Pleasant Court in Melbourne Australia seems like a pleasant place to live...or is it.? This is another book that asks the question "Just how well do you know someone?" You live with a person, share their bed, share meals with them, raise children with them, you know them right??? Well, do you?

Ahhhhhh, small towns. Lovely scenic places. They are supposed to be safe. Nothing bad ever happens there. How can it? Bad things don't happen when things are so pleasant do they? What a joy to live in a community where you know your neighbors and your neighbors know you. A place where you can get together for neighborhood watch or just to chat about your day over a cup of tea or glass of wine. A place where one can smile and wave, believing that everything is okay, everything WILL be okay, everything should be okay...but what happens when it isn't?

Have you ever know someone who looks like they have their shit together? Seriously, he/she is the one who looks great, smells great, is healthy, always smiling, always on time, never seems to have a bad day and you envy them...because life is hard and they make it look so easy. Well as they say, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. What drives someone to exercise excessively, what drives someone to always smile even thought their heart is breaking, who acts as if everything is honky dory even thought he/she is harboring a HUGE secret?

Every family/person in this book has something to hide.

Ange works out, gets her hair and nails done. She wants to look good for her handsome husband. He is a good looking man and women throw themselves at him. Ange wants to -no she needs to look good for him.....

Essie once took her daughter to the park and left her there. Her husband and Mother keep close eyes on her to make sure she is "Okay" Her mother, Barbara helps her out a lot as she had postpartum depression. She has even moved closer to Essie to help her out. A Mother's job is never done.....

Fran runs all the time. Several times a day and she is uncomfortable when her husband is left alone with their youngest daughter. Why? She doesn't seem to care when he is with their eldest. Their marriage seems fine so what is her issue?

Isabelle is the single woman who moved into the neighborhood. Single and childless, she sticks out and everyone wonders about her. But Isabelle also wonders about those in her neighborhood. She watches them and makes her observations.

It soon becomes evident that not everything is as it seems once you get behind closed doors. Characters have their secrets and as the book unfolds, their secrets come out. Some we see coming and there was one that was a shocker!

This was a really enjoyable read. It is fun, the plot moves along at a nice fast pace and nothing felt rushed or drawn out. I felt that the revelations came at just the right time. I liked how the story is told through the various women's point of views. This is a great way to see what is motivating them, what is going on behind that smile, a look at their personal feelings and emotions. We learn their secrets and the secrets of other's in their lives.

I have read a couple of Sally Hepwoth's books (The things we keep, The Mother's promise) and have enjoyed them! This is another wonderful book by her. So far she has not disappointed and I will continue to be a happy reader of her work.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to them for the opportunity.

I've read two of Hepworth's previous books and was looking forward to her latest. Definitely a fast read [as were her others].

This was too much and too little. Too many things going on and not enough depth.

Set in Australia in a Melbourne suburb.
"The small suburb of Pleasant Court lives up to its name. It's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbours, and children play in the street.

Isabelle Heatherington doesn't fit into this picture of family paradise. Husbandless and childless, she soon catches the attention of three Pleasant Court mothers.

But Ange, Fran and Essie have their own secrets to hide."

And so it begins.

A husband cheats. A wife cheats. Secrets, more secrets, and dysfunctions.

The writing was fine. And, I confess, it kept my attention and I plowed through it because I wanted to see how it played out. Nonetheless, I didn't much care. Perhaps because I found all the characters somewhat shallow and self-absorbed. Yes, a contradiction.

However, some descriptions just made me smile.
"...her expression, as usual, was gently started thanks to the perfect amount of Botox."

So, it was a page-turner, BUT.

Suburban moms have secrets behind closed doors. We think we know our neighbors, but do we really know what is going on in their lives. This book is great domestic fiction, with twists that kept you reading and characters that are relatable. Ange seems to have it all, two young sons and a handsome husband, but is it all a façade. Essie, the mother of two young girls, experienced post-partum depression with her first, now with another baby, is she experiencing it again. And, who is the mysterious new neighbor, Isabelle what's her reason for moving to the neighborhood? The Family Next Door is a captivating read.

This is an amazing book of secrets, lies, and more secrets! I loved it and could not put it down! Essie, Fran, and Ange are friends and neighbors. Then a new neighbor Isabelle, moves onto their street. Each of the four women have secrets. I loved the characters and felt like I could be one of the women on their street. I thought I had it figured but I was completely wrong! I truly loved this book and it kept me guessing until the very end! I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

The picture perfect Yuppie neighborhood with the picture perfect Yuppie families. Then moves in the most un-Yuppie like single lady. But every family has its secrets.

A great book and an interesting story. I loved getting to know the families that lived in the neighborhood. And I did not figure out the mystery until it was laid out on a platter for me.

Lastly, I will admit it took me way too long to figure out they were in Australia.

I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

I figured this would be the typical book about neighbors and something sketchy but I couldn't have been more wrong. So different ! Every single family with their different issues but seemingly living the perfect life. Even when you know Isabelle was looking for a missing child, you could not figure out who it was in the story that had been taken. Totally kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Just an all around well written book ! I highly recommend it. !

Confession: I am a reader who tries to out think the author and guess the twist. I am a horrible person to watch a mystery with--just ask my daughter. So, I was thrilled to be outwitted by Hepworth. I followed her bread crumbs to the edge of the cliff where I fell into the depths of her suburban suspense novel.

First off, what is it about Australian cul-de-sac's--or maybe just cul-de-sac's in general? First there was Big Little Lies, and now we have The Family Next Door.

The women of Pleasant Court have perfect lives on the surface, but soon there are ripples in their crystal-clear reflections. Essie is battling postpartum demons, Fran thinks if she runs far enough and fast enough, she'll erase her mistakes, and Ange's obsession with perfection hides a few secrets as well. And what about the new neighbor, Isabelle--is anyone really that nice and accommodating?

Hepworth skillfully ties these lives together and builds a nice story of suspense set in a suburban neighborhood. I don't want to give anything away, but I got totally sucked into this book and read it in about a day or so. 4.5 stars from me.

I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Sally Hepworth, Goodreads and the Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team for an advance review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This story centers around the lives of five women living in idyllic Pleasant Court, Melbourne, Australia. Essie is wife to Ben, a fitness studio owner, and mother to Mia and Polly. Ange, a realtor, wife to Lucas, a part-time photographer, and mother to Will and Ollie. Fran, a lawyer, is married to Nigel and mother to Rosie and Ava. Barbara is Essie's mother and she lives next door to Essie and Ben. Isabelle moves into the neighborhood. As the story unfolds and the characters are introduced, it becomes obvious that each woman holds a secret that may or may not change the course of their lives.
A twist I honestly didn't see coming revealed the biggest secret of all. Is anyone really who you think they are?
The Family Next Door is the fourth book by Sally Hepworth and a must read for anyone interested in complex characters and relationships with an unexpected twist or two to keep the reader in suspense.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.
Pleasant Court, Melbourne, Australia. The street everyone wants to be on. Close knit neighbors Esse, Fran, Ange and Barbara (Esse’s mom) seem to be living the suburban dream. But tucked away on a cul-de-sac, secrets are being kept. Betrayals are being formed. Friendships and marriages are being tested. How much do we let others see? How much do we really see ourselves? When a new neighbor Isabelle moves in, everything they thought they knew will be shattered and the long buried mysteries are brought to light. Relationships will be tested and friendships will never be the same. Sally Hepworth writes this roller coaster of a novel extremely well and and the details are very well thought out. It will definitely keep you reading and guessing until the very end.

The Family Next Door is a humorous and poignant look at life in suburbia.

Welcome to the manicured neighborhood in Melbourne, Pleasant Court. It is here where four women are raising the finest citizens in a perfect place. But some things are kept hidden well below the pristine surface.

Essie has suffered a dark silence after the birth of her daughter, Mia. She unwittingly left her baby at the park to fetch some tea. Essie, a mother of two, is married to Ben, her pillar of strength. Barbara, her mother, helps to keep the daily order but knows something is not right with Essie. After all, a mother knows her daughter.

Fran is a mother of two girls, Ava and Rosie. She is not sure about her role in motherhood and binge runs to help her numb her mind. But from what? Nigel, her husband, is struggling with some bad decisions made in the past. He medicates with alcohol to dull his thoughts while adding weight around his midsection.

Ange is the local real estate agent, married to a hunk and the envy of all the girls. She has two sons Will and Ollie but quietly wishes that she saw tutus and golden curls running around the house. But being married to her handsome husband has its web.

And mysterious and unconventional Isabelle arrives into Pleasant court to bring light into the underground. She piques curiosity while encumbering speculation as for the newcomer. And she seems to be more acquainted with the neighborhood than it’s own denizens.

The Family Next Door is told from the perspective of the five women, Essie, Barbara, Fran, Ange, and Isabelle. As the stories unfold, we learn that each has a dark family secret. Subtle hints are laid out in the beginning chapter and elaborates as the story progresses. This narrative is brilliant, allowing us to become familiar with the engaging characters gradually. When one story brakes off with one perspective, it is picked up seamlessly by the next character. The cast of Pleasant Court is well thought out and well developed, with a past story and flaws. And a propensity towards drama. That is all except Isabelle who remains alluring during the narrative, with a story that we are trying to unravel alongside the neighbors.

