the lady who we met in the timeline above is now managing the house. and this is how the woven threads of all the times and woman come together.
.this book is a really smart, heartfelt and thoughtful book. i loved it so very much and was so emotional between the lines of the book. i was invested in all the timelines which only goes to show just how brilliant it is. because you dont always get to feel involved in each timeline when a book writes about a few. it felt like i too was being enveloped in this house for a while.
i think we could all do with a house like this. or the kindness of that which went on there and made it the safe place and loved place it became.

Stories of women who have lived at 25 Library Terrace over many years. It was fun to think about the history that one place can hold. Only downside was once I'd feel invested in one character's story, it was time to move on and fast forward to the next person.
Thank you NetGally and the publisher for access to this eARC.

A House Full of Stories, Secrets, and Soul”

25 Library Terrace is an utterly enchanting read that blends historical fiction with contemporary storytelling in the most satisfying way. Spanning over a century, this novel beautifully captures the lives of the women who lived in one Edinburgh house—each shaped by their time, their choices, and the quiet magic of the place they call home.

From Ursula’s courageous defiance in 1911 to Tess’s fresh start in 2011, every chapter reveals how history echoes through generations. I loved how the book wove together themes of social change, personal growth, and connection—all through the lens of one ever-evolving address.

The shifting timelines are handled masterfully, and the characters feel real, flawed, and deeply human. The final section, set in 2022, brings everything together with warmth and emotional payoff.

A must-read for fans of Kate Morton or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—and a perfect pick for book clubs. It reminds you that every home holds stories, if only we stop to listen.

A beautiful novel rich in atmospheric history, and love.

25 Library Terrace follows the lives of the people who lodge here from when it was first built in 1908 until 2022.

Through the years, we meet many interesting and inspiring people all stemming from Ursula, who in 1911 marries John, and as a second wife and step mother to his two children, begins making changes to the house and the way the family live.

We jump forward 20 years after she’s passed and follow Annie, her step daughter who continues Ursula’s work and rents out the rooms upstairs with a peculiar private rental agreement. All the tenants who stay at 25 Library Terrace are struggling with something in their lives, and have no where to go. It’s beautiful to see the bond they all make with Ursula, Annie, Georgia and then Tess over the years, and it’s inspiring to read about their growth.

I love that over the last 100 or so pages, it’s slowly revealed how everybody’s lives are intertwined. Is it coincidence? Or Divine intervention? Either way, it’s heartwarming and satisfying.

I do feel like just as we start to get a deeper understanding of things, time jumps ahead to the next landlady and her lodges but I also feel that having it written this way definitely kept me invested.

I loved 25 Library Terrace for the stark contrast between the different time periods. The way that the house withstood the times, while the residents became modern and still shared the same heart was simply beautiful.

For lovers of historical fiction, new found family, and strong women characters it’s a must read.

Thanks so much Netgalley and Embla books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I like how it followed generations of the women of a family. It touched on many issues that women faced through the years. I like that the men were supportive of their women. Well, maybe not Tess’ but she showed him!
I did find that it jumped pretty quick from timeline to timeline. I would have liked a little more connection or explanation leading into the next timeline. This was my first book by Natalie Fergie and it did not disappoint. I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

Despite its title, this is not a book themed novel. Rather, it is about the residents of a house over a period of one hundred years.. This house serves as both setting and main character. Divided into four time periods, the philosophy of its residents doesn’t change much through the years, however, the times certainly have.

The book opens in 1911 with the marriage of office manager, Ursula, to her widowed boss, John. Ursula takes both her role as stepmother to children Ann and Finley seriously and sets a different tone for the atmosphere in the house. She flips the idea of the wicked stepmother coming in after the loss of a loving mother. The children thrive under her guidance and example. Ursula also becomes involved in the suffragette movement and embraces vegetarianism. Moreover, she establishes a more equitable and respectful relationship with the maid, Isobel. She leaves a long lasting legacy at 25 Library Terrace.

Fast forward to 1931. Daughter Ann now manages the house and utilizing Ursula’s methods and forward thinking, she establishes the house as a place for people to live when their lives have come undone.

By 2011, the house is managed by Georgia, raised by Ann. That part of the story focuses on tenant Tess , who comes to her by way of a broken relationship. While this part of the story forwards the theme of communal space for people who need it most, the Tess story was weak. The reason for the breakup and her violent reaction seemed over the top. In my mind, change of heart, though painful, is different from betrayal. Her reaction seemed implausible.

It concludes in 2022. Tess is now running the house and the threads of the four generations come together.
.
It is a fast, satisfying read. The quirkiness of the characters and the path they forge is an interesting one. Food, intrinsic to their way of life, forwarded the communal spirit of the house. I must admit I was unfamiliar with many of the food ingredients discussed nor could I really picture the kitchen in its various incarnations but it didn’t take away from what was important.

I would recommend it as a reminder that no matter what the circumstances, kindness, generosity and trust in one another, can change lives.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Embla books for the opportunity to read this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this and at points it was really good. I fell in love with the characters unfortunately the duel POV just didn’t work for me, just as I was getting into someone’s part of the story it would move on and some characters had less then the others and I just needed more.

Having loved Natalie Fergie’s debut novel, The Sewing Machine, I was eager to read 25 Library Terrace. While this book took a little longer to draw me in, its rich historical scope—from 1911 to post-pandemic Edinburgh—kept me engaged and I was captivated by some of the character within its pages.

The author masterfully connects the lives of the women who lived in the house across generations, weaving in fascinating links to the census records and the evolving nature of the questions asked over time. These details add a compelling layer of realism, reflecting not only personal histories but broader societal shifts. The novel also explores themes like vegetarianism and social change, showing how cultural attitudes and personal choices have transformed across the decades.

From Ursula Black’s fight for women’s rights to Tess Dutton’s modern-day discoveries, each timeline unfolds with intricate detail, making the house itself feel like a silent keeper of history. As the narratives intersect, the novel beautifully examines identity, resilience, and how the past continues to shape the present.

The immersive storytelling and attention to historical nuance make 25 Library Terrace a deeply rewarding read. If you’re a fan of multi-generational fiction that explores the intersection of person

Brilliant, character driven, shadows and light.

25 Library Terrace tells the lives of a few of those who have lived in it, spanning just over 100 years, from when its build was just being finished into the early years of the 21st Century.

The protagonist changes but is always a strong woman, and we see them reflected through the social changes relevant to their lives.

A brilliant book, I wanted to read it without stopping and savor it slowly all at the same time,

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If houses could talk, 25 Library Terrace would have one hell of a story to tell—and Natalie Fergie makes sure we hear it in every layered, lovingly told detail.

Spanning more than a century, this quiet, character-driven novel unfolds through the lives of several women who, at different points in time, call the same Edinburgh house home. From Ursula’s census-defying feminism in 1911 to the post-pandemic threads tying everything together in 2022, this is a story that thrives on the gentle unraveling of family secrets, shifting societal norms, and the often-unexpected echoes of the past.

The pacing is on the slower side—this isn’t a book to rush through. But if you love stories where time hops feel earned, and the emotional payoff builds like the layers of wallpaper in an old Victorian terrace, you’ll be well rewarded. Also: census records as a narrative device? Nerdy and excellent.

It’s not quite a tearjerker, but it is quietly profound—and will especially hit if you’ve ever looked at your house and wondered who else found heartbreak, hope, or healing within those walls.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review—like a census protest, this opinion is entirely my own.

The story of a house and it's occupants over a long period of time. A whole bunch of fascinating characters who come together through the house.

Natalie Fergie’s 25 Library Terrace is a multi-generational novel set in Edinburgh, weaving together the lives of various inhabitants of a single house across different time periods. The narrative spans from 1911 to 2022, exploring themes of social change, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of human experiences.

The novel offers insightful social commentary, delving into issues such as women’s suffrage, alternative lifestyles, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. Fergie’s attention to historical detail provides a rich backdrop for the characters’ stories. 

However, the structure of the novel, which shifts perspectives between different characters and time periods, can be challenging. Just as readers begin to engage with one character’s story, the narrative transitions to another, leaving some storylines feeling underdeveloped. This approach may lead to a sense of disconnection and hinder emotional investment in the characters.

While the premise of exploring the life of a house through its various occupants is intriguing, the execution may not resonate with all readers. The frequent shifts in perspective and the resulting gaps in character development can make the reading experience feel disjointed.

An ambitious novel with commendable themes, but the fragmented narrative may not appeal to readers seeking a more cohesive and character-driven story.

I hope there is a sequel to 25 Library Street! I would genuinely love to know who lodges there next and what the future holds for Tess. A gloriously warm novel which made me feel like I was a part of the ‘family’. I will definitely search out more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. It was well written and hooked me in right from the very first page, I couldn't put it down

Having enjoyed Natalie Fergie’s previous novel, the sewing machine, I was eager to read her latest.
25 Library Terrace is an engrossing novel which puts the inhabitants of a house in Edinburgh in Edwardian times in to the social context of the day bringing in issues such as suffrage, war, domestic service and vegetarianism.

Ann is traumatised by her cruel treatment at the hands of her Mother and has to find the strength to rebuild her self esteem and carry on after a number of tragic events. She uses her home to help others and in doing so manages to change her own story.

An excellent book which kept me interested from start to finish and which I do not hesitate to recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Embla books for the chance to read and review an advance copy of the ebook.

This was one hell of a book.
From the first chapter I felt like I lived in the house 25 Library Terrace, silently observing everyone’s lives unfold over the years. I shared their joys, their loves and their sorrow.
Taking you on a journey from the turn of the century through covid this story shared so much. I grew to love Ursula and Findlay and Annie and Keith and found it hard to let go with the passage of time.
This book showed the meaning of family and how they can hurt you and how they love you and how they can shape you. The early years were fascinating with the details of events like the suffrage movement and the war. By the time we reached modern day I almost felt out of sorts when they talked about appliances and cellphones.
The vegetarianism was a bit much at times but the descriptions of dishes and the recipes broke the monotony of constantly touting no meat in this house.
The only thing that nagged at me was the last story of Tess. While everyone deals with heartache differently, the way she reacted to her fiancé changing his mind about wanting children when she didn’t was a bit over the top. It’s the kind of situation where you part sad and maybe a little lost but resorting to property damage and calling him a liar and blaming him for ruining your life felt very much like she was literally doing too much. Maybe if there had been infidelity I could understand the visceral reaction but this was something that was sad and reflective not life shattering and warranting such vindictive behavior.
Besides this anomaly I loved the book. And I know everyone says this when they finish a good book but I would love to see this as a movie. Because at least then I could see the house with honestly was the main character.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What an absolutely wonderful book! I read it in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. I was entranced by the history of 25 Library Terrace and it's miriad occupants. The characters are so well written the reader almost joins them at the kitchen table. I wanted to hug poor Ann when her mother was so horrible to her and cheer when Tess fixes Patrick's phone to the coffee table. I thoroughly enjoyed The Sewing Machine and Natalie Fergie has written another bestseller here. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a well researched eminently readable historical novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

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.