While the content of the stories written by Heather Morris is at times heavy, I think she has done a remarkable job, sharing the real-life stories of the characters, not just in this novel, but the previous two accounts as well. For me, stories like this are necessary & should be on everyone’s #TBR to really allow us to engage with the history & experience of people who lived through these times.
Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to start this one, with the current state of the world. This sort of thing can really affect my emotional state during uncertain times. I’m so glad I did though.
The stories of Cibi, Magda & Livi are important ones, their accounts of courage & survival during & after due to the displacement of war & their will to live on despite the trauma are truly amazing. I’m so grateful that they were shared in this way. This story will stay with me for a while.

I picked this book up after watching the Kristen Bell series loosely based off a bunch of novels - The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window. Was the show anything like the book, well no….

The story is mostly told from the perspective of Katy, the daughter of a cold Mother & delightful Father, only that Father is accused of the murder of the Woman from across the Street. No one believes this warm & wonderful man could have done the crime & Katy, the ever-faithful daughter is out to prove his innocence.

For me, as the reader, I felt certain chunks of the storyline were wholly unbelievable & that took away from the overall anticipation of the final chapters, but it also wasn’t a such big deal that it turned me off finishing the book. I enjoyed the plot & I found the writing style easy, with a decent flow. The character’s were developed quite well & I really did like them & feel invested in their story.

The opening chapter hooked me instantly. Never before have I reflected on the complete erasing of one’s essence from the place they called home, the stories within the walls where they lived, wiped clean by new-comers or even prior to that point, family members. Only mere months after losing a beloved Grandmother, these images really impacted me & I almost wished I could of highlighted them. “She’s read once that stories only survived three generations & then they were gone, blown away by the winds of time. The proof: What does anyone know of their Grandmother’s Mother?” It was just such a painfully bittersweet reflection I felt the need to add it into my review. Within the same chapter it moved onto the painful & life-changing loss of a best friend, like, what even is this? “Is this f#%ing play about us?”, was ringing in my head. It was almost a parallel to my life this point.
My fascination continued on throughout the rest of the book. It wasn’t a long novel, but it was an engaging read & was written beautifully.

My feelings on this book: I feel like I have been reading this one for a very long time. I have been so busy lately that it’s taking me a super long time to finish anything. Anyway, I digress…
This book was a thriller that I picked up simply because I watched the Kristin Bell series called “The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window”. This one seemed to have more in common with the show than the previous book I reviewed. I feel like if I had had more time to really get into it in one hearty go, I might have been better at recognizing the plot twists before they happened, but somehow was unprepared for this ending.
Was it great…. well, no. But it wasn’t terrible either.

Do you ever read a character in a novel & just feel intense dislike for them? That’s how I felt about one of the characters in this book. I imagine it was supposed to be that way, builds the tension, the suspicion & gently pushes you into wanting to see them get their deserved comeuppance. In that case, she was perfectly written.
I went into this with mixed expectations, some loved the premise, the characters, others vented that the story could have been told differently. Personally, I enjoyed those last few twisty chapters as much as I hated them, the anxiety of reaching the conclusion was a double edged sword in this case. Hello my fellow empath’s

There was some really good content within this one. For the right person I think it would have been great, but for me It had a bit of a “blokey” kind of feel to it, so it possibly seemed more directed toward males. Sections definitely resonated with me, for sure, but I feel like maybe it just wasn’t in the right… language for my tastes. Not a criticism, more an observational thought.

Based on the true historical story of the Bethnal Green secret underground Library, this book will truly grab at the heartstrings. While the characters have been fictionalized, the Library itself actually existed on the unused tracks of the underground tube station. The story describes the unimaginable & raw tales of survivors, the losses, the loves, the courage. It was truly a different time & the perseverance & determination of the characters was truly inspiring.
It was quite a long story, but it was beautiful in a bittersweet way. I loved it.
I also really appreciated the notes left by the author, the history & the photos of the shelter & original Library.
It’s one that will stick with you.

When the author couldn’t find the book she was searching for, a book that correlated with her heart break, words that eased her pain, she wrote it. This provides an outsider’s glimpse into the lives of three hearts, full of love & hope at one point, broken & battered by the end. It explores the isolation of grief.
I’m not sure if I personally felt this book met the intended purpose. I don’t know if these particular stories were the right ones. Not for me anyway. It was often hard to relate & I felt a bit like a party guest who wasn’t sure they wanted to be at this party. I guess I’m still searching for that right book, this one wasn’t it for me.

This book was definitely a case of - The cover made me do it! I love a good floral jacket. Anyway… the book itself was lacking.
I had no issue with the writing style or even the plot of the book, but personally couldn’t get into the characters with this one.
Sadly, one of my least favourite books of the year.