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The Home
Angela was just a baby when her mum left her for the last time, and a children's home is no place to grow up. The home's manager Ray takes the girls off to his 'den' in the garden and the littlies come back crying, and Ray's wife Kath has special wooden spoons which she saves for beating any of the children who dare to misbehave.
So, when wealthy couple James and Rosemary come to choose a child to adopt, Angela is desperate to escape. But the scars of her childhood remain, and when Angela's search for her birth mother Evelyn is successful, their reunion is no fairy tale. Soon strange and sinister events start to unfold, and Evelyn fears she may not survive her daughter's return...
The Home is another devastating psychological thriller from the author of the bestselling The Good Mother.
450 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2018
1233 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Karen Osman
7 books147 followersKaren Osman is an award-winning writer and best-selling author. Following her win at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Montegrappa Novel Writing Award 2016 with her crime-thriller novel, The Good Mother, renowned literary agent, Luigi Bonomi of LBA Books, secured a three-book deal with UK-based publishing house Head of Zeus.
Since then, The Good Mother, which was published in October 2017 and her second novel, The Home (September 2018), were both number one bestsellers. Her third book, A Perfect Lie, was published in August 2019 and she is currently working on her fourth novel.
In January 2019, Karen launched her own online show, Karen’s Bookshelf, all about books in partnership with Borders Middle East. Released weekly, each episode is available on IGTV, Facebook, Linked In, and YouTube and features an online book club, author interviews, and the latest book news.
Karen has also been a featured author at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature giving talks and workshops as well as giving writing masterclasses in partnerships with brands such as Costa. In 2017, Karen was included as Ahlan’s Hot 100 People, an accolade recognising the pioneers and game-changers shaping the UAE’s social and cultural landscape.
In addition to being an award-winning author, Karen founded niche communications company Travel Ink in 2011, providing content writing and strategy, public relations, social media, training, and translation services to hotels, airlines, and tourism establishments.
Karen uses her commercial experience in luxury hospitality, combined with her academic qualifications, which include a BA in Linguistics and English Language from the University of Durham and a Teaching (TEFL) Certificate from the University of Cambridge.
In her role as Managing Director, Karen oversees a team of writers, editors, and PR and social media consultants to deliver quality content for exceptional results. As a testament to its success, Travel Ink was shortlisted as a finalist for the SME Advisor Stars of Business Awards in two categories (Hospitality & Tourism and Communications) just one year after the company’s inception.
Karen has been recognised for her achievements in the areas of the written word, entrepreneurship, and luxury travel and has featured in various regional and international publications including Hello!, Stylist, Forbes, The National, Ahlan!, and Gulf News to name a few.
Karen lives in Dubai with her husband and two young sons.
Since then, The Good Mother, which was published in October 2017 and her second novel, The Home (September 2018), were both number one bestsellers. Her third book, A Perfect Lie, was published in August 2019 and she is currently working on her fourth novel.
In January 2019, Karen launched her own online show, Karen’s Bookshelf, all about books in partnership with Borders Middle East. Released weekly, each episode is available on IGTV, Facebook, Linked In, and YouTube and features an online book club, author interviews, and the latest book news.
Karen has also been a featured author at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature giving talks and workshops as well as giving writing masterclasses in partnerships with brands such as Costa. In 2017, Karen was included as Ahlan’s Hot 100 People, an accolade recognising the pioneers and game-changers shaping the UAE’s social and cultural landscape.
In addition to being an award-winning author, Karen founded niche communications company Travel Ink in 2011, providing content writing and strategy, public relations, social media, training, and translation services to hotels, airlines, and tourism establishments.
Karen uses her commercial experience in luxury hospitality, combined with her academic qualifications, which include a BA in Linguistics and English Language from the University of Durham and a Teaching (TEFL) Certificate from the University of Cambridge.
In her role as Managing Director, Karen oversees a team of writers, editors, and PR and social media consultants to deliver quality content for exceptional results. As a testament to its success, Travel Ink was shortlisted as a finalist for the SME Advisor Stars of Business Awards in two categories (Hospitality & Tourism and Communications) just one year after the company’s inception.
Karen has been recognised for her achievements in the areas of the written word, entrepreneurship, and luxury travel and has featured in various regional and international publications including Hello!, Stylist, Forbes, The National, Ahlan!, and Gulf News to name a few.
Karen lives in Dubai with her husband and two young sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 27, 2019
4☆ A Compelling and Poignant Domestic Thriller/ Drama
Wow oh wow, what a Compelling Read, it was Poignant and gripping I couldn't put it down!
I wasn't too sure what to expect when reading the blurb for The Home.
Angela was abandoned in a Children's home.
Sinister things happen whilst Angela is living there and the more you delve into those memories, via diary entries the more you want to save each of the children from the violence and abuse!
Luckily for Angela she gets adopted by James and Rosemary, her life takes an upward turn and she is shown a better life. She's now at the top of her career as an Associate in a Big City Law Firm.
But when her Father delivers devastating news, he encourages her to look for her real Birth Mother!
But is uncovering the past the right thing to do?
After all opening that can of worms is not always a good idea!