This well-written narrative is an addictive drama with humor and moments of reflection. Suburban housewives are comical and play out unique situations. Particularly refreshing is the Essie-Isabelle storyline where Essie seems to come alive while thinking she is harboring a love interest in her new friend. Several twists are entertaining and suspenseful.

I highly recommend The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth. Soon to be out in March of 2018.

I’ve enjoyed Sally Hepworth’s first three novels, so I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader’s copy of The Family Next Door, which is coming out in March. This one has a different feel than her previous novels. There are more characters and a level of suspense this time. It has the feel of a Liane Moriarty novel combined with Desperate Housewives. I started it on a Saturday morning and was almost halfway through by the evening. Then I would think about it when I wasn't reading it, and worry for all the characters. That’s how captivating it is!

There’s a lot happening throughout the story and the characters are all relatable. Essie is dealing with post-partum depression and is intrigued by her new neighbor, Isabelle, who is keeping a huge secret from everyone on their street. Ange is worried that her husband is still being unfaithful to her, even after she caught him one time. Fran is keeping some important information from her husband, which could potentially ruin their solid marriage. The characters are neighbors, so their lives intersect in some ways, but what they do in their own lives doesn’t really impact the others, except in one situation. I just liked seeing all their perspectives anyway and found myself caring about what happened to each of them. The suspense leads to an interesting twist that I did not see coming at all. I love being surprised by books!

Overall, this novel is definitely a page turner and one to check out when it releases in the spring. In the meantime, if you haven’t read her other novels, you have the next five months to get caught up! (They’re all stand-alones, and very much worth checking out, as well.)

Here is my dream movie cast. Since locations get changed for film anyway, I figured it wasn’t a big deal where the actors were from. They can always put on regional accents if needed.
Ange: Amanda Schull
Lucas: Geoff Stults
Essie: Yael Stone
Ben: Ryan Eggold
Isabelle: Michelle Monaghan
Fran: Elena Anaya
Nigel: Sam Worthington
Barbara: Mary Steenburgen

Suburbia, neighbors, families, secrets and not-so-quite-perfect lies.... this one keeps you guessing until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loved every thing about this book. Can’t wait for it to come out so I can have all my friends read it.

This was an enjoyable book about a group of neighbors and things are not how they appear on the surface. I found this book very entertaining and reminds me of Liane Moriaty's books. I would consider this a great beach/vacation read.


I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

Fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced from beginning to end, and I loved how all of the characters were connected. I did not want to stop reading!

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sally Hepworth is a brilliant writer. She makes characters so relatable, and she writes on subjects that most people are not willing to discuss. Every book has touched me, and this one blew me away. I kept referring to the saying "everybody's got something" . Each family in this book was dealing with their own issues and keeping so many secrets. I didn't know what to think of Essie initially. Her story grew on me quickly. This is one outstanding read!

In Pleasant Court, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, three families who are neighbors know each other well enough to wave hello, but are not close friends. Both internal and external family relationships change over the course of this story, with each family feeling the impact of a closely-kept secret. The author is adept at depicting scenes of family life, post-partum depression, and mother-child bonds. It is filled with twists and surprises for the reader. I found it a compelling and quick read.

Recommended to those interested in family dynamics from a woman’s point of view.

I was lucky enough to get an early reader copy via Netgalley. The book comes out next March. The story focuses on a neighborhood in Australia, which is made up of families with children who are buying their homes. Each of them has a different, but life-changing secret. Essie, Fran and Ange are the wives. Then Isabelle moves in, throwing the balance off. She’s single, no children, renting her house and obsessed with Essie.

The story moves fast by alternating between each woman’s point of view. The characters are well drawn, and you feel how hot it is the summer the novel takes place. I got a little mixed up between some of the characters and that may be because this is an ARC that still has proofreading errors in it. So go ahead and read this if family drama is your preferred genre. I think you’ll like it. I gave it four stars, because personally I felt that the mystery was solved too soon. You may feel differently.

I received this book "The Family Next Door" from Netgalley for my honest review.

It took me a little while to understand who all the characters were and how they connected. The writing seemed to jump around a bit. The story picked up quickly and can keep you guessing what everyone in the neighborhood is up to.

Isabelle in a newcomer to the neighborhood. She seems like an anomaly, no children or husband in sight. What Isabelle does have is a secret, but so do the other women living nearby: Fran, Essie, Barbara (Essie's mother) and Ange all have things in their past that they don't want to think about, though it haunts them. On the surface, each of these families seem picture perfect, the kind of families proudly plastered on Facebook feeds. But everything isn't as it seems.

I truly enjoyed reading this novel, and learning about each of these women's lives. Some of the twists were completely unexpected, and blew me away! There was one event at the end that seemed over the top, especially considering the tone of the rest of the novel. It almost seemed too convenient, more plot-device than organic story-telling. Other than that, however, I thought this was a quick, absorbing read.

*Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC*