What do you think?
Rate this book
The Forever Home
You thought you’d always be safe there… you were wrong.
Carly had thought they’d always live there. The beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had obsessively re-designed and renovated – a project that had made him famous. It was where they’d raised their children, where they’d sat cosily on the sofa watching storms raging over the sea below. It was where they’d promised to keep each other’s secrets…
Until now. Because Mark has fallen in love. With someone he definitely shouldn’t have. Someone who isn’t Carly. And suddenly their family home doesn’t feel like so much of a safe haven.
Carly thinks forever should mean forever though: it’s her home and she’ll stay there. Even the dark family secrets it contains feel like they belong to her. But someone disagrees. And, as threats start to arrive at her front door, it becomes clear, someone will stop at nothing. Because someone wants to demolish every last thing that makes Carly feel safe. Forever.
An utterly unputdownable psychological thriller about what lies are hidden in the most beautiful homes. Perfect for fans of Date Night, Gone Girl and The Woman in the Window.
Carly had thought they’d always live there. The beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had obsessively re-designed and renovated – a project that had made him famous. It was where they’d raised their children, where they’d sat cosily on the sofa watching storms raging over the sea below. It was where they’d promised to keep each other’s secrets…
Until now. Because Mark has fallen in love. With someone he definitely shouldn’t have. Someone who isn’t Carly. And suddenly their family home doesn’t feel like so much of a safe haven.
Carly thinks forever should mean forever though: it’s her home and she’ll stay there. Even the dark family secrets it contains feel like they belong to her. But someone disagrees. And, as threats start to arrive at her front door, it becomes clear, someone will stop at nothing. Because someone wants to demolish every last thing that makes Carly feel safe. Forever.
An utterly unputdownable psychological thriller about what lies are hidden in the most beautiful homes. Perfect for fans of Date Night, Gone Girl and The Woman in the Window.
339 pages, ebook
First published June 4, 2021
1344 people are currently reading
2224 people want to read
About the author
Sue Watson
48 books1,538 followersSue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.
Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
August 18, 2021
Sue Watson did it again! Another engrossing, whirlwind, unputdownable, high tension, twisty, riveting, deliciously addictive, one sit read makes you hold your breath till the last chapter, then you pass out because too much excitement, jaw clenching, feet throbbing, nail biting, jaw dropping minutes you spent during your read exhaust the hell of you!
This gripping thriller forces you sit at the edge on your seat and fall down on the floor several times. It makes you agitated, jumpy, nervous but you cannot drop down your reader and run to your bedroom to hide under your duvet. You keep reading and cursing at several characters because Ms. Watson can create truly disturbing, despicable , easily punchable characters you wish to use as your daily punching bags or stress balls for throwing against the wall.
Carly and Mark seem like the couple of the century, organizing their silver anniversary, a perfect power couple, turning into Mark’s construction and home improvement business to a famous tv show. Carly is the brain who created the concept and pitched it to the network channels. And Mark is still charismatic at the age of 51, sealing the deal with American network!
Carly finds herself in front of media circus at the most meaningful day of her life, resenting her husband to turn their anniversary a PR show! But night is young and that is not going to be only resentment she will feel for their entire fake , too good to be true relationship at the end of the night!
She catches her husband with her best friend Lara arguing. She thinks they’re having affair but the truth is so much worse! Her husband is sleeping with Lara’s 24 years old Erin. The very same girl she played with her children at their backyard when they were six!! And she also carries her husband’s baby! Yes, things couldn’t get much worse! But trust me it will!
Carly decides to live their Cornish Cliffside house alone even though her dearest husband tells lies indicating he is the real owner of the house which he isn’t because the house belonged to Carly’s mother and Carly inherited it after her death. But his new young lover Erin is way too much teethy, greedy to let Carly live that gorgeous, spacious place alone as they are forced to live in a two bedroom cottage when their baby is on the way!
Carly keeps getting threatening letters and seeing shadows in the house.
At first she suspects Ryan who starts to work on reconstruction of her house but he is so supportive from the beginning and she decides to share true facade of marriage with him as their relationship is getting more intimate. The things happened in this house behind the close doors are unbelievably frightening!
We ask ourselves why Carly didn’t kick her husband’s ass a few years ago. Why she pretended everything was all right even after her children grew up and left the house. What was Matt holding as a leverage to be trapped in this marriage and at the very same house!
But somebody out there is adamant to kick Carly out! Threats are escalating and secrets are about to come out! It’s time to see what’s going on in this Forever Home!
It’s one of my fastest, gripping reads! The conclusion was my favorite part of the book! Was it fair ending? Absolutely it was!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
This gripping thriller forces you sit at the edge on your seat and fall down on the floor several times. It makes you agitated, jumpy, nervous but you cannot drop down your reader and run to your bedroom to hide under your duvet. You keep reading and cursing at several characters because Ms. Watson can create truly disturbing, despicable , easily punchable characters you wish to use as your daily punching bags or stress balls for throwing against the wall.
Carly and Mark seem like the couple of the century, organizing their silver anniversary, a perfect power couple, turning into Mark’s construction and home improvement business to a famous tv show. Carly is the brain who created the concept and pitched it to the network channels. And Mark is still charismatic at the age of 51, sealing the deal with American network!
Carly finds herself in front of media circus at the most meaningful day of her life, resenting her husband to turn their anniversary a PR show! But night is young and that is not going to be only resentment she will feel for their entire fake , too good to be true relationship at the end of the night!
She catches her husband with her best friend Lara arguing. She thinks they’re having affair but the truth is so much worse! Her husband is sleeping with Lara’s 24 years old Erin. The very same girl she played with her children at their backyard when they were six!! And she also carries her husband’s baby! Yes, things couldn’t get much worse! But trust me it will!
Carly decides to live their Cornish Cliffside house alone even though her dearest husband tells lies indicating he is the real owner of the house which he isn’t because the house belonged to Carly’s mother and Carly inherited it after her death. But his new young lover Erin is way too much teethy, greedy to let Carly live that gorgeous, spacious place alone as they are forced to live in a two bedroom cottage when their baby is on the way!
Carly keeps getting threatening letters and seeing shadows in the house.
At first she suspects Ryan who starts to work on reconstruction of her house but he is so supportive from the beginning and she decides to share true facade of marriage with him as their relationship is getting more intimate. The things happened in this house behind the close doors are unbelievably frightening!
We ask ourselves why Carly didn’t kick her husband’s ass a few years ago. Why she pretended everything was all right even after her children grew up and left the house. What was Matt holding as a leverage to be trapped in this marriage and at the very same house!
But somebody out there is adamant to kick Carly out! Threats are escalating and secrets are about to come out! It’s time to see what’s going on in this Forever Home!
It’s one of my fastest, gripping reads! The conclusion was my favorite part of the book! Was it fair ending? Absolutely it was!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
December 15, 2025
The Forever Home by Sue Watson is a Psycho-Thriller with a perfect ending!
A gorgeous cliff-side home overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Cornwall. It's where Carly grew up, but it's an absolute wreck when her mother gifts it to her as a wedding present. To Carly, it's her forever home. A living, breathing thing to be nurtured and, at the time, badly in need of being brought back to life.
Carly's architect husband, Mark, took on the project. The redesign and reconstruction of their home was something Mark saw as a useful transformation, an over-the-top attempt to be noticed. To Mark, it would be his business card, a tool to use to secure future work. But, mostly it was about being seen!
Carly filmed the renovation as Mark talked to her through the process. She would upload the video to social media sites, and it quickly gained followers. She tagged where the DIY supplies were purchased, which generated support from companies for future supply costs to keep the project going.
What started as a home remodel project eventually became a popular TV home-improvement show watched by millions. Now, a US streaming service is interested in 'Forever Home,' and a trip to America seems to be in Carly's and Mark's future.
It all feels so perfect! Like a dream come true! Handsome, charismatic Mark and beautiful, supportive Carly are in a perfect marriage and living in their gorgeous, forever home where it all began!
It is also in their forever home where, on the night of their 25th Wedding Anniversary party, it all comes crashing down! Maybe perfect isn't forever....
This story is told in the first-person voice of the protagonist, Carly. She leads the reader on an emotional narrative about her marriage, her children, and her forever home, the only home she's lived in. Through this narration, the backstories have depth, and the character development is strong. Carly, without a doubt, is my favorite character, and I admire her unfiltered displays of strength and courage!
I enjoy reading books with shorter chapters, and this one has them. The pace of this story was just right, with plenty of teasers to keep me reading. The author artfully had me guessing about a couple of the characters' motives through to the end. The final twist was unexpected, and I loved it! The ending was perfection!
I highly recommend this book to all who love Psycho-Thrillers or just a well-constructed story. I know I will definitely read this author again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sue Watson for an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
A gorgeous cliff-side home overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Cornwall. It's where Carly grew up, but it's an absolute wreck when her mother gifts it to her as a wedding present. To Carly, it's her forever home. A living, breathing thing to be nurtured and, at the time, badly in need of being brought back to life.
Carly's architect husband, Mark, took on the project. The redesign and reconstruction of their home was something Mark saw as a useful transformation, an over-the-top attempt to be noticed. To Mark, it would be his business card, a tool to use to secure future work. But, mostly it was about being seen!
Carly filmed the renovation as Mark talked to her through the process. She would upload the video to social media sites, and it quickly gained followers. She tagged where the DIY supplies were purchased, which generated support from companies for future supply costs to keep the project going.
What started as a home remodel project eventually became a popular TV home-improvement show watched by millions. Now, a US streaming service is interested in 'Forever Home,' and a trip to America seems to be in Carly's and Mark's future.
It all feels so perfect! Like a dream come true! Handsome, charismatic Mark and beautiful, supportive Carly are in a perfect marriage and living in their gorgeous, forever home where it all began!
It is also in their forever home where, on the night of their 25th Wedding Anniversary party, it all comes crashing down! Maybe perfect isn't forever....
This story is told in the first-person voice of the protagonist, Carly. She leads the reader on an emotional narrative about her marriage, her children, and her forever home, the only home she's lived in. Through this narration, the backstories have depth, and the character development is strong. Carly, without a doubt, is my favorite character, and I admire her unfiltered displays of strength and courage!
I enjoy reading books with shorter chapters, and this one has them. The pace of this story was just right, with plenty of teasers to keep me reading. The author artfully had me guessing about a couple of the characters' motives through to the end. The final twist was unexpected, and I loved it! The ending was perfection!
I highly recommend this book to all who love Psycho-Thrillers or just a well-constructed story. I know I will definitely read this author again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sue Watson for an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 3, 2021
Their “Forever Home” must be one amazing house!
Carly loves her home. She has always lived there. She inherited the cliffside home from her mother. She hopes to leave it to her children one day. It is a masterpiece. Sitting high on a cliff, with breathtaking views of the Sea. The house always needs uptake. The elements are not kind to it. Carly’s husband, Mark, re-designed and redecorated it. He did such an amazing job, that his efforts made him famous. Or was it Carly's efforts that made him famous? She filmed it, she told him what to say, she posted videos on social media, she found a way to get support from local businesses to keep working on the house. hmm.... But one thing is certain, it was their family home. They raised their two children there. There kept their secrets there - safe and sound high on a cliff. What could go wrong?
The evening of their decedent anniversary party, Carly learns that Mark has fallen in love with someone else. When she learns who he is in love with, she must pick her jaw up off the floor. Shocked, humiliated, and angry, Carly has had enough.
It is her family home, and she is going to keep it. It was where she grew up, where her children grew up, why shouldn't she keep it? But there is someone who feels entitled to the home. Someone who wants her out. Someone who will do anything to claim it.
This was a deliciously fun and entertaining book. I loved the drama of it, the angst, the characters, the fighting. This was a fast read which kept me engaged, turning the pages, and guessing what would happen next. There are some twists, turns and reveals along the way. With each twist and tiny reveal, my enjoyment grew. Watson knows how to dazzle and wow readers. Are her characters being over the top or behaving as someone wronged would behave? That is for readers to decide. I loved that there were likeable, questionable, and extremely unlikeable characters in this book. This kept me on my toes while trying to decide the motivation of certain characters.
Will the ending blow you away? It did me.
Fast paced, gripping, entertaining and dramatic!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Carly loves her home. She has always lived there. She inherited the cliffside home from her mother. She hopes to leave it to her children one day. It is a masterpiece. Sitting high on a cliff, with breathtaking views of the Sea. The house always needs uptake. The elements are not kind to it. Carly’s husband, Mark, re-designed and redecorated it. He did such an amazing job, that his efforts made him famous. Or was it Carly's efforts that made him famous? She filmed it, she told him what to say, she posted videos on social media, she found a way to get support from local businesses to keep working on the house. hmm.... But one thing is certain, it was their family home. They raised their two children there. There kept their secrets there - safe and sound high on a cliff. What could go wrong?
The evening of their decedent anniversary party, Carly learns that Mark has fallen in love with someone else. When she learns who he is in love with, she must pick her jaw up off the floor. Shocked, humiliated, and angry, Carly has had enough.
It is her family home, and she is going to keep it. It was where she grew up, where her children grew up, why shouldn't she keep it? But there is someone who feels entitled to the home. Someone who wants her out. Someone who will do anything to claim it.
This was a deliciously fun and entertaining book. I loved the drama of it, the angst, the characters, the fighting. This was a fast read which kept me engaged, turning the pages, and guessing what would happen next. There are some twists, turns and reveals along the way. With each twist and tiny reveal, my enjoyment grew. Watson knows how to dazzle and wow readers. Are her characters being over the top or behaving as someone wronged would behave? That is for readers to decide. I loved that there were likeable, questionable, and extremely unlikeable characters in this book. This kept me on my toes while trying to decide the motivation of certain characters.
Will the ending blow you away? It did me.
Fast paced, gripping, entertaining and dramatic!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 27, 2021
Sue Watson is one of my go-to authors for a good thriller. I know that when I pick up one of her books I can expect a fast-paced and well-written story, with plenty of twists and turns. This book is no exception. Carly and Mark seem to be the perfect couple. They have a gorgeous Cornish cliffside house, two beautiful children, and a popular home improvement reality tv show. But is everything as it seems? Are Carly and Mark really this power couple, or is it all an act? What is really going on behind closed doors?
This captivating read is filled with lies, secrets, and betrayal. Like all of Sue Watson's books, the writing style flows smoothly, the characters have depth, and the plot kept me hooked until the final page. The story is told from Carly's perspective. I thought she was a very likable and well-written character. I was rooting for her the entire time and like her, I didn't know who to trust or believe
The ending is not predictable at all, and I was pretty happy with how things turned out.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more books by this very talented author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This captivating read is filled with lies, secrets, and betrayal. Like all of Sue Watson's books, the writing style flows smoothly, the characters have depth, and the plot kept me hooked until the final page. The story is told from Carly's perspective. I thought she was a very likable and well-written character. I was rooting for her the entire time and like her, I didn't know who to trust or believe
The ending is not predictable at all, and I was pretty happy with how things turned out.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more books by this very talented author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
On Carly’s twenty fifth wedding anniversary her life is turned upside down. Secrets are revealed and lives are changed forever. Paranoia, betrayal and deception trigger a chain of events that may lead to a dream come true or Carly’s worst nightmare. Trust is put into question and loyalties are tested in this twisty psychological thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
June 4, 2021
Mark and Carly
Celeb Couple
Have everything
Have nothing
Sue Watson writes great books and this is another to add to that list
Everything seems perfect for the couple who have made a fortune from DIYing and renovating their wonderful cliffside home in Cornwall, fame, adulation, money and success and all this started way before ‘influencers’ and has carried on unabated through this modern trend
Except they are hiding secrets and on the night of their 25th wedding anniversary with the house brimming with sycophants and luvvies it all comes ‘home to roost’
Then on in the story follows the fallout, lets say ‘fallouts’ as there are many and shows both in their true colours, one of them is vile, truly a character to love to hate and one waiting on the end game, I will say no more on who is who
A tense unexpected ending that finishes this family psychological drama with a flourish
Great writing and plot and reading bliss
10/10
5 Stars
Celeb Couple
Have everything
Have nothing
Sue Watson writes great books and this is another to add to that list
Everything seems perfect for the couple who have made a fortune from DIYing and renovating their wonderful cliffside home in Cornwall, fame, adulation, money and success and all this started way before ‘influencers’ and has carried on unabated through this modern trend
Except they are hiding secrets and on the night of their 25th wedding anniversary with the house brimming with sycophants and luvvies it all comes ‘home to roost’
Then on in the story follows the fallout, lets say ‘fallouts’ as there are many and shows both in their true colours, one of them is vile, truly a character to love to hate and one waiting on the end game, I will say no more on who is who
A tense unexpected ending that finishes this family psychological drama with a flourish
Great writing and plot and reading bliss
10/10
5 Stars
June 10, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
I knew then, as he stood there weak and pitiful, that however deep I dug, I couldn’t find any more love for this man. Like a thief, he’d been stealing it from me for years, piece by piece, crumb by crumb, and now all that was left was a residue of hurt, a tidal wave of anger, and all the wasted years. I was finally done with him.
For God’s sake, isn’t it bad enough that they make me sound like the woman scorned, bloodied by betrayal, reeking of bitterness – do they really have to keep adding two years to my age?
My Review:
This was a busy, tense, and compelling tale of family drama and suspense that was shrewdly plotted and fiendishly paced to keep me on edge. It was slippery, full of secrets, and constantly shifting with taunts and snippets of reveals and revelations. No one was as their persona seemed and few were trustworthy or even likable, and even those that were had seemed questionable. The little pea in my brain was bouncing and skidding while attempting to keep up and formulate new theories only to swiftly abandon them a few chapters later. It was cleverly contrived but I was frequently annoyed with the main character of Carly and had to wonder how she could be so naïve and trusting. But the ending was brilliant and the biggest twist of all and left me with a satisfied smirk on my face.
I knew then, as he stood there weak and pitiful, that however deep I dug, I couldn’t find any more love for this man. Like a thief, he’d been stealing it from me for years, piece by piece, crumb by crumb, and now all that was left was a residue of hurt, a tidal wave of anger, and all the wasted years. I was finally done with him.
For God’s sake, isn’t it bad enough that they make me sound like the woman scorned, bloodied by betrayal, reeking of bitterness – do they really have to keep adding two years to my age?
My Review:
This was a busy, tense, and compelling tale of family drama and suspense that was shrewdly plotted and fiendishly paced to keep me on edge. It was slippery, full of secrets, and constantly shifting with taunts and snippets of reveals and revelations. No one was as their persona seemed and few were trustworthy or even likable, and even those that were had seemed questionable. The little pea in my brain was bouncing and skidding while attempting to keep up and formulate new theories only to swiftly abandon them a few chapters later. It was cleverly contrived but I was frequently annoyed with the main character of Carly and had to wonder how she could be so naïve and trusting. But the ending was brilliant and the biggest twist of all and left me with a satisfied smirk on my face.
April 24, 2021
Another excellent addictive Sue Watson novel that will keep you reading and guessing to the very end.
Carly and Mark moved in to a beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had re-designed and renovated making him famous when the project was featured on a television series. Life was wonderful, a beautiful family a loving husband and a property that Carley always thought of it as their forever home. But their lives all changed when Mark fell in love with someone else and suddenly all the dreams are in tatters.
With her dreams fading someone is plotting against Carly and threats start to arrive at her front door, it becomes clear, someone will stop at nothing. Because someone wants to demolish every last thing that makes Carly feel safe. Forever.
This is a great twisty psychological thriller that will keep you reading and guessing. Great characters, some you will like and some you will hate but they make an excellent read. Good plot and well paced.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchanges for an honest review.
Carly and Mark moved in to a beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had re-designed and renovated making him famous when the project was featured on a television series. Life was wonderful, a beautiful family a loving husband and a property that Carley always thought of it as their forever home. But their lives all changed when Mark fell in love with someone else and suddenly all the dreams are in tatters.
With her dreams fading someone is plotting against Carly and threats start to arrive at her front door, it becomes clear, someone will stop at nothing. Because someone wants to demolish every last thing that makes Carly feel safe. Forever.
This is a great twisty psychological thriller that will keep you reading and guessing. Great characters, some you will like and some you will hate but they make an excellent read. Good plot and well paced.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchanges for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
Carly finds out at her twenty fifth wedding anniversary party that her husband Mark has been having an affair with a girl young enough to be his daughter.
Mark has been a womaniser for years, this is the last straw and he tells him to leave.
They are now going through a messy divorce, arguing about money, the house and his new girlfriend is telling lies about her.
A story about lies, jealousy, cruelty and full of despicable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchanges for an honest review.
Mark has been a womaniser for years, this is the last straw and he tells him to leave.
They are now going through a messy divorce, arguing about money, the house and his new girlfriend is telling lies about her.
A story about lies, jealousy, cruelty and full of despicable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchanges for an honest review.
May 25, 2021
This was a good read, though not my favorite Sue Watson book. It centers on Carly, who has been married to her husband Mark for 25 years. We find out that the marriage isn't all it seemed and that Mark has demonstrated some bad behavior. Carly and Mark made money on televising their home renovations and are minor celebrities, though the house itself means more to Carly than Mark and she is determined to keep it no matter what happens.
These were believable characters for the most part, and I could understand why they made the decisions they made. I didn't find any of them extremely likeable (some more than others) but did feel that they were fleshed out well. The pacing of the story was fast and there was plenty of action, though it did get a tad repetitive at some points in the middle.
The ending of the book was satisfying- I saw part of the twist coming but not the other part, and thought it was well done. Overall, fun read, even if it wasn't my favorite- I'd give 3.5 stars and recommend to those who like domestic suspense. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
These were believable characters for the most part, and I could understand why they made the decisions they made. I didn't find any of them extremely likeable (some more than others) but did feel that they were fleshed out well. The pacing of the story was fast and there was plenty of action, though it did get a tad repetitive at some points in the middle.
The ending of the book was satisfying- I saw part of the twist coming but not the other part, and thought it was well done. Overall, fun read, even if it wasn't my favorite- I'd give 3.5 stars and recommend to those who like domestic suspense. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
Release Date: June 4, 2021
Carly and her husband Mark live in what sounds to me like a beautiful home on the Cornish coastline and they have two grown children who no longer live at home. Mark is the host of a home improvement program on tv; Carly assists by writing scripts for the show as well as suggesting projects which will capture the audience's attention. At their 25th anniversary party Carly receives some shocking news which results in her life as she knew it changing dramatically. The story is told from Carly's point of view and is well written with good characters, some likeable and some not, and proves once again that you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
I liked this book right from the start and got more and more drawn in as the story progressed. At one point Carly is pouring her heart out to Ryan, a young handyman type (read hunk!), and I was so engrossed in what she was telling him that my husband asked if I was okay. I must've been making some odd noises and probably gasping a lot, possibly forgetting to breathe occasionally. There were hints throughout the book about an occurrence in the past that Mark is holding over Carly's head and I couldn't imagine what it was if it didn't involve what she was telling Ryan. There are many occurrences which defy explanation and I was scrambling to blame someone but most of my guesses proved to be incorrect by the unexpected ending.
Highly recommended. I'll definitely be picking up some of Sue Watson's previous novels as well as keeping an eye out for future books.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
Carly and her husband Mark live in what sounds to me like a beautiful home on the Cornish coastline and they have two grown children who no longer live at home. Mark is the host of a home improvement program on tv; Carly assists by writing scripts for the show as well as suggesting projects which will capture the audience's attention. At their 25th anniversary party Carly receives some shocking news which results in her life as she knew it changing dramatically. The story is told from Carly's point of view and is well written with good characters, some likeable and some not, and proves once again that you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
I liked this book right from the start and got more and more drawn in as the story progressed. At one point Carly is pouring her heart out to Ryan, a young handyman type (read hunk!), and I was so engrossed in what she was telling him that my husband asked if I was okay. I must've been making some odd noises and probably gasping a lot, possibly forgetting to breathe occasionally. There were hints throughout the book about an occurrence in the past that Mark is holding over Carly's head and I couldn't imagine what it was if it didn't involve what she was telling Ryan. There are many occurrences which defy explanation and I was scrambling to blame someone but most of my guesses proved to be incorrect by the unexpected ending.
Highly recommended. I'll definitely be picking up some of Sue Watson's previous novels as well as keeping an eye out for future books.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
May 23, 2021
Carly had thought they'd always live there. The beautiful Cornish cliffside house they'd taken on as a wreck, and Mark had re-designed and renovated - a project that had made him famous. It was a place where they had promised to keep each others secrets - until now. Because Mark has fallen in love with someone he definitely shouldn't have. And suddenly their family home doesn't feel so much of a safe haven. Carly thinks forever should mean forever: it's her home and she'll stay there. But threats start to arrive at her door.
At their silver wedding anniversary party, Carly finds out Mark has been having an affair with her best friends daughter. He's been having affairs most of their married life but he's gone too far this time. The book starts off with a lot of backstory which sets how how Mark and Carly got where they are at.
I liked Carly, she's a strong character but i couldn't take to Mark at all or his girlfriend Erin. The story is filled with twists, lies, suspicions and the pace was fast. I'm finding it hard not to reveal anything so I'm just going to say - get yourself a copy of this book, you won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SueWatson for my ARC of #TheForeverHome in exchange for an honest review.
At their silver wedding anniversary party, Carly finds out Mark has been having an affair with her best friends daughter. He's been having affairs most of their married life but he's gone too far this time. The book starts off with a lot of backstory which sets how how Mark and Carly got where they are at.
I liked Carly, she's a strong character but i couldn't take to Mark at all or his girlfriend Erin. The story is filled with twists, lies, suspicions and the pace was fast. I'm finding it hard not to reveal anything so I'm just going to say - get yourself a copy of this book, you won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SueWatson for my ARC of #TheForeverHome in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2021
Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors which held my interest throughout. It was a great page turner which I found hard to put down and oh my goodness what a brilliant ending. All the characters were brilliant, I just didn't know who to trust.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
June 25, 2021
Domestic Thrillers / Women's Fiction / Contemporary
Publication date: June 4, 2021
Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
Carly (47) and Mark (51) live in their beautiful Cornish cliffside house where they’d raised their now grown-up children, where they’d sat cozily on the sofa, watching storms raging over the sea. The story start with Carly waiting for her husband Mark to arrive at their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party. He is late but this is just the beginning of the events that will change their lives forever...
I just finished Six Weeks to Live where the heroine was dumped by her husband of 20+ years. In this story we have a middle-aged woman who's been dumped for a much younger version. I felt for Carly. What Mark did was horrible, humiliating and would make anyone angry, hurt and perhaps a bit vengeful. On top of that the danger of loosing her family home because his hussy think that she is entitled to move into someone else's family home...gah!
To be honest I wanted Carly to show more backbone, sense, be less neurotic. It took 25 years to realise that he's scumbag, narcissist, abuser, womanizer? When he walked away, she should have celebrated that he is now someone else's problem!
Keeping joint account...how wise is that? She's whining that her husband is living with someone who could be his daughter and then start relationship with a man who is closer to her daughter's age than her own? The "secret" Mark hold over her was laughable (hard to proove that it was Carly's fault).
Its pretty long book but not not much interesting happened except lots of yelling, drama and accusations. I would have liked to see myself Mark's treatment of Carly but he was mostly off the scene and it was mostly Carly's recollection of events. I find it hard to believe that Mark was so desirable to every woman he met.
Publication date: June 4, 2021
Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
Carly (47) and Mark (51) live in their beautiful Cornish cliffside house where they’d raised their now grown-up children, where they’d sat cozily on the sofa, watching storms raging over the sea. The story start with Carly waiting for her husband Mark to arrive at their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party. He is late but this is just the beginning of the events that will change their lives forever...
I just finished Six Weeks to Live where the heroine was dumped by her husband of 20+ years. In this story we have a middle-aged woman who's been dumped for a much younger version. I felt for Carly. What Mark did was horrible, humiliating and would make anyone angry, hurt and perhaps a bit vengeful. On top of that the danger of loosing her family home because his hussy think that she is entitled to move into someone else's family home...gah!
To be honest I wanted Carly to show more backbone, sense, be less neurotic. It took 25 years to realise that he's scumbag, narcissist, abuser, womanizer? When he walked away, she should have celebrated that he is now someone else's problem!
Keeping joint account...how wise is that? She's whining that her husband is living with someone who could be his daughter and then start relationship with a man who is closer to her daughter's age than her own? The "secret" Mark hold over her was laughable (hard to proove that it was Carly's fault).
Its pretty long book but not not much interesting happened except lots of yelling, drama and accusations. I would have liked to see myself Mark's treatment of Carly but he was mostly off the scene and it was mostly Carly's recollection of events. I find it hard to believe that Mark was so desirable to every woman he met.
June 12, 2021
I really enjoy Sue Watson books, as they are guaranteed page turners and immensely enjoyable. In this latest we are shown around the stunning Forever Home which is situated on a cliff top in Cornwall, and the envy of many a local and tourist. I love this particular English county so the location was a definite hook for me. I thought the background stories of the family who live in The Forever Home were a bit different within a well-known format of grown children flown the nest, philandering husband, a troubled wife and enough secrets to make a colossal sandcastle on the beach below. Who or what will come along to wash the make believe castle away and what will be left in the wake of sea foam?
Carly is used to her husband's total commitment to his TV celebrity status as developer, designer, and fixer-upper of homes. She toes the press line of sustaining the famous Anderson family's perfect image, come what may, but whose lives are most at stake in doing so?
Threaded with tension, discordant rumblings and a trail of messages and 'gifts' which leave the reader wondering about what exactly each character is capable of, The Forever Home might seriously be in danger of becoming a Lost Home. Revelations are uncomfortable, and the pact Mark and Carly have together seems likely to unravel, with more exposure threatening the idyllic notion that The Forever Home houses a Forever Family.
Maybe the 'twist' is shocking, but I had a sense throughout the book that made me guess what might be coming, and therefore the genuine surprise element was lost to me, hence 4, not 5 star rating. I was also left feeling disappointed in Carly, something about her character just slightly missed the mark for me. I certainly wouldn't have liked to have her friends very much!
That said, I am so pleased to have read Watson's most recent book, can definitely recommend it to other readers, and wouldn't hesitate to be first in the queue for her next offering!
Carly is used to her husband's total commitment to his TV celebrity status as developer, designer, and fixer-upper of homes. She toes the press line of sustaining the famous Anderson family's perfect image, come what may, but whose lives are most at stake in doing so?
Threaded with tension, discordant rumblings and a trail of messages and 'gifts' which leave the reader wondering about what exactly each character is capable of, The Forever Home might seriously be in danger of becoming a Lost Home. Revelations are uncomfortable, and the pact Mark and Carly have together seems likely to unravel, with more exposure threatening the idyllic notion that The Forever Home houses a Forever Family.
Maybe the 'twist' is shocking, but I had a sense throughout the book that made me guess what might be coming, and therefore the genuine surprise element was lost to me, hence 4, not 5 star rating. I was also left feeling disappointed in Carly, something about her character just slightly missed the mark for me. I certainly wouldn't have liked to have her friends very much!
That said, I am so pleased to have read Watson's most recent book, can definitely recommend it to other readers, and wouldn't hesitate to be first in the queue for her next offering!
July 15, 2021
This book was classified as a mystery thriller, but for me, it was more a family drama. Only 20% of it can consider a mystery. I have an issue with all the characters. I wouldn't say I like even one character in this book. I hate Mark, and I don’t fancy Carly either. The plot is dragging but quite interesting at some points.
Thank you, Netgalley, for providing me the eARC.
Thank you, Netgalley, for providing me the eARC.
April 29, 2021
The Forever Home
By, Sue Watson Release Date 06/04/2021
Carly is married to Mark. Mark is not a good guy. At. All. They have a beautiful home overlooking the Atlantic on a cliff, and while renovating it early in their marriage Carly tapes the whole thing and uploads them online. And poof, they’re the next Chip and Joanna Gaines. Except Carly is behind the scenes and Mark is the star. But with great success comes great responsibility and that’s where Mark falls short. Super. Short. While going thru their divorce he is just the worst of the worst.
Her best friend is Lara, but she is questionable, and her family tangles in this web of destruction throughout the book.
There’s a massive difference in the way women are then and now, and Carly is def a then woman. They’re so many times when I wanted to scream GET DIRTY! As the books go on you’ll see Carly go thru a lot! And your heart just aches for her to win.
Does she? You’ll have to read to find out!
By, Sue Watson Release Date 06/04/2021
Carly is married to Mark. Mark is not a good guy. At. All. They have a beautiful home overlooking the Atlantic on a cliff, and while renovating it early in their marriage Carly tapes the whole thing and uploads them online. And poof, they’re the next Chip and Joanna Gaines. Except Carly is behind the scenes and Mark is the star. But with great success comes great responsibility and that’s where Mark falls short. Super. Short. While going thru their divorce he is just the worst of the worst.
Her best friend is Lara, but she is questionable, and her family tangles in this web of destruction throughout the book.
There’s a massive difference in the way women are then and now, and Carly is def a then woman. They’re so many times when I wanted to scream GET DIRTY! As the books go on you’ll see Carly go thru a lot! And your heart just aches for her to win.
Does she? You’ll have to read to find out!
June 1, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Sue Watson's tension-filled psychological thriller THE FOREVER HOME.
I'm sure Sue Watson sits and dreams up ways to tie her readers in knots with her characters that just love to get under your skin! She once told me that I'm one of her favourite readers...probably because her characters get me so worked up I could happily poke my own eyes out they do my head in so much! Now she says "I write them just for you Stina! I know you love to hate them!" lol The last time she did that to me was in "The Sister in Law" ...but in that case there was only one irritating character. In THE FOREVER HOME there are two of them! Give me strength...!!
But having said that, I know when I pick up a Sue Watson book I am going to get a good fast paced thriller with plenty of twists that will have me turning pages long into the night. This book is no exception. And the setting...omg! Cornwall is one of my favourite settings and just visualising the house on the cliff overlooking the Atlantic and those stormy nights with the rain beating against the windows and those mornings you wake to see the colours reflected in the ocean depths...I was in heaven. Always a perfect setting for a thriller.
The house was in dire need of repairs when her mother gifted it Carly as a wedding present when she married Mark, but to Carly it is her forever home. The house of her childhood. Where her memories were made. But it has been open to the elements for so long that it needs bringing back to life. Newly married with a baby on the way, Carly and her architect husband Mark set to renovating and repairing the house.
Carly captured the many moments spent renovating on video as Mark talked through the process, uploading to their YouTube channel and social media sites and quickly gaining followers. Tagging DIY suppliers where they purchased supplied, this generated support from the various businesses and in turn their costs were kept to a minimum enabling the project to keep going. It wasn't long before their renovation was picked up by producers and turned into a TV programme titled "The Forever Home" watched by millions around the UK. And while Carly is the brains behind the concept, Mark is the handsome charismatic face of it and soon went on to renovate homes all over the UK for TV. And now a US streaming service is interested in "The Forever Home" with the promise of a multi-million dollar contract and the temporary relocation to America for TV's perfect couple. It's a dream come true. But is it really?
On the surface, Carly and Mark appear to be the perfect couple with the perfect marriage and living in the perfect house...their forever home where it all began. But on the night of their 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, the perfect facade to the perfect life comes crashing down.
Not only is Mark late for their own party leaving Carly to welcome their guests alone, but she finds herself at the forefront of a media circus that her husband has created for a PR show! But when she catches her husband arguing with her best friend Lara she wonders if she is just another in his long list of affairs...but the truth is far worse. Mark, it seems, has been sleeping with Lara's 24 year old daughter Erin. The same girl who used to play with their children and they sometimes babysat for as a four year old! But it gets worse...Erin is pregnant and the couple are in love. Could things get any worse?? Trust me, it does...
While Carly remains in the house that was her family's, it appears Mark is telling Erin a different story. Added to that, Mark's agent creates a narrative that puts Carly in a bad light but she agrees to the "story" they will tell the public to enable Carly to keep the house and Mark to get the US deal and therefore an amicable divorce settlement that will benefit them both. It is what they agreed. But then Mark and Erin go on national TV, rewriting the narrative yet again when Erin announces sweetly that she wants people to know how generous Carly is and that she said how "the house is too big for her, that she's too old to have any more kids, so rather than rattle around in there she is giving Mark his house back". Carly is livid. This is NOT what they agreed. And it seems that Erin mistakenly believes that THE house, the forever home, HER house is Mark's...since she stupidly believes everything Mark tells her. But Erin has always been spoilt and thrown tantrums whenever things never went her way, even as a child, and she's too greedy to let Carly live in that gorgeous spacious house alone while they are forced to rent a tiny two bedroom cottage with a baby on the way.
And then Carly starts getting threatening notes, seeing shadows and hearing noises in the house. A shattered vase, photos rearranged on the wall, a dead rat. A campaign to scare her from her home? Or is there something more sinister going on?
At first she suspects Ryan, the thirty five year old builder who she employed to start much-needed repairs and maintenance on the house...which Mark neglected after reaching the heights of success the forever home had brought him in the first place. But Ryan has been incredibly supportive throughout everything she couldn't see him behind the scare tactics. But then her daughter Phoebe warns her to be careful of him as "the Jarvis boys have a bit of a reputation". Is Ryan all that he appears to be? Should she be worried? But as their relationship becomes more intimate, Carly finds herself sharing the true nature of her marriage to Mark and the dark secrets that they kept from the public. And while they portrayed the image of the perfect couple to the nation, no one knew the truth of what happened behind the closed doors of their marriage.
So why didn't Carly kick him out years ago? Why keep up the pretense for the world, her friends, her children even when they clearly were not? Even after the children grew up and made lives of their own? What did Mark have over Carly to keep up the facade? And is it that which now keeps Carly from revealing the truth about Mark and shattering his perfect persona to the world? And what secrets does the forever home hold?
Then when Erin disappears having last been seen at Carly's house, the tension mounts as police are called in to investigate. A blood-spotted throw of Carly's is found on the beach and Erin's shattered phone hidden behind the shed and suddenly Carly finds herself in the spotlight and under suspicion of having done something to her husband's new girlfriend in an attempt to keep her house. But Carly can't help but think maybe Mark was behind the disappearance...after all, he admitted to her that he was finding Erin far too high maintenance and her behaviour was threatening the American deal. Could he behind it after all?
Oh my word! What a tension-filled suspense-driven thriller THE FOREVER HOME is! I could not swipe the pages quick enough waiting for Mark to get his comeuppance...not to mention the awful Erin as well. She was just vile. The way they both treated Carly was despicable I could hardly believe it. I was so angered on Carly's behalf. Mark was complete b****** and Erin behaved like a spoilt princess - they were perfect for each other. But it was the scene in the cafe soon after their separation that had me reeling with disbelief. The nerve of that woman! And then to turn it all around to make Carly out to be the vengeful ex-wife that Erin lived in fear of just made my blood boil.
The story is told from the first person narrative in Carly's perspective throughout, making the reader sympathise with her from the start. I was Team Carly from the beginning and like her, I didn't know who to trust or believe. Even Ryan, who Carly grew attached to and fell into a relationship of sorts with after her separation from Mark, I felt I could never quite trust him either. He just always seemed to be there at the right time when something happened. He even turned up moments after Erin disappeared which seemed somewhat suspicious. This added to the tension and left us wondering if Carly was doing the right thing letting him in...
And then there is the whole cliffside house setting, particularly on stormy nights which simply adds to the suspense on a Daphne du Maurier scale. The house which is a character in itself. It's the centrepiece of the entire story. Like Manderlay in "Rebecca", the house is the beginning and the end. I had visions of it burning down so no one could get it, particularly when it seemed like Carly had no way out when Mark depleted their entire savings and left her with nothing and no way to pay for the upkeep on the said house that is open to the coastal elements year round and in constant need of maintenance.
THE FOREVER HOME is the perfect title for this tension-filled tale of secrets, lies and jealousy. I could not devour it quick enough although I had real life rudely get in the way making the journey a little longer than anticipated. But still, it was an enjoyable ride that Sue took us on with an ending that you might think you know is coming...but it isn't. Although I thought it would have been a slightly more evil touch had the result been one of my other theories, the ending was still satisfactory and very well done. And as always, I love the short snappy chapters that just add to the building tension.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, I'm sure you will devour THE FOREVER HOME. There are so many secrets and lies that it is one truly twisted read drawing you in from the beginning and doesn't let go till that final page.
I would like to thank #SueWatson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheForeverHome in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Sue Watson's tension-filled psychological thriller THE FOREVER HOME.
I'm sure Sue Watson sits and dreams up ways to tie her readers in knots with her characters that just love to get under your skin! She once told me that I'm one of her favourite readers...probably because her characters get me so worked up I could happily poke my own eyes out they do my head in so much! Now she says "I write them just for you Stina! I know you love to hate them!" lol The last time she did that to me was in "The Sister in Law" ...but in that case there was only one irritating character. In THE FOREVER HOME there are two of them! Give me strength...!!
But having said that, I know when I pick up a Sue Watson book I am going to get a good fast paced thriller with plenty of twists that will have me turning pages long into the night. This book is no exception. And the setting...omg! Cornwall is one of my favourite settings and just visualising the house on the cliff overlooking the Atlantic and those stormy nights with the rain beating against the windows and those mornings you wake to see the colours reflected in the ocean depths...I was in heaven. Always a perfect setting for a thriller.
The house was in dire need of repairs when her mother gifted it Carly as a wedding present when she married Mark, but to Carly it is her forever home. The house of her childhood. Where her memories were made. But it has been open to the elements for so long that it needs bringing back to life. Newly married with a baby on the way, Carly and her architect husband Mark set to renovating and repairing the house.
Carly captured the many moments spent renovating on video as Mark talked through the process, uploading to their YouTube channel and social media sites and quickly gaining followers. Tagging DIY suppliers where they purchased supplied, this generated support from the various businesses and in turn their costs were kept to a minimum enabling the project to keep going. It wasn't long before their renovation was picked up by producers and turned into a TV programme titled "The Forever Home" watched by millions around the UK. And while Carly is the brains behind the concept, Mark is the handsome charismatic face of it and soon went on to renovate homes all over the UK for TV. And now a US streaming service is interested in "The Forever Home" with the promise of a multi-million dollar contract and the temporary relocation to America for TV's perfect couple. It's a dream come true. But is it really?
On the surface, Carly and Mark appear to be the perfect couple with the perfect marriage and living in the perfect house...their forever home where it all began. But on the night of their 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, the perfect facade to the perfect life comes crashing down.
Not only is Mark late for their own party leaving Carly to welcome their guests alone, but she finds herself at the forefront of a media circus that her husband has created for a PR show! But when she catches her husband arguing with her best friend Lara she wonders if she is just another in his long list of affairs...but the truth is far worse. Mark, it seems, has been sleeping with Lara's 24 year old daughter Erin. The same girl who used to play with their children and they sometimes babysat for as a four year old! But it gets worse...Erin is pregnant and the couple are in love. Could things get any worse?? Trust me, it does...
While Carly remains in the house that was her family's, it appears Mark is telling Erin a different story. Added to that, Mark's agent creates a narrative that puts Carly in a bad light but she agrees to the "story" they will tell the public to enable Carly to keep the house and Mark to get the US deal and therefore an amicable divorce settlement that will benefit them both. It is what they agreed. But then Mark and Erin go on national TV, rewriting the narrative yet again when Erin announces sweetly that she wants people to know how generous Carly is and that she said how "the house is too big for her, that she's too old to have any more kids, so rather than rattle around in there she is giving Mark his house back". Carly is livid. This is NOT what they agreed. And it seems that Erin mistakenly believes that THE house, the forever home, HER house is Mark's...since she stupidly believes everything Mark tells her. But Erin has always been spoilt and thrown tantrums whenever things never went her way, even as a child, and she's too greedy to let Carly live in that gorgeous spacious house alone while they are forced to rent a tiny two bedroom cottage with a baby on the way.
And then Carly starts getting threatening notes, seeing shadows and hearing noises in the house. A shattered vase, photos rearranged on the wall, a dead rat. A campaign to scare her from her home? Or is there something more sinister going on?
At first she suspects Ryan, the thirty five year old builder who she employed to start much-needed repairs and maintenance on the house...which Mark neglected after reaching the heights of success the forever home had brought him in the first place. But Ryan has been incredibly supportive throughout everything she couldn't see him behind the scare tactics. But then her daughter Phoebe warns her to be careful of him as "the Jarvis boys have a bit of a reputation". Is Ryan all that he appears to be? Should she be worried? But as their relationship becomes more intimate, Carly finds herself sharing the true nature of her marriage to Mark and the dark secrets that they kept from the public. And while they portrayed the image of the perfect couple to the nation, no one knew the truth of what happened behind the closed doors of their marriage.
So why didn't Carly kick him out years ago? Why keep up the pretense for the world, her friends, her children even when they clearly were not? Even after the children grew up and made lives of their own? What did Mark have over Carly to keep up the facade? And is it that which now keeps Carly from revealing the truth about Mark and shattering his perfect persona to the world? And what secrets does the forever home hold?
Then when Erin disappears having last been seen at Carly's house, the tension mounts as police are called in to investigate. A blood-spotted throw of Carly's is found on the beach and Erin's shattered phone hidden behind the shed and suddenly Carly finds herself in the spotlight and under suspicion of having done something to her husband's new girlfriend in an attempt to keep her house. But Carly can't help but think maybe Mark was behind the disappearance...after all, he admitted to her that he was finding Erin far too high maintenance and her behaviour was threatening the American deal. Could he behind it after all?
Oh my word! What a tension-filled suspense-driven thriller THE FOREVER HOME is! I could not swipe the pages quick enough waiting for Mark to get his comeuppance...not to mention the awful Erin as well. She was just vile. The way they both treated Carly was despicable I could hardly believe it. I was so angered on Carly's behalf. Mark was complete b****** and Erin behaved like a spoilt princess - they were perfect for each other. But it was the scene in the cafe soon after their separation that had me reeling with disbelief. The nerve of that woman! And then to turn it all around to make Carly out to be the vengeful ex-wife that Erin lived in fear of just made my blood boil.
The story is told from the first person narrative in Carly's perspective throughout, making the reader sympathise with her from the start. I was Team Carly from the beginning and like her, I didn't know who to trust or believe. Even Ryan, who Carly grew attached to and fell into a relationship of sorts with after her separation from Mark, I felt I could never quite trust him either. He just always seemed to be there at the right time when something happened. He even turned up moments after Erin disappeared which seemed somewhat suspicious. This added to the tension and left us wondering if Carly was doing the right thing letting him in...
And then there is the whole cliffside house setting, particularly on stormy nights which simply adds to the suspense on a Daphne du Maurier scale. The house which is a character in itself. It's the centrepiece of the entire story. Like Manderlay in "Rebecca", the house is the beginning and the end. I had visions of it burning down so no one could get it, particularly when it seemed like Carly had no way out when Mark depleted their entire savings and left her with nothing and no way to pay for the upkeep on the said house that is open to the coastal elements year round and in constant need of maintenance.
THE FOREVER HOME is the perfect title for this tension-filled tale of secrets, lies and jealousy. I could not devour it quick enough although I had real life rudely get in the way making the journey a little longer than anticipated. But still, it was an enjoyable ride that Sue took us on with an ending that you might think you know is coming...but it isn't. Although I thought it would have been a slightly more evil touch had the result been one of my other theories, the ending was still satisfactory and very well done. And as always, I love the short snappy chapters that just add to the building tension.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, I'm sure you will devour THE FOREVER HOME. There are so many secrets and lies that it is one truly twisted read drawing you in from the beginning and doesn't let go till that final page.
I would like to thank #SueWatson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheForeverHome in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 29, 2021
I couldn't devour this book quickly enough. It was sooo good!
There is definitely no place like home. Especially if you live in a house such as Carly does. Am sure it would be everyone's dream house more so for the fantastic setting right on the cliff tops. Carly and her husband have spent years doing work on it to make it a much loved home for their family. This all comes under threat though when Carly finds out Mark is seeing someone else.
The author paints a vivid picture of the home and these characters and it was so colourful and alive in my mind. On learning that her husband has been having an affair, Carly's world starts to crumble with weird and disturbing things starting to happen having her question her safety in her own home. A house on the edge of a cliff that is out of the way from other properties. The author does a fantastic job in setting the scene and whilst on a lovely day, I was totally in love with this house, when it's wet, dark and windy, you just never knew who or what was lurking in the shadows.
The Forever Home is the perfect title for this story. Everything centres around this wonderful property and yet everything that makes it so wonderful, also gives you chills. Everything about Carly's life when we meet her is so perfect but over the course of the book, we discover that things are far from as rosy as how they first appear. Mark and his new flame, both riled and infuriated me and I had every empathy for Carly. There are so many secrets and lies, making this one fabulously twisted read. If you love a book that draws you right in and won't let go until the very end, then grab yourself a copy now!
There is definitely no place like home. Especially if you live in a house such as Carly does. Am sure it would be everyone's dream house more so for the fantastic setting right on the cliff tops. Carly and her husband have spent years doing work on it to make it a much loved home for their family. This all comes under threat though when Carly finds out Mark is seeing someone else.
The author paints a vivid picture of the home and these characters and it was so colourful and alive in my mind. On learning that her husband has been having an affair, Carly's world starts to crumble with weird and disturbing things starting to happen having her question her safety in her own home. A house on the edge of a cliff that is out of the way from other properties. The author does a fantastic job in setting the scene and whilst on a lovely day, I was totally in love with this house, when it's wet, dark and windy, you just never knew who or what was lurking in the shadows.
The Forever Home is the perfect title for this story. Everything centres around this wonderful property and yet everything that makes it so wonderful, also gives you chills. Everything about Carly's life when we meet her is so perfect but over the course of the book, we discover that things are far from as rosy as how they first appear. Mark and his new flame, both riled and infuriated me and I had every empathy for Carly. There are so many secrets and lies, making this one fabulously twisted read. If you love a book that draws you right in and won't let go until the very end, then grab yourself a copy now!
June 3, 2021
This is a great psychological thriller.
Carly is devastated when Mark tells her he’s leaving her for his young, pregnant girlfriend. It’s not how she wanted to celebrate 25 years together.
Their lives have been played out in front of tv cameras thanks to the house Carly inherited from her mum.
When Carly starts noticing things happening in the house and then a nasty parcel is sent to her, she assumes it’s the girlfriend, Erin doing it all.
Carly just wants a fair settlement in the divorce but Erin wants to get her hands on Carly’s home.
Things spiral out of control and with Erin missing, Carly is under suspicion.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Carly is devastated when Mark tells her he’s leaving her for his young, pregnant girlfriend. It’s not how she wanted to celebrate 25 years together.
Their lives have been played out in front of tv cameras thanks to the house Carly inherited from her mum.
When Carly starts noticing things happening in the house and then a nasty parcel is sent to her, she assumes it’s the girlfriend, Erin doing it all.
Carly just wants a fair settlement in the divorce but Erin wants to get her hands on Carly’s home.
Things spiral out of control and with Erin missing, Carly is under suspicion.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 7, 2024
Listened on audio. I always enjoy Watson's novels. Nice interesting plot that kept my interest and fun twist at the end. Decent pace too.
April 19, 2024
4⭐️ Wow! This book was something else. I was drawn into this lovely weddings anniversary party and how beautiful this house was and the bottom fell out. Whispered couples hiding in the garden started the drama and then a whole lot of bad decisions. This just kept shocking me and near the end it was kinda stuck, really needed to end. It was sort ofanti-climatic. But overall I liked it.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.
July 12, 2021
It takes too long for anything to happen, then it's a slow & tedious slog to find out why.
May 10, 2021
The Forever Home is the first book by Sue Watson, which I have read, and now I’m desperate to catch up on her other psychological thrillers. The tension gradually builds, and I raced through those final chapters to find out what was going to happen.
Mark and Carly Anderson have become celebrities following the success of their reality television show, The Forever House. They have lived the past twenty five years of their life in the spotlight. But now, their marriage is about to come to a bitter end. On their twenty fifth wedding anniversary, Carly discovers that Mark has been having an affair with her best friend’s daughter, Erin, who is twenty four. I really felt for Carly as I was reading this scene. Sue Watson paints a vivid picture of what a terrible person Mark is, and I really didn’t like him. And my intense dislike for him grew and grew as the novel progressed.
As Carly and Mark begin to work through the divorce proceedings, it is clear that there are parts of their lives which they would both rather keep private. I really wanted to know what had happened to them in the past and what secrets they were keeping. Sue Watson did a brilliant job keeping my intrigue piqued. The tension begins to gather pace here, and I couldn’t believe how Carly was being treated. It made me feel really angry, and I especially didn’t like, Erin the woman Mark left her for. There was one scene in a café, in particular, which made my jaw drop. I couldn’t believe what was being said.
