Ellie Hockley and Kayla Carter are two women from two different eras. Ellie Hockley was a young woman in 1965 who saw the injustices happening in North Carolina. She spent her summer registering Black Americans to vote. Taking such steps in the south at the height of the Civil Rights movement was not only dangerous to Ellie, but to those who helped her and her colleagues. The events of that summer caused Ellie heartbreak that lasts a lifetime.

In 2010, Kayla Carter is mourning the tragic death of her husband. They were both architects who were building their dream house when he died doing a simple task. Kayla wants nothing less than to move into that house with their daughter. The house that killed her husband. But they put everything they had into building The Last House on the Street. When weird things happen, Kayla wonders if her new home is haunted. Why would somebody hang dead squirrels in her tree or scatter her trash? Kayla hopes her new neighbor, Ellie Hockley, can shed some light. Are the events of the summer of 1965 tied to what is happening to Kayla now?

The Last House on the Street takes the reader on a journey deep into the civil rights movement. And even though 1965 was more than fifty years ago, there are distinct parallels between then and what is happening politically now. It is heartbreaking and maddeningly frustrating to think about it. Why is this still an issue in 2022? Both Kayla and Ellie are admirable characters. Especially Ellie, both then and now. She is a woman with integrity. I was a little surprised by the ending, but it was satisfying. Well, as satisfying as a story like Ellie's could be. CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS


Bottom Line - Diane Chamberlain's last few books have taken on race from a historical perspective and how history intersects with the present day. I commend her for tackling such sensitive topics and I hope that she continues.


Details:

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain
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Pages: 352
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 1/11/2022
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Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for a review.

This is another historical fiction gem from Diane Chamberlain that evoked many emotions while reading. It is told in dual timelines, one in 1965 right after the Voting Rights Act was passed, and the other in 2010 when Kayla and her husband are building their dream home in Shadow Ridge Estates in North Carolina, but he tragically dies while they are building. The home is in an area with tragic memories, and she is met with resistance by some that want her to leave, but there are others that are more welcoming, such as the elderly Ellie Hockley, whom Kayla gets to know and begins to learn there might be ties between her land and Ellie’s past. I liked the past timeline a little better but understood the current day of Kayla’s story was necessary to connect the past to the present and deal with the horrifying wrongs of the past.

This was so well done, and while definitely hard to read at times I am grateful for Chamberlain’s storytelling, as she was great at creating characters that were beautiful inside and treated horrifically, as well as creating characters that were basically the devil incarnate and utterly infuriating. However I believe she was spot on with how some people were back then and unfortunately still are today, making this a must read in my opinion. There is so much in here to unpack, and the audiobook was very well narrated, I really enjoyed listening to this one. I highly recommend this one, it was a five star read for me and as I noted above, it is a must read.

This was my third read by Diane Chamberlain and she is now firmly on my favorites list. Thank you to @NetGalley @Macmillanaudio and @stmartinspress for the ALC and advanced digital galley to review. This one is available now!

I was very fortunate to get both the ebook and the audiobook from NetGalley to review. Although it was a little slow in parts, I was surprised by the ending and enjoyed a story about this time in history. Not my favorite Diane Chamberlain, but an enjoyable read.

Another well written, powerful and extremely important Historical Fiction I truly learned so much from. Reading this made me nauseous, my blood boiled, my heart broke and overall just left me in disbelief that people could ever be so cruel. I enjoyed Diane Chamberlain’s writing style and can’t wait to check out what else she’s written.

I loved:
- Dual timelines (1965 & 2010)
- Ellie following her heart no matter what
- How thought provoking this is

This was my first Diane Chamberlain book. The narrator was fantastic and really captured the emotions of the story. This book will give you all the feels and surprising jaw dropping moments. If you love dual time lines and historical fiction I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital galley. All opinions are my own.

Liked this book. Really showed how race issues really was like. Great group of characters really easy to follow along and understand what was going on.

