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The Forever Home
Not yet published
Expected 12 Feb 26A feel-good tale of new friendships and second chances from the Sunday Times bestselling author of An Ideal Husband‘Brimming with warmth and compassion, Erica reveals her characters’ secrets. A heartwarming tale and a delight’ Veronica Henry
*****
Once a grand country house, Hope Hall is now beautiful luxury apartments and when Cassie and Nina become new neighbours, they soon become firm friends. But as perfect as life in the Cambridgeshire countryside seems, both have heartaches of their own.
Cassie is blissfully in love with Ben, but shadows from her first marriage loom large, threatening her happiness.
Nina, a widow, must confront a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law’s dreams.
Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets – one of which is close to her heart, concealed in her handbag… As Venetia recalls her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the bonds between the three women are forged, revealing the strength found in friendship and the courage to confront the past.
With sparkling storytelling, Erica James’s new novel is an enchanting tale of love, resilience and friendship.
Praise for Erica ‘She's so consistently good, isn't she? Wonderful on characterisation and family dynamics, and done very deftly, with that wry humour of hers’ Marian Keyes
'Erica James writes upliftingly and humorously about family life' My Weekly
'Erica James explores the complexity of family relationships with skill and sympathy and her vividly drawn characters leap from the page' Sarah Morgan
'We're certain you're going to love it' Glamour
‘So, so good… shades of dark and light in every character which are gloriously done. A deliciously satisfying story’ Cathy Kelly
‘A wonderfully compelling family drama that deftly touches upon some serious issues. Her characterisation is excellent, the setting beautiful and the slow reveals are delicately and sensitively handled. In this warm, escapist and utterly uplifting read, she’s on top form’ Sunday Express
'Effortlessly elegant storytelling from Erica, as ever’ Veronica Henry
'A beautiful tale of self-discovery' Woman
*****
Once a grand country house, Hope Hall is now beautiful luxury apartments and when Cassie and Nina become new neighbours, they soon become firm friends. But as perfect as life in the Cambridgeshire countryside seems, both have heartaches of their own.
Cassie is blissfully in love with Ben, but shadows from her first marriage loom large, threatening her happiness.
Nina, a widow, must confront a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law’s dreams.
Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets – one of which is close to her heart, concealed in her handbag… As Venetia recalls her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the bonds between the three women are forged, revealing the strength found in friendship and the courage to confront the past.
With sparkling storytelling, Erica James’s new novel is an enchanting tale of love, resilience and friendship.
Praise for Erica ‘She's so consistently good, isn't she? Wonderful on characterisation and family dynamics, and done very deftly, with that wry humour of hers’ Marian Keyes
'Erica James writes upliftingly and humorously about family life' My Weekly
'Erica James explores the complexity of family relationships with skill and sympathy and her vividly drawn characters leap from the page' Sarah Morgan
'We're certain you're going to love it' Glamour
‘So, so good… shades of dark and light in every character which are gloriously done. A deliciously satisfying story’ Cathy Kelly
‘A wonderfully compelling family drama that deftly touches upon some serious issues. Her characterisation is excellent, the setting beautiful and the slow reveals are delicately and sensitively handled. In this warm, escapist and utterly uplifting read, she’s on top form’ Sunday Express
'Effortlessly elegant storytelling from Erica, as ever’ Veronica Henry
'A beautiful tale of self-discovery' Woman
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 12, 2026
36 people want to read
About the author
Erica James
57 books1,065 followersWith an insatiable appetite for other people's business, Erica James will readily strike up conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 25, 2026
I love reading a book that not only gives me a feel good feeling whilst reading but also when I’ve finished it and this was one of those books.
Set in Hope Hall a former child’s home and now luxury apartments we meet a host of wonderful residents, each with their own backstory, drawn together by their shared residences but becoming close friends along the way.
Venetia, Cassie and Nina are all very different woman. Although each were from a different generation and life experience, it was beautiful to see how their shared friendship strengthened them, with the saying a problem shared is a problem halved coming to my mind.
A story filled with of love, hope, looking to the future, remembering the past and friendship I would definitely recommend this book .
Set in Hope Hall a former child’s home and now luxury apartments we meet a host of wonderful residents, each with their own backstory, drawn together by their shared residences but becoming close friends along the way.
Venetia, Cassie and Nina are all very different woman. Although each were from a different generation and life experience, it was beautiful to see how their shared friendship strengthened them, with the saying a problem shared is a problem halved coming to my mind.
