Samantha Tonge's "Under One Roof" is a heartwarming tale of family, forgiveness, and the unexpected twists that life can bring. The narrative revolves around Robin, who, after decades away, finds herself back home when her mother, Faye, faces a health crisis. As the layers of their complicated relationship unravel, a forgotten treasure hunt holds the promise of changing everything.

The strength of Tonge's storytelling lies in her ability to craft authentic and relatable characters. Robin's return home sparks tension and unresolved emotions, creating a poignant exploration of family dynamics. The cantankerous relationship between mother and daughter is portrayed with nuance, and the years of separation contribute to the complexity of their interactions.

The discovery of an unopened scroll, part of the treasure hunts Robin's father used to organize, adds a delightful layer of mystery and nostalgia to the narrative. Tonge skillfully weaves the past and present together, allowing readers to unravel the family's history alongside the characters. The inclusion of Amber, Robin's daughter, introduces a multigenerational dynamic that further enriches the story.

The novel's exploration of whether a 30-year-old treasure hunt can indeed 'change everything' keeps the reader engaged. The pacing is well-balanced, and Tonge maintains a sense of anticipation throughout the narrative. The themes of forgiveness, healing, and the importance of family shine through as the characters grapple with their past and present.

While "Under One Roof" delivers a satisfying and heartwarming tale, some readers may find certain plot developments somewhat predictable. The resolution of the mystery and the emotional arcs of the characters, while touching, may adhere to familiar tropes within the genre.

In conclusion, "Under One Roof" is a four-star read that combines family drama, mystery, and heartfelt moments. Samantha Tonge's skillful portrayal of complex relationships and the discovery of a forgotten treasure hunt makes for an engaging and emotionally resonant story. If you enjoy novels that delve into family dynamics with a touch of mystery and redemption, "Under One Roof" is a delightful choice.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. Unfortunately since requesting the book, my reading tastes have changed and it would be unfair to review this book as I do not think I could give it the review that would be justified

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*

DNF 20%

I tried to read this book, but because I have almost no time to read, I want to read books I'm liking, so even though this is a quick read I am not liking.
The main reason that made me DNF this read and made me not liking the book, it was the writing of the author, I found the writing horrible and the way the author chose to tell this story left me confused, all the time I had to be rereading to understand what was happening and who was speaking or thinking.
I just could not read more, It was annoying me. In addition to that characters and the story did not captivate me in the little bit I read, so then I decided to DNF this story and try another.

A multigenerational story, Robin comes home to help her estranged mum , Faye who has had a fall . When Robin finds a treasure hunt from her dad and with the addition of Amber her 18 year old daughter , the three generations try to get along and make new connections.
An enjoyable story, beautifully written with many connections to the 80s
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Samantha Tonge for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Heart warming story of three generations of women living under one roof. The unpacking of the past and the rebuilding of fractured relationships is illustrated in a sensitive way. I just found the pace far too slow for me. None of the main characters are particularly likeable which does add to the sense of angst in the book. I did find the ending rather touching.

Thank you Netgalley

unfortunately not for me at this time. I really struggled with the main character at the start so didn't get as far as finishing it at this time

Samantha Tonge beautifully explores the intricacies and complexities of family life in her latest novel, Under One Roof.

The relationship between Robin and her mother Faye has always been tempestuous. When Robin had had enough and fled to London, she never imagined that she would see her mother ever again. Robin hasn’t been home in decades and certainly does not plan on changing this fact – until fate intervenes. When her mother has a bad fall, the two women find themselves forced to live together and it is far from a joyful reunion. Faye is still cantankerous and absolutely impossible and no sooner has she walked through the door that Robin begins to wonder whether coming back home might have been a mistake of epic proportions. With no sign of a rapprochement whatsoever, Robin and Faye do not know how they are going to get through the next couple of weeks. Could a discovery from the past bring the two of them closer together? Or will it just continue to widen the chasm between them?

Robin’s beloved father used to take the family out every Sunday on a treasure hunt. When Robin finds an unopened scroll from thirty years ago for a hunt her father believed could change everything, she wonders whether this could help bridge the gap with her mother. With her daughter Amber arriving to meet her grandmother for the first time, will these three women manage to solve a decades-old mystery and heal from old wounds and past mistakes? Or will they continue to be held hostage by their own fears, resentments and indignations?

