April 2018

I so enjoyed listening to Sally Hepworth’s latest novel, THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR, which is narrated by Barrie Kreinik. I am a huge fan of Sally’s writing and was lamenting that I had not read this book when our review came out a few weeks ago. Remember Wisteria Lane, the street featured on “Desperate Housewives,” where there always was some drama going on? Sally has a version of that town for you here.

Essie has two beautiful children, one of whom is a young baby. Her mom spoils her children and is a big part of their lives. Essie, at least on the outside, is completely living a dream life. However, there are still whispers behind her back about the time she had a bit of a breakdown and walked away from the park, leaving her daughter behind.

The couples in this neighborhood each have their issues, and Sally takes us behind the scenes with attitude to voyeur our way through their days. What is unraveling in the neighborhood, and what is the impact on all these secrets? And then there is a new neighbor, a single woman, and tongues are wagging with questions about her backstory and why she is there. And what she knows will rattle their safe harbor.

Sally writes about families with a warmth --- and an edge --- that I love. She pushes her characters into crises and helps them navigate their ways back out. She is an author who I would love to meet. Home for her is Australia, where this book is set. Oh, and THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR would make for a great book group discussion.