A story filled with of love, hope, looking to the future, remembering the past and friendship I would definitely recommend this book .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed The Forever Home. Erica James is an incredible writer and I have loved her previous books. I was immediately drawn into the setting, the storyline and the characters lives. Very difficult and serious are dealt with in the book but I felt these were handled extremely well, with great sensitivity and care.
The Forever Home is set at Hope Hall, which was once a children's home but is now luxury apartments. The way Erica James describes the apartments and setting, I could imagine myself being there. It is home to Cassie, Nina and Venetia, who all have their own stories and like us all, a past.
We see Cassie, Nina and Venetia's weaknesses but also their strengths - strengths which even the characters do not recognise themselves. I was really immersed in each of the women and was rooting for them all to have the best future they could possibly have.
Cassie is trying to build a new life with Ben, but because of everything that happened in her previous marriage, there is a huge amount of strain on them both. She has been hurt in the past and does not want to be hurt again.
Nina is a widow who is trying to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. She runs an art gallery. Nina is in such a heartbreaking position and she has a very difficult and emotional decision to make. Nina wants to stay loyal to her late husband’s family but knows that she needs to move forward for herself. The tensions between Nina and her late husband’s Mother Hilary, were very intense but she found her inner strength to choose what is right for her.
Venetia is an extraordinary character. Her story is deeply touching, her history to Hope Hall is so painfully tragic, appalling and poignantly sad. No one should have to have experienced what Venetia (and Lucien) experienced. I admired Venetia's courage but I was so very very angry with what happened and it was extremely hard to read about. However, it is vital that these topics are addressed, as very sadly they have happened in the past. Venetia is my favourite character in the book - she may be older, but she is certainly a fun character, and I admire her courage and resilience.
Cassie, Nina and Venetia, all develop great friendships, support each other and help each other so much. Each of them shows courage in their own way, often without realising just how deeply they support and strengthen one another. I am truly glad that they found each other at Hope Hall. Hope Hall lives up to its name, as it has brought each of them a new sense of hope, which they all so desperately needed.
This is a book about hope, finding new ways to move forward and although you may not be on the path you imagined, there is a way forward ahead that can open the way to second chances and a brighter future. Cassie, Nina and Venetia will be friends for life.
I certainly feel that Cassie, Nina and Venetia have found their forever home, where they feel most happy and where they feel they belong, amongst friends and a wonderful community.
Thank you very much to HQ, HarperCollins UK for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The Forever Home is set at Hope Hall, which was once a children's home but is now luxury apartments. The way Erica James describes the apartments and setting, I could imagine myself being there. It is home to Cassie, Nina and Venetia, who all have their own stories and like us all, a past.
We see Cassie, Nina and Venetia's weaknesses but also their strengths - strengths which even the characters do not recognise themselves. I was really immersed in each of the women and was rooting for them all to have the best future they could possibly have.
Cassie is trying to build a new life with Ben, but because of everything that happened in her previous marriage, there is a huge amount of strain on them both. She has been hurt in the past and does not want to be hurt again.
Nina is a widow who is trying to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband. She runs an art gallery. Nina is in such a heartbreaking position and she has a very difficult and emotional decision to make. Nina wants to stay loyal to her late husband’s family but knows that she needs to move forward for herself. The tensions between Nina and her late husband’s Mother Hilary, were very intense but she found her inner strength to choose what is right for her.
Venetia is an extraordinary character. Her story is deeply touching, her history to Hope Hall is so painfully tragic, appalling and poignantly sad. No one should have to have experienced what Venetia (and Lucien) experienced. I admired Venetia's courage but I was so very very angry with what happened and it was extremely hard to read about. However, it is vital that these topics are addressed, as very sadly they have happened in the past. Venetia is my favourite character in the book - she may be older, but she is certainly a fun character, and I admire her courage and resilience.
Cassie, Nina and Venetia, all develop great friendships, support each other and help each other so much. Each of them shows courage in their own way, often without realising just how deeply they support and strengthen one another. I am truly glad that they found each other at Hope Hall. Hope Hall lives up to its name, as it has brought each of them a new sense of hope, which they all so desperately needed.
This is a book about hope, finding new ways to move forward and although you may not be on the path you imagined, there is a way forward ahead that can open the way to second chances and a brighter future. Cassie, Nina and Venetia will be friends for life.
