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Number Thirty-Two
A family home, full of secrets.
Number Thirty-Two was once a family home. Anna was once a mother and a wife. Now, she is in arrears and alone.
With little choice but to sell up, she is forced to confront the memories of the people who once inhabited the empty rooms. With the help of an unlikely ally in her next door neighbour's son, she is finally able to piece together the tragic events of forty years ago that have inextricably linked the fates of their families and ricocheted through both of their households for decades.
Number Thirty-Two is a novel of family secrets and shocking betrayals, promising heartbreak and humour in equal measures.
'Two women, three children and a secret that spans half a lifetime. An evocative, beautifully written story of forgiveness and recovery.' - Julia Slack, author of The Road to Somorrostro
'A story of pain, loss and self sabotage. Steward holds up a mirror and we have no choice but to look. Her interpretation of the devouring mother is rare and familiar at the same time. A triumph of women's literature that you need to read.' - Ashley McCarthy, author of The Heralding
Number Thirty-Two was once a family home. Anna was once a mother and a wife. Now, she is in arrears and alone.
With little choice but to sell up, she is forced to confront the memories of the people who once inhabited the empty rooms. With the help of an unlikely ally in her next door neighbour's son, she is finally able to piece together the tragic events of forty years ago that have inextricably linked the fates of their families and ricocheted through both of their households for decades.
Number Thirty-Two is a novel of family secrets and shocking betrayals, promising heartbreak and humour in equal measures.
'Two women, three children and a secret that spans half a lifetime. An evocative, beautifully written story of forgiveness and recovery.' - Julia Slack, author of The Road to Somorrostro
'A story of pain, loss and self sabotage. Steward holds up a mirror and we have no choice but to look. Her interpretation of the devouring mother is rare and familiar at the same time. A triumph of women's literature that you need to read.' - Ashley McCarthy, author of The Heralding
422 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 984 reviews
March 28, 2024
Wow. Where do I start.
Firstly I am mainly a thriller reader but I’ve seen this book on so many TikTok lives and gave into curiosity and had to purchase it.
The blurb had me intrigued and this book took me to places emotionally that I never thought a book could. Some parts of this book are extremely heartbreaking but on some occasions we relied on Maggie to make a funny comment and it lightened the mood all over again. I really loved the character Grayson. Even though he wasn’t one of the main characters, his principles and characteristics really had me invested.
I’m so glad I stepped away from my usual read to pick this up as it will leave a long lasting impression on me and I will be looking forward to more books from Cassie 👏🏻.
Firstly I am mainly a thriller reader but I’ve seen this book on so many TikTok lives and gave into curiosity and had to purchase it.
The blurb had me intrigued and this book took me to places emotionally that I never thought a book could. Some parts of this book are extremely heartbreaking but on some occasions we relied on Maggie to make a funny comment and it lightened the mood all over again. I really loved the character Grayson. Even though he wasn’t one of the main characters, his principles and characteristics really had me invested.
I’m so glad I stepped away from my usual read to pick this up as it will leave a long lasting impression on me and I will be looking forward to more books from Cassie 👏🏻.
May 13, 2026
4.5 stars
Sometimes, you can love too much!
Don't put your eggs into one basket.....for it will bring you pain.
Anna and Maggie become neighbors and then a strong friendship evolves. They "get" one another being mothers and single parents at first. This was a friendship bound in tragedy, in joy, in hardship, and in death.
The women were so different but were a sure compliment to one another as the author was able to allow us insight into their lives their, sons, and the things that pushed them together.
There is Louie, Anna's beloved son, a boy who could do no wrong, loved by all, who finds his good looks and charm allow his entrance into all things. He thinks life's a lark as he flutters from tree to tree, imbibing in "All" the thrills without a thought to consequence.
There is his best friend, Arthur, a shy quiet boy, who seems to follow Louie around and idolizes him, with a kind of "well you know Louie" attitude that eventually places tragedy smack dab in his path.
Friendship, love, tragedy, and life grow in this story that moved one to know each and every life effects the ones they love and care for.
Sometimes, you can love too much!
Don't put your eggs into one basket.....for it will bring you pain.
Anna and Maggie become neighbors and then a strong friendship evolves. They "get" one another being mothers and single parents at first. This was a friendship bound in tragedy, in joy, in hardship, and in death.
The women were so different but were a sure compliment to one another as the author was able to allow us insight into their lives their, sons, and the things that pushed them together.
