I was drawn to The Girl Who Couldn't Leave by the beautiful cover and I'm glad that I requested a copy! What a beautifully written novel and I was in a book coma for over a week after I finished reading! Recommending that my family and friends buy it!

The Girl who couldn't leave is a cute story of Fiona, Bethany and Evie. Fiona who has agoraphobia has anxiety to cross her threshold and her boundary is her garden. She knows her neighbors only by nicknames and one day everything in her life changes when Bethany asks if she can watch Evie for sometime. This starts a chain of events in Fiona's life that brings love and new changes in her life.
This novel is a really good contemporary novel which deals with issues like single motherhood and anxiety disorders. Romance between Fiona and Bethany though is a key element of the book it isn't the focus. I loved how the author paid attention to the beautiful relationship that these two characters start forming and the bond between Fiona and Evie is so heartwarming. A really good novel.

I truly loved this book and did not want it to end!

I became attached to the characters and I wanted to read more about them and their lives, I was sad when the book ended. That is a sign of a great book and talented author! I was intrigued by the summary alone, and that intrigue only increased as I read each page. I was so drawn to these characters and I found myself feeling quite emotional a few times. I love the relationship twist, it was perfect.

I had the impression that every word was deliberate and carefully chosen, and it helped the reader envision the personalities, feelings, and lives of the characters easily and clearly. I flew through the book and loved the flow and writing style.

This is the first book written by Catherine Miller that I have read and it won’t be my last! I am eager to read her other books in hopes that they will be just as good as this one!

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC of this book.
A wonderfully written, heart-warming book. I have family members who suffer from agoraphobia so I understand where this book is coming from.

Recommended.

Fiona Dexter lives alone, with only a small handful of people visiting her, she spends most of her time alone. She rarely ventures further than her garden, and from the safety of her own home, she watches her neighbours going about their usual day-to-day lives, but still she has nothing to do with any of them.

That all begins to change when her neighbour Bethany knocks on her door, asking her to look after her young daughter whilst she attends an urgent medical appointment. Fiona feels unable to refuse, and before long, a friendship begins to blossom between these two women, but the question still remains - will Fiona be able to start living life again?.

This really was a powerful and incredibly emotional read. I can relate to Fiona in so many ways, as I too have found myself unable to leave my home for almost two years. We don't learn until much later in this book as to why Fiona has confined herself within the walls of her home, but when we do, gosh - my heart really connected with this woman.

I adored how this storyline focused on the importance of friendship and how it provided Fiona with the support she didn't realise she needed to begin living her life once more. As Fiona began spending more time with Evie - Bethany's young daughter, you really sense that something has shifted within her, and her confidence begins to grow steadily from this point forward.

With an utterly engrossing, immersive storyline that had me invested from the very beginning, this is certainly one of those stories that will remain in my heart for a very long time indeed.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Girl Who Couldn't Leave' by Catherine Millwe.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Catherine Miller, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 22nd June 2021.

This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read Catherine's 'The Missing Piece' which I highly recommend.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will love this emotional and uplifting story.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Catherine and if this is half as good as 'The Missing Piece' it is sure to be an epic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 46 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Catherine has based the book on.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Fiona Dexter and Bethany. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

Congratulations Catherine on yet another fantastic page turner!!! An absolute must read with vivid descriptions that sets the scene for you. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this storyline is that although it was heart warming and very funny on several occasions it actually carries an extremely important message on how vital it is to get your smear tests done regularly. Congratulations Catherine, I don't belive I've ever actually read another book that highlights the importance of smears before especially during such an enjoyable storyline. Ladies get yourselves booked in!!! Nobody actually enjoys having them done but they can save your life. I can actually relate to Bethan to a certain degree as I myself have had to have a biopsy done after abnormal cells were revealed but thankfully that was as far as it went. Anyway enough about my medical history!!! The storyline is realistic and filled with love, laughter, tears, important messages, fun, tragedies, romance and more. I was completely absorbed from the first page until late at night when I could only put it down because I'd finished it. A light hearted full of fun page turner with a serious message. I loved the ironic ending with the reality of Covid and it was only when I noticed the date on the last chapter I'd mentioned to my partner that I wondered if Catherine was going to bring up Covid. I thought this was a brilliant move as it makes the storyline even more realistic and its only the second book I've read that has mentioned it, the first being the one prior to this I read. I loved the fact that each chapter told you where it was set and it helped me picture it all alot easier.

I was completely invested in the characters and I loved Fiona, Bethany and Evie's characters. They were all larger than life, realistic, strong and very likeable. I really enjoyed watching their friendship and relationship between not only each other grow but also Bethany's friendship with other neighbours. The storyline of the noises from Sarah was hilarious and I enjoyed getting to know Heather via it all. Kev was a complete waste of space and sadly very realistic. These are definitely very well defined characters who will stay with me for a long time. I really enjoyed Fiona's development throughout the book and loved watching her grow from strength to strength. It was a shame that both Bethany and Fiona's mothers werent very supportive of their children and grandchild but I did like Fiona's dad. A great eclectic mix of characters who worked perfectly for this storyline.

ABSOLUTELY loved this book Catherine and here's to hoping you've started on your next page turner. Watch out JoJo Moyes, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain you have some serious competition here!!

Overall an unputdownable addictive romcom with a serious message.


Genres covered in this novel include Fiction, Romance and Humorous Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of JoJo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and anyone who loves a good read.



310 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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"Just let her play out in the front like she has before if you don't want her inside." REALLY??? Who says this to a stranger?

I can't even imagine asking a neighbor that I have never met or seen in passing before, especially in today's world, to watch my child. Someone I don't know, to watch my child, no matter how desperate I was. I realize for story purposes this is a necessary act, but I find it hard to believe. The story was interesting but I can't get past this. For me it made the story less than it could have been.

At first I was nervous this story had an ominous turn awaiting me but this actually ended up being a very sweet, heart-warming story.

This book was absolutely brilliant. I stayed up way past my bedtime to read it, it was that good.

It tells the story of Fiona who, thanks to a past event, doesnt feel safe to go outside. It also tells the story of Bethany, a single mum to the gorgeous Evie, battling health issues with very little help, that is until she's forced to ask Fiona for help. You follow the story of these 2 women, Evie and Wesley (Fiona's budgie).

I really enjoyed this, it was emotional at times but also quite light and funny at other times.

One bit of the writing I really loved was the location at the start of each chapter, I've never seen that before and I hope more authors do this.

I will definitely be recommending it to friends and family.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC of this book.

I was a little confused at first as I didn't realise that the chapters were from 2 different characters but as I was reading this it became easier to read.

I'm happy that I got the opportunity to read such a cute story, I loved little Evie she was just too adorable and I liked how the characters relationships as they grow throughout the story. What's not to love, there's cute kids, women's health and frisky neighbours. This book was easy to read and very easily able to grab anyone's attention.

While not exactly what I was expecting, it is a wonderful and heartwarming story. It tells the tale of resilience, persistence and overcoming adversity. There is also love thrown in there too. This is my first book by Catherine Miller but I will be reading her more often! Well written and engaging.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

I was recommended this book 2 days before release and read it with ease and interest.
The story of Fiona, Bethany and young Evie is endearing. I could identify with both women on different levels and the mum issues that both have are also something my life has been laced with.
The other neighbours with their funny nicknames who eventually make their way into Fiona's life after opening her door to Bethany and Evie are the kind of people you might find in your neighbourhood if you opened your eyes, heart and mind to them.
Anxiety can be incredibly debilitating, here we see how through the touch of friendship, things can change in an instant. With love and understanding anything is possible.
Let me tell you, as a single mum I have hosted a few in out parties and they are so important when you can't go anywhere.
We all need human interaction, even if we don't think we do.
I fully hope you read this book, a truly inspirational love story. Love conquers all.

This is a brilliant read, a mystery, romance with a medical twist. I really enjoyed this book especially Catherine Miller's style of writing.
Thank you to Catherine Miller, NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Girl Who Couldn't Leave by Catherine Miller is story about a woman who has agoraphobia. It was an interesting read about her encounter and experience with the anxiety disorder. I love anything that has a medical spin to it.

Catherine Miller did an outstanding job developing her characters. Fiona is the main character and we get to know her really well and understand all that she struggles with. Her neighbor across the street is Bethany who has a two year old daughter named Evie. Fiona babysits for Evie and losses her heart to her.

I enjoyed many of the happenings and interactions in the story. Catherine Miller has written several books and I won't be shy about trying out another one. If you haven't read any of her books, you might want to try one out. You might find a new author to add to your favorites list. Mine seems to be growing a lot!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/#Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

Such an emotional, yet uplifting story that captured my attention right from the very beginning of the book. I could identify with Fiona at times, her dependency on her home and routine is something I find myself relying on too at times. It was marvellous to see her eventually overcome her fears and let others into her home and life. Evie was the key that opened Fiona’s heart, and it was lovely to see their connection grow and flourish. Bethany has her own background stories, and like Fiona she too is living a restricted life and her situation changes too when she knocks on Fiona’s door in desperation.
This is a beautiful book about friendships and taking a chance. It was wonderful to see all the characters lift each other and to progress with their lives, stronger and happier for finding each other.
Wesley the budgie was completely adorable, and I loved how his situation mirrored the story at times, very clever writing!
One thing that you will need while you read this is cake! 🍰 just to give you all a heads up!!🧁

I really enjoyed The Girl Who Couldn't Leave. I found this an emotional, easy to read story with characters that I liked.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

It wasn’t exactly what I expected for that I’m delighted. An emotional journey with an end I won’t spoil. It proves not everyone or everything is as it seems.

I loved this gem of a novel! It combines the theme of agoraphobia with the power of one woman’s struggle to be free. I loved watching Fiona discover the true meaning of home as not just a place, but the people you welcome into your life. Also…a love story! Well done on all grounds. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but I am going to read more!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC of this book.

I go into every book blind, so assumed this would be a mystery just based upon the title. Wrong again, KELLY!!

This book is definitely more romance, with a little bit of mystery.

Described as an "absolutely uplifting and emotional page turner," I had my Xanax ready!

Things didn't rise to that level for me, although I did find this to be a cute read.

The protagonist, Fiona, is a ghost writer who suffers from agoraphobia and hasn't left her home in 5 years. She keeps close tabs on her neighbors and one day finds the family across the street, 2 year old, Evie, and her mother, Bethany, on her doorstep.

Other than her parents and hairstylist, Fiona has never let anyone else inside her home.

From there, this book embarks on a journey through the developing relationship between these three characters, with a little bit of mystery thrown into the mix.

I enjoyed Miller's writing style. It was a quick read, the chapters were short and it got me out of my reading rut which was MUCH. NEEDED.

Parental relationships, women's health, frisky neighbors, single motherhood are also topics seen throughout the book.

I would have liked to see more time spent on the mystery and at times found the relationship between Fiona and Bethany a little forced, but all in all, a cute story that I'm glad I got the chance to read.

⭐⭐⭐💫

After the last year who couldn’t relate just a little bit to Fiona Dexter’s story. Fiona lives alone and only has visits from a handful of people. She rarely ventures beyond her garden but you don’t get to find out why until much further into the book. From the safety of her own house, she can see her neighbours going about their daily business, but doesn’t have anything to do with them. That is until one day when neighbour Bethany, asks if she’ll babysit her young daughter Evie while she attends an urgent medical appointment. A friendship begins to blossom but can Fiona build up the courage to begin a new life?

This was truly a heart-warming read, showing the power of true love and friendship. I loved the main characters within this book, initially being able to relate to both Fiona and Bethany equally. I was intrigued early on in the book as to why Fiona felt the need to stay at home, but all is explained as the story moves on. I loved seeing how Bethany’s daughter Evie did something to Fiona which no one else could do, and it was captivating watching Fiona’s confidence grow through her looking after Evie. Bethany’s storyline was emotional and brought tears to my eyes at times but as it moved on it became so much more uplifting!!

With an easy-to-read storyline, I was hooked into the story right from the beginning. A little bit of me was curious as to where the story was going, but mainly I was captivated by the growing friendship between two women who you would never have imagined being friends at all! I certainly didn’t expect how their story was going end, but what a wonderful way it did!! Completely different to what I imagined the book to be, but you’ve got to love a happy ending and this was certainly one with an abundance of love, happiness and new beginnings! Of course, the star of the book has to be Fiona’s budgie, Wesley, who must have been very tired running up and down his little ladder all the time! This was a captivating and wonderfully written book which I would definitely recommend!