I certainly feel that Cassie, Nina and Venetia have found their forever home, where they feel most happy and where they feel they belong, amongst friends and a wonderful community.
Thank you very much to HQ, HarperCollins UK for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 18, 2026
The Forever Home is a new novel from Erica James and follows the lives of three women who live in a stately home that has been converted into flats. As this is Erica James -whom I have been reading since 1996, when her first book was published - you know you are in for a gripping and engaging read that focuses on the emotional lives of well-drawn characters.
Part of the charm of this story, for me at least, was its setting in Cambridge, a city I know very well. Hearing all the references to familiar places added immensely to my enjoyment of the story.
The novel centres on three women: two in their forties and one in her seventies, all of whom live at Hope Hall. There is Nina, a widow who is struggling to run the family business while also dealing with her late husband’s parents; Cassie, who lives with her long-term partner, Ben; and Venetia, a newcomer who is, in fact, coming home, having lived at Hope Hall many years earlier when it was a children’s home after the war.
Each character faces her own challenges. Nina’s story particularly interested me because of the difficult choice she must make and her strained relationship with her mother-in-law. Venetia’s storyline moves between the present day and her experiences at Hope Hall in 1960, adding depth and historical context to the novel. Cassie, meanwhile, must come to terms with the fact that her daughter has made contact with the father who abandoned them both and is now building a relationship with him.
Erica James writes in a way that makes you eager to read on. At times, the novel feels almost like a soap opera, with cliff-hangers that left me gasping in astonishment while continually propelling the story forward. However, it is the characters and their dilemmas that truly grip the reader. Erica James has a remarkable ability to get to the heart of her characters - to explore their feelings, reactions, and choices in a way that is never patronising or predictable. Her novels are always deeply human stories: worlds you want to step inside and characters you want to spend time with.
I was given the opportunity to read this ebook by NetGalley, Erica James, and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The Forever Home is an engaging and emotionally satisfying novel, and I would confidently recommend it to readers who enjoy well-developed characters, family drama, and stories that explore relationships with depth and warmth.
Part of the charm of this story, for me at least, was its setting in Cambridge, a city I know very well. Hearing all the references to familiar places added immensely to my enjoyment of the story.
The novel centres on three women: two in their forties and one in her seventies, all of whom live at Hope Hall. There is Nina, a widow who is struggling to run the family business while also dealing with her late husband’s parents; Cassie, who lives with her long-term partner, Ben; and Venetia, a newcomer who is, in fact, coming home, having lived at Hope Hall many years earlier when it was a children’s home after the war.
Each character faces her own challenges. Nina’s story particularly interested me because of the difficult choice she must make and her strained relationship with her mother-in-law. Venetia’s storyline moves between the present day and her experiences at Hope Hall in 1960, adding depth and historical context to the novel. Cassie, meanwhile, must come to terms with the fact that her daughter has made contact with the father who abandoned them both and is now building a relationship with him.
Erica James writes in a way that makes you eager to read on. At times, the novel feels almost like a soap opera, with cliff-hangers that left me gasping in astonishment while continually propelling the story forward. However, it is the characters and their dilemmas that truly grip the reader. Erica James has a remarkable ability to get to the heart of her characters - to explore their feelings, reactions, and choices in a way that is never patronising or predictable. Her novels are always deeply human stories: worlds you want to step inside and characters you want to spend time with.
I was given the opportunity to read this ebook by NetGalley, Erica James, and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The Forever Home is an engaging and emotionally satisfying novel, and I would confidently recommend it to readers who enjoy well-developed characters, family drama, and stories that explore relationships with depth and warmth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the glorious Cambridgeshire countryside, Hope Hall was once a grand country house, but it's now been converted into beautiful luxury apartments and its new residents are moving in…
Cassie is blissfully in love with her partner Ben and looking forward to life in their new home, but shadows from Cassie's first marriage loom large.
Gallery owner Nina needs a fresh start since losing her husband two years ago, but moving on will mean confronting a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law's dreams.
Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets. As Venetia faces her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the lives of the three women become intricately connected, revealing the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past
Erica James writes with tenderness and charm, capturing the bittersweet beauty of everyday life. Her characters feel like old friends, and the Cambridgeshire countryside adds a touch of timeless coziness to the tale.
This is a novel that reminds us that “home” isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s the people who share our laughter, hold our secrets, and help us carry our burdens. A story to savor slowly, like a winter evening spent in good company.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ, HarperCollins UK for an advance copy in return for a fair and honest review
Cassie is blissfully in love with her partner Ben and looking forward to life in their new home, but shadows from Cassie's first marriage loom large.
Gallery owner Nina needs a fresh start since losing her husband two years ago, but moving on will mean confronting a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law's dreams.
Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets. As Venetia faces her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the lives of the three women become intricately connected, revealing the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past
Erica James writes with tenderness and charm, capturing the bittersweet beauty of everyday life. Her characters feel like old friends, and the Cambridgeshire countryside adds a touch of timeless coziness to the tale.
This is a novel that reminds us that “home” isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s the people who share our laughter, hold our secrets, and help us carry our burdens. A story to savor slowly, like a winter evening spent in good company.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ, HarperCollins UK for an advance copy in return for a fair and honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
💛 Blurb-Once a grand country house, Hope Hall is now beautiful luxury apartments and when Cassie and Nina become new neighbours, they soon become firm friends. But as perfect as life in the Cambridgeshire countryside seems, both have heartaches of their own.
Cassie is blissfully in love with Ben, but shadows from her first marriage loom large, threatening her happiness.
Nina, a widow, must confront a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law’s dreams.
Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets – one of which is close to her heart, concealed in her handbag… As Venetia recalls her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the bonds between the three women are forged, revealing the strength found in friendship and the courage to confront the past.
🩷 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and The Forever Home certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a lovely and heartwarming read. From the very first page I was hooked and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me interested and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Harper Collins, the author, Erica James and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Cassie is blissfully in love with Ben, but shadows from her first marriage loom large, threatening her happiness.
Nina, a widow, must confront a painful decision that will shatter her mother-in-law’s dreams.
Into their lives comes Venetia, a lively seventy-nine-year-old with a penchant for secrets – one of which is close to her heart, concealed in her handbag… As Venetia recalls her own bittersweet history with Hope Hall, the bonds between the three women are forged, revealing the strength found in friendship and the courage to confront the past.
🩷 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and The Forever Home certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a lovely and heartwarming read. From the very first page I was hooked and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me interested and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Harper Collins, the author, Erica James and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
Reading The Forever Home feels like curling up with a blanket by the fire, a cup of tea in hand, and letting yourself be swept into the gentle rhythms of friendship and second chances.
Hope Hall, once a grand country house and now a set of luxury apartments, becomes the perfect backdrop for new beginnings. Cassie, Nina, and Venetia—three women at very different stages of life—find themselves drawn together, their stories weaving into a tapestry of love, resilience, and the comfort of companionship. Cassie’s joy is shadowed by echoes of her past, Nina must face a difficult choice, and Venetia, with her lively spirit and hidden secrets, brings warmth and wisdom to their circle.
Erica James writes with tenderness and charm, capturing the bittersweet beauty of everyday life. Her characters feel like old friends, and the Cambridgeshire countryside adds a touch of timeless coziness to the tale.
This is a novel that reminds us that “home” isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s the people who share our laughter, hold our secrets, and help us carry our burdens. A story to savor slowly, like a winter evening spent in good company.
With thanks to Erica James, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC,
Hope Hall, once a grand country house and now a set of luxury apartments, becomes the perfect backdrop for new beginnings. Cassie, Nina, and Venetia—three women at very different stages of life—find themselves drawn together, their stories weaving into a tapestry of love, resilience, and the comfort of companionship. Cassie’s joy is shadowed by echoes of her past, Nina must face a difficult choice, and Venetia, with her lively spirit and hidden secrets, brings warmth and wisdom to their circle.
Erica James writes with tenderness and charm, capturing the bittersweet beauty of everyday life. Her characters feel like old friends, and the Cambridgeshire countryside adds a touch of timeless coziness to the tale.
This is a novel that reminds us that “home” isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s the people who share our laughter, hold our secrets, and help us carry our burdens. A story to savor slowly, like a winter evening spent in good company.
