The Forever House

As soon as I saw that Veronica Henry had a new book coming out, I just knew that I had to get my hands on a copy! I'm not going to lie, I was overcome by incredible disappointment when I saw that the book was due to be released in May this year. Now, as I'm sure you're all aware when you're a massive bookworm, patience for upcoming books is pretty much non-existent (especially if they're one of your favourite authors)! I took a chance by requesting the novel via NG and I danced around my living room when I had the e-mail stating that Orion Books had approved me for Veronica's book! Thank you!!!

You know when you're getting older when you dream of interior design, garden landscape and owning your very own house. Thinking about it, it really isn't THAT much to ask is it? Well, unless you're Belinda then yes, it is. Belinda Baxter gets to be amongst beautiful houses day in day out, as it's her job to help other people find their 'Forever House', whilst secretly dreaming of her own. What's even more bittersweet is that Belinda was SO close to owning that dream home, starting her dream life and actually feeling quite positive about her future; until the rug was pulled from under her of course. My first thought was 'will Belinda get her happily ever after?', as she was helping other people to find their dream home and not getting her own. Surely working as an Estate Agent with that mind set is similar to dangling a carrot in front of a horse?

I warmed to Belinda pretty much instantly. She came across as such a warm natured personality with an incredibly huge heart; how could someone hurt a personality like hers? All Belinda wanted was a happy life, a life to be proud of after all these years, and as a reader, I longed for her dream to finally come true. When I read that Belinda was about to help her latest client with their request, in regards to a sought after property which held a lot of memories, I began to see a completely different side of Belinda. The family involved in that  particular property, the Willoughbys', had their own story to tell in more ways than one. Veronica Henry's style of writing the storyline incorporated an emotional and beautifully written flashback to the past for two of the Willoughbys. So not only was I able to get to know the family from Hunter's Moon in the present, I was also able to learn more about their family history at the same time. Such a wonderful addition to the book.

Picking up a Veronica Henry book to read is like holding a precious gem (garnet anyone?). Beautiful on the outside yet intricate, unique and special on the inside. I haven't read a book of Ms.Henry's that I disliked. Not only are her book covers absolutely stunning, the storylines themselves are like beautiful gifts.

'The Forever House' has quite a busy storyline with a lot of characters coming and going yet, unlike others, it doesn't leave you feeling suffocated by information. Instead, the storyline leaves you feeling involved in each of the characters lives and as though you're part of the community. This novel completely blew me away and I wish I could find the right words to explain my views properly, however I do feel that 'The Forever House' is a book where YOU need to be the one to unleash its beauty for yourself.

Reading 'The Forever House' made me feel as though I was reuniting with long-lost friends, and I was absolutely devastated to see the book come to an end.
Full of enchanting situations, heart warming history and beautifully written characters, 'The Forever House' is a book that needs to be read and cherished, forever.

It's time to unlock the door to your new favourite read courtesy of Veronica Henry and the majestic, 'The Forever House'.

Thank you Orion Books & Netgalley.

I absolutely loved reading this book!
When Sally’s husband, Alexander, is diagnosed with a life changing illness they are forced into putting their family home “Hunter’s Moon” up for sale. A lifetime of happy memories is tied up in this home and now the family are about to have their world turned upside down.
Veronica Henry paints a glorious picture of Hunter’s Moon, with its lattice windows and wisteria I was seduced by it from page one, but with the author’s words “nothing lasts forever” at the start of this story I knew it would be an interesting read that wasn’t all roses around the door.
The reader is taken back to 1967, when Sally met Alexander and came to Hunter’s Moon for the first time. It is easy to see how the young and impressionable Sally fell in love with the house and family as it opens up a whole new world to her. Alexander’s mother is a colourful creation, a famous author who is impossibly glamourous. The family happily absorb Sally into their world. I loved meeting the characters as young people, to see the things that shaped their lives, and the whole 60’s vibe.
This story is full of colour and life with great characters and an addictive story and the pages flew by. Every character has a story with a hook that makes each one a delight to read. This is an experienced author at her very best (my favourite of Veronica Henry’s so far). The forever house is about love, life and the passing of time and how everyone has a story and yearns for a place to belong. It has a most beautiful ending – just keep the tissues handy!

What a beautiful heartbreaking but heartwarming story of strong family bonds. I loved the journey of beetle and sally. Just beautiful a definite must read.