Samantha Tonge’s Under One Roof is an enjoyable, emotional and engrossing tale written with plenty of warmth and heart. A brilliantly told story full of relatable characters, Under One Roof is a fantastic tale about second chances, putting the past to rest, forgiveness and healing sprinkled with plenty of 80s nostalgia that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

Samantha Tonge’s Under One Roof is an honest, heartfelt and thought-provoking family drama that will make readers laugh and cry.

After her mum Faye has a fall, Robin returns home for the first time in decades. Although she’s not exactly rolling out the red carpet, Faye agrees to let her stay. The years haven’t softened Faye, and Robin is already on a countdown to leaving.

Robin’s dad used to create treasure hunts for the family, providing a few hours of cooperation and peace. When Robin finds an unopened scroll for a hunt that could change everything, she suggests they give it a go with help from her own daughter Amber.

I do love a multi-generational story and this tale of mum, daughter and granddaughter is a beautifully poignant one. What I also loved were all the memories from the 1980s – music, fashion and the agony aunt letters interspersed with the chapters.

A gorgeous tale of a divided family facing the past via a treasure hunt, beautifully written and full of fabulous 80s nostalgia.

I’ve always been a fan of Samantha Tonge’s work, having read several of her earlier books and this latest release, while a change in direction to a more emotional, heartfelt read, does not disappoint at all.

The story is a multi-generational one centring around Robin who returns to her childhood home to look after her mother, Faye who has had a fall. Their relationship has always been fractured and the intervening years haven’t helped in smoothing over those difficulties. Robin is confronted with her past, including her teenage bedroom hidden away in the loft, and slowly with the discovery of an unopened scroll from a treasure hunt, organised by Robin’s father back in the day, it offers the opportunity to understand and reflect on past decisions and actions made. With Robin’s daughter, Amber, coming to live under the same roof, I loved seeing the developing relationship between Grandmother and granddaughter and how this impacted on Robin’s view and understanding of her own relationships.

I loved this story! It’s such an absorbing and compelling read that transports you to the 80s with some fabulous nostalgic reminders. Highly recommended.

I am a massive fan of Samantha Tonge and was delighted to receive an invite to join her latest blog tour. In Under One Roof we meet Robin as she goes to stay with her estranged Mum.

I was instantly captured by the strained relationship between Robin & Faye and how they clashed over everything. As we got to know the pair we learnt about Robin and the difficulties experienced in her teenage years especially following the loss of her Dad and how her relationship with her Mum just seemed to spiral, until she finally ran away.

When Robin discovered the 30 year old treasure hunt, that her Dad had left behind she is keen to do it but meets opposition from her Mum, until her own daughter Amber comes for a visit and she see’s her Mum start to thaw a little.

A story full of unique relationship dynamics where they travel a rollercoaster of emotions as they try to forge relationships with each other, whilst finding a way to exist as a family and help each other solve the final clues for their last ever treasure hunt.

Congratulations Samantha...this book has taken you to new heights of writing. Okay, this is only my opinion, but I've read plenty of novels and tend to follow authors and I love it when one of their novels takes that author to new levels of excellence; this is Ms Tonge's one.
Emotionally perfect, full of twists and turns, great characters and wonderfully paced. I love it!

A wonderful story of no matter how much time passes you past always catches up with you. Robin returns to the home she left when she was sixteen to care for her injured mother who is not the most caring/loving parent and has never been. However finding her childhood bedroom in the loft hasn’t been touched since she left in the eighties unearths lots of hidden memories. The most important one is a puzzle scroll her father used to write for them to complete as a family, little did he realise what finding the last one he did before he died would unearth.

Thank you to Rachel for letting me take part in this tour and to Boldwood Books for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I have read quite a few of Samantha’s books over the years and I really enjoy her writing style.

This book has 3 main characters: Robin, her mum Faye and her daughter Amber. Each of the women are very different but do have a lot in common. There’s a lot of past tension here and it's easy to fall into old habits. I did feel for Robin being stuck in the middle. She just couldn’t seem to get things right despite trying so hard.

Hoover was my favourite character. I have a Frenchie too and they are the most adorable little dogs. They are so loving and playful.
This story is about seeing each other’s points of view. Sometimes we get very focused on our feelings and our POV but by taking a step back you can understand why other people are acting as they are.

