The Last Dinner at Wisteria House: An absolutely gorgeous, heartbreaking and unputdownable novel

by Sue Roberts

On a peaceful avenue stands the once-grand Wisteria House. Now it’s split into apartments, occupied by strangers who rarely say hello. Could one last dinner party bring it to life again?

Ninety-year-old Alice has one last to fill her new home with light and laughter, just like when her husband was alive. So she sets out her favourite plates, opens an old recipe book, and sends invitations to the neighbours she’s certain need friendship just as much as she does…

Declan hasn’t believed he deserves to follow his dreams since he tragically lost his sister.

Jess has been working herself to the bone to provide for her little daughter and has no time for joy in her own life.

Mark, a widower, has been isolated in his grief for so long.

Over a shared meal, Alice reminds each of them that sharing stories keeps those we love alive, and that time is our most precious gift. As they hug goodbye, everyone feels lighter than they have in years. Little do they know Alice has her own secret reason for gathering them together…

The next morning the tenants receive terrible news. Is their first dinner party destined to be the last? With Wisteria House under threat, can they come together to save the one place that has only just started to feel like home? Or will they lose their little community just when they need it most?

This absolutely gorgeous, emotional and uplifting novel of finding friendship in the most unexpected of places is perfect for fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Kate Storey.

What readers are saying about The Last Dinner at Wisteria House :

‘OMG!!… Absolutely stunning… Kept me hooked from start to end… I genuinely could not put this book down and devoured it in just one sitting… Had tears streaming down my face by the end… Wonderful… Incredible… Fantastic… An absolutely BEAUTIFUL, EMOTIVE MUST-READ!!!’ Bookworm 86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my goodness… brilliant… I absolutely loved every page from the beginning until the end… Heart-warming… My favourite read for 2025, just fantastic.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gorgeous… I love how this book made me feel… Wonderful… Loved this.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh, my heart… Heart-warming… Gorgeous… Beautiful.’ kkecreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Breathtaking… This remarkable story captivated my heart and held it until the final page was turned.

Genres: Fiction

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

Sue was born in Liverpool and moved to Lancashire as a teenager where she has lived ever since. She has written three books, the third 'My Summer of love and limoncello.' will be published on March 6th and she is busy working on a fourth book. When not busy writing, Sue spends her time with her ever growing family. She enjoys walking, cinema and travelling. Her first book 'My Big Greek Summer.' was inspired by frequent visits to the Island of Rhodes in Greece. All Sue's books are available from Amazon in kindle and paperback format.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of love, loss, second chances and community which was just what I needed. It is a nice story that allowed me to exhale and remember the world isn’t all horrible and that kindness and caring exists. Alice creates a community at Wisteria House. It is her kindness, caring, and wisdom that helps the residents of Wisteria House connect to form a family. The support and friendship she provides helps them move forward toward a life they did not know they wanted. This book touched my heart and left me smiling. I recommend this book to readers looking for a sweet story full of found family and community.

Thanks to Bookouture for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Last Dinner At Wisteria House' by Sue Roberts.

Awww yet another absolutely fantastically gorgeous and page turning book by the very talented Sue Roberts, Well done!!!!

OMG!! This has been the most beautiful book I have read for a long time. It has just hit my favourite of 2026. Sue always writes absolutely stunning books but this is definitely my favourite of hers. Filled with a variety of larger than life and memorable characters and so much emotion this beauty is going to live in my mind and heart rent free for an extremely long time. An absolutely genuine must read for anyone looking for a gorgeous escapism.

This book is beautifully written and completely absorbs you in the stunning storyline and really sucks you in with the vivid descriptions leaving you feel the friendships bond, the emotions of the characters and leave a mark on your heart and soul. The synopsis and cover suits the storyline perfectly.