With thanks to Erica James, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC,
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another book finished and enjoyed. The book has several different characters in it who come together at Hope Hall, all being there by chance and bonding from the beginning. Hope Hall was a childrens home in another lifetime but was left unused until a developer decided to make it into luxury apartments. The apartments were soon filled up and were upmarket. Cassie and family moved in and got friendly with Nina who owns an art gallery which used to be run by her parents. After a while Venetia moved in. Venetia spent her childhood at Hope Hall childrens home and had many lovely memories so decided to buy an apartment as her last home as she is in her 70’s. Several dramas ensue. Cassie’s has unexpected guests which cause her a lot of anxiety. Nina has trouble with her mother in law and gets close to a member of her staff. Venetia is hiding her dog from the committee as no dogs are allowed in the building. All this comes to a head and the three women help each other to sort out the messes in their lives. The stories intertwine and you could put yourself in any of their positions and feel sorry for each of them individually. I liked the way the stories of their lives were written and can relate to the characters very easily
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Erica James has been a favourite author of mine for a number of years so I was thrilled to receive an advance reading copy of The Forever Home.
Set in Cambridge and in particular at Hope Hall, a stately home which has been converted into apartments, the reader follows the lives of three women living in the hall.
I loved how Cassie, Nina and Venetia tell their own story but and it was good to see how the three women form a strong and supportive friendship along the way. Each have an interesting past that has helped shape their personality, none of them are perfect but they come across as warm and likeable.
The author does not shy away from serious topics, among them bereavement, IVF and child abuse. The latter is dealt with sensitively and is not too graphic.
I raced through this book as I enjoyed how each chapter told by one character often left you wanting to know more before turning to another character who also has an interesting story to tell. The setting was just perfect and there were many other characters who added to the depth of the story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Erica James (the author) for letting me read this book in advance for an honest review.
Set in Cambridge and in particular at Hope Hall, a stately home which has been converted into apartments, the reader follows the lives of three women living in the hall.
I loved how Cassie, Nina and Venetia tell their own story but and it was good to see how the three women form a strong and supportive friendship along the way. Each have an interesting past that has helped shape their personality, none of them are perfect but they come across as warm and likeable.
The author does not shy away from serious topics, among them bereavement, IVF and child abuse. The latter is dealt with sensitively and is not too graphic.
I raced through this book as I enjoyed how each chapter told by one character often left you wanting to know more before turning to another character who also has an interesting story to tell. The setting was just perfect and there were many other characters who added to the depth of the story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Erica James (the author) for letting me read this book in advance for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is about three strong women who live at Hope Hall and tells the story of their hopes and dreams for the future as well as coming to terms with what has happened in their past.
Cassie and her daughter are close. But can Cassie let go of the past to be able to trust Ben implicitly.
Nina, having lost her husband Hugh so early in their marriage, has a difficult decision to make. Not helped, by her mother in law Hilary.
Venetia is seventynine and lived at Hope Hall as a child. When an apartment comes up for sale, she decides to move back.
The first two-thirds of this is quite gentle. An easy going read. We go back in time to when Venetia was a child living at Hope Hall. How she befriends Lucien and they become close.
Then, the book takes a bit of a dark turn.
No spoilers, but this does contain animal cruelty and child sex abuse.
We also have how each of the characters deals with grief.
Overall, I did enjoy it, but for me, it's not Erica's best.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Cassie and her daughter are close. But can Cassie let go of the past to be able to trust Ben implicitly.
Nina, having lost her husband Hugh so early in their marriage, has a difficult decision to make. Not helped, by her mother in law Hilary.
Venetia is seventynine and lived at Hope Hall as a child. When an apartment comes up for sale, she decides to move back.
The first two-thirds of this is quite gentle. An easy going read. We go back in time to when Venetia was a child living at Hope Hall. How she befriends Lucien and they become close.
Then, the book takes a bit of a dark turn.
No spoilers, but this does contain animal cruelty and child sex abuse.
We also have how each of the characters deals with grief.
Overall, I did enjoy it, but for me, it's not Erica's best.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in return for an honest review.
January 8, 2026
Erica James is fabulous at creating a warm atmosphere and bonding characters so well. I’m so pleased to have been gifted this arc copy for review.
The setting is Hope Hall, a mansion converted into luxury apartments and home to the three main characters of the story. Told from different character perspectives, Cassie, Nina and Venetia become great friends, sharing love, resilience, companionship and their hopes for the future. Part of the story taking us back to Venetias childhood, living in Hope Hall (the darker side of the book) and how moving into the same revamped location again, now that she is in her seventies, she can finally put her past to rest and move forward.
This is not my favourite of Erica James’ books, maybe due to it being a slower pace and a slight dip in the storyline towards the middle, however it’s a gorgeous book and if you are a fan of the author and looking for a slow paced cosy read, this would be perfect.
