Good fun, with enough complexity to keep you reading but no twists or turns to upset your equilibrium. Sometimes you just want a book that makes you happy, with no deeper meaning, no moral crusade, and no uncomfortable realities, written in an easy style and with a storyline that leads step by step to the wished-for happy ending. That's just what this one does. The storyline doesn't take you to unexpected places and while there are occasions when you want to scream at the heroine and remind her that making assumptions (especially ones that defy all personal knowledge of a subject) NEVER works out, it never becomes unrealistic. I know women who leap to conclusions faster than they do at a COS surprise sale, so it's not entirely a surprise when it happens here.

This book was not what I thought it would be.
In a good but in a bad way too.
Overall, a solid read.

This is a chick-lit novel a la Sophie Kinsella. We have two neighbors, Ginny and Cassie. These two form friendship trough some troubles and tribulations They are opposite in almost everything. And yet the connection is real and heartwarming. Even though Ginny is closer to me in age I feel more for Cassie. I liked her as a character better.

The pace of the plotline could be better...It felt dragging in some chapters.
This is not quite a lighthearted book as I thought. There are some emotional issues that are dealt with.
I wish I was more interested in the story or the characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

A lovely easy read. Great characters. A book on friendships and relationships. You'll read in one sitting.

The Neighbours tells the story of two women, their unlikely friendship, and how each puts their life back together after they experience personal and professional upsets.

Ginny, the most central character, is 34 at the time that the story opens. At the start of the novel, she reflects that her life is not where she hoped or expected it to be at that time. She works an uninteresting job in public relations, but really dreams of writing a novel one day. One day, she discovers her boyfriend of the time cheating on her with her boss in her own apartment. She dumps her boyfriend and, unsurprisingly, cannot stay at her job. This provokes many further thoughts and feelings about where she is in her life and her goals for herself.

Before long, Ginny encounters Cassie, her downstairs neighbour. Cassie is a 50-something year old actress who is suffering a career upset after a series of reputation-damaging stories following an embarrassing television appearance. She has also experienced more than one failed marriage. Ginny initially judges Cassie and it appears that she has little in common with her given their different life experiences. However, she slowly gets to know her, eventually accepting an offer from Cassie to do PR for her personally. However unlikely the friendship appears at first, the friendship that develops is a very positive one. Because of the similarities of their perceived failures, they are able to help each other through the things that they are going through and support and encourage each other both emotionally and in their romantic and professional lives.

This is an excellent book for anyone who’s ever felt that they should be in a certain place or have accomplished something specific at a certain point in their life, but had not. For instance, all of the things that happen to Ginny at the start of the novel happen when she is in her mid 30’s. As a result, she constantly worries that she’ll never get a chance to have kids because she doesn’t have the right relationship. She finds herself comparing herself to her sister, who seems to have it all together compared to her. She feels like a total mess for a time. Many readers will find this refreshing because so many of us have had a period in our lives when we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough or are comparing ourselves to others. None of us are perfect.

Ginny’s narrative is completely honest and funny. It is often stream of thought, Ginny imagining what she’d say or do in a situation. She is self-conscious and uncertain of herself early on, but she has a sense of humour about it (“Perhaps I can run masterclasses on how now to behave in interviews.”) It is easy to sense her disappointment at her failures and to inwardly cheer for her successes. Cassie is often insecure but also doesn’t realise what good judgement she truly has. She is so genuine that she can’t help but be a character who many readers will find relatable.

As Nicola Gill writes, “This is a book that celebrates friendship” and it does that well. It is an enjoyable book for those who appreciate stories about seemingly different people who find a connection with each other and become dear friends. Ginny goes from initially judging Cassie to enjoying her company and standing up for her. Cassie initially appears simply snobby and ungrounded, but she ends up giving Ginny useful insights into herself and life advice, for instance encouraging her to take a creative writing class. This is a lovely story about how friends support each other, even when growth and improvement of life circumstances is not linear. Eventually, it becomes clear that Cassie is like family to Ginny and her well-being takes precedence over other things including work commitments and her love life. This book is a testament to the value of good friendships in our lives. It also shows how people can show up for each other and come along in your life in ways that you don’t expect. Friends can truly save one another.

One caveat is that in this novel, the story about the friendship far outshines other parts of the storyline. This reader found the plot as it related to the development of Ginny and Cassie’s romantic lives relatively uninteresting and less developed compared with the story of their burgeoning friendship. I wished more time had been devoted to the development of Ginny’s newer relationship after her breakup, or her boyfriend Nick’s character. It felt like she just jumped right into things and it went from point A to point B with little build up. Though there are more twists to that aspect of the story than what initially happens, this felt like a let- down. Additionally, I was not as invested in the story of who Cassie finds romantically. To Nicola Gill’s credit, this is a story that was intended first and foremost to be about celebrating friendship, and it does that well. It just would have been nice to have felt more invested in the side storylines as well.

The book touches on mental health issues (namely, depression) and the importance of taking them seriously rather than being dismissive of them. Nicola Gill showcases this issue in a sensitive way and shows how someone can be a good friend to a person with depression. She also talks about therapy in a way that is positive about the benefits it can have.

Both characters grow and change substantially over the course of the novel, and so, this is a story about two women’s journeys in picking up their lives and finding greater happiness. Ginny grows and begins to take greater ownership of her decisions, and Cassie finds happier relationships and peace in who she is. It is only through the way the two support one another that they are each able to find greater happiness. While The Neighbours is missing depth in some areas, it is a tremendous testament to the power of friendship and the way people can be there for each other through thick and thin.

A thriller title but a contemporary cover? What is this trickery! There are certain titles these days that give books a feeling of Psychological Thriller and probably would make me gloss over it because there are so many of those around at the moment (too many books too little time!) But this is different - great catchy title, beautiful vibrant colour...this is a refreshing debut novel from Nicola Gill. It's not romance as such - it's not a beach read - it's something else. It's one of those in-between books where very serious subject matters are explored carefully but at the same time it's not dry or dull. In fact, at times, it's pretty hilarious!

The only element that dropped it from five stars to four was the chapter structuring. There are chapters in the book which are clearly marked out - but there are also other times when it just segues into the next line but it's a completely different time or something else has happened and it's not naturally marked out as a chapter change. Reading it digitally meant that this was often tricky to follow.

This book does a superb job of following the lives of both Ginny and Cassie. I was initially attracted by the cover of this book but the plot hasn't disappointed.
This is my first read by Nicola Gill, already I cannot wait for more. I have been completely unable to put this book down. I found myself completely engrossed and desperate to know what was coming next.
I have enjoyed the plot, true women's fiction but heavier than chick lit. It has been enjoyable and the characters are likeable. The contrast between the pair has made a very interesting read.
The friendship in this story is strong, I have felt as though I've been sat down with a cuppa catching up with old friends while reading this book.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A good holiday read, full of ups and downs of relationships. A lost love who in my opinion was not to let back in ever, a crazy minor celebrity who suffers mental issues , work colleagues come and go and in the final chapters a happy result for all. Not a hard read but entertaining.

Ginny Taylor finally thinks her boyfriend is starting to properly commit to her, after 2 years of on again off again dramas.  Then she comes home to find him in bed with her boss.  Being single and jobless at 34 wasn't in her life plan. 
Cassie Frost used to have it all, she used to be a well loved actress, but is struggling after a recent stint on reality TV portrayed her as a class A bitch. She desperately needs a new publicist.  Ginny really needs a job.  Can the neighbours overcome their differences and work together to get their lives back on track?


I requested this from NetGalley expecting it to be a fun and lighthearted read, which it is, but it had a serious note to it in places too.  It wasn't quite what I was expecting but was still an enjoyable read.

The book starts out well, although it does take a bit of time to get to the actual beginning of the story.  This gives us some background into Ginny and her life though.  I did find the early chapters a bit disjointed.  They seem to jump from one scenario to the next without the first one seeming entirely finished.  I didn't notice this as much further on in the story, I'm not sure if that was because it stopped or if I just got more used to the writing style.

In terms of the characters I have to say I think I connected better with Cassie than with Ginny.  I thought she was refreshing and funny in her determination to live life her own way.  Ginny for me was just a bit of a let down.  I have never understood women who stay with men who clearly aren't ready to be in an adult relationship, regardless of the reasons they give.  I did like that she was successful in other areas of her life though, particularly her career.  There are far too many books out there that portray their female characters as failing in all aspects of their lives and a relationship being the magic fix. 

In terms of the story itself I found it very entertaining.  Yes it's predictable in parts, but you have to expect that a bit with these sorts of books.  We don't read them for a real life experience.  I enjoyed the reminders that the media can (and often do) twist anything around to suit their own ends.   It wasn't the main point of the book but I appreciated it all the same.

I'd sum this up as an entertaining and lighthearted read.  There was a few bits that didn't work so well for me but overall I enjoyed my reading experience.  I'd definitely pick up another book by Nicola Gill.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books UK for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Neighbours is a pleasant enough read.

The book focuses on Ginny and Cassie. They’re neighbours but couldn’t be more different. Ginny is mid thirties renting a tiny flat, recently single and without a job. Cassie is in her fifties, once a famous actress and now it seems she’s a washed up has-bean however the two of them form an unlikely friendship.

A pleasant and quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and the author for the chance to review.

This book is a fun look into the friendship between two neighbours, ones that would have never become friends if not for some unfortunate circumstances. Ginny is a publicist that just lost her job, and Cassie is a celebrity who desperately needs someone to better her image. Together they embark on a life that is full of ups and downs and navigate the perils of being neighbours, friends, and co-workers.

This book was interesting and while both main characters irritated me to no end at times it made them seem more realistic. My main complaint with this book was that it was quite long and the middle of the book seemed to drag a bit more than necessary.

Overall this was a lighthearted read that did deal with some serious life topics, but in a way that you would help your own friends out.

This was a really good read which tackled some huge issues really sensitively and well with a good level of humour.

The story is centred around two main characters Ginny and Cassie who are neighbours who against the odds become firm friends.

Their unlikely friendship ends up saving one life and overhauling another.

Cassie a former Hollywood star hits rock bottom with a severe bout of depression and after initially having a professional relationship the duo become firm friends with Ginny helping Cassie through her depression.

Ginny is a really likeable character who has been dealt a pretty crappy hand when it comes to her personal life.

I love that she doesn’t let herself wallow too much in her own self pity and works hard to get her life back on track.

I absolutely hated her stupid on off boyfriend Jack and loved Nick who I was rooting for to be the one.

A really great enjoyable read.

Thank You to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read this ARC for an honest review
The Neighbors by Nicola Gill, is such a great read, I found myself reading non-stop. It was interesting, heartwarming and genuine. The Neighbors is about two unlikely friends, Ginny a 34 year old PR whose world turns inside out when she discovers her long term boyfriend with her boss, now she is alone and without a job, not knowing what to do next. At this time in her life she meets Cassie, a 55 year old unapologetic actress, she is currently under scrutiny and hated by the public. Both women are in difficult stages in their life but despite the age difference their friendship flourishes, I think it actually caught them off-guard, how much their friendship developed and as the reader I could only cheer in the sidelines and secretly be jealous of their friendship.
To me this was a great read, my only negative comment would be how much time and effort Ginny spent on the whole baby issue and her lack of commination, to me it felt like a step backward to her character development and I felt that that was never truly resolved by the end of the book.
Other than that I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Nicola Gill.

I have never read any books by this author and I really enjoyed it. The story and characters were fully developed and whilst I felt that Ginny was a bit irritating at first given the length of time in the book devoted to her recovery from Jack’s betrayal, she really developed. All the secondary characters were brilliantly written
I can only hope the author writes a second book to follow on as there were a few loose threads

I'm probably being harsh giving this book a 2, but it just didn't suit my personal taste. I expected this to be a different kind of story. Had I had more information going in, I'd give it a 3 or 3.5.
However, it is a good story about friendship and hope and never losing sight of who you are, no matter what others may think of you.

It's got a Bridget Jones vibe to it but without all the fun drama of Bridget. I stead, it's more a realistic diary with some pretty dark moments.

Ginny finds her on-again-off-again boyfriend Jack in bed with her boss. Which is the beginning of this tale but that theme of her missing this moron just doesn't give up. I understand heartbreak can be devastating but there was no romantic back story to their relationship. All the information the reader received is that their relationship was one-sided so why Ginny chose to leave a better man to get back with that loser just threw me off.

Yes we get the happy ending where she, presumably although not explicable stated, gets back with the better guy Nick, but she made some crappy choices herself and personally, I don't enjoy that kind of storyline. It was too irritating for me to read. I had to struggle through from 30% in. Luckily, from about the 60% mark, it picked up.

We got to see true friendship with Ginny and her neighbour Cassie when Cassie attempts suicide and their journey together to recovery is endearing. It sets a good tone with helpful advice for any readers going through similar situations. I do have to say that some of the added 'don't say this to a depressed person' felt a little forced, like the author was trying too hard with the mental health angle.

It is a good book, just not my cup of tea.

This is a great book to read when you are looking for new beginnings and to start over. Despite hardships, Ginny continued to believe in herself and most importantly keep herself open to success and love. Her kindness is evident in the way she treated Nancy, Cassie and most importantly Nick. A lot of life changing moments were experienced by all characters in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An amusing, thought provoking read. Definitely difficult to read in places because it’s hard hitting, but so well written that you have to carry on. Highly recommended.

Ginny and Cassie are neighbors in the same building, and both seem to have it all....until they don’t. Ginny is a 34 year old on the top floor with the perfect roommate and a great boyfriend. But soon the roommate moves away, and Ginny comes home to find her boyfriend sleeping with her boss! She’s also despite for a baby and surrounded by loving couples with wedding or baby plans. Her boyfriend is gone, her roommate is gone, and so is her job in PR.

Then she meets former once-loved actress and more recently washed up reality star, Cassie. More than anyone, Ginny sympathizes with her and vows to restore Cassie’s reputation. Hijinks ensue.

I had originally picked this book up picturing a psychological thriller, but it turns out I found something better in The Neighbours.. This book explores friendship, family, relationships, and the messiness that can be life. Once I got started I couldn’t put this book down. Hopefully the author is already at work on her next book!

This is a lovely story of freindship. Ginny comes home one day to find her boyfriend and boss in a compromising position - through a series of events she becomes jobless and also becomes a reluctant friend to her neighbour who lives downstairs.
This is a heartwarming and easy read that I devoured in a couple of sittings - There are some amusing bits and dark bits - very good read

The Neighbours is a book I couldn't put down. I had to keep reading, chapter after chapter, crisis after crisis to see what happened. I rejoiced with Ginny's wins and cringed when she made really, really stupid relationship decisions. I applauded her efforts to get a new job and also for not giving up on Claudia, who needed help. Nick is a dreamboat and Jack is a jerk. Read the book and find out why.

After reading about 50 pages of this one, I am I putting down this book for good. It's just not for me. There's something about the style of writing and story line that have me not excited to find out more.