I have absolutely loved each and every one of the amazing Sue's books that I have read so far and this one is no exception!!! Honestly if you are ever in need of a break, want to turn a frown upside down or just to get lost in a stunning story and restore your faith in humanity then grab any one of Sue's stunners and prepare to be whisked away into a stunning, realistic and memorable story!!! The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heart-warming. There was plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end. With a gorgeous storyline filled with multi-generational friendships, family, romance, heartache, community, emotions, neighbours, hope, second chances and so very much more what are you waiting for?? Grab your copy of this stunning story today and I promise that you will not regret it!! However, I do need to prewarn you to clear your schedules and get the tissues at the ready. I genuinely could not put this book down and devoured it in just one sitting of a few hours and had tears streaming down my face by the end. I AM NOT an emotional person, unless it comes to animals, so for Sue to have me blubbering like a baby says ALOT!!! Her stunning and vivid descriptions really do transport you to Wisteria house where you will see Alice, Jess, Declan and Mark come to life along with several other characters. Sue expertly weaves the multiple protagonist perspectives of these unique and larger than life together beautifully giving the reader the bigger picture of what is going on while not causing any confusion. Each of these residents of Wisteria House are all going through their own struggles, all keep themselves to themselves and are lonely. However, Alice brings them all together at a dinner and changes their lives forever. I wont go into further details as the publisher has done a beautiful enough job in the synopsis but I can guarantee that you will fall in love with the storyline and characters. . The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and Sue ensures her readers feel each and every one of them on this rollercoaster ride. I loved how the story ended and I would love to read more about the lives of each of the wonderful residents of Wisteria House. I was absolutely devastated when I came to the end of this book as I genuinely felt like I was leaving behind some amazing friends. The storyline was so beautiful and it was such an easy and relaxing read with moments of laughter, some tension and sadness but overall happiness. As always another massive success by the incredible Sue and I cannot wait to see what beauty she comes out with next!

Yet another absolutely gorgeous book!! I cannot wait to go on my next adventure with the very talented Sue Roberts. Clear your schedules, grab the tissues and escape to Wisteria House today!

The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch friendships grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. Sue's amazing evocative writing skills brought them to life as much as possible and they all leapt out of the pages as well as the stunning atmosphere. I love the fact that each of the residents were different ages, had different experiences and backgrounds and were going through their own different difficulties but Alice brought them together and they all become friends. It just goes to show how a random interaction with a stranger can change your life. Anyway, I best not say anymore as don't want to give anything else away for future readers!! It's just so easy talking about this fantastic book and so much I want to tell you all about but I really need to control myself!!! Needless to say, all of the characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them all again and cannot wait to get stuck into more books by this brilliant author!!

Well done Sue on yet another absolutely STUNNING book!!! I will definitely be looking for your books any time I need to be swept off to another country!!! This is exactly why when I see a book by you I read it without even reading the synopsis and why you are on of my favourite authors!!

Overall an absolutely BEAUTIFUL, EMOTIVE MUST READ!!!

#TheLastDinnerAtWisteriaHouse #SueRoberts #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous

@SueRoberts @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous



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[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Dinner at Wisteria House is one of those quietly luminous stories that sneaks up on you—soft around the edges, tender at its core, and full of the kind of everyday hope that feels like a warm light left on in the hallway.

At the heart of the novel is Alice, a ninety‑year‑old woman with a gentle determination and a heart full of memories. Her wish is simple but profound: to bring a little joy back into the once‑grand Wisteria House by gathering her neighbours for a home‑cooked meal. What begins as a small dinner invitation becomes a beautifully woven moment of connection for a group of people who’ve been carrying far too much alone.

Declan, Jess, and Mark each arrive at Alice’s table with their own quiet heartbreaks—grief, exhaustion, guilt, the weight of dreams deferred. Through shared food and shared stories, they begin to rediscover something they’d misplaced along the way: the comfort of being seen, the relief of being understood, and the reminder that community can be built in the most unexpected places.

The novel balances its warmth with a thread of tension, too. Just as the tenants begin to feel the stirrings of belonging, Wisteria House itself comes under threat. The question becomes not just whether they can save their home, but whether they can hold onto the fragile, hopeful connections they’ve only just begun to form.