I've been a big fan of Chamberlain's for years now - and I especially enjoy listening to her novels (although I have physically read many as well). I always look forward to anything new of hers. Her latest, set mainly in North Carolina, unfolds in two timelines, with two narrators. In the 1960s, Ellie narrates the time that changed her entire life as she becomes more socially aware and involved in the Civil Rights movement - particularly with the SCOPE project to promote equality in voting. In 2010, Kayla moves into the home that she and her husband designed - but the woods surrounding the house start to feel eerie after a personal tragedy and a frightening warning to stay away are issued.

Moving between the two timelines, they do eventually converge a bit more - especially when Kayla meets Ellie (who is now 65) as her only real neighbor to her new home. There's bloodshed in the past that reverberates through to the present, making this a book that I wouldn't stop listening to! It is well-performed!

Some parts of the plot are easier to see coming than others (Ellie's own innocence about her community surprised me) - but there are also some real shocks to the story, too. I think that fans of Chamberlain's will enjoy this addition and that book clubs would find much to discuss here. The conclusion wasn't quite as satisfying as I had hoped for - the sense of justice prevailing isn't really there for me.. but I definitely couldn't stop listening and finishing this one makes me so excited to see what Chamberlain will write next!

Kayla was so excited to move into the new home with her husband that was being built. Then in an instant everything changed and she had to figure out how to move forward without the love of her life. She’s trying daily to make a great life for their little girl. What is real, what happened and who is the odd woman who pops in to her office and scares the daylights out of her? The book explores the Scopes project and toggles between 1965 and the now of the current story. It’s a historical novel, learning experience, novel, mystery and search for justice. A wonderfully crafted story that will keep you turning each page with a little trepidation as to what happens next. So many issues that are so very relevant today are explored. Not the easiest of reads, but definitely a must for everyones library. Another wonderful title from this amazing author.

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain
Narrated by Susan Bennett
This author’s books have sometimes been hit or miss for me, loved some and others I could not get into. This one grabbed me from the start. I am not quite the age Ellie was during the 60’s but I am old enough to remember that era and I shed some tears over it.
I enjoyed the story set in that era as well as the more recent story. Sometimes it was wrenching to go from one to the other. The big twist at the end was not hard to figure out mostly. Even so, it was an excellent book.

This book is told in dual timelines: 2010 and 1965. Initially, I'm curious as to how everything will ultimately connect together. But, the author brings the storyline one step closer with each chapter and before you know it, all the facts are readily available and staring you in the face. It was very well done. As a reader, I'm always pleased when a book can surprise me and this one definitely had some secrets I didn't see coming.

The 1965 timeline deals with a young woman named Eleanor (Ellie) from North Carolina who finds herself drawn to the Civil Rights Movement. Over one summer, her life will be irrevocably changed in ways she can't forsee and she will live the rest of her life with the repercussions of that summer.

The 2010 timeline introduces us to a young widow and mother, Kayla who is trying to move forward after losing her husband in a tragic accident. As if her life isn't difficult enough, there are some mysterious occurrences happening at her new home which are lending to her unease. She believes there is a mystery surrounding her property that makes it feel tainted but she can't figure out what it is.

Eventually the the events from 1965 will present themselves in 2010 and questions and mysteries will be answered. I found this book to be heartbreaking at times. The brutality of what was endured during the Civil Rights Movement is hard to imagine. In addition, seeing how people completely disowned others for not sharing their racist views is difficult to comprehend. I believe Ms. Chamberlain handled this story beautifully.

I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook. I found the audio version to be very enjoyable. The narration was smooth and easy to listen to. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This dual timeline story drew me in right away. While I was interested in both characters, I was more invested in the 1960s storyline. One criticism I have for the audiobook version is that there was only one narrator. She was excellent but when there is a dual timeline with two different main characters, I prefer two separate narrators, one for each main character. The 1960's story was pretty predictable but the connection between the two wasn't. While I enjoyed this book overall, it was not my favorite Diane Chamberlain book. The tale was too tragic without a happy story to balance out the tragic backstory.

