Three married neighbors with children are somewhat in each other’s lives. When single woman Isabelle comes to live on their street, and problems occur in their marriages, they are forced to confront their family relationships, as well as their relationships with each other. A great woman’s read. I highly recommend.

I found this book to be compelling and kept me interested until the very end. The characters were well-developed and I felt them to be realistic. I appreciated that the author explored postpartum mood disorders, but I wish that she had explored them in a bit more depth, given that they were focal to the storyline. Overall, an enjoyable read.

What a fun read - filled with drama, wit and suspense. Every time you think you’ve figured it out you pretty quickly realize your wrong! Sometimes that happens in books because the author misleads the reader; not this time. Everything the author writes could lead you to figure out the mystery but I didn’t. Nothing is as it seems and it is a tremendous reminder that we usually truly do not know what is going on in other people’s lives. We all have issues. We all have drama. We all have secrets - some larger than others:) I also haven’t read many, if any, novels that take place in Australia so that added additional enjoyment to my read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an early release of this book in exchange for an honest review.

THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR by Sally Hepworth
I almost gave up on the book with the first three chapters. It seemed very disjointed. I did put it down for a few days and started in again....the stories really took off then. . Pleasant Court doesn't always live up it's name. There are many secrets, twists and a hint of suspense. Everyone has something they are hiding sometimes even from themselves.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I've always enjoyed Sally Hepworth's books and this was no exception. It was very reminiscent of Big Little Lies - it's a group of neighborhood women who each have something to hide yet the others all think they have the ideal life. Each chapter is told from a different women's perspective and little by little each one's secret is revealed. It is well written and provided a good conclusion for every story.

Surprisingly light read about family dynamics and a kidnapped baby. Well done bits of mystery, good relationship story.

The best description I can provide as an introduction to this book is to tell you that the Family Next Door holds a candle to The Husband's Secret, a story I read and loved. This book held my attention, and I was intrigued to finish the book and find out how all the pieces of the puzzle finally came together. Once I was finished, I sat to parse out the story and share my thoughts. Essie's story was a bit unsettling, and by the end I was surprised at the turn that her plot line took. I didn't see the end with Barbara coming! Knowing the craziness a new mother can experience made sense, but there were many times that I felt the story was too far-fetched, even for fiction. Having been a mother myself, I can understand what that craziness can do to you, and could relate to Essie's post-partum error in judgment. She was the most likeable character in the entire book! Once Isabelle entered into the picture, my curiosity was piqued, and I was again surprised at the turn in the story line. Sally Hepworth expertly wove in two other stories that were equally intriguing, and the stories of all of the neighbors and their relationships were ones that added to the book, and the reader's interest. As with many books I have recently read, there is always a neighbor or two whose life seems to good to be true, and things end up awful for them! Fans of Liane Moriarty will enjoy Sally Hepworth's The Family Next Door.

This novel makes me wonder about my neighbors! You never know what really goes on behind closed doors. This novel delves into relationships and secrets. This is a new author for me and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

Another winner by Sally Hepworth...Her writing style, character development and imagination are first rate I loved this story...simple/yet complex. I have shared it w/ all of my reading friends Five stars.

This novel very well illustrates the axiom that "people are messy," and also proves that we should never envy anyone who appears to have the perfect marriage and/or family life.

Life on Pleasant Court seems to be idyllic but when Isabelle moves into the 'hood, she immediately shakes things up by being single AND childless. Why? is the question everyone is asking. And yes, turns out Isabelle has an agenda and something to hide, but then so do all three couples in the cul de sac. Hepworth expertly doles out the revelations throughout the narrative with developments I certainly didn't see coming.

This is perfect for anyone who has been yearning for a readalike to Liane Moriarty's domestic dramas, especially BIG LITTLE LIES and THE HUSBAND'S SECRET, and also for fans of Diane Chamberlain's books and Cynthia Sweeney's THE NEST. And if you haven't read Hepworth's THE THINGS WE KEEP, it is also excellent.

Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital copy.

How crazy is it that you can live next door to someone and not have a clue about their life!? This story is a perfect illustration of that as it is set on a neighborhood street filled with families each dealing with their own dramas while putting on a happy face for the world to see. I always enjoy Sally Hepworth’s writing and this was another great story.

The book was just ok for me. It kind of felt clunky a bit with trying to sort out each character when the story toggled back and forth. While I was interested and wanted to know the outcome...I think that there could have been a little bit more of character development and plot. Thank you for letting me read the book!

5 STARS!!! My new favorite author, I must say. My last read of hers I noted that I did love the writing style. I hadn't checked out any other books of her though. Until this one. I was in the mood for some good ol' neighborhood-style drama and this book went way above any expectations that I had!! I loved the characters, the story, the end- I have ZERO complaints with this book - what a rarity!! My mother is anxiously awaiting the publishing date and will purchase right away - I am recommending this book to several friends. Even people who typically like "deeper" stories - this book goes deep - just trust me on that. Its not surface level. It hits deep topics and the character depth is real.

The Family Next Door is a story about several couples who live in a neighborhood. Each has issues to deal with: new babies, infidelity, careers, and a twist in one story that broadsides readers. It was a decent read, but in come areas it dragged.

I thought this book was great. It reminded me in many ways of Liane Moriarty's work, with the combination of well-developed characters, intricate relationships, interesting domestic details, and a mild, yet intriguing mystery. And of course, the Australian setting just adds an extra element of delight!

Since I don't often have time to read large chunks of a book at once, I was concerned that there were almost too many characters to keep track of, but I found that the author very adeptly included enough information about each character each time it was that character's turn in the spotlight so that I was very quickly back up to speed on each subplot. The resolution of the "mystery'--what was the agenda of the new woman on the block, who didn't seem to fit in--was resolved in a very satisfying way, as were all the other storylines.

I very much look forward to reading other books by Sally Hepworth and highly recommend this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.

3+ stars

Very readable but likely not particularly memorable.

The Family Next Door focuses on three neighbours on a suburban street in Melbourne, Australia. Each woman is in the relatively early years of parenting, each is struggling with being a mother and wife, and each one has a secret. One day, Isabelle moves in next door and slowly the the facades are unraveled. It’s not quite a domestic thriller, but it certainly has twists and turns and the odd bit of suspense.

It was an easy read and it kept my attention, but it didn’t feel particularly original or remarkable. I enjoy this kind of book in small doses, but there seem to be many Big Little Lies wannabes floating around — this one probably fits into that category.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.

It took me a bit, but I did indeed become engrossed in the book, in the characters, in their relationships

The Family Next Door is the story of Essie and her neighbors who all appear on the outside to have perfect lives...but who knows what goes on behind closed doors? Essie is the mother of two small girls. She has always wanted to be a mother, after all, she had an excellent example in her mother. All of her neighbors are also young mothers with happy marriages, or are they? And the new neighbor Isabelle, why would she move to their quiet, family neighborhood as a single woman with no children? The Family Next Door keeps you enthralled until the last page...nothing is ever what it seems!

The Family Next Door
Sally Hepworth
Available: March 6, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have adored Sally Hepworth’s books in the past – usually I have raced through them. This one…it took me a little while to warm up to the characters; there were a few times in the first 2-3 chapters that I wasn’t feeling it and contemplated putting it aside for another book. I persisted – and I’m glad I did as I had an opportunity to read a part suspense/part chick lit book that had some strong female characters with a few red herrings, and one terrific plot twist.
What I loved: Each woman faced a demon of their own in the book – Ange it was her marriage; Fran – a unanswered question with lingering doubt, Essie – proving to herself she could overcome the past this time. They were at least upfront with the problem with themselves – if not anyone else at first but then their friendship grows deeper as they learn to trust each other just a little more.
What I didn’t love: I wish there a little more attention given to post-partum depression – particularly how it can creep up months after birth as hormones are still trying to return to previous levels and women may think they have a handle on one stage and be completely overwhelmed a few months down the road.
What I learned: The concept of family has been expanded to someone you care about on a daily basis.
Overall Grade: B

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Four women wonder who the presumably single woman is who moves onto their family-oriented Pleasant Court street. And why does she feel comfortable speaking to them so familiarly almost immediately, as though she’s known them all for years? Perplexed, they watch Isabelle, wondering what her intentions are. Essie’s mother has misgivings about the mysterious neighbor from the start. She’s different from their little clan, and vague about her background, so why did she move from Sydney to Melbourne and into their neighborhood?

Each of the three families on Pleasant Court has its own secrets and insecurities that tidily remain hidden within the confines of their own homes, while outside appearances paint a very different, more pristine picture. They’re keeping secrets from each other within their families, and secrets from their neighbors. The women are slowly becoming unhinged by the various complexities affecting their lives. Fran is trying to run from her problems—literally; subconsciously burning through the fear and regret that prods her every day. Essie is detaching from her familial obligations; her husband and mother worrying about her, especially since her frightful episode a few years back. In their minds she’s fragile and unstable. Ange’s guilty conscience is eating her alive, even though she is the one everybody envies; the one with the great career, gorgeous husband, immaculate home and well-mannered kids. Little do they all know that Ange is insecure about said husband whom she can never seem to track down, and who gives her a niggling feeling about his activities when he’s not at home. What is everyone hiding, and who is the stranger on Pleasant Court?

I like the way The Family Next Door starts out mellow, builds, and then reaches a crescendo. But after that it ends rather abruptly. The psychological buildup was intense, but the end result was tamer than I’d anticipated for some of the situations. Specifically when it came to the enigmatic neighbor. I think there could have been a little bit more dramatic effect in some instances. However, the story advanced forward easily, and I was eager to turn pages. But in the end I wanted just a bit more. Other than that it really was a great read. The way and time in which secrets were revealed was excellent. Each revelation came at a time I wasn’t expecting it and I was blown away by how the author executed those parts. It was very well done. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an E-ARC of this book, in exchange I have provided an honest review.