25 Library Terrace

by Natalie Fergie

Every house tells a story. Every woman has a story to tell.

25 Library Terrace is a house in Edinburgh where lives are changed.

In 1911, new resident Ursula Black embraces women’s suffrage in the form of census protest, discovers vegetarianism, and learns just how difficult it can be to bring up someone else’s children.

In 1931, the house becomes part of a radical experiment in a different way of living, and a family secret from the past is uncovered.

In 2011, Tess Dutton needs somewhere to live in the wake of a failed relationship and is introduced to a rather unusual landlady.

In 2022, delayed by the pandemic, it’s another census year for Scotland, and as Edinburgh’s residents are able to gather once more, the strands of four generations at 25 Library Terrace are finally woven together.

25 Library Terrace is a deeply satisfying novel about strong and determined women who grasp their own destiny and help other women to grasp theirs. At its centre stands the house, a reminder that however our lives change over the years, the things that matter – love, kindness, stories and good recipes – stay the same.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Books About Books, Audiobook, Chick Lit

464 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2025

Reviews

[elizabeth rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of 25 Library Terrace — a single house carrying generations of secrets, joys, and sorrows — is absolutely captivating. Unfortunately, the multiple timelines and shifting perspectives made it difficult to stay emotionally connected. Some storylines were stronger than others, but I often found myself wishing for more depth before jumping to the next.

✨ For readers who enjoy:
- Multi-generational stories
- Quiet, character-driven narratives
- Reflective historical fiction

While it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, there’s a poignant message here about how home holds the stories of those who lived within it.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always been a firm believer that our homes are an extension of who we are. Natalie Fergie’s story about the home at 25 Library Terrace is no different. Exploring the home through the ages, she reveals the memories, laughter, tears of struggles, and achievements that are embedded within the floors, doorways, and walls. Slowly and softly, she tiptoes through time to share the signature whispers of this space, highlighting the tales of its inhabitants, its history and its soul, leaving you welcomed but aching to have more time with each family.

25 Library Terrace is more than a building, it’s a snapshot of life. It holds stories of what it has seen. Curious? Then add it to your ‘to be read’ pile.

I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3🌟 rating is actually a real shame, because the premise of the story is really poignant and there were huge chunks that merited a 4 perhaps even a 5. I usually love a multi generational title with a split timeline, however I felt here that we stayed in one timeline for so long that by the time we came to the next it took several chapters for me to understand who was who and where we were.

I still really enjoyed this title but it didn’t flow as naturally as I’d have liked. Gorgeous premise.

I absolutely loved the narration by Lesley Harcourt 🎧

Huge thanks to W F Howes via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Kremena Koleva · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I read somewhere that future historians will despair at the lack of twenty-first century letters and diaries."

25 Library Terrace е книга за характерите, преминаващи през един английски адрес в продължение на десетилетия. Винаги ми е било интересно да гледам стари достолепни сгради, съхранили вида си през годините и да гадая какви са били хората, които са ги построили, онаследили и продължили да ги поддържат. Това са толкова различни съдби! Аристократи от миналото и днешни милениуми. Ценностите са се менили, преживявали са войни, правили са избори, имали са загуби и победи. Но може би духът на сградата донякъде се е съхрнил. Някои наследници са полагали труд и грижа, за да не личат следите на времето. Други са били немарливи и са искали да не пипат нищо, защото не си струва да се хвърлят пари по толкова стар дом...
Natalie Fergie разказва толкова увлекателно за съдбата на къща в Шотландия! Започвайки от 1910 година. От първите собственици на 25 Library Terrace с тяхната драматична съдба, която се променя след смъртта на странната госпожа Бляк. Втората господарка на къщата внася различна атмосфера на толерантност, топлота и напредничавост и дава начало на ред стъпки към осъзнаването на жената като пълноправен член на обществото. Малки актове на протест, които обаче обръщат духа на всички в семейството. В атмосфера на обич и доверие това се превръща в движение на жените в изборителното право, в преброяването, в избора на храна в менюто на масата...
През десет години, до 2022, 25 Library Terrace дава подслон на жени, преки и косвени наследници на семейство Бляк. Идеята да се отдават стаи в дома на хора,които са изоставени, избягали от насилие или търсещи начин да започнат отначало, е поставена през 1911 година и неотклонно следва няколко правила и за наемателите и за собствениците. През всяко десетилетие авторката ни представя характери, съдби, исторически моменти и социални събития, за които сме чували, които са даденост днес ,но не знаем как са постигнати. Книгата беше като дневник и аз постоянно подчертавах, маркирах, отбелязвах истини, прозрения.
25 Library Terrace изпълни мисията си на книга, събираща реалност и измислица във въображението на читателя!

* " But honestly, Isobel, why am I worried what a stranger will think about the decoration of my home?’
‘Everyone does. It’s human nature. "

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very partial to a novel set in Edinburgh, and a house through time story as well.
So, I had to give this one a go.
I loved it! It covers a fair sweep of social history in Scotland for the last 100+ years and tackles some big issues. That said, it is pretty cozy and I was never in any doubt there'd be a good resolution to what was going on.
I felt some of the dialogue, particularly in the earlier sections was a bit stilted and there could have been a bit more depth in some of the people and issues.
Still, not a bad way to while away a rainy afternoon.

[Helen H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful journey I’ve been on - spanning more than a century with the residents of 25 Library Terrace. I love the idea that it’s not just people who have stories and experiences to share, but a house also has stories to tell.

Natalie Fergie has truly captured so many highly relevant social and historical details in each time period which I found fascinating and informative; ranging from the Census protest of 1911, the Suffragettes, Vegetarianism, the fire that destroyed Edinburgh’s Empire Palace Theatre, the post-World War One years, the way in which the status of women has changed across the years, right up to the post-Covid society in 2021. 25 Library Terrace has indeed seen it all!

Everyone who reads this book will certainly take away their own specific characters and time periods that they connect with or feel inspired by.

I love the way the rippling effects through the family generations are so skilfully portrayed; all the joys and the sorrows, with 25 Library Terrace at the heart of it all.
I highly recommend this 5-star book - it will leave a lasting impact on you.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellous, utterly engrossing book. The imaginary social history of a single house in Edinburgh from 1911 to 2022 makes for a highly original novel and one which I enjoyed so much I was truly sorry when it finished. Highly recommended 5* read.

[Ingstje · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a chance on this new author to me after I read some reviews and I certainly don’t regret my gamble.

25 Library Terrace is a fabulous historical novel. I really hadn’t expected to be so engrossed and to learn so much. The novel spans over a hundred years and follows the people living at this one house. I have to say that all of the women were quite empowering but it all started with Ursula who amongst other things quietly rallies for women’s rights to vote in her own way.

One of the most surprising revelations for me though was the fact that there were already vegetarian cafés and cookbooks in 1911. Who knew? I genuinely thought it was much more recent. I loved how she and Isobel (the maid) tried to adapt certain dishes just for her alone but that slowly the family transforms into an all vegetarian household. I’m not sure how representative Ursula’s husband John is of that zeitgeist but he’s a very modern man for that era, who is open, communicative and respectful towards his wife.

All of the characters were amazing, there are no bad guys here and this novel is filled with heart and warmth. The only reason I didn’t give it the full five stars is because of the time gap. At one point in the book there’s ‘Olivia’ making her entrance and the next moment there’s ‘Georgia’ living at the house. She still adheres the same rules as her predecessors: no meat in the house, the back door remains unlocked, every lodger needs to count the steps in the house, the rent is 25%. I understand that the author wanted to keep it surprising and interesting but I wasn’t ready for this leap in time and while I liked Georgia I didn’t get to know her as well as Ursula or Annie. Therefore I loved the time lines set back in 1911 and 1931 most of all and wished I could have stayed there a while longer :-).

If walls could talk.. well I certainly had the feeling I was a fly on the wall. I so much enjoyed this read that I’m immediately adding the author’s first novel (The Sewing Machine) to my readlist.

[Jane Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intriguing book. Set in Edinburgh somewhere around Morningside it tells the story of one house and the occupants who lived there and who was connected and why. It runs from the beginning of the 20th century through to the present day and is cleverly told. I enjoyed it - it would probably make a good book group book I expect.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often I read historical fiction, but I'm really glad I picked this up. Don't let the title fool you, 25 Library Terrace isn't about books. It's a beautiful, enriching story about 1 house over the course of 100+ years and the many residents that have shaped what it has become. The writing is quite powerful and filled to the brim with so much love, a sense of belonging, and plenty of periodic moments in history. It was both uplifting and empowering without being in your face, and I really enjoyed how the stories intertwined with each other but still held their own significance as a new chapter. It was nice to see how, whilst certain things stayed the same, small adaptations were made now and again to highlight how times (and attitudes) have evolved over the years. The acknowledgements were an interesting read, too. It gave more insight into how the story was developed, especially knowing that some of the letters were real. This definitely helped highlight how the characters were important and likeable in their own right. I think Ann/Annie was my favourite, though. The whole thing with the door never being locked for Finlay was something that really tugged at the heartstrings.

I highly recommend giving this a read. By all means, I wouldn't say it's a quick read, but it is lovely and highly insightful to our, or at least Scottish, history.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly anticipating reading this book and it didn’t disappoint. 25 Library Terrace looks at the people who lived in that particular house in Edinburgh again over the course of more than 100 years.

25 Library Terrace starts off as a family home and the first resident we meet is Ursula Black who becomes second wife to John Black and step-mother to his children Finlay and Ann. Ursula is an well educated woman, who is strongly in favour of women’s suffrage and becomes involved in the census protest of 1911, something I’m ashamed to confess I hadn’t heard of. Census years form a focus for the rest of the book as we meet residents in 1931, 1951, 2011 and 2022. Ursula’s firm beliefs in the rights of women leave a legacy in the form of the rules of the household throughout the years. I enjoyed reading about all the women who are the focus of different strands of the book, getting to know them, finding out their connections to Ursula and their reasons for staying at 25 Library Terrace.

The house itself of course is a constant in the story, very much a character in its own right, and I felt I could easily visualise the various rooms, the garden, the huge old cooking range, the maid’s room above the scullery. I enjoyed reading about Edinburgh at various times in its fairly recent history too.

Reading 25 Library Terrace gives the reader a fascinating insight into the social history of the past century and especially how women were affected over those 100+ years. It’s a story about strong women helping and supporting other women. With brilliant characters and a gripping and intriguing storyline, I thought this was a fantastic read. This is book which historical fiction fans should definitely have on their reading radar.

[Nici · Rating 2 out of 5]

We’re in 1911 for ages (hah) and I waited for the other story threads to weave in. There’s just no plot, really. Not on the page, anyway. Just the Black family’s life, and not even the interesting parts. For example, there’s an event (at the 23% mark) that gets hyped for chapters and chapters, but we never see it happen. They sit down, the chapter ends, and the next begins after the event, with them outside the venue, WHICH IS ON FIRE. After a brief description of that visual, they walk home and explain what happened. Why was that not shown in an actual scene? Ostensibly, Ursula is connecting with suffragettes and picking up new ideas. Do we see a single one of those discussions at the café? Nope.
Overall, what happens in the story feels more like a sequence of events than a proper plot propelling the characters forward. It lacks tension. It lacks focus. The whole first third of the book is about how awful the late Mrs. Black was.
I kept waiting for something to happen, for what has happened—even if mostly off-page—to gain relevance. Instead, we jump ahead twenty years and the boredom continues.
I DNF’d the audiobook at 40%.

The voice actress is wonderfully charming and the only reason I didn’t rate this 1 star.

Thank you to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful novel rich in atmospheric history, and love.

25 Library Terrace follows the lives of the people who lodge here from when it was first built in 1908 until 2022.

Through the years, we meet many interesting and inspiring people all stemming from Ursula, who in 1911 marries John, and as a second wife and step mother to his two children, begins making changes to the house and the way the family live.

We jump forward 20 years after she’s passed and follow Annie, her step daughter who continues Ursula’s work and rents out the rooms upstairs with a peculiar private rental agreement. All the tenants who stay at 25 Library Terrace are struggling with something in their lives, and have no where to go. It’s beautiful to see the bond they all make with Ursula, Annie, Georgia and then Tess over the years, and it’s inspiring to read about their growth.

I love that over the last 100 or so pages, it’s slowly revealed how everybody’s lives are intertwined. Is it coincidence? Or Divine intervention? Either way, it’s heartwarming and satisfying.

I do feel like just as we start to get a deeper understanding of things, time jumps ahead to the next landlady and her tenants but I also feel that having it written this way definitely kept me invested.

I loved 25 Library Terrace for the stark contrast between the different time periods. The way that the house withstood the times, while the residents became modern and still shared the same heart was simply beautiful.

For lovers of historical fiction, new found family, and strong women characters it’s a must read.

Thanks so much Netgalley and Embla books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release Date: 5th June 2025

[Lucy Ellis-Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Having loved the author’s earlier novel, The Sewing Machine, I was very keen to read this one, and it didn’t disappoint.

25 Library Terrace is set in Edinburgh and spans from 1911 right through to 2021. I found it fascinating to read about vegetarianism being openly discussed in 1911; I had no idea it was so much on people’s minds back then. The way it was woven into the story felt natural, and the recipes sounded delicious.

The novel touches on so much: suffragettes, the impact of the First World War on the main characters, and the changing times across the decades. I particularly liked how the house itself almost became a character and introduced afresh in each new era with the arrival of the census.

The story is engaging, the characters are believable and likeable, and there’s a real sense of kindness running through the book. It shows how we can create our own families, and it celebrates the friendship and support of women.

This book made me smile many times, and I came away feeling uplifted.

[Narinder Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one gave me everything I like in a great book! Found family, love, closure, history- just pure 🤌🏽.

This book starts in 1911 and goes up to 2022, it follows the lives of the people who lived in 25 Library Terrace and what a life they all lived ❤️
One thing I have to rave about is the accuracy of the History- its a pet peeve of mine when people write things in the past that are inaccurate 🙈 I love the nods to Suffragettes, the Wars and also up to Covid too. It all felt very relatable. I loved Annie and who she grew up to become ❤️. I also loved the little quirks of the story- the counting stairs that linked all the characters till the very end and the Census which was a running theme throughout 😍.

"There must be a feeling that It's your home"

I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this as its definitely one that feels like a warm hug!

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing journey that follows multiple lives across the years, all who have lived in the same house across a century.
It's an inspiring journey of growth, forward thinking women, and shows the loved poured into the house from all its different occupants.
All residents have a distinct journey in their time period, but it was interesting to see how their lives were interconnected and the sense of community.
I also enjoyed how each story had a healing element, where new relationships or friendships were formed, or it acted as a safe place for those in need and that they became found family.
It's a compelling historic journey showing real life struggles, victories, losses and joys.

[Emma | emmaisreadingabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 ✨]

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

if walls could talk, they could tell some amazing tale sof rhe lives that come and go. 25 Library Terrace traces the stories of the occupants who live within its walls over decades and through war times, to the pandemic and present day. Whilst the people and stories change the love friendship, support, and recipes remain the same. The concept of 25 Library Terrace as a refuge for those in need and a sturdy point from which to start afresh, is wonderful. A lovely story with some beautiful characters. #25libraryterrace #Nataliefergie

[Charlotte Mcmanus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looove a multi generational book- I love the characters and what they stand for 💜🤍💚

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, gentle novel that kept me entertained during a difficult stay in hospital. I loved 'The Sewing Machine' too so hope we don't have to wait so long for another book by Natalie Fergie.

[Jane Hadfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough read and nice to see who lived in the house over the years.

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read this advance reader’s copy.

Any book with library in the title (or bookstore) will draw me right in, but this novel, while it confirms the importance of books, doesn’t have much to do with libraries. If there is a central concept, it is the national decennial census of Great Britain. Not coincidentally, each of the four storylines, and each of the four dominant female characters in them, have a loyalty to the census that has little to do with its purpose of enumerating the population.

Starting with Ursula, who is so transformed by marrying the good and kind John Black that she suddenly becomes a rebel, a suffragist and a vegetarian, filling out the census document is a profound declaration of selfhood. Until women received the vote, they were effectively the property of their husbands and fathers, and only men could fill out the census form. With her husband’s approval, Ursula and her fellow suffragists defy the law by staying out until midnight on census day so they are not counted—until they count by being voting citizens. I didn’t know about this historical connection between the census and suffrage and it was a fascinating discovery.

The next chapter, 1911, follows stepdaughter Ann (later Annie) as she grapples with her late biological mother’s constant attempts to undermine her. This is a truth that emerges only very slowly. It gradually becomes apparent that the first Mrs Black was unhinged, very possibly a paranoid schizophrenic, who kept an unnaturally close watch over her household. She was always ready to denigrate her son Frank, her maid Isobel, and her servant Dave. Ursula is the heart and soul of kindness as the three vulnerable parties carry the trauma through.

Each story is about a strong woman who can happily live alone at 25 Library Terrace. Eventually each of them meets or is introduced to people who are navigating rough waters—bereavement, heartbreak, unemployment, homelessness—and agree to rent rooms to them. Eventually these interactions become solid friendships or even romantic relationships, leading to unconventional but nonetheless loving families. It is as if the house itself, shiny and new when John Black had it built for his ailing first wife and two young children, plays its own role in the unfolding history of several generations. It truly gives them shelter, almost magically bringing together, at the right time,those who need each other.

There are places where an otherwise flowing narrative falters. The stories have characters in common, but. As much as they are linked and situated in the same but ever-changing house, they often end abruptly and sometimes the connections are unclear. Tess, for example , appears in 2011, and also in 2021. The house’s then-inheritor, Georgia, has a long history with its previous families. Having provided refuge for Tess, the elderly Georgia then departs for an unexpected new opportunity. She leaves the house in Tess’s hands but not before encourages her to take in a motherless family in need. And here the story ends, leaving readers to assume what may take shape.

In the end, the writing is wonderful, the characters are sharply drawn, and the house has a magnetic pull for readers as much as characters.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite its title, this is not a book themed novel. Rather, it is about the residents of a house over a period of one hundred years.. This house serves as both setting and main character. Divided into four time periods, the philosophy of its residents doesn’t change much through the years, however, the times certainly have.

The book opens in 1911 with the marriage of office manager, Ursula, to her widowed boss, John. Ursula takes both her role as stepmother to children Ann and Finley seriously and sets a different tone for the atmosphere in the house. She flips the idea of the wicked stepmother coming in after the loss of a loving mother. The children thrive under her guidance and example. Ursula also becomes involved in the suffragette movement and embraces vegetarianism. Moreover, she establishes a more equitable and respectful relationship with the maid, Isobel. She leaves a long lasting legacy at 25 Library Terrace.

Fast forward to 1931. Daughter Ann now manages the house and utilizing Ursula’s methods and forward thinking, she establishes the house as a place for people to live when their lives have come undone.

By 2011, the house is managed by Georgia, raised by Ann. That part of the story focuses on tenant Tess , who comes to her by way of a broken relationship. While this part of the story forwards the theme of communal space for people who need it most, the Tess story was weak. The reason for the breakup and her violent reaction seemed over the top. In my mind, change of heart, though painful, is different from betrayal. Her reaction seemed implausible.

It concludes in 2022. Tess is now running the house and the threads of the four generations come together.
.
It is a fast, satisfying read. The quirkiness of the characters and the path they forge is an interesting one. Food, intrinsic to their way of life, forwarded the communal spirit of the house. I must admit I was unfamiliar with many of the food ingredients discussed nor could I really picture the kitchen in its various incarnations but it didn’t take away from what was important.

I would recommend it as a reminder that no matter what the circumstances, kindness, generosity and trust in one another, can change lives.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Embla books for the opportunity to read this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.


 

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for this eCopy to review

I recently finished 25 Library Terrace by Natalie Fergie, and I absolutely loved it. This novel is a beautifully woven tapestry of history, resilience, and the lives of strong women who have called the house at 25 Library Terrace home over the decades.

The story spans more than a century, beginning in 1911, when Ursula Black moves into the house and becomes deeply involved in the fight for women’s suffrage. She embraces vegetarianism and takes on the challenge of raising children who are not her own, all while navigating the shifting social landscape of the time. In 1931, during the Great Depression, the house transforms into a radical experiment in communal living, and a long-buried family secret is uncovered. Fast-forward to 2011, when Tess Dutton arrives at 25 Library Terrace after a failed relationship, only to find herself drawn into the house’s rich history and the unconventional landlady who welcomes her. Finally, in 2022, as Scotland faces another census year, the lives of past and present residents intertwine, revealing the enduring legacy of the house and the women who shaped it.

What I loved most about 25 Library Terrace was how Fergie masterfully connects the lives of these women across generations. The house itself feels like a character, witnessing moments of triumph, heartbreak, and transformation. The themes of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling resonated deeply with me. The writing is immersive, and the historical details are rich without feeling overwhelming.

This novel is a celebration of the quiet yet profound ways women shape history, and I found myself completely captivated by its depth and warmth. 25 Library Terrace is an unforgettable journey through time, love, and the enduring spirit of a home that holds so many stories. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads and a beautifully layered narrative, this book is a must-read!

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! I loved this book so much I don’t actually think I can put into words how much I loved this. It is told across different timespans in a linear sequence so it is really easy to follow. And we get to share the lives of some of the residents of 25 Library Terrace.

It is however, so much more than that. We experience family, love, loss, anger, friendship, compassion and so much more within the pages. I was so invested in the story that when it was time to move to a different timespan I was almost devastated that I had to leave the previous characters behind. I think I could have quite happily read a full book on each set of them as they were all just brilliantly written.

When we started off with Ann as a child and Ursula moving in after marrying Ann’s father, I just loved it from that start. I loved how Ursula was and how we found out more about Ann and her brother Finlay and what their mother had been like when she was alive.

We then get to see Adult Ann and share some wonderful chapters with her and I loved the setting up of the legacy and the relationships that were formed within this section were just really lovely to read. There was also some parts which were reflecting on the not so nicer parts of Ann’s childhood that we get to see here which is rather sad.

We then move to Georgia’s chapters where some things are finally made clear and whilst she does revisit the past there is also a lot of new and exciting things happening at Library Terrace which made for great reading. Tess (and Baxter of course!) made a great addition to the house.

I loved the fact that something that I picked up on which seemed very insignificant was answered towards the end, I knew the reasoning of the why but loved how it was acknowledged and explained as I felt it just rounded things off beautifully. It wasn’t the only thing however that was added in that had meaning later on!

This was really well written and I just found that I was instantly in the house with the characters when I started reading it and I couldn’t put it down as I just needed to follow the story to see where we ended up.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful read, chapters span over a century from the early 1900s to the early 2020s. Through this we follow the tales of the custodians of 25 Library Terrace, a beautiful house in Edinburgh. These remarkable women explore issues of their time, of families and friendship.
I have seen a lot of love for Ursula, and she is of course an amazing character who embodies strength and progressive thinking far beyond many of her time. However Ann/Annie was my favourite character. She had lived through so much stress and trauma, and was incredibly sweet, strong and loyal.
I really enjoyed the chapters set in the early 1900s, however I also really enjoyed the more modern ones where we met Georgia and Tess. I loved seeing them unfolding some more of the house and family mysteries.
There is so much heartbreak throughout, including the unknown of Finlay's adult life, I thought that little touches such as the door never being locked in case he came home were particularly poignant. Especially as this continued long after he could have possibly lived. As well as the heartbreak though the book was incredibly heartwarming and uplifting. The strength many of the characters exuded and the ways they supported friends, family and strangers was beautiful to read.
The style of writing was also particularly beautiful, I found the tale being weaved incredibly believable, vivid, and imaginative. I could barely put the book down, it just held me in its grip, I read it in the space of 24hours, despite it being almost 500 pages long!
I really love the way it ends, there is so much left unsaid, which would usually leave me frustrated, but here you can understand that the houses story never ends, and that reflects in the fact that this story has no natural conclusion.
I would absolutely recommend this book to others and hope to read more from this author in the future.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

Have you ever wondered about all the people who lived in your house before you?
25 Library Terrace in Edinburgh is a house where lives are changed.
In 1911, new resident Ursula Black embraces women's suffrage in the form of census protest, discovers vegetarianism, and learns just how difficult it can be to bring up someone else's children.
In 1931, the house becomes part of a radical experiment in a different way of living, and a family secret from the past is uncovered.
In 2011, Tess Dutton needs somewhere to live in the wake of a failed relationship, and is introduced to a rather unusuallandlady.
In 2022, delayed by the pandemic, it's another census year for Scotland, and as Edinburgh's residents are able to gather once more, the strands of four generations at 25 Library Terrace are finally woven together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved seeing not only the progression of time, and how things changed from decade to decade, but also how things came around full circle. If I had to choose, I would say my favorite timeline was the 1911 timeline. I adored Ursula. She stepped in as her husband's second wife, and stepmother to his children, and had no idea the minefield she was entering. Her husband had no idea what his first wife was like when he wasn't at home, so both children and the cook/housekeeper were traumatized. She made such a difference in all of ther lives, as well as being a driving force for "modern ideas" such as vegetarianism and the women's right to vote. I highly recommend this one!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #25libraryterrace #netgalley

25 Library Terrace is a new build in the 20th Century that the Black family moved to. From the outside they were the true nuclear family although undercurrents ran through the house that only the owners knew. Follow a 100+ year history of the historical new build and see what it uncovers behind the walls!

I am really enjoying historical reads currently and the area of history that interests me is social history so I knew I must read this book from the description.

This book covers some very emotional topics which are essential to be spoken about and brought into British history. It really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head and shows how there were many people who did not believe in the societal values of the time but felt it was their duty to conform. These topics covered were suffragettes, vegetarianism, abuse, world wars, MIA, pregnancy out of wedlock as well as many other topics . All of these topics are delicately written to show how life has its challenges and secrets at every point through the ages. It also shows how a decision one person makes can influence a host of other people throughout their lives.

However I felt that the book ended very abruptly. I was really hoping we would get to see a good ending for Tess and also see Georgia’s reaction to Nicola’s return even if it was in a prologue. The way it ended makes it feel unfinished but I’m not sure that there is enough for a second book as a series which would be the other reason that I could see for the author leaving it as they did.

[Cathy Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction story and follows the lifetime of a house, 25 library Terrace in Edinburgh. The journey starts in the early 1900s when the house was originally built and bought by John Black and his family. In 1911 the house receives a new resident, Ursula Smith, seem to be Ursula Black, when she married widower John Black. The story follows the family generation after generation right up until 2022. Natalie has bought to life the history of this house and it brings to mind the saying “ if only these walls could talk” because they certainly saw history in the making, both good and bad. We’ve got the suffragette movement and the census boycott by women of the day, we have World War I and World War II and the aftermath, the storyline progresses to the present day and the Covid pandemic.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the ultimate tale of girl power and solidarity, starting with Ursula who is a strong woman who knows her own mind, supporting the suffragette movement whilst balancing family life, and raising another woman’s children, her stepdaughter to overcome the difficulties of her early life, and to become equally as strong. This was the start of a long line of strong independent women with a deep sense of loyalty and family, who intern continued to provide a safe haven for women in need.

I really enjoyed Natalie‘s writing style and her ability to bring to life the intersecting stories through this one house. I will definitely be looking out for more books by Natalie in the future. This was a great four-star read for me and I would definitely recommend.