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Home
'Moving, hopeful and heartfelt... an ideal book group read' AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird
A gripping and heartfelt story about overcoming the past and finding where you belong.
Anna Wilson travels the world as a professional housesitter – stepping into other people’s lives - caring for their homes, pets and sometimes even neighbours. Living vicariously.
But all Anna has ever really wanted is a home of her own – a proper one, filled with family and love and happy memories. If only she knew where to start.
Growing up in foster care, she always envied her friends their secure and carefree lives, their certainty and confidence. And, while those same friends may have become her family of choice, Anna is still stuck in that nomadic cycle, looking for answers, trying to find the courage to put down roots and find a place to call home.
Compelling, rich and evocative, Home is Anna’s journey to discovering that it isn’t where you settle down that matters, but the people you have around you when you do.
‘I loved this warm and touching story about home, belonging, and finding your way in the world. Vivid, evocative and beautifully written, with a message of hope at its heart’ Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You
'Friends are where the heart is… I very much enjoyed this thoughtful and absorbing novel' Kate Eberlen, author of Only You
'A gorgeous, thoughtful read' Catherine Isaac, author of The World at My Feet
'Clever, warm and funny, Penny writes with a big heart, a light touch and supreme confidence. Home will be on all the best bookshelves! The ultimate comfort read' Veronica Henry, author of A Wedding at the Beach Hut
'As heartbreaking as it is uplifting, this book wouldn’t leave me. I loved it’ Katie Fforde, author of A Wedding in the Country
** WHY READERS LOVE HOME **
'Sometimes you read a book that genuinely touches your heart. Home by Penny Parkes did that to me... I will be buying this book for friends and for my 18 year old daughter and her friends. I also really hope my book club read it, as there is so much I want to discuss' 5-star reader review
'I felt as though this book touched my heart. I now want to read more of Penny's books as I feel as though I have missed out on her awesome writing' 5-star reader review
'This was without a doubt one of the the most captivating books I have read in quite some time, and I would certainly recommend it to others!' 5-star reader review
'I love this book… I found myself in tears on more than one occasion, smiling and laughing at others… This is a fantastic book and will be recommending it to all of my friends' 5-star reader review
'Goodness me I loved this book. It was so heartfelt and thoughtful… So brilliantly done and the best Penny Parkes to date (they are all brilliant though)' 5-star reader review
A gripping and heartfelt story about overcoming the past and finding where you belong.
Anna Wilson travels the world as a professional housesitter – stepping into other people’s lives - caring for their homes, pets and sometimes even neighbours. Living vicariously.
But all Anna has ever really wanted is a home of her own – a proper one, filled with family and love and happy memories. If only she knew where to start.
Growing up in foster care, she always envied her friends their secure and carefree lives, their certainty and confidence. And, while those same friends may have become her family of choice, Anna is still stuck in that nomadic cycle, looking for answers, trying to find the courage to put down roots and find a place to call home.
Compelling, rich and evocative, Home is Anna’s journey to discovering that it isn’t where you settle down that matters, but the people you have around you when you do.
‘I loved this warm and touching story about home, belonging, and finding your way in the world. Vivid, evocative and beautifully written, with a message of hope at its heart’ Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You
'Friends are where the heart is… I very much enjoyed this thoughtful and absorbing novel' Kate Eberlen, author of Only You
'A gorgeous, thoughtful read' Catherine Isaac, author of The World at My Feet
'Clever, warm and funny, Penny writes with a big heart, a light touch and supreme confidence. Home will be on all the best bookshelves! The ultimate comfort read' Veronica Henry, author of A Wedding at the Beach Hut
'As heartbreaking as it is uplifting, this book wouldn’t leave me. I loved it’ Katie Fforde, author of A Wedding in the Country
** WHY READERS LOVE HOME **
'Sometimes you read a book that genuinely touches your heart. Home by Penny Parkes did that to me... I will be buying this book for friends and for my 18 year old daughter and her friends. I also really hope my book club read it, as there is so much I want to discuss' 5-star reader review
'I felt as though this book touched my heart. I now want to read more of Penny's books as I feel as though I have missed out on her awesome writing' 5-star reader review
'This was without a doubt one of the the most captivating books I have read in quite some time, and I would certainly recommend it to others!' 5-star reader review
'I love this book… I found myself in tears on more than one occasion, smiling and laughing at others… This is a fantastic book and will be recommending it to all of my friends' 5-star reader review
'Goodness me I loved this book. It was so heartfelt and thoughtful… So brilliantly done and the best Penny Parkes to date (they are all brilliant though)' 5-star reader review
448 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2021
53 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Penny Parkes
7 books121 followersPenny Parkes survived a Convent education largely thanks to a ready supply of inappropriate novels and her passion for writing and languages.
She studied International Management in Bath and Germany, before gaining experience with the BBC. She then set up an independent Film Location Agency and spent many happy years organising shoots for film, television and advertising - thereby ensuring that she was never short of travel opportunities, freelance writing projects or entertaining anecdotes.
Penny now lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, two children and a geriatric spaniel. She will often be found plotting epic train journeys through the Alps, baking gluten-free goodies or attempting to prove that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks.
OUT OF PRACTICE is her first novel and the first in the Larkford Series
She studied International Management in Bath and Germany, before gaining experience with the BBC. She then set up an independent Film Location Agency and spent many happy years organising shoots for film, television and advertising - thereby ensuring that she was never short of travel opportunities, freelance writing projects or entertaining anecdotes.
Penny now lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, two children and a geriatric spaniel. She will often be found plotting epic train journeys through the Alps, baking gluten-free goodies or attempting to prove that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks.
OUT OF PRACTICE is her first novel and the first in the Larkford Series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 21, 2022
A bit slow to get to the end but overall not a bad read.
July 16, 2021
Anna Wilson is a professional house and pet sitter, travelling anywhere and everywhere for a week or longer to step temporarily into someone else’s life. She has few possessions and her battered old Mini contains most of them as she goes from one job to another – whether it’s a large country house or a small flat.
Part of me secretly envied Anna’s unencumbered lifestyle – free from possessions, however Anna’s baggage may not be physical but it certainly is emotional. There is a reason for this choice of life and as her touching back story is revealed, my heart ached for the life that Anna was missing out on. Anna was a child of the foster system and has been profoundly affected by her experience.
Home shines a light on the care system and the long lasting effect it can have if you become part of it. Anna had two parents, who for their own reasons were unable to care for her and so the state took over and the young Anna was subject to a life of pot luck and hit and miss with care. During her years being passed around from one home to another, Anna had varying experiences but the overriding mental scars together with trust issues, have left her afraid of commitment, afraid of making the wrong choice and of getting things wrong. It was easier not to make any choice at all.
The one constant in her life was Kate. Kate was a fantastic friend from university and though their personal lives went in different directions, their love for each other never changed. It was Kate, together with the support of her family, throughout Anna’s university life who tried to provide the family that Anna never had. Kate could see the potential in Anna but it was making her believe in herself that was the biggest hurdle. Everyone needs a Kate in their life.
This was a deeply moving story of trying to find your place in the world and having to deal with deep rooted insecurities and deciding what you really want from life. I must be honest and say that there were times when I thought that the story slowed a little – even so, I enjoyed it very much. Anna was such a resilient character and some of the people she came across on her travels had such an impact on her life -many for the good, others not so.
I was already familiar with Penny’s ‘Larkford’ series which I had enjoyed however Home elevates her writing to another level. The characters here were so superbly drawn, even those on the periphery and the telling of Anna’s story from childhood to present day makes her such an easy character to empathise with. A thought provoking and heartwarming story of friendship and of finding the courage to make changes.
Part of me secretly envied Anna’s unencumbered lifestyle – free from possessions, however Anna’s baggage may not be physical but it certainly is emotional. There is a reason for this choice of life and as her touching back story is revealed, my heart ached for the life that Anna was missing out on. Anna was a child of the foster system and has been profoundly affected by her experience.
Home shines a light on the care system and the long lasting effect it can have if you become part of it. Anna had two parents, who for their own reasons were unable to care for her and so the state took over and the young Anna was subject to a life of pot luck and hit and miss with care. During her years being passed around from one home to another, Anna had varying experiences but the overriding mental scars together with trust issues, have left her afraid of commitment, afraid of making the wrong choice and of getting things wrong. It was easier not to make any choice at all.
The one constant in her life was Kate. Kate was a fantastic friend from university and though their personal lives went in different directions, their love for each other never changed. It was Kate, together with the support of her family, throughout Anna’s university life who tried to provide the family that Anna never had. Kate could see the potential in Anna but it was making her believe in herself that was the biggest hurdle. Everyone needs a Kate in their life.
This was a deeply moving story of trying to find your place in the world and having to deal with deep rooted insecurities and deciding what you really want from life. I must be honest and say that there were times when I thought that the story slowed a little – even so, I enjoyed it very much. Anna was such a resilient character and some of the people she came across on her travels had such an impact on her life -many for the good, others not so.
I was already familiar with Penny’s ‘Larkford’ series which I had enjoyed however Home elevates her writing to another level. The characters here were so superbly drawn, even those on the periphery and the telling of Anna’s story from childhood to present day makes her such an easy character to empathise with. A thought provoking and heartwarming story of friendship and of finding the courage to make changes.
March 5, 2024
4.25/5. I went into this book relatively blind, not having heard of the author or the book before. I found myself surprisingly touched by the story and quickly warmed to the main character, Anna. Abandoned by a good-for-nothing small-time criminal father and drug-dependent mother, she was shafted from one foster home to the next throughout most of her childhood. Precocious and gifted, her astuteness made the young Anna soon realise that as a child of the system with living parents, she had no hope of finding a forever home.
Years after earning accolades at Oxford, professional house-sitter Anna finds herself moving from one extravagant home to the next all over the world, looking after the properties and pets of the owners while acquiring little or no ownership of her own. She takes great pains not to lay down roots, making it easier when she has to move on. The only constant in her life is her best friend, Kate, the one person worth coming back to. A violent attack forces Anna to confront her past, the past she thought she had long buried but is really never too far from the surface. She finally opens her eyes to the present, to the strength of people all around her, people who choose not to be victims of their circumstances. Slowly she comes to the realisation that "the best way forward is through".
Truly moving. Anna is person you just want to root for and hug tight. The book highlights the heart-breaking plight of the many children in foster care or those coming from broken and violent homes. It is a bit slow-moving in the middle, but I remained captivated, eager to get to the happy ending for Anna, because every child who grew up lonely and abused deserves a chance of a happily ever after.
Great narration.
Years after earning accolades at Oxford, professional house-sitter Anna finds herself moving from one extravagant home to the next all over the world, looking after the properties and pets of the owners while acquiring little or no ownership of her own. She takes great pains not to lay down roots, making it easier when she has to move on. The only constant in her life is her best friend, Kate, the one person worth coming back to. A violent attack forces Anna to confront her past, the past she thought she had long buried but is really never too far from the surface. She finally opens her eyes to the present, to the strength of people all around her, people who choose not to be victims of their circumstances. Slowly she comes to the realisation that "the best way forward is through".
Truly moving. Anna is person you just want to root for and hug tight. The book highlights the heart-breaking plight of the many children in foster care or those coming from broken and violent homes. It is a bit slow-moving in the middle, but I remained captivated, eager to get to the happy ending for Anna, because every child who grew up lonely and abused deserves a chance of a happily ever after.
Great narration.
July 3, 2021
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Before I say anything anything else, I have to share with you that Anna is the best ‘lost and found’ fictional character I’ve ever read. I found it easy to identify with her and admired her resilience. I even fell a little bit in love with her.
The format of Anna’s life in 2019 juxtaposed with her childhood and key events are really effective in building the overall picture.
Critical realisations flip us back to Anna growing up, each and every one of those giving me an emotional punch.
Anna’s journey of self-discovery is prompted by something truly terrible that has a negative impact for a while but ultimately is the anchor that forces a change. The floodgates are opened and Anna has no choice really but to move with it when she moves on to Dittisham and Bath and the people she meets there.
The characters she meets keep her moving on her path and one in particular teaches her just as much about life as she teaches them. Her best friend Kate is a solid foundation. Friendship. Such a simple word but multi-layered in action and that’s what’s at the core of Home.
There is something that I didn’t see coming that left me an emotional wreck for a myriad of reasons. I so want to talk about this! but no spoilers. Nothing is ever clear cut is it?
Penny Parkes story-telling and writing style had me from the beginning. I loved the ‘show not tell’ discoveries. She is an author who knows what makes people tick, not afraid to dive deeply into those shadows to find the light.
I loved this quote:
“ she felt like a glass of orange squash, diluted down to a pale imitation of herself.”
There are a few nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout the story too:
“A goal without a plan is a wish.”
As Kate’s dad would say 🙂
Home shows us that despite having choices taken away, being overshadowed by others’ perceptions and not feeling as if we belong anywhere, it is possible to find our ‘home’ (not of bricks and mortar). Main caregivers aren’t the only ones who can give unconditional love. It’s possible that there will be others who will love us unconditionally and become our home – if we’re brave enough to let them.
An uplifting and inspiring read that you really don’t want to miss. It’s outstanding.
Before I say anything anything else, I have to share with you that Anna is the best ‘lost and found’ fictional character I’ve ever read. I found it easy to identify with her and admired her resilience. I even fell a little bit in love with her.
The format of Anna’s life in 2019 juxtaposed with her childhood and key events are really effective in building the overall picture.
Critical realisations flip us back to Anna growing up, each and every one of those giving me an emotional punch.
Anna’s journey of self-discovery is prompted by something truly terrible that has a negative impact for a while but ultimately is the anchor that forces a change. The floodgates are opened and Anna has no choice really but to move with it when she moves on to Dittisham and Bath and the people she meets there.
The characters she meets keep her moving on her path and one in particular teaches her just as much about life as she teaches them. Her best friend Kate is a solid foundation. Friendship. Such a simple word but multi-layered in action and that’s what’s at the core of Home.
There is something that I didn’t see coming that left me an emotional wreck for a myriad of reasons. I so want to talk about this! but no spoilers. Nothing is ever clear cut is it?
Penny Parkes story-telling and writing style had me from the beginning. I loved the ‘show not tell’ discoveries. She is an author who knows what makes people tick, not afraid to dive deeply into those shadows to find the light.
I loved this quote:
“ she felt like a glass of orange squash, diluted down to a pale imitation of herself.”
There are a few nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout the story too:
“A goal without a plan is a wish.”
As Kate’s dad would say 🙂
Home shows us that despite having choices taken away, being overshadowed by others’ perceptions and not feeling as if we belong anywhere, it is possible to find our ‘home’ (not of bricks and mortar). Main caregivers aren’t the only ones who can give unconditional love. It’s possible that there will be others who will love us unconditionally and become our home – if we’re brave enough to let them.
An uplifting and inspiring read that you really don’t want to miss. It’s outstanding.
July 1, 2021
Anna is a house – sitter, moving from place to place, from country to country, from continent to continent, never stopping, never putting down the roots. The closest to a family that she has is her best friend Kate and her family in Oxford. Anna, from the age of eight, grew up in the foster care, moving from one foster family to another, always in abeyance – she couldn’t have been adopted as she had both her parents, her father usually in prison, her mother simply having left. The only thing that is certain in Anna’s life is her brain and ambition – studying hard, she makes it to Oxford. However, Anna can’t settle, there is something missing in her life. After three unforgettable house – sits in a month, she’s forced to re – evaluate her life and face some of the truths that she tried to forget. Will sie face up to her past? Will it help? Will she find her peace?
I liked how very few main characters there were in the book, as I could truly feel a part of their lives. They were all well developed and interesting, with depth to them.
Anna is such a memorable character! I liked and fell for her right from the very beginning and the more I learnt about her, the more I adored her, her determination, strong character and never giving up. She didn’t have an easy life and while it normally would have broken so many of other people, she kept going. Sure, she had her downs to her ups, it’s only normal, but it made her even more real and genuine. Her – even if unconsciously - searching for the place that she could call home was heart – breaking and so very poignant, there was so much to Anna than met the eye, and Kate had found, long time ago, how precious and valuable person Anna is and how much she has to give.
Anna’s story is told really in a brilliant way, offering us enough flashbacks to satisfy our curiosity and to raise it at the same time, so that we desperately want to read the story. It was lovely to see that she not only had the bad examples in her foster families, but that she also found people who believed in her, who supported her – it was so uplifting. Because you will quickly fall for Anna and will keep everything crossed for her, such a lovely person she is. I had a feeling that she’s growing up in front of our eyes, the author gave such a brilliant perspective and view into her life and deepest thoughts.
I adored her friendship with Kate, well, I actually loved Kate! She was Anna’s family and fiercely supporting her all the time, but also not afraid to tell what she thinks – and this ist he best kind of friend, as our Anna needed it from time to time, to think things over, to re – evaluate, to see the things from different perspective.
The author touches upon important issue upon important issue, one of them the children being in care and how being moved from home to home, how having no-one special in their lives, nobody they could trust, affects them. I loved how, indirectly, she also showed us that behind every door there is a story to tell, each one so different. The tale jumps between present and past and we get the chance to learn about Anna, her life and her choice, and to completely understand her, her ways, her angst. It’s easy to follow the changes in time, I’ve never felt confused where we are and which moment of Anna’s life we are in.
Penny Parkes’s previous books, the Larkford series, were light reads but with depth to them. However, with „Home“, the author has shot herself up to totally different level of heartfelt, evocative and thoughtful. This was a lovely, emotionally charged read about the fact that family is not only about blood. It was about the power of friendship, about finding people who love you and accept you just like you are. It is a poignant story, full of sad moments, nevertheless there is this overwhelming feeling of hope and that everything will be okay. It was really well thought – over and I think every situation and every character was needed and had their place in this story. It feels nostalgic and melancholic and the yearning for finding your own place in the world is there, all the time. This story is not only milk and honey, it touches upon some uncomfortable truths, nevertheless it’s written in such a beautiful, almost lyrical way that makes the reading a truly gentle experience. It’s a raw, honest and very emotional rollercoaster journey, insightful, gentle and filled with hope – a gorgeous read, so thought – provoking and unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
I liked how very few main characters there were in the book, as I could truly feel a part of their lives. They were all well developed and interesting, with depth to them.
Anna is such a memorable character! I liked and fell for her right from the very beginning and the more I learnt about her, the more I adored her, her determination, strong character and never giving up. She didn’t have an easy life and while it normally would have broken so many of other people, she kept going. Sure, she had her downs to her ups, it’s only normal, but it made her even more real and genuine. Her – even if unconsciously - searching for the place that she could call home was heart – breaking and so very poignant, there was so much to Anna than met the eye, and Kate had found, long time ago, how precious and valuable person Anna is and how much she has to give.
Anna’s story is told really in a brilliant way, offering us enough flashbacks to satisfy our curiosity and to raise it at the same time, so that we desperately want to read the story. It was lovely to see that she not only had the bad examples in her foster families, but that she also found people who believed in her, who supported her – it was so uplifting. Because you will quickly fall for Anna and will keep everything crossed for her, such a lovely person she is. I had a feeling that she’s growing up in front of our eyes, the author gave such a brilliant perspective and view into her life and deepest thoughts.
I adored her friendship with Kate, well, I actually loved Kate! She was Anna’s family and fiercely supporting her all the time, but also not afraid to tell what she thinks – and this ist he best kind of friend, as our Anna needed it from time to time, to think things over, to re – evaluate, to see the things from different perspective.
The author touches upon important issue upon important issue, one of them the children being in care and how being moved from home to home, how having no-one special in their lives, nobody they could trust, affects them. I loved how, indirectly, she also showed us that behind every door there is a story to tell, each one so different. The tale jumps between present and past and we get the chance to learn about Anna, her life and her choice, and to completely understand her, her ways, her angst. It’s easy to follow the changes in time, I’ve never felt confused where we are and which moment of Anna’s life we are in.
Penny Parkes’s previous books, the Larkford series, were light reads but with depth to them. However, with „Home“, the author has shot herself up to totally different level of heartfelt, evocative and thoughtful. This was a lovely, emotionally charged read about the fact that family is not only about blood. It was about the power of friendship, about finding people who love you and accept you just like you are. It is a poignant story, full of sad moments, nevertheless there is this overwhelming feeling of hope and that everything will be okay. It was really well thought – over and I think every situation and every character was needed and had their place in this story. It feels nostalgic and melancholic and the yearning for finding your own place in the world is there, all the time. This story is not only milk and honey, it touches upon some uncomfortable truths, nevertheless it’s written in such a beautiful, almost lyrical way that makes the reading a truly gentle experience. It’s a raw, honest and very emotional rollercoaster journey, insightful, gentle and filled with hope – a gorgeous read, so thought – provoking and unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2021
I loved this from the first page to the last.
It is a story of friendship, caring, and finding your place in the world.
Anna is a professional house sitter, travelling around the world to live in other people’s houses and look after their pets whilst they are away. Unlike everyone else at the company she works for, who work a few weeks now and again, this is full time for Anna. She has no home of her own to return to.
Anna was taken into care when she was only 8, and following years of moving between foster homes, wanted a better life for herself. She worked hard, passed her A levels with flying colours and she attended Oxford University. Her dream is to write but she is finding it difficult making a start. When we meet her, she has been house sitting for a number of years and events which have taken place at her last few houses have made her focus more on planning the future she wants for herself. If only she knew what she wanted out of life.
The book is written in first person in the present, and also with Anna growing up as a second timeline.
I believe the idea behind Anna’s search for where she fits in will resonate with many readers.
Anna’s character was very well written. As was her outspoken friend, Kate. Kate and Anna met on their first day at Oxford, both terrified of what they had signed up to and immediately becoming friends.
There were sad moments but there were more hilarious and heartwarming moments spent with her best friend and some of the neighbours she meets along the way.
I personally enjoyed a few references to things from my youth such as The Littlest Hobo and Diamond White!
I would definitely recommend this warm and beautifully written book.
It is a story of friendship, caring, and finding your place in the world.
Anna is a professional house sitter, travelling around the world to live in other people’s houses and look after their pets whilst they are away. Unlike everyone else at the company she works for, who work a few weeks now and again, this is full time for Anna. She has no home of her own to return to.
Anna was taken into care when she was only 8, and following years of moving between foster homes, wanted a better life for herself. She worked hard, passed her A levels with flying colours and she attended Oxford University. Her dream is to write but she is finding it difficult making a start. When we meet her, she has been house sitting for a number of years and events which have taken place at her last few houses have made her focus more on planning the future she wants for herself. If only she knew what she wanted out of life.
The book is written in first person in the present, and also with Anna growing up as a second timeline.
I believe the idea behind Anna’s search for where she fits in will resonate with many readers.
Anna’s character was very well written. As was her outspoken friend, Kate. Kate and Anna met on their first day at Oxford, both terrified of what they had signed up to and immediately becoming friends.
There were sad moments but there were more hilarious and heartwarming moments spent with her best friend and some of the neighbours she meets along the way.
I personally enjoyed a few references to things from my youth such as The Littlest Hobo and Diamond White!
I would definitely recommend this warm and beautifully written book.
June 4, 2022
A lovely heartwarming read and sensitively written too. You definitely want the main character Anna Wilson, to have a happy ending.
October 27, 2022
This book on audio was such a soothing experience, partially because of the British narration and partially because of the storyline. A tale of a professional house-sitter, this book explores the themes of the meaning of home and family while telling the story of Anna, a woman who grew up in foster care and is trying to find her place in the world. I'm so happy Scribd served it up to me in my recommendations because it was such a cozy experience. Now that I have found this author, I will definitely be seeking out more of her work!
Source: Scribd audio
Source: Scribd audio
July 8, 2021
I love when we get a book about an unconventional character or an unconventional lifestyle because life isn’t all black and white and we all have our own paths and our own journey and so meeting Anna and finding out about her journey was really special and something which I desperately needed in my reading life.
It was brilliantly frustrating that we get information about Anna’s past drip fed slowly throughout the course of this novel and yet we know that her past is what has shaped her and why has made her who she is today. I love that we get to see the ‘now’ before finding out about the ‘then’ but you have that desperation as a reader to find out as much as you can about ‘then’ because Anna has obviously been affected negatively by it.
It’s so interesting that Anna has chosen to live life through other peoples houses. Her last obviously inspired a lot of this and she is essentially homeless. It just shows that someone without their own home can come in many shapes and forms. I love that Anna is so successful at her job and we do get to find out more and more about why that is. I’ve done some house sitting in my time and it was so intriguing to read about someone who does that full time!
This book also explore the concept of found family and friends often being more of a family than those we grew up with. This is often seen in movies and TV but i don’t think that we get enough of it in books. Kate has such a great relationship with Anna and I loved watching their friendship grow and change as these two women did. I know I will be thinking about where the two of them are now for a long time.
We also get a glimpse into the foster system and what it take for a child to be removed from a home which again is generally only explored in books that are specifically about that issue and not just as part of the main characters life and background. I love that we are getting more of that in general fiction and I think Penny Parkes made some brave but necessary choices when crafting Anna’s story and her character.
This book definitely made me think and opened my eyes to some issues I hadn’t really given much time and attention. I enjoyed the slow feed of information but do be warned, Anna’s story will consume you when you’re reading it.
It was brilliantly frustrating that we get information about Anna’s past drip fed slowly throughout the course of this novel and yet we know that her past is what has shaped her and why has made her who she is today. I love that we get to see the ‘now’ before finding out about the ‘then’ but you have that desperation as a reader to find out as much as you can about ‘then’ because Anna has obviously been affected negatively by it.
It’s so interesting that Anna has chosen to live life through other peoples houses. Her last obviously inspired a lot of this and she is essentially homeless. It just shows that someone without their own home can come in many shapes and forms. I love that Anna is so successful at her job and we do get to find out more and more about why that is. I’ve done some house sitting in my time and it was so intriguing to read about someone who does that full time!
This book also explore the concept of found family and friends often being more of a family than those we grew up with. This is often seen in movies and TV but i don’t think that we get enough of it in books. Kate has such a great relationship with Anna and I loved watching their friendship grow and change as these two women did. I know I will be thinking about where the two of them are now for a long time.
We also get a glimpse into the foster system and what it take for a child to be removed from a home which again is generally only explored in books that are specifically about that issue and not just as part of the main characters life and background. I love that we are getting more of that in general fiction and I think Penny Parkes made some brave but necessary choices when crafting Anna’s story and her character.
This book definitely made me think and opened my eyes to some issues I hadn’t really given much time and attention. I enjoyed the slow feed of information but do be warned, Anna’s story will consume you when you’re reading it.
January 11, 2021
What a journey Anna is on, and I absolutely loved being there every step of the way.
From the first time we get a glimpse into her childhood, I was gripped by the book, both the present day and the past, as we get to see just why Anna is the way she is.
Anna is a professional house sitter and has been for 10 years, she is clearly looking for something, but not quite sure what, so has in the meantime spent years travelling around the world looking after some fabulous properties and also a lot of pet sitting. She also in each place attempts to fit in like a local, and makes fleeting connections to people.
She has one constant in her life, best friend Kate who is straight talking and absolutely wonderful.
The past sections show us the various placements Anna had as a child, growing up in foster care with no hope of adoption as both her parents were still alive, they just weren't able to care for her at all. I suspect there was great research gone into what children at all the various ages would feel like care , as it made for realistic and compelling reading.
We are also treated to some of Anna's most recent house sitting jobs in the present, and it's fascinating to see how different people treat her, and just what she has to deal with. At times I started thinking that it would be a wonderful job to do for myself, especially if I was able to get any of the plum positions abroad that Anna loves.
At the heart of it all Anna wants is a home to call her home but she is terrified of making any decisions, but will some of the people she meets at her latest placements start to get her thinking differently.
It's a heartwarming story about finding your place in the world. I really loved it.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
From the first time we get a glimpse into her childhood, I was gripped by the book, both the present day and the past, as we get to see just why Anna is the way she is.
Anna is a professional house sitter and has been for 10 years, she is clearly looking for something, but not quite sure what, so has in the meantime spent years travelling around the world looking after some fabulous properties and also a lot of pet sitting. She also in each place attempts to fit in like a local, and makes fleeting connections to people.
She has one constant in her life, best friend Kate who is straight talking and absolutely wonderful.
The past sections show us the various placements Anna had as a child, growing up in foster care with no hope of adoption as both her parents were still alive, they just weren't able to care for her at all. I suspect there was great research gone into what children at all the various ages would feel like care , as it made for realistic and compelling reading.
We are also treated to some of Anna's most recent house sitting jobs in the present, and it's fascinating to see how different people treat her, and just what she has to deal with. At times I started thinking that it would be a wonderful job to do for myself, especially if I was able to get any of the plum positions abroad that Anna loves.
At the heart of it all Anna wants is a home to call her home but she is terrified of making any decisions, but will some of the people she meets at her latest placements start to get her thinking differently.
It's a heartwarming story about finding your place in the world. I really loved it.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 7, 2021
DNF. I really wanted to like this! It reminded me a little of good old Rosamunde Pilcher & Maeve Binchy from back in the day - lots of characters and sagas set in England. That’s where the similarity ends, unfortunately. I realised I had no desire to go on much longer once I reached chapter 17, so skipped to the end chapters and skimmed them to find out what happens. It’s a LONG book without substance, despite its length. It’s been months since I’ve read a brilliant book. Losing my love of reading! Hopefully the new Lianne Moriarty will come in before the end of the year and save me from this mediocrity!
January 17, 2023
i think 2 star may be a little too harsh, but considering that i was skim reading the last 50 pages of the book just to get it over with, i think it truly shows my emotions towards this book.
to be honest, it started off quite well! the character was likeable and her story relatable. but, halfway through, it was so stagnant… the changes and developments that were being discussed in tremendous detail could have been made much quicker; i really dont think it needed 200 pages of explanation to get to the final point.
regardless, it wasnt the WORST book in the world, but definitely not the best.
to be honest, it started off quite well! the character was likeable and her story relatable. but, halfway through, it was so stagnant… the changes and developments that were being discussed in tremendous detail could have been made much quicker; i really dont think it needed 200 pages of explanation to get to the final point.
regardless, it wasnt the WORST book in the world, but definitely not the best.
February 16, 2022
Not my cup of tea but I wont call it a bad book. The plot can be summarized in a couple of lines and the book seemed to go on. There was not much of a suspense element. After a point it was like " ok i get it ! " and i was pushing myself to turn the pages to not leave it unfinished. The language is good ; found a lot of new words in there. My first attempt with this author.
February 14, 2025
This was quite a surprising read. Not bad at all actually. 3 stars rather than 4 because it dragged out the end for faaaaar too long (ironic, as a character made a comment in the book that the process of moving on is always dragged out too long in books and movies!).
It is however not at all a romance (the MC reminisces about a university boyfriend who turned out to be an arse, and has a brief moment of connection with another character that goes nowhere. That’s IT. No romance here.), so why that is listed as one of the main genres, I have no idea. Maybe some people have particularly odd ideas of what constitutes a romance…
What is does have is a story centred strongly around friendship and family, and how sometimes the best family isn’t those you are related to by blood.
It also has an MC with the coolest job ever, and if it wasn’t for hubby and Offspring the Youngest, I’d be off doing the exact same thing myself! I already told them they were lucky I didn’t know about Professional Housesitting 30 years ago, or we wouldn’t be here now! 😆
Audio narration wasn’t bad, although the narrator mispronounced a lot of stuff, sometimes completely changing the meaning of a word, which could be a little confusing.
It is however not at all a romance (the MC reminisces about a university boyfriend who turned out to be an arse, and has a brief moment of connection with another character that goes nowhere. That’s IT. No romance here.), so why that is listed as one of the main genres, I have no idea. Maybe some people have particularly odd ideas of what constitutes a romance…
What is does have is a story centred strongly around friendship and family, and how sometimes the best family isn’t those you are related to by blood.
It also has an MC with the coolest job ever, and if it wasn’t for hubby and Offspring the Youngest, I’d be off doing the exact same thing myself! I already told them they were lucky I didn’t know about Professional Housesitting 30 years ago, or we wouldn’t be here now! 😆
Audio narration wasn’t bad, although the narrator mispronounced a lot of stuff, sometimes completely changing the meaning of a word, which could be a little confusing.
June 25, 2021
Thank you so much to the lovely people from @simonschusteruk for sending me a copy of this lovely book to read and review. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is such an evocative and thoughtful read. Anna is passed from foster home to foster home, just wanting to feel loved and cherished. It such a sad story, that’s also littered with a beautiful poignant message……family is not about blood, but about finding people you love, who love you, for you!!
Anna is such a strong character who has been dealt such terrible cards in life, but finds a way to keep going! I loved her relationship with best friend Kate and Marjorie is such an exquisite character and I fell in love with her!!
All in all a very enjoyable, thought provoking read and I am so looking forward to reading more by this author.
This is such an evocative and thoughtful read. Anna is passed from foster home to foster home, just wanting to feel loved and cherished. It such a sad story, that’s also littered with a beautiful poignant message……family is not about blood, but about finding people you love, who love you, for you!!
Anna is such a strong character who has been dealt such terrible cards in life, but finds a way to keep going! I loved her relationship with best friend Kate and Marjorie is such an exquisite character and I fell in love with her!!
All in all a very enjoyable, thought provoking read and I am so looking forward to reading more by this author.
September 8, 2023
A solid “ehh.” Could have been a lot shorter to get to a pretty obvious ending- lots of repetition that at first makes you think you’re settling into the characters, but then becomes more glaring the longer the read goes.
Also, the phrase “all too well” pops up so much! Or maybe I’m just a burgeoning Swiftie? Lol
Also, the phrase “all too well” pops up so much! Or maybe I’m just a burgeoning Swiftie? Lol
January 11, 2022
Fantastic
This book had me gripped from the start. Such depth to the story and a really enchanting yet heart breaking life story. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This book had me gripped from the start. Such depth to the story and a really enchanting yet heart breaking life story. I really enjoyed reading this book.
March 20, 2022
I’ve seen this miscategorized as a romance. It is not. But it is sweet and wonderful.
June 12, 2022
Wonderful and poignant.
Will definitely read again sometime.
Will definitely read again sometime.
January 25, 2023
Compelling read and and so gorgeous, Home is Anna’s story showing that discovering it isn’t where you are that’s impossible , it’s the people who make a place Home, a beautiful read
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion .
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion .
February 6, 2023
Great story line. Read it in 2 days. The ending was the worst of the worst! So disappointed 😞
April 11, 2023
A recommendation from Scribd, it was an interesting premise, but not impressed overall.
June 19, 2024
Did Not Finish. Unnecessary language, etc.
January 6, 2026
3.5 stars! I enjoyed this book for about 3/4 of the way and then it just dragged on. The ending took so long. The friendship and self discovery is sweet but just needed more of a wrap up earlier on.
August 9, 2023
I chose to listen to this book at random and boy did I need to hear what this book was sharing. I am in a strange chapter in my life and she explained so many of my own thoughts and feeling through her characters story that truly hit hard. It explains family dynamics in a broken home so well that can let others understand without being in their shoes. Honestly I can’t even put into words how much this book resonated with me , but I will say I loved it and hope you’d give a chance! I will definitely be purchasing the physical copy!
February 29, 2024
When I first started reading this book, I was quite drawn to the plot and the main character, Anna. I think what drew me in most was the opportunity to read about and venture into the life and mind of a house sitter who is unattached and gets to travel and stay in so many unique homes/houses meeting so many diverse people. Also the fact that Anna grew up in the foster care system intrigued me and I wanted to read about her experiences of this too. I know that there was meant to be a strong emphasis on friendship in this book, however, I personally didn't enjoy the friendship that Anna & Kate had as it was quite irritating how they communicated. I just couldn't warm to how their friendship was being portrayed especially in the final chapters, when Kate was visiting with Anna. I did enjoy young Callie's character and the sweet Henry too but that one was short lived as that's not the direction the author wanted to take it. I felt that the author didn't want the reader to be too distracted by 'romance' but stay focused and honed in on her central themes around coming of age, friendship, trauma, betrayal, self discovery, healing, evolving and feminism to some extent too.
So overall, the book began with an insightful perspective into Anna's thoughts and experiences however I didn't think that she would prove to be the kind of character that she ended up being. I was expecting quite an opposite kind of character to eventuate from when I first start reading of her.
I wasn't fond of the play with the timelines in this book. Usually this kind of novel would be executed more seamlessly, but with this book, the past and the present just felt so disconnected.
When I got to almost mid way, it just started to become stagnant and bland and Anna's character seemed to be losing substance. The only reason I think I kept reading the book apart from wanting to know where Anna ends up was that I enjoyed the language and how the author expressed some of the creative sentences and descriptions along the way. I learnt lots of new words and appreciated the way some of the sentences were articulated. I wanted to copy some of these out below to look back on. There were definitely some thought provoking parts throughout and some that made me very sad too.
~ Anna could always tell whether her new placement was in a happy home, or merely a glamorous shell of style over substance.
~ The ability to move on without attachment was just as important to Anna as the carousel of changing locations was to her spirit of adventure.
~ After an hour of bathroom ablutions the next morning involving razors, leave-in conditioners and some kind of face mask that promised to be 'cruel to be kind' - she'd actually felt her pores tightening, she thought with a shudder - Anna could remember only too well why she refused to espouse to this level of grooming on a daily basis. She couldn't help but wonder how many talented female brains were limited from reaching their full potential because of hair - stying it, colouring it, removing it.....Was hair in fact a key limiting factor in smashing the proverbial glass ceiling, she thought not for the first time.
~ When it came to having a template to follow, Anna knew that hers was a cautionary tale at best. How on earth did she know what choices to make when she had no clear idea of the destination? how fitting, then, that she chose to spend time trying on different lives for size...
~To love someone was to risk losing them, she'd always known that.
~ For a fleeting moment, Anna could only wish she had the fortitude to turn around, the irony not escaping her that honesty and vulnerability required a lot more strength than keeping her friends at arm's length; almost as though she'd been doing it for so long that her metaphorical elbow locked into place. Bending was no longer an option.
~ And like the skyline in front of her, Anna herself was a mass of contradictions - old and new competing for space, for breathing room.
~ She hung up and closed her eyes, wondering if people knew how much easier their lives were simply by being part of a family, a team, a community even. She was all for savouring her independence, but just sometimes she wondered whether a little compromise might go a long way; a little vulnerability in admitting how lonely it was to travel the world in luxury and at someone else's expense.
~ It was necessary, after all, to have someone to look down on, in order to be that confident and so utterly convinced of one's own superiority.
