What do you think?
Rate this book
Glass Houses
Jenna Walker has suddenly found herself with no job, no boyfriend, nowhere to live - and she's been wondering for a while now if, apart from her beloved cat Bertie, she has anything to live for. The last thing she wants is to turn up on her sister's doorstep, but that feels like her only option...
Rosie Walker spends a lot of her time thinking about the life she used to have. These days she's stretched too thin, and she's not sure she can cope with taking care of another person. If only one thing in her life would work out the way she wants it to...
David is Rosie's next-door neighbour. A retired doctor, he has had a big idea, one inspired by his late wife June: a community garden project for those struggling with mental health issues.
The sisters reluctantly agree to take part, even though they're sure it'll be a waste of time. How could fixing up an overgrown plot of land make anyone's life better? But as the group works together to bring the garden back to life, new friendships blossom and old wounds start to heal. And Jenna and Rosie come to realise that the world around them might have more to offer than they had once believed.
From the author of bestseller If Only, Glass Houses is a heartfelt, uplifting novel about family, growth, friendship and hope.
Rosie Walker spends a lot of her time thinking about the life she used to have. These days she's stretched too thin, and she's not sure she can cope with taking care of another person. If only one thing in her life would work out the way she wants it to...
David is Rosie's next-door neighbour. A retired doctor, he has had a big idea, one inspired by his late wife June: a community garden project for those struggling with mental health issues.
The sisters reluctantly agree to take part, even though they're sure it'll be a waste of time. How could fixing up an overgrown plot of land make anyone's life better? But as the group works together to bring the garden back to life, new friendships blossom and old wounds start to heal. And Jenna and Rosie come to realise that the world around them might have more to offer than they had once believed.
From the author of bestseller If Only, Glass Houses is a heartfelt, uplifting novel about family, growth, friendship and hope.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2022
64 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Murphy
3 books970 followersMelanie Murphy is an author and online content creator from Dublin.
With both of her children now in school, she is working away on her third novel...stay tuned.
Melanie's debut novel 'If Only', featuring an unforgettable Irish grandmother and glimpses at parallel lives, was an Irish bestseller and is still reaching new audiences.
Her pandemic word baby 'Glass Houses' was released in 2022 and also achieved bestseller status in Ireland.
In 2017, Melanie published her first non-fiction book, "Fully Functioning Human (Almost)" which sold thousands of copies, received many positive reviews and topped the Irish book charts.
Her YouTube videos have amassed eighty million views online, reaching people with her weird but warm personality and her life lessons as well as her views on divisive topics such as sexuality, women's rights, health and relationships.
With both of her children now in school, she is working away on her third novel...stay tuned.
Melanie's debut novel 'If Only', featuring an unforgettable Irish grandmother and glimpses at parallel lives, was an Irish bestseller and is still reaching new audiences.
Her pandemic word baby 'Glass Houses' was released in 2022 and also achieved bestseller status in Ireland.
In 2017, Melanie published her first non-fiction book, "Fully Functioning Human (Almost)" which sold thousands of copies, received many positive reviews and topped the Irish book charts.
Her YouTube videos have amassed eighty million views online, reaching people with her weird but warm personality and her life lessons as well as her views on divisive topics such as sexuality, women's rights, health and relationships.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 9, 2022
I’ve been following Melanie Murphy for years on YouTube, and even though I was aware of her having published two books prior, I’ve never picked them up. I’m so so glad NetGalley approved me to read Glass Houses to get to know Mrs. Murphy the writer, and not only the content creator.
It’s funny how her style of writing reflects her (online) personality and her esprit. She delivers her humour, sarcasm and sharpness perfectly. Sometimes I imagined her reading certain passages out loud with her devastatingly gorgeous irish accent. But I have to admit, it was the first time reading an eARC, where I missed having the physical copy in my hands. I strongly believe flipping pages for real adds to the reading experience.
Glass Houses made me feel uncomfortable, full, outraged and hopeful. At first I didn’t particularly liked the characters, but I cared for them. I guess that’s family for you…But they grew on me and I hoped for a HEA for every one of this crazy bunch of people.
The story teaches you so many things about mental health, relationships and family. And even though all emotions are valid, it’s crucial to reflect on them and not pity yourself constantly but learn from them and especially learn to navigate your emotions.
A MUST read for everyone in this fast-paced, crazy, demanding society who knows the struggles and pressure of simply being human.
It’s funny how her style of writing reflects her (online) personality and her esprit. She delivers her humour, sarcasm and sharpness perfectly. Sometimes I imagined her reading certain passages out loud with her devastatingly gorgeous irish accent. But I have to admit, it was the first time reading an eARC, where I missed having the physical copy in my hands. I strongly believe flipping pages for real adds to the reading experience.
Glass Houses made me feel uncomfortable, full, outraged and hopeful. At first I didn’t particularly liked the characters, but I cared for them. I guess that’s family for you…But they grew on me and I hoped for a HEA for every one of this crazy bunch of people.
The story teaches you so many things about mental health, relationships and family. And even though all emotions are valid, it’s crucial to reflect on them and not pity yourself constantly but learn from them and especially learn to navigate your emotions.
A MUST read for everyone in this fast-paced, crazy, demanding society who knows the struggles and pressure of simply being human.
May 18, 2022
A lovely premise and a heart-warming message of compassion. Unfortunately, the writing felt flat, the characters seemed underdeveloped and dialogues somewhat unnatural at times. I really really wanted to like this but I just didn't enjoy it very much.
on-hold
May 17, 2022ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 13, 2022
A sweet story with a pretty cool philosophical/ambiguous plotline. I feel like this could be one of those books for some people that they read and really connect with it, the right book at the right time kinda thing. It just wasn't that for me though.
May 13, 2022
Oh my goodness! I've been really really looking forward to reading this book and MY GOD I was not disappointed! I don't even know where to start. First of all, the cover. Can we please talk about how pretty this cover is?! It just gives me such warm and cozy vibes. I love it when book covers are in orangey/ yellowey tones. I just think it looks so lovely and welcoming. And man, it was! Let me just say, there is nothing I didn't like about this story.
The characters: Man, did I love the characters! Rosie, Jenna, Peter, David, Nathan, Jordanne, even Izzy! And all the other wonderful characters in this story. June. Who is dead but from what is said about her she was just a wonderful and magical person. I loved how real these characters were. All of them were so flawed and had so many issues. Everyone had their own issues and struggled with them and it was so interesting to see how they came together to work on their problems.
The story: When watching Melanie talking about what her book is about and when I read the blurp I thought to myself what a wonderful idea that is and that I can't wait to finally read it. And then I read it and was drawn in since page 1. It was an absolute work of fecking art since page 1! The story is simple; people with mental health issues coming together to work on a glass house, to make it pretty and blooming again. The glass house is obviously a metaphor for their mental health and as we see the glass house being slowly repaired and the garden slowly being rebuild, the states of their mental health also slowly gets better. Through hard work! That is such a lovely metaphor, I just can't.
And don't even get me started on the writing! Melanie's writing. It literally brought tears to my eyes. She composes beautiful, lovely, heartwarming and soultouching sentences. With her beautiful words she spun this gorgeous story, making it into one of the best books I've ever read! No cap. I am absolutely astounded. I can't stop talking about this novel. 🧡💛
The characters: Man, did I love the characters! Rosie, Jenna, Peter, David, Nathan, Jordanne, even Izzy! And all the other wonderful characters in this story. June. Who is dead but from what is said about her she was just a wonderful and magical person. I loved how real these characters were. All of them were so flawed and had so many issues. Everyone had their own issues and struggled with them and it was so interesting to see how they came together to work on their problems.
The story: When watching Melanie talking about what her book is about and when I read the blurp I thought to myself what a wonderful idea that is and that I can't wait to finally read it. And then I read it and was drawn in since page 1. It was an absolute work of fecking art since page 1! The story is simple; people with mental health issues coming together to work on a glass house, to make it pretty and blooming again. The glass house is obviously a metaphor for their mental health and as we see the glass house being slowly repaired and the garden slowly being rebuild, the states of their mental health also slowly gets better. Through hard work! That is such a lovely metaphor, I just can't.
And don't even get me started on the writing! Melanie's writing. It literally brought tears to my eyes. She composes beautiful, lovely, heartwarming and soultouching sentences. With her beautiful words she spun this gorgeous story, making it into one of the best books I've ever read! No cap. I am absolutely astounded. I can't stop talking about this novel. 🧡💛
April 13, 2025
Rather a 3,5. It didn't give me the feels like it did to some people, but I liked that I brought it with me on a solo vacation.
Some parts felt a bit all over the place. All of a sudden there where characters bursting in doors, big secrets being revealed, big secrets not being so important after all, people dying and most importantly, characters having completely different feelings on something than they had one chapter ago. A lot of big scenes could've been closed better.
The whole magic thing and the whole 'everybody is depressed' thing was layered on a bit too thick for me.
However, it still was and easy read and I found descriptions of surroundings to be nicely written.
Some parts felt a bit all over the place. All of a sudden there where characters bursting in doors, big secrets being revealed, big secrets not being so important after all, people dying and most importantly, characters having completely different feelings on something than they had one chapter ago. A lot of big scenes could've been closed better.
The whole magic thing and the whole 'everybody is depressed' thing was layered on a bit too thick for me.
However, it still was and easy read and I found descriptions of surroundings to be nicely written.
April 7, 2022
I read the first (unedited version) and I still loved it, and I’m not just saying that because I’m married to her!
The group of characters all have well defined backstories and real time is given to explore how each of them came to be there. The book begins with a group of lost strangers struggling with various traumas and mental health issues, and ends with them finding the pieces they were missing in each other. Also depending on how you read the book it can be quite magical or uncomfortably real. Two thumbs up from a husband writing a secret review to gain brownie points!
The group of characters all have well defined backstories and real time is given to explore how each of them came to be there. The book begins with a group of lost strangers struggling with various traumas and mental health issues, and ends with them finding the pieces they were missing in each other. Also depending on how you read the book it can be quite magical or uncomfortably real. Two thumbs up from a husband writing a secret review to gain brownie points!
May 12, 2022
I’m giving this two stars even though I didn’t finish it as I really liked the premise and think this is a book the right audience will love. However, and meaning no disrespect to the author, I personally felt the writing was very amateur and was finding this hard to get past, so I decided it wasn’t for me at the halfway point.
May 10, 2022
I read the first two books Melanie wrote and honestly, she improved so much as a writer. This book was a joy to read. I really felt each character's individuality and I was invested in them. Beautifully written. Wonderful story.
June 19, 2023
This book caught me completely off guard.
I picked it up in a little shop in Dingle, Ireland during a 100km hike along The Dingle Way. I had already finished the three other books I had brought, and truly just needed something to accompany me in evening pubs. What I thought was going to be a light, entertaining read hit me like a truck.
The ideas of growing community through work and dedication and time has been on my mind, and throughout my hike I had been confronting the truth that investing in and growing your community is honestly the path to happiness. Having the themes of this read be entirely that felt, well, magical.
Feels a wee bit like divine intervention if you ask me.
I picked it up in a little shop in Dingle, Ireland during a 100km hike along The Dingle Way. I had already finished the three other books I had brought, and truly just needed something to accompany me in evening pubs. What I thought was going to be a light, entertaining read hit me like a truck.
The ideas of growing community through work and dedication and time has been on my mind, and throughout my hike I had been confronting the truth that investing in and growing your community is honestly the path to happiness. Having the themes of this read be entirely that felt, well, magical.
Feels a wee bit like divine intervention if you ask me.
May 17, 2022
Glass Houses by Melanie Murphy was published May 5th with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a heartfelt, uplifting novel about family, growth, friendship and hope.' Partially inspired by a true story, Glass Houses is about finding one’s place in the world and learning to be comfortable in one’s own skin.
Jenna and Rosie Walker are two sisters who have taken very different paths in life. Rosie, on paper, appears to have it all but her reality is a very different one. Jenna has yet to find her feet and is struggling daily to get out of bed. When Jenna finds herself homeless and with no support she has no option but to come knocking on the door of Rosie’s plush apartment. With her bedraggled and unwell cat Bertie by her side, Jenna rocks up to Rosie’s home with no expectations, just a need for temporary shelter. She has given up on herself and has no focus or motivation to do anything. Rosie had a very successful career and but had to make unexpected changes in her life. Now working in a bar, she has a huge mortgage and a sister with no direction and Rosie is feeling under pressure to stay afloat.
Retired GP, David Dolan is Rosie’s neighbour. David left his beloved home, Avalon, after the death of his wife June four years ago, moving into this modern apartment with his son, Peter. David has been looking back over his career as a doctor and has started to question some of the medical techniques he incorporated into his daily practice. Now, with a sense of guilt, he wonders if he should have had a more hands-on approach and been more amenable to those who had looked for his assistance. June had seen the world very differently to David and following her death he considers the idea that perhaps June had been right all along.
Peter Dolan is an online musical success story . Now on the verge of a tour, he carries doubts and insecurities about his voice and his stage presence. Being behind a camera is one thing but stepping out into the real world again is a much scarier prospect. Peter is very much aware of the possible impact all this exposure could have on him but is not prepared for what unfolds.
In the garden of David and Peter’s beloved family home is a glass house that was originally built for June. Now a wreck, David has a plan to bring it back to its former glory. David hasn’t returned to his home since June died but now the time has come. He gathers a group of individuals, including (and with some persuasion) Jenna, Rosie and Peter, and encourages them to come together over gardening.
‘In the middle of the garden sits the old Victorian glasshouse – the reason we’re all here – screaming at the life all around it. The ornate glass and iron building is bigger than I expected. It’s white, with a brick base, and it’s calling out to be rescued from ruin: some of the windows are smashed, there are more leaves growing on it than in it and the glass is decorated with lashings of white bird droppings and spray paint’
Each person in this motley crew is struggling with a mental health issue. (In the opening pages of Glass Houses there is an author’s note highlighting these as potential triggers for some readers.) David hopes that through gardening therapy and working together outdoors, this bunch of strangers can relate, open up and perhaps aid each other in their recovery. Through hard work, tears, meditation and open conversations, David has decided to adopt June’s approach to living, and is determined to fix these people and perhaps himself along the way.
There are many complex themes running through this novel and, at times, Glass Houses does over-simplify certain scenarios but Melanie Murphy’s heart is clearly in the right place, creating a charming, and ultimately uplifting, read. The setting of Avalon is beautifully depicted with a magical quality where one could believe that anything is possible. As each individual embarks on their own personal journey, the healing process begins to unfold. Nature has a way of grounding people and helping them to explore different paths. The chattels of life that once were important are no longer of such relevance and the roots of new friendships are planted. Ideas are seeded alongside the plants and the clouds shift ever so slightly.
Glass Houses is a sweet tale, one that evokes a mix of emotions, an affecting read in so many ways. With a mix of ordinary, extraordinary and flawed individuals, it is a story of self-discovery, of blossoming friendships while also examining the complexities of life in all its varieties and colours.
Jenna and Rosie Walker are two sisters who have taken very different paths in life. Rosie, on paper, appears to have it all but her reality is a very different one. Jenna has yet to find her feet and is struggling daily to get out of bed. When Jenna finds herself homeless and with no support she has no option but to come knocking on the door of Rosie’s plush apartment. With her bedraggled and unwell cat Bertie by her side, Jenna rocks up to Rosie’s home with no expectations, just a need for temporary shelter. She has given up on herself and has no focus or motivation to do anything. Rosie had a very successful career and but had to make unexpected changes in her life. Now working in a bar, she has a huge mortgage and a sister with no direction and Rosie is feeling under pressure to stay afloat.
Retired GP, David Dolan is Rosie’s neighbour. David left his beloved home, Avalon, after the death of his wife June four years ago, moving into this modern apartment with his son, Peter. David has been looking back over his career as a doctor and has started to question some of the medical techniques he incorporated into his daily practice. Now, with a sense of guilt, he wonders if he should have had a more hands-on approach and been more amenable to those who had looked for his assistance. June had seen the world very differently to David and following her death he considers the idea that perhaps June had been right all along.
Peter Dolan is an online musical success story . Now on the verge of a tour, he carries doubts and insecurities about his voice and his stage presence. Being behind a camera is one thing but stepping out into the real world again is a much scarier prospect. Peter is very much aware of the possible impact all this exposure could have on him but is not prepared for what unfolds.
In the garden of David and Peter’s beloved family home is a glass house that was originally built for June. Now a wreck, David has a plan to bring it back to its former glory. David hasn’t returned to his home since June died but now the time has come. He gathers a group of individuals, including (and with some persuasion) Jenna, Rosie and Peter, and encourages them to come together over gardening.
‘In the middle of the garden sits the old Victorian glasshouse – the reason we’re all here – screaming at the life all around it. The ornate glass and iron building is bigger than I expected. It’s white, with a brick base, and it’s calling out to be rescued from ruin: some of the windows are smashed, there are more leaves growing on it than in it and the glass is decorated with lashings of white bird droppings and spray paint’
Each person in this motley crew is struggling with a mental health issue. (In the opening pages of Glass Houses there is an author’s note highlighting these as potential triggers for some readers.) David hopes that through gardening therapy and working together outdoors, this bunch of strangers can relate, open up and perhaps aid each other in their recovery. Through hard work, tears, meditation and open conversations, David has decided to adopt June’s approach to living, and is determined to fix these people and perhaps himself along the way.
There are many complex themes running through this novel and, at times, Glass Houses does over-simplify certain scenarios but Melanie Murphy’s heart is clearly in the right place, creating a charming, and ultimately uplifting, read. The setting of Avalon is beautifully depicted with a magical quality where one could believe that anything is possible. As each individual embarks on their own personal journey, the healing process begins to unfold. Nature has a way of grounding people and helping them to explore different paths. The chattels of life that once were important are no longer of such relevance and the roots of new friendships are planted. Ideas are seeded alongside the plants and the clouds shift ever so slightly.
Glass Houses is a sweet tale, one that evokes a mix of emotions, an affecting read in so many ways. With a mix of ordinary, extraordinary and flawed individuals, it is a story of self-discovery, of blossoming friendships while also examining the complexities of life in all its varieties and colours.
May 16, 2022
I couldn’t put Glass houses down.
I found myself racing through my daily tasks to get back to my book.
It is such a lovely story, so many characters to fall in love with. You are routing for them all. 💕
I found myself racing through my daily tasks to get back to my book.
It is such a lovely story, so many characters to fall in love with. You are routing for them all. 💕
May 5, 2022
This is an absolute gem of a book and Melanie’s voice really shines through in the writing as there’s such a unique feel to it.
The story is told from the POV of both sisters, Rosie and Jenna, but all of the characters are complex, flawed, and very human. They’re all dealing with difficult relationships and mental health struggles, which makes them incredibly relatable. Their healing journey being centered around fixing a glasshouse and reconnecting with nature and each other has a magical feel to it and explores how messy but beautiful life is.
A lot of this story hit closer to home than I was ready for, but it was such an honest, almost cathartic, read. Please do make sure to check the trigger warnings as this book deals with some heavy topics.
TW: Suicide, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Bereavement, Revenge Porn, Brief HP reference
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!*
The story is told from the POV of both sisters, Rosie and Jenna, but all of the characters are complex, flawed, and very human. They’re all dealing with difficult relationships and mental health struggles, which makes them incredibly relatable. Their healing journey being centered around fixing a glasshouse and reconnecting with nature and each other has a magical feel to it and explores how messy but beautiful life is.
A lot of this story hit closer to home than I was ready for, but it was such an honest, almost cathartic, read. Please do make sure to check the trigger warnings as this book deals with some heavy topics.
TW: Suicide, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Bereavement, Revenge Porn, Brief HP reference
*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!*
May 27, 2022
When we first meet estranged sisters Rosie and Jenna each are dealing with their own problems.
Rosie was a pilot with her own high flying life. Now she’s absorbed in the role of care giver to their mother after she was diagnosed with MS. When is there time to do something for herself? Will she ever get her life back on track?
Jenna is a talented artist but recently she’s been coasting through life. She’s not interested in making long term plans. Her cat Bertie is the only lifeline she has.
Jenna turns up suddenly one day at Rosie’s apartment, Rosie knows she has no choice but to let her stay.
David is a retired G.P. and Rosie’s neighbour. He comes up with a plan to help Jenna and in fact Rosie but she doesn’t know it at the time. He, helped by his late wife June has decided to set up a support group type scenario. Except this is a group with a difference, they have a task. That task is to sort out the garden at Avalon, David’s home he shared with his wife. Will the hard work help chase all those demons away?
This my first of Murphy’s books, it wouldn’t have been my normal go to genre. It does deal with some pretty hard hitting topics such as suicide, self-harm, revenge porn and a depression related eating disorder.
An extremely well written, multi layered story with just the right amount of characters. Told mainly from the perspectives of both Jenna and Rosie in alternating chapters.
At the beginning I couldn’t relate to any of the characters in the sense that they were so far removed for current life with anxiety and depression. I did however, as the story progressed begin to have an attachment to the whole group. Each character had their own tale and reason for being part of the group.
From cover to cover this book was full of humour, wit and sarcasm. The topic of mental health illness especially within a family is never really discussed. I particularly liked the fact that it was explored in this novel and the toll it takes on our loved ones.
Glass Houses was released May 5th.
Rosie was a pilot with her own high flying life. Now she’s absorbed in the role of care giver to their mother after she was diagnosed with MS. When is there time to do something for herself? Will she ever get her life back on track?
Jenna is a talented artist but recently she’s been coasting through life. She’s not interested in making long term plans. Her cat Bertie is the only lifeline she has.
Jenna turns up suddenly one day at Rosie’s apartment, Rosie knows she has no choice but to let her stay.
David is a retired G.P. and Rosie’s neighbour. He comes up with a plan to help Jenna and in fact Rosie but she doesn’t know it at the time. He, helped by his late wife June has decided to set up a support group type scenario. Except this is a group with a difference, they have a task. That task is to sort out the garden at Avalon, David’s home he shared with his wife. Will the hard work help chase all those demons away?
This my first of Murphy’s books, it wouldn’t have been my normal go to genre. It does deal with some pretty hard hitting topics such as suicide, self-harm, revenge porn and a depression related eating disorder.
An extremely well written, multi layered story with just the right amount of characters. Told mainly from the perspectives of both Jenna and Rosie in alternating chapters.
At the beginning I couldn’t relate to any of the characters in the sense that they were so far removed for current life with anxiety and depression. I did however, as the story progressed begin to have an attachment to the whole group. Each character had their own tale and reason for being part of the group.
From cover to cover this book was full of humour, wit and sarcasm. The topic of mental health illness especially within a family is never really discussed. I particularly liked the fact that it was explored in this novel and the toll it takes on our loved ones.
Glass Houses was released May 5th.
May 27, 2022
Short: Beautiful and uplifting.
Long: Although the trigger warning (suicide, ED,...) is very necessary especially at the beginning, the more you read the more love you can feel emanate from the book:
Love for life, people, a geriatric cat and nature.
Melanie uses many phrases ("a daisy doesnt compete with a rose, they just bloom") and storylines that come up in life and this book just puts a silver lining of hope on everything. Dont get me wrong, its not all flowers and sunshine but realness with a hint of magic... or not ;-)
Yes. I cried at the end, but its just so beautiful, I didnt want it to end
Long: Although the trigger warning (suicide, ED,...) is very necessary especially at the beginning, the more you read the more love you can feel emanate from the book:
Love for life, people, a geriatric cat and nature.
Melanie uses many phrases ("a daisy doesnt compete with a rose, they just bloom") and storylines that come up in life and this book just puts a silver lining of hope on everything. Dont get me wrong, its not all flowers and sunshine but realness with a hint of magic... or not ;-)
Yes. I cried at the end, but its just so beautiful, I didnt want it to end
June 8, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
*Thank you to NetGalley, Melanie Murphy and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Glass Houses is a story told through the POV of two sisters, Jenna and Rosie, who both went down 2 completely different paths and reconnect and attempt to heal their relationship. In doing so, they end up attending a weekly group therapy.
I loved the anonymous comments twist, as I believed it added more to the story, and the dynamic between them and their mother, but I personally think there was too many characters for me to keep track of. Also massive TW for pet death, that really got me.
It was a good book overall, just don’t think it was for me.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Melanie Murphy and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Glass Houses is a story told through the POV of two sisters, Jenna and Rosie, who both went down 2 completely different paths and reconnect and attempt to heal their relationship. In doing so, they end up attending a weekly group therapy.
I loved the anonymous comments twist, as I believed it added more to the story, and the dynamic between them and their mother, but I personally think there was too many characters for me to keep track of. Also massive TW for pet death, that really got me.
It was a good book overall, just don’t think it was for me.
March 7, 2024
Book 17 of 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was my first book by Melanie Murphy and I thoroughly enjoyed it; took me a while to get into it mind but once in I flew through it. 100 pages a day the last two days which is always a good sign.
my only problem is Jenna's infatuation with Peter throughout the book, it borded on obessive at one point. Just seemed like a fangirl wanting to be with him just to have that title over the other fangirls. But this didn't take away from the book and others may like that storyline for her but for me it didn't work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was my first book by Melanie Murphy and I thoroughly enjoyed it; took me a while to get into it mind but once in I flew through it. 100 pages a day the last two days which is always a good sign.
my only problem is Jenna's infatuation with Peter throughout the book, it borded on obessive at one point. Just seemed like a fangirl wanting to be with him just to have that title over the other fangirls. But this didn't take away from the book and others may like that storyline for her but for me it didn't work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
I’ve been following Melanie on YT for years now and I’ve read her previous books and really enjoyed it, but this one…
I think I kept reading for some kind of loyalty with her (I know it only makes sense inside of my head), and I suffered all the time.
Don’t want to say more because have nothing good to say about it, and this could be a good book for someone else, could be meaningful for someone else in the future. Just wanted to put it out of my mind…
Love u, Melanie, sorry (xD).
I think I kept reading for some kind of loyalty with her (I know it only makes sense inside of my head), and I suffered all the time.
Don’t want to say more because have nothing good to say about it, and this could be a good book for someone else, could be meaningful for someone else in the future. Just wanted to put it out of my mind…
Love u, Melanie, sorry (xD).
June 30, 2022
Glass houses is a lovely book about two sisters Jenna and Rosie walker.. there relationship with each other or lack off.
This book is what I would call hearth warming, and yet uplifting.
It’s not a book I would mostly read but it has got some very good reviews and although it’s not really a page turner this book is worth a read.. I enjoyed it, maybe because I love the garden..
This book is what I would call hearth warming, and yet uplifting.
It’s not a book I would mostly read but it has got some very good reviews and although it’s not really a page turner this book is worth a read.. I enjoyed it, maybe because I love the garden..
October 18, 2022
Oh dear lord the last 125 pages had me BAWLING
Read
December 30, 20233.5 stars ⭐️
December 19, 2023
Lots of interesting topics and a unique premise. Perhaps too many characters to care about them all equally, but overall a story that depicts a nice diversity of personalities and left me thinking.
May 2, 2022
Sisters Jenna and Rosie find themselves living under one roof for the first time in years. Jenna – and her feline companion turns up on Rosie’s doorstep after going through some life changes. Rosie spends her life thinking about the life she once had, trying not to reach her breaking point. Enter David Dolan and his son Peter, Rosie’s next-door neighbours, who just might be what the sisters need to get their lives back – or in fact start a fresh altogether.
With themes relating to mental health, this book gets HEAVY at times (TWs listed below), and I found myself relating to almost every character in this book in one way of another, which I very rarely do.
It’s safe to say that adored this book. One of the main things that stood out to me/that I loved was the atmosphere/setting of Avalon Melanie manages to create with words – it’s magical; I could picture the glass house, the garden so clearly and the people so very clearly.
I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
TW // suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, bereavement, revenge porn, and death of a pet
With themes relating to mental health, this book gets HEAVY at times (TWs listed below), and I found myself relating to almost every character in this book in one way of another, which I very rarely do.
It’s safe to say that adored this book. One of the main things that stood out to me/that I loved was the atmosphere/setting of Avalon Melanie manages to create with words – it’s magical; I could picture the glass house, the garden so clearly and the people so very clearly.
I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
TW // suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, bereavement, revenge porn, and death of a pet
May 8, 2022
I devoured this book in 2 days and it was the perfect story to lift me out of a really long reading slump. Beautifully uplifting, I would recommend it to anyone going through a journey of emotional healing and self-discovery.
While I also loved ‘If Only’, ‘Glass Houses’ struck such a deep chord with me, and I’ve finished it feeling inspired and energised to reconnect with others and the world around me.
While I also loved ‘If Only’, ‘Glass Houses’ struck such a deep chord with me, and I’ve finished it feeling inspired and energised to reconnect with others and the world around me.
May 1, 2022
I must admit that I was drawn to this book purely by the beautiful cover. For the first few chapters I wasn’t quite sure if this book was for me, I’m more of a psychological and crime thriller reader. However after reading a few chapters I soon got settled into this book and really enjoyed it, well enjoyed might not be the right word as it was at times a difficult read. The author has put a trigger warning at the start of the book something I’m not a fan of but many people like to know about sensitive issues before starting a book which I totally understand, This book was at times a sad read but also uplifting at times and I am so glad I read it. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I will certainly be reading more.
May 4, 2022
Glass houses was a wonderful read. I loved seeing these multidimensional characters, flawed and struggling, grow and bloom into better versions of themselves and owning their mistakes. I also loved piecing together the puzzle and the ambiguity of whether it was really magic or just coincidence. I don’t often real adult fiction, but whenever I read Melanie Murphy’s novels I feel so seen by her characters and plots but also taken away into another world, I have yet to be disappointed by her writing.
April 19, 2022
I ADORED this book! I was granted access by net galley today and have already read it through. It feels so realistic. It’s heartbreaking and joyous simultaneously. Such a accurate depiction from both main characters of mental health. The sisters journey is complex but not unlike real life. The author really did a great job on making a story sound so lyrical and captivating. It’s one of those that you’d read over and over again. 100% recommend.
May 20, 2022
I loved Glass Houses so much and I was so happy I was given the opportunity to read it before it’s released. It’s a beautiful story that covers family, friends, love, loss, hope and mental health. I posted on here a while ago about my mental health journey and while I was reading this book I could relate to aspects of it as even though I was living through such a hard time in my life myself it really did effect other people in my life aswell. Everything in life effects people in different ways as we are human and that’s what makes us unique💚 Glass Houses does cover really sensitive issues aswell as topics that are affecting people in their everyday lives. Melanie did include trigger warnings at the beginning of the book which is so good to see.
The book also delves into internet culture nowadays, personally I feel like everything online is taken out of context so quickly and things tend to get misconstrued.
There is so many brilliant characters in this book and I was rooting for them every step of the day😊. I adore when books are set in Ireland as I can picture places so vividly and this is certainly the case with Glass Houses📚
If you are a fan of If Only I’d definitely recommend checking out Glass Houses, I can’t wait for my copy to arrive to put on my bookshelf📚💜
The book also delves into internet culture nowadays, personally I feel like everything online is taken out of context so quickly and things tend to get misconstrued.
There is so many brilliant characters in this book and I was rooting for them every step of the day😊. I adore when books are set in Ireland as I can picture places so vividly and this is certainly the case with Glass Houses📚
If you are a fan of If Only I’d definitely recommend checking out Glass Houses, I can’t wait for my copy to arrive to put on my bookshelf📚💜
June 7, 2022
Glass Houses was the first book I've read in this Genre, but as I read previous books from Melanie and liked the passages she posted online, I gave it a try.
AND I LOVED IT!
I had high expectations, and they were certainly met. I was caught by the story within a few pages and couldn't stop reading. The main characters Rosie and Jenna were beautifully developed and I enjoyed reading both perspectives, even though I felt more identified by the character of Rosie. I liked how the author managed to on one hand write in the style of thinking of Rosie vs. Jenna, but also maintained her beautiful writing style.
Her writing style is beautiful, emotional, colourful and professional. I was really impressed this being only her second novel! As a non-english native, I had to read some passages double, it is certainly not the easiest book to read if you're not used to reading in english. But it's still possible and I loved the irish "slang" she introduced.
The book covers a lot of very important subjects of mental health, ilnesses, life choices, sex life (also queerness!), friendship and family. One one hand there are quite heavy topics and on the other hand we learn about their every day life. This is the first book I've read that merges mental health into every day life and makes it seem normal to be struggling (- cause it is!).
The only two critics: Sometimes I felt like there were too many topics covered. And possible spoiler the last two chapters were very idyllic, in my opinion a bit too romantic / nice. spoiler end.
I recommend this book to everyone that is or was ever struggling, and even if you're not. Consider the trigger warning and maybe don't use it as a beginners book for english language.
Rating: 5/5 stars.
AND I LOVED IT!
I had high expectations, and they were certainly met. I was caught by the story within a few pages and couldn't stop reading. The main characters Rosie and Jenna were beautifully developed and I enjoyed reading both perspectives, even though I felt more identified by the character of Rosie. I liked how the author managed to on one hand write in the style of thinking of Rosie vs. Jenna, but also maintained her beautiful writing style.
Her writing style is beautiful, emotional, colourful and professional. I was really impressed this being only her second novel! As a non-english native, I had to read some passages double, it is certainly not the easiest book to read if you're not used to reading in english. But it's still possible and I loved the irish "slang" she introduced.
The book covers a lot of very important subjects of mental health, ilnesses, life choices, sex life (also queerness!), friendship and family. One one hand there are quite heavy topics and on the other hand we learn about their every day life. This is the first book I've read that merges mental health into every day life and makes it seem normal to be struggling (- cause it is!).
The only two critics: Sometimes I felt like there were too many topics covered. And possible spoiler the last two chapters were very idyllic, in my opinion a bit too romantic / nice. spoiler end.
I recommend this book to everyone that is or was ever struggling, and even if you're not. Consider the trigger warning and maybe don't use it as a beginners book for english language.
Rating: 5/5 stars.
June 17, 2023
I honestly wasn't sure whether this book would be for me or not but after a couple of chapters I was hooked. A beautiful, psychological drama that keeps you guessing. The underlying themes are heartwarming and although we experience heartbreak through the characters, it instills a feeling that everything will be okay. The themes in this book are not otherworldly, they are issues that we deal with every day which makes this novel feel more accessible because it feels like you could slip into the group with these characters. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews