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Hemlock Lane: A Novel
In this riveting story of family bonds and buried truths, a young woman’s homecoming becomes a reckoning as four days together threaten to shatter the comfortable lies that have held her family together.
In the summer of 1967, the Levitsky family convenes for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs—an idyllic holiday for the perfect family.
But Nora has always known better.
Growing up, she learned to tiptoe around her mother Lillian’s explosive temper. Her father did the same. Nora’s sole confidante was their housekeeper, Clara, and their bond has only strengthened through the years. In fact, it’s all that’s keeping Nora together for her homecoming. But under that lifetime of pressure, the facade is beginning to splinter.
Over the next four days, everyone’s secrets are at risk. None more so than what Nora really wants for her life, how Clara has helped her get it…and how they’ve orchestrated it all behind Lillian’s back.
As the family grapples with the complex ties that bind them, Nora discovers that facing the truth—however painful—might be the key to finally breaking free. This weekend, Nora’s bravest act may be in knowing which bonds to cherish and which ones need to be gently set aside, making room for a future of her own choosing.
In the summer of 1967, the Levitsky family convenes for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs—an idyllic holiday for the perfect family.
But Nora has always known better.
Growing up, she learned to tiptoe around her mother Lillian’s explosive temper. Her father did the same. Nora’s sole confidante was their housekeeper, Clara, and their bond has only strengthened through the years. In fact, it’s all that’s keeping Nora together for her homecoming. But under that lifetime of pressure, the facade is beginning to splinter.
Over the next four days, everyone’s secrets are at risk. None more so than what Nora really wants for her life, how Clara has helped her get it…and how they’ve orchestrated it all behind Lillian’s back.
As the family grapples with the complex ties that bind them, Nora discovers that facing the truth—however painful—might be the key to finally breaking free. This weekend, Nora’s bravest act may be in knowing which bonds to cherish and which ones need to be gently set aside, making room for a future of her own choosing.
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Published November 25, 2025
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About the author
Marshall Fine
12 books64 followersMarshall Fine is an author, journalist, critic, historian, and filmmaker.
His first novel, "The Autumn of Ruth Winters," will be published by Lake Union Press in November 2024.
His second novel, "Clara’s Girl," was recently purchased by Lake Union Press, to be published in the fall of 2025.
Fine is the author of three biographies: "Bloody Sam: The Life and Films of Sam Peckinpah" (1991); "Harvey Keitel: The Art of Darkness" (1998); and "Accidental Genius: How John Cassavetes Invented the American Independent Film" (2006).
Fine started writing rock criticism for the Minneapolis Star at the age of 18, beginning a journalism career that covered a half-century. He spent 25 years as film critic and entertainment writer for Gannett Newspapers and another 10 as film/TV critic for Star magazine. He wrote the website Hollywood & Fine.com from 2008-16.
His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, USA Today, New York Observer, Variety, Premiere, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated, Penthouse, Indiewire.com and Entertainment Weekly. He conducted the Playboy Interview with both Howard Stern and Tim Robbins, and wrote more than two dozen cover stories for Cigar Aficionado as contributing editor.
Fine is a four-time former chairman (1992, 2002, 2006, 2015) and member emeritus of the New York Film Critics Circle. He was named general manager of the NYFCC in 2016 and retired from the position in 2021. He received a special award from the group in 2022 for "service to the group and his many decades on the New York film scene."
After 20 years of programming and hosting subscription film clubs at four different venues in the New York area, he retired in May 2021 as critic-in-residence at The Picture House in Pelham, NY, where he created its sold-out film club. He received the Harold Lloyd Lifetime Achievement Award from The Picture House in 2021.
Fine spent the 2020-21 academic year as an adjunct journalism professor at Purchase College-SUNY.
He directed and produced the documentary features "Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg" and "Do You Sleep in the Nude?", and the short documentary, "Flo Fox’s Dicthology."
His photography show, “Natural & Unnatural,” was exhibited in the Ossining Public Library Gallery in January 2023.
His first novel, "The Autumn of Ruth Winters," will be published by Lake Union Press in November 2024.
His second novel, "Clara’s Girl," was recently purchased by Lake Union Press, to be published in the fall of 2025.
Fine is the author of three biographies: "Bloody Sam: The Life and Films of Sam Peckinpah" (1991); "Harvey Keitel: The Art of Darkness" (1998); and "Accidental Genius: How John Cassavetes Invented the American Independent Film" (2006).
Fine started writing rock criticism for the Minneapolis Star at the age of 18, beginning a journalism career that covered a half-century. He spent 25 years as film critic and entertainment writer for Gannett Newspapers and another 10 as film/TV critic for Star magazine. He wrote the website Hollywood & Fine.com from 2008-16.
His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, USA Today, New York Observer, Variety, Premiere, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated, Penthouse, Indiewire.com and Entertainment Weekly. He conducted the Playboy Interview with both Howard Stern and Tim Robbins, and wrote more than two dozen cover stories for Cigar Aficionado as contributing editor.
Fine is a four-time former chairman (1992, 2002, 2006, 2015) and member emeritus of the New York Film Critics Circle. He was named general manager of the NYFCC in 2016 and retired from the position in 2021. He received a special award from the group in 2022 for "service to the group and his many decades on the New York film scene."
After 20 years of programming and hosting subscription film clubs at four different venues in the New York area, he retired in May 2021 as critic-in-residence at The Picture House in Pelham, NY, where he created its sold-out film club. He received the Harold Lloyd Lifetime Achievement Award from The Picture House in 2021.
Fine spent the 2020-21 academic year as an adjunct journalism professor at Purchase College-SUNY.
He directed and produced the documentary features "Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg" and "Do You Sleep in the Nude?", and the short documentary, "Flo Fox’s Dicthology."
His photography show, “Natural & Unnatural,” was exhibited in the Ossining Public Library Gallery in January 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 24, 2025
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3.5 Stars
I loved this author's first novel, The Autumn of Ruth Winters . This one takes place in the summer of 1967. The Levitskys are home over a long weekend, and daughter Nora knows everything isn't as it seems. This family is run by a mother who borders on psychotic. She is authoritative and overbearing; everyone has to tiptoe around her or face her wrath. Nora confides in their housekeeper, Clara, but Nora is concerned that the family secrets are about to be revealed. Each of the four days is told from the point of view of a different family member, but it was Nora I could relate to most.
This story is atmospheric and mysterious, and it builds the suspense well. The small-town setting works to help the story unfold while the family tries to keep everything hidden. The premise is intriguing, and the sense of unease was palpable. This looks like your typical, tranquil neighbourhood suburb, yet it is anything but. So many secrets!
The pacing of the story is steady, if a bit predictable. I loved the initial setup—so compelling—and the different narratives worked well for me. This would have been a four-star read, but the plot relies on overdone tropes, and the resolution didn't deliver an impact like the author's previous book did. The main characters of the story, who each have their own chapters, were perfectly written, but the secondary characters felt a little flat to me and a tad underdeveloped.
Overall, I felt this book was a decent read and worth my time, as I am a fan of domestic suspense. The mystery itself is well done and it held my attention throughout. And even though it didn't reach my four-star "very good" rating, it is more than worthy of earning a rounding up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
I loved this author's first novel, The Autumn of Ruth Winters . This one takes place in the summer of 1967. The Levitskys are home over a long weekend, and daughter Nora knows everything isn't as it seems. This family is run by a mother who borders on psychotic. She is authoritative and overbearing; everyone has to tiptoe around her or face her wrath. Nora confides in their housekeeper, Clara, but Nora is concerned that the family secrets are about to be revealed. Each of the four days is told from the point of view of a different family member, but it was Nora I could relate to most.
