**TW** Domestic Violence. Mental Health Issues


The old adage 'No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors' rings true for this tale. Form the outside looking in Eileen Murphy is virtually a recluse living with her dog Dora and rarely going out, and to her, her neighbours - Lucy who lives with her husband Neil and their daughter Anabel, with their flashy cars and show home quality interior seem to be the perfect family.

Each neighbour commenting and surmising on the other, but yet both woman are more alike than they will ever know until one night Eileen discovers that Lucy doesn't have the perfect life after all. When Eileen tries to get Lucy to see sense after seeing her with a bruise that is hard to cover up with makeup - Lucy dismisses it as an accident, that is until Eileen has called to the house by Anabel and finds Lucy laying on the floor next to a pacing Neil.

Once Lucy is recovered she makes and effort to get to know Eileen and soon discovered that she has her own secrets from her past that led her this point in her life. Lucy and Eileen embark on a friendship of sorts brought together by there similarities, and in doing so Lucy tries to help Eileen undo the mistake from her past.

This was a great domestic drama, and despite all the heavy topics it was and engaging read.

5 stars

Oh, how I loved The Family Next Door. You know that phrase “we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors”, how very true.
Eileen Murphy lives on her own in a quiet terraced house. She keeps to herself for her own personal reasons. Her dog Dora keeps her company having turned up at her door one evening and not leaving.
Next door to Eileen is Lucy Walsh, her husband Neil and daughter Anabel. They appear to be a small, beautiful family from behind the curtains of Eileen's front room window.
One night a small little knock on Eileen’s door brings her in to a whole different world of pain and hurt. She must put her own troubles aside for a time to help this family that seem to have grown on her unknowingly.
I loved how wonderful she was to beautiful Anabel, a small little five-year-old who has so much affection for Dora the dog.
How very brave Eileen was to help someone in need when her own hurt and pain sometimes overshadows her day.
How heartwarming that Eileen and Lucy might become friends and help each other more than they ever thought they could.
An adorable read so full of love and friendship.
Beautiful characters you immediately warm to..
Love, love, loved it....

After reading A Sister's Promise I had been planning to read more Caroline Finnerty and this did not disappoint. Even though this story deals with difficult topics of domestic abuse and postnatal depression it was dealt with so sensitively culminating in a heartwarming beautifully written novel. This was a fast paced, tense domestic suspense I just couldn't stop reading, and I adored the friendship that blossomed between Eileen and Lucy it was genuine and unexpected. I won't say too much about the outcome to avoid spoilers but this was one of favourite reads of the year and I highly recommend.

Easy to get in to, sometimes difficult to read, but ultimately this is an uplifting story about the power and strength of Women.

Set in the quiet residential St Brígid’s Terrace in Dublin . Eileen Murphy lives alone with only her dog Dora for company. She is virtually a recluse and is still trying to come to terms with something that happened in her past life. Next door to her lives Lucy Walsh, along with her husband Neil and daughter Anabel. They seem to live the perfect life, a beautiful couple with a beautiful young daughter and they don’t seem to be short of money, However is everything as it seems ? No one know what goes on behind closed doors is so very true.
Both Eileen and Lucy are complete opposites but when something terrible occurs one night it forms a bond between the two neighbours.

This book completely captivated me from the very beginning. It’s such an emotional and thought provoking read. It contains various issues that can be uncomfortable to read at times for some people. I was truly absorbed by the characters of Eileen, Lucy and Anabel and I adored Dora the dog. There is so much courage , love and strength in this story and I adored and devoured every single page. 5⭐️

A very emotional book set in Dublin.Its about next door neighbours Lucy and Eileen.Although at first they have nothing in common with each other they quickly realize they are going to become very close because of circumstances.Lucy appears to have a picture perfect life with her daughter and husband and Eileen lives alone with just her dog for company.It covers loneliness,mental health and domestic abuse which are all very harrowing but the bond that develops between the two women is really special.

There are a few triggers in this one-domestic violence and mental health issues. Please know that going in.
On quiet St. Brigits Terrace in Dublin, Eileen lives virtually as a recluse at number 26 as she deals with her past. She has her little dog, Dora as her only companion. She finds herself secretly watching her next door neighbors who are all flash and fancy-.Lucy, Neil and their daughter Annabel seem to have the perfect life. Until one night when Annabel comes knocking at Eileen’s door and pulls her into their lives and she finds out that things are not so perfect behind closed doors after all. That fateful night changes everything for both Lucy and Eileen and I liked seeing their relationship change. These two women who both are loaded down with secrets begin to unload and confide in each other and form an unlikely friendship that makes all the difference in the world to both of them.
The story was raw, confronting and I raced through the pages. And I loved little Dora!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Caroline Finnerty's latest novel, THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR, brings heartwarming authenticity to the story of two strangers (neighbors) with dark secrets who find that kindness is a powerful antidote to fear. A beautifully written story of two unlikely neighbors who find they have more in common than they know.

Set in Dublin, Ireland, Lucy Walsh (makeup artist) is married to her husband, Neil (gym owner), and their beautiful 5-year-old daughter, Anabel. They have renovated #28 St. Brigid's Terrace row house, and now Lucy would like to consider having a second child as a sibling for Anabel. Neil is against it.

Next door at #26 is Eileen Murphy, who lives alone with her dog Dora. She appears to be a recluse. She watches out her window at the perfect family next door. She has been through so much, but no one knows her past in this neighborhood. She has worked hard to forget it.

However, The Walshes are not as perfect as they seem. It turns out Neil is controlling, verbally and physically abusive. The two neighbors collide when during a big fight between the parents, Anabel knocks on Eileen's door for help.

Due to Eileen's past, she typically does not get involved in things like this but hears the noise and must help Lucy and Anabel. She urges her to file charges; however, Lucy chooses not to.

Neil promises it will not happen again, and he will seek counseling. He uses the excuse of his abusive father. However, the next time comes, and it is much worse. This time Eileen calls the authorities and is there for Lucy and Anabel. Lucy winds up in the hospital, and the two women share their darkest secrets.

Lucy wants to return the favor by helping out Eileen. She learns of her dark past and wants to help her regain her family— leading Lucy, Eileen, Anabel, and Dora to the charming Provence to face her past.

THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR is a testament to unlikely friendships and the power of hidden strengths—a heart-stirring novel about courage, love, loss, fears, and moving forward. Endearing, bittersweet, and heartwarming! Both Eileen and Lucy will find the courage to step out of their comfort zone, overcome their demons, face their fears, forgive themselves, and be open to second chances.

Character-driven, an unforgettable story of courage. An unexpected bond between two women in an uplifting novel about the past—lost and found. Often "family" does not have to be blood-related; it can be right before you. Oh, how I loved this story. The author dives deep into emotionally charged topics of mental illness, postnatal depression, and domestic violence with compassion and sensitivity.

I adored Eileen, Dora the dog, Lucy, and Anabel. I also enjoyed Tim, the social worker's character. I love reading multi-generational stories—there is much to learn from those older/younger. Life is messy, and families are complicated. Things do not always turn out the way we plan. But you must pick yourself up, reset and not let it define you.

I was drawn to Eileen's story and how the two women embraced one another when they needed one another the most. My first book by the author—(impressive), and I look forward to reading more! I love discovering new authors I have not read previously. If you are in the US and a fan of authors Catherine Ryan Hyde (favs) and Elizabeth Berg —you will love THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR!

Special thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars— rounded to 5
Pub Date: July 27, 2023
July 2023 Must-Read Books

The Family Next Door - Caroline Finnerty.
Oh my goodness… what a book!

Easy to get in to, sometimes difficult to read, but ultimately this is an uplifting story about the power and strength of women.

Eileen and Lucy form an unlikely, but rock solid friendship that gives them both what they need to move forward with their lives.

#TheFamilyNextDoor is a gripping and moving read. Superbly written. You will be captivated and charmed by this uplifting tale of girl power.

This domestic drama shows us all that things aren’t always what they seem and that none of us should be too quick to judge.

A solid and enjoyable read, that you won’t forget in a hurry.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.

If like me you are a book lover you will probably have at least one author who's book you will buy before you know anything about it except who it is written by and for me that author is Caroline Finnerty. The Family Next Door is brilliant and is the story of recluse Eileen and her dog Dora her next door neighbour is the beautiful Lucy and her husband and young daughter Anabel. Eileen watches them from her window and thinks that there lives are perfect until one day there is a incident and Eileen realises everything is not as perfect as it seems. I loved this book because even though it is not a easy read I really felt the characters pain and struggles and have regards for there lives. One character faces domestic violence and the other isolation and well hidden demons. I loved watching the relationships between them develop especially the relationship between Anabel and Dora the little dog it really warmed my heart. I cried a bucket load of tears while reading and once again Caroline Finnerty had me hooked to the story. I can never rate her books because I always feel like 5 stars is not enough so I'm going to give this one a million. Highly rated and recommended book!

Eileen, in her mid 50's is from outward appearances almost reclusive and an odd woman who watches her neighbours.

Lucy, in her late 20s, seems to have it all: the perfect house, clothes, makeup, and cars.

But an unlikely friendship forms between the neighbours after a traumatic incident.
Together, they overcome the almost impossible and form a unique bond.

This was such a reminder not to judge what you see, things are not always as they seem.
That sometimes your help can come from unexpected people, that you probably have an inner strength far greater than you imagined and you can do it!

Although this book covers very heavy topics, I didn't come away feeling burdened or like a train wreck. It was uplifting and affirming.
But do check the trigger warnings.

Most people have their own problems and these two neighbours certainly had theirs. Two people, two different problems but a lot of people could relate to. Great book and one that needs reading. 4 stars

Thanks to Netgally and publisher for this ARC

Two very different neighbours unexpectedly become friends . This story sensitively covers topics of domestic abuse and post natal depression, and shows how people can come through such devastating times.
Many thanks to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC

Firstly thank you to Net Galley and Bold Wood books for granting me this book in return for an honest review. This is a beautiful story about two women who are neighbours and strangers but then fate brings them together to develop a very special relationship where they bear their souls and help each other to resolve difficulties in their lives. It was well written and very easy to read. Really enjoyable book.

Eileen Murphy live next-door to the mall family for nine months before she even knew their names and what she did it was only a slight acquaintance were little five year old Annabelle would wave to her in Dora her little dog on her way to school. So Eileen was very surprised when the doorbell kept ringing and she opened it to see the little girl she said her mommy was asleep and wouldn’t wake up and her daddy did it! Lucy and Neil were Annabel‘s parents and they called their neighbor mad Maddie but it would be the night Annabelle ran for her help that would change everything and although this wouldn’t be the last time Lucy needed Eileen‘s help eventually they would come to ultimately depend on each other. This book is entertaining but also teaches the reader used to never assume you know someone by just a glance people live whole lives and you can’t tell what path they’ve traveled by just looking at them Lucy will find this out about Eileen and it will be just at the right time. This is about the families we choose as opposed to the ones were given and how sometimes we do get a second chance at life. I loved this book I love Darlene I love how she talk to little Dora in how Dora picked her unlock the little Annabelle I love everything about this book a definite path story this is a brilliant brilliant story that’s heartwarming and a real tearjerker. I highly recommend this book and it is one oh Em definitely going to read again this is definitely feel good fiction. I want to thank NetGalley and BoldWood books for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

**TRIGGER WARNING** Domestic Violence. #Mental Health Issues.

On the quiet streets of St Brigit's Terrace in Dublin, Eileen Murphy lives alone at number 26 with her dog Dora. Virtually a recluse, she keeps herself to herself as she tries to come to terms with her tragic past. Next door in number 28 lives beautiful Lucy Walsh, her husband Neil and their five=year-old daughter Anabel. To Eileen who watches from her window, the Walsh's are the perfect family. But one fateful night, Eileen is pulled into their world as she realises that Lucy Walsh's life isn't as perfect as she thought.

This well written story can be hard to read at times sue to some of the contents. The story depicts different emotions. It also tells how we don't really know our neighbours. I was pulled into this story after a few chapters. The women are strong and likeable characters. This is a quick book to read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CarolineFinnerty for my ARC of #TheFamilyNextDoor in exchange for an honest review.

This book truly made me think about the new family next door to me! I loved every minute of this book! So very thankful I got to read it and Looking forward to more from this author.

This book touched on the very sensitive and serious topics of domestic violence and post natal depression. I thought that they were covered well and with the domestic violence there was no shying away from how brutal it can be. The story is ultimately about two women who on the surface appear to have nothing in common but actually after one fateful night become good friends. I instantly liked both Eileen and Lucy. Eileen’s backstory isn’t obvious and neighbour Lucy seems to have the perfect life, but has she? I liked how some of the chapters were quite short and that the story flowed easily. It was easy to follow and there was no obvious outcome. Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

A word of warning to anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence. This book may be hard to read!
I certainly found it difficult reading, the story sickened me at times.
I read the book though I can’t honestly say I enjoyed it. It is well written and I read it quickly enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and share this book.

I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Family Next Door’ written by Caroline Finnerty in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Eileen lives at No. 26 St Brigid’s Terrace with Dora her adopted dog and regularly watches the next door neighbours Lucy and Neil at No. 28 as they go to and from work with their five-year-old daughter Anabel. Lucy is beautiful and smart, everything Eileen isn’t, yet one night Eileen has cause to enter their house and their lives change.

‘The Family Next Door’ is the moving story of two women who come from different backgrounds and the friendship that’s formed between them as they save each other even though they didn’t realise they needed saving. It’s a wonderful story that approaches the subjects of mental health issues and domestic abuse sympathetically and with great feeling. The characters are so perfectly described that I felt a great attachment to them and by the time I’d reached the end the story it felt like I’d known them forever. I’m a great admirer of Caroline Finnerty who has the ability to write remarkable novels with such a depth of feeling that I’m unable to stop reading them, and when I’m not reading I’m thinking about them. If I could give this novel more than five stars I would as it deserves a lot more. I wholeheartedly recommend it.