The story is told by several points of view, flitting between past and present, which I enjoyed. The storyline was easy to keep up with, the chapters nice and short.
But what I loved most was the diary entries, from Angela when she was abandoned in the Children's home and what it was like for her and the children.
I also really liked Angela's relationship with her Father James, who is battling a terminal illness.
Which I never ever find easy to read and normally it stops me reading a book.
But I was so compelled to keep reading.
The Home is down as a psychological thriller but I think it has more of a Domestic Noir/ Drama / Thriller feel.
Either way I really enjoyed it.
It does contain scenes of child abuse and violence which some readers may find it difficult to read, but Osman has handled them with the right amount of sensitivity to still make an impact and keeping it relevant and relatable to the storyline.
The Characters are all very Complex and have many deep rooted issues which was fitting for the nature of the story. Not all of the characters are particularly likeable either.
My only gripe was, that the ending seemed a tad rushed. It didn't give me the same feels I had the whole way through. It was more of an after thought. Which I why I deducted a star.
But overall I highly recommend this page Turner. I am definitely adding Karen Osman to my watch out for list!
I look forward to reading her next book!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Wow oh wow, what a Compelling Read, it was Poignant and gripping I couldn't put it down!
I wasn't too sure what to expect when reading the blurb for The Home.
Angela was abandoned in a Children's home.
Sinister things happen whilst Angela is living there and the more you delve into those memories, via diary entries the more you want to save each of the children from the violence and abuse!
Luckily for Angela she gets adopted by James and Rosemary, her life takes an upward turn and she is shown a better life. She's now at the top of her career as an Associate in a Big City Law Firm.
But when her Father delivers devastating news, he encourages her to look for her real Birth Mother!
But is uncovering the past the right thing to do?
After all opening that can of worms is not always a good idea!
The story is told by several points of view, flitting between past and present, which I enjoyed. The storyline was easy to keep up with, the chapters nice and short.
But what I loved most was the diary entries, from Angela when she was abandoned in the Children's home and what it was like for her and the children.
I also really liked Angela's relationship with her Father James, who is battling a terminal illness.
Which I never ever find easy to read and normally it stops me reading a book.
But I was so compelled to keep reading.
The Home is down as a psychological thriller but I think it has more of a Domestic Noir/ Drama / Thriller feel.
Either way I really enjoyed it.
It does contain scenes of child abuse and violence which some readers may find it difficult to read, but Osman has handled them with the right amount of sensitivity to still make an impact and keeping it relevant and relatable to the storyline.
The Characters are all very Complex and have many deep rooted issues which was fitting for the nature of the story. Not all of the characters are particularly likeable either.
My only gripe was, that the ending seemed a tad rushed. It didn't give me the same feels I had the whole way through. It was more of an after thought. Which I why I deducted a star.
But overall I highly recommend this page Turner. I am definitely adding Karen Osman to my watch out for list!
I look forward to reading her next book!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
August 31, 2018
I read some reviews after I read this book. I never read reviews before as I don’t like to be influenced.
But I do enjoy reading others points of view. Makes me step back and think.
I actually enjoyed the skilled writing in this book. It urged me along quite nicely.
I thought about this little girl being left up for adoption. Why and what thoughts would this child have growing up.
She makes friends with others in this orphanage but of course we know it’s not going to be a straight forward tale.
When we read about how a child is taken to “the den” it gives no doubt what it’s for.
Then there are the spoons hanging in the kitchen of all shapes and sizes. These are used for beating.
The ‘littlies’ are the ones favoured for adoption but when a rich couple want to take her she can’t believe it.
Events happen to change things and she’s encouraged to seek out her biological Mum.
All doesn’t go to plan.
The only complaint I had was the ending. It was like the author couldn’t find how to end this plausible to really ended this with me thinking “hmmmm easy ways out” so for me personally the ending let it down.
But I do enjoy reading others points of view. Makes me step back and think.
I actually enjoyed the skilled writing in this book. It urged me along quite nicely.
I thought about this little girl being left up for adoption. Why and what thoughts would this child have growing up.
She makes friends with others in this orphanage but of course we know it’s not going to be a straight forward tale.
When we read about how a child is taken to “the den” it gives no doubt what it’s for.
Then there are the spoons hanging in the kitchen of all shapes and sizes. These are used for beating.
The ‘littlies’ are the ones favoured for adoption but when a rich couple want to take her she can’t believe it.
Events happen to change things and she’s encouraged to seek out her biological Mum.
All doesn’t go to plan.
The only complaint I had was the ending. It was like the author couldn’t find how to end this plausible to really ended this with me thinking “hmmmm easy ways out” so for me personally the ending let it down.
November 13, 2018
THE HOME by Karen Osman is the story of three women all connected by adoption. While this novel is listed as a psychological thriller, I feel it is more of a psychological drama.
This is a story of lies and abuse and some may find it disturbing.
She should have been safe…
Angela was raised by foster parents, Rosemary and James. Angela’s biological mother is Evelyn. Angela was just a baby when her mum left her for the last time, and a children's home is no place to grow up. Angela was beaten with wooden spoons by the manager, Ray in his “den” in the garden, for any children that misbehave.
So, when wealthy couple James and Rosemary come to choose a child to adopt, Angela is desperate to leave. But the scars of her childhood remain, and years later when Angela's search for her birth mother Evelyn is successful, strange things start to happen.
The novel is narrated from three women’s POV, as well as a diary from a child in foster care, that I found hard to read because of its dark nature.
I found this novel a bit slow and predictable in some places. I can’t say I warmed up to any of the characters. The novel ends rather abruptly, and let me down slightly…not what I expected. I liked this novel, but not as much as I thought I would.
Many thanks to Aria via NetGalley for my digital copy.
This is a story of lies and abuse and some may find it disturbing.
She should have been safe…
Angela was raised by foster parents, Rosemary and James. Angela’s biological mother is Evelyn. Angela was just a baby when her mum left her for the last time, and a children's home is no place to grow up. Angela was beaten with wooden spoons by the manager, Ray in his “den” in the garden, for any children that misbehave.
So, when wealthy couple James and Rosemary come to choose a child to adopt, Angela is desperate to leave. But the scars of her childhood remain, and years later when Angela's search for her birth mother Evelyn is successful, strange things start to happen.
The novel is narrated from three women’s POV, as well as a diary from a child in foster care, that I found hard to read because of its dark nature.
I found this novel a bit slow and predictable in some places. I can’t say I warmed up to any of the characters. The novel ends rather abruptly, and let me down slightly…not what I expected. I liked this novel, but not as much as I thought I would.
Many thanks to Aria via NetGalley for my digital copy.
August 30, 2018
Well, this didn't at all turn out the way I expected it to from the book description. Which, quite frankly, also gives away way too much, in my most humble opinion.
To begin with, despite a few events near the end of the book, I'm finding it hard to label this as a psychological thriller. For the most part, it reads as a drama and for the first half of the book, there didn't seem to be that much happening at all.
The chapters switch between three women affected by adoption; Angela, her birth mother Evelyn and her adoptive mother Rosalyn. I found all three characters to be highly unlikeable and couldn't quite muster up any sympathy for them. Throughout the story, we get glimpses into life at the home Angela grew up in via diary entries. Unfortunately these left me entirely cold. Not at all gritty or as heartbreaking as I thought they would be. I feel like the premise of the book should have packed one heck of a punch and sadly, it didn't achieve that at all. There are a few twists but to be fair, if you read a lot in this genre, you'll probably be able to figure them out long before the reveal.
To begin with, despite a few events near the end of the book, I'm finding it hard to label this as a psychological thriller. For the most part, it reads as a drama and for the first half of the book, there didn't seem to be that much happening at all.
The chapters switch between three women affected by adoption; Angela, her birth mother Evelyn and her adoptive mother Rosalyn. I found all three characters to be highly unlikeable and couldn't quite muster up any sympathy for them. Throughout the story, we get glimpses into life at the home Angela grew up in via diary entries. Unfortunately these left me entirely cold. Not at all gritty or as heartbreaking as I thought they would be. I feel like the premise of the book should have packed one heck of a punch and sadly, it didn't achieve that at all. There are a few twists but to be fair, if you read a lot in this genre, you'll probably be able to figure them out long before the reveal.
July 5, 2019
3 ½ stars
Angela was adopted by Rosemary and James when she had lost all hope of escaping the children’s home where kids were beaten with wooden spoons by the manager and taken to the “den” when they misbehave. Now years later at the top of her career Angela’s finds her biological mother Evelyn but instead of a happy reunion strange sinister things start to happen around them.
The Home by Karen Osman narrated from three women’s POV, as well as a diary from ‘A’ in childcare. The book started nicely and there were some unexpected twists and turns but the ending was a miss for me , plus there is mention of child abuse which might be a trigger for some.
I would like to thank Aria & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Angela was adopted by Rosemary and James when she had lost all hope of escaping the children’s home where kids were beaten with wooden spoons by the manager and taken to the “den” when they misbehave. Now years later at the top of her career Angela’s finds her biological mother Evelyn but instead of a happy reunion strange sinister things start to happen around them.
The Home by Karen Osman narrated from three women’s POV, as well as a diary from ‘A’ in childcare. The book started nicely and there were some unexpected twists and turns but the ending was a miss for me , plus there is mention of child abuse which might be a trigger for some.
I would like to thank Aria & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
September 23, 2018
This book was a little slow for my interest. It dealt with topics like child abuse, lies and neglect, which was mentally draining for me. The story had Angela wanting to try to find her real family. There were too many timelines to keep track, with journal entries, and a slow drip feed of information. The secrets are soon revealed with an unexpected twist. But the child abuse really pulled me down and I had to skim read it, to protect myself.
June 1, 2019
I'm shocked that this book has 5* ratings if I'm honest with you.
The book is generally well written and I enjoy chapters that skip from person to person as the story unfolds. The story of the children's home is told really well and the journal entries were fun to read. Although the girls write in exactly the same style despite never meeting and through the entire 20 years they've been journalling?
The book started off so very good. There were some chapters that seemed to drag but I did enjoy it overall.
The 'big twist' was ridiculously implausible and came out of nowhere. Twin girls that both begin with A and nobody had a clue that there were two. The diary entries throughout are what helped to draw the reader close to Angela and what have the book substance and it was all undone with the ending.
Apparently the twins both wrote diaries and signed their entries off with -A. No indication or 'lead up' to this stupid end. Also plenty of random stuff that just wouldn't have happened. Leo killed this woman's dog for a tenner? Amanda payed Leo a tenner to tell Angela her mum is a druggy? I think it was supposed to click and the readers would stop and think "ohhhhh so that's why this happened. How clever", everything fitting into place. I was just confused to be honest, the end moved quickly and was utterly random.
The characters:
Angela's character becomes undone when you realise that you don't know her very well at all as the diary entries weren't hers. Well. Some were????? But only the ones of her getting adopted? Don't have a clue.
Amanda just appeared and ruined the book. We don't know her at all either apart from she is who we thought Angela was?
Rosemary's character was undone when she killed her husband. Just pushed her cancer ridden husband over even though she loved him so much a chapter ago.
James apparently managed to lie to his 'intelligent' wife for so long we don't know who he is either. He then dies.
Questions:
Was the murder across the road a part of the story?
Why did Evelyn hide the drugs in her bathroom?
Why did James want Angela to find her birth mum?
What was Amanda doing before James wanted Angela to find her?
What happened with Mitchell?
Why did James leave Evelyn, but care so much about the daughter that he abandoned that he had to break the heart of his wife that he lost? They could have had more than one child. It's not like they didn't have the money for it.
Why would James leave Evelyn everything? His character is inconsistent.
Why did Amanda need to steal Angela's bag for the key if she managed to break in to Evelyn's flat and Rosemary and James' house?
I don't believe I've been this disappointed in a book before.
The book is generally well written and I enjoy chapters that skip from person to person as the story unfolds. The story of the children's home is told really well and the journal entries were fun to read. Although the girls write in exactly the same style despite never meeting and through the entire 20 years they've been journalling?
The book started off so very good. There were some chapters that seemed to drag but I did enjoy it overall.
The 'big twist' was ridiculously implausible and came out of nowhere. Twin girls that both begin with A and nobody had a clue that there were two. The diary entries throughout are what helped to draw the reader close to Angela and what have the book substance and it was all undone with the ending.
Apparently the twins both wrote diaries and signed their entries off with -A. No indication or 'lead up' to this stupid end. Also plenty of random stuff that just wouldn't have happened. Leo killed this woman's dog for a tenner? Amanda payed Leo a tenner to tell Angela her mum is a druggy? I think it was supposed to click and the readers would stop and think "ohhhhh so that's why this happened. How clever", everything fitting into place. I was just confused to be honest, the end moved quickly and was utterly random.
The characters:
Angela's character becomes undone when you realise that you don't know her very well at all as the diary entries weren't hers. Well. Some were????? But only the ones of her getting adopted? Don't have a clue.
Amanda just appeared and ruined the book. We don't know her at all either apart from she is who we thought Angela was?
Rosemary's character was undone when she killed her husband. Just pushed her cancer ridden husband over even though she loved him so much a chapter ago.
James apparently managed to lie to his 'intelligent' wife for so long we don't know who he is either. He then dies.
Questions:
Was the murder across the road a part of the story?
Why did Evelyn hide the drugs in her bathroom?
Why did James want Angela to find her birth mum?
What was Amanda doing before James wanted Angela to find her?
What happened with Mitchell?
Why did James leave Evelyn, but care so much about the daughter that he abandoned that he had to break the heart of his wife that he lost? They could have had more than one child. It's not like they didn't have the money for it.
Why would James leave Evelyn everything? His character is inconsistent.
Why did Amanda need to steal Angela's bag for the key if she managed to break in to Evelyn's flat and Rosemary and James' house?
I don't believe I've been this disappointed in a book before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2023
Wow, this book had some fantastic twists! Never saw that ending coming. Really enjoyed reading this one!
Highly recommended.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Aria via Netgalley.
Highly recommended.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Aria via Netgalley.
September 10, 2018
Review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters in the book, especially Angela and her adoptive parents James and Rosemary. You read about Angela’s upbringing as a child, her abandonment by her mother, and what life was like for the various children living in the children’s home. You can’t help but feel so many mixed emotions for the other children living in such a home and some of the horrors and experiences they had gone through.
This book had many surprises, both good and bad, and without giving too much away there were plenty shocking twists and turns to keep any reader hooked to the very last page. I found myself so into this book it was hard to put down, and I found myself wanting to read more and more to find out what would happen next. We learn about what life was like not only growing up in the care of the children’s home, but also the loving family home once Angela was adopted.
Now an adult herself, we read about Angela’s decision to meet her birth mother Evelyn, who has many demons from her past. She has lived a hard life, and is surprised when she meets Angela.
This book is full of lies, betrayal and deception! Once you start reading you can’t seem to stop. I loved every shocking twist in this book and found myself stunned by the many turns it took. I loved this book and I hope you do too!
This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters in the book, especially Angela and her adoptive parents James and Rosemary. You read about Angela’s upbringing as a child, her abandonment by her mother, and what life was like for the various children living in the children’s home. You can’t help but feel so many mixed emotions for the other children living in such a home and some of the horrors and experiences they had gone through.
This book had many surprises, both good and bad, and without giving too much away there were plenty shocking twists and turns to keep any reader hooked to the very last page. I found myself so into this book it was hard to put down, and I found myself wanting to read more and more to find out what would happen next. We learn about what life was like not only growing up in the care of the children’s home, but also the loving family home once Angela was adopted.
Now an adult herself, we read about Angela’s decision to meet her birth mother Evelyn, who has many demons from her past. She has lived a hard life, and is surprised when she meets Angela.
This book is full of lies, betrayal and deception! Once you start reading you can’t seem to stop. I loved every shocking twist in this book and found myself stunned by the many turns it took. I loved this book and I hope you do too!
July 26, 2018
Although I guessed where this was going fairly early on, I really enjoyed reading it. I think a little more could’ve been made of the 80s setting, but it was dark and unsettling and I read it in one sitting.
July 4, 2019
In this book we meet successful solicitor Angela whom grew up in care until she was fourteen and got adopted by James and Rosemary.
Her foster life was harsh and some of the things you read in here are unimaginable to have to face at her young age back then
Her foster life was harsh and some of the things you read in here are unimaginable to have to face at her young age back then
May 26, 2019
Right, now where to start with this review? My mind is still whirling in circles and I trying to get to grips of that ending... I definitely didn't see that coming!! Who I suspected? Well, it wasn't. I'm quite impressed, and mystified, with how the author never let NOTHING slip throughout the whole book!!!
The characters - Angela, Rosemary, James, Evelyn - were all so amazingly well portrayed, though I really wasn't fond of Angela's snobbiness or with how stuck up she was. And Rosemary's attitude, for an older woman, was quite poor. I didn't like her anger, her pretentiousness, her mothering ways... she wasn't very supportive that's for sure. Now James was a huge surprise and I really liked him. Evelyn? Typical woman who grew up on a council estate; brash, takes no prisoners, paranoid etc etc (and, no, I don't mean anything by that at all as I, too, grew up in council estates and still live in one!) but at the same time, I quite liked her. She had her quirks and her set backs... but so did ALL of the characters.
The diary entries were definitely insightful into the life of a children's home in the 70's. I'm sure a lot of it still happens to this day. The whole story was really well written, carefully planned and thought out and brilliantly put together. The ending really made the story COMPLETELY different. I mean, after that ending I'm reevaluating everything I read before it. It's been a while since a book did that to me, that's for sure!
Karen Osman is a new author to me, and boy am I glad I took the chance, because the story in a superstar material... I now need to get her other book because her writing is just on point, perfect and fabulous.
This book was ALMOST flawless, it's just the character's attitudes that let it down a bit for me, but regardless, this book is still a 5 star read. Great storyline, awesome penmanship, quirky characters and a WHOLE lot more!
Bravo!
The characters - Angela, Rosemary, James, Evelyn - were all so amazingly well portrayed, though I really wasn't fond of Angela's snobbiness or with how stuck up she was. And Rosemary's attitude, for an older woman, was quite poor. I didn't like her anger, her pretentiousness, her mothering ways... she wasn't very supportive that's for sure. Now James was a huge surprise and I really liked him. Evelyn? Typical woman who grew up on a council estate; brash, takes no prisoners, paranoid etc etc (and, no, I don't mean anything by that at all as I, too, grew up in council estates and still live in one!) but at the same time, I quite liked her. She had her quirks and her set backs... but so did ALL of the characters.
The diary entries were definitely insightful into the life of a children's home in the 70's. I'm sure a lot of it still happens to this day. The whole story was really well written, carefully planned and thought out and brilliantly put together. The ending really made the story COMPLETELY different. I mean, after that ending I'm reevaluating everything I read before it. It's been a while since a book did that to me, that's for sure!
Karen Osman is a new author to me, and boy am I glad I took the chance, because the story in a superstar material... I now need to get her other book because her writing is just on point, perfect and fabulous.
This book was ALMOST flawless, it's just the character's attitudes that let it down a bit for me, but regardless, this book is still a 5 star read. Great storyline, awesome penmanship, quirky characters and a WHOLE lot more!
Bravo!
May 29, 2019
A tough upbringing.
We were lucky enough to have the author come to our Book Group discussion and share the story of how she won the highly coveted Emirates Festival of Literature, Montegrappa Novel writing prize in 2016, with her first book, The Good Mother. This resulted in a three book deal, of which The Home is her second book. I had already read and enjoyed The Good Mother and this was an excellent second novel.
To compare the two, I would say The Home was better written, but it's hard to say which was my favourite. The reveal at the end had me searching back through my memory to events earlier in the book, but sadly I didn't have time for a re-read.
Angela was left in a children's home when she was very young and as she got older, had given up any hope of being adopted. It was therefore a huge surprise when James and Rosemary took her on and gave her a loving home. When, at a later date, Angela begins the search for her birth mother, Evelyn, she finds a lonely woman with a tough past and it's not the easiest of bonds to make.
