Having enjoyed Natalie Fergie’s previous novel, the sewing machine, I was eager to read her latest.
25 Library Terrace is an engrossing novel which puts the inhabitants of a house in Edinburgh in Edwardian times in to the social context of the day bringing in issues such as suffrage, war, domestic service and vegetarianism.

Ann is traumatised by her cruel treatment at the hands of her Mother and has to find the strength to rebuild her self esteem and carry on after a number of tragic events. She uses her home to help others and in doing so manages to change her own story.

An excellent book which kept me interested from start to finish and which I do not hesitate to recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Embla books for the chance to read and review an advance copy of the ebook.

This was one hell of a book.
From the first chapter I felt like I lived in the house 25 Library Terrace, silently observing everyone’s lives unfold over the years. I shared their joys, their loves and their sorrow.
Taking you on a journey from the turn of the century through covid this story shared so much. I grew to love Ursula and Findlay and Annie and Keith and found it hard to let go with the passage of time.
This book showed the meaning of family and how they can hurt you and how they love you and how they can shape you. The early years were fascinating with the details of events like the suffrage movement and the war. By the time we reached modern day I almost felt out of sorts when they talked about appliances and cellphones.
The vegetarianism was a bit much at times but the descriptions of dishes and the recipes broke the monotony of constantly touting no meat in this house.
The only thing that nagged at me was the last story of Tess. While everyone deals with heartache differently, the way she reacted to her fiancé changing his mind about wanting children when she didn’t was a bit over the top. It’s the kind of situation where you part sad and maybe a little lost but resorting to property damage and calling him a liar and blaming him for ruining your life felt very much like she was literally doing too much. Maybe if there had been infidelity I could understand the visceral reaction but this was something that was sad and reflective not life shattering and warranting such vindictive behavior.
Besides this anomaly I loved the book. And I know everyone says this when they finish a good book but I would love to see this as a movie. Because at least then I could see the house with honestly was the main character.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What an absolutely wonderful book! I read it in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. I was entranced by the history of 25 Library Terrace and it's miriad occupants. The characters are so well written the reader almost joins them at the kitchen table. I wanted to hug poor Ann when her mother was so horrible to her and cheer when Tess fixes Patrick's phone to the coffee table. I thoroughly enjoyed The Sewing Machine and Natalie Fergie has written another bestseller here. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a well researched eminently readable historical novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I’ve always been a firm believer that our homes are an extension of who we are. Natalie Fergie’s story about the home at 25 Library Terrace is no different. Exploring the home through the ages, she reveals the memories, laughter, tears of struggles, and achievements that are embedded within the floors, doorways, and walls. Slowly and softly, she tiptoes through time to share the signature whispers of this space, highlighting the tales of its inhabitants, its history and its soul, leaving you welcomed but aching to have more time with each family.

25 Library Terrace is more than a building, it’s a snapshot of life. It holds stories of what it has seen. Curious? Then add it to your ‘to be read’ pile.

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

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

An interesting premise for a story - the book revolves around a house, 25 Library Terrace, and the women who have lived in it since it was built in 1911. The story is set in census years, and cleverly weaves the characters together throughout. I really liked the suggestions of the suffragette movement, and the inhabitants of the house being progressive. Watching Ann grow up was a particular favourite storyline of mine. Well written, interesting and engaging.

There are two things I will always read about, books and libraries. 25 Library Terrace by Natalie Fergie was well worth it. I loved it.

I was completely captivated by the concept of 25 Library Terrace — the idea of a single home carrying generations of secrets, heartaches, and hope is just beautiful. There’s so much potential in a story like this, and Natalie Fergie clearly has a deep affection for the lives she imagines unfolding behind one Edinburgh door.

However, in practice, I struggled to stay fully invested. With four distinct timelines and many characters to juggle, the narrative often lost emotional momentum. Some storylines shone brighter than others, but just as I started to connect, the perspective would shift again, leaving the deeper emotional impact just out of reach. I found myself wishing we could linger longer with a few characters instead of glancing off them and moving on.

✨ This could still be a lovely fit for readers who enjoy:
- Gentle, multi-generational historical fiction
- Character-driven stories where setting plays a starring role
- A quiet, reflective look at ordinary lives across decades

While 25 Library Terrace didn’t fully land for me, the novel’s core message is a poignant one:
Home is more than a place — it’s the lives, loves, and losses stitched into its walls.