It is a heart-warming, feel-good read that you will want to devour.

This was such a lovely, warm hearted book that swept me up back into the 80s. Wonderful family story with the added mystery of a treasure hunt. The ending actually bought a tear to my eye. Beautiful.

Hang on to your leg warmers, because underneath this nostalgic step back in time is a achingly perceptive, beautifully written exploration of the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters. I adored it.

Such a joy to read…. This story is mainly of three strong characters in Robin, her mother Faye and her daughter Amber. Even though they were related it showed that they really didn’t know each other. Set in the present day but looking back over the years. Many secrets are revealed and it’s so sad how different life could have been if they’d spoken about things at the time.

Robin, recently made redundant, is persuaded by her Uncle Ralph that her mother, Faye, needs help after a bad fall. Robin and Faye have been estranged for a long time and they haven’t seen each other for eighteen years—since Robin’s daughter, Amber was born. Faye had never been a motherly sort, scathing and harsh, and she and Robin often clashed. Robin’s dad always acted as mediator but after he died Robin ran away with her boyfriend.

The atmosphere in the present is as tense as it’s ever been between Robin and Faye, only eased slightly when Amber needs somewhere to stay. Amber and Faye have never met before, so Amber has no preconceptions regarding her grandmother and the two of them get on well together.

Tensions run high as the three generations try to get along, not always successfully, but the last treasure hunt clues left by Robin’s father help bring them together and allow them to begin to face the past. They all had much to learn about each other, as well as the past, and why it still resonates.

Under One Roof is the story of these three women, thrown together due to circumstances, and each learning that the way they see, and react, to each other needs to be re-evaluated and taken into consideration.

The characters are defined well. Initially I felt for Robin. She couldn’t seem to do anything right, but gradually things begin to make sense. Sensitive and believable topics are covered with empathy and insight, along with some humour. I loved the nostalgic look back at the 80s…brought back a lot of memories.

A lovely story of family feuds and trying to make the best of relationships after many years apart. I loved the nostalgic trip back to my childhood as I could completely relate to the childhood bedroom and memories and I loved the treasure hunt addition to the story again something we did when I was a child. A good storyline with relatable characters and family interaction

Under One Roof by Samantha Tonge
Robin is 48, divorced from Todd and mother to their eighteen-year-old daughter Amber. Robin hasn’t seen her mother Faye (now 78) since Amber was born and hasn’t been back to her home village of Stonedale since 1989, but after hearing Faye has had a fall, Robin’s Uncle Ralph urges her to go back to help her mother. As she feels she owes Ralph, who has been like a dad to Robin since her own father died, she does as he requests.
Arriving back at her old home, she goes into her bedroom and is surprised to see everything left as it was when she moved out. Being a teenager in the 1980s myself, I enjoyed ‘seeing’ Robin’s old bedroom with its pop music posters and teen magazines.
Amber has just started at Manchester University when she has housing issues and needs somewhere to live, so she moves in to Faye’s house and the three generations are living together. There are tensions between all of them, so it isn’t an easy ride.
In a box, Robin finds an old scroll, one of the ones her dad used to make, so Robin and her mum could complete a treasure hunt. Faye isn’t keen, but once Amber sees it, her enthusiasm urges them to try to solve the clues. After all, Robin’s dad had promised finding the answer would make life easier…
I loved all the characters, trying to work out what was behind the difficulties in their relationships and hoping things would improve between them. They are all flawed and damaged from life’s experiences. Faye and Robin have a very difficult relationship and I can completely empathize with Robin, as I live with my mother and it is often very hard. My mother, like Faye, isn’t very maternal and I have faced years of her criticism, so I could definitely understand Robin’s feelings! It all feels very real and very well-observed. The dog is brilliant too! Always a pleasure to read a well-written pet.
The novel is a complete treat, the last few chapters are especially beautiful and I found it very moving and uplifting.
9 out of 10

Wow now this took me back to my childhood! I absolutely loved how I could relate to many of the things in this story. From the teenage magazine with the problem page to the clothes that the main character wore as a teenager.
Brilliant nostalgic story of revisiting ghosts from the past and rebuilding lost or frayed relationships. Loved it!