We also have the introduction of Ryan, who Carly begins to grow attached to after her split from Mark. As I was reading, I felt I could never quite trust Ryan. This added to the tension as I wondered if Carly was doing the right thing here in letting him into her life.
The ending was so well done, and I thought the book had a really satisfying ending as well. Everything was pulled very neatly together. The Forever Home is so twisty. I’m sure if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, you will devour it. An excellent read!
Mark and Carly Anderson have become celebrities following the success of their reality television show, The Forever House. They have lived the past twenty five years of their life in the spotlight. But now, their marriage is about to come to a bitter end. On their twenty fifth wedding anniversary, Carly discovers that Mark has been having an affair with her best friend’s daughter, Erin, who is twenty four. I really felt for Carly as I was reading this scene. Sue Watson paints a vivid picture of what a terrible person Mark is, and I really didn’t like him. And my intense dislike for him grew and grew as the novel progressed.
As Carly and Mark begin to work through the divorce proceedings, it is clear that there are parts of their lives which they would both rather keep private. I really wanted to know what had happened to them in the past and what secrets they were keeping. Sue Watson did a brilliant job keeping my intrigue piqued. The tension begins to gather pace here, and I couldn’t believe how Carly was being treated. It made me feel really angry, and I especially didn’t like, Erin the woman Mark left her for. There was one scene in a café, in particular, which made my jaw drop. I couldn’t believe what was being said.
We also have the introduction of Ryan, who Carly begins to grow attached to after her split from Mark. As I was reading, I felt I could never quite trust Ryan. This added to the tension as I wondered if Carly was doing the right thing here in letting him into her life.
The ending was so well done, and I thought the book had a really satisfying ending as well. Everything was pulled very neatly together. The Forever Home is so twisty. I’m sure if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, you will devour it. An excellent read!
July 3, 2022
Warning: Domestic Violence Trigger...
This was a nice book, when it comes to suspense...
However - as a survivor of DV myself, I could not connect with our main character Carly at all.
As a matter of fact, I found her not very intelligent (actually, she was pretty dumb in her ways) and a little too whiney.
Away from the fact of physical DV (which happened some time in the past), I don't believe that someone could take all the emotional DV she was still taking - even after being separated for good from her husband.
And I would also not been able to trust her new partner - which becomes very clear on the last few pages - and yet again:
She does not seem to be the smartest tool in the shed !
But the suspense was great...
This was a nice book, when it comes to suspense...
However - as a survivor of DV myself, I could not connect with our main character Carly at all.
As a matter of fact, I found her not very intelligent (actually, she was pretty dumb in her ways) and a little too whiney.
Away from the fact of physical DV (which happened some time in the past), I don't believe that someone could take all the emotional DV she was still taking - even after being separated for good from her husband.
And I would also not been able to trust her new partner - which becomes very clear on the last few pages - and yet again:
She does not seem to be the smartest tool in the shed !
But the suspense was great...
June 2, 2021
The forever home by Sue Watson is yet another must read thriller that I can’t recommend enough.
It’s my second book by the author but nevertheless I’m addicted to her words and stories.
Fast paced, not a single moment of pause or break time, this book is full of interesting characters and so many twists and turns that my head was spinning by the end.
I didn’t knew who to believe of what theories to make in my head because with each page turned, another shoe was dropped and everything that I thought I knew changed in a second.
Gripping and twisted, a must thriller for any reader.
4.5 stars
It’s my second book by the author but nevertheless I’m addicted to her words and stories.
Fast paced, not a single moment of pause or break time, this book is full of interesting characters and so many twists and turns that my head was spinning by the end.
I didn’t knew who to believe of what theories to make in my head because with each page turned, another shoe was dropped and everything that I thought I knew changed in a second.
Gripping and twisted, a must thriller for any reader.
4.5 stars
April 20, 2021
Another brilliant twisty book by Sue Watson!
Carly and Mark had what appeared to be a great life, two children and a gorgeous house on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic in Cornwall. Mark had fixed up their beautiful house and it had made them famous. However, everything changed on the night of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party. Carly finds out some devastating news about her husband.
Carly tries to stay afloat, changes her hairstyle and gets a job. She gets threatening messages and packages that bring fear to her in her home. Who is doing this and who can she trust?
This was one of my favorite Sue Watson books yet. I can tell she really puts tremendous thought into her books to really grab the attention of her readers. This was a twisty tale with an ending I didn't see coming and I was pleasantly surprised! I highly recommend this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Carly and Mark had what appeared to be a great life, two children and a gorgeous house on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic in Cornwall. Mark had fixed up their beautiful house and it had made them famous. However, everything changed on the night of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary party. Carly finds out some devastating news about her husband.
Carly tries to stay afloat, changes her hairstyle and gets a job. She gets threatening messages and packages that bring fear to her in her home. Who is doing this and who can she trust?
This was one of my favorite Sue Watson books yet. I can tell she really puts tremendous thought into her books to really grab the attention of her readers. This was a twisty tale with an ending I didn't see coming and I was pleasantly surprised! I highly recommend this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 29, 2023
Excellent! Kept me hooked from start to finish!
June 4, 2021
Wow, so many emotions but mostly anger.
Carly had thought they’d always live there. The beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had obsessively re-designed and renovated – a project that had made him famous. It was where they’d raised their children, where they’d sat cosily on the sofa watching storms raging over the sea below. It was where they’d promised to keep each other’s secrets…
Then Carly no longer feels safe in her home. Threats come in letters and things happen in the home.
We start out with Carly getting ready for their 25th wedding anniversary and Mark is running late. Then she finds out about an affair, with someone young enough to be his daughter. He has been a cheating all through their marriage and this as the last straw.
What he puts her through while she is trying to move on from their marriage is horrible. I wanted so badly to tell her to keep things between the lawyers. Stop calling him. I wanted to reach through the book and throttle Mark. He is such a despictable person. Her 2 adult children don't even seem to like him. I kept thinking of 1 person in their life who could have been the one causing all the things that were going on but I was wrong.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGGalley for the ARC to read
Carly had thought they’d always live there. The beautiful Cornish cliffside house they’d taken on as a wreck, that Mark had obsessively re-designed and renovated – a project that had made him famous. It was where they’d raised their children, where they’d sat cosily on the sofa watching storms raging over the sea below. It was where they’d promised to keep each other’s secrets…
Then Carly no longer feels safe in her home. Threats come in letters and things happen in the home.
We start out with Carly getting ready for their 25th wedding anniversary and Mark is running late. Then she finds out about an affair, with someone young enough to be his daughter. He has been a cheating all through their marriage and this as the last straw.
What he puts her through while she is trying to move on from their marriage is horrible. I wanted so badly to tell her to keep things between the lawyers. Stop calling him. I wanted to reach through the book and throttle Mark. He is such a despictable person. Her 2 adult children don't even seem to like him. I kept thinking of 1 person in their life who could have been the one causing all the things that were going on but I was wrong.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGGalley for the ARC to read
March 6, 2022
Psychological thriller... yeah no. I'm sorry but The Forever Home was incredibly boring and had a strange pace to it. Without spoiling anything the main character is dull, repetitive and honestly quite stupid in the way she reacts and responds to situations. If I read something along the lines of 'it gave me a strange feeling' or 'something was off' one more time I would have screamed. These odd feelings led to nothing, they were never explored and they didn't contribute to the "psychological twist" that was promised. The twist was so random I wasn't exciting (and not in the good thriller way), it garnered more of an 'oh okay well this was a waste of my time'. I wouldn't recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews