When Carol's love affair is interrupted by her partner's dementia, she faces the additional trauma of being forced out of the family home by his grown children after they've moved him into a care home. Worse yet, they want to sell the house, something which their father made them promise never to do. Why would that be, do you suppose?

Told from multiple perspectives, the revelation is deliciously metered and the banter between characters is nothing short of brilliant.

Narrated to perfection by Graham Norton himself, this humorous mystery loaded with charm will please fans of black humor.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to receive this ARC for Graham Norton's latest book "Forever Home" and my first audiobook read by the author. Graham has such a wonderful, lovely writing style and his stories are always full of relatable characters, humor, and of course, Irish gossip. With that said, don't go into this book expecting serious literary fiction, it's a charming, easy read that requires a little imagination and suspension of disbelief. But note, that there are some complex issues and emotional triggers that are addressed in this book, so beware going in.

Moira Crottie is the stand-out character for me – who wouldn’t want a mother like her? If you enjoy an interesting cast of characters, with a great mix of dark and comic moments, this novel is for you!

This was an interesting book. I appreciated the writing style and the story. It wasn't a unique one by any means, but it was definitely interesting. I was truly captivated and wanted to keep listening to see how the story unfolded.

This book makes you question right from wrong. What you're willing to do for family, and when exactly have they gone too far? What is forgivable?

Enjoyed the dark comedy aspects of this story. As well as all of the characters. I listened to it and author Norton does a fantastic job of capturing each of the characters.

This is my first book by Norton and I was very impressed by both his vivid story telling and his narration skills. I really enjoyed this book, especially the spry and hilarious mother.

Thank you Harper Audio for the alc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I noticed a title with the name of Graham Norton, I was intrigued instantly. Is it the same Norton I know from the talk show? - I asked myself. A quick google search answer this question quicker than recognizing his voice from the narration (which should by my first step, but I'm a millennial so of course I did not do it at first).

It's a story of a family with their secrets hidden so deep that influances everything and everyone to the core of their existence, leaving smoke and bodies behind. That's how I can summarize it the best. This story is strongly character driven, and each person has their own little quirks and personality traits - either from the narration or dialogues we learn about them to the extent. The plot is not a main character here. Is the naive and loving nature of some contrasted with big sacrifice of another that might end up as a consequence hidden in a basement.

I loved the quirky and witty language, some quick remarks from the narrator as we go along. I loved the mother of the main character, because despite being the background, she was a force. What I did not like is the absolute blandness of the protagonist and the children of her boyfriend. Despite their trauma they came across as immature and whiny, spoiled adults who don't know how to function in the society. The same as the main character, which in turn had no real reason to behave in such an infuriating way with her naïveté and such. With all that being said, I definitely would recommend this book as a book club choice, mainly because there is really a lot to be unpacked and discussed. Any Buddy reading would make a fun experience to go over and hate or love those characters and try to understand their motives. I had fun, but it wasn't the best thing I have read, tho Graham Norton surprised me with the ease in which he tells the story.

I listened to Graham Norton's new novel, "Forever Home," on audiobook narrated by Norton himself, and I think that was the perfect way to experience it. The book itself is difficult to describe; it starts out as a family drama primarily about Carol, an Irish woman who gets a second chance at love with a reclusive man whose first wife left him and his young children years earlier, but soon morphs into a sort of black comedy/caper tale. I don't want to give too much away--although readers will probably guess the secret hidden within No. 7 Stable Row--but I think I would have had more trouble reconciling the shifting tones of the book were it not being read in Norton's warm Irish brogue--you can almost hear the twinkle in his eye. I'm still not sure the book totally worked for me as a whole, but I definitely enjoyed many of its composite parts, particularly the indomitable character of Carol's mother, Moira, who drove me crazy and made me laugh in equal measure.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Harper Audio for providing me with the audiobook of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Forever Home is the 2022 publication by multifaceted Graham Norton. Better known, perhaps, for his humor, acting, and hosting, Graham Norton is an accomplished author with Forever Home being the most recent of many. While Mr. Norton is known for his comedic wit, he has adeptly woven a story of family, love, betrayal, and murder on par with many better known authors.

Carol Grotty, part of the Grotty Coffee Cafe family, has led a rather simplistic life since her first husband and fellow teacher cheated and left her and their then small son Craig. After many years on her own since Craig has grown and gone, rather reclusive pharmacist Declan Barry becomes interested in Carol when she is tutoring his daughter Sally. There is a stigma around the Barry family since his wife Joan suddenly left the family and her brother apparently drowned himself in the sea.

Although Carol is a divorcee, Declan has not formalized this estrangement from his wife, leaving him in no position to marry. However, after a period of time together, Carol moves into his home and is there for ten years. During this time, Declan becomes increasingly estranged from daughter Sally and son Killian who are openly hostile towards Carol. Her son Craig, who lives in London, seems ambivalent to everything.

When Declan declines rapidly after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Killian produces a power of attorney giving him authority over healthcare decisions and property disposition, placing Declan in memory care and listing the family home for sale, effectively evicting Carol. At this turn of events, Carol’s father David decides to buy the dwelling and then the mystery begins.

This is such a well woven tale! With built in surprises and unexpected twists, this novel is as surprising as it is entertaining. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I loved the narration! The plot seemed a little all over the place, like the book couldn't decide if it wanted to be a thriller versus a family drama? But all in all I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.

I love Graham Norton on his shows and as a personality. So, I was very excited to receive this book that was not only written by but also narrated by Norton. I did not realize that he wrote books, but apparently he has quite a few fiction books and short stories out there. He also has a few non-fiction memoir type books out, I didn't really look much into them but saw that he is not new to the world of writing.

This mystery takes a look at familial relationships in the face of abandonment, relationships between mothers and daughters, and a dead body. Also finding secrets when the man of the house has...dementia or Alzheimer's unsure which he falls under as it isn't really talked about. First the whole beginning was upsetting that Declan's adult children would treat his girlfriend of 10 years so horribly, just completely shut her out because they ship Declan off to a care facility. They kick her out of her home, don't include her in the care. So frustrating. At the end of the day that's not what the story was about. We are trying to figure out where the body in the walled up freezer in Declan's basement came from. Carol and her mom scheme and plot and it just gets silly. Nosy neighbors, tongue in cheek dialogue. Some humorous parts in what could be a really dark tale.

I was so bored. I didn't want to be bored, there were some really interesting parts. Especially the end with Carol's dad, but overall, everything just moved so slowly and we circled around the same things over and over again, it was hard for me to stay focused. I think Norton did a great job narrating, but I just don't think the story was for me.

Loved the audio version, GN narrating definitely made the book more enjoyable. Definitely a matter of personal taste, this wasn’t a favorite for me. There isn’t much character development. I don’t need the characters to be likable in a book, but I felt none of them went on a journey, events just happened and that was it. Thank you so much for the chance to read this book!

Carol has found her stride, and her second chance living with Declan, a father of one of her former students. Declan, who can be portrayed as a bit of a curmudgeon, is a few years older, but for some reason between him and Carol it works. Their children, however, do not agree. So when Declan's mind begins to deteriorate, and an accident causes Carol and him to both become minorly injured, the children decide that it is time he be moved into an assited living home. Once Declan is gone, his children sell the house out from under Carol, and she is left homeless, having to move back in with her parents. As the new owner of Declan's house emerges, so do the mysteries buried within the house and within the families.

Although the synopsis reads dark and tragic, this novel is surprisingly comedic. Dark humor for sure, but I nonetheless found myself laughing multiple times throughout the novel. I was also pleasantly surprised by the writing by Graham Norton. And overall I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend to anyone looking for a different take on a dark humor or fiction novel.

The audiobook was easy to listen to and was narrated by Graham Norton himself.

This is a quirky, adorable story about an extended family in Ireland and the house they own, which has kept a sinister secret for decades. Carol and Declan found each other later in life, and by all accounts had a perfect relationship. They never married, each having tried that once before already, and though their children all disapproved, they were happy together. Until Declan's health started to decline, and Carol was forced to confront a vertable web of secrets about the man she thought she knew inside and out.

I loved this read and its eccentric characters — Moira being especially dear to me! I definitely did not predict the turns this story ended up taking, and I found it really enjoyable the entire way through. Irish fiction (in my experience) can tend toward a bleak/depressing undercurrent, but that's not the case with Forever Home. Are there serious themes in the novel? Yes. But they don't drag the tone down. Highly recommend this one if you're into quirky characters and unique stories!

The audio version of this book is read by the author, which is always my faaavorite narration tactic. Thank you to Graham Norton, HaperVia, and NetGalley for my advance audio copy!

Wow...I did not see that coming!

First of all, I did not know Graham Notorn was an author of fiction, so this was a delightful treat. The first 40% or so of the story is mostly setting the stage–introducing and building the characters and their relationships. At times meandering, it wasn't thrilling but intriguing enough to continue reading. Then the book really picks up and takes you for a rollercoaster of family drama!

If you've watched Norton's show, it makes his audiobook narration extra entertaining. As long as you can understand Irish accents, it's probably a superior experience to reading the book :)

Thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC!

A thoroughly enjoyable novel written by a master storyteller, tells the story of two families who merge, become undone, and then find themselves together again, facing a common problem.

This book has it all, mystery, intrigue, and tantalizing secrets, and it proves that we never stop growing emotionally, regardless of age, as long as we remain open to the process...

Until next time, dear readers, this one is a keeper, grab a copy when it is hot off the presses, I guarantee you won't be disappointed! 😘

Audio book done well with Graham narrating it! How we did Moira was EPIC!

Forever Home is the best mix of dark and funny and sad. Everyone in the book I both loved and was annoyed with them; I think that is exactly what Graham wants the reader to feel. The storyline was amazing, and I didn’t see a lot happening, and when I thought it was going one wat Graham was like “nope I’m going this way” I love when that happens.

I loved listen to Graham Norton narrate this book which added much more to the story. I only wish he provided more voices for the characters. At times it felt like we were listening to someone tell a story on his show. An enjoyable way to spend a few afternoons.

Graham Norton is a fine narrator. No voices, minimal inflection, but easy to understand and easy to listen to without getting distracted.

The story itself fell flat for me. Carol seemed whiny and immature. Her mom so willing to be an accomplice to a crime? Declan being underdeveloped and his kids being insufferable... it just didn't work for me.

As for the writing, the plot was ok. The story moved in a pretty predictable manner. The writing wasn't overly complicated/descriptive. The few moments of dark humor were probably my favorite parts.

Overall: 3 stars

I'll tell my students about: alcohol, language, sex, trauma, drugs, murder, illness/death, gore

**Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

In a small Irish village lives Carol, a divorced teacher with one grown son. She becomes taken with the father of one of her students, a man named Declan. Years ago, Declan's wife Joan up and left him and their two children leaving them to find their own way through life without her., When Carol and Declan come together, they become the talk of the town. Carol is devoted to Declan and moves into his home and helps to raise his children, although they distance themselves from her as the grow. Although disheartened, Carol only cleaves more closely to Declan,. After his children grow and move out, it is now just the two of them in Declan's house - a home he never wants to leave and never wants sold.
As time moves on, Declan becomes ill. Carol tends to his every need and plans on continue to keep him in his beloved home. His children, however, have other plans.
The writing is lovely and the characters are very well developed. No one character is purely good or bad. While this book has some mystery to it, it is really the story of relationships and their impact on our lives and well being.
The only better than Graham Norton's writing is having Graham Norton read it to you. As a performer, he is expressive and and no one could be better to convey his characters than himself.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the ALC of this book.

Having been a fan of Graham Norton, I’m sorry to say that it’s taken me until now to read one of his books. I will definitely be reading the others!

One of the main draws to this book for me was the fact that the author was narrating his own book. Graham has such a recognizable voice and I loved the different tones he took for different characters. I think because he also wrote it, he could help guide interpretations of underlying emotions with his voice.

This story had a bit of cheeky humor to it in parts and I did find myself laughing at quite a few lines. That being said, I definitely got an understanding of each character, their behavioral tendencies and personal preferences and did become attached to some of them in the process.

He also did a great job of nailing the internal image in my mind of where they were, the temperature in the air and even scents; I really felt like I was there.

I really enjoyed this book and know so many others will as well; now to grab his other stuff off my shelves!

Thanks so much to the author, Graham Norton, Harper Audio and NetGalley for the arc audiobook of Forever Home in exchange for my honest review!