Heartbreaking, unforgettable and relatable, even as we live in the 21st century. 1965 and 2010. We have two stories, that of Ellie Hockley and Kayla Carter. The past and the present collide when Kayla and her husband build a house in Round Hill, North Carolina. Sadly, Kayla's husband was killed in an accident even before they could move in. However, Kayla and their young daughter Rainey were all set to start their new lives in the lovely home, but not without problems. Someone does not want them there and somehow the past slowly begins to be unraveled for Kayla.

Back in 1965, Ellie joined a group of young people at the start of one summer they were involved in the early Civil Rights Movement and the SCOPE (The Summer Community Organization and Political Education) Project. They were determined to bring the right to vote to the blacks at that time, more commonly known then as 'coloreds'. Ellie was one who did not see color lines, and if she did, it was only towards bringing the races together, even if it could cost her everything.

Any book that is based on historical events begs researching and that is exactly what I did while reading this book. I was born in 1960 and the first notice I had of Civil Rights was when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. I remember that day clearly even if it took years for me to fully understand the impact he had on history. Learning now about the SCOPE Project raises my respect exponentially when considering how hard the fight was for so many, including countless lives lost while striving for equality. The KKK was large and in charge during many of the events that Ellie experienced, even discovering those she loved and trusted having involvement.

How do Ellie and Kayla connect in 2010 and how does the house Kayla built with her husband play into those traumatic events of Ellie's past? In this dramatic story, laden with heartbreaking experiences, Ellie's story is told, inluding how she met one very special person she had the privilege of working with during her time with SCOPE. Those memories impacted Ellie's life in inescapable ways, even decades later.

This impactful read was written in a fabulous manner, causing tears and sadness more than once. Having it as an audiobook and listening to the narrator, Susan Bennett, as she gave voice to both Ellie and Kayla only made this excellent book even that much better. Race issues are still prevalant in this modern world that we live in. This is a book that should be read by many.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Another wonderful read from Diane Chamberlain.
Her books never fail to have me mesmerized and shutting myself in my room so I can read without being interrupted.
Really enjoyed this one.

The audio version was narrated very well.

Diane Chamberlain is one of my favourite authors. I love her deep and engaging writing style. Her new book, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET did not disappoint; it was amazing. The gripping story, the romance, the tragic deaths, the prejudice, and the intrigue worked together to deliver a deeply moving and extraordinary novel. This is a must-read!

The narration was outstanding and perfect for this novel. The narrator was great at communicating the characters' emotions and setting the mood.

I went into this audio with no idea what to expect. We first meet Kayla, a young recently widowed mother, in 2010, who is getting ready to move into the house that she and her recently deceased husband designed together, and where he was working when he passed. She receives a strange warning about her house and is urged to not move in. She shares her story with the local police and tries to not concern herself with it too much until the stranger keeps showing up. We then jump back in time to a young woman named Ellie in 1965 who is from Round Hill, NC, and who has joined a group of individuals to help with trying to continue working toward voting rights and freedoms for African Americans. Ellie's family and friends turn their back on her as they don't support her and the work she is doing, and she begins to learn how active and large the KKK is in her hometown.

Throughout the book, we take the journey of Kayla and her daughter moving into their new home and getting to know the neighbor, Ellie, down the road. Ellie is staying at her mom's house, helping take care of her ailing brother and ailing mother, though anxiously waiting to go back to her home in California. The women form a bond and eventually trust each other with their own secrets, bringing their lives crashing together in a heartbreaking and haunting fashion.

To put into words my feelings for this book....it will be in my memory always. I was not ready for it, as much as I knew how it would go. My heart shattered. My soul ripped in two. Diane Chamberlain really pulls you into the story. I was Kayla. I was Ellie. I felt their emotions. I was in 1965 and in 2010, almost simultaneously. This was beautifully written.