There is Louie, Anna's beloved son, a boy who could do no wrong, loved by all, who finds his good looks and charm allow his entrance into all things. He thinks life's a lark as he flutters from tree to tree, imbibing in "All" the thrills without a thought to consequence.
There is his best friend, Arthur, a shy quiet boy, who seems to follow Louie around and idolizes him, with a kind of "well you know Louie" attitude that eventually places tragedy smack dab in his path.
Friendship, love, tragedy, and life grow in this story that moved one to know each and every life effects the ones they love and care for.
April 11, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness.
I’m not sure how to put into words what this book was or how it made me feel. But I’ll try…
This book is about two families who lived next door to each other and how their lives were all interwoven together. It dealt with so many things like family, grief and loss, addiction, and love. It was incredibly beautiful.
☆
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 1966, 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.
☆
The writing style took me a sec to get used to because it switches POV all throughout even during a single chapter. The way the author crafted this story and revealed tiny bits as it went on was perfection. The writing style is what made this book amazing. You truly felt engrossed in the story because of it. You get to know each person in these two families and learn their dynamic in the group. All the characters were so different too which I think is another testament to the author’s writing.
There’s different timelines all throughout as you learn what happened in the past and why things are the way they are in the present. It was so interesting and heartbreaking at times.
☆
𝘈 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤, 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦.𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴.
☆
It’s honestly hard to say too much because it’s something you just have to read to understand how beautiful it truly was but I loved it. So much. The way each character was seen in a different light in each others POVs. The way they all dealt with loss. The way they all made mistakes and either learned from them or didn’t. The way they changed over time and the way life turned out for them… it was incredible.
10/10 recommend if you love a character driven contemporary fiction novel. At different times it is heartbreaking, funny, and/or hopeful. I loved it! I’m so happy I received an arc for this 🫶🏻
I’m not sure how to put into words what this book was or how it made me feel. But I’ll try…
This book is about two families who lived next door to each other and how their lives were all interwoven together. It dealt with so many things like family, grief and loss, addiction, and love. It was incredibly beautiful.
☆
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 1966, 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.
☆
The writing style took me a sec to get used to because it switches POV all throughout even during a single chapter. The way the author crafted this story and revealed tiny bits as it went on was perfection. The writing style is what made this book amazing. You truly felt engrossed in the story because of it. You get to know each person in these two families and learn their dynamic in the group. All the characters were so different too which I think is another testament to the author’s writing.
There’s different timelines all throughout as you learn what happened in the past and why things are the way they are in the present. It was so interesting and heartbreaking at times.
☆
𝘈 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤, 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦.𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴.
☆
It’s honestly hard to say too much because it’s something you just have to read to understand how beautiful it truly was but I loved it. So much. The way each character was seen in a different light in each others POVs. The way they all dealt with loss. The way they all made mistakes and either learned from them or didn’t. The way they changed over time and the way life turned out for them… it was incredible.
10/10 recommend if you love a character driven contemporary fiction novel. At different times it is heartbreaking, funny, and/or hopeful. I loved it! I’m so happy I received an arc for this 🫶🏻
January 17, 2024
You know a book is good when you have to stay up to finish it.
An emotional journey following a family as they deal with the struggles of family life, loss, and heartbreak to emerge into the light.
Cassie Steward's writing style is so evocative that you feel as though you're at the Carmichael's table with them. And everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like Maggie!!
This book will stay with me for years to come. If you read one book this year, let it be Number Thirty Two!
An emotional journey following a family as they deal with the struggles of family life, loss, and heartbreak to emerge into the light.
Cassie Steward's writing style is so evocative that you feel as though you're at the Carmichael's table with them. And everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like Maggie!!
This book will stay with me for years to come. If you read one book this year, let it be Number Thirty Two!
January 17, 2025
I saw so much on social media about this book and then it had great reviews on here, but I came away really disappointed.
The plot is quite interesting, but becomes quite formulaic and predictable in the second half. It’s very readable, but the gaping holes and inconsistencies in the timeline and character ages throughout just irritated me too much.
If Anna was born in 1949 she’s probably not a frail old lady at 73 in 2022.
Ella is described as being born on Bonfire Night in 1971 but it later says she’s celebrating her 13th birthday in 1983 (should be 12th) and is almost 16 in summer 1985 (she was in fact 14 when she had sex with Arthur who was either 19 or 21 at the time depending on which mood the author was in. Questionable either way…and certainly not in a position to run away from home and set up a new life and job in Cornwall and have a baby with no questions asked).
