This story takes place in the 1960's and 2010. Ellie was brought up in a small town in the South. Her aunt was an activist and influenced her tremendously. In honor of her, she signed up to join SCOPES, an organization to help black people sign up to register to vote She spent her Summer learning the songs, knocking on doors and living at several peoples homes. Along the way, she fell in love. Move forward to 2010 and Kayla, Reed's daughter is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Her husband died in an accident. The house they designed and built is ready for them to move into. Only there is someone who wants her gone. In the end, you find out what happened in 1965 and effect it had on 2010.

Kayla Carter and her husband are so excited to be building their dream house in the neighborhood of Shadow Ridge Estates in Round Hill, North Carolina. But then tragedy strikes and he dies while working on the house. Then Kayla is confronted by a mysterious woman who warns her against moving into the property with her young daughter. Kayla finds the property creepy, honestly, between her husband's accident and the trees that seem to swarm the house. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Ellie, whose family has a history with the property that dates back years. Is Kayla's property really bad news--and does Ellie know why?

This is a mesmerizing story told from dual points of view: Kayla, in 2010 and Ellie, in the 1960s. It delves deeply in the South's horrible history of racism and does so in the most personal way, through our cast of diverse and fascinating characters. In the 1960s, Ellie decides to becomes involved with SCOPE, an organization devoted to helping black individuals register to vote. Everyone is against this--even, at first, the minister running SCOPE in the Round Hill area. Ellie's parents are appalled, convinced harm will befall their daughter, as well as what her involvement may mean for their family's reputation. Her brother, Buddy, worries about her safety as well. Her best friend, Brenda, refuses contact, and her boyfriend, Reed, ends their relationship.

But Ellie is strong and determined; she joins SCOPE, making new friends and falling in love with a black man named Win. Ellie's story is absolutely captivating, as Chamberlain makes clear the absolute prejudices and challenges facing black people in the 1960s. There's a lot of history and much of this story is heartbreaking and will anger you, as many of these tales from the 1960s can.

As for Kayla's story, it's not quite as engrossing as Ellie's, though it does provide the link between the two time periods. For Kayla, she's on a quest to discover if her property is haunted or if she's just suffering from bad luck. We learn how her life intersects with Ellie, which is interesting in itself.

Overall, this is such a touching tale--you become so attached to the characters and absolutely appalled at some of the events that unfold. Chamberlain does a great job at highlighting the utter injustices of racism through the prism of a story, as well as painting a sad history of a particular piece of property. HOUSE is part mystery and part historical/character driven fiction. It will certainly stick with you. 4+ stars.

This will be a great book for book clubs to discuss, but I'd definitely bring along some other book titles that delve into the topics of race and voting rights because this wasn't a completely accurate perspective. It will absolutely bring out important conversations, though. I felt like the ending was a little bit rushed - trying to tie everything up nicely. The audiobook was well-read!

Thank you to Libro.fm, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies.

This book was very well written, but I feel like it definitely needed a content/trigger warning about the topic. The book is told in alternating timeframes - Kayla in 2010 and Ellie in the 1960s. Nowhere in the book description does it explain that the portion from the 1960s is related to Ellie living in North Carolina and joining SCOPE to help register black people to vote. The entire book, especially Ellie's sections, discusses race, racism, the Klan, and horrible violence. And Kayla has a lot of frightening things happen in her sections as well.
It enjoyed how the story was revealed, but the incompleteness of the book description really bothered me.

Kayla Carter is our main character and she and her husband, both architects, have designed and are prepared to move into their new home with their 4-year old daughter, Rainie. A freak accident occurs and Jackson Carter, the husband, is killed in the home before they move in. There are two stories running throughout the book. The town in 1965 and some of the townspeople and the town today. The book has a mystery running through its course and you are not really sure of the outcome until the end.

