Member Reviews
Ginny's relationship with her boyfriend may not be perfect but she's holding out hope that it will eventually be everything she's always dreamed of. Everything she's ever wanted. Waiting for him to change was her first mistake and he lets her down in the worst possible way. Ginny finds herself needing a new job as a result after finding her boyfriend and boss in a rather compromising position.
Cassie is Ginny's neighbour and once a bit of a celebrity. Appearing on a popular television show further contributes to her downfall and makes her a celebrity for all the wrong reasons and Cassie feels a little sorry for her. Never did either woman imagine that out of their shared misery would come friendship.
The first thing I want to say about this book is that its such an easy book to read and I found myself really immersed in the story and feeling a strong attachment to the characters. Nicola Gill has such a wonderful writing style that instantly draws the reader into the story, sweeping them along and making them a part of the characters lives.
I really love exploring the idea of how friendships can develop between the most unlikely of people. We all have people in our lives who we never imagined we could have a relationship of any sort with. And then they surprise us in one way or another and friendships are born. This book really explores the dynamics of such friendships. I have met some pretty amazing people, all from different walks of life and and been lucky enough myself to have some wonderful friendships as a result.
While the characters are going through some fairly serious things in their lives the book never felt like it was too serious. In fact, I found it rather uplifting and at times really funny. Its a pretty amazing writer that can get this sort of balance and Nicola Gill has achieved this. This book is a little friend in itself. A recommended read.
I really enjoyed this book. Nicola Gill has brought to the forefront what it means to be there for someone when they hit rock bottom and how to be a friend.
The book follows Ginny, she thinks she has it all, a partner, a good job and a best friend of a flatware. However things start to go wrong for Ginny. She’s caught her partner Jack cheating, she had a bit of a meltdown at work and has been told to leave and her flat mate has got the job of her life in New York.
I mean what could possibly more could go wrong?
I love a book like this, the main character has hit rock bottom BUT she finds the strength to go on. Add in an unlikely friendship with her downstairs neighbour who is a washed up old actress and you have a book that brings a little laughter, a few tears and a lot of hope. There might also be a little love along the way.
Ginny’s character is to me likeable. You can really see where she is coming from and you can’t help but feel sorry for her. She also scored brownie points when she helped Cassie.
The book also takes a serious note and touches on mental health. I think this was dealt with superbly and really looked at what someone felt like with depression.
I have found myself on a more of a contemporary kick so far and this book did disappoint. It was fun and quick to read and I didn’t feel like I was lost at all.
If you want a book that gives you some feels and will make you smile then this book is for you.
Brilliant read. Old fashioned neighbours when people notice what's going on in other people's lives and try and help them.
This is a brilliant book to go along side with the #bekind campaign.
I loved this book cant wait till I can buy it.
The story had twists and turns which is always good for me and a happy ending is a must.
Love the fact everyone got their happy ending.
Ginny has just caught her boyfriend with his pants down and her boss on her knees in front of him. In her own flat! Could life get any worse?!
Cassie used to be the it girl of the film and tv industry. But after an incident on tv she needs an image overhaul.
Lucky for Cassie her neighbour Ginny works in PR and finds herself out of work. Can the two very different women become friends?
A quick and lovely read, touching on issues of mental health and how celebrity isn’t all we are lead to believe.
The book began with a great deal of promise but near the halfway point it began to seem unsettled.
Plots were begun and never shored up. Tons of characters are introduced but most of them end up being useless and forgettable. Ginny, the main character, is so annoyingly juvenile you find her hard to root for—seriously, the central plot of this book could’ve been resolved with communication.
Ginny is a pre-teen mess masquerading as an adult professional.
Cassie, her neighbor, is an unlikely break from Ginny’s madness, but I’m unsure how the plot between the two devolved from her being a publicist to her damn bear being a caretaker.
It simply didn’t make sense.
By the end, the book felt dreadfully overwritten and far too long: it was as if Gill was trying out several plot ideas, at one time, but forgot to remove one at time of publication.
Overall, a decent read, but not one I’d be in any hurry to recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinion is my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was good, but it didn't really connect with me. I didn't find the characters unlikeable but I also didn't find anything redeeming about them. I would absolutely try another book by the author though, because I did enjoy the writing style (just not the characters).
I did enjoy this book but I think I was spoilt because I had read so many grrat reviews I'd expected it to be wonderful. It is a nice, easy read about friendship and neighbours. A good holiday read.
A big thank you to Sanjana Cunniah and the publisher for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour!
The Neighbours is the debut novel by Nicola Gill and is a well written and accomplished book that I enjoyed.
We follow Ginny, who works in PR and is going through a rough patch and that is putting it mildly! Her roommate has recently moved out after becoming engaged and she finds her boyfriend and boss in a compromising position…. As she struggles to get back on her feet and get her life back together, she becomes better acquainted with her downstairs neighbour, Cassie. Cassie used to be a big star but is now probably classed as a big disaster. She has recently appeared on 'I’m a Celebrity...' which did not go well, followed by an even more disastrous appearance on 'This Morning' and she needs help from someone to also get herself back on her feet.
As they become unlikely friends, we start to learn more about them and Nicola Gill explores some deeper messages such as depression and the pressure that people feel from social media and also other people in their lives to have everything done at a certain time in their life.
Despite Cassie being a larger than life character, we also explore her more vulnerable side which develops into a more serious tone which I wasn’t expecting but I found that it fitted in beautifully in the story about modern day to day life.
I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
This story is essentially about two totally different characters, personally, one likable, one not quite so much! And how their lives are formed into a friendship. It was an easy to read book, but I did feel like it jumped a little from one scene to another, when you were just getting into it. I would say it was a perfect escapism read, not too taxing!
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
This book wasn’t for me. Not trying to insult the author because I do believe they did a good job it’s just not my style. I appreciate having the opportunity to review. I look forward to more titles form this author.
This was a complete surprise, from the blurb and the cover I was expecting a frothy chick lit book. Don’t get me wrong this is not an insult as I love the odd chick lit (more than the term I must say).
But what I found inside this book was a wit that rivalled my own sarcasm, brilliant characters which I will come to in a bit and a really good story.
So the characters, Ginny is very much an unlucky in love and not much better in the work department woman. Big Bridget Jones vibe but less cigarettes and booze. I found her utterly charming even though she was a bit hapless. You are completely sucked in to her life and I personally found it a bit like reading her diary. Then there is her neighbour Cassie, who according to herself is not very nice. I happen to think the complete opposite and found her sassy say it as it is attitude an absolute hoot.
The pairing of these two very different people and the forming of their friendship as PR Ginny tries to rescue Cassie’s reputation had me smiling and chuckling away to myself but also feeling my heart strings pulled at the author’s unfortunately very timely portrayal of how depression can hit anyone. Money and fame can bring many perks but also downsides and showing how we are all still human beings at heart with feelings that can be hurt.
All in all this is a charming story of friendship with real warmth and depth and amazingly a debut. Another author to put on my booky radar.
This appears to be Nicola Gill's first book and it is a story of two 30+ women who develop a "friendship" because they need each other. Cassie needs help getting her reputation back so she can work on TV again and Ginny needs a job since she found her boss and boyfriend in bed together. As they navigate their way back to their normal lives they learn from each other. They discover that friends can be more important than money and fame. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love a good women’s fiction book. This book follows neighbours Ginny and Cassie. Two very different people who find a very special friendship. I love how the author made me feel for both characters and the character develop of both of them. This book follows many relatable topics for women’s and I think that’s what made me so drawn to it. I loved the writing style of this book. I would highly suggest it and I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
I have to admit I struggled a bit with this one. But, maybe it is just me...I certainly do think that this book is better than most of the rom coms I've read lately because of its focus on female friendship. It really shows how great friendship can be found in an unusual places, and that we have to cherish it. It also talks about the importance of a mental health being and problems with depression.
A big thank you to NetGalley for a free sample of this book in exchange for an honest review.
34 year old Ginny is stuck in her job and in a one sided relationship. Her best friend is moving away and her only main interest is her 55 year old neighbour, Cassie, who was once a big actress. When Ginny loses her boyfriend and her job she befriends Cassie and both of the women have something to work towards.
This was such a lovely read and I really enjoyed it. Look forward to reading Nicola’s next book. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I find this book to be really entertaining and an easy to read and get into writing, The story is so nicely done and moving, how two different people can become friends even if there is an age gap between them. I think is a story most people would enjoy and see themselves at some point in the story or relate to any character.
I enjoyed that the chapters were short even if the book was a little long. I enjoyed the book, most of it, but there were times were the main character, Ginny, just frustrated me and that took me out of the story.
This book was a joy to read. The first chunk of the book made me laugh so much. I loved Ginny. She’s so real, overwrought, anxious and utterly clueless about what she really wants from life. Does she love Nick or Jack? Does she want kids or not? Does she want to be a writer or not? I loved the way her friendship with Cassie develops. They are very different people and clash at first but soon find common ground. I loved the scenes where Ginny goes to her creative writing classes. I’ve attended a few of these myself and Ginny’s experience is spot-on. Things take a dark, unexpected turn and I was crying my eyes out for the last few chapters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for my arc!
I requested this book after reading the description and loving the sound of it, it was also said to be a good read for people who loved The Flatshare (one of my favourite reads from last year) so I thought this would be perfect!
The book tells the story of Ginny, a 34 year old, who although wasn't at the same point in life as the majority of her friends, she was having a great time. She had a boyfriend, a well paying job in PR and was living with her best friend. That was until her best friend got offered an amazing opportunity in New York, her new flat mate seemed to come as a two for one package and to make it even worse she walked in on her boss in bed with her boyfriend. Obviously making work a now no go area.
Like everyone Ginny spends a lot of time on social media but that does nothing for her other than stress her out as everyone is getting engaged, buying a house or having a baby.
Ginny then makes an unexpected friend, especially living in and growing up in London where you don't talk to your neighbours, the lady who lives in the flat below. None other than once Movie Star Cassie Frost! Cassie has been struggling in the media recently, especially after a stint in I'm A Celebrity but after the two spending time together Cassie sees that Ginny could help her out, and in turn help herself by getting paid as Cassie's PR rep.
The story then follows the two women as they struggle through life, making both good and bad decisions along the way.
There is romance in this book but it isn't the focus which is really refreshing. The focus here I think, is on making yourself better, not focusing on "time limits" and others, and on the importance of friendship, even if it is in the most unlikely places.
I love Contemporary books and i dont read them enough and every time i do i remember why i love them - so i was so excited to be on the blog tour for this.
We meet Ginny, and she is having a bit of a tough time, she started out living with her best friend, having a boyfriend and was ready to settle down but instead ends up single and with her best friend moving away as well as loosing her job after throwing a plant at her boss - life suddenly isnt great. Then we meet Cassie who also had it all, fame, fortune and a career but after going on a reality show she ends up a hate figure and in need of some good PR.
The pair settle into an unlikely friendship as they try to navigate the disaster that is there lives we see their bond strengthen. The Neighbours is overall a real feel good read but it certainly has some sad and emotive moments that has your heart hurting for the characters. It felt so realistic and i could visually see it playing out in front of me like a film.
The characters were well written and they were flawed and real, they had strong personality traits which instantly allows the reader to get to know them some more. The supporting cast were equally as strong and you really want to help the pair get their lives back together and get the ending they are dreaming of.
A fantastic contemporary read that all readers really should be picking up!
Unexpected Bonds.....
When circumstances throw two unlikely women together an unexpected bond is formed. A rather delightful exploration of life, people, friendships and finding joy when and where you least expect. Entertaining and heartwarming, written with empathy and understanding and laced with humour.