31 Dream Street

by Lisa Jewell

Leah and Toby have lived across the street from one another for years without meeting ... and Leah has been itching to peek behind the front door of Toby's eccentric house, always packed to the rafters with weird and wonderful tenants. When fate finally lets her in, Leah finds that Toby needs her as much as she is surprised to realize she might need him. Sometimes life needs a helping hand and with a sprinkle of romance and their own special magic, Toby and Leah's dreams show the glimmer of a chance of coming true.

31 Dream Street is a wonderfully warm and insightful novel that will capture the imagination and soothe the soul.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, British Literature, Adult Fiction

480 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

LISA JEWELL was born in London in 1968.

Her first novel, Ralph's Party, was the best- selling debut novel of 1999. Since then she has written another twenty novels, most recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and The Night She Disappeared.

Lisa is a New York Times and Sunday Times number one bestselling author who has been published worldwide in over twenty-five languages. She lives in north London with her husband, two teenage daughters and the best dog in the world.

Lisa's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/LisaJewelloff...

Reviews

[Malia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest,I had this book sitting around for some time before picking it up to read. I thought, oh this will be so predictable, typical chick-lit, and kept passing on it for other stuff. But after reading a rather awful, unpredictable book, I felt in the mood for something cozier. I really enjoyed "The House We Grew up In" and "The making of Us" by Jewell, so I don't really know why I wasn't initially as interested in this book(maybe I was guilty of 'judging a book by its cover'-oops).
In any case, I'm very glad I finally got round to it. This is a lovely book! The characters feel so real and mostly likeable, much more so than in "The House We Grew Up In", in my opinion. Toby and Leah are people I want to know, friendly and funny and kind of odd.
What I think I like most about this book, is the message that it's not silly or pointless at any point in life to try something new. It's so easy to slip into a rut, or keep putting things off, and changing is hard. I think this is a story that will resonate with many readers, because let's be honest, we've probably all been there at some point or another, wanting to make a change, but either not knowing how or lacking courage to try.
This is a must for fans of Jewell's other books(at least the ones I've read) as well as fans of Marian Keyes, Isabel Wolff, Madeline Wickham (a.k.a. Sophie Kinsella), and really a feel-good story without being annoying or sickly sweet at all.

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

[Amy Pettyjohn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, 3 days and only 30 pages, and I keep falling asleep. The main character, Toby, has about as much interest as a head of cabbage. So boring. I've decided to not even try to make it through this book anymore...It's been torture

[SimitudeSims · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but I didn't find it as interesting as her current books.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always with Lisa Jewell, I started reading and at first thought, hmm...this doesn't seem to be going anywhere. But by now I know it takes a while for her to line up all the elements and the story to kick in. And before I knew it, I was completely immersed in the story of Toby, the tall, strange, poet-wannabe who owns a big house in London. His wife ran off and left him after a few weeks of marriage, so for the past 15 years Toby has been living an almost hermit-like existence, while renting out rooms to various hard-luck cases and misfits.

A sudden death in this house proves to be a catalyst for change. Toby decides it is finally time to take control, sell the house, and move on to a new chapter of his life. But first he wants to help each of his misfits find their next chapter as well.

This was a really good premise, and Jewell does her usual excellent job of making me care about people who are often not very likeable. However, I feel like she is capable of much better. It worked, but some of the supporting character stories could have been more interesting, and she could have made Toby less of a doofus. There were several times I was SO annoyed with her treatment of this main character. Examples: Was it necessary to pile on the excessive humiliation of Toby when, in front of Leah his love interest, he fell in the pool and knocked himself unconscious? That wouldn't have been bad enough, but then he had to vomit all over himself? Also, I almost wanted to quit reading when I realized that Toby, sharing a house with virtual strangers, had left $68,000 dollars in an unlocked drawer in his room. And it got stolen. Surprise surprise! How can you really have sympathy for such an idiot?