~ As was her habit, Anna took her time finding her bearings. It was part of the promise of a new place, a new adventure, to tease out the first tour of the house. Why rush, after all, from room to room when each new vista, each bookshelf, each silver-framed photography could be savoured and scrutinised? This was not, she always justified to herself snooping. She just needed to get the lay of the land, as it were, preferably in daylight, and in a house this big, she liked to make sure there were no surprises. Heated tongs left on, windows wide open, alarm clocks set for 5 a.m. - this was not her first rodeo and she was forever amazed by how carelessly people were content to leave their houses. And somehow the more decadent the home, the less care and respect it afforded. Case in point, the array of sodden towels on the bed in the master suite.
~ How was it possible that Henry's strength, to her at least, seemed to come from his very willingness to be vulnerable, and yet Andrew Fraser for all his brutality, now seemed small and weak?
~ Being angry always felt better than being a victim; it had become an old friend in times of upheaval. Anger gave her a sense of choice and ownership, as her life changed around her yet again without any say-so or approval from Anna herself.
~ Rather than tear strips off this clearly unstable woman, whose insecurities seemed to be warping her every interaction with the world, Anna focused on the tiny gold stars on the Home Network website and met every criticism with grace and diplomacy.
~ There was something about the light in this coffee shop that illuminated the warmer hues and cast deeper shadows; the juxtaposition beguiling and inspirational.
~ 'Oh honey, you are still firmly in the amateur stakes when it comes to procrastination, avoidance, denial - I have a master's in self-delusion at this point' ' But at least you're self aware enough to realise it' Callie countered, unable to stop the burst of laughter that followed.
~ She thought of Callie, of how life might be so different were she to grow up in a home where she was truly hear and supported. She dared to think of herself. So many what ifs and maybes. So many versions of truth. She sat down on the sofa, the cushions squashing beneath her, and picked up a large stuffed elephant, its sumptuous softness dented in places by tiny arms and insistent fingers. With the weight of him against her chest, she allowed herself to imagine, for a moment, a life like this.
~ Home was not an address on a piece of paper, or dependent on a solid foundation. She could build a home, the way Marjorie had intended, by filling her life with people she loved, allowing herself to simply be just that - herself. The was no time to shy away from her innate talents and experiences; this was the time to embrace everything she had learned and to finally have the courage to share it.
So overall, the book began with an insightful perspective into Anna's thoughts and experiences however I didn't think that she would prove to be the kind of character that she ended up being. I was expecting quite an opposite kind of character to eventuate from when I first start reading of her.
I wasn't fond of the play with the timelines in this book. Usually this kind of novel would be executed more seamlessly, but with this book, the past and the present just felt so disconnected.
When I got to almost mid way, it just started to become stagnant and bland and Anna's character seemed to be losing substance. The only reason I think I kept reading the book apart from wanting to know where Anna ends up was that I enjoyed the language and how the author expressed some of the creative sentences and descriptions along the way. I learnt lots of new words and appreciated the way some of the sentences were articulated. I wanted to copy some of these out below to look back on. There were definitely some thought provoking parts throughout and some that made me very sad too.
~ Anna could always tell whether her new placement was in a happy home, or merely a glamorous shell of style over substance.
~ The ability to move on without attachment was just as important to Anna as the carousel of changing locations was to her spirit of adventure.
~ After an hour of bathroom ablutions the next morning involving razors, leave-in conditioners and some kind of face mask that promised to be 'cruel to be kind' - she'd actually felt her pores tightening, she thought with a shudder - Anna could remember only too well why she refused to espouse to this level of grooming on a daily basis. She couldn't help but wonder how many talented female brains were limited from reaching their full potential because of hair - stying it, colouring it, removing it.....Was hair in fact a key limiting factor in smashing the proverbial glass ceiling, she thought not for the first time.
~ When it came to having a template to follow, Anna knew that hers was a cautionary tale at best. How on earth did she know what choices to make when she had no clear idea of the destination? how fitting, then, that she chose to spend time trying on different lives for size...
~To love someone was to risk losing them, she'd always known that.
~ For a fleeting moment, Anna could only wish she had the fortitude to turn around, the irony not escaping her that honesty and vulnerability required a lot more strength than keeping her friends at arm's length; almost as though she'd been doing it for so long that her metaphorical elbow locked into place. Bending was no longer an option.
~ And like the skyline in front of her, Anna herself was a mass of contradictions - old and new competing for space, for breathing room.
~ She hung up and closed her eyes, wondering if people knew how much easier their lives were simply by being part of a family, a team, a community even. She was all for savouring her independence, but just sometimes she wondered whether a little compromise might go a long way; a little vulnerability in admitting how lonely it was to travel the world in luxury and at someone else's expense.
~ It was necessary, after all, to have someone to look down on, in order to be that confident and so utterly convinced of one's own superiority.
~ As was her habit, Anna took her time finding her bearings. It was part of the promise of a new place, a new adventure, to tease out the first tour of the house. Why rush, after all, from room to room when each new vista, each bookshelf, each silver-framed photography could be savoured and scrutinised? This was not, she always justified to herself snooping. She just needed to get the lay of the land, as it were, preferably in daylight, and in a house this big, she liked to make sure there were no surprises. Heated tongs left on, windows wide open, alarm clocks set for 5 a.m. - this was not her first rodeo and she was forever amazed by how carelessly people were content to leave their houses. And somehow the more decadent the home, the less care and respect it afforded. Case in point, the array of sodden towels on the bed in the master suite.
~ How was it possible that Henry's strength, to her at least, seemed to come from his very willingness to be vulnerable, and yet Andrew Fraser for all his brutality, now seemed small and weak?
~ Being angry always felt better than being a victim; it had become an old friend in times of upheaval. Anger gave her a sense of choice and ownership, as her life changed around her yet again without any say-so or approval from Anna herself.
~ Rather than tear strips off this clearly unstable woman, whose insecurities seemed to be warping her every interaction with the world, Anna focused on the tiny gold stars on the Home Network website and met every criticism with grace and diplomacy.
~ There was something about the light in this coffee shop that illuminated the warmer hues and cast deeper shadows; the juxtaposition beguiling and inspirational.
~ 'Oh honey, you are still firmly in the amateur stakes when it comes to procrastination, avoidance, denial - I have a master's in self-delusion at this point' ' But at least you're self aware enough to realise it' Callie countered, unable to stop the burst of laughter that followed.
~ She thought of Callie, of how life might be so different were she to grow up in a home where she was truly hear and supported. She dared to think of herself. So many what ifs and maybes. So many versions of truth. She sat down on the sofa, the cushions squashing beneath her, and picked up a large stuffed elephant, its sumptuous softness dented in places by tiny arms and insistent fingers. With the weight of him against her chest, she allowed herself to imagine, for a moment, a life like this.
~ Home was not an address on a piece of paper, or dependent on a solid foundation. She could build a home, the way Marjorie had intended, by filling her life with people she loved, allowing herself to simply be just that - herself. The was no time to shy away from her innate talents and experiences; this was the time to embrace everything she had learned and to finally have the courage to share it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
I was so invested in the story. I didn't want it to end. Anna Wilson is a professional house sitter drifting from house to house, no fixed address. She chose this occupation after growing up in foster care. Her work allows her to travel and meet new people, but she can't put down roots. She longs for a family and a home of her own. It is set in 2019, and also throughout Anna's childhood. The secondary characters had so much depth - I loved Anna's relationship with her university friend Kate, and the bond she had with Margery, her first foster carer. It's a story of the complexity of foster care and homelessness, and also hope and chosen family. Brilliantly narrated by Luanda Kirman, too.
July 27, 2021
Anna's job is being a professional housesitter, she travels all around the world and not only looks after people's houses but their pets and neighbours too. It was an interesting plot line as I haven't read too many books about a house sitter but it seems an interesting job. As the story unfolds we see why Anna does this job and it is really heart felt. She meets some unique characters along the way too. I just want to keep reading about the different homes she visits. I felt as though this book touched my heart. I now want to read more of Penny's books as I feel as though I have missed out on her awesome writing.
November 22, 2023
Just a story. There was no aha, no twist moment. The flashbacks felt like they were from a different story - not that they didn't make sense, but that there was no link to the present day story being told.
July 6, 2021
If ‘Home’ and Anna Wilson don’t break your heart I don’t know what character and book would!
Penny Parkes drip feeds information and allows us, the reader to gain a gradual insight into the life of the main character Anna, and what makes her tick. How the childhood she knew, moulded her into the adult she’s become. She leads a transient lifestyle, moving from place to place, stepping into a multitude of homes in her capacity as a professional house sitter. Never staying in one place long enough to put down roots, have a social life or get too close to anybody. Living on the periphery of peoples lives, whilst not really living her own.
Early on in the story we learn that as a child Anna had been shunted like an unwanted parcel from foster home to foster home. Her confidence and resilience battered a little more with each move. This explains a lot about character, I truly believe that the life we led as children has a strong bearing upon the adults we become and for Anna this was definitely true. She’s seemingly unable to put down roots and attach herself too strongly to either people or places.
Thank goodness for one of her foster parents Marjorie - what an absolute angel, I loved her as a character so much! She was just beautiful and kind, inside and out - boosting Anna’s confidence and teaching her to reach for the stars, to learn and grow. I really thought that Anna would get to settle here, so it was utterly devastating to read that Anna didn’t get to live her happy ever after life with Marjorie. Their interactions, each giving the other the comfort they needed with the life lessons Marjorie taught her instilled in her a drive to succeed, yet no matter what she achieved she never quite believed in herself. The bar set so high she consistently felt she could never quite sail over it. The mental pressure she put on herself was so hard to read at times, she was always striving for perfection but never quite believing in herself, not allowing anyone to get too close, preferring to keep herself to herself with the exception of best friend Kate.
Kate was the closest thing thing she had to family - she was the family she chose and a better cheer leader she could not have wished for. The sort of friend that is always there for you no matter what but, when needed tells you straight, not afraid to gently pull the punches - I loved her she was funny, resilient and dependable.
I loved watching Anna bloom, find herself and discover what Home meant to her - it isn’t always blood and nature that makes a home but nurture, love and gentle kindness. People who love you for you, not because they’re family and should. With Home Penny Parkes has woven a magical tale laced with honesty, openness, resilience, love and friendship. An uplifting, mentally descriptive read - the words painting vivid pictures that were at times both painful and beautiful. I loved it and loved that without realising it Anna left behind a little bit of herself behind with each and every house sit, touching the hearts of everyone she met until eventually she emerges like a butterfly and slowly begins to bloom and trust in herself.
This is a book I'll be shouting about for a long time to come - it is humbling, breathe takingly beautiful and a book that I know I shall read again and again. Thank you SJ & Books and the City for introducing me to another amazing author in Penny Parkes.
Penny Parkes drip feeds information and allows us, the reader to gain a gradual insight into the life of the main character Anna, and what makes her tick. How the childhood she knew, moulded her into the adult she’s become. She leads a transient lifestyle, moving from place to place, stepping into a multitude of homes in her capacity as a professional house sitter. Never staying in one place long enough to put down roots, have a social life or get too close to anybody. Living on the periphery of peoples lives, whilst not really living her own.
Early on in the story we learn that as a child Anna had been shunted like an unwanted parcel from foster home to foster home. Her confidence and resilience battered a little more with each move. This explains a lot about character, I truly believe that the life we led as children has a strong bearing upon the adults we become and for Anna this was definitely true. She’s seemingly unable to put down roots and attach herself too strongly to either people or places.
Thank goodness for one of her foster parents Marjorie - what an absolute angel, I loved her as a character so much! She was just beautiful and kind, inside and out - boosting Anna’s confidence and teaching her to reach for the stars, to learn and grow. I really thought that Anna would get to settle here, so it was utterly devastating to read that Anna didn’t get to live her happy ever after life with Marjorie. Their interactions, each giving the other the comfort they needed with the life lessons Marjorie taught her instilled in her a drive to succeed, yet no matter what she achieved she never quite believed in herself. The bar set so high she consistently felt she could never quite sail over it. The mental pressure she put on herself was so hard to read at times, she was always striving for perfection but never quite believing in herself, not allowing anyone to get too close, preferring to keep herself to herself with the exception of best friend Kate.
Kate was the closest thing thing she had to family - she was the family she chose and a better cheer leader she could not have wished for. The sort of friend that is always there for you no matter what but, when needed tells you straight, not afraid to gently pull the punches - I loved her she was funny, resilient and dependable.
I loved watching Anna bloom, find herself and discover what Home meant to her - it isn’t always blood and nature that makes a home but nurture, love and gentle kindness. People who love you for you, not because they’re family and should. With Home Penny Parkes has woven a magical tale laced with honesty, openness, resilience, love and friendship. An uplifting, mentally descriptive read - the words painting vivid pictures that were at times both painful and beautiful. I loved it and loved that without realising it Anna left behind a little bit of herself behind with each and every house sit, touching the hearts of everyone she met until eventually she emerges like a butterfly and slowly begins to bloom and trust in herself.
This is a book I'll be shouting about for a long time to come - it is humbling, breathe takingly beautiful and a book that I know I shall read again and again. Thank you SJ & Books and the City for introducing me to another amazing author in Penny Parkes.
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