The setting is Hope Hall, a mansion converted into luxury apartments and home to the three main characters of the story. Told from different character perspectives, Cassie, Nina and Venetia become great friends, sharing love, resilience, companionship and their hopes for the future. Part of the story taking us back to Venetias childhood, living in Hope Hall (the darker side of the book) and how moving into the same revamped location again, now that she is in her seventies, she can finally put her past to rest and move forward.
This is not my favourite of Erica James’ books, maybe due to it being a slower pace and a slight dip in the storyline towards the middle, however it’s a gorgeous book and if you are a fan of the author and looking for a slow paced cosy read, this would be perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this five star read.
This novel centres around the inhabitants of Hope Hall - a luxury development. Cassie - left by her husband to bring up her daughter, who has left her university course to spend time with her birth father leaving Cassie angry and frustrated by the situation. Her feelings are further complicated when her ex-husband dies and her daughter returns home with her step-brother and his second wife in tow.
Nina - a widow - trying to put her life back together and make decisions about her future but still being influenced by her husband’s family and their wants.
Venetia - returning to where she grew up and trying to make sense of her past.
Each supports the other as they navigate both their present and past situations and make decisions about their futures.
A tale of friendship, resilience and courage.
One to be recommended.
This novel centres around the inhabitants of Hope Hall - a luxury development. Cassie - left by her husband to bring up her daughter, who has left her university course to spend time with her birth father leaving Cassie angry and frustrated by the situation. Her feelings are further complicated when her ex-husband dies and her daughter returns home with her step-brother and his second wife in tow.
Nina - a widow - trying to put her life back together and make decisions about her future but still being influenced by her husband’s family and their wants.
Venetia - returning to where she grew up and trying to make sense of her past.
Each supports the other as they navigate both their present and past situations and make decisions about their futures.
A tale of friendship, resilience and courage.
One to be recommended.
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January 18, 2026I love Erica James’ novels and The Forever Home was another fantastic read by this wonderful author. The story is set in and around Cambridge.
Hope Hall was once a grand country house, but it's now been converted into beautiful luxury apartments and we are introduced to three women all having moved into their new apartments. Cassie has been there the longest and she is blissfully happy in her new home with partner Ben. Well she would be if she let herself. Gallery owner Nina is a young widow trying to move forward after cancer took her husband. Finally there’s Venetia, who’s moved back to Hope Hall as she grew up there when it was a children’s home.
Erica James writing always has me hooked from the first page. Her characters feel like friends that I find myself laughing with them or crying beside them. Fabulous read not to be missed
Hope Hall was once a grand country house, but it's now been converted into beautiful luxury apartments and we are introduced to three women all having moved into their new apartments. Cassie has been there the longest and she is blissfully happy in her new home with partner Ben. Well she would be if she let herself. Gallery owner Nina is a young widow trying to move forward after cancer took her husband. Finally there’s Venetia, who’s moved back to Hope Hall as she grew up there when it was a children’s home.
Erica James writing always has me hooked from the first page. Her characters feel like friends that I find myself laughing with them or crying beside them. Fabulous read not to be missed
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley and Erica James (the author) for letting me read this book in advance for an honest review.
Firstly, I haven't read any of James's books before, however the description of 'The Forever Home' appealed to me. This was definitely the kind of book I like to read.
It is what I call a cosy read, and didn't take me long to read as I didn't want to put it down once I started.
I won't give away any spoilers, but be aware of abuse, including child abuse being mentioned in this book. Nothing graphic, but is an important part of the story.
I'm pleased to say there is a happy ending, despite the serious issues brought up.
I'd definitely read more of Erica James's books after reading this one.
Firstly, I haven't read any of James's books before, however the description of 'The Forever Home' appealed to me. This was definitely the kind of book I like to read.
It is what I call a cosy read, and didn't take me long to read as I didn't want to put it down once I started.
I won't give away any spoilers, but be aware of abuse, including child abuse being mentioned in this book. Nothing graphic, but is an important part of the story.
I'm pleased to say there is a happy ending, despite the serious issues brought up.
I'd definitely read more of Erica James's books after reading this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Forever Home is a good and engaging read that follows Nina, Cassie and Venetia who all move into new apartments at Hope Hall. I really liked Nina and Venetia and initially wasn't too keen on Cassie although she did grow on me the more I read. The authors writing is good and I think Erica James touches on grief very well here with great care and sensitivity. As much as I disliked two characters I found I had empathy for one of them towards the end. I liked following the main characters in their new homes and learning their histories and could picture them and the setting of Hope Hall in my mind when reading. The story gives good closure for all three ladies, especially Venetia and The Forever Home is a lovely, uplifting read that is just what I like.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy
A great book to conclude my 2025 reading list. Pure escapism, with a host of characters that make up the jigsaw, blending in with each other and taking the reader through all the ups and downs that life throws at them. Three characters stand out in my mind: Cassie, Venetia and Nina, each with their own unique backstories but it’s only because they live in Hope Hall, formerly a rather grand home for orphaned children newly converted into luxury apartments. Hardships, loves lost and rekindled, uncertain futures all blend seamlessly making for a novel that captivates.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HQ for this excellent ARC for review.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HQ for this excellent ARC for review.
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January 1, 2026The book is set in a converted old house into executive apartments, and the book follows 3 main residents and their families
Cassie - lives with Ben is paranoid of being left and feels very insecure, her daughter by her first husband has left to build a relationship with her father who has been absent for most of her life.
Nina - a young widow who runs an art gallery in Cambridge - needing to make a decision on what to do with the remaining sperm of her late husband.
Venetia - a 79 year old who has her own secrets.
A fantastic read looking at how different people will interact with each other and forge new lives together.
Cassie - lives with Ben is paranoid of being left and feels very insecure, her daughter by her first husband has left to build a relationship with her father who has been absent for most of her life.
Nina - a young widow who runs an art gallery in Cambridge - needing to make a decision on what to do with the remaining sperm of her late husband.
Venetia - a 79 year old who has her own secrets.
A fantastic read looking at how different people will interact with each other and forge new lives together.
January 14, 2026
A wonderfully cosy, inviting book to read! The forever home epitomises the feeling of home and all it entails, all the feels, security, familiarity and sense of belonging.
Hope hall is a wonderfully described abode that has had several incarnations and plenty of history attached to it,but most recently it has been converted into luxury apartments.
Three of the residents Cassie,Nina and Venetia all live in separate apartments and although all very different and at differing stages of life they become the greatest of friends
This friendship is central to the storyline as all three have experienced life changing events but together the bond they share and stories they have,have cemented their friendship illustrating so well the importance of great friends, confidants and company
A truly beautiful read that does have some dark places but the overall feeling is one of hope friendship and camaraderie
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Hope hall is a wonderfully described abode that has had several incarnations and plenty of history attached to it,but most recently it has been converted into luxury apartments.
Three of the residents Cassie,Nina and Venetia all live in separate apartments and although all very different and at differing stages of life they become the greatest of friends
This friendship is central to the storyline as all three have experienced life changing events but together the bond they share and stories they have,have cemented their friendship illustrating so well the importance of great friends, confidants and company
A truly beautiful read that does have some dark places but the overall feeling is one of hope friendship and camaraderie
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a delight this book has been to read!
It revolves around the occupants of a rather grand home, divided into quite swish apartments, in it's own grounds. Cassie and Nina are good friends and they welcome a elderly lady Venetia who has just moved in; the place is called Hope Hall and was once a refuge for homeless children whilst waiting to be adopted by willing families.
Cassie is madly in love with her new beau, Ben, but is concerned about her daughter who has gone to stay with her father and new wife abroad. She is also insecure in her relationship, thanks to her previous husband's infidelity and finds it hard to trust Ben.
Nina has recently been widowed, her husband Hugh died young and she is finding it hard to move on, not helped by her in-laws who are desparate for her to keep Hugh's memory alive and not move on!
Venetia moves in and there are secrets from her past too.
These all converge and provide a warming and delightful story which I thoroughly enjoyed. I gave it a well justified 5 stars.
It revolves around the occupants of a rather grand home, divided into quite swish apartments, in it's own grounds. Cassie and Nina are good friends and they welcome a elderly lady Venetia who has just moved in; the place is called Hope Hall and was once a refuge for homeless children whilst waiting to be adopted by willing families.
Cassie is madly in love with her new beau, Ben, but is concerned about her daughter who has gone to stay with her father and new wife abroad. She is also insecure in her relationship, thanks to her previous husband's infidelity and finds it hard to trust Ben.
Nina has recently been widowed, her husband Hugh died young and she is finding it hard to move on, not helped by her in-laws who are desparate for her to keep Hugh's memory alive and not move on!
Venetia moves in and there are secrets from her past too.
These all converge and provide a warming and delightful story which I thoroughly enjoyed. I gave it a well justified 5 stars.
November 18, 2025
Hope Hall has been turned into luxury apartments and we soon meet many of the wonderful characters who now live there. The characters were so well described and I really felt like I knew them.
They all have different issues they are dealing with and I enjoyed seeing how their lives panned out and how friendships were formed in the stunning setting.
A wonderful story of love, friendship and strength and another fantastic read by the amazing Erica James.
Thanks to NetGalley, Erica James and HQ for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
They all have different issues they are dealing with and I enjoyed seeing how their lives panned out and how friendships were formed in the stunning setting.
A wonderful story of love, friendship and strength and another fantastic read by the amazing Erica James.
Thanks to NetGalley, Erica James and HQ for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nina whose husband dies is left with a decision what to do with her husbands sperm which is being kept frozen and has to contend with her mother in law who is desperate to be a grandmother constantly heckling.
Venetia who lived at Hope Hall until sixteen returns to a place she calls home.
This is the story of hardships and friendships that all 3 women endure and how they come through tough times and try to rekindle past loves. I loved the descriptions of the apartments and surrounding gardens.
I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for a great ARC.
Venetia who lived at Hope Hall until sixteen returns to a place she calls home.
This is the story of hardships and friendships that all 3 women endure and how they come through tough times and try to rekindle past loves. I loved the descriptions of the apartments and surrounding gardens.
I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for a great ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A really sweet story about multiple people and personalities coming together in an old house converted into various luxury apartments. There’s a huge range of ages therefore their stories past and present are very different although there’s a common thread in there. I got a tad bored half way through however was really glad I persevered as it picked up again and had a really lovely ending for them all.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A clever way of bringing a number of very different characters together in an old stately home converted into apartments. As their lives mingle there are some interesting life stories revealed.
A comfortable, easy read.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A comfortable, easy read.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a smashing, heartwarming story.
Hope Hall was a children’s home, which eventually would become luxury apartments. This story follows the lives of Nina, Cassie and Venetia who live there. I thought that I could be friends with all three of these ladies and I loved the way they were there for one another when things weren’t going so well.
Well written and a wonderful storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Free courtesy of Netgalley.
I really enjoyed this book, I have read a few Erica James books and they have always had a good story and this one was no exception.
With Hope Hall recently being renovated into luxury flats, the story follows the lives of 3 of the residents that have moved in.
Firstly Cassie who lives with her partner Ben. She is dealing with the separation from her daughter, who has gone to Dubai to live with her estranged father in a hope to get to know him better. This ultimately puts a strain on Cassie's relationship with her.
Then Gallery owner Nia who has moved in as she needs a fresh start as her husband died 2 years previously but will his mother let her move on
and lastly Vienna, who moves in with her little dog, who she must keep secret as there is a no pets allowed policy. What other secrets is she keeping.
The book weaves the individual stories along with the friendship that builds between the 3 women.
The characters are written beautifully and the book had you laughing and crying and really drew you into the story.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to everyone who loves a good story
I really enjoyed this book, I have read a few Erica James books and they have always had a good story and this one was no exception.
With Hope Hall recently being renovated into luxury flats, the story follows the lives of 3 of the residents that have moved in.
Firstly Cassie who lives with her partner Ben. She is dealing with the separation from her daughter, who has gone to Dubai to live with her estranged father in a hope to get to know him better. This ultimately puts a strain on Cassie's relationship with her.
Then Gallery owner Nia who has moved in as she needs a fresh start as her husband died 2 years previously but will his mother let her move on
and lastly Vienna, who moves in with her little dog, who she must keep secret as there is a no pets allowed policy. What other secrets is she keeping.
The book weaves the individual stories along with the friendship that builds between the 3 women.
The characters are written beautifully and the book had you laughing and crying and really drew you into the story.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to everyone who loves a good story
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another lovely story from Erica. This one featured three women who move into an apartments and form friendships. They support each other through trying times and disappointments. A lovely read. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love Erica James books and this one was no exception. Beautifully written with lots of characters who become involved through family ties or friendships and all have a connection at some point! A great read that keeps you interested from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A perfectly decent book but I found it all a bit too slow, I felt that this book could have been shorter and still have had the same impact. There were some good, if not distressing, storylines but I felt that everything interesting happened in the second half of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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