As always I looked forward to a new Diane Chamberlain story, so I jumped on this one as soon as I got it. It’s definitely not my favorite book, but memorable all the same. This author writes of Ellie, a protagonist young woman helping to fight the cause of voters rights against the wishes of her family. . I did like the intertwining story much better, of a recent day connection to the land owned by Kayla, was it cursed by previous actions that were taken on that land ? . I can see another story there..so 4 stars, as anything Ms. Chamberlain writes is alway one that is worth looking forward too. Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Ms. Chamberlain for this ARC.

I always look forward to Diane Chamberlain’s latest work because not only do I get to read an enjoyable story but the novel’s message stays with me long after I set the book down. “Last House on the Street” is a timely tale that tackles the topics of racism and the civil rights area in a powerful and memorable way.

As with Ms. Chamberlain’s most recent works, the novel takes place in two time frames. In 2010, Kayla is coping with the death of her husband who is killed in an accident while building the couple’s dream home. Already hesitant about moving her and her daughter into the house that caused the end of her husband’s life, she receives a mysterious visit from a red-haired woman who has a bone-chilling message. Meanwhile, back in 1965, Ellie desires to emulate her aunt and help African Americans register to vote against her family’s wishes.

Ms. Chamberlain handles the two storylines and ties them together in a way only she can. The voices of Kayla and Ellie are uniquely distinct and Ms. Chamberlain weaves back and forth between the two timelines skillfully. Parts of this novel are uncomfortable to read simply because of how horrific people were (and still are) treated. With the push to include Critical Race Theory in school curriculum, this novel is certainly relevant. But this novel does more than teach a lesson, but makes the reader fall in love with Ellie and Karla.


Thank you, Diane Chamberlain, NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel.

Diane Chamberlain does it again. A story told in dual timelines that holds your interest from the beginning to the end. I have become a Diane Chamberlain fan and am looking forward to reading her next book. You are missing out on a great read if you do not pick up this book and reserve the time to read it.

Dianne Chamberlain has a gift of drawing the reader in and making them feel like they are living the story along with the characters. This is one of her best books in years! Kayla and Ellie are dimensional characters that make you feel as if you are right there with them. An excellent portrayal of life in the civil rights era and the workers that tried to help bring equal rights to all. Definitely a must read!

I love all of Diane Chamberlain’s books, so I started The Last House on the Street synopsis unread. I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, but the story is so powerful that I found myself engrossed in Ellie’s past and Kayla’s present. Learning about voting rights and the hardships faced in the sixties was eye opening and heartbreaking all at once. The forbidden love story, dangerous klan encounters and canvassing was horrific, but engaging for the reader. Fast forward to 2010, Kayla’s losses are unfathomable. Watching her dream house turning into a nightmare and the horrific experiences were adrenaline inducing. The story would make a great movie!

A tale of two women and how their worlds intersect through two separate tragedies. Alternating between time periods, 1965 and 2010, this story captures the heartbreak both of them with very different stories and how it brings them together in the end. Although some parts of the novel were hard to read due to the nature of the topic, this was a beautifully written book .

This book flashes back to the 60’s when racial issues were at their peak. We meet Elle who,decides to join up with a group to help under privileged minorities. Her family is disturbed at this and events take place that are revealed at the end of this engaging book. The story moves effortlessly from today back to the 60-s. The characters are well developed and will stay with the reader long after the book is put down. This is a story of a very sad time in America’s history and unfortunately very much like it was in the 60’s. Hopefully these events and feelings will never again be repeated. Diane Chamberlain has another hit on her hands and in my opinion a timely reminder if what was and hopefully never will be again…

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of Diane Chamberlain’s newest masterpiece. I am a huge fan of hers, and this one is one of her best. I haven’t cried from a book in a while, and this one had me in tears. A dual timeline can sometimes bore me, I usually only like one of the timelines and want to skip through the other. But this one was perfect. Kayla in 2010 and Ellie in 1965. Kayla moves in to a brand new build in Round Hill, NC. But people keep telling her that her house is haunted, or the woods it sits on. Ellie’s story is something everyone should read about. A white girl in 1965 NC that is trying to help the Black population register to vote and have their voice heard. There is a love story involved and it is truly heartbreaking. The hatred in America in the 60s doesn’t feel much different than now. 5 stars go out and read this, and have your tissues ready. And be kind to others.

I have just finished reading The Last House on the Street , by Author Diane Chamberlain.

This is the second book that I have read by the author, previously reading Big Lies in a Small Town, which I also thoroughly enjoyed.

Diane Chamberlain’s writing style is very deep and engaging.

It took me awhile to read this book, since my life had lots going on at the time, and I did not want to rush it. It caught my attention immediately and normally I would have probably not put it down and read it in one day.

It is set in two different time frames, and is interesting, sad, and eye opening.

It is a book not to be missed.

Thank you to Goodreads, the Author and St. Martin's Publishing Group for my advanced copy to read and review

#NetGalley

Rarely does a book make me feel as emotional as this book did. I'm still thinking about what happened at the end hours later. The author made me emotionally connected to the characters and I could visually picture everything as described. This book was also exceptional in describing the civil rights movement and the emotion and fear that people had during that time frame and what that fear made people do. I enjoyed how the story slowly but intensely unfolded back and forth between time periods. I enjoyed Ellie's story and how it intertwined with Kayla's . Diane Chamberlain never disappoints in delivering an emotional heart tugging story that is unforgettable This is a book I will purchase for my library to read again in the future.

I am so grateful to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to once again read a new book by Diane Chamberlain early! I didn't even know she had a new book coming out and I was thrilled when I read the email. I couldn't wait to dive in!

This book is so incredibly timely. I'm not sure if the author planned it this way or not, but I can't think of a better time to read this book. With all of the voter supression efforts going on across this country, the author does such a great job explaining in simple terms exactly why white people have tried to keep Black and brown folks from voting.

I loved the dual storylines of Ellie and Kayla. One piece of land: past and present. Something horrific and trafic happens in this book and I do feel like it wasn't emphasized as much as it should have been. I was also unsatisfied with the outcome once the truth came out. Those two things aside, this was a very enjoyable read and the timing could not have been more perfect.

Wow, this was an amazing read! Diane’s ability to incorporate a bit of romance, history and multifaceted family dynamics all in one novel always impresses me. I especially loved the back and forth timeline, incorporating today’s characters into the black history that she was unaware of in her new hometown.

The focus on social justice along with Chamberlain's always compelling writing style made this one a powerful page-turner. Chamberlin has the unique ability to write historical fiction that also connects to real-world issues today and The Last House on the Street is no different. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to share more about it when it is released in early 2022.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my gifted advanced copy.

This is the best book I have read this year! Over the past several years I have read three of the author’s books and in this one she soared! I loved it and could not put it down.

As with other book by the author, this one has two timelines and two focal characters. In 2010 is Kayla Carter, a recent widow with a young daughter and the newly constructed dream house that she and her husband had designed and built. In 1965 is Ellie Hockley, a college student, a girl from rural North Carolina, and daughter of a prominent town family. Ellie is really the focus of the story. With President Johnson planning to sign the Voting Rights Act in August 1965, college students have been recruited by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to form the Summer Community Organization and Political Education program (SCOPE). They are the freedom riders who worked summers encouraging and enabling Black Americans to register to vote. Needless to say theirs was not an easy task. This book is a testament to the hard work, danger, determination, and dedication of those students who faced down the KKK and faces of hatred and bigotry.

During the 1970’s I was lucky enough to have had several professors who had taken part in the quest for racial freedom. They were ultimately arrested for their work. Their crime? Escorting Black Americans to a Methodist Church in Atlanta. As I read this book I so badly wanted one more chance to sit with them, have a cup of coffee and talk about their experiences. Diane Chamberlain gave me at least a chance to experience some of their dedication through the eyes of Ellie Hockley.

THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET is a must read for anyone concerned about our world today. As with any great historical novel, this one allows the world of the past to speak to us as we face the hatred and bigotry of 2021. Unfortunately many still face the horror and travail of Ellie Hockley.

Thanks to Diane Chamberlain for writing this great book and to NetGalley for gracing me the chance to read and review it. This is a book for our times today!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Youcan purchase yours here : https://www.amazon.com/Last-House-Street-Novel-ebook/dp/B092T7TFP2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=on January 11, 2022.OK- if you are looking for my typical light and fluffy book,look elsewhere. This book automatically buckles your seatbelt for you, no needto strap in. This was a DOOZY. Please note that this book toggles betweenpresent and past, so if you aren’t one who likes those, well.. this is not foryou, but this book was so riveting that I have such a bookover after readingthis book. This book addresses so many systemic issues! It is funny how thingscome full circle in life. Funny how the past always comes back to haunt us. This book begins in 2010 in North Carolina with Kayla on a call with a contractor. At this point, Kayla has been through quite a lot. A ransom woman comes into her office knowing her personal business, allegedly asking for renovations on a sunroom. This woman mentions the death of Kayla's husband and seems to know how he died and about her daughter, Rainie. Our next chapter toggles back to 1965 with Ellie (Elenor) home from UNC spring break. She was there with her brother, Buddy, best friend, Brenda and her parents. Brenda was flipping through bridal magazines. Brenda was having the obligatory shotgun wedding that was happening the following weekend.  The bridal party would consist of Kayla as the maid of honor and her boyfriend, Reed who was the groom's best friend. Reed was on his way with finishing college in three years and working at Richmond's biggest banks with his suit and tie. Poor Brenda wouldn't get any one of these fancy gowns, as her parents would never indulge her. As the girls ooh and ahh Iverson dresses,  Kayla's father announces that "white students are spending the summer registering Negroes to vote." Kayla's mother reflects on how this was right up Aunt Carol's alley. Kayla and Carol had understood each other. Aunt Carol was the wife of Kayla's dad's brother. She was an army nurse and Pete was a soldier. They had lived with them since Kayla was 1 and stayed, even after Pete had died 9 years later. Carol stayed to soften the blows from Kayla's parents. Kayla was an avid activist, writing articles, etc. She drags Brenda with her to sign up for SCOPE and help get the minorities registered to vote.  Kayla had a long history of fighting for rights of others, even to the point of getting detained, but she managed to change a Cafe's policies of who they served. We are then led on a road and we find out how Kayla and Ellie's lives are intertwined. Past meets present and all the tangled webs that are weaved. Woah, baby. Unfortunately, this book was amazing and now I am going to be searching for the next amazing book, until Diane sends me her next book. Until next time...

I was definitely excited to start Diane's newest book when I was invited by the publisher to read it on netgalley early. I obviously could not wait until closer to the pub day in January because the last 5 books of hers that I read were all 5⭐ reads! I am happy to say, this one was as well. I just love the way she writes, and I read this so quickly. This was a fantastic mix of Historical Fiction, Mystery, forbidden love and Social Justice.

This book is told through 2 timelines. In 2010, Kayla and her husband were supposed to be moving into a brand new home on Shadow Ridge Estates, but her husband had an accident at the while it was being built and dies. Her and her 4 year old daughter are still planning to move in. She gets a visit at her job from a strange woman who tells her she should not move into the house, and this woman also says other things that make her feel threatened. She also meets an elderly woman named Ellie that lives on the street, in the only old house, because they refused to sell. She is very nice and welcoming. After Ellie learns who Kayla is...her demeanor changes.

In 1965, Ellie, a white 20 year old is working for the summer registering Black folks to vote along with other college students. She was very involved with civil rights, as was her aunt.

This is a story I will not soon forget. The way some of these characters were treated just made me so mad. The hatred of people will definitely make your heart hurt, but also makes this story so real and raw. There are tragic deaths, injustices, prejudices, and a mystery that will pull you in from page one. This was definitely a timely read and I highly recommend adding this to your list. Another favorite of mine.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!

I loved this book. I learned much about the Civil rights that I didn't know and felt so bad for the main characters. I highly recommend this book!

A story that will stick with me for a long time.

It’s 2010, and Kayla’s husband dies just before they move into their North Carolina dream home in the gorgeous Shadow Ridge Estates. Kayla and her young daughter proceed with moving in. The house is newly built, and backs into the woods. Kayla is instantly uneasy as she is confronted by an older, mysterious woman telling her she shouldn’t be living there. Kayla doesn’t know what the lady’s deal is.

Then, she meets neighbor Ellie Hockley, a 65-year old who returns to her home after years of staying away. Ellie’s family refused to sell their house to the new home developers, and thus theirs is the only old house on the street. Ellie is initially welcoming, but quickly becomes a bit cold when she learns something about Kayla that brings back painful memories.

Back in 1965, Ellie was a young woman who crusaded for Civil Rights, specifically the right for Black people to vote. What kept her away from home for 45 years? And what does the last house on the street have to do with it?

Told in dual timelines, both equally enthralling, I could not put this down. Diane Chamberlain is one of my favorite authors, and she really knows how to pack an emotional punch. I felt so much while reading this: anger, frustration, heartache. As one can imagine, 1965 in a Southern state does not make for an easy read.

My heart broke at what some of these memorable and highly believable characters went through, and my blood boiled reading about the ignorant and hateful people who put them through it.

As always, Chamberlain writes with sensitivity, but doesn’t shy away from tough topics. She brilliantly ties the past to present and gives care to every character and thread. This is not an easy read, but it is important and still relevant today.

I was crying by the end. I’m tearing up as I write this review and reflect on what I read. I will continue to tear up when I think about this book long after I have read it.

I’ve been writing/editing this review for awhile now, and I’m having a hard time articulating what this story meant to me. Even though my review doesn’t do the book justice, just know that I highly recommend it.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, who kindly provided me with a widget of the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 1/11/22.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC copy of this novel. I was looking forward to this book, as it is a combination of history and great storytelling. It takes place in two different time periods, the mid-60's during the civil rights movements and in 2010, revolving around one main character's life during those two time periods. Having just finished reading Buses Are a Comin': Memoir of a Freedom Rider, I was interested in reading more about the individuals who chose to take on segregation in the South, and the impact that had on their lives. I really enjoyed this book, both educational and entertaining at the same time, and highly recommend it!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of the latest compelling book by Diane Chamberlain. I have read several of her previous books with much pleasure. This enthralling story is told in dual timelines and immerses the reader in modern times and takes one back in history to 1965 to the turmoil and strife of the Civil Rights movement. Central to this well-written, atmospheric novel is how some people strive to move on in life after profound loss and tragedy, and how others may retain long-held hatred, secrets, and vengeance.

In 1965, Ellie is attending University with her best friend, Brenda. Brenda has a quiet wedding to the love of her life as she is pregnant, and wants to finish her year. Ellie is studying to be a pharmacist like her father, who has given the family a comfortable lifestyle in a small town in North Carolina. Ellie's boyfriend, Reed, has a promising career in banking, is handsome and popular, and is considered a great marriage prospect. Ellie decides marriage to Reed and working in a pharmacy is not in her immediate future and joins the Civil Rights movement to advise black communities on registering to vote and the advantages this will entail. Her parents and brother react strongly against her decision. She loses Brenda's friendship. She travels through poor, black southern communities, facing hardship but exhilaration that she is doing important work. She makes new friends, falls in love, and experiences shocking prejudice. It ends very badly for her and she leaves the state.

Moving forward by forty-five years, we meet Kayla, a young architect. She and her architect husband designed an ultra-modern dream house that is almost ready to move in. However, her husband died in a tragic fall while inspecting the unfinished house, and Kayla is now a widow with a young daughter. She now regards the beautiful home as ominous and sinister, but it is a monument to her late husband. It sits surrounded by trees on the edge of a dark, eerie forest at the end of a gloomy street. At present, there is only one older house, but a new, contemporary housing development is being constructed. Now, she feels some apprehension about moving in with her small daughter. While working at her office, an odd woman visits, frightening her. The stranger knows the details of Kayla's life and warns her not to move into the new home. The madwoman tells her that she has an obsession to commit murder. Soon some grisly acts of vandalism occurred at the still-empty home. Her kindly father dotes on his granddaughter and he cares for her while Kayla is at her work. He has some reservations about her living there. Many townspeople feel the woods are evil and haunted and she fears may be perilous to her young child.

While visiting a woman at the nearest house and being welcomed as a new friend, she encounters an acquaintance of that woman. This woman addresses Kayla sharply, demanding she tear down the treehouse in the wooded area and abandons plans to have a fence installed. She learns her new friend has moved in temporarily to care for her aging mother and fatally ill brother.

This gripping story involves romance, tragic deaths, prejudice, intrigue, and a decades-old mystery with its shocking conclusion. The storytelling is brilliant. Highly recommended!

Diane Chamberlain has done it again. This time she transports you to North Carolina in the 1960’s during the grassroots civil rights efforts. This story focuses on voting rights. The story goes back and forth between the 60’s and 2010. Ellie Hockley is the main character in the 60’s and Kayla Carter in 2010. Really the story in both times centers around Ellie and events that happened in the 60’s. You can’t help but love Ellie for her spirit, She was just a little early in time or in the wrong place for her beliefs or maybe a little bit of both. Chamberlain does a great job depicting what it was like in the 60’s in the Deep South for a young white female, black families and young black men. The prejudices that they faced was just mind blowing. I had to shake my head several times when a few characters tried to make the case that North Carolina was not the Deep South. What??? Seriously. Overall a fantastic book that has a little mystery and great characters. Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Publishing for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review,