I've been a big fan of Chamberlain's for years now - and I especially enjoy listening to her novels (although I have physically read many as well). I always look forward to anything new of hers. Her latest, set mainly in North Carolina, unfolds in two timelines, with two narrators. In the 1960s, Ellie narrates the time that changed her entire life as she becomes more socially aware and involved in the Civil Rights movement - particularly with the SCOPE project to promote equality in voting. In 2010, Kayla moves into the home that she and her husband designed - but the woods surrounding the house start to feel eerie after a personal tragedy and a frightening warning to stay away are issued.

Moving between the two timelines, they do eventually converge a bit more - especially when Kayla meets Ellie (who is now 65) as her only real neighbor to her new home. There's bloodshed in the past that reverberates through to the present, making this a book that I couldn't put down!

Some parts of the plot are easier to see coming than others (Ellie's own innocence about her community surprised me) - but there are also some real shocks to the story, too. I think that fans of Chamberlain's will enjoy this addition and that book clubs would find much to discuss here. The conclusion wasn't quite as satisfying as I had hoped for - the sense of justice prevailing isn't really there for me.. but I definitely couldn't stop reading it and finishing this one makes me so excited to see what Chamberlain will write next!

This book was fantastic. I couldn't put it down, needing to read more, to learn more. I liked the dual timeline paired with the historical storyline. The characters are fantastic, which isn't always the case with dual timelines. I am eager to read more from Chamberlain as I haven't given her nearly enough of my reading time.

Kayla was so excited to move into the new home with her husband that was being built. Then in an instant everything changed and she had to figure out how to move forward without the love of her life. She’s trying daily to make a great life for their little girl. What is real, what happened and who is the odd woman who pops in to her office and scares the daylights out of her? The book explores the Scopes project and toggles between 1965 and the now of the current story. It’s a historical novel, learning experience, novel, mystery and search for justice. A wonderfully crafted story that will keep you turning each page with a little trepidation as to what happens next. So many issues that are so very relevant today are explored. Not the easiest of reads, but definitely a must for everyones library. Another wonderful title from this amazing author.

This book is told in dual timelines: 2010 and 1965. Initially, I'm curious as to how everything will ultimately connect together. But, the author brings the storyline one step closer with each chapter and before you know it, all the facts are readily available and staring you in the face. It was very well done. As a reader, I'm always pleased when a book can surprise me and this one definitely had some secrets I didn't see coming.

The 1965 timeline deals with a young woman named Eleanor (Ellie) from North Carolina who finds herself drawn to the Civil Rights Movement. Over one summer, her life will be irrevocably changed in ways she can't forsee and she will live the rest of her life with the repercussions of that summer.

The 2010 timeline introduces us to a young widow and mother, Kayla who is trying to move forward after losing her husband in a tragic accident. As if her life isn't difficult enough, there are some mysterious occurrences happening at her new home which are lending to her unease. She believes there is a mystery surrounding her property that makes it feel tainted but she can't figure out what it is.

Eventually the the events from 1965 will present themselves in 2010 and questions and mysteries will be answered. I found this book to be heartbreaking at times. The brutality of what was endured during the Civil Rights Movement is hard to imagine. In addition, seeing how people completely disowned others for not sharing their racist views is difficult to comprehend. I believe Ms. Chamberlain handled this story beautifully.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Diane Chamberlain knows how to tell a powerful story. This is my second time reading a book by her and I’m reminded that I need to read more of her catalogue. This is a historical fiction book with mystery elements that really gets at one’s feelings. I was intrigued by this book from the first page and went through a series of emotions while reading it. It follows a young white woman who wants to help out with the Civil Rights movement contrasted with a mother who is trying to find her way after losing her husband. Chamberlain is one of the best authors at utilizing the dual timelines. This was a great read-4 stars ⭐️. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy for review.