**I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of this book.

The Last House on the Street caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting to connect with the story in quite the way I did. It was a completely timely look at racism and voting rights in a time in which both seem to be heading backwards.

The story is told in two timelines. One is Ellie in 1965. She is living in North Carolina and watching her southern town fighting against the invaders from the north trying to help register African Americans to vote. Ellie is honestly shocked by the words of people that she never realized were racists and volunteers to help with SCOPE. She is immediately distrusted by everyone on all sides, being a white southerner having to now live within the community that is both part of and apart from her hometown. I was immediately filled with a sense of dread for everyone involved. Ellie is walking away from the path that was before her up until that point and she has no map to use.

The other timeline is the same town in 2010. Kayla has just lost her husband and is about to move into her new home without him. She is being threatened by a strange woman and she knows something is wrong with the woods behind her home.

I found myself looking forward more to the times with Ellie than with the times with Kayla. It would be strange if in a small town like this these two lives didn’t meet at some point. When they do come together it is not an unexpected, but also not an unbelievable, result. My heart breaks that these people suffered and we haven’t learned those lessons.

This book will make it onto my recommendation list for sure. The narrator really helped the story come alive with all of the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a fan of Diane Chamberlain's books in the past and this one did not disappoint. This book touches on so much from the civil rights movement to death and the connection between two women. The story of Ellie as a young women is just to heartbreaking I was glued to the audiobook for the last hour and a half until I finished it. This is a very written book about one of the most awful times in history, I highly recommend!

The Last House on the Street
by Diane Chamberlain

Audiobook narrated by Susan Bennett

Review:
This emotionally moving book details a period in US history that needs to be examined and re-examined until we get it right!!!

"The Summer Community Organization and Political Education (SCOPE) Project of M.L. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference was a voter registration civil rights initiative conducted during 1965-66 in six southern states. The goal was to recruit white college students to help prepare African Americans for voting & to maintain pressure on Congress to pass what became the Voting Rights Act of 1965." Many of these young people were threatened, beaten, shot at, gassed, harassed and killed for standing up for what they believed to be right.

Heartbreaking story! What's even more upsetting is the fact we can change "1960s" to "2020s" and still have the same crap 😡

Author Diane Chamberlain, in this extremely well-written, dual-timeline saga weaves together two North Carolina families, fifty years apart, amid prejudice, racism, violence, forbidden love, and a quest for justice. This emotional roller coaster of a story will have you glued to your seat, cheering on the female protagonists.

Highly recommend!! I immediately checked out another Chamberlain audiobook after finishing this book. I will be adding more of her books to my TBR list.

I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

An intriguing historical story. There are many secrets, many evils, and some love sprinkled in. I do think it lagged from time to time.

Kayla Carter and her daughter move into a newly developed neighborhood at the end of Hockley Street in North Carolina in 2010. She has mixed feelings about the house she designed with her husband, who died in an accident there. Adding to Kayla’s unease is a vaguely threatening visitor, warning her about moving into the house. Who is the mysterious woman and what ghosts haunt Kayla’s dream house?

In 1965, Ellie Hockley, living on the street that eventually becomes Kayla’s decades later, is a young college student who becomes interested in the civil rights movement. Ellie joins SCOPE, or the Summer Community Organization and Political Education project for the summer, a choice that will change her relationships with her friends and family for the rest of her life.

The interconnectedness of Kayla’s and Ellie’s lives eventually becomes clear, and a mystery develops with a shocking ending. However, Ellie’s story provides the heart of the novel. The abject racism of her North Carolina town, people she knows and passes every day, is so horrifying and heartbreaking. The story was difficult to read, and I deeply felt for Ellie and the friends she meets through SCOPE. This is a story that will stick with me for a long time.

Susan Bennett’s narration was excellent. She voiced Kayla and Ellie so well, that I had to double check that there wasn’t a second narrator. I could feel the heart and emotion in the characters through her. 5 stars for both the story and the narration.