I didn't really love the writing style of this book and I did find part of it really unbelievable - however it whiled away an afternoon and was readable. Just ok for me.

A story of finding your way, overcoming things you can’t control and mental health. A reminder that things aren’t always what they seem and not to judge people so quickly.
Lucy and Neil live next door to Eileen. They are quick to judge her because they don’t agree with the way she lives. Eileen is quick to believe Lucy has the perfect life and is jealous of her. We quickly learn that things aren’t as they seem.
Eileen and Lucy are very different but have some of the same problems. In an unexpected turn of events they become friends. Together they work through things and find their way. A reminder that things aren’t always what they seem and not to judge people so quickly.

Absolutely loved this family drama and all it's characters, so well described. It was a mixture of heartbreaking, love, lasting friendships and I really enjoyed reading about Eileen and Lucy, just great storytelling from the beginning until the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this brilliant ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

A good family drama read.
Two very different neighbours become friends, both with there own problems.
On the whole an enjoyable read but i felt the last part seemed a little far fetched.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Eileen Murphy is pretty much a recluse, living in Dublin with only her dog for company. She doesn't go out unless necessary and she doesn't socialize. Her next door neighbors, Lucy, Neil, and their young daughter Anabel, seem to be the perfect young family, until one night Anabel shows up at Eileen's door. Eileen realizes that looks can be deceiving and the family isn't as perfect as she thought. She finds that she and Lucy have more in common than she had assumed and in the process of helping her neighbor, she faces her own dark past.
The synopsis of this book, along with the cover made it seem like it was a thriller, however it was far from that. This was more of a domestic drama. I liked the story of two women overcoming difficult situations and facing their fears head on. Lucy and Eileen's friendship was unlikely but refreshing. I felt so angry for both of them. There were parts that were a bit unbelievable, such as the fact that they all of a sudden had funds to go traveling across the continent. Overall it was a good read, especially if you enjoy family dramas.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Okay, where to start? First, I liked and disliked this book in equal parts. The first half of this I already saw where it was going because if your an avid mystery/thriller reader like myself, we have read this trope so many times before. That's okay though. The part that I didn't particularly care for was that it felt like the author had read a manual on domestic abuse and inserted the typical cycles, excuses, cliches and behaviors in it. It didn't exactly go further into it beyond that. As a victim myself, I didn't feel a lot of emotion with it. It was too cut and dry, too simple with what those situations usually are like and someone in that situation wouldn't decide what the character in this did by simply hearing a story. And yes, I know this is a story but I needed more from it. I loved the neighbor, Eileen and she is what kind of saved this book for me although her story is a little of the same. I honestly might have liked it more had this given each women their own book, delving into the details more. Or at least an additional hundred pages to do that, splitting each story in half. All in all, this was an okay read. Three Stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

"The Family Next Door" is a novel of suspense, focusing on the friendship between two women which strengthens both of their lives in unexpected but necessary ways. Recommended for fans of domestic mystery and suspense novels. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This talented author has written a cannot put down novel of mystery and intrigue. Realistic characters add to the story. The plot moves quickly with a multitude of red herrings. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review.

"The Family Next Door" by Caroline Finnerty delves into the secrets and struggles hidden behind closed doors. Eileen Murphy, a recluse living on St Brigid's Terrace, Dublin, observes her seemingly perfect neighbors, Lucy Walsh, Neil, and their daughter Anabel. However, when Eileen is unexpectedly drawn into their lives, she discovers that Lucy's life is far from idyllic. Through an unlikely friendship and the help of young Anabel, these women become lifelines for one another, facing their demons together.

Caroline Finnerty weaves a poignant tale of friendship and redemption. Eileen's assistance empowers Lucy to confront her fears, while Eileen herself is compelled to confront her own past. As their bonds strengthen, the women undergo profound transformations. Will Lucy find the courage to build a new life for herself and her daughter? Can Eileen find forgiveness for her past mistakes? "The Family Next Door" captivates readers as it explores the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Aaawwwwwe what a feel good ending to a great story! Although this wasn't like my usual reads I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! This book had depression, angst , abuse, gas lighting , it was sad and happy at times! The storyline was very very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I will definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!