Despite my quibbles, this was a decent read and I would recommend it to anyone, but if it is your FIRST Lisa Jewell book, you might want to read one of her others first. My favorite so far is Then She Was Gone

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In every town, city or village there is always a house that is architecturally unique that always draws the eye and makes you wonder about who lives there. That is exactly how Leah has always thought of The Peacock House, opposite her flat, and its assorted group of very bohemian occupants led by the house’s owner Toby, a shambolic and scruffy poet. She has never spoken to any of them, until now, when Leah and Toby’s paths cross unexpectedly one day, which leads to Toby asking her to help him get to know his ramshackle group of tenants a bit better – so as to prepare himself in order to drop a bombshell on them.

This is a book that had been languishing on my bookshelf for a couple of years and I am really glad that I finally got round to reading it. It just oozes charm in a story with characters that you just cannot help liking, eccentricities and all. It is very much a “will they, won’t they” story, an easy read that you can just curl up on the sofa with a box of chocolates and get lost in. It is a tiny bit predictable, but in a very cosy “I knew that was going to happen” way.

[Elisabeth Plimpton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cute story and a fun read. Multiple character lines to follow throughout the book that intertwined near the end. Not super captivating, but more lighthearted and just an overall good story for something nice and easy to read. I liked how everything worked out and was tied together in the end.

[T. Rosado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I like the writing style of this author and had loved one of her later books, but this one was a bit sluggish. It did have some interesting characters and intersecting storylines. Yet there were some that slowed the story down and others that just made me frustrated. Its plotline didn't end in a satisfying enough way for me. Overall, a decent read but a little slow.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book! I loved all the characters and the Cinderella story of Toby and his house. There were places where I was grinning as I read (because the story was just that charming) and a few places where I got teary, because it was so sad and I felt heartbroken for the characters. A totally satisfying book with some unexpected depth, while still being light-hearted. Loved it!

[Tressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of Lisa Jewell's best, but still an enjoyable read even though it's predictable in places, especially concerning the two main characters Tobey and Leah. But most of the characters have some real depth to them and I like the way Jewell slowly unfolds their stories. The story of Con and Daisy is really beautiful, and seeing Con mature and expose his feelings to the people closest to him is my favorite part of the book.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous Lisa Jewell Novel. I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of 31 Dream Street and enjoyed the real life quality of the plot. Full review to come...

[Sarah lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. Haven't been able to read much since my daughter was born or found a book that kept my attention long enough but I adored this story and read it all in about a week when my baby slept.

What drew me in at first was the shared living arrangements. I've had to move back in to my mum's with my boyfriend and my daughter so we can save up for our own place. Unfortunately, my sister moved back in also due to a crossroad in her life, so we all live on top of each other and try to make it work as best we can but its hard. All I want is for all of us to find our path, our own sanctuary and peace and to fulfil our wishes in life. That's what drew me in initially.

I fell in love with all the characters and Toby's warm heart ❤ I wanted the best for everyone, for everyone to find their own happiness, to get out of their rut and continue writing their own story. I found myself crying at moments throughout and smiling so much towards the end. 31 dream street was a dream to read. Hopefully my family will find theirs 💘

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, and decided to read this strictly based on the author's past novels. But once I got into the story, I couldn't put it down. The characters in this book are so REAL, so down-to-earth and relatable.

The main character, Toby, undergoes a slow transformation throughout the novel on his journey to start living, a transformation that is at times a bit sad -- I felt like I wanted to give him a big hug! :) The other characters in this book, Toby's lodgers, are well-written too - I found myself caring about all of them, and even got a bit misty-eyed when Joanne's backstory was finally revealed.

This is not your standard Brit chick-lit novel. It is so much more! With a satisfying, but not tidy, ending. I highly recommend this book!

[Chelsea Mensch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should have listened to the review when I was halfway through about the character being as exciting as a head of lettuce 🤣 This was seriously horrible- not sure why I continued reading, guess I just thought it would bound to improve. Nope- what a waste!

[Novelle Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cosy comfortable read...

[Jeanne Adamek]

dnf at page 100

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly strange yet endearing tale. Good for the soul.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books where you just KNOW a single character will create a train wreck and there’s nothing you can do but watch it happen. 🫤. I suppose I was hoping for a book about “found family”. Lesson learned, I need to stop reading review snippets!!

[Rhian Eleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was like going back in time for me. Yes it was written more than 15 years ago, and some things haven't aged so well, but does this take away from the story? Not one bit!
I think stories like this actually can't really be written anymore, too many people have too many opinions nowadays. Someone somewhere would find fault especially with some of the more obscure characters in this book!🙈🤦‍♀️ (Italian Jack for one)

I had a great time Reading this, it gave me the exact feelings a book should be giving. Loved getting to know the cast of characters, and there's a lot!
Toby was brilliant, and his kindness just really sparkled and despite his flaws, (maybe because of those flaws) I really fell for him.

So in a nutshell, Tobys' estranged dad gives him a house as a wedding present. Tobys' wife of about a month decides she's unable to live with him, he's just not enough.
The house is a dream home, it's beautiful and little by little, Toby begins taking in some rather peculiar, and oddball individuals, gives them a roof under their heads. Before he knows it, years have gone by, and probably his best years have passed him.

Leah from across the Street has always wondered who everyone is at no.31, and one day, she finds herself in a situation where she can finally find out for herself. Young tall guy as she's always known him, begins to play on her mind. She's never met anyone like him.

Full of heart and some funny omg moments. Just the job! Really enjoyed it. I'd love this author to write this genre again, although her darker side is just as brilliant.

[Dani Clark - Clark Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was really cute. I honestly didn't read the synopsis before reading! I love Lisa Jewell and it was available on Audiobook. I thought it was going to be a mystery, but it wasn't. It was a really wholesome book that I enjoyed. The characters were likable and the plot was cute. Everything came together eventually. Roommates Wanted was definitely out of my normal reading, I didn't hate it, but it wasn't one of Lisa Jewell's best books.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Through most of this book, I just wasn't really into. It was ok, but nothing I was thrilled about or dying to finish. By the end though, I found myself really invested in the lives of all these quirky weirdos and wanted to see all of them succeed in life. It was kind of a weird journey to get there, but I found the end heartwarming and sweet.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROOMMATE WANTED
Lisa Jewell

WHAT a nice read! I know it was not a page burner, but with characters like these, there is no real reason to get into that big of a hurry! The world keeps turning, fast or slow. I happen to have fallen in love with Toby, the main character who is a sweet guy that can't seem to get himself together in 15 years. Not only that he seems to have collected a group of like-minded people to share his house and basically use and abuse him by not paying their rent or picking up after themselves.

After one of his tenants passes away on the sidewalk and he meets the girl across the street who finds the dead 97-year-old, his life takes a positive turn. This is the strangest love story I have ever read, but I did fall in love.

5 stars

Happy Reading!

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Drags a bit, but was ultimately very sweet and lovely. Message: You are never too old to get your sh*t together and take your life in a new direction

[Bayli Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book actually. VERY different from Lisa Jewell's other stuff-- more heartfelt, less crazy plot twists, ultimately just a story about love and community, and finding yourself.

Very sweet, highly recommend.

[Kelly Hasenjager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook a lot; hearing the accents made it even more fun. This is a sweet and unique light-hearted story. It isn’t a page turner, but more like an easy, relaxing, comforting read.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Karen had left him fifteen years ago he’d filled his house with people from all walks of life, people with stories to tell and journeys to share, but instead of learning from them he’d used them to insulate himself from the world. And now that he was finally unpeeling all the layers and revealing himself, it was very disappointing to see that he wasn’t an eccentric struggling artist with a fondness for unusual people, that he was just plain old Toby Dobbs, the tallest boy at school, the disappointment to his father, the man whose own wife hadn’t wanted to live with him for more than a month.

I wanted to try a Lisa Jewell because of the good reviews and because I was intrigued that she started off writing chick-lit type books but has more recently become known for her psychological thrillers. I chose a chick-lit type because that is a genre I am more comfortable and familiar with. I chose 31 Dream Street, (aka Roomates Wanted) because the story intrigued me. It had lots of diverse characters coming together and seemed to have more to offer than a more romance-oriented novel.

Toby, the main character of the ensemble owns a beautiful unusual old house which would be worth around 1.000,000 pounds with some refurbishment and redecorating. It was a gift from his absent and uncaring father. Toby starts off as a loser with a capital L. Through the years he has rented rooms for rock bottom rates or sometimes no rates to various people who needed a helping hand. In order to sell the house and jump-start his life, he needs to get rid of his current tenants. But he is so soft-hearted, he will not just kick them out until they have gotten their lives in order and have someplace to go. Thus, he takes the advice of his appealing next-door neighbor whom he gets to know: find about about them and do what you can to help them settle elsewhere.

Along with Toby, we get to know his 4 tenants and eventually uncover the pasts and secrets which are holding them back. We also get to know Toby and Leah, his next-door neighbor and eventual friend, both of whom also need some guidance and rehabilitation in their own lives. Throughout the book it is a matter of two steps forward, one step back, or vice versa, for all but one, who is all steps back, until the very conclusion.

Lisa Jewel is an excellent writer. The narrative voice drew me into the story. Her descriptions and dialogue were sharp and evocative. The success of the story rested on whether the characterization of the players hit home. They did. The characters were involving and interesting. Unfortunately, they usually were not very likable except for Leah. My emotions were not engaged. With some, I went back and forth as to whether I cared for them at all depending on their actions. Toby especially was bothersome. Even though his looks, outlook for the future, love life, and general well-being go through many positive changes, he continues to be a wet noodle. His reaction to a bad setback in his house renovation, his reaction to his unintended make-over, his lack of resolve overall, but especially with Leah. He was a constant disappointment after seeming to finally grow up over and over. It was Leah was the catalyst for positive change throughout. I also regretted the lack of closure with his father. His father standing him up at the end was a message in itself, but I didn’t want a message. Especially considering the long setup. I wanted drama, emotion, and maybe an epiphany.

The fates of the tenants had positive outcomes, but three were bitter-sweet, and the one totally positive fate seemed contrived and unearned. Actually one of the bittersweet ones did too. Toby and Leah’s fate was nothing short of idyllic, which left me with a positive impression of the book.
** 3 1/2 stars**

https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Lisa Jewell book I read was None of This is True, so I was fully expecting that those were the types of books she wrote. 60% of the way into this one, I realized that I had been tricked into reading a ROMANCE novel. I still finished it, and it still is worth 4 stars, but I kept waiting for the drop, and suspecting everyone along the way, only to find out they're all just people living their lives the best they could. No murder? A twist I was not expecting.

[stabbypotato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well well ... Being a newbie fan of Lisa Jewell's psychological thrillers , this was my first attempt with her romantic artwork . Just like everytime this one's also a story connecting quite a few lives altogether. And I'd say I kinda like it. Cause it's not easy to entangle so many lives together in just one book. So ,,, kudos to the Writer !!! And now... Let's talk characters....
First comes our landlord Toby ... Well it's hard to imagine a life he's been living for FIFTEEN LONG YEARS... But yet , he's a poet indeed. Although first few chapters might make you think of him a ... Perv😒😒😒 .. Maybe... But then who blames him? Being dumped by newly wedded wife after three week???!!! Come on!!! That's harsh!!! But then here comes our Female lead to the rescue.... Or should I say it's Gus?😒😒😒 I mean come on... He had a huge contribution on turning Toby's life.
I don't know what's wrong with me today. Can't even write my proper feelings 👤...
Now we have Leah. The girls across the street.... Who comes like a midnight sun in our Toby's life...
She's sweet , smart , "nosy" , confused and confident... She's one hell of a girl in the whole story... My favorite... And hey... I don't know about the parts she was confused ... So don't judge me...
The only thing I hate about the book is Ruby .. My my... How can someone be so shallow? Instead of taking responsibility she just steals and stumbles ? I mean Dude!!!!!
Anyways I'm proud of Con cause instead of being of such a young age he indeed is a responsible man. And guess what? Now I feel total useless 😒😒😒
Because ... At the age of 19 he has a part time job.. a partner.... And now I think what have I done????
That's not fair right?😔.... Well I'm glade Toby could fulfill his list of does and don't. He found the love he deserved.
So.. though it took me a bit long to finish the book I'm it had a happy parting and I had my laughs. I would've loved it more with some more Toby- Leah romance ...Yeah yeah.... I'm a pathetic , hopeless romantic...😒😒😒... Anyways... if you're looking for a sweet but smelly rom-com in January, you can give it a try ... But of course I have my own favorites for Winter including this one.. I Guess......😜😜😜

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does happiness live inside a house? Leah watches the eccentric and quirky residents of 31 Silversmith Road come and go. Who is the odd, tall man named Toby and how did he come to have this motley crew living inside his home? Toby has had the house for 15 years.
Ruby is a singer - addicted to men and booze. Con works in the mail room at Vogue but dreams of becoming a pilot. His mother Miranda, who abandoned him years ago, sets up home in his bedroom after a second failed marriage. Joanne is a mystery so tightly coiled that it would take a brave soul to find out what goes on inside her head.
After Gus, the resident Toby acquired with the house, dies Leah encourages Toby to start living. He has been alone since his wife Karen left him. Also 15 years ago. When Leah’s boyfriend Amitabh rejects her marriage proposal, Leah and Toby embark on a mission to sort out the lives of the residents.
31 Dream Street is a warm book, peopled with characters in pain. Characters who live and laugh, and cry. Mostly behind closed doors. I wanted them all to succeed. Jewell draws them so well that no-one is ever in danger of becoming a cardboard cut out. Jewell is the author of 5 bestsellers. 31 Dream Street is set to join their ranks.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jewell, Lisa. Roommates Wanted. 10 CDs. unabridged. 12 hrs 8 mins. 2019. Dreamscape Media. ISBN 9781974980482.



Having been gifted a grand old Victorian house as a wedding gift but unable to fill it after his bride left him; Toby opened his home to wayward souls needing a new chance at life. Nearly fifteen years later, some of the home's residents are having trouble moving on; and that includes Toby. He has finally decided to put the house on the market and move on with his life after his oldest tenant dies and leaves him some money. However, Toby feels responsible for everyone living under his roof and has no idea how to get them to move on with their lives and move out. Thankfully Toby gets help from across the street from his gorgeous neighbor, Leah, and together they discover what it means to truly let go of the past and look towards the future. Brilliantly narrated by Helen Duff who does a superb job nailing the myriad of accents of the housemates. Readers will find themselves captivated by all the hi-jinks Toby and his housemates find themselves in as they try to navigate what the future holds. Charming, unique, and funny; Lisa Jewell is a master of contemporary fiction. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN

[Natalie [genreneutralreader] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love Lisa Jewell. I am attempting to read all her books that she has published. Roommates Wanted was one that I had not even heard of until a couple weeks ago. I requested it from the library and received it within a week and immediately got to reading. I thought it was a very sweet story about a bunch of people who were really having a tough time finding their place in the world. They ended up rooming together indefinitely. There was only one character I actively disliked and that never changed from beginning to end. She was mean-spirited to everyone who tried to help her. The remaining characters all had aspects of their personalities that resonated with me. Their situation doesn't sound all that unlikely given what we learn about their lives. Alternately funny and poignant, this is a book that I am glad I found.