The descriptions of the children's home, the beatings, neglect and abuse, were distressing, but I guess to be expected in a book of this nature. There were also some pretty nasty revelations in a diary that runs alongside the narrative. I hope children's homes have improved a lot since the '80s, but it's certainly worrying. It made me want to rush and hug my grandchildren and thank the lord that they are safe and loved.
I see there is a third book in the pipeline, The Perfect Lie, so I look forward to reading that soon... or maybe listening to it as audiobooks are my preferred medium these days and I see that The Good Mother is already available as an audiobook.
We were lucky enough to have the author come to our Book Group discussion and share the story of how she won the highly coveted Emirates Festival of Literature, Montegrappa Novel writing prize in 2016, with her first book, The Good Mother. This resulted in a three book deal, of which The Home is her second book. I had already read and enjoyed The Good Mother and this was an excellent second novel.
To compare the two, I would say The Home was better written, but it's hard to say which was my favourite. The reveal at the end had me searching back through my memory to events earlier in the book, but sadly I didn't have time for a re-read.
Angela was left in a children's home when she was very young and as she got older, had given up any hope of being adopted. It was therefore a huge surprise when James and Rosemary took her on and gave her a loving home. When, at a later date, Angela begins the search for her birth mother, Evelyn, she finds a lonely woman with a tough past and it's not the easiest of bonds to make.
The descriptions of the children's home, the beatings, neglect and abuse, were distressing, but I guess to be expected in a book of this nature. There were also some pretty nasty revelations in a diary that runs alongside the narrative. I hope children's homes have improved a lot since the '80s, but it's certainly worrying. It made me want to rush and hug my grandchildren and thank the lord that they are safe and loved.
I see there is a third book in the pipeline, The Perfect Lie, so I look forward to reading that soon... or maybe listening to it as audiobooks are my preferred medium these days and I see that The Good Mother is already available as an audiobook.
September 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this until the reveal of one twist which is such an overused cliche’! The story was dark and captivating. The characters were interesting and the slow burn of a build up was just right.
There were a good amount of twists. Some of them were great and came out of nowhere completely taking me by surprise. They changed my perception of the character(s).
It was a well crafted story. Like I said I enjoyed it. It was pretty disturbing and may bother some so beware. The story ends with one wicked twist which salvaged my rating overall. I would read other works by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Aria publishing for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
There were a good amount of twists. Some of them were great and came out of nowhere completely taking me by surprise. They changed my perception of the character(s).
It was a well crafted story. Like I said I enjoyed it. It was pretty disturbing and may bother some so beware. The story ends with one wicked twist which salvaged my rating overall. I would read other works by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Aria publishing for a copy in exchange for a honest review.
September 18, 2018
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I really enjoyed this story, it had great drama and suspense that built up in the book to a really good ending!
The pace was spot on and I liked the writing style, it was great for the story and gave it an added edge.
I thought that the characters were well developed and they worked really well with the plot to make this one a thoroughly enjoyed psychological thriller!
Four stars from me, I really enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this story, it had great drama and suspense that built up in the book to a really good ending!
The pace was spot on and I liked the writing style, it was great for the story and gave it an added edge.
I thought that the characters were well developed and they worked really well with the plot to make this one a thoroughly enjoyed psychological thriller!
Four stars from me, I really enjoyed it!
September 26, 2018
3.5 * Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
This is the story of Angela who is adopted from a children's home by James and Rosemary. Fast forward and she is a solicitor slogging away at work. Her adoptive father becomes ill and encourages Angela to find her birth mother. It is told in alternating time-lines with flashbacks to the children's home in the 1960"s.
This is a tale of lies, betrayal and abuse and some may find it disturbing. It is a bit slow and predictable in places and I realized the twist well ahead of the ending.
This is the story of Angela who is adopted from a children's home by James and Rosemary. Fast forward and she is a solicitor slogging away at work. Her adoptive father becomes ill and encourages Angela to find her birth mother. It is told in alternating time-lines with flashbacks to the children's home in the 1960"s.
This is a tale of lies, betrayal and abuse and some may find it disturbing. It is a bit slow and predictable in places and I realized the twist well ahead of the ending.
August 7, 2021
Angela grew up in a children's home, surrounded by neglect and abuse. Then she was adopted by a wealthy couple and as an adult she now has a chance to meet her birth mother. But ever since she met her, her birth mother is starting to experience strange, sinister events, and she's starting to wonder if the child she gave up is more dangerous than she first thought...
I really liked how this book had me hooked straight away, filled with short chapters, diary entries and a twist at the end that was a definite shocker. Absolutely worth a read!
I really liked how this book had me hooked straight away, filled with short chapters, diary entries and a twist at the end that was a definite shocker. Absolutely worth a read!
June 21, 2019
The Home is my first but certainly not my last read by this author as I absolutely loved this story.
When Angela was a baby her mum left her and she ended up in a children’s home. It wasn’t a nice place with Ray taking the kids to his ‘den’ and his wife Kath with her wooden spoons to be used on the kids.