Similarly if Anna was 17 when she gave birth to Louie then he was born 1966 or 1967 and definitely not going on his first day of school (she says he did not go to nursery or pre-school) in 1969 when he’d have been 2 or 3!
And Grayson Jr is described as a young man when he meets his dad in 2023, but would have been 37.
I could go on, but it all just detracted from the plot for me!
The plot is quite interesting, but becomes quite formulaic and predictable in the second half. It’s very readable, but the gaping holes and inconsistencies in the timeline and character ages throughout just irritated me too much.
If Anna was born in 1949 she’s probably not a frail old lady at 73 in 2022.
Ella is described as being born on Bonfire Night in 1971 but it later says she’s celebrating her 13th birthday in 1983 (should be 12th) and is almost 16 in summer 1985 (she was in fact 14 when she had sex with Arthur who was either 19 or 21 at the time depending on which mood the author was in. Questionable either way…and certainly not in a position to run away from home and set up a new life and job in Cornwall and have a baby with no questions asked).
Similarly if Anna was 17 when she gave birth to Louie then he was born 1966 or 1967 and definitely not going on his first day of school (she says he did not go to nursery or pre-school) in 1969 when he’d have been 2 or 3!
And Grayson Jr is described as a young man when he meets his dad in 2023, but would have been 37.
I could go on, but it all just detracted from the plot for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
I was sucked immediately into the story and shed a large amount of tears with this book. But somehow was not convinced by the last part (and therefore I’m not rating it 5 stars).
(I plan to come back to this later).
I had forgotten the physical feeling of loss. The heaviness in my chest, the churning of my stomach…
Book club’s choice for debut novel.
(I plan to come back to this later).
I had forgotten the physical feeling of loss. The heaviness in my chest, the churning of my stomach…
Book club’s choice for debut novel.
January 15, 2024
This is an incredible debut novel by Cassie Steward. An absolute masterpiece. I fell in love with the main characters right from the start - warts and all. This is a novel about family, friendships, grief, loss, love and hope. The authors reflections through the characters on all of this were honest and heart wrenching. The book is an emotional rollercoaster but one that you are gripped by and don’t want to get off. I know I will have a book hangover for these characters!
April 17, 2024
This isn’t my usual style of book but I’m so glad I read it. I loved the writing style, normally I find it to be a bit choppy when one chapter is from one period of time and the next is a present day chapter, but this was written so well. I found the plot easy to follow and it was easy to understand where in time we were.
This is a brilliant debut, and I loved the ending to the book. I really felt for Anna, and Ella around things that had happened to them.
So glad I got an arc of this book ✨
This is a brilliant debut, and I loved the ending to the book. I really felt for Anna, and Ella around things that had happened to them.
So glad I got an arc of this book ✨
May 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
Number Thirty-Two was a quiet, emotional story that slowly unraveled its secrets. I was drawn in by the layered timeline and the way the past lingered in every corner of the house. Anna’s journey felt raw and reflective. I appreciated how the story explored family, loss and the long reach of old decisions. The connection with her Maggie and her family added a thoughtful, grounding element. At times the pacing felt a bit slow, and I found myself wanting a little more impact from some of the reveals. I'm kind of surprised this is categorized as a thriller. The writing itself was strong and atmospheric. This was a poignant, character driven read that focused more on emotion than shock.
Number Thirty-Two was a quiet, emotional story that slowly unraveled its secrets. I was drawn in by the layered timeline and the way the past lingered in every corner of the house. Anna’s journey felt raw and reflective. I appreciated how the story explored family, loss and the long reach of old decisions. The connection with her Maggie and her family added a thoughtful, grounding element. At times the pacing felt a bit slow, and I found myself wanting a little more impact from some of the reveals. I'm kind of surprised this is categorized as a thriller. The writing itself was strong and atmospheric. This was a poignant, character driven read that focused more on emotion than shock.
January 7, 2025
I can’t write down my thoughts on this book and do it any kind of justice! It’s honestly an incredible book. Cassie’s writing is so easy to read and the characters stories are just so beautifully told. I went through every emotion under the sun whilst reading this (my kindle nearly found its way through my window!) and what’s more incredible than a book that can evoke so much emotion!
July 18, 2025
a beautifully written book. like nothing I’ve ever read before, part mystery part heartbreaking inter-generational family story. The way two families lives became irrevocably intertwined was so unique, I went through every emotion with these characters, a definite tear jerker. Would definitely recommend for anyone, something so different
May 19, 2026
Clásica historia de familia “rota” donde vamos viendo el presente y el pasado para entender qué fue lo que salió mal. Tenía MUCHAS expectativas porque vi un montón de reseñas positivas y recomendaciones, así que seguro eso me jugó en contra.
No me pareció malo, pero es algo que ya leímos mil veces dentro de este género. El “misterio” de lo que pasó era bastante obvio desde el principio, entonces nunca sentí intriga real. Además, hay un personaje del que hablan como si escondiera algo enorme y al final nunca terminan de explicar bien qué pasaba con él, quedó demasiado a interpretación y me dejó con más preguntas que respuestas.
Tampoco ayudó que el personaje principal me cayó MAL todo el libro, pensé que iba a tener un arco de redención más fuerte, pero no se terminó de justificar del todo su trato hacia la hija.
Quizás simplemente esperaba demasiado… pero recomiendo mil veces más What Happened to the McCrays, del mismo estilo pero mucho mejor.
No me pareció malo, pero es algo que ya leímos mil veces dentro de este género. El “misterio” de lo que pasó era bastante obvio desde el principio, entonces nunca sentí intriga real. Además, hay un personaje del que hablan como si escondiera algo enorme y al final nunca terminan de explicar bien qué pasaba con él, quedó demasiado a interpretación y me dejó con más preguntas que respuestas.
Tampoco ayudó que el personaje principal me cayó MAL todo el libro, pensé que iba a tener un arco de redención más fuerte, pero no se terminó de justificar del todo su trato hacia la hija.
Quizás simplemente esperaba demasiado… pero recomiendo mil veces más What Happened to the McCrays, del mismo estilo pero mucho mejor.
December 21, 2023
Nothing makes me happier than taking a chance on a book I had previously not heard of and then that book turning out to be really good, and that's exactly what happened here.
The thing that stuck out the most to me was the writing style, and how beautiful it was. It made the story come alive. It's really easy for contemporary fiction to fall into the "boring" category for me, and this was paced and executed so perfectly that it never even crossed my mind to be anything other than riveted. There's an ominous Big Tragic Event that is referenced consistently throughout the book, and it being set in two different timelines that are slowly converging keeps the little reveals coming at a perfect pace. When it was time for the big reveal, it felt perfectly placed, and made everything come together.
Overall, I'm so glad I read this. I laughed, I cried (in public), and I was rooting for all of the characters. I'll absolutely be continuing to read books by this author!
The thing that stuck out the most to me was the writing style, and how beautiful it was. It made the story come alive. It's really easy for contemporary fiction to fall into the "boring" category for me, and this was paced and executed so perfectly that it never even crossed my mind to be anything other than riveted. There's an ominous Big Tragic Event that is referenced consistently throughout the book, and it being set in two different timelines that are slowly converging keeps the little reveals coming at a perfect pace. When it was time for the big reveal, it felt perfectly placed, and made everything come together.
Overall, I'm so glad I read this. I laughed, I cried (in public), and I was rooting for all of the characters. I'll absolutely be continuing to read books by this author!
February 18, 2024
This isn't a usual book I would read and it came recommended by @thistashreads ❤️that being said, I absolutely loved this book and I was so invested in it! It was an emotional read and the character development was just so lovely and had you feeling all the different emotions! 🥺 I would absolutely recommend reading this book! 😍
December 13, 2025
This is an “unputdownable” book. It has everything: dysfunction, hoarding, SECRETS, addiction, family….the list goes on. Obviously, some of these might be triggers for some.
It is about 2 families, living next door whose lives intertwine for decades, through good and some terrible times. My emotions were all over the place. I went from pity, to dislike to empathy and even anger.
This is mostly character driven, but also plot driven. Told in various timelines, by various characters. Sometimes I had to reorient my mind to this to keep the flow, but it was not a distraction. I was so absorbed in what was happening, I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next.
The ending surprised me because it was abrupt. I didn’t realize it was over until I turned the last page. There was closure but I guess I still wanted to see how everything turned out.
Terrific first novel. All the stars!!!!
It is about 2 families, living next door whose lives intertwine for decades, through good and some terrible times. My emotions were all over the place. I went from pity, to dislike to empathy and even anger.
This is mostly character driven, but also plot driven. Told in various timelines, by various characters. Sometimes I had to reorient my mind to this to keep the flow, but it was not a distraction. I was so absorbed in what was happening, I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next.
The ending surprised me because it was abrupt. I didn’t realize it was over until I turned the last page. There was closure but I guess I still wanted to see how everything turned out.
Terrific first novel. All the stars!!!!
January 26, 2026
This was such a beautiful read. The style of writing really draws you in and I got so invested in the story! I don't have anything bad to say, the topics of generational trauma and addiction issues are ones that I have personally had to overcome so I really resonated with the truths of these hard-hitting topics, and I thought the ending summed up how beautiful it is to break these. Would highly recommend to anyone ⭐
Can't wait to read any future books by this Author!
Can't wait to read any future books by this Author!
April 24, 2024
This was a brilliant debut 👏🏻 I thought it wasn’t for me at first but as I got to part two I was fully invested, I’d have raced through it had life and work not gotten in the way 😩
I loved the characters, especially the relationship between Anna and Arthur 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author
I loved the characters, especially the relationship between Anna and Arthur 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author
October 30, 2025
I am half way through and just can't spend any more time on this book. It is so slow paced for the amount of time I have put in, I don't have much to hold on to for me to continue.
I know I am the outlier here but I just don't have interest in domestic dramas. I thought this was going to be something more than that.
I know I am the outlier here but I just don't have interest in domestic dramas. I thought this was going to be something more than that.
March 6, 2026
Couldn’t decide between 4 and 5 stars but I LOVED this book! The characters had me completely hooked, I’ve laughed and cried and the plot twists kept me up so late some nights- going to miss Maggie and Anna but least I’ll get an early night tonight.
October 19, 2025
This book is incredible
May 13, 2025
I started reading this because Cassie is a friend but I finished it because she’s a bloody talented writer and this book was such a lovely read.
It’s not my usual genre but now I’ve dabbled, it’s opened a whole new world of books for me. From the first chapter I was pretty hooked and I loved the comical highs and lows that were to follow.
Congratulation Cassie! I’m excited for the next one.
It’s not my usual genre but now I’ve dabbled, it’s opened a whole new world of books for me. From the first chapter I was pretty hooked and I loved the comical highs and lows that were to follow.
Congratulation Cassie! I’m excited for the next one.
May 2, 2025
I didn't so much read this book I devoured it.
The multiple view points. The multiple characters. The lies. The truths.
All going on behind the doors of Number Thirty Two.
I loved this characters - especially Louis who is the most dislikable likeable character I have encountered in a long time.
I downloaded this blind from Kindle Unlimited and was glad I did.
The multiple view points. The multiple characters. The lies. The truths.
All going on behind the doors of Number Thirty Two.
I loved this characters - especially Louis who is the most dislikable likeable character I have encountered in a long time.
I downloaded this blind from Kindle Unlimited and was glad I did.
May 20, 2026
3⭐️s!
I went into this book pretty blind, having forgot how it originally ended up on my TBR. I liked the story, the characters, and the sense of mystery as you try and figure out the dynamics between characters. I also enjoy reading books set in London, the British dialogue was funny to me lol. While the book had beautiful depictions of broken families, friendships, and how those fractures may or may not heal over time, I have a few complaints.
Anything below here is a spoiler
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Okay here are the things I didn’t like:
At times it felt like the ages of the characters got a little lost, almost like the author forgot the gaps between Ella and Louie.
The main thing that lost me was the end of the book. Is Arthur intended to be genuinely stupid? I don’t understand any alternative to that because his inability to know that a) ella loved him and b) Grayson is his son were so unbelievable that it took me out of the story.
I felt like a second pregnancy plot became additionally unrealistic, particularly considering that both of the pregnancies occurred as a result of the girls losing their virginity. The odds of that seem a bit strange.
I also felt that the author really played into the whole “secrets need to be revealed” in the latter half of the book, with no payoff other than Ella finally returning to see Anna and the reveal that Arthur was Grayson’s father. The Louie plot line felt like it was unresolved despite being a main focus of the story.
Anyway, these things docked a few points for me personally, but I overall enjoyed my experience reading this book!
I went into this book pretty blind, having forgot how it originally ended up on my TBR. I liked the story, the characters, and the sense of mystery as you try and figure out the dynamics between characters. I also enjoy reading books set in London, the British dialogue was funny to me lol. While the book had beautiful depictions of broken families, friendships, and how those fractures may or may not heal over time, I have a few complaints.
Anything below here is a spoiler
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Okay here are the things I didn’t like:
At times it felt like the ages of the characters got a little lost, almost like the author forgot the gaps between Ella and Louie.
The main thing that lost me was the end of the book. Is Arthur intended to be genuinely stupid? I don’t understand any alternative to that because his inability to know that a) ella loved him and b) Grayson is his son were so unbelievable that it took me out of the story.
I felt like a second pregnancy plot became additionally unrealistic, particularly considering that both of the pregnancies occurred as a result of the girls losing their virginity. The odds of that seem a bit strange.
I also felt that the author really played into the whole “secrets need to be revealed” in the latter half of the book, with no payoff other than Ella finally returning to see Anna and the reveal that Arthur was Grayson’s father. The Louie plot line felt like it was unresolved despite being a main focus of the story.
Anyway, these things docked a few points for me personally, but I overall enjoyed my experience reading this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
Trigger warning - addiction story.
Such a visual story of addiction, friendship and grief. Filled with heartbreaking moments and a heaviness that hurt my heart. I don’t always save quotes when reading but these two really struck me.
“The thing is, the one thing I’ve learnt is that this, all of this, is a journey. Time is sacred. We don’t get it back. Every minute we’re given is a gift. From the minute we’re born the clock is ticking and you’re heading towards your destination. Some people are lucky, some people aren’t. Nothing is for keeps, however hard that might be to bear.”
Oh how this struck me - every minute is a gift and grief often makes us forget that as we think of the time we weren’t given instead of the treasured moments we did have.
And this quote….well damn. This gave me the biggest lump in my throat and actually made me put my book down to take a deep breath before I could continue.
“It’s difficult, being a mother to a boy. You love them so fiercely, but always, in the back of your mind, you are waiting to lose them… usually, to friends, girlfriends, then wives… The best you can hope for is to still be considered every so often.”
Such a visual story of addiction, friendship and grief. Filled with heartbreaking moments and a heaviness that hurt my heart. I don’t always save quotes when reading but these two really struck me.
“The thing is, the one thing I’ve learnt is that this, all of this, is a journey. Time is sacred. We don’t get it back. Every minute we’re given is a gift. From the minute we’re born the clock is ticking and you’re heading towards your destination. Some people are lucky, some people aren’t. Nothing is for keeps, however hard that might be to bear.”
Oh how this struck me - every minute is a gift and grief often makes us forget that as we think of the time we weren’t given instead of the treasured moments we did have.
And this quote….well damn. This gave me the biggest lump in my throat and actually made me put my book down to take a deep breath before I could continue.
“It’s difficult, being a mother to a boy. You love them so fiercely, but always, in the back of your mind, you are waiting to lose them… usually, to friends, girlfriends, then wives… The best you can hope for is to still be considered every so often.”
October 12, 2025
where do I start?
I would give this book 100 stars! The authors writing style is BEAUTIFUL and captured me from the first chapter! The way the chapters flowed between time lines was really clever.
The characters!!!!! I LOVED them!! The story and how it unfolded had me captured every step of the way. I laughed and cried and held my breath.
This is a book and a story that will stay with me for a long time! I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend reading it!
Thank you Cassie, I can not wait for your next book!!!
I would give this book 100 stars! The authors writing style is BEAUTIFUL and captured me from the first chapter! The way the chapters flowed between time lines was really clever.
The characters!!!!! I LOVED them!! The story and how it unfolded had me captured every step of the way. I laughed and cried and held my breath.
This is a book and a story that will stay with me for a long time! I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend reading it!
Thank you Cassie, I can not wait for your next book!!!
November 2, 2023
Well this has blown me away. What a wonderful, heartbreaking, heartwarming book. It felt like just real life. Cassie really gets her characters right, she understands people and writes them in a fashion that draws you in and leave you sucker punched. I laughed, I cried and got annoyed. I felt their grief and I felt their joy. Everyone needs to read this. Cassie just gets it and I can not wait to see more from her in the future. I’ll be telling everyone about this.
March 3, 2026
A realistic and tragic portrait of families as they encounter love, life, and loss over the years. The narrative structure really kept you present even though it crossed time. It felt like walking through someone’s memories.
October 23, 2023
An evocative, beautifully written story of forgiveness and recovery. Fans of Maggie o' Farrell and Sally Rooney will love it!
January 13, 2024
4.5 STARS✨ I READ THIS IS ONE SINGLE SITTING! I cannot tell you how glad I am that I read this book!! A stunning, un-put-down-able, debut novel… this was absolutely amazing
February 22, 2026
I didn't want this book to end.
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