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The Neighbours
‘The writing is warm and witty and I quickly grew to love the characters.’ Beth O’Leary, author of
The Flatshare
‘A feat of a debut!’ Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop
To get up from rock bottom, you’ve got to take the stairs…
Some women have it all. Others are thirty-four and rent a tiny flat alone because they recently found their long-term boyfriend in bed with their boss. Ginny Taylor is certain her life can’t get any worse. But then she meets her downstairs neighbour…
Cassie Frost was once a beloved actress, but after a recent mishap she desperately needs a new publicist. And Ginny is a publicist who desperately needs a job – but can she be persuaded to work for the prickly woman who lives below her floorboards?
Ginny and Cassie are two very different women, but they have more in common than they’d care to imagine (or admit). And when their worlds collide, they realise that sometimes – just sometimes – bad neighbours become good friends…
A funny, honest and moving exploration of life, love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties… and beyond . Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Ruth Jones’s Never Greener .
‘If you are looking for a poignant and entertaining romcom with that Bridget Jones vibe, The Neighbours should definitely be on your 2020 wish list.’ NetGalley reader review
‘It had a great mix of realism and escapism; it was good to read a real representation of mental ill heath alongside real friendship with a good splash of romance. It left me feeling uplifted and I loved Ginny’s journey from the beginning to who she was by the end.’ NetGalley reader review
‘If you are looking for a fast, engaging, funny and sometimes poignant and heartbreaking romcom, this story is without doubt a great choice!’ NetGalley reader review
‘You will immediately fall in love with the characters!’ NetGalley reader review
‘A feat of a debut!’ Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop
To get up from rock bottom, you’ve got to take the stairs…
Some women have it all. Others are thirty-four and rent a tiny flat alone because they recently found their long-term boyfriend in bed with their boss. Ginny Taylor is certain her life can’t get any worse. But then she meets her downstairs neighbour…
Cassie Frost was once a beloved actress, but after a recent mishap she desperately needs a new publicist. And Ginny is a publicist who desperately needs a job – but can she be persuaded to work for the prickly woman who lives below her floorboards?
Ginny and Cassie are two very different women, but they have more in common than they’d care to imagine (or admit). And when their worlds collide, they realise that sometimes – just sometimes – bad neighbours become good friends…
A funny, honest and moving exploration of life, love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties… and beyond . Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Ruth Jones’s Never Greener .
‘If you are looking for a poignant and entertaining romcom with that Bridget Jones vibe, The Neighbours should definitely be on your 2020 wish list.’ NetGalley reader review
‘It had a great mix of realism and escapism; it was good to read a real representation of mental ill heath alongside real friendship with a good splash of romance. It left me feeling uplifted and I loved Ginny’s journey from the beginning to who she was by the end.’ NetGalley reader review
‘If you are looking for a fast, engaging, funny and sometimes poignant and heartbreaking romcom, this story is without doubt a great choice!’ NetGalley reader review
‘You will immediately fall in love with the characters!’ NetGalley reader review
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First published February 6, 2020
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April 9, 2020
The Neighbours by Nicola Gill is relationship fiction with a sense of humour. This is the story of two women with absolutely nothing in common, who form an unlikely bond that changes their lives. Ginny, 34, has lost her job and her boyfriend at the same time. Cassie, 55, is an actress of a certain age who has ruined her own reputation when she humiliated herself on television. The two women live in the same apartment building and, when their paths cross, their relationship permanently changes them, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the not-so-good. The Neighbours will make you laugh and it will bring you to tears, sometimes at the same time. This is a delightful and entertaining read and we can all use a little fun. Thank you to Avon Book UK and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2020
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
The Neighbours was a women’s fiction that revolved around Ginny and her neighbor Cassie. It was about friendship, fighting depression, relationship, getting over fear, and working to achieve dream.
Writing was good. I liked the way author represented Ginny’s mediocre life and Cassie’ defamed life with realistic tone that had balance of seriousness and wit. Story was told from Ginny’s perspective.
Book started with 34-yr-old Ginny talking about her simple life whose fertility clock was ticking at rapid rate. She was holding onto her boyfriend to fulfil her simple life by marrying and producing babies with her. But that went to downhill when she found him having pleasure with her boss at her own flat. You can guess where this is going. Jobless, boyfriend-less, wallowing in sadness and self-pity was not exactly a picture she imagined. At the same time her neighbor, Cassie was turning into national hate figure after a reality show. She needed publicist who can help improve her reputation and Ginny desperately needed a job.
Now Ginny lacked confidence and she was not sure she could handle Cassie’s bad reputation and a prickly nature while Cassie no matter what people says never lacked confidence and her power of persuasion was irresistible.
The story was about two totally opposite in nature and in life style neighbours forming strong friendship, helping each other in all kind of situation, uplifting other from depression, giving an honest opinions, and developing over the time.
This was character driven story and relationships between characters and their life was most important part of the story. When I read synopsis, I knew I’m going to have wonderful female friendship and I wasn’t disappointed there. I expected this book to be fun and light-hearted but it was much more than just friendship and fun moments, there was darkness, sadness and depression.
Ginny was timid, squeamish, and a pushover but at the same time she was nice at heart, helped her family and friends. She definitely deserved better than non-committing, competitive, and self-centered Jack. I really felt for her in the beginning but then she was wallowing and whining too much. I had really difficult time to warm with her but when she actually started helping Cassie when she was going through depression, I liked her a little more. But then she had to make that stupidest decision. I wasn’t happy with it. Then again she became such wonderful neighbor, I started liking her back. You see my like and dislike for her was really bumpy ride.
I can see why she was taking one after another disastrous decisions but how could she not see the relationship she was giving a chance won’t last long and what that guy was doing to her. Can a person really be blind in obsession of family and child? I know the answer and we have read thrillers who have given us horrible layout on that. Another point was she never voiced her thoughts and took decision based on what she assumed. I mean you are already hurting somebody what harm would come if you can just say what you’re thinking! It was just so hard to warm to her.
Anyway, I loved her development (that definitely could come earlier) and what she did for Cassie. I admired when she worked to achieve her dream and her amazing decision (one and only) when she got over her fears in climax.
Now even though Ginny was near my age and Cassie much older (55), I connected with her and I liked her from the very beginning. I could see she was bitchy, temperamental and difficult woman but she was honest, brave, bold, and spoke her mind. Yep, total badass. The way people treating her making her national hate figure, it was really horrible. Oh hell, some even said she should have died! I don’t understand why and she was taking it all with such brave face, rode the hate wave like diva. But of course she was human and it affected her. I loved the way she fought her depression, gave her loved ones a chance, and developed by the end of the book. No doubt she was my favorite character.
Some side characters were good while some were shockingly horrible. My second favorite character was Nick. He was such a gentleman and lovely guy.
What I liked most was the message conveyed here through Cassie and Ginny’s story. Depression can come to any one at any time, some face it during their downtime while some can face their worst time and see depression coming much later. There are so many ways to treat depression but it’s different for every person. What works for one person might not work for another. Depressed person should not be left alone they need love, care and companionship no matter how much they denies. Another message was never stop chasing your dream. It’s always hard but there’s always a way or an alternative. You cannot just depend on others to get what you want. And the most common one- talk about your problem with concerning person, don’t just assume things and take decision that you might regret later.
There were few twists and turning points in the book that kept me hooked to story. I really dreaded a heartbreak or even worst but thank fully the end wasn’t bittersweet. It was chocolicious sweet.
Why 4 stars-
Ginny was really frustrating most of the time. I wanted to shake her so hard. As I said it was just so hard to warm to her.
The thing is I loved Cassie I wanted few chapters from her perspective. We are told she was bitchy and did things on reality show that had turned her into hate figure. It was not in detail what exactly happened or what she said, how she felt/so suddenly felt depressed. I wanted to give that middle portion which was so focused on Ginny’s stupid decision to Cassie.
Overall, it was great read with strong message and friendship that all women’s fiction readers would love to read.
*** Note: I received e-copy this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publisher and NetGalley. ***
The Neighbours was a women’s fiction that revolved around Ginny and her neighbor Cassie. It was about friendship, fighting depression, relationship, getting over fear, and working to achieve dream.
Writing was good. I liked the way author represented Ginny’s mediocre life and Cassie’ defamed life with realistic tone that had balance of seriousness and wit. Story was told from Ginny’s perspective.
Book started with 34-yr-old Ginny talking about her simple life whose fertility clock was ticking at rapid rate. She was holding onto her boyfriend to fulfil her simple life by marrying and producing babies with her. But that went to downhill when she found him having pleasure with her boss at her own flat. You can guess where this is going. Jobless, boyfriend-less, wallowing in sadness and self-pity was not exactly a picture she imagined. At the same time her neighbor, Cassie was turning into national hate figure after a reality show. She needed publicist who can help improve her reputation and Ginny desperately needed a job.
Now Ginny lacked confidence and she was not sure she could handle Cassie’s bad reputation and a prickly nature while Cassie no matter what people says never lacked confidence and her power of persuasion was irresistible.
The story was about two totally opposite in nature and in life style neighbours forming strong friendship, helping each other in all kind of situation, uplifting other from depression, giving an honest opinions, and developing over the time.
This was character driven story and relationships between characters and their life was most important part of the story. When I read synopsis, I knew I’m going to have wonderful female friendship and I wasn’t disappointed there. I expected this book to be fun and light-hearted but it was much more than just friendship and fun moments, there was darkness, sadness and depression.
Ginny was timid, squeamish, and a pushover but at the same time she was nice at heart, helped her family and friends. She definitely deserved better than non-committing, competitive, and self-centered Jack. I really felt for her in the beginning but then she was wallowing and whining too much. I had really difficult time to warm with her but when she actually started helping Cassie when she was going through depression, I liked her a little more. But then she had to make that stupidest decision. I wasn’t happy with it. Then again she became such wonderful neighbor, I started liking her back. You see my like and dislike for her was really bumpy ride.
I can see why she was taking one after another disastrous decisions but how could she not see the relationship she was giving a chance won’t last long and what that guy was doing to her. Can a person really be blind in obsession of family and child? I know the answer and we have read thrillers who have given us horrible layout on that. Another point was she never voiced her thoughts and took decision based on what she assumed. I mean you are already hurting somebody what harm would come if you can just say what you’re thinking! It was just so hard to warm to her.
Anyway, I loved her development (that definitely could come earlier) and what she did for Cassie. I admired when she worked to achieve her dream and her amazing decision (one and only) when she got over her fears in climax.
Now even though Ginny was near my age and Cassie much older (55), I connected with her and I liked her from the very beginning. I could see she was bitchy, temperamental and difficult woman but she was honest, brave, bold, and spoke her mind. Yep, total badass. The way people treating her making her national hate figure, it was really horrible. Oh hell, some even said she should have died! I don’t understand why and she was taking it all with such brave face, rode the hate wave like diva. But of course she was human and it affected her. I loved the way she fought her depression, gave her loved ones a chance, and developed by the end of the book. No doubt she was my favorite character.
Some side characters were good while some were shockingly horrible. My second favorite character was Nick. He was such a gentleman and lovely guy.
What I liked most was the message conveyed here through Cassie and Ginny’s story. Depression can come to any one at any time, some face it during their downtime while some can face their worst time and see depression coming much later. There are so many ways to treat depression but it’s different for every person. What works for one person might not work for another. Depressed person should not be left alone they need love, care and companionship no matter how much they denies. Another message was never stop chasing your dream. It’s always hard but there’s always a way or an alternative. You cannot just depend on others to get what you want. And the most common one- talk about your problem with concerning person, don’t just assume things and take decision that you might regret later.
There were few twists and turning points in the book that kept me hooked to story. I really dreaded a heartbreak or even worst but thank fully the end wasn’t bittersweet. It was chocolicious sweet.
Why 4 stars-
Ginny was really frustrating most of the time. I wanted to shake her so hard. As I said it was just so hard to warm to her.
The thing is I loved Cassie I wanted few chapters from her perspective. We are told she was bitchy and did things on reality show that had turned her into hate figure. It was not in detail what exactly happened or what she said, how she felt/so suddenly felt depressed. I wanted to give that middle portion which was so focused on Ginny’s stupid decision to Cassie.
Overall, it was great read with strong message and friendship that all women’s fiction readers would love to read.
*** Note: I received e-copy this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publisher and NetGalley. ***
January 24, 2020
A proper jaunty feel good affair of a book
Meet Ginny, 34, in P.R., unlucky in love but self effacing and ‘lovely’
Meet Cassie 55, ex Bond actress now reality TV ‘star’ with a vicious tongue and acidic humour
Both women are the complete opposites of what you would imagine a friendship could be, but as neighbours in London apartments via a set of circumstances that is what they, tentatively, become
I LOVED them both, their polar opposite personalities really worked well and as their friendship blossomed so did the hilarity and also equally the sadness of their lives
Bang full of wonderfully evil co-workers to caddish lovers the book has many many likeable and likeable characters to hate and not one a dud, every person in the book was easily placed in my mind such were the descriptions given
The book deals with unexpected friendship, romance, work relationships and a really touchingly unusual part about Ginny’s parents lives
Some of the situations are lol farce comedy they really are, some bring a tear but I guarantee you will remember these 2 and I hope, really hope, there is a follow on book
Wonderful!
10/10
5 Stars
Meet Ginny, 34, in P.R., unlucky in love but self effacing and ‘lovely’
Meet Cassie 55, ex Bond actress now reality TV ‘star’ with a vicious tongue and acidic humour
Both women are the complete opposites of what you would imagine a friendship could be, but as neighbours in London apartments via a set of circumstances that is what they, tentatively, become
I LOVED them both, their polar opposite personalities really worked well and as their friendship blossomed so did the hilarity and also equally the sadness of their lives
Bang full of wonderfully evil co-workers to caddish lovers the book has many many likeable and likeable characters to hate and not one a dud, every person in the book was easily placed in my mind such were the descriptions given
The book deals with unexpected friendship, romance, work relationships and a really touchingly unusual part about Ginny’s parents lives
Some of the situations are lol farce comedy they really are, some bring a tear but I guarantee you will remember these 2 and I hope, really hope, there is a follow on book
Wonderful!
10/10
5 Stars
February 5, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Ginny and Cassie were neighbours who quickly become friends. Ginny walked in on her boss and her boyfriend in a comprising position. She ends up loosing her job. Cassie is an aging star who suffers with depression. Ginny tries to help Cassie get her life back on track and becomes her PR.
I did not know what I was really expecting when I started reading this book. Its told from Ginnys point of view. I liked Ginny, she's made mistakes, but who hasn't? It touches on a lot of difficult topics but it also has some humor. There were parts that seemed to drag on a bit. It's well written and fast paced. This is an easy ook to read with a storyline that's realistic and characters that could easily live next door to you.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Nicola Gill for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ginny and Cassie were neighbours who quickly become friends. Ginny walked in on her boss and her boyfriend in a comprising position. She ends up loosing her job. Cassie is an aging star who suffers with depression. Ginny tries to help Cassie get her life back on track and becomes her PR.
I did not know what I was really expecting when I started reading this book. Its told from Ginnys point of view. I liked Ginny, she's made mistakes, but who hasn't? It touches on a lot of difficult topics but it also has some humor. There were parts that seemed to drag on a bit. It's well written and fast paced. This is an easy ook to read with a storyline that's realistic and characters that could easily live next door to you.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Nicola Gill for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2020
This was a difficult read for me. It provoked a range of emotions and not many of them were my favourite, ‘warm and fuzzy’ feelings. Well-written, I found the subject matter at times rather uncomfortable and sometimes struggled to fully engage with the plot.
Undoubtedly, the cover of this novel completely juxtaposes the subject matter. I was anticipating a “chick flick” sort of story with comedy and romance. However, instead Gill presents loneliness, old-age, depression and social pressures. There wasn’t much comedy and although I chuckled over Ginny’s private thoughts, this did little to relieve the overwhelming sadness in this story.
Ginny is a character whom I believe (sadly) many women can relate to. After losing her job, she faces pressures on how to make ends meet with zero income and mounting bills. Interview after interview, Gill describes the difficulties of trying to find a new job in a crowded market. On top of this, when Ginny walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her, she suddenly feels extremely alone. Her new housemate is forever with her own boyfriend, emphasising how Ginny does not have this relationship. Nearing her mid-thirties, Ginny feels the pressure of her “biological clock”. She is desperate to have children and is extremely conscious that being single will not help! All around her she feels everyone has a family and is settled down. Instead, Ginny believes that “time is running out” and fears she will not achieve her dream. It is a sombre set of topics because the expectation to have a family is so prevalent in society and I think the writer carefully captures Ginny’s private torment, whilst also, eventually, proving that such dilemmas can be overcome.
Ginny’s neighbour, Cassie, did not feature as much as I expected. Whilst Ginny learns many things from her cantankerous elder, I thought that Cassie would have an more obvious position in Ginny’s “learning”. When things take a turn for the worse, this plot strand adds a further sombre element to the story. Indeed, with recent news stories and the re-focus on ‘Be Kind’, I felt a little uncomfortable reading some of the chapters. This is at no fault to the writer, just a coincidence of bad timing.
Despite the low self-esteem from both female protagonists, it has to be acknowledged that this is a story of hope. Both Ginny and Cassie do turn things around and whilst the path is challenging, it is intended to prove to readers the importance of being in control of your own destiny. It is this thoughtful tone that helps lighten the gravitas of the overall plot.
This was a well-written and thought-provoking story. My criticisms are based on my own expectations of the novel. I was hoping for something light-hearted and fun – this is not the case with Gill’s offering. The characters are certainly types that many readers will relate to; I believe this book is best enjoyed sandwiched between more upbeat stories and bearing in mind the topics acknowledged, it should be remembered that this does finish on a happy note.
With thanks to Avon books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Undoubtedly, the cover of this novel completely juxtaposes the subject matter. I was anticipating a “chick flick” sort of story with comedy and romance. However, instead Gill presents loneliness, old-age, depression and social pressures. There wasn’t much comedy and although I chuckled over Ginny’s private thoughts, this did little to relieve the overwhelming sadness in this story.
Ginny is a character whom I believe (sadly) many women can relate to. After losing her job, she faces pressures on how to make ends meet with zero income and mounting bills. Interview after interview, Gill describes the difficulties of trying to find a new job in a crowded market. On top of this, when Ginny walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her, she suddenly feels extremely alone. Her new housemate is forever with her own boyfriend, emphasising how Ginny does not have this relationship. Nearing her mid-thirties, Ginny feels the pressure of her “biological clock”. She is desperate to have children and is extremely conscious that being single will not help! All around her she feels everyone has a family and is settled down. Instead, Ginny believes that “time is running out” and fears she will not achieve her dream. It is a sombre set of topics because the expectation to have a family is so prevalent in society and I think the writer carefully captures Ginny’s private torment, whilst also, eventually, proving that such dilemmas can be overcome.
Ginny’s neighbour, Cassie, did not feature as much as I expected. Whilst Ginny learns many things from her cantankerous elder, I thought that Cassie would have an more obvious position in Ginny’s “learning”. When things take a turn for the worse, this plot strand adds a further sombre element to the story. Indeed, with recent news stories and the re-focus on ‘Be Kind’, I felt a little uncomfortable reading some of the chapters. This is at no fault to the writer, just a coincidence of bad timing.
Despite the low self-esteem from both female protagonists, it has to be acknowledged that this is a story of hope. Both Ginny and Cassie do turn things around and whilst the path is challenging, it is intended to prove to readers the importance of being in control of your own destiny. It is this thoughtful tone that helps lighten the gravitas of the overall plot.
This was a well-written and thought-provoking story. My criticisms are based on my own expectations of the novel. I was hoping for something light-hearted and fun – this is not the case with Gill’s offering. The characters are certainly types that many readers will relate to; I believe this book is best enjoyed sandwiched between more upbeat stories and bearing in mind the topics acknowledged, it should be remembered that this does finish on a happy note.
With thanks to Avon books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2020
In this era of “ageism” it is wonderful to see a book about two women with roughly two decades of difference in their ages come together in a celebration of friendship.
Ginny is a thirty-something woman who is struggling with her place in life. She feels unfilled in her job but has no idea how to get a different and better one. When she walks in on her live-in boyfriend shagging her boss – in Cassie’s own apartment – she is forced into looking at life from a different, jobless perspective. She is good at what she does – marketing and PR – but she isn’t always on her game when it comes to job interviews.
Her neighbor, Cassie, is a fifty-something, well known actress who, sadly, has sabotaged her career over time with her boorish behavior, uncensored mouth and worse. She desperately needs an agent or PR consultant to help her get her life back in gear but no one will touch her, not even with a ten foot pole!
Cassie talks Ginny into helping and soon the two realize, well, they have absolutely nothing in common and barely can tolerate one another. As they work together, however, they realize that one doesn’t always have to have similarity as a foundation upon which to build a great friendship. Both of these women learn from one another, help each other turn their weaknesses into strength and, ultimately, they form a beautiful friendship.
The Neighbours is a humorous, witty look at relationships of all types and illustrates how each of us have something to offer to one another, despite our differences. And yes, in today’s world where differences are highlighted and maligned, it is a joy to see how our lack of sameness can be a strength. This is a wonderful, well written story of friendship that is perfect for readers of all genres.
Ginny is a thirty-something woman who is struggling with her place in life. She feels unfilled in her job but has no idea how to get a different and better one. When she walks in on her live-in boyfriend shagging her boss – in Cassie’s own apartment – she is forced into looking at life from a different, jobless perspective. She is good at what she does – marketing and PR – but she isn’t always on her game when it comes to job interviews.
Her neighbor, Cassie, is a fifty-something, well known actress who, sadly, has sabotaged her career over time with her boorish behavior, uncensored mouth and worse. She desperately needs an agent or PR consultant to help her get her life back in gear but no one will touch her, not even with a ten foot pole!
Cassie talks Ginny into helping and soon the two realize, well, they have absolutely nothing in common and barely can tolerate one another. As they work together, however, they realize that one doesn’t always have to have similarity as a foundation upon which to build a great friendship. Both of these women learn from one another, help each other turn their weaknesses into strength and, ultimately, they form a beautiful friendship.
The Neighbours is a humorous, witty look at relationships of all types and illustrates how each of us have something to offer to one another, despite our differences. And yes, in today’s world where differences are highlighted and maligned, it is a joy to see how our lack of sameness can be a strength. This is a wonderful, well written story of friendship that is perfect for readers of all genres.
March 3, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Thirty-four-year-old Ginny has had the worst week of luck. First, her best friend moves out of the flat they shared for a swanky new job in America. Then she comes home to find her boyfriend in her flat and he’s not alone, he’s caught in the act with her boss of all people, and now she has lost her PR job too.
Fifty-five-year-old Cassie was once a loved actress, now after a stint on I’m a celebrity in which she came across as rude, obnoxious and completely horrible the public has turned on her.
The two women live in the same block of flats and with Cassie now needing a PR specialist and Ginny being out of work, can they help one another out? How will these two, very different women cope with one another and can Ginny make the public see another side to Cassie? – That’s if she has one!
The Neighbours was an enjoyable read though it did take me quite a few chapters to get into it and warm to the characters. The plot is amusing in parts and it was fun to watch these two women who are like chalk and cheese work together. There were also some poignant moments and sections that focused on mental health that was written exceptionally well.
There were parts within the book that I felt were there to pad it out, such as Ginny’s new flat-mate and her boyfriend. I didn’t feel they added much to the story or that I particularly found them likeable, they were just there if you get where I’m coming from.
I did find that the more I read the more I could emphasis with both women and that it was wonderful to see them both grow as individuals as well as form a lovely friendship. You also get to see under the wooden exterior of Cassie. It is lovely to read about two women who though very different were both plausible and realistic.
This is a book about how friendship can be formed even in the most unlikely situations and with people who seem the polar opposites of one another. Sometimes you need someone different to you to make you understand more about yourself and to show you another side to life.
Thirty-four-year-old Ginny has had the worst week of luck. First, her best friend moves out of the flat they shared for a swanky new job in America. Then she comes home to find her boyfriend in her flat and he’s not alone, he’s caught in the act with her boss of all people, and now she has lost her PR job too.
Fifty-five-year-old Cassie was once a loved actress, now after a stint on I’m a celebrity in which she came across as rude, obnoxious and completely horrible the public has turned on her.
The two women live in the same block of flats and with Cassie now needing a PR specialist and Ginny being out of work, can they help one another out? How will these two, very different women cope with one another and can Ginny make the public see another side to Cassie? – That’s if she has one!
The Neighbours was an enjoyable read though it did take me quite a few chapters to get into it and warm to the characters. The plot is amusing in parts and it was fun to watch these two women who are like chalk and cheese work together. There were also some poignant moments and sections that focused on mental health that was written exceptionally well.
There were parts within the book that I felt were there to pad it out, such as Ginny’s new flat-mate and her boyfriend. I didn’t feel they added much to the story or that I particularly found them likeable, they were just there if you get where I’m coming from.
I did find that the more I read the more I could emphasis with both women and that it was wonderful to see them both grow as individuals as well as form a lovely friendship. You also get to see under the wooden exterior of Cassie. It is lovely to read about two women who though very different were both plausible and realistic.
This is a book about how friendship can be formed even in the most unlikely situations and with people who seem the polar opposites of one another. Sometimes you need someone different to you to make you understand more about yourself and to show you another side to life.
February 1, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Laura Glassman
The Neighbours tells the story of two women, their unlikely friendship, and how each puts their life back together after they experience personal and professional upsets.
Ginny, the most central character, is 34 at the time that the story opens. At the start of the novel, she reflects that her life is not where she hoped or expected it to be at that time. She works an uninteresting job in public relations, but really dreams of writing a novel one day. One day, she discovers her boyfriend of the time cheating on her with her boss in her own apartment. She dumps her boyfriend and, unsurprisingly, cannot stay at her job. This provokes many further thoughts and feelings about where she is in her life and her goals for herself.
Before long, Ginny encounters Cassie, her downstairs neighbour. Cassie is a 50-something year old actress who is suffering a career upset after a series of reputation-damaging stories following an embarrassing television appearance. She has also experienced more than one failed marriage. Ginny initially judges Cassie and it appears that she has little in common with her given their different life experiences. However, she slowly gets to know her, eventually accepting an offer from Cassie to do PR for her personally. However unlikely the friendship appears at first, the friendship that develops is a very positive one. Because of the similarities of their perceived failures, they are able to help each other through the things that they are going through and support and encourage each other both emotionally and in their romantic and professional lives.
This is an excellent book for anyone who’s ever felt that they should be in a certain place or have accomplished something specific at a certain point in their life, but had not. For instance, all of the things that happen to Ginny at the start of the novel happen when she is in her mid 30’s. As a result, she constantly worries that she’ll never get a chance to have kids because she doesn’t have the right relationship. She finds herself comparing herself to her sister, who seems to have it all together compared to her. She feels like a total mess for a time. Many readers will find this refreshing because so many of us have had a period in our lives when we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough or are comparing ourselves to others. None of us are perfect.
Ginny’s narrative is completely honest and funny. It is often stream of thought, Ginny imagining what she’d say or do in a situation. She is self-conscious and uncertain of herself early on, but she has a sense of humour about it (“Perhaps I can run masterclasses on how now to behave in interviews.”) It is easy to sense her disappointment at her failures and to inwardly cheer for her successes. Cassie is often insecure but also doesn’t realise what good judgement she truly has. She is so genuine that she can’t help but be a character who many readers will find relatable.
As Nicola Gill writes, “This is a book that celebrates friendship” and it does that well. It is an enjoyable book for those who appreciate stories about seemingly different people who find a connection with each other and become dear friends. Ginny goes from initially judging Cassie to enjoying her company and standing up for her. Cassie initially appears simply snobby and ungrounded, but she ends up giving Ginny useful insights into herself and life advice, for instance encouraging her to take a creative writing class. This is a lovely story about how friends support each other, even when growth and improvement of life circumstances is not linear. Eventually, it becomes clear that Cassie is like family to Ginny and her well-being takes precedence over other things including work commitments and her love life. This book is a testament to the value of good friendships in our lives. It also shows how people can show up for each other and come along in your life in ways that you don’t expect. Friends can truly save one another.
One caveat is that in this novel, the story about the friendship far outshines other parts of the storyline. This reader found the plot as it related to the development of Ginny and Cassie’s romantic lives relatively uninteresting and less developed compared with the story of their burgeoning friendship. I wished more time had been devoted to the development of Ginny’s newer relationship after her breakup, or her boyfriend Nick’s character. It felt like she just jumped right into things and it went from point A to point B with little build up. Though there are more twists to that aspect of the story than what initially happens, this felt like a let- down. Additionally, I was not as invested in the story of who Cassie finds romantically. To Nicola Gill’s credit, this is a story that was intended first and foremost to be about celebrating friendship, and it does that well. It just would have been nice to have felt more invested in the side storylines as well.
The book touches on mental health issues (namely, depression) and the importance of taking them seriously rather than being dismissive of them. Nicola Gill showcases this issue in a sensitive way and shows how someone can be a good friend to a person with depression. She also talks about therapy in a way that is positive about the benefits it can have.
Both characters grow and change substantially over the course of the novel, and so, this is a story about two women’s journeys in picking up their lives and finding greater happiness. Ginny grows and begins to take greater ownership of her decisions, and Cassie finds happier relationships and peace in who she is. It is only through the way the two support one another that they are each able to find greater happiness. While The Neighbours is missing depth in some areas, it is a tremendous testament to the power of friendship and the way people can be there for each other through thick and thin.
The Neighbours tells the story of two women, their unlikely friendship, and how each puts their life back together after they experience personal and professional upsets.
Ginny, the most central character, is 34 at the time that the story opens. At the start of the novel, she reflects that her life is not where she hoped or expected it to be at that time. She works an uninteresting job in public relations, but really dreams of writing a novel one day. One day, she discovers her boyfriend of the time cheating on her with her boss in her own apartment. She dumps her boyfriend and, unsurprisingly, cannot stay at her job. This provokes many further thoughts and feelings about where she is in her life and her goals for herself.
Before long, Ginny encounters Cassie, her downstairs neighbour. Cassie is a 50-something year old actress who is suffering a career upset after a series of reputation-damaging stories following an embarrassing television appearance. She has also experienced more than one failed marriage. Ginny initially judges Cassie and it appears that she has little in common with her given their different life experiences. However, she slowly gets to know her, eventually accepting an offer from Cassie to do PR for her personally. However unlikely the friendship appears at first, the friendship that develops is a very positive one. Because of the similarities of their perceived failures, they are able to help each other through the things that they are going through and support and encourage each other both emotionally and in their romantic and professional lives.
This is an excellent book for anyone who’s ever felt that they should be in a certain place or have accomplished something specific at a certain point in their life, but had not. For instance, all of the things that happen to Ginny at the start of the novel happen when she is in her mid 30’s. As a result, she constantly worries that she’ll never get a chance to have kids because she doesn’t have the right relationship. She finds herself comparing herself to her sister, who seems to have it all together compared to her. She feels like a total mess for a time. Many readers will find this refreshing because so many of us have had a period in our lives when we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough or are comparing ourselves to others. None of us are perfect.
Ginny’s narrative is completely honest and funny. It is often stream of thought, Ginny imagining what she’d say or do in a situation. She is self-conscious and uncertain of herself early on, but she has a sense of humour about it (“Perhaps I can run masterclasses on how now to behave in interviews.”) It is easy to sense her disappointment at her failures and to inwardly cheer for her successes. Cassie is often insecure but also doesn’t realise what good judgement she truly has. She is so genuine that she can’t help but be a character who many readers will find relatable.
As Nicola Gill writes, “This is a book that celebrates friendship” and it does that well. It is an enjoyable book for those who appreciate stories about seemingly different people who find a connection with each other and become dear friends. Ginny goes from initially judging Cassie to enjoying her company and standing up for her. Cassie initially appears simply snobby and ungrounded, but she ends up giving Ginny useful insights into herself and life advice, for instance encouraging her to take a creative writing class. This is a lovely story about how friends support each other, even when growth and improvement of life circumstances is not linear. Eventually, it becomes clear that Cassie is like family to Ginny and her well-being takes precedence over other things including work commitments and her love life. This book is a testament to the value of good friendships in our lives. It also shows how people can show up for each other and come along in your life in ways that you don’t expect. Friends can truly save one another.
One caveat is that in this novel, the story about the friendship far outshines other parts of the storyline. This reader found the plot as it related to the development of Ginny and Cassie’s romantic lives relatively uninteresting and less developed compared with the story of their burgeoning friendship. I wished more time had been devoted to the development of Ginny’s newer relationship after her breakup, or her boyfriend Nick’s character. It felt like she just jumped right into things and it went from point A to point B with little build up. Though there are more twists to that aspect of the story than what initially happens, this felt like a let- down. Additionally, I was not as invested in the story of who Cassie finds romantically. To Nicola Gill’s credit, this is a story that was intended first and foremost to be about celebrating friendship, and it does that well. It just would have been nice to have felt more invested in the side storylines as well.
The book touches on mental health issues (namely, depression) and the importance of taking them seriously rather than being dismissive of them. Nicola Gill showcases this issue in a sensitive way and shows how someone can be a good friend to a person with depression. She also talks about therapy in a way that is positive about the benefits it can have.
Both characters grow and change substantially over the course of the novel, and so, this is a story about two women’s journeys in picking up their lives and finding greater happiness. Ginny grows and begins to take greater ownership of her decisions, and Cassie finds happier relationships and peace in who she is. It is only through the way the two support one another that they are each able to find greater happiness. While The Neighbours is missing depth in some areas, it is a tremendous testament to the power of friendship and the way people can be there for each other through thick and thin.
February 20, 2020
This book had a lot promise but frustrated me so much.
I was really excited to pick this one up and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to read the advanced copy.
Characters are everything. I was very annoyed with the main character throughout the story. I could not connect with her at all. There were times when she was interacting with other characters in the book and I began to like her but then the inner dialogue would start and I was back to frustrated.
I almost DNF’d this book a couple times but decided to push through thinking it would get better. It didn’t.
This book was just not for me.
I was really excited to pick this one up and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to read the advanced copy.
Characters are everything. I was very annoyed with the main character throughout the story. I could not connect with her at all. There were times when she was interacting with other characters in the book and I began to like her but then the inner dialogue would start and I was back to frustrated.
I almost DNF’d this book a couple times but decided to push through thinking it would get better. It didn’t.
This book was just not for me.
April 25, 2020
Ginny and Cassie are two strong characters and i like the addition of Nick. I like Nick and Ginny together.
This story to me comes in two parts the first is quite a light read. The second takes in many issues a person can face. Ginny wanting a child, you do wonder where it comes from. I thought Cassie's issues were well written. I like how it's got more of an edge to it than a typical chick lit book and that it surprises you.
I like how the chapters flow but it feel a little flat for me in the middle, the start was good, i liked the end but they did feel like two different books.
3.5 Stars
This story to me comes in two parts the first is quite a light read. The second takes in many issues a person can face. Ginny wanting a child, you do wonder where it comes from. I thought Cassie's issues were well written. I like how it's got more of an edge to it than a typical chick lit book and that it surprises you.
I like how the chapters flow but it feel a little flat for me in the middle, the start was good, i liked the end but they did feel like two different books.
3.5 Stars
October 18, 2019
4 stars.
You look at the title and think it’s probably a thriller, because there seems to be a trend these days when it comes to thrillers — there’s either a girl somewhere, a wife somewhere, or a neighbour somewhere.
But nope, this is a book about two neighbours who live in the same building. It’s a story about the unlikely friendship they form, and how they help each other grow as individuals. Clinical depression is dealt with beautifully in Nicola Gill’s debut novel, as one of the characters undergoes a massive spell. The rock solid friendship formed between two women, with an age gap of twenty years, is the crux of the story.
One of the neighbours is Ginny, a woman who tries to put her life back together from one of festering mediocrity — she’s at a dead end job and the only thing she relies on is that she has a boyfriend whom she’s serious with — until she catches said boyfriend cheating on her with her boss. (Yikes!) She’s paranoid about her biological clock, thanks to excessive conditioning by the media, and is afraid of being alone in life — a fear that most human beings share.
The other half of the titular duo is Cassie — a small time actress who’s under media fire for a ton of things she says and does. She’s in her fifties, and is unapologetic about what she says in a time when it’s necessary to be PC all the time. She’s not racist or homophobic — in fact she’s vocal about speaking out against discrimination in real life — but somehow lands with her foot in her mouth, which is always recorded for posterity by the paparazzi. The second half of the story focuses on how she gets back on her feet as she struggles with depression, her friendship with Ginny being the rock that is instrumental in her recovery.
The story is narrated in a very lighthearted manner from Ginny’s point of view, but it never trivialises any of the issues that either of the main characters face. It doesn’t try to be unnecessarily humorous, but there’s an underlying sense of wit, that shines through at the right moments.
The story does feature romance, but it never delves into it. Things happen as they happen, and the primary focus is only on the characters’ professional lives and their personal development. It passes the Bechdel’s test with flying colours — and it that sense, I’d call it feminist. The right term for this novel would be “women’s literature”, not to be confused with the stereotyped category of “chick lit”.
The only qualms I had with this book is that it could have been shorter. While the first 40% of the book and the last 30% were engaging, the first few chapters especially so, the story kind of idled in the middle. I read this in four days flat despite a heavy workload — I couldn’t stop reading, but a lot of the middle could have been edited to be crisper. The descriptions were excessive at times, though at others, that was the backbone for some lighthearted humour. It still could have been made shorter, though.
Reading this book was a refreshing change. I saw the cover and description, and decided I had to give it a try — the cover is quirky and cute, and reminds me of O. Henry for some reason. It’s not a book for those who want a fast paced plot, or those who want some action. This book essentially is just a time lapse capture of two women who lead remarkably ordinary lives, over the period of about 18 months.
I truly enjoyed this breath of fresh air, and would like to see what Nicola Gill writes next. The book is slated to be published in Feb 2020, and I hope it does well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book — I truly enjoyed it.
You look at the title and think it’s probably a thriller, because there seems to be a trend these days when it comes to thrillers — there’s either a girl somewhere, a wife somewhere, or a neighbour somewhere.
But nope, this is a book about two neighbours who live in the same building. It’s a story about the unlikely friendship they form, and how they help each other grow as individuals. Clinical depression is dealt with beautifully in Nicola Gill’s debut novel, as one of the characters undergoes a massive spell. The rock solid friendship formed between two women, with an age gap of twenty years, is the crux of the story.
One of the neighbours is Ginny, a woman who tries to put her life back together from one of festering mediocrity — she’s at a dead end job and the only thing she relies on is that she has a boyfriend whom she’s serious with — until she catches said boyfriend cheating on her with her boss. (Yikes!) She’s paranoid about her biological clock, thanks to excessive conditioning by the media, and is afraid of being alone in life — a fear that most human beings share.
The other half of the titular duo is Cassie — a small time actress who’s under media fire for a ton of things she says and does. She’s in her fifties, and is unapologetic about what she says in a time when it’s necessary to be PC all the time. She’s not racist or homophobic — in fact she’s vocal about speaking out against discrimination in real life — but somehow lands with her foot in her mouth, which is always recorded for posterity by the paparazzi. The second half of the story focuses on how she gets back on her feet as she struggles with depression, her friendship with Ginny being the rock that is instrumental in her recovery.
The story is narrated in a very lighthearted manner from Ginny’s point of view, but it never trivialises any of the issues that either of the main characters face. It doesn’t try to be unnecessarily humorous, but there’s an underlying sense of wit, that shines through at the right moments.
The story does feature romance, but it never delves into it. Things happen as they happen, and the primary focus is only on the characters’ professional lives and their personal development. It passes the Bechdel’s test with flying colours — and it that sense, I’d call it feminist. The right term for this novel would be “women’s literature”, not to be confused with the stereotyped category of “chick lit”.
The only qualms I had with this book is that it could have been shorter. While the first 40% of the book and the last 30% were engaging, the first few chapters especially so, the story kind of idled in the middle. I read this in four days flat despite a heavy workload — I couldn’t stop reading, but a lot of the middle could have been edited to be crisper. The descriptions were excessive at times, though at others, that was the backbone for some lighthearted humour. It still could have been made shorter, though.
Reading this book was a refreshing change. I saw the cover and description, and decided I had to give it a try — the cover is quirky and cute, and reminds me of O. Henry for some reason. It’s not a book for those who want a fast paced plot, or those who want some action. This book essentially is just a time lapse capture of two women who lead remarkably ordinary lives, over the period of about 18 months.
I truly enjoyed this breath of fresh air, and would like to see what Nicola Gill writes next. The book is slated to be published in Feb 2020, and I hope it does well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book — I truly enjoyed it.
January 18, 2020
This book was not what I thought it would be.
In a good but in a bad way too.
Overall, a solid read.
This is a chick-lit novel a la Sophie Kinsella. We have two neighbors, Ginny and Cassie. These two form friendship trough some troubles and tribulations They are opposite in almost everything. And yet the connection is real and heartwarming. Even though Ginny is closer to me in age I feel more for Cassie. I liked her as a character better.
The pace of the plotline could be better...It felt dragging in some chapters.
This is not quite a lighthearted book as I thought. There are some emotional issues that are dealt with.
I wish I was more interested in the story or the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
In a good but in a bad way too.
Overall, a solid read.
This is a chick-lit novel a la Sophie Kinsella. We have two neighbors, Ginny and Cassie. These two form friendship trough some troubles and tribulations They are opposite in almost everything. And yet the connection is real and heartwarming. Even though Ginny is closer to me in age I feel more for Cassie. I liked her as a character better.
The pace of the plotline could be better...It felt dragging in some chapters.
This is not quite a lighthearted book as I thought. There are some emotional issues that are dealt with.
I wish I was more interested in the story or the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 26, 2019
For me the subject matter of the book was a little hard to read about. But the characters were lovely. I found it a little bit sad and heartbreaking as I could relate to it on many levels. But it was a well written book.
August 23, 2022
I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked this one up but I was pleasantly surprised.
I listened to it on audio, which really helped pull me in to the characters. I felt like I really knew them both and understood what they were going through.
It touches on depression but in a very sensitive way (I thought) whilst still keeping it light enough to read and follow.
The plot was interesting and the pace was good throughout. Would recommend - 4/5!
I listened to it on audio, which really helped pull me in to the characters. I felt like I really knew them both and understood what they were going through.
It touches on depression but in a very sensitive way (I thought) whilst still keeping it light enough to read and follow.
The plot was interesting and the pace was good throughout. Would recommend - 4/5!
December 6, 2019
Ginny strikes an unlikely friendship with Cassie, an older woman, a celebrity who is ruining her public image and is in need of a new PR person. Who's better then her neighbour who just lost a job, a boyfriend and needs some distraction (and money)? I was very pleased that in Nicola Gill's debut novel we do not follow yet another woman trying to find her love, but we concentrate on friendship between two women. Yes, there are heartbreaks, bad decisions and Tinder, but to me the relationship between Ginny and Cassie was always the centre of the story.
Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2020
Two women, Ginny, 34, and her downstairs neighbour Cassie, 55, join forces. PR Manager Ginny had just had her heart broken and lost her job, former actress Cassie is going through a social media crisis. They start working together to polish Cassie's image, which is the start of a wonderful friendship.
I really enjoyed this one.
I really enjoyed this one.
October 22, 2019
Finished reading: October 21st 2019
"'I was just trying to be the new Ginny.' Cassie sighs. 'Pity, because I think he really liked the old one.'"
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 27, 2020
This was my first book I have read by this author and will not be the last it was a fantastic read and I didn’t want it to end. Kept you hooked and wanting to know what happened. It’s funny but honest as well and shows you about friendship and romance but heartbreak to and how life can get very hard at times and not always easy. The characters are great and you feel you know them.
Ginny thought she had a good job and perfect partner but when she comes home to find him in bed with her boss she ends up living in her tiny flat alone and with out a job as well not what she wanted. She’s always looked up to her parents but feel she has let them down. Her neighbour who lives downstairs is Cassie a famous actress and she does a reality tv show and everything changes for her and she needs a new publicist and with Ginny trying to get friendly with her she tries to get her to do the job as that what her job was but she’s not convinced it’s a good idea with them becoming good friends. She agrees to do one job for her but it all goes wrong and Cassie becomes very depressed. So two people who are very different can finally learn they have more in common and can become great friends bd can they both get their lives back on track.
Ginny thought she had a good job and perfect partner but when she comes home to find him in bed with her boss she ends up living in her tiny flat alone and with out a job as well not what she wanted. She’s always looked up to her parents but feel she has let them down. Her neighbour who lives downstairs is Cassie a famous actress and she does a reality tv show and everything changes for her and she needs a new publicist and with Ginny trying to get friendly with her she tries to get her to do the job as that what her job was but she’s not convinced it’s a good idea with them becoming good friends. She agrees to do one job for her but it all goes wrong and Cassie becomes very depressed. So two people who are very different can finally learn they have more in common and can become great friends bd can they both get their lives back on track.
February 18, 2020
Thank you to Avon Books UK for providing me an ARC of this for review!
Honestly only finished this because it was for review. I don't think this type of book was for me at all.
I don't think this type of book was for me at all.
I never want to say a book entirely didn't work, there are always good things to find. For me though, this book just never sat right with me.
From the start, the main character, Ginny, makes such instant and horrible assumptions about EVERY woman she meets. Every woman is dressed too young for her age or looks too bubbly or just seems a bit of a tramp. She sees her ex with a new woman at one point and spends the rest of the book calling her "A-man-da" which was just painful to read.
She blames all the bad things in her life on everyone and everything else when realistically it's due to her own lack of self motivation and her inability to say what she means/wants. Sure we all struggle with that at points but it is near constant for her.
This book deals with someone getting depression that Ginny helps with and the way it was depicted really did not sit well with me. I've had depression and am on my way out of it at the moment but the way it was used here was just eh to me. It felt more like a way to get the reader to feel sympathy for Ginny, saying "oh look she helped her friend when she had depression!" The depression felt more like a project for Ginny to focus on and then oop suddenly friend is happy, she's off to go get married, problem solved. Shocking news but being in a relationship actually does not stop depression???
I'm sure this book is for someone, but. also sure that someone is not me.
Anyway! I don't want to talk about this book ever again! Remind me never to request women's fiction on NetGalley again!
Honestly only finished this because it was for review. I don't think this type of book was for me at all.
I don't think this type of book was for me at all.
I never want to say a book entirely didn't work, there are always good things to find. For me though, this book just never sat right with me.
From the start, the main character, Ginny, makes such instant and horrible assumptions about EVERY woman she meets. Every woman is dressed too young for her age or looks too bubbly or just seems a bit of a tramp. She sees her ex with a new woman at one point and spends the rest of the book calling her "A-man-da" which was just painful to read.
She blames all the bad things in her life on everyone and everything else when realistically it's due to her own lack of self motivation and her inability to say what she means/wants. Sure we all struggle with that at points but it is near constant for her.
This book deals with someone getting depression that Ginny helps with and the way it was depicted really did not sit well with me. I've had depression and am on my way out of it at the moment but the way it was used here was just eh to me. It felt more like a way to get the reader to feel sympathy for Ginny, saying "oh look she helped her friend when she had depression!" The depression felt more like a project for Ginny to focus on and then oop suddenly friend is happy, she's off to go get married, problem solved. Shocking news but being in a relationship actually does not stop depression???
I'm sure this book is for someone, but. also sure that someone is not me.
Anyway! I don't want to talk about this book ever again! Remind me never to request women's fiction on NetGalley again!
January 26, 2020
Ginny is about to turn 35 and finds herself jobless, roommateless, boyfriendless, and desperately wanting a baby. Cassie, Ginny's neighbor, is an almost washed up actress with lots of issues of her own. Somehow, these two women form a deep friendship.
I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I actually did. This particular genre is one I turn to for fun, light-hearted reading as a break from some of the heavier books I read. Unfortunately, this particular book just dragged. I didn't mind the heavier topics -- infidelity, depression, etc. -- but I did mind that they seemed to come out of absolutely nowhere. I also didn't like how weak Ginny was -- she lets men treat her however they want, when she finally meets a nice man, she acts like she's 14 instead of 35.
The ending was fine, but by the time we finally got to that point, I didn't really care about Ginny or Cassie anymore, unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. It has not influenced my opinion.
I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I actually did. This particular genre is one I turn to for fun, light-hearted reading as a break from some of the heavier books I read. Unfortunately, this particular book just dragged. I didn't mind the heavier topics -- infidelity, depression, etc. -- but I did mind that they seemed to come out of absolutely nowhere. I also didn't like how weak Ginny was -- she lets men treat her however they want, when she finally meets a nice man, she acts like she's 14 instead of 35.
The ending was fine, but by the time we finally got to that point, I didn't really care about Ginny or Cassie anymore, unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. It has not influenced my opinion.
February 12, 2020
Cassie and Ginny are neighbours. 55 and 35 respectively very un alike in ways, attitudes and characteristics but both are tenacious, both underlying the frivolity are good people and this is their story. Of hopelessness, despair, depression, relationships, the difficulty in finding (and keeping) a partner and their hopes for their futures.
It was a mish mash of feelings and basic living and trying to come to terms with life and come to terms they did - eventually. Ginny's basic fear of ending up alone without a family is shared by many and many would be able to empathise with her in this story though at times she annoyed me no end. Cassie is someone as a neighbor you'd steer well clear of - she was a pain in the butt but Ginny obviously saw beyond the façade.
The story was an excellent one and I will be looking out for this author in the future as well.
It was a mish mash of feelings and basic living and trying to come to terms with life and come to terms they did - eventually. Ginny's basic fear of ending up alone without a family is shared by many and many would be able to empathise with her in this story though at times she annoyed me no end. Cassie is someone as a neighbor you'd steer well clear of - she was a pain in the butt but Ginny obviously saw beyond the façade.
The story was an excellent one and I will be looking out for this author in the future as well.
November 30, 2019
Ginny first appears to be a bit self absorbed, as things in her life are not going her way. Walking in on her boss and boyfriend in a compromising position results in her losing her job and boyfriend at the same time. While home she meets her neighbor Cassie, an aging star who is suffering from depression as her star is fading. Ginny and Cassie become close, as Ginny doesn’t give up on helping Cassie while putting her own life back together. There are laughs and many tears in this gem of a novel. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
November 30, 2019
My first book by the author and an interesting story.
Very well written and a fast-paced read although it has a bit of dragging somewhere in the middle of it and it’s more like I felt a bit too many words that didn’t add anything to the story unfortunately for me.
You’ll think you know your neighbours but you can never know what really happens behind the closed doors. I liked the main heroine and how she went to a length to help her neighbour who needed her.
I’ll definitely read more books by the author and recommend this story.
Very well written and a fast-paced read although it has a bit of dragging somewhere in the middle of it and it’s more like I felt a bit too many words that didn’t add anything to the story unfortunately for me.
You’ll think you know your neighbours but you can never know what really happens behind the closed doors. I liked the main heroine and how she went to a length to help her neighbour who needed her.
I’ll definitely read more books by the author and recommend this story.
February 2, 2020
3.5/5
A sweet feel good story about two women, their unlikely friendship and the way they help each other put their lives together after going through struggles and self doubts.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC
A sweet feel good story about two women, their unlikely friendship and the way they help each other put their lives together after going through struggles and self doubts.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC
September 27, 2019
Wonderful storyline,the character's seemed lifelike,an unusual friendship developed between the main characters who are loveable,and what adventures they have.
A pleasant and in part amusing read.
A pleasant and in part amusing read.
April 28, 2020
Lovely book
I loved the friendship Ginny and Cassie developed. I loved Cassie’s humor and sarcasm. I recognized myself in Ginny, particularly in her need/obsession to have kids and fearing that time is running out. I love that the 20 years between them wasn’t a big deal, they just connected. I love the way Ginny was there for Cassie. Loved the growth Cassie had.
I felt that the ending was a bit sudden, but I enjoyed the book
I loved the friendship Ginny and Cassie developed. I loved Cassie’s humor and sarcasm. I recognized myself in Ginny, particularly in her need/obsession to have kids and fearing that time is running out. I love that the 20 years between them wasn’t a big deal, they just connected. I love the way Ginny was there for Cassie. Loved the growth Cassie had.
I felt that the ending was a bit sudden, but I enjoyed the book
March 10, 2020
‘To get up from rock bottom, you’ve got to take the stairs…’
The Neighbours was published with Avon Books on February 6th and is described as ‘a funny, honest and moving exploration of life, love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties… and beyond.’
The Neighbours is a warm and light-hearted tale about discovering who you really are and what it is that’s important to you. Ginny Taylor is in her thirties and in a relationship that has seen better days. She is in a job in PR that doesn’t fulfill and her best friend, Nancy, is moving Stateside, leaving Ginny without a housemate and a shoulder to cry on.
Ginny begins to look at others, folks with careers that have taken off and who are in happy relationships. Friends have babies, successful jobs, beautiful homes and loving partners, yet Ginny is standing still. Now at an age where her life-goals are changing, Ginny begins to feel overwhelmed and lost. When an unexpected situation results in Ginny losing her job, she comes to the realisation that she needs to make some dramatic changes in her life.
Ginny never really knew any of her neighbours. With a busy life, she passed in and out of her home without considering what lives were behind the doors of the other apartments in her complex. One day she comes into contact with one of her neighbours, Cassie Frost who has just completed a turn on a reality TV show. Cassie is an actress with a poisonous tongue and an attitude. Her career is in trouble as work dries up, leaving Cassie very bitter and very peeved off with her life and society at large. Cassie’s reputation is dirtied and now she is badly in need of a makeover. Ginny is a PR expert at a loose end with no immediate prospects. A match perhaps made in heaven?
Ginny and Cassie initially have a casual connection but after awhile they each begin to observe the other and a tentative friendship ensues. An unlikely pairing, they learn to support each other and help each other out in times of emotional crisis. Cassie and Ginny are at different stages in their lives, both professionally and with regard to relationships, giving them at times opposing views on life but something clicks and they begin to understand each other better.
Ginny and Cassie, while on different journeys, both have so much in common and so much to learn. The pain, the fear and the traumas of life impact us all no matter our age or our past. Ginny and Cassie together learn the importance of friendship. Both are faced with very serious scenarios, life-changing moments where doors open and close but through all of it they face these challenges together.
Nicola Gill raises some very prevalent and relevant societal themes throughout the chapters. Themes relating to mental health, relationships, friendships, family, and children are all handled with a sensitive pen. The characters are all very believable adding a very authentic feel to their lives and the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Neighbours is a charming and touching read about life and the choices we make. An entertaining and delightful debut, the perfect read for anyone looking for a cosy read.
The Neighbours was published with Avon Books on February 6th and is described as ‘a funny, honest and moving exploration of life, love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties… and beyond.’
The Neighbours is a warm and light-hearted tale about discovering who you really are and what it is that’s important to you. Ginny Taylor is in her thirties and in a relationship that has seen better days. She is in a job in PR that doesn’t fulfill and her best friend, Nancy, is moving Stateside, leaving Ginny without a housemate and a shoulder to cry on.
Ginny begins to look at others, folks with careers that have taken off and who are in happy relationships. Friends have babies, successful jobs, beautiful homes and loving partners, yet Ginny is standing still. Now at an age where her life-goals are changing, Ginny begins to feel overwhelmed and lost. When an unexpected situation results in Ginny losing her job, she comes to the realisation that she needs to make some dramatic changes in her life.
Ginny never really knew any of her neighbours. With a busy life, she passed in and out of her home without considering what lives were behind the doors of the other apartments in her complex. One day she comes into contact with one of her neighbours, Cassie Frost who has just completed a turn on a reality TV show. Cassie is an actress with a poisonous tongue and an attitude. Her career is in trouble as work dries up, leaving Cassie very bitter and very peeved off with her life and society at large. Cassie’s reputation is dirtied and now she is badly in need of a makeover. Ginny is a PR expert at a loose end with no immediate prospects. A match perhaps made in heaven?
Ginny and Cassie initially have a casual connection but after awhile they each begin to observe the other and a tentative friendship ensues. An unlikely pairing, they learn to support each other and help each other out in times of emotional crisis. Cassie and Ginny are at different stages in their lives, both professionally and with regard to relationships, giving them at times opposing views on life but something clicks and they begin to understand each other better.
Ginny and Cassie, while on different journeys, both have so much in common and so much to learn. The pain, the fear and the traumas of life impact us all no matter our age or our past. Ginny and Cassie together learn the importance of friendship. Both are faced with very serious scenarios, life-changing moments where doors open and close but through all of it they face these challenges together.
Nicola Gill raises some very prevalent and relevant societal themes throughout the chapters. Themes relating to mental health, relationships, friendships, family, and children are all handled with a sensitive pen. The characters are all very believable adding a very authentic feel to their lives and the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Neighbours is a charming and touching read about life and the choices we make. An entertaining and delightful debut, the perfect read for anyone looking for a cosy read.
June 1, 2020
I enjoyed this fast-paced contemporary story of self-discovery and unconventional friendships.
There are some interesting sub-plots in this tale but the developing relationship between Ginny and Cassie is definitely the main focus and evolves gradually through the many escapades in which they get involved. There are plenty of smiles in this fun and light-hearted read.
There are some interesting sub-plots in this tale but the developing relationship between Ginny and Cassie is definitely the main focus and evolves gradually through the many escapades in which they get involved. There are plenty of smiles in this fun and light-hearted read.
March 9, 2020
If you love character driven novels then this one is definitely for you! This book is very different from what I thought it was going to be based on the synopsis and the cover but I’m really not complaining about that because we basically step into Ginny’s shoes and we’re taken on a wild ride through her life.
Ginny is a great character to follow along with because she is flawed and she knows it. She doesn’t have the smoothest ride and she voices some of the things we would all love to voice in our lives or perhaps love other people to hear-she doesn’t think she can do it. She is convinced every career move, friendship & relationship is going to fail and so it is a joy to watch any moment where she actually succeeds.
Ginny befriends her neighbor, slightly washed up celebrity Cassie and this is where we get into some of the issues that this book covers. I think this writer did a great job of using Cassie as a platform for exposing the dangers of online trolls and the way society seems to think they can talk about people online in very different ways than they would to their faces. This topic is so timely and it is so important that it is explored further.
This book also deals well with the subject of depression-again through a characters first hand experiences, that does mean that there are care warnings for depression and suicide so make sure you exercise caution here. I think this was handled very well too, again using first hand experiences and really delving into the various different approaches to treating as well as living with depression.
There is romance in this novel but it’s a bit of a secondary storyline that goes alongside the rest of Ginny’s life and her insecurities. This is the area where some of the real comedy in the book comes out because there are some embarrassing mishaps as well as some very real moments. I really like that the romance was a bit of a subplot here just going hand in hand with everything else life throws at Ginny because that is real life and when you’re this involved with a character in a novel it’s always great when things feel true to life.
I really enjoyed this book despite the difference from what I thought it was going to be and I think you will to.
Ginny is a great character to follow along with because she is flawed and she knows it. She doesn’t have the smoothest ride and she voices some of the things we would all love to voice in our lives or perhaps love other people to hear-she doesn’t think she can do it. She is convinced every career move, friendship & relationship is going to fail and so it is a joy to watch any moment where she actually succeeds.
Ginny befriends her neighbor, slightly washed up celebrity Cassie and this is where we get into some of the issues that this book covers. I think this writer did a great job of using Cassie as a platform for exposing the dangers of online trolls and the way society seems to think they can talk about people online in very different ways than they would to their faces. This topic is so timely and it is so important that it is explored further.
This book also deals well with the subject of depression-again through a characters first hand experiences, that does mean that there are care warnings for depression and suicide so make sure you exercise caution here. I think this was handled very well too, again using first hand experiences and really delving into the various different approaches to treating as well as living with depression.
There is romance in this novel but it’s a bit of a secondary storyline that goes alongside the rest of Ginny’s life and her insecurities. This is the area where some of the real comedy in the book comes out because there are some embarrassing mishaps as well as some very real moments. I really like that the romance was a bit of a subplot here just going hand in hand with everything else life throws at Ginny because that is real life and when you’re this involved with a character in a novel it’s always great when things feel true to life.
I really enjoyed this book despite the difference from what I thought it was going to be and I think you will to.
March 23, 2020
It took me some time to get into the story but I really liked the friendship between Ginny and Cassie and how the tables turn and yet they are there for each other. Ginny's character growth is amazing, she becomes a stronger person but is still the Ginny we meet in the beginning. She doesn't lose her essence. Cassie's story was a bit sad in the middle of the book but it shows you how the world of showbiz works; one minute they will have you on a pedestal and the next you are being showed in the worst light ever.
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