She can’t believe her luck when a rich couple decide to adopt her.
This story is told through three points of view which gave us a great insight into their thoughts.
This is a great read. I read it in a day as I didn’t wanna put it down. Although I thought this was more of a drama than a thriller I still really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future. I’ll certainly be recommending this gem.
When Angela was a baby her mum left her and she ended up in a children’s home. It wasn’t a nice place with Ray taking the kids to his ‘den’ and his wife Kath with her wooden spoons to be used on the kids.
She can’t believe her luck when a rich couple decide to adopt her.
This story is told through three points of view which gave us a great insight into their thoughts.
This is a great read. I read it in a day as I didn’t wanna put it down. Although I thought this was more of a drama than a thriller I still really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future. I’ll certainly be recommending this gem.
April 12, 2021
"Everyone has two sides, good and evil. How you treat me will determine which side you will see."
I picked this book because the synopsis sounds so interesting and promising. I thought, "it doesn't sound like any other thriller books I've ever read."
Some parts were interesting, the diary part was what I loved the most about this book. The dark past was told through the diary and it was really good and sounded real. Of course, the diary owner was unknown, we were only left an initial as a hint. And we only knew who the real diary's owner was near the end of the book.
There are so many things that I didn't like about this book:
- The diary was written in a same writing style despite the diary's owner had got older.
- Unlikable main characters and their inconsistent characterizations.
- The three POVs and the diary part had the same writing style.
- One of the main characters, Angela, worked in a law firm and there were many parts of the book which told us about how she worked hard, had meetings, and so on. I thought it would somehow have some connections the story so I read it carefully because I didn't want to miss any important details. However, I had to be disappointed in the end to find that Angela's work life had nothing to do with the story at all. So did her relationship with Mitchell. What were all of those things for?
- The twists that I couldn't really understand. The ending was in a bit rush in my opinion. I didn't enjoy it at all, I couldn't even understand the twists. It's all too sudden and way too confusing. The new character addition wasn't a good idea at all, I was like, "who was this person? Why was she here all of sudden? Like hey I didn't know you at all!!!"
I thought it was me who read too slow, in fact, I just realised when I finished this book that actually I wasn't hooked in the story at all. I was only excited in the diary parts, other than that, I read them half-hearted.
I really wish the story would be much better than this, especially the twists and the ending.
Up to now, the book left me tons of unanswered questions.
I picked this book because the synopsis sounds so interesting and promising. I thought, "it doesn't sound like any other thriller books I've ever read."
Some parts were interesting, the diary part was what I loved the most about this book. The dark past was told through the diary and it was really good and sounded real. Of course, the diary owner was unknown, we were only left an initial as a hint. And we only knew who the real diary's owner was near the end of the book.
There are so many things that I didn't like about this book:
- The diary was written in a same writing style despite the diary's owner had got older.
- Unlikable main characters and their inconsistent characterizations.
- The three POVs and the diary part had the same writing style.
- One of the main characters, Angela, worked in a law firm and there were many parts of the book which told us about how she worked hard, had meetings, and so on. I thought it would somehow have some connections the story so I read it carefully because I didn't want to miss any important details. However, I had to be disappointed in the end to find that Angela's work life had nothing to do with the story at all. So did her relationship with Mitchell. What were all of those things for?
- The twists that I couldn't really understand. The ending was in a bit rush in my opinion. I didn't enjoy it at all, I couldn't even understand the twists. It's all too sudden and way too confusing. The new character addition wasn't a good idea at all, I was like, "who was this person? Why was she here all of sudden? Like hey I didn't know you at all!!!"
I thought it was me who read too slow, in fact, I just realised when I finished this book that actually I wasn't hooked in the story at all. I was only excited in the diary parts, other than that, I read them half-hearted.
I really wish the story would be much better than this, especially the twists and the ending.
Up to now, the book left me tons of unanswered questions.
September 19, 2018
This story is told mainly from the perspective of Angela. Angela is a 27 year old solicitor, who was adopted as a child and recently, due to her adoptive father’s cancer diagnosis, she has begins to look for her birth mother. In between these chapters, there is also the birth mother’s story and also the diary extracts from a child who is in a children’s home. Angela’s birth mother, Evelyn has had a difficult life since she gave her child up all those years ago and has struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. The story gives a thrilling journey as to what happens when secrets that have been buried for so many years are uncovered!
My first book by this author. I have to admit, I was initially confused with this book. For some reason I had it in my head that the story was set in present day – i.e. 2018 and I just couldn’t make the dates from the diary extracts match up! When I eventually worked out that the story was set in the 1980’s, it all made sense! I found the story started off well, with Evelyn’s story of an older lady who had suffered the ravages of a drug and alcohol lifestyle being particularly gripping. I did like Angela’s character but did want to give her a good shake to make her realise that sometimes work isn’t everything!
As the story unfolds, you get sucked into a tale of lies, secrets and deceit. It gave me a multitude of emotions as it travelled through the last 30 years of the characters’ lives. It does broach on some difficult subjects of child abuse, but all done as sensitively as you can. I also found it completely heart-breaking at times with the stories of the young children in the children’s home and also of Angela’s birth and adoptive mother. It all eventually had me in tears. It twists and turns throughout until you reach an unexpected finale which I honestly didn’t see coming.
A chilling and upsetting thriller. Not a fast paced story by any sense of the word, but a slow build up giving you time to get pulled into this heart-breaking story good and proper. I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
My first book by this author. I have to admit, I was initially confused with this book. For some reason I had it in my head that the story was set in present day – i.e. 2018 and I just couldn’t make the dates from the diary extracts match up! When I eventually worked out that the story was set in the 1980’s, it all made sense! I found the story started off well, with Evelyn’s story of an older lady who had suffered the ravages of a drug and alcohol lifestyle being particularly gripping. I did like Angela’s character but did want to give her a good shake to make her realise that sometimes work isn’t everything!
As the story unfolds, you get sucked into a tale of lies, secrets and deceit. It gave me a multitude of emotions as it travelled through the last 30 years of the characters’ lives. It does broach on some difficult subjects of child abuse, but all done as sensitively as you can. I also found it completely heart-breaking at times with the stories of the young children in the children’s home and also of Angela’s birth and adoptive mother. It all eventually had me in tears. It twists and turns throughout until you reach an unexpected finale which I honestly didn’t see coming.
A chilling and upsetting thriller. Not a fast paced story by any sense of the word, but a slow build up giving you time to get pulled into this heart-breaking story good and proper. I will definitely be looking for more by this author.
January 8, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - full of family drama, intrigue and plenty of interesting characters. It kept me guessing until the end.
October 17, 2018
I would like to thank Aria Publishing and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted to the cover. We see Angela with a frightened look in her eyes. A catchphrase also attracts my attention: "The house is where your heart breaks".
Angela was abandoned by her mother, and she was forced to go to a home, but it was not a part of the fun, because she was beaten by the manager with wooden spoons. A couple comes to adopt her, she thinks it will be over but the scars of the past are struggling to leave. She's going to find her birth mother and strange things are going to happen.
A psychological thriller that I loved, I immediately hooked on the characters, especially Angela's; and on the story so captivating, moving and full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading another book from this talented author.
I was immediately attracted to the cover. We see Angela with a frightened look in her eyes. A catchphrase also attracts my attention: "The house is where your heart breaks".
Angela was abandoned by her mother, and she was forced to go to a home, but it was not a part of the fun, because she was beaten by the manager with wooden spoons. A couple comes to adopt her, she thinks it will be over but the scars of the past are struggling to leave. She's going to find her birth mother and strange things are going to happen.
A psychological thriller that I loved, I immediately hooked on the characters, especially Angela's; and on the story so captivating, moving and full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading another book from this talented author.
October 10, 2018
This book starts with the main character going back to her roots to find her real family with the encouragement of of her adoptive parents. During the story line it’s also filled with journal entries of when she was in a children’s home. It made you really hurt with her and hope for a family . There are some parts with child abuse that made be unsettling for some. It’s sad the amount of abuse this poor girl went through and felt myself tear up at times.
September 17, 2018
Thought I would give this book a go as it’s a friend of mines daughter. WOW I could not put it down read it in less than 24 hours absolutely gripping page turner with some of the biggest plot twists I have ever read in a book. You want to read an excellent edge of your seat page turner this book is for you.
March 29, 2019
Didn't see that coming!
Brilliant! Loved the characters, all very believe able. Would have liked to have heard from other sister earlier, even, if it meant making the reader think there was maybe a split personality thing happening. I had to go back and read the last two chapters twice to really get it, and I still had questions.. excellent read though!
Brilliant! Loved the characters, all very believe able. Would have liked to have heard from other sister earlier, even, if it meant making the reader think there was maybe a split personality thing happening. I had to go back and read the last two chapters twice to really get it, and I still had questions.. excellent read though!
March 28, 2021
This book was alright . I will try to explain why I didn’t give it more stars without spoilers. I read the first half, maybe even three quarters trying to guess who the victim would be, who the killer would be, and what their motive would be. But, there were no surprises, it was all so cliche. Even an old afternoon soap would have held more intrigue.
April 9, 2019
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Overall, I enjoyed the book but it just didn't grab me and I had to persist to reach the end. I felt the representation of some of the characters was unrealistic and the ending, for me, was ultimately an anticlimax. I did enjoy the style of writing from the different viewpoints and diary entries, which broke up the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it just didn't grab me and I had to persist to reach the end. I felt the representation of some of the characters was unrealistic and the ending, for me, was ultimately an anticlimax. I did enjoy the style of writing from the different viewpoints and diary entries, which broke up the story.
July 20, 2019
I wasn't too sure what to expect when reading the blurb for The Home.
This is a story of lies and abuse and some may find it disturbing.
Full of family drama, intrigue and plenty of interesting characters. It kept me guessing until the end.
This is a story of lies and abuse and some may find it disturbing.
Full of family drama, intrigue and plenty of interesting characters. It kept me guessing until the end.
May 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I haven't read a book this good in forever! I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!! I loved the characters and the twist and turns.
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