This book will break your heart. I admit to full on tears and the use of several tissues. For much of it I was appalled and enraged. This book has a dual timeline with one in 1965 and a young white student who wants to help register black people to vote, and is aghast as the conditions they live in due to general racism and not having a voice in government. Black people live in horrendous poverty and constant fear of being attacked or even murdered by their white neighbours. It is shocking and deeply depressing that this fight for the right to vote is still happening today-right this very minute! Black Americans are still fighting the same fight that their parents and grandparents already fought.

The second timeline is in 2010. This one follows Kayla who builds her dream house with her husband but sadly her husband dies in a freak accident before it is completed. Things quickly turn creepy when she and her daughter move in. I would say that this borders on horror with the creepy woods, and the eerie sounds. I wasn’t sure at first if this was going to be a haunted house story or something more explainable. There were little pieces and a few characters that connected the two timelines but the significance of the past to the present wasn’t at all clear. As the historical timeline progresses the entire picture becomes clearer and the two timelines come together into one tragic, heart breaking story. The threads are tied together and it all makes horrible sense. Be warned that the solution to this seemingly cursed land is brutal and disturbing. I read the last parts with my hands over my mouth hoping that what I think happened didn’t actually happen. It was an absolute punch in the gut.

This ended up being a very emotional story and I wasn’t expecting the devastating impact. It was a tough story but also a very timely one. I wouldn’t categorize this as a light read but it was very suspenseful and it had me turning the pages and staying up too late reading. I think this is a story that will stick with me for a long time,

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.

Diane Chamberlain's "The Last House on the Street" took me by surprise. I was expecting romance, but this book is not a romance book. It is refreshing to read a book that focuses more on racial injustice and family and community life. If you're looking for romance and happy couples, this isn't the book to read.

As I write this review, I'm thinking a lot about the upcoming holiday: Martin Luther King Jr Day. In the historic timeline of this book, white college students are working with black students to canvas neighborhoods in order to get blacks to register to vote in the south. This is based off the SCOPE project, which took place in 1965 before LBJ signed the Voting Rights Act. Of course, reading this book meant looking up more information about the SCOPE project- this book did an excellent job showing the social injustice in the 60s and how it affected both white and black communities.

The thing I really loved about this book is that it made me think about just how not long ago events like the ones in the story happened. The "modern" timeline is set in 2010- people that were in their 20s are elderly in the story. This is still living history. This would make an excellent book for a book group to talk about.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this e-book. Diane Chamberlain really did a wonderful job of writing an artistic and moving novel!

I have yet to read a book by this author that was disappointing, and this book is no exception. A lot of people need to read books like this, especially with today's headlines, when it feels we have taken two steps back.

It's part mystery, part historical fiction, but it all ties in and I had no idea who was causing Kayla such misery; nor did I expect some of the people involved in past events.

I found it very hard to put down and I was happy with the ending. It's a fantastic choice for a book club. Thank you, NetGalley, and thank you, Diane Chamberlain. Your books are very special.

The Last House on the Street follows Kayla in 2010 and Ellie in 1965 with alternating points-of-view. As the story continues, their lives overlap in surprising ways. Kayla’s house is being built on Hockley Street, where Ellie lived in the 60’s, amidst the Civil Rights Movement. Kayla and Ellie become acquainted when Ellie comes back from California to take care of her brother and mother.

Chamberlain did a fantastic job of weaving a compelling tale of a small southern town during the Civil Rights Movement. Ellie has a heart of gold and I admired her tenacity and dedication to her moral convictions. There are parts of the story that were difficult to read knowing that there were real people who suffered in these exact ways. A great Historical Fiction that hits you right in the feels!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

Heartbreaking, unforgettable and relatable, even as we live in the 21st century. 1965 and 2010. We have two stories, that of Ellie Hockley and Kayla Carter. The past and the present collide when Kayla and her husband build a house in Round Hill, North Carolina. Sadly, Kayla's husband was killed in an accident even before they could move in. However, Kayla and their young daughter Rainey were all set to start their new lives in the lovely home, but not without problems. Someone does not want them there and somehow the past slowly begins to be unraveled for Kayla.