This story is atmospheric and mysterious, and it builds the suspense well. The small-town setting works to help the story unfold while the family tries to keep everything hidden. The premise is intriguing, and the sense of unease was palpable. This looks like your typical, tranquil neighbourhood suburb, yet it is anything but. So many secrets!
The pacing of the story is steady, if a bit predictable. I loved the initial setup—so compelling—and the different narratives worked well for me. This would have been a four-star read, but the plot relies on overdone tropes, and the resolution didn't deliver an impact like the author's previous book did. The main characters of the story, who each have their own chapters, were perfectly written, but the secondary characters felt a little flat to me and a tad underdeveloped.
Overall, I felt this book was a decent read and worth my time, as I am a fan of domestic suspense. The mystery itself is well done and it held my attention throughout. And even though it didn't reach my four-star "very good" rating, it is more than worthy of earning a rounding up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 19, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
After reading The Autumn of Ruth Winters and loving it I requested an ARC of Hemlock Lane without blinking. My favorite aspect of Marshall Fine's writing is that he doesn't spoon feed the reader. There's plenty of discussion worthy subtext and dynamics. The story itself is a family drama with complexities churning beneath the surface.
The year is 1967 and the Levitsky family seems to be another harmonious suburban household. Looks can be deceiving as the mother Lillian is popping Miltown to function. Daughter Nora is making plans to move to Chicago behind her mother's back on the completion college. The father is a kind but weak man unable to stand up to his wife's tantrums or cope with her dark moods. Amelia the eldest daughter is married with two small children. Lillian is not a fan of Amelia's husband, and everyone knows it. Clara the housekeeper appears to be this family's saving grace. The story unfolds across the past and present through different characters' POV.
It's easy to dislike Lillian's character. It's clear she has mental health issues during a time that wasn't kind to those who struggled. Her reactions throughout were very telling of the level of anxiety and unbalance she was carrying. I was moved reading about the challenges she faced in escaping her own dysfunctional upbringing. It wasn't lost on me that she did this without assistance and Nora was basically doing the same thing only she had a stable financial upbringing and Clara's love and guidance. A lot of pain was spread around in this family with Lillian as the source. She lashed out or crumbled when Nora refused to bend to her machinations which is what those who seek to eliminate fear through control tend towards.
After finishing this I liked the title even more.
*Now Available*
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After reading The Autumn of Ruth Winters and loving it I requested an ARC of Hemlock Lane without blinking. My favorite aspect of Marshall Fine's writing is that he doesn't spoon feed the reader. There's plenty of discussion worthy subtext and dynamics. The story itself is a family drama with complexities churning beneath the surface.
The year is 1967 and the Levitsky family seems to be another harmonious suburban household. Looks can be deceiving as the mother Lillian is popping Miltown to function. Daughter Nora is making plans to move to Chicago behind her mother's back on the completion college. The father is a kind but weak man unable to stand up to his wife's tantrums or cope with her dark moods. Amelia the eldest daughter is married with two small children. Lillian is not a fan of Amelia's husband, and everyone knows it. Clara the housekeeper appears to be this family's saving grace. The story unfolds across the past and present through different characters' POV.
It's easy to dislike Lillian's character. It's clear she has mental health issues during a time that wasn't kind to those who struggled. Her reactions throughout were very telling of the level of anxiety and unbalance she was carrying. I was moved reading about the challenges she faced in escaping her own dysfunctional upbringing. It wasn't lost on me that she did this without assistance and Nora was basically doing the same thing only she had a stable financial upbringing and Clara's love and guidance. A lot of pain was spread around in this family with Lillian as the source. She lashed out or crumbled when Nora refused to bend to her machinations which is what those who seek to eliminate fear through control tend towards.
After finishing this I liked the title even more.
*Now Available*
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 4, 2026
3.25 ⭐- I enjoyed this. It was a character-driven family drama set in 1960's suburbs, which uncovered secrets, emotions and deeper truths of each character from multiple perspectives. It was a simple plot and a light read. The narrative style presented recollections of memories from each character's perspective intertwined with their current circumstances - adding layers and deeper context to their personalities, choices, and actions.
🏡 The family dynamics that unfolded were interesting, alongside insights into each character's outlook and internal struggles in those situations. Through this exploration we could understand their anxieties and emotions better, and have a more sympathetic understanding of why they were that way. The tensions built-up with all the secrets and unsaid emotions simmering under the surface throughout the story, eventually coming to light.
🏡 The confrontation and resolution at the end could have been more satisfying. Some scenes and recollections felt drawn out, and the details weren't to my interest (specifically in the father's POV).
🏡 A story like this is a critical study of human behaviour and psychology. It was thoughtful to consider the discussion questions at the end. I have been interested in branching out towards reading more general and literary fiction, and this book was a good one to open me up into this space.
🏡 Overall, a takeaway theme for me is that communication and self-reflection are important components to enable us to understand each others pains, express emotions in a healthy manner, and break away from the patterns of the past. It is the only way we can grow intentionally as individuals and in our relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed here are my own.
🏡 The family dynamics that unfolded were interesting, alongside insights into each character's outlook and internal struggles in those situations. Through this exploration we could understand their anxieties and emotions better, and have a more sympathetic understanding of why they were that way. The tensions built-up with all the secrets and unsaid emotions simmering under the surface throughout the story, eventually coming to light.
🏡 The confrontation and resolution at the end could have been more satisfying. Some scenes and recollections felt drawn out, and the details weren't to my interest (specifically in the father's POV).
🏡 A story like this is a critical study of human behaviour and psychology. It was thoughtful to consider the discussion questions at the end. I have been interested in branching out towards reading more general and literary fiction, and this book was a good one to open me up into this space.
🏡 Overall, a takeaway theme for me is that communication and self-reflection are important components to enable us to understand each others pains, express emotions in a healthy manner, and break away from the patterns of the past. It is the only way we can grow intentionally as individuals and in our relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed here are my own.
November 25, 2025
Nora finally escaped her mother when she went to college, but now she was summoned home by her father.
She wondered what he wanted. She had a wonderful relationship with her father, but a terrible one with her mother.
Nora was closer to her nanny Clara than she was to her own mother.
Her mother was very controlling, and her father was actually afraid of her because of her reactions and negativity to everything.
We follow this beautiful story with heartfelt characters as well as some difficult ones.
There are a lot of secrets being kept by each character. The secrets compound one on the other with Nora's father having to take the brunt of them all.
HEMLOCK LANE is a very enjoyable read that is so well written, you will be eager to see how it all turns out for each character and not want to put the book down. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
She wondered what he wanted. She had a wonderful relationship with her father, but a terrible one with her mother.
Nora was closer to her nanny Clara than she was to her own mother.
Her mother was very controlling, and her father was actually afraid of her because of her reactions and negativity to everything.
We follow this beautiful story with heartfelt characters as well as some difficult ones.
There are a lot of secrets being kept by each character. The secrets compound one on the other with Nora's father having to take the brunt of them all.
HEMLOCK LANE is a very enjoyable read that is so well written, you will be eager to see how it all turns out for each character and not want to put the book down. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2025
This is a sad story about a very dysfunctional family. A devoted husband, psychotic and paranoid mother and two grown daughters, each of whom suffered from their mother's wrath. There is a buffer in the home in the form of a housekeeper who manages (in her own way) to make the life of the daughters bearable.
The book's format is unique. It takes place over a weekend, 4 days. The story is told from the viewpoint of each character. During the telling, the reader also gets snippets of the past, the background. There are numerous secrets, each character has one. This is definitely a character driven tale, but with domestic suspense and internal tensions. Lots of drama.
I found the ending to be a letdown. I think I was expecting for everything to come to a head. But, it just ended. In fact, I was surprised when I turned the page and the book was over.
It was well written but for anyone who likes resolution when the book ends, it will be a disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The book's format is unique. It takes place over a weekend, 4 days. The story is told from the viewpoint of each character. During the telling, the reader also gets snippets of the past, the background. There are numerous secrets, each character has one. This is definitely a character driven tale, but with domestic suspense and internal tensions. Lots of drama.
I found the ending to be a letdown. I think I was expecting for everything to come to a head. But, it just ended. In fact, I was surprised when I turned the page and the book was over.
It was well written but for anyone who likes resolution when the book ends, it will be a disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
November 23, 2025
ARC✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my advance copy @kayepublicity #partner
& @brillianceaudio #partner for the ALC
🅷🅴🅼🅻🅾🅲🅺 🅻🅰🅽🅴
< @m.fine.2020 >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ɴᴏᴠᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 𝟤𝟧, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴀɢᴇ | ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ + ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇ | ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ/ᴄʜɪʟᴅʀᴇɴ
𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎…
So. While the chapters are hella long (over an hour long) There are places you can break at during each day’s chapter. So don’t let the longer chapters discourage you. It’s for a purpose. You’ll see.
Family secrets are about to change everything. That manicured life you thought you knew everything about is about to shatter. Told over the course of four days, Fine has crafted an engaging and gripping family drama that will have you thinking long past the end of this book.
It’s 1967, and Nora thinks she’s finally found a man she could marry - Stephen Cantor. But a weekend at her parents’ home will test everything she believes. With a controlling mother and a father insisting he needs to talk, these four days will upend Nora’s entire world.
🎧: I also listened to the audio while following along and know that many of you will want to listen to this one. Because it’s narrated by *GET EXCITED* the one, the only - Helen Laser. ( @hlaserwolf ) So of course, she slayed this book - as she does every book she narrates.
I enjoyed how each day was told from the perspective of a different character. I also liked how much backstory we got. The characters and plot feel so well plotted that we get the information of a 500 page book in half the pages.
I also loved the setting of the book. The oppressive 1950’s make for the best reads.
3.5
Audio: 5 stars
#kayepublicity #hemlocklane
#ad much love for my advance copy @kayepublicity #partner
& @brillianceaudio #partner for the ALC
🅷🅴🅼🅻🅾🅲🅺 🅻🅰🅽🅴
< @m.fine.2020 >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ɴᴏᴠᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 𝟤𝟧, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴀɢᴇ | ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ + ᴅɪᴠᴏʀᴄᴇ | ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ/ᴄʜɪʟᴅʀᴇɴ
𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎…
So. While the chapters are hella long (over an hour long) There are places you can break at during each day’s chapter. So don’t let the longer chapters discourage you. It’s for a purpose. You’ll see.
Family secrets are about to change everything. That manicured life you thought you knew everything about is about to shatter. Told over the course of four days, Fine has crafted an engaging and gripping family drama that will have you thinking long past the end of this book.
It’s 1967, and Nora thinks she’s finally found a man she could marry - Stephen Cantor. But a weekend at her parents’ home will test everything she believes. With a controlling mother and a father insisting he needs to talk, these four days will upend Nora’s entire world.
🎧: I also listened to the audio while following along and know that many of you will want to listen to this one. Because it’s narrated by *GET EXCITED* the one, the only - Helen Laser. ( @hlaserwolf ) So of course, she slayed this book - as she does every book she narrates.
I enjoyed how each day was told from the perspective of a different character. I also liked how much backstory we got. The characters and plot feel so well plotted that we get the information of a 500 page book in half the pages.
I also loved the setting of the book. The oppressive 1950’s make for the best reads.
3.5
Audio: 5 stars
#kayepublicity #hemlocklane
November 28, 2025
I will admit I was drawn into this one purely by the stunning cover. Please make your own decision to read and don't go off my review or rating. I honestly think that I just wasn't the perfect audience since it has a good handful of 4s and 5s too. Maybe family dramas just aren't my thing.
The story isn't bad but it wasn't completely memorable for me either. Honestly I think most of the characters were insufferable, especially the mother. Also by the time it ended I was asking myself " really? that's it?"... I don't know what I was expecting but more than that.
I do think the narrator did a good job though. I would also consider giving this author another chance with a different book.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story isn't bad but it wasn't completely memorable for me either. Honestly I think most of the characters were insufferable, especially the mother. Also by the time it ended I was asking myself " really? that's it?"... I don't know what I was expecting but more than that.
I do think the narrator did a good job though. I would also consider giving this author another chance with a different book.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2025
I may revisit this review.
Hemlock Lane is an insightful, thought-provoking multi-generational story which explores the dynamics in the Levitsky family.
In the summer of 1967, the fractures widen and the dysfunction is glaring when Nora, the fiercely independent daughter comes home to Tarrytown at her father's request. He wants her to help him break some news to her overbearing, sharp tongue mother Lillian whom he has tiptoed around for decades so she could shield him from her explosive temper.
What I especially liked about this novel, my first by Marshall Fine, is the way each pivotal character gets to tell her/his story. This allows readers to gain much needed insights in how they have arrived at 1967. With each chapter, the author tells the story of decisions made, the reasons behind them, and how they shaped the present and the individual. He manages to maintain the suspense and the secrets lying beneath the surface before they come tumbling out in one fell swoop.
It is a good story, one of love, compassion, endurance and how the people we need, not necessarily those who are related by blood, become family as we try to find our footing and make our way in the world amid oppressive actions and stilted thoughts from those who should be cheering the loudest.
Thanks to the author, Lake Publishing and NetGalley for the E-Arc.
Hemlock Lane is an insightful, thought-provoking multi-generational story which explores the dynamics in the Levitsky family.
In the summer of 1967, the fractures widen and the dysfunction is glaring when Nora, the fiercely independent daughter comes home to Tarrytown at her father's request. He wants her to help him break some news to her overbearing, sharp tongue mother Lillian whom he has tiptoed around for decades so she could shield him from her explosive temper.
What I especially liked about this novel, my first by Marshall Fine, is the way each pivotal character gets to tell her/his story. This allows readers to gain much needed insights in how they have arrived at 1967. With each chapter, the author tells the story of decisions made, the reasons behind them, and how they shaped the present and the individual. He manages to maintain the suspense and the secrets lying beneath the surface before they come tumbling out in one fell swoop.
It is a good story, one of love, compassion, endurance and how the people we need, not necessarily those who are related by blood, become family as we try to find our footing and make our way in the world amid oppressive actions and stilted thoughts from those who should be cheering the loudest.
Thanks to the author, Lake Publishing and NetGalley for the E-Arc.
August 25, 2025
Nora is an independent young woman ahead of her time, academically oriented and career focused, who has devoted her life to finding an escape from her overbearing mother. Her loving father is a milquetoast, living in the shadow of his emotionally unavailable but demanding wife. Her spoiled sister is married to someone who can’t quite take care of her in the style she’d like and she relies on their parents to supplement their lifestyle. The most sympathetic character is Clara, the live-in housekeeper who has devoted her life to the girls, especially Nora, who is like the daughter she never had the chance to have. Clara sees to it that Nora launches into her destiny, leading a life of satisfaction far away from her family ties.
Each long chapter offers a different point of view on this family drama, but, for me, felt like a long-winded way to tell a story. As much as I cheered for Nora for her to step into her dreams and felt for Clara as ‘her girl’ left to start her new life, I didn’t find any real action to drive this story forward as it was based much on the introspective telling from each character’s perspective. As a whole, this book left me feeling meh.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Each long chapter offers a different point of view on this family drama, but, for me, felt like a long-winded way to tell a story. As much as I cheered for Nora for her to step into her dreams and felt for Clara as ‘her girl’ left to start her new life, I didn’t find any real action to drive this story forward as it was based much on the introspective telling from each character’s perspective. As a whole, this book left me feeling meh.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
The Autumn of Ruth Winters was Marshall Fine’s debut novel, and I absolutely loved it. No wonder I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his next book, Hemlock Lane.
This time, we’re taken back to 1967 to explore the complex family dynamics of the Levitsky family—four members, plus Clara, the housekeeper, who’s easily the most likeable character of them all. Each person has their own distinct personality and a secret they’ve been holding onto. Eventually, the time comes for some honesty and heart-to-heart conversations. What will happen when everything finally comes out? Can this family, for once, be completely honest with each other?
I really liked how the story gives us glimpses into each character’s past—it helps explain their choices and who they’ve become. But after a while, I found it a bit repetitive. Many scenes were retold from another character’s point of view, but without adding much that felt new or surprising. Around the 75% mark, it started to feel like I was reading the same story again and again, and the ending seemed to take forever to arrive.
Overall, it’s an okay book—well-written and with some interesting moments—but I have to admit, I expected much, much more after Ruth Winters.
This time, we’re taken back to 1967 to explore the complex family dynamics of the Levitsky family—four members, plus Clara, the housekeeper, who’s easily the most likeable character of them all. Each person has their own distinct personality and a secret they’ve been holding onto. Eventually, the time comes for some honesty and heart-to-heart conversations. What will happen when everything finally comes out? Can this family, for once, be completely honest with each other?
I really liked how the story gives us glimpses into each character’s past—it helps explain their choices and who they’ve become. But after a while, I found it a bit repetitive. Many scenes were retold from another character’s point of view, but without adding much that felt new or surprising. Around the 75% mark, it started to feel like I was reading the same story again and again, and the ending seemed to take forever to arrive.
Overall, it’s an okay book—well-written and with some interesting moments—but I have to admit, I expected much, much more after Ruth Winters.
January 1, 2026
This book started as a 2 star but eventually changed to a 3 midway/more towards the end. I think this book would have been better if it was written as a typical narrative. This book consisted of 6 different characters points of view and once their point was across, that was it. I have read books where when it’s told as different pov’s, the characters come up again to share in another chapter. However, that was not the case with this book. I also feel that point to structure a story with the pov of different characters is to have the readers truly feel and see things differently in each chapter. For me, I felt a lot of it was repetitive and not much was new or interesting for majority of the characters other than Lillian, Clara and slight Sol. I received this book as a giveaway reward and am very grateful to be given the opportunity to try this out. All thoughts on this review are my own :)
November 9, 2025
Hemlock Lane by Marshall Fine. Thanks to @kayepublicity for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s 1967 and Nora has gotten away from her family to get a higher education. Now she’s home for a few days, but expectations are high and different for her and her parents.
A slow moving family drama, it’s full of dysfunction and distant family relationships. As I was reading, it was easy to forget that it’s also a historical fiction, until I was reminded through the discrepancy in the main character’s motive and intentions and the expectations of her family and the world. The main character understands how society at the time stunts her growth as an independent woman and is figuring against that; with or without her family’s support.
Hemlock Lane comes out 11/25.
It’s 1967 and Nora has gotten away from her family to get a higher education. Now she’s home for a few days, but expectations are high and different for her and her parents.
A slow moving family drama, it’s full of dysfunction and distant family relationships. As I was reading, it was easy to forget that it’s also a historical fiction, until I was reminded through the discrepancy in the main character’s motive and intentions and the expectations of her family and the world. The main character understands how society at the time stunts her growth as an independent woman and is figuring against that; with or without her family’s support.
Hemlock Lane comes out 11/25.
December 21, 2025
Hemlock Lane was a thoroughly enjoyable story of a suburban New York Jewish couple and their two distinctly different daughters through the years. Younger daughter Nora refuses to conform to her domineering mother's expectations of marriage and children as the only life's path for women. Nora's father Sol has always indulged his wife's explosive temper and opinions, choosing to walk away rather than voicing his own opinion of his daughters' preferred choices in the pursuit of their own happiness. Clara, the live-in housekeeper and cook from the time oldest daughter Amelia was brought home from the hospital has been more of a mother to both girls than their own mother Lillian has ever been. When Nora charts her own course when it comes to choosing the college and career she wants, she is mostly alienated from everyone but Clara. Reading Hemlock Lane conjured the old TV family dramas of the 60s & 70s to my mind.
November 29, 2025
This is an intense read. The Levitsky Family is a whole other level of dysfunction. Nora is summoned home by her father. The one of only two supportive people in her life. Her tightest bond is with her childhood nanny
This is a well written novel. It is set over four days as well from the various characters viewpoint. An interesting point of the book was the flashbacks that allow you to see the complex world of these characters.
Honestly I was disappointed in the ending because I felt I had no closure. Overall an interesting read. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for this advance read.
This is a well written novel. It is set over four days as well from the various characters viewpoint. An interesting point of the book was the flashbacks that allow you to see the complex world of these characters.
Honestly I was disappointed in the ending because I felt I had no closure. Overall an interesting read. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for this advance read.
December 12, 2025
I thought it would be better. I don’t connect with the characters and the story wasn’t very interesting.
November 12, 2025
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and Net Gallery, for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published on November 25th, 2025.
Hemlock Lane is the first book I have read by Marshall Fine, and it made me curious to read more of his work. Hemlock Lane is a historical fiction and women’s fiction novel about a girl named Nora Letvitsky who returns home to see her family for the last time in the summer of 1967. Nora has a complicated relationship with her family, but shares a close bond with her housekeeper, Clara. Nora is visiting for the weekend and is scared about having to tiptoe around them while withholding secrets. While Nora is spending time with her family, Nora is also learning about what secrets are being hidden from her. Nora has to determine whether she wants to continue a relationship with them. This weekend was an eye-opener for Nora and helped her learn which people are worth keeping in her life or walking away from for good.
I really liked Marshall Fine’s writing style while reading this novel. I really appreciated the historical elements of the timeline from 1930 to 1967. It helped in creating the atmosphere that the characters in the novel coexist with. I liked how each character has their own perspective when talking about their personal lives and their perspective on the family dynamics. It was helpful to learn how each person feels about the current situation and learn what secrets each of them is holding within, while seeing the family secrets unfold around them. The downside of reading Hemlock Lane was how the novel is formatted. Each chapter consisted of a perspective of each member of the Levitsky family and their past and present perspectives on their family dynamics. Each chapter has a lot of page breaks within, and it goes back and forth between the past and present timelines of each character. There were moments where the past and present timelines from each character’s perspective were a little confusing to follow. I think if the novel were structured as each character’s perspective as one part of the story, with chapters that consist of either the past or present timeline, it would be easier for the reader to follow and have consistent engagement in the storyline. When each chapter tends to have a large amount of page breaks in a single chapter, it tends to lose the engagement of the person reading the novel. There were also times reading the novel that I found the plot to have a lot of repetitive language, and it made sense with each character’s perspective, but I found at times it made the plot of the storyline feel like it was dragging. I think the ending perspective being Clara was a great choice. It helped to wrap up the story nicely, and it felt complete when I finished the novel.
I rate Hemlock Lane 3.5 stars. There were moments that I liked and disliked while reading this novel. I really liked the concept of the storyline and liked Marshall Fine’s writing style. I think if the novel had been structured differently, I think I would have enjoyed the book more. If you are a reader who likes either Historical fiction set during this specific time period or women’s fiction, you should check out Hemlock Lane.
Hemlock Lane is the first book I have read by Marshall Fine, and it made me curious to read more of his work. Hemlock Lane is a historical fiction and women’s fiction novel about a girl named Nora Letvitsky who returns home to see her family for the last time in the summer of 1967. Nora has a complicated relationship with her family, but shares a close bond with her housekeeper, Clara. Nora is visiting for the weekend and is scared about having to tiptoe around them while withholding secrets. While Nora is spending time with her family, Nora is also learning about what secrets are being hidden from her. Nora has to determine whether she wants to continue a relationship with them. This weekend was an eye-opener for Nora and helped her learn which people are worth keeping in her life or walking away from for good.
I really liked Marshall Fine’s writing style while reading this novel. I really appreciated the historical elements of the timeline from 1930 to 1967. It helped in creating the atmosphere that the characters in the novel coexist with. I liked how each character has their own perspective when talking about their personal lives and their perspective on the family dynamics. It was helpful to learn how each person feels about the current situation and learn what secrets each of them is holding within, while seeing the family secrets unfold around them. The downside of reading Hemlock Lane was how the novel is formatted. Each chapter consisted of a perspective of each member of the Levitsky family and their past and present perspectives on their family dynamics. Each chapter has a lot of page breaks within, and it goes back and forth between the past and present timelines of each character. There were moments where the past and present timelines from each character’s perspective were a little confusing to follow. I think if the novel were structured as each character’s perspective as one part of the story, with chapters that consist of either the past or present timeline, it would be easier for the reader to follow and have consistent engagement in the storyline. When each chapter tends to have a large amount of page breaks in a single chapter, it tends to lose the engagement of the person reading the novel. There were also times reading the novel that I found the plot to have a lot of repetitive language, and it made sense with each character’s perspective, but I found at times it made the plot of the storyline feel like it was dragging. I think the ending perspective being Clara was a great choice. It helped to wrap up the story nicely, and it felt complete when I finished the novel.
I rate Hemlock Lane 3.5 stars. There were moments that I liked and disliked while reading this novel. I really liked the concept of the storyline and liked Marshall Fine’s writing style. I think if the novel had been structured differently, I think I would have enjoyed the book more. If you are a reader who likes either Historical fiction set during this specific time period or women’s fiction, you should check out Hemlock Lane.
October 28, 2025
Hemlock Lane is a quietly powerful story of fractured families, long-held secrets, and the ways we carry the weight of the past. With its multi-generational cast and layered character work, this novel draws you into the heart of a family that feels as real as your own.
The premise is deceptively simple—Nora returns to her childhood home for a brief four-day visit, intending to share news that will change her future. But what begins as a seemingly routine trip quickly unravels into a reckoning with old wounds and buried truths. Nora’s relationship with Clara, the housekeeper who became a surrogate mother, adds emotional depth, grounding the story in a bond that feels more genuine than any blood tie.
The structure of the novel is one of its greatest strengths. Multiple narrators give us windows into different eras, different choices, and different regrets. It’s fascinating to see how each person’s decisions ripple through time, affecting others in ways they could never have predicted. The way the story moves between perspectives feels natural and adds richness to the narrative without ever becoming disorienting.
Marshall Fine’s writing captures the emotional quietness of domestic tension—the unspoken looks, the silences, the conversations you don’t have but can still feel humming in the background. While the prose at times leans a bit formal or stilted, especially in the beginning, it quickly settles into a rhythm that suits the tone of the story.
If anything, I wished the ending had lingered just a bit longer. After so much build-up, the final pages arrive quickly and could have benefited from a little more space to breathe. Still, the resolution is satisfying, and the emotional beats land well.
For readers who like:
- Quiet revelations
- Multi-generational family dramas
- Emotional journeys
Final Verdict
Hemlock Lane is the kind of novel that sneaks up on you—it begins quietly but slowly pulls you in until you’re completely absorbed. Perfect for fans of introspective, relationship-focused fiction and a fantastic pick for book club discussions. The story may be short, but its impact lingers.
Grateful to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Marshall Fine for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is deceptively simple—Nora returns to her childhood home for a brief four-day visit, intending to share news that will change her future. But what begins as a seemingly routine trip quickly unravels into a reckoning with old wounds and buried truths. Nora’s relationship with Clara, the housekeeper who became a surrogate mother, adds emotional depth, grounding the story in a bond that feels more genuine than any blood tie.
The structure of the novel is one of its greatest strengths. Multiple narrators give us windows into different eras, different choices, and different regrets. It’s fascinating to see how each person’s decisions ripple through time, affecting others in ways they could never have predicted. The way the story moves between perspectives feels natural and adds richness to the narrative without ever becoming disorienting.
Marshall Fine’s writing captures the emotional quietness of domestic tension—the unspoken looks, the silences, the conversations you don’t have but can still feel humming in the background. While the prose at times leans a bit formal or stilted, especially in the beginning, it quickly settles into a rhythm that suits the tone of the story.
If anything, I wished the ending had lingered just a bit longer. After so much build-up, the final pages arrive quickly and could have benefited from a little more space to breathe. Still, the resolution is satisfying, and the emotional beats land well.
For readers who like:
- Quiet revelations
- Multi-generational family dramas
- Emotional journeys
Final Verdict
Hemlock Lane is the kind of novel that sneaks up on you—it begins quietly but slowly pulls you in until you’re completely absorbed. Perfect for fans of introspective, relationship-focused fiction and a fantastic pick for book club discussions. The story may be short, but its impact lingers.
Grateful to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Marshall Fine for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
I enjoyed the author’s debut novel last year and found this latest book exceeded my expectations. It is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration into the overt and covert dynamics underlying a dysfunctional family.
The novel is told through the perspectives of five members in the Levitsky household. The chapters reveal both the current circumstances as well as the historical perspective as the family grew. Fueled by a childhood of insecurity, the matriarch, Lillian, has evolved into a grasping, controlling shrew who has distanced herself emotionally and physically while spewing her criticism and anger at will. Sol, her long-suffering husband, leads a dual life. He is assertive and successful in business but weak and compliant at home at the expense of his children’s well-being. Amelia, the eldest daughter, constantly seeks her mother’s approval, a hopeless endeavor at best. The youngest daughter, Nora, never bonded with Lillian and has lived her life with the goal of escaping her mother’s grasp by achieving a PhD and moving hundreds of miles away. Lastly, there is Clare who came to be the family nanny/housekeeper at the tender age of nineteen. She became Nora’s “secret mother” over the ensuing decades and, in truth, kept the family together by managing the household and her temperamental employer.
The family is in crisis as everyone conceals essential information from Lillian to avoid triggering her anger. The long-standing fissures in the family are revealed as inevitable change rocks Lillian’s world. The author approaches the humanity of each character with sensitivity and compassion, which is a challenge with Lillian’s personality. Overall, I enjoyed this novel for its depth of character development.
I would have appreciated an Epilogue to follow through with the individual storylines, but I also see the value in leaving an open-ended conclusion to feed the reader’s imagination.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The novel is told through the perspectives of five members in the Levitsky household. The chapters reveal both the current circumstances as well as the historical perspective as the family grew. Fueled by a childhood of insecurity, the matriarch, Lillian, has evolved into a grasping, controlling shrew who has distanced herself emotionally and physically while spewing her criticism and anger at will. Sol, her long-suffering husband, leads a dual life. He is assertive and successful in business but weak and compliant at home at the expense of his children’s well-being. Amelia, the eldest daughter, constantly seeks her mother’s approval, a hopeless endeavor at best. The youngest daughter, Nora, never bonded with Lillian and has lived her life with the goal of escaping her mother’s grasp by achieving a PhD and moving hundreds of miles away. Lastly, there is Clare who came to be the family nanny/housekeeper at the tender age of nineteen. She became Nora’s “secret mother” over the ensuing decades and, in truth, kept the family together by managing the household and her temperamental employer.
The family is in crisis as everyone conceals essential information from Lillian to avoid triggering her anger. The long-standing fissures in the family are revealed as inevitable change rocks Lillian’s world. The author approaches the humanity of each character with sensitivity and compassion, which is a challenge with Lillian’s personality. Overall, I enjoyed this novel for its depth of character development.
I would have appreciated an Epilogue to follow through with the individual storylines, but I also see the value in leaving an open-ended conclusion to feed the reader’s imagination.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 4, 2025
Audio Run Time: 4 hrs, 52 mins
Narrated By: Helen Laser
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Nora’s headed home to spend a few days with her parents at her fathers request. He says he has something important to tell her. But they’re all hiding secrets in this dysfunctional family and these few days together may make or break them.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, the narration was well done. The story was very bittersweet I thought. Showcasing how some people aren’t hardwired for being mothers, how sometimes family isn’t blood relation, but rather, those that have your back and urge you to be the best version of yourself that you can be. How growing up in a dysfunctional family affects the children in different ways and how important it is to stand up for yourself and live life in the manner that you want to. Not live a life dictated by what someone else wants for you. - The ending of the book felt kind of abrupt to me, I felt that it should’ve kept going for a bit. But I did appreciate that it ended with Nora making a hard choice, a choice that I felt was definitely right in this situation, but would definitely cause upheaval. I think I loved the housekeeper, Clara, the most. She was definitely more of a mother than the bio mom.
- Takes place in: 1960’s
- Dysfunctional family dynamics
- Lots of secret keeping
- Bittersweet story
- Mention of Catholicism and Jewish traditions
- Heart attack scene
- Dual POV
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.
Narrated By: Helen Laser
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Nora’s headed home to spend a few days with her parents at her fathers request. He says he has something important to tell her. But they’re all hiding secrets in this dysfunctional family and these few days together may make or break them.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, the narration was well done. The story was very bittersweet I thought. Showcasing how some people aren’t hardwired for being mothers, how sometimes family isn’t blood relation, but rather, those that have your back and urge you to be the best version of yourself that you can be. How growing up in a dysfunctional family affects the children in different ways and how important it is to stand up for yourself and live life in the manner that you want to. Not live a life dictated by what someone else wants for you. - The ending of the book felt kind of abrupt to me, I felt that it should’ve kept going for a bit. But I did appreciate that it ended with Nora making a hard choice, a choice that I felt was definitely right in this situation, but would definitely cause upheaval. I think I loved the housekeeper, Clara, the most. She was definitely more of a mother than the bio mom.
- Takes place in: 1960’s
- Dysfunctional family dynamics
- Lots of secret keeping
- Bittersweet story
- Mention of Catholicism and Jewish traditions
- Heart attack scene
- Dual POV
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.
January 29, 2026
im conflicted about this book. I want to say i liked it, but it's really just the last 20% (ish) that felt actually compelling. up until the brunch i kept thinking "how much longer can this go?" and "how many flashbacks can we have?" and to be fair the flashbacks did help the story a lot, but everything and everyone was just so dull. even the drama was dull. I almost felt like i was zoned out listening to the narration of a bake off episode. with so much drama and emotion, I expected more passion and energy from pretty much every character. even when all the secrets did "explode" (i use generously, since it had the sizzle of a packet of pop rocks) it didnt feel like anyone had any actual emotions about anything. I guess i would describe it like a passive narration, where everything is happening TO the characters but the characters aren't DOING anything?
I love an open ending (when it fits the story) and while I think an open ending fits this story, I dont like it. nothing got resolved or addressed and not a single character achieved their peace. Clara got her revenge but not really since Lillian doesnt know, Lillian didnt actually changed or realize her faults, Amelia really didnt do anything, and Nora is still conflicted about her parents. the absent-hating-mother secret is out, but literally nothing else happened after what felt like so much time building everything up. but maybe that's just because it took me so long to get through the first half?
thank u netgalley for arc
I love an open ending (when it fits the story) and while I think an open ending fits this story, I dont like it. nothing got resolved or addressed and not a single character achieved their peace. Clara got her revenge but not really since Lillian doesnt know, Lillian didnt actually changed or realize her faults, Amelia really didnt do anything, and Nora is still conflicted about her parents. the absent-hating-mother secret is out, but literally nothing else happened after what felt like so much time building everything up. but maybe that's just because it took me so long to get through the first half?
thank u netgalley for arc
September 14, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
This is the first book I’ve read by Marshall Fine, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I finished a novel in one sitting. Hemlock Lane is a beautifully crafted family drama set in the late 1960s, full of secrets, fractures, and the heavy silence between generations.
The story follows daughters Nora and Amelia, their parents Sol and Lillian, and Clara, the family’s housekeeper and confidante. Lillian is the quintessential controlling mother, clinging to appearances and tradition, while Nora pushes back against those constraints-rebelling and carving out her own path, no matter the cost. Amelia, Sol, and Clara each add their own weight to the family’s story, and the alternating perspectives let us see their truths in full light. Some characters are immediately likeable, while others remain cold even after their backstory is revealed (very much by design).
The structure-each chapter told from a different character’s point of view-keeps the story layered and dynamic. And that last chapter, told from Clara’s perspective, wraps everything up with quiet grace. It doesn’t just close the story; it reframes it, showing how an outsider who became family holds the clearest view of them all.
Fine’s prose is crisp, immersive, and emotionally sharp, capturing both the suffocating expectations of the era and the flickers of rebellion that cracked them open.
This is the first book I’ve read by Marshall Fine, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I finished a novel in one sitting. Hemlock Lane is a beautifully crafted family drama set in the late 1960s, full of secrets, fractures, and the heavy silence between generations.
The story follows daughters Nora and Amelia, their parents Sol and Lillian, and Clara, the family’s housekeeper and confidante. Lillian is the quintessential controlling mother, clinging to appearances and tradition, while Nora pushes back against those constraints-rebelling and carving out her own path, no matter the cost. Amelia, Sol, and Clara each add their own weight to the family’s story, and the alternating perspectives let us see their truths in full light. Some characters are immediately likeable, while others remain cold even after their backstory is revealed (very much by design).
The structure-each chapter told from a different character’s point of view-keeps the story layered and dynamic. And that last chapter, told from Clara’s perspective, wraps everything up with quiet grace. It doesn’t just close the story; it reframes it, showing how an outsider who became family holds the clearest view of them all.
Fine’s prose is crisp, immersive, and emotionally sharp, capturing both the suffocating expectations of the era and the flickers of rebellion that cracked them open.
January 12, 2026
This book pulled on my heartstrings more than I initially expected. A multi-POV, character driven story centering around a family, particularly a mother, Lillian, and her youngest daughter Nora.
As you follow their relationship, you gain an understanding of their pasts, their characters, and their reasonings for how they act. What’s even more impressive is how you develop this not just through their viewpoints, but through the entire family. Though I’m not always one to read books driven by characters and their relationships, rather than plots, this one really hit me.
It was exceedingly well done. Every page, every paragraph, and every sentence added context and depth to the struggles between this mother and daughter pair. Seeing how they both struggled in their own separate ways really saddened me. Especially when seeing where the breakdowns began. Even more, it gave a deep demonstration of how our actions and words can impact others, regardless of intentions or our own personal struggles. Further, it gives a portrayal of postpartum struggles, and how they can really affect a mother on a deep level.
Really, I may have to reread this one very soon. I can’t portray how well done this novel was. So, if you like character driven novels, or are in the fence, I’d highly recommend this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from Kaye Publicity and Marshall Fine. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
As you follow their relationship, you gain an understanding of their pasts, their characters, and their reasonings for how they act. What’s even more impressive is how you develop this not just through their viewpoints, but through the entire family. Though I’m not always one to read books driven by characters and their relationships, rather than plots, this one really hit me.
It was exceedingly well done. Every page, every paragraph, and every sentence added context and depth to the struggles between this mother and daughter pair. Seeing how they both struggled in their own separate ways really saddened me. Especially when seeing where the breakdowns began. Even more, it gave a deep demonstration of how our actions and words can impact others, regardless of intentions or our own personal struggles. Further, it gives a portrayal of postpartum struggles, and how they can really affect a mother on a deep level.
Really, I may have to reread this one very soon. I can’t portray how well done this novel was. So, if you like character driven novels, or are in the fence, I’d highly recommend this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from Kaye Publicity and Marshall Fine. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
July 27, 2025
The Levitsky family—two parents, two daughters, and their indispensable housekeeper, Clara—live on quiet Hemlock Lane. Clara is much more than staff; she’s the emotional glue holding this unraveling household together, especially for the daughters, who view her as their “secret mother.”
Nora, the youngest, returns home for the weekend after earning her PhD. Her parents, particularly her controlling mother, Lillian, expect Nora to move back permanently. But Nora is harboring secrets: a boyfriend her family doesn’t know about, and a new job in Chicago. Throughout her life, she has sidestepped her mother's unpredictable temperament, often leaning on Clara for comfort and maternal advice.
This compelling novel follows the Levitsky family as they navigate the tensions and buried truths of family life. Twists, emotional upheaval, and long-hidden revelations keep the narrative engaging. Most characters are sympathetic—except for Lillian, whose relentless need to dominate those around her makes her particularly difficult to endure.
I found myself completely absorbed, eagerly turning pages to discover what might unfold next. However, the story’s ending felt sudden and unresolved, leaving me wanting just a bit more closure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Nora, the youngest, returns home for the weekend after earning her PhD. Her parents, particularly her controlling mother, Lillian, expect Nora to move back permanently. But Nora is harboring secrets: a boyfriend her family doesn’t know about, and a new job in Chicago. Throughout her life, she has sidestepped her mother's unpredictable temperament, often leaning on Clara for comfort and maternal advice.
This compelling novel follows the Levitsky family as they navigate the tensions and buried truths of family life. Twists, emotional upheaval, and long-hidden revelations keep the narrative engaging. Most characters are sympathetic—except for Lillian, whose relentless need to dominate those around her makes her particularly difficult to endure.
I found myself completely absorbed, eagerly turning pages to discover what might unfold next. However, the story’s ending felt sudden and unresolved, leaving me wanting just a bit more closure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
November 2, 2025
Nora returns to her childhood home for a weekend visit to share some news about her future. However, what should be a simple trip, quickly unravels into madness as old wounds are reopened, and buried truths are at risk of being exposed.
While it felt a little predictable at times, it was such a strong, entertaining novel; it was quite literally impossible to put down, and I absolutely flew through it. There is so much going on, and the suspense is so brilliantly built, I simply needed to know what was going to happen next. It's such a well written novel, with such an interesting format, and the pacing made it so easily engaging. The author does such a good job with that uneasiness that accompanies a family that is barely holding on. The characters work so well, they are so messy in the best way, and they feel so real in their flaws and imperfections. Each of them is so well developed, and so interesting in their own way, and they are all treated with such care. I do feel like the ending could have been a little longer, but maybe it's just a me thing. I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it was incredible. It made for such a fun afternoon, and the narrator brought these characters to life in such a perfect way.
Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
While it felt a little predictable at times, it was such a strong, entertaining novel; it was quite literally impossible to put down, and I absolutely flew through it. There is so much going on, and the suspense is so brilliantly built, I simply needed to know what was going to happen next. It's such a well written novel, with such an interesting format, and the pacing made it so easily engaging. The author does such a good job with that uneasiness that accompanies a family that is barely holding on. The characters work so well, they are so messy in the best way, and they feel so real in their flaws and imperfections. Each of them is so well developed, and so interesting in their own way, and they are all treated with such care. I do feel like the ending could have been a little longer, but maybe it's just a me thing. I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it was incredible. It made for such a fun afternoon, and the narrator brought these characters to life in such a perfect way.
Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
𝑯𝒆𝒎𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒆 is a tender yet unsettling portrait of a family weighed down by old wounds, unspoken resentments, and the secrets that have shaped them for decades.
The novel unfolds over the course of a single weekend, a four-day visit that becomes far more emotionally charged than anyone anticipates. This compressed timeline, paired with shifting perspectives, gives the story a quiet intensity that steadily grows as each chapter peels back another layer.
Each character’s viewpoint slips seamlessly between past and present, weaving a tapestry of intertwined regrets and decisions that continue to echo into the current moment. The result is a story that feels surprisingly intimate. These people are flawed, hurting, and often difficult, yet they’re rendered with such nuance that their struggles feel genuine.
Hemlock Lane is a beautifully written, character-driven family drama that grows more compelling with each page. It’s a story for readers who appreciate slow-burn revelations, complicated relationships, and the weight of generational pain. Quiet but powerful, it leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
Do you enjoy character-driven family dramas?
Thank you so much @kayepublicity for gifted copy!
#hemlocklane #bookstagram #bookreview
The novel unfolds over the course of a single weekend, a four-day visit that becomes far more emotionally charged than anyone anticipates. This compressed timeline, paired with shifting perspectives, gives the story a quiet intensity that steadily grows as each chapter peels back another layer.
Each character’s viewpoint slips seamlessly between past and present, weaving a tapestry of intertwined regrets and decisions that continue to echo into the current moment. The result is a story that feels surprisingly intimate. These people are flawed, hurting, and often difficult, yet they’re rendered with such nuance that their struggles feel genuine.
Hemlock Lane is a beautifully written, character-driven family drama that grows more compelling with each page. It’s a story for readers who appreciate slow-burn revelations, complicated relationships, and the weight of generational pain. Quiet but powerful, it leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
Do you enjoy character-driven family dramas?
Thank you so much @kayepublicity for gifted copy!
#hemlocklane #bookstagram #bookreview
December 11, 2025
Hemlock Lane is a thoughtful and emotionally steady family drama that takes place over one summer weekend in 1967. The Levitsky family gathers under one roof, and what begins as an ordinary visit slowly reveals long held secrets, strained relationships, and the quiet ways a family learns to protect itself. Each chapter moves between perspectives, giving insight into how every character reached this moment and why certain choices shaped their lives.
The relationship between Nora and Clara is one of the most compelling parts of the story. Their history adds warmth and grounding as the tensions in the household rise. Marshall Fine does a strong job showing how the past influences every conversation and how even unspoken worries can change the direction of a family.
The pacing is gentle, sometimes slower than expected, and readers who want a big dramatic payoff may find the ending more subtle than anticipated. Still, the writing is clear and the emotional threads feel honest. This is a solid character driven novel that focuses on quiet revelations rather than dramatic twists.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marshall Fine, and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The relationship between Nora and Clara is one of the most compelling parts of the story. Their history adds warmth and grounding as the tensions in the household rise. Marshall Fine does a strong job showing how the past influences every conversation and how even unspoken worries can change the direction of a family.
The pacing is gentle, sometimes slower than expected, and readers who want a big dramatic payoff may find the ending more subtle than anticipated. Still, the writing is clear and the emotional threads feel honest. This is a solid character driven novel that focuses on quiet revelations rather than dramatic twists.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marshall Fine, and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
In this riveting story of family bonds and buried truths, a young woman’s homecoming becomes a reckoning as four days together threaten to shatter the comfortable lies that have held her family together.
Set in the summer of 1967, the Levitsky family reunites for a long weekend in the suburbs—an idyllic holiday for the “perfect” family. But Nora has always known better. Growing up under her mother Lillian’s explosive temper, Nora found solace only in the family’s housekeeper, Clara. That bond remains her anchor during this uneasy return home. Over the next four days, old secrets come to light—testing loyalties, unraveling facades, and forcing Nora to confront the truth about what she truly wants for her future.
I wanted to love this book so much. The premise is rich with tension, history, and emotion, but ultimately it leaned too heavily on the past—constantly revisiting what led the characters here—instead of propelling them forward. While the writing was strong and the family drama layered, I found myself wishing for more momentum and growth in the present storyline.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC
Set in the summer of 1967, the Levitsky family reunites for a long weekend in the suburbs—an idyllic holiday for the “perfect” family. But Nora has always known better. Growing up under her mother Lillian’s explosive temper, Nora found solace only in the family’s housekeeper, Clara. That bond remains her anchor during this uneasy return home. Over the next four days, old secrets come to light—testing loyalties, unraveling facades, and forcing Nora to confront the truth about what she truly wants for her future.
I wanted to love this book so much. The premise is rich with tension, history, and emotion, but ultimately it leaned too heavily on the past—constantly revisiting what led the characters here—instead of propelling them forward. While the writing was strong and the family drama layered, I found myself wishing for more momentum and growth in the present storyline.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC
November 10, 2025
Hemlock Lane is a hauntingly intimate story about the ties that bind—and sometimes suffocate—families. Set in the summer of 1967, Marshall Fine captures the claustrophobia of a home filled with secrets. Nora returns for what should be a pleasant family weekend, but the simmering tension beneath her mother’s perfectionist surface threatens to boil over.
The dynamic between Nora and Clara, the family’s housekeeper and her lifelong confidante, is the emotional heart of this book. Their shared understanding and subtle acts of rebellion add quiet power to the narrative. As the story unfolds, Fine reveals the ways love can both protect and control, and how breaking free often requires painful honesty.
Helen Laser’s performance brings every layer of emotion to life. She gives each character their own cadence—Lillian’s sharpness, Nora’s hesitation, Clara’s calm authority—and that makes the story feel almost cinematic.
This is a beautiful, slow-burning novel that lingers long after it ends. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate Little Fires Everywhere, The Dutch House, or Ask Again, Yes.
The dynamic between Nora and Clara, the family’s housekeeper and her lifelong confidante, is the emotional heart of this book. Their shared understanding and subtle acts of rebellion add quiet power to the narrative. As the story unfolds, Fine reveals the ways love can both protect and control, and how breaking free often requires painful honesty.
Helen Laser’s performance brings every layer of emotion to life. She gives each character their own cadence—Lillian’s sharpness, Nora’s hesitation, Clara’s calm authority—and that makes the story feel almost cinematic.
This is a beautiful, slow-burning novel that lingers long after it ends. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate Little Fires Everywhere, The Dutch House, or Ask Again, Yes.
November 23, 2025
Taking place over the course of one weekend in the summer of 1967, Hemlock Lane tells the story of the Levitsky family from the different viewpoints of each character. In what you think is just a typical all American family, there are a string of secrets that slowly unravel over the four days.
Nora, the youngest daughter, comes to visit from college for the weekend, for what she thinks is a chance to spend some time with her father. However, she has always begrudged seeing her mother, who had left most of her daughter’s upbringing to the housekeeper, Clara.
I loved the way the story was written, getting a glimpse into the past and present lives of each of the main characters individually. This helps to bring the story together and shows the problems that they have each faced within the family dynamic.
It was also interesting to see the characters from a 21st century point of view. Nora is trying to spread her wings in the 1960s, against a mother who has very traditional points of view and is clearly dealing with her own challenges.
Hemlock Lane is a heart warming story showing that the people we think of as family are not always those we are related to.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
Nora, the youngest daughter, comes to visit from college for the weekend, for what she thinks is a chance to spend some time with her father. However, she has always begrudged seeing her mother, who had left most of her daughter’s upbringing to the housekeeper, Clara.
I loved the way the story was written, getting a glimpse into the past and present lives of each of the main characters individually. This helps to bring the story together and shows the problems that they have each faced within the family dynamic.
It was also interesting to see the characters from a 21st century point of view. Nora is trying to spread her wings in the 1960s, against a mother who has very traditional points of view and is clearly dealing with her own challenges.
Hemlock Lane is a heart warming story showing that the people we think of as family are not always those we are related to.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
November 24, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Brilliance Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful audiobook by Marshall Fine, made all the better because of the narration by Helen Laser. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!
It's the summer of 1967, and the Levitsky family gets together for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs. But all is not as it seems behind closed doors. Nora's mother, Lillian, is full of rage, mostly focused on Nora. Her dad tiptoes around the situation. Nora's only refuge is Clara, the housekeeper and her surrogate mother. But things are beginning to crack and secrets are showing.
I loved how this story played out over four days, each day from the perspective of a different family member. We learn how they got to this day and the secrets they are holding within. It's tense, with the family dysfunction becoming clearer as we delve deeper into each different personality and the decisions they made along the way. It's definitely a nod to finding our own true self and those around us who can nurture that. Quietly powerful and the narration was perfect.
It's the summer of 1967, and the Levitsky family gets together for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs. But all is not as it seems behind closed doors. Nora's mother, Lillian, is full of rage, mostly focused on Nora. Her dad tiptoes around the situation. Nora's only refuge is Clara, the housekeeper and her surrogate mother. But things are beginning to crack and secrets are showing.
I loved how this story played out over four days, each day from the perspective of a different family member. We learn how they got to this day and the secrets they are holding within. It's tense, with the family dysfunction becoming clearer as we delve deeper into each different personality and the decisions they made along the way. It's definitely a nod to finding our own true self and those around us who can nurture that. Quietly powerful and the narration was perfect.
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