The Wisteria Crescent Chronicles

by Kate Forster

'A gorgeous setting for a story with strong female friendships at its core... Loved it!' HELEN ROLFE


It is a truth universally acknowledged... that a widowed woman in possession of a large Georgian home but no money for tea or toilet paper must find a creative solution.

For 70-year-old Marion Gaynor, the answer lies in opening her doors-and her heart-to two unexpected Felicity Booth, a brilliant but frazzled PhD student, balancing research and the chaos of academia, and Lana Rolls, newly separated and searching for a fresh start.

Together, these three women discover that friendship blooms in the unlikeliest of places, and the bonds they form will change their lives forever.

Readers will love this cosy, uplifting tale of unexpected friendship, set in the picturesque city of Bath, filled with charm and whimsy. Perfect for fans of Helen Rolfe, Heidi Swain and Philippa Ashley.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Novelist.

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet story set in Bath. The women were such a friendly lot and all seemed to get on well in the big house. It was such a gentle read and I was sorry to finish it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Allie Collyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a beautiful heart warming read that doesn’t slide into tired old tropes and cliches. All of the women are in difficult situations and find themselves living together and it’s the start of such beautiful friendships. I loved that they were of 3 different generations as they learnt from each other and it showed that age really doesn’t matter. There is a little bit of romance but it’s only a tiny part of the book.

If you enjoy “cosy” stories, you’ll love this one.

[Calli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fell upon my hands at a hotel book exchanged in Costa Adeje on the day that I’d become unwell. From the first page I was consumed by an uplifting curiosity which led me to finish it in just two days.

It’s a wonderful, refreshing read that fits anytime of the year. Every page left me warm and fuzzy. Three women come together - all under different circumstances, different ages, all with beautiful characters. The story is of hope, motivation, the flourishing of women and friendship. I became invested in the characters very easily and found my self laughing, crying and pausing to making tea at the same time they did. This book will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired and happy to wake up.

Kate has such a wonderful way of writing and pacing. She quite literally makes you feel like you’re right with the ladies and their shenanigans.

I was surprised to ready that she is from Australia as she’s captured bath so wonderfully.
Maybe she has visited many times, or at least it definitely feels that way.

I found many parts relatable. Buy the book if

- You’re feeling lost
- Your feeling low
- You’re grieving
- You’re feeling alone
- You’re unwell
- You take your friends for granted
- You want to make friends
- You feel deeply
- You want to start over
- You love friendships.
- If you’re having hardship
- If you want and easy read.
- If you think you’re too old.
- You’re feeling stuck
- If you’re feeling unmotivated
- If you’ve been cheated on
- If you love your friends.

Just bye the book, you won’t regret it. I primise.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming story this was.

I loved seeing the friendship develop between Marion, Felicity and Lana, all women at different stages in the lives, but all in need of a friend, a place to live and as we get to know them, we discover there are similarities between their personal situations too.

I loved seeing how all three of these women spread their wings and went on such wonderful journeys throughout the book.

Marion is in her 70s and has decided to rent out the other rooms in her house, despite her daughter pressuring her to sell the property. Lana is escaping a marriage that has gone very sour, and Felicity is rather studious and not enjoying life in the halls of residence and wants to somewhere more peaceful to live.

All three are on very different trajectories but yet an instant friendship between the new housemates strikes up. There are romantic threads in the story but they are definitely secondary to the themes of friendship and moving on with your life and escaping bad situations themes.

This was a lovely gentle read that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Aiesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight from start to finish! The Wisteria Crescent Chronicles is the kind of cosy, heartwarming read that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and escape into the charming streets of Bath alongside its wonderfully endearing characters.

At its core, this is a story about unexpected friendships and new beginnings and what unfolds is a beautiful, multi-generational tale of resilience, support, and the kind of friendships that feel like a warm hug.

Each character is beautifully crafted—layered, and so easy to root for. I found myself emotionally invested in their lives, feeling their highs and lows. Their struggles were handled with so much warmth and depth. And Bath? The setting couldn’t have been more perfect. Forster brings the city to life with such vivid descriptions that you can almost feel the cobbled streets beneath your feet and smell the wisteria in bloom.

It’s full of charm, humour, and so much heart. If you’re a fan of uplifting stories about strong women, found family, and the simple joys of life, The Wisteria Crescent Chronicles is a must-read.

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about 3 women who share a lovely house in Bath. All are dealing with change and finding their true selves. Marion, a window in her 70s is dealing with the loss of her husband and financial security, Lana a thirty-something going through an unpleasant divorce, and Felicity a woman in her twenties trying to break free from a difficult family and their expectations. A charming and enjoyable read.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the first chapter, I really enjoy reading from each perspective, the way the characters came together and the setting was amazing, it really made me want to visit Bath, each story was wonderfully told and kept me hooked, this is my first from the writer but hopefully not my last

[Snowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wisteria Crescent Chronicles

What a great feel- good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It took you through ups and downs in the 3 womens’ lives, and the women themselves are so different from each other but bond so well. It has a great setting too, one of Bath’s beautiful crescent houses. I loved it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is absolute balm for the soul! An immersive and captivating read with oodles of charm. I completely binged this book, could not put it down and now
I’ve finished I miss the ladies of Temple Terrace! Such a wonderful read.

Thank you Netgalley

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story

I loved reading this book about three women, strangers who became the best of friends. Each had their own story, and each found happiness. I love Kate's books and this book didn't disappoint.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

I truly loved the Wisteria Crescent Chronicles. Forster has created a multigenerational Golden Girls at a time when so many of us are craving connection, community, and an understanding ear--not to mention escape from a world gone mad. Highly recommend.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loveliest book to read, was very hard to put down so kept going. Completed it in 2 days. The characters were very likeable. Temple Terrace sounds like the most charming place and I now want to visit Bath. 10 out of 10 from me.

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having visited Bath earlier this year this book made me wish I'd done the Jane Austen tour around the city.
I really enjoyed the friendship between the three women all dealing with their own problems.
It was a lovely story and relatable.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and really enjoyed this book. I had to switch to a kindle version however as the one I was currently reading said it was not published yet...um had the book from the library, its definitely out there :o)

[Claire Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read, enough Austen references to keep me happy and a reminder to go with the flow of life

[Steph W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A beautiful read.

[Em-Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely story and very wholesome. enjoyed the twists and loved the characters from the word go!

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Marion, at 70 years old she doesn't want to be moving just quite yet. But her home is too much for her to manage alone, and she is rather finding it difficult to deal with since the death of her husband and what he left behind.

She decides to take in lodgers, and her life takes an unexpected and joyous path. For Marion, she becomes the sanctuary for two very different women.

Felicity is a PhD Student who has to break the shackles of her overbearing grandmother, who seems to control everything. Studying is perhaps not what she was meant to do, but loving with Marion opens her up to other opportunities.

Lana, has split from her husband, she has very little of herself left and is starting to rebuild her life. Marion's garden seems the perfect place to find something for the future.

This books is full of women's friendships and empowerment. The humour of the secondary characters who support the main plot adds to the layers. Kate Forster has done it again with a captivating story which is pure escapism. Like a big hug.