Wow. I just don‘t know what to say.
This book reminded me of myself as my parents got divorced. It was a though time.
Some parents gave you a certain look when they know. I had a friend whos mom didn‘t like me. Though she never said anything but I could still feel her look on me.
So I know what Violet must have felt and I could understand that she wanted a family wich isn‘t broken. But honestly which family is just perfect?

The writing was amazing an I couldn‘t put it down. It caused me to think about my childhood.
This book is perfect for kids to learn that nobody is perfect and sometimes they should ignore what their parents say about other kids.
Most parents don‘t realise how bad they influence their children with such word as Mrs Walker used them. It almost broke my heart…
Maybe because I know how this feels.

So I can only recommend this book to every kid. AND parent that feels caught gossiping about other children.

Next Door to Happy was a wonderful surprise. When I read the main character's mother suffered from anxiety it piqued my interest.

Violet has new neighbors and they seem to her like the perfect family, until she realizes they are not.

Adding to her discomfort of not being completely accepted in her community, she has to deal will the first day of middle grade and also keep her old friendships.

It's an emotional book, perhaps because I was Violet as a child and became her mother as an adult this book spoke close to my heart.

The author's writing was quote powerful giving us a contrast between the families: one full of energy focused on activities, the other quiet and recluse.

We get Violet's anxieties and sadness pretty well.
Not all children can be top something or shine and it's important to be ourselves. Parents want what is best for their children but as this novel points out efficiently, communication and understanding should be the focus, coming from both parts.

Fav quote: "You don't worry about what anyone else thinks. So you don't need to run away."

I am almost feel sad for Violet, she is so lonely. Her POV almost so melancholy without so much angst. I can imagine her feeling perfectly when she found daily small happiness not from her own home but her neighbors.
I wish extra character depth and extra conflict to add spice on the plot.
A warm story about love, family and friendship.

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with this unique theme book.