This novel set in rural North Carolina is a work of contemporary fiction/historical fiction, alternating between 2010 and 1965. In present day, after tragically losing her husband while building their dream home Kayla proceeds with plans to finish the house and move in. However, it becomes increasingly obvious that someone doesn’t want her living there. In 1965 Ellie feels a calling to become a civil rights worker and volunteers to help register black voters, with or without the support of her family. I spent most of this book with an increasing sense of something terrible coming. If you pay attention there are enough clues to figure out what happened that ties the past and present together before it is revealed. Overall, a powerful read I would recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction with split timelines, have an interest in civil rights history, or are in search of suspense fueled by the secrets kept in a small town. This was the first book I’ve read by Diane Chamberlain and I would definitely read more!

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an E-ARC.
Publication date: January 11, 2022

A incredibly compelling novel, with a duel storyline that encompasses the years 1965 and 2010.
Wonderfully written, it holds the readers attention to the very end.
5 stars !
I gratefully received this ARC from St Martins Press via Netgalley for a honest review.

Thank you for my early review copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I believe this book will be a huge bestseller.

Early this year, I read my first book by Diane Chamberlain (Big Lies in a Small Town), and I absolutely loved it. So when NetGalley approved my request to read her new one in exchange for an honest review, I was thrilled. And I am happy to report that she has written another excellent novel.

One of the things I enjoyed in Big Lies was the use of the past/present format, and it is employed again here perfectly. The present tells the story of Kayla, a young mother who was recently widowed; her husband died in an accident in their dream home, which they designed together, while it was being built. She understandably feels a bit reluctant to move into it when it is finished, especially when a strange old woman seeks her out and warns her to stay away. But she forges ahead, though she is frightened of the deep, spooky North Carolina woods that surround the back of the house - and the strange and scary things that occur. There were several parts that were very creepy and I would not have wanted to live there.

The story in the past is that of Ellie, 45 years earlier. She grew up in the only house on the same street that Kayla's house would later be built on, and has joined a group of white students from the Northern states to help canvas and sign Black people up to vote. Of course, living in the South during those times, her family and friends were all against it, but she went ahead, and the experience changed her life forever. The chapters set in the past were vivid and I learned quite a bit about the Voting Rights Act (or rather, the months leading up to it).

Back in the present, Ellie has returned home for the first time in all those years to care for her dying brother and ailing mom. She and Kayla meet, and slowly things are revealed. I couldn't wait to see everything unfold and find out what exactly had happened in those woods in the past, and what secrets everyone was hiding - and who didn't want those secrets to be found out. There is so much more that happens, of course, but I won't spoil anything here. There were scenes that broke my heart, though, and were just unimaginable. I loved Kayla and Ellie and so many other characters, and I know this book will stick with me for a long time. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This book wasn't what I expected, which isn't a criticism. It's two very different stories that eventually do intersect, but I felt it was jarring to flip back and forth between the more current time and the domestic drama and 1965 with its searing portrayal of racism and fighting for equality.

Having said that, the historical part of the story was richer and more interesting (though very upsetting at times). The stories eventually merged in a surprising yet inevitable way.

This is a well written and intriguing story. It peaked my interest from the very beginning. It takes place in two time frames during 1965 (dealing with civil rights and unrest in a small Southern town) and 2010,(more current day ) but it is easy to follow and keep up. Some intense moments that had me cringing, sad moments, but mostly eerie and mysterious moments that makes you want to keep reading to see how this story comes together.

OMG, i have READ MOST OF DIANE'S BOOKS ! Yes I’m yelling, but at myself and at my own foolishness! this one had me so intrigued, not only by the blurb, but also on other readers recommendations I am so glad I read this book, it is SENSATIONAL!

Another captivating book by Diane Chamberlain, Set both in the 1960's south during the Civil Rights era and 2010, the author weaves together the story of two women in the same town and their stories. Ellie, one of the woman, volunteers to help people register for voting during this tumultuous time. Kayla, a promising architect, who is recently widowed, moved into a house on the street where Ellie lived. When strange things begin to happen to Kayla's house and property, her history and that of Ellie's will begin to merge. Terrific read and will strongly recommend.

From the first chapter of this book I was hooked. I love all of Diane Chamberlain's books. She manages to grab the reader from page one and send us into a thriller of a story without even realizing it. Going back and forth between Ellie's story dealing with the social injustice of the 60's back to current times with Layla trying to figure out why she is being threatened was wonderful. I thought the ending kind of landed flat, but that doesn't change the fact that it was a great story. I felt like there could have been a physical chase/struggle between Ellie and her friend and the mom once Ellie realized they had killed Win. But Ellie got revenge without even realizing it, so I guess that works out perfectly. I will recommend this to my book club, to my friends to other readers. Job well done!.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
A beautifully written book about Civil Rights, Racial Inequality and a mystery. Alternating between 1965 and 2010, the main characters are real and likeable. Tackling a tumultuous time in our history and linking it to the new last house on the street decades later, this was a very interesting (if at times disturbing) read. Unraveling the mystery at the end is very satisfying.

I always look forward to reading a new Diane Chamberlain book. I know there will be a great story with characters that I will care about. This story is told from two points of view. The time is 2010. Kayla is a young widow whose husband fell to his death on an unfinished staircase in what was to be their family's first new house. Ellie is the other main character. The time is 1965 in North Carolina. She is drawn to a protest about the right for all to vote. Knowing the characters must be connected in some way kept me coming back eager to learn what happened in their lives. This book gets a five star rating from this reader.
I received an advanced reader's copy from St Martin's Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#TheLastHouseontheStreet #NetGalley

The Last House on the Street is told in alternating time lines of 2010 and 1965.

In 2010 Kayla and her husband Jackson were building their dream house. He and Kayla are both architects and they had chosen this beautiful site in the woods for their modern home designed with enormous windows to make it feel as though you are really immersed in the forest but Jackson dies in an accident before the house is finished.

Kayla gets a visit from a strange woman claiming to have an appointmnet, but starts to warn her to abandon the house. She tells Kayla that the woods are haunted and that bad things will happen to them if they move in .Kayla is visibly threatened by this woman's threats and worries about her new house. Her father Reed reassures her that every thing will be just fine and she needs to move on with her daughter. Unsettling things start to happen soon after they move in the house.

In 1965 Ellie is a college student, attending school with her best childhood friend Brenda. Ellie, who has been influenced by her aunt to do things she cares about and to stand up for things she feels strongly about, learns of an organization called SCOPE, (Summer Community Organization and Political Education project). 500 volunteers from Northern and Western universities are being sent into 75 rural counties with the aim of educating Black citizens about their right to register and vote. President LBJ is about to sign the Voting Rights Act ensuring Black Americans the right to vote.

Against her parents wishes, Ellie forges her father's signature and signs up for the program. She quickly sees how wealthy her life is in comarison with the families she is staying with. She is dedicated to the team that she works with and soon becomes friends with Win, a Black student whom she is paired with to canvas the neighborhoods. She learns about the KKK and how connected they are with ties to local sheriffs and neighbors.

These two timelines are tied together by two main families that will come apart due to tensions and experiences they all shared. Some will be lucky enough when the truth is reavealed to heal old wounds.

This is a wonderfully written story with a strong message about the civil rights that are still being fought for today. I loved this story from start to finish.

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain is a wonderfully written haunting novel that takes place in two different timelines, intercepting back and forth. Based in North Carolina and includes sensitive racial issues. The mystery isn’t revealed until the end. Loved this book!

Diane Chamberlain, has always been an auto-buy author for me. I was super excited to have been given the opportunity to read and review The Last House on the Street prior to the January 11, 2022 release date. I know that as soon as this book hits the shelves I will be buying it to add to my Chamberlain collection!

The Last House on the Street is not only haunting but also instantly engaging. From the minute I started reading I knew this would be an instant favorite. That is the thing about Chamberlain, she knows how to grab your attention early on and keep you wanting and begging for more.

Kayla's husband was in the process of building their dream house when he was tragically killed in an accident. Having shared a four year old daughter together, Kayla knows she has to stay strong.

Kayla is then confronted by a mysterious older woman who tries to warn Kayla not to move into the home. As Kayla contemplates the decision, she almost decides against it wondering what this woman actually knows about the property. As Kayla decides to move into the once proclaimed "Dream Home", she is greeted by an incredibly friendly neighbor, Ellie Hockley. Something just is not sitting right, what is Ellie up to and is she trying to right her previous wrongs? You will have to read The Last House on the Street to find out!

This was an easy five star read for me, as all of Chamberlain's books are. Told from two different points of view, this story is nothing short of incredible. Filled with family secrets and a few twists, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book .

This was a stunning genre-crosser: A thriller, civil rights novel, and bildungsroman all in one. It's harrowing and I probably wouldn't re-read it, but wholeheartedly recommend if you need a novel to get lost in.

I don't know how to describe this book and what it did to me. It's heartbreaking, infuriating, and honestly mind-blowing that in 2021, these types of crimes and discrimination, bigotry, intolerance, and ignorance are still happening! This will stay with me for a very long time.

Nobody should ever have to hide their love. Nobody should have to fear violence because they love someone of another race.

This quote at the beginning of the book is so accurate: "Violence is the weapon of the weak." -Ralph
Abernathy.

This is such a heart-felt book (like all of Chamberlain's) and I couldn't put it down! Going back and forth between 1964/5 and 2010, she weaves the story of Ellie, a young white girl committed to the Civil Rights movement, and Kayla, who moves into the area where all the controversy emerged. It's often painful to read as we see the KKK burning crosses and lynching but it reminds us of our history and how we are responsible for events that transpired. The best thing, however, is redemption at the end when Ellie and Kayla's lives intersect and the truth finally has come out. It's a powerful and moving story of our history which should remind us not to repeat it!

The Last House on the Street”. It’s a page turner told in duel time lines. (1965 and 2010).
Both storylines are emotionally powerful and intimate….and blend beautifully together. The 1965 timeline is about the program called SCOPE-Summer Community Organization and Political Education Projects. Many White Volunteers spent the Summer, living with Black host families so they could canvas their neighborhoods and educate them on the importance of registering to VOTE, and following through with their vote on Election Day. 2010 tells about architects, that designed their dream home, and built it on a prime lot, nestled in the Woods of the new Shadow Ridge subdivision, on the outskirts of Round Hill in North Carolina. At first you wonder how these timelines work out together. With an engaging writing style, Diane chamberlain brings the past and present together quite nicely. I was only 5 in 1965 and don’t recall much of the KKK, but understand how we got from then to now.

#netgalley

Delving between the pages of “The Last House on the Street,” I thought I knew what to expect going in, but, boy, have I never been so glad to be so very wrong! Because the further in I delved, the more I realized that I had discovered a welcomed yet disturbing and heartbreaking surprise!! It’s a story that really resonates (given our current cultural state) and one that will stay with me for a long time to come.

A gripping mystery built upon a foundation of historical relevance, the narrative unfolds through a dual storyline, slowly pulling back the veil on a forbidden love and its ensuing consequences. It’s a suspenseful and beautifully tragic story that will continue to haunt readers well after the last page is read.

Kudos to author, Diane Chamberlain, for tackling such a divisive subject matter and presenting it in a fictious package with such masterful skill. This is my first Diane Chamberlain book to date, but it certainly won’t be my last.

This story is told in two timelines. Ellie grows up in 1965 and is involved in the civil rights struggle. Kayla move in to a new house on the end of the street in 2010. Someone is trying to get Kayla to leave the house she designed with her late husband. The two stories converge in 2010 with startling results.

This is a very interesting story. You will learn about the civil rights movement and trying to get people to registered to vote in the South. The KKK was very active in this time period. The students trying to register people and seen as trying to change a way of life in the South. This has tragic consequences. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It is a though provoking read.

Thank you to #netgalley, @DianeChamberlain, and @StMartinsPress for a copy of this book.