Back in 1965, Ellie joined a group of young people at the start of one summer they were involved in the early Civil Rights Movement and the SCOPE (The Summer Community Organization and Political Education) Project. They were determined to bring the right to vote to the blacks at that time, more commonly known then as 'coloreds'. Ellie was one who did not see color lines, and if she did, it was only towards bringing the races together, even if it could cost her everything.

Any book that is based on historical events begs researching and that is exactly what I did while reading this book. I was born in 1960 and the first notice I had of Civil Rights was when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. I remember that day clearly even if it took years for me to fully understand the impact he had on history. Learning now about the SCOPE Project raises my respect exponentially when considering how hard the fight was for so many, including countless lives lost while striving for equality. The KKK was large and in charge during many of the events that Ellie experienced, even discovering those she loved and trusted having involvement.

How do Ellie and Kayla connect in 2010 and how does the house Kayla built with her husband play into those traumatic events of Ellie's past? In this dramatic story, laden with heartbreaking experiences, Ellie's story is told, inluding how she met one very special person she had the privilege of working with during her time with SCOPE. Those memories impacted Ellie's life in inescapable ways, even decades later.

This impactful read was written in a fabulous manner, causing tears and sadness more than once. Having it as an audiobook and listening to the narrator, Susan Bennett, as she gave voice to both Ellie and Kayla only made this excellent book even that much better. Race issues are still prevalant in this modern world that we live in. This is a book that should be read by many.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The Last House on the Street
by Diane Chamberlain
Pub Date: January 11, 2022
St. Martin's Press

* Historical Fiction * Mystery *Thriller
This story will stick with me for a long time. This book is a historical fiction novel. It's about the Scope Project which I never heard of before, and I learned a lot from it. There are dual timelines. The timelines are 2010 and then goes back to 1965.
As always, Chamberlain writes with sensitivity but doesn’t shy away from tough topics. She brilliantly ties the past to present and gives care to every character and thread. This is not an easy read, but it is important and still relevant today.
Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC. This is an extremely well-written novel. I will recommend it.
5 stars

Set in 1965, Ellie faces backlash after she spends her summer encouraging black people to register to vote and does the unthinkable, dates a black man, Winston. How does widow and single mom, Kayla's, life in 2010 connect to the past?

Told in alternating timelines, The Last House on the Street explores racial issues and prejudice with a bit of a mystery sprinkled in which adds to the tension. Who is harassing Kayla and why? This story was heartbreaking yet hopeful (one of my favorite mixes), and I was surprised by a couple twists throughout, especially the ones at the end.

Location: Round Hill, North Carolina

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

WOW!

This is an incredibly written historical fiction book, moving between 1965 and 2010.

Author Diane Chamberlain has incredible magic flowing through her! This isn't my typical genre of reading (and my first book by this author), but I am glad I stumbled upon it. The characters, the flow of the story, the whole storylines involved just sucked me in and I was lost in a time warp until I finished the book!

This is a story of forbidden romance, historical prejudice, and families. I would absolutely recommend this read!

Powerful and wonderfully written. At times it's difficult to read. The characters are complex. The plot interesting and surprising. I quickly was drawn in.

"The Last House on the Street", by Diane Chamberlain, is centered around two female protagonists. Ellie Hockley grew up in the civil rights era, and is active in the efforts to get African Americans to vote. However, her well-to-do parents are completely opposed and appalled by their daughter's efforts. And when she even falls in love with a black man, nothing can stop her parents from keeping them apart. Kayla Carter is a modern woman who is struggling to keep her life together after the sudden loss of her architect husband. When she moves herself and her daughter into the new house her husband designed, strange things begin to happen. Ellie and Kayla's paths continue to cross and they realize that they have a lot more in common than they realized at the beginning.

I enjoyed how easily Chamberlain switched back and forth between Ellis and Kayla, and between modern day and the civil rights era. This was an easy book to read, and I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.