Glass Houses

I really enjoyed this book. It has a great insight into mental health and how it affects those in different ways. It felt very realistic and relatable. I especially liked the progression of Jenna and Rosie's relationship. Sisters can have tough relationships and this portrays that really well. It has hard themes but there is a trigger warning at the beginning which was nice to see. All the issues in the book are important and well written about. Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend 100%

Well written with a compelling storyline and well developed and likable characaters. I thought the way that the author deals with mental health in the book is done really well and handled really sensitively. I really enjoyed it.

A well written, poignant, and riveting story that deals with serious issues like mental health.
It's a gripping read, emotionally charged, and i liked the sister's relationship and the storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Sisters Jenna and Rosie find themselves living under one roof for the first time in years. Jenna – and her feline companion turns up on Rosie’s doorstep after going through some life changes. Rosie spends her life thinking about the life she once had, trying not to reach her breaking point. Enter David Dolan and his son Peter, Rosie’s next-door neighbours, who just might be what the sisters need to get their lives back – or in fact start a fresh.

With themes relating to mental health, this book gets HEAVY at times (TWs listed below), and I found myself relating to almost every character in this book in one way of another, which I very rarely do.

It’s safe to say that adored this book. One of the main things that stood out to me/that I loved was the atmosphere/setting of Avalon Melanie manages to create with words – it’s magical; I could picture the glass house, the garden so clearly and the people so very clearly.

I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

TW // suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, bereavement, revenge porn, and death of a pet

This is an absolute gem of a book and Melanie’s voice really shines through in the writing as there’s such a unique feel to it.

The story is told from the POV of both sisters, Rosie and Jenna, but all of the characters are complex, flawed, and very human. They’re all dealing with difficult relationships and mental health struggles, which makes them incredibly relatable. Their healing journey being centered around fixing a glasshouse and reconnecting with nature and each other has a magical feel to it and explores how messy but beautiful life is.

A lot of this story hit closer to home than I was ready for, but it was such an honest, almost cathartic, read. Please do make sure to check the trigger warnings as this book deals with some heavy topics.

TW: Suicide, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Bereavement, Revenge Porn, Brief HP reference

I’ve been following Melanie Murphy for years on YouTube, and even though I was aware of her having published two books prior, I’ve never picked them up. I’m so so glad NetGalley approved me to read Glass Houses to get to know Mrs. Murphy the writer, and not only the content creator.

It’s funny how her style of writing reflects her (online) personality and her esprit. She delivers her humour, sarcasm and sharpness perfectly. Sometimes I imagined her reading certain passages out loud with her devastatingly gorgeous irish accent. But I have to admit, it was the first time reading an eARC, where I missed having the physical copy in my hands. I strongly believe flipping pages for real adds to the reading experience.

Glass Houses made me feel uncomfortable, full, outraged and hopeful. At first I didn’t particularly liked the characters, but I cared for them. I guess that’s family for you…But they grew on me and I hoped for a HEA for every one of this crazy bunch of people.
The story teaches you so many things about mental health, relationships and family. And even though all emotions are valid, it’s crucial to reflect on them and not pity yourself constantly but learn from them and especially learn to navigate your emotions.

A MUST read for everyone in this fast-paced, crazy, demanding society who knows the struggles and pressure of simply being human.

Glass Houses is a heartfelt, uplifting novel about family, growth, friendship and hope. Books like this make me realise again why I love reading, totally enjoyable with no hassles attached, loved it Recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely story totally uplifting, sad at times but totally recommend. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

When we first meet estranged sisters Rosie and Jenna each are dealing with their own problems.

Rosie was a pilot with her own high flying life. Now she’s absorbed in the role of care giver to their mother after she was diagnosed with MS. When is there time to do something for herself? Will she ever get her life back on track?

Jenna is a talented artist but recently she’s been coasting through life. She’s not interested in making long term plans. Her cat Bertie is the only lifeline she has.

Jenna turns up suddenly one day at Rosie’s apartment, Rosie knows she has no choice but to let her stay.

David is a retired G.P. and Rosie’s neighbour. He comes up with a plan to help Jenna and in fact Rosie but she doesn’t know it at the time. He, helped by his late wife June has decided to set up a support group type scenario. Except this is a group with a difference, they have a task. That task is to sort out the garden at Avalon, David’s home he shared with his wife. Will the hard work help chase all those demons away?

This my first of Murphy’s books, it wouldn’t have been my normal go to genre. It does deal with some pretty hard hitting topics such as suicide, self-harm, revenge porn and a depression related eating disorder.

An extremely well written, multi layered story with just the right amount of characters. Told mainly from the perspectives of both Jenna and Rosie in alternating chapters.

At the beginning I couldn’t relate to any of the characters in the sense that they were so far removed for current life with anxiety and depression. I did however, as the story progressed begin to have an attachment to the whole group. Each character had their own tale and reason for being part of the group.

From cover to cover this book was full of humour, wit and sarcasm. The topic of mental health illness especially within a family is never really discussed. I particularly liked the fact that it was explored in this novel and the toll it takes on our loved ones.

Glass Houses was released May 5th.