Sue Roberts writes with a gentle hand—nothing overwrought, nothing forced. The emotional beats land softly but sincerely, and the story leaves you with that lovely, lingering sense that small acts of kindness can change the shape of a life. It’s a cozy, heartfelt read about found family, second chances, and the quiet bravery it takes to reach out when you’ve spent years retreating inward.

With thanks to Sue Roberts, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

hank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC, releasing January 15th.

The Last Dinner at Wisteria House is a quietly devastating, deeply comforting story about friendship, community, and the kind of found family that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

At ninety years old, Alice moves into Wisteria House and decides to host a dinner party for her neighbours - a simple act of kindness that becomes the emotional glue holding a fractured group of people together. Told in third person, each chapter focuses on a different tenant, slowly revealing their lives, losses, hopes, and secrets.

There’s Mark, navigating the hollow ache of grief after losing his wife. Jess, a single mum to Maisie, standing at the edge of vulnerability and wondering if she’s brave enough to open her heart again. Declan, quietly ambitious, dreaming of starting his own accountancy firm while carrying a secret that weighs heavily on him. Each character is written with care and depth - flawed, human, and achingly real.

What I loved most is how Alice, with her gentle wisdom and warmth, brings everyone together - not as a saviour, but as someone who understands that connection keeps us alive. And just as powerfully, the tenants give Alice something in return: purpose, belonging, and the reminder that it’s never too late to matter.

This book is tender, emotional, and quietly heartbreaking. It doesn’t shout - it lingers. A story about how small gestures can change lives, and how community can form in the most unexpected places.

Have tissues ready. You’ll need them.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisteria House, an enchanting place, exudes an aura of love that leaves an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it. At ninety years old, Alice grapples with the impending loss of Wisteria House, feeling it slipping through her fingers. Declan, Jess, and Mark, each burdened by their own pasts, find solace in the house, striving to navigate life one day at a time.

Alice informs the guests that Wisteria House’s existence is at risk. She reveals a glimmer of hope, suggesting a way for the house to endure. However, the question arises: are they willing to unite and preserve their new found home?

“The Last Dinner at Wisteria House” by Sue Roberts weaves a captivating tale of new beginnings, second chances, and the transformative power of finding a place to call home. This story resonated deeply with me, experiencing a range of emotions and leaving me with a sense of profound fulfillment.

Sue Roberts has an extraordinary gift for writing charming stories that transport readers to breathtaking worlds. From the very first page, this remarkable story captivated my heart and held it until the final page was turned. I felt as if I was living within the story, immersed in its pages and witnessing its unfolding. With its beautifully crafted ending, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a truly captivating and emotionally resonant reading experience.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those stories that you think will just be a cosy wee hug of a book, something to fill an afternoon and then be instantly forgettable? Yeah, that's not this book. It may be a cosy hug but it will lull you in with the softly, softly and then trap you with the emotional, heart tugging story and the wonderful depiction of family that you find.

Alice lied to a ripe old age but she missed her home being filled by voices, love and memories. Her final wish was simple enough - bring love and joy back to the house, one last meal with her neighbours. What ensues is a work of healing, making connections, dealing with grief in many forms and some survivor guilt.

Declan, Jess, and Mark are all dealing with extreme emotion: grief, exhaustion, guilt, missing out on dreams. They all have a grief of some sort which they haven't processed. What was a simple gathering, food sharing. Turns into a wonderful night of sharing, caring and making connections.

The imminent threat to the house and their fragile new family adds a wee bit of tension and puts some pressure on the newly formed bonds. They soon learn that taking a chance can be one of the bravest moves you make.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that I really adore,
A heartwarming read and so much more.
A story of friendships, community and romance
A beautiful story of strangers given a chance.

Wisteria House was once a home so grand
But fate intervened and changes were planned.
Now it is divided into four flats occupied by strangers
Till Alice intervenes and a dinner arranges.

That dinner brings changes to all of their lives
Creating friendships and inspiration, they soon realise
Alice is the key to bringing these people together
But will they all be able to stay forever?

This a is moving story of friendships and much more
With great characters who you soon come to adore.
There are surprise revelations and lots to discover
As these tenants get to know one another.

Such a beautiful story, so engagingly shared
Showing how strangers developed friendships and cared.
There are also some shocks and twists, too,
No wonder I highly recommend it to you!

For my copy of this fantastic book, I say a huge thank you
As I share with. you this, my honest review.

[Kimberly Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four strangers live in an elegant nineteenth century home, now subdivided into apartments, on the outskirts of Liverpool. Each neighbor is navigating his or her own struggles and has time for only a quick greeting in passing. Jess is a single mother of a young daughter, trying desperately to make ends meet. Mark has lost his beloved wife, and is finding it difficult to get his life back on course. And Declan has a safe public-sector job, but dreams about opening up his own business, while attempting to keep long-kept secrets firmly in the past.

When ninety-year-old Alice moves in, she is struggling with her own loneliness, and aims to create a community amongst the Wisteria House residents. Will she succeed?

This was an enjoyable, intergenerational found-family story. I liked that each chapter was told through a different character perspective, as we were drawn into their struggles and dreams. A feel-good story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Dinner at Wisteria House by Sue Roberts

Oh, my heart. This was such a lovely story. I loved Alice and her kindness. She reminded me a lot of my Nan, which is always a welcome memory.

These characters were all so well done. They all had history, baggage, and charm. I loved seeing them grow and heal throughout the book. The themes within this story were heartwarming. Chosen family is often the most life-changing.

I loved how this story flowed. The way the chapters rotated among the characters was so beautifully done. The writing was superb. The way the plot moved was gorgeous.

Even though I knew how this story would end, once you dive into this beautiful tale, it just becomes obvious, I was not ready. But I was also touched by the love that radiated from the pages.

If you are looking for a quick, heartfelt, beautifully charming story about love, life, friendship, and family- look no further.

Publication date: January 15, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t resist a book about neighbour’s and so when read the blurb that basically said ‘4 flats, one house and they all meet for a meal’ I was sold

And glad I was as it was everything I expected, Mark, Alice, Declan and Jess all with very different lives ( Alice is 92, Jess a single Mum, Mark a widower in isolation and Declan mourning the loss of his Sister and harbouring a secret ) and when Alice invites them all for a meal, friendships are formed, lives are changed and sadness and happiness abounds at different times

And that is it really, it is as sold and its kind, emotive, narratively gentle and yet inspiring

It wasn’t a book I had to finish there and then but a book I looked forward to reading when I could and fell right back into as soon as did

It was, and no apologies here for saying, a nice, really nice read 🤗❤️

[SusanH · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Dinner at Wisteria House is a heartwarming and delightful book about the power of friendship and new beginnings. Alice, age 91, holds a dinner party in her ground floor apartment in Wisteria House where they all live to introduce the three other tenants (and one little girl). Mark, Declan, and single mother Jess pass each other daily in this beautiful house that had been split into apartments. Alice desires to bring them all together as friends, and to also try to save Wisteria House. Alice has some secrets and some tricks up her sleeve. To say any more would detract from the joy of this book. The characters are realistically described and the story inspiring. Enjoy this beautiful little book. With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely read about love, life and friendship. It highlights how many of us live right next to people who we never take the time to connect with. Alice was a wonderful character and I loved how she brought all the neighbours together and then started the ball rolling on them each hosting dinner to help their new friendships grow.

Jess and Declan were a wonderful new couple and I liked how they didn’t just jump on their feelings, how Jess took the time she needed to think things though, which in turn gave Declan the time to really flourish and feel like he deserved her.

A wonderful read, I wish we all had an Alice in our lives as she was so full of life and stories.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!
Alice is ninety years old and orchestrates a dinner party that brings together the isolated residents of Wisteria House. It was once a big house but now it is separated into apartments and everyone’s life is separate. Each tenant has things going on in their life and we get to learn more about each of them through the different chapters.

Declan- has family issues
Jess- lives with her daughter Maisie
Mark- lost his wife and is dealing with his grief
Unexpected friendships grow from this dinner party and they all realize that they need each other more than they realize. I enjoyed Sue Roberts writing style- I felt all the emotions along with all of the characters.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice moved into Wisteria House, the home she grew up in which was now converted to four flats. The other neighbors did not socialize until Alice moved in and created a community of friends. Alice is a former dancer, and now at ninety, spreads her joy for life to all those around her. Declan works for the Council as an accountant with dreams to be independent. Jess is a single mom, working at a supermarket and raising her daughter, Maisie. Mark is a widower, still getting over his wife’s death. This is an uplifting and heartwarming novel, a balm to calm the soul in these difficult times. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Dinner at Wisteria House by Sue Roberts is the perfect book to read when you want to really feel the depths and emotions of the characters.
There is a way to show kindness and the way Alice made the decision to get the neighbors together and how it was the start of true friendships that may never have happened.
This is a book that will stay with readers for long after the last word is read.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Sue Roberts for the Arc of the book The Last Dinner at Wisteria House. This is my personal review.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a lovely read if not a bit sad.
Alice brings together the tenants in a spliced up old building and leaves a lasting legacy.
Each tenant gets chapters so readers can follow what’s happening. The bonds and connections
They form are priceless and demonstrate what real friends and community evoke.
At the center is Alice and as she draws to her close she knows the things she has set into motion with have long lasting effects.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest, most perfect book.

Wisteria House built around 1880, once a grand Victorian residence is about to be home to:
Lessons learned.
Friendships gained and shared.
A grand lady who has the ability to listen without passing judgment.
People who find, gain and play kindness forward.

It is a gentle touch that affects deeply. So many thanks to Bookoutre and NetGalley for a copy.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sweet, feel good book we all sometimes need to break up all the other genres.
The characters were lovely, with all of the occupants of Wisteria House - Alice, Mark, Declan and Jess - having a pov and varied backstories.
I enjoyed the story and we can all only wish for a person like Alice to grace our lives.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc for review.

[Ashley Tovar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great comfort read! Emotional is such a soft & cozy way. The characters are all endearing in their own way & each adds a layer of beauty to the story. It was sweet, touching, well written & entertaining. I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded & felt the ending was perfectly done.

Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and beautiful story that I couldn’t stop reading it. I loved all the characters in this book and each of their story fills my heart with warmth and joy. Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you NetGalley and to Bookouture for an amazing ARC.

[Carol Drinkwater]

What a brilliant read so well written following all the people in Wisteria House I couldn't put it down

I can thoroughly recommend this book.

[JJ Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first drawn to this book by the beautiful cover and knew that it was one I really wanted to read. Oh my word this one gave me all the feels and brought out so many emotions. I absolutely adored it and honestly could not put it down. I laughed and cried as I progressed through the chapters. There is not one single thing I didn’t enjoy about this beautiful and heart warming read. So many wonderful and caring characters coming together in an unforgettable read. Highly recommend

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

90-year-old Alice gathers her neighbors for dinner at her place. Jess, Declan, and Mark have been living solo lives. During the dinner, they get to know each other. The next day, they received the startling news that the house they are renting will be sold. Will they be able to save it?

This is a sweet story of the friendships that develop after their neighbor breaks the ice and brings them together for dinner. Jess is a single mom, Mark is a widower, and Declan is looking for a fresh start. It has:

- neighborly friendships that develop
- fun neighborhood get-togethers
- taking care of your neighbors
- fresh starts
- single motherhood
- romance


Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely heartwarming story. The kindness of one person brings several people together and friendships grow from there. If you need an uplifting story definitely add this one to your list. You won’t be able to put it down