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Two Doors Away
Since moving to a new city, once-adventurous Steph is doing her best to prove to her friends and family back home that her life is as fulfilling and envy-inducing as ever. The truth? She is broke and has found that making new friends isn't as easy as she expected.
Eric has lost his way in life since his breakup with perfect Clarissa. Now that all his friends are buying homes, getting married and starting families, Eric is still living in a house share, feeling left behind.
Eric and Steph are lonely. They're strangers, but with one connection - they live on the same street, on either side of number 26. Neither Eric nor Steph have met their neighbour at number 26, but both used to take comfort in hearing their neighbour playing piano at the same time every night - it made them feel less alone.
Now the music has stopped and number 26 lies silent. Brought together by their mutual concern, Eric and Steph begin to grow closer and it looks like they might discover that the solution to their problems has been just two doors down the whole time.
Eric has lost his way in life since his breakup with perfect Clarissa. Now that all his friends are buying homes, getting married and starting families, Eric is still living in a house share, feeling left behind.
Eric and Steph are lonely. They're strangers, but with one connection - they live on the same street, on either side of number 26. Neither Eric nor Steph have met their neighbour at number 26, but both used to take comfort in hearing their neighbour playing piano at the same time every night - it made them feel less alone.
Now the music has stopped and number 26 lies silent. Brought together by their mutual concern, Eric and Steph begin to grow closer and it looks like they might discover that the solution to their problems has been just two doors down the whole time.
393 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2022
11 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 1, 2022
In a Nutshell: Unlike what the cover and the blurb suggest, this book is quite intense. It clicked only to some extent with me, partly because I had very different expectations from it.
Story:
Broadly speaking the story has three elements: Steph’s story, Eric’s story, and their joint story, which includes their search for the mystery behind number 26’s sudden silence.
Steph’s story was the most irritating to me. A part of it could be because of Steph’s obsession with Instagram, an app I simply can’t understand the appeal of. But even otherwise, Steph comes across as very impulsive and shortsighted, and even shallow, none of which made her very likeable to me. Steph’s arc has very few redeeming parts, mostly in the second half.
Eric’s story arc is somewhat better. While his character also lives in the past and he doesn’t seem to figure out how to move on, his emotions come across as far more realistic.
The best part of the story is where the two characters intersect. Their connection, their repartee, their friendship, all make for an enjoyable reading experience. If only the rest of the book matched up.
I was not very fond of the writing style, which is very meandering and takes its own sweet time to proceed with the plot. The initial 30% or so just drags. Things start moving faster only once the lead pair meets, but still not as fast as I would have liked. In addition, there are way too many characters in Steph’s and Eric’s lives and remembering them all is a tedious task.
I must give credit to the author for this: For a change, the male lead works in a routine low-end banking job rather than being a high-flying businessman or top-level corporate honcho like in almost every other chick lit. Yay for a regular guy!
Because of the cover and blurb, I assumed that this would be a light, happy read. But it turned out to be much darker and intense. Both Steph and Eric carry a lot of regrets and guilt about the past, and this weighs down heavily on the story. Unfortunately for me (and for the book), I was not in the mood for a sombre story. (The topic itself would have been okay but the rambling writing drove the final nail in the coffin of my expectations.)
My heart wants to give it a 2 star rating but my head is pointing out that it was also picked up in the wrong mood and with the wrong expectations. So I’ll let go of my usual stingy self and give it 3 stars. Okay, 2.75. The Rating Scrooge in me doesn’t want to compromise too much.
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the DRC of “Two Doors Away”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Steph has moved to a new city after her breakup and is desperate to show everyone through her Instagram that her life is on perfect track. The reality however is that she is lonely and broke.
Eric is battling a relationship hangover ever since his breakup with “Perfect Clarissa” almost a year ago. As all his friends are married, having kids, and in their own homes, Eric feels left out as the bachelor still living in a houseshare.
What Steph and Eric don’t know is that they are only… … “Two Doors Away”. Their homes are on either side of house number 26, from where dulcet piano melodies can be heard playing every night at 10pm. All of a sudden, the music has stopped and number 26 is dark and silent. What happened? Can Eric and Steph bring the music back in number 26, and thereby in their lives too?
The story comes to us in the first person perspectives of Eric and Steph.
Broadly speaking the story has three elements: Steph’s story, Eric’s story, and their joint story, which includes their search for the mystery behind number 26’s sudden silence.
Steph’s story was the most irritating to me. A part of it could be because of Steph’s obsession with Instagram, an app I simply can’t understand the appeal of. But even otherwise, Steph comes across as very impulsive and shortsighted, and even shallow, none of which made her very likeable to me. Steph’s arc has very few redeeming parts, mostly in the second half.
Eric’s story arc is somewhat better. While his character also lives in the past and he doesn’t seem to figure out how to move on, his emotions come across as far more realistic.
The best part of the story is where the two characters intersect. Their connection, their repartee, their friendship, all make for an enjoyable reading experience. If only the rest of the book matched up.
I was not very fond of the writing style, which is very meandering and takes its own sweet time to proceed with the plot. The initial 30% or so just drags. Things start moving faster only once the lead pair meets, but still not as fast as I would have liked. In addition, there are way too many characters in Steph’s and Eric’s lives and remembering them all is a tedious task.
I must give credit to the author for this: For a change, the male lead works in a routine low-end banking job rather than being a high-flying businessman or top-level corporate honcho like in almost every other chick lit. Yay for a regular guy!
Because of the cover and blurb, I assumed that this would be a light, happy read. But it turned out to be much darker and intense. Both Steph and Eric carry a lot of regrets and guilt about the past, and this weighs down heavily on the story. Unfortunately for me (and for the book), I was not in the mood for a sombre story. (The topic itself would have been okay but the rambling writing drove the final nail in the coffin of my expectations.)
My heart wants to give it a 2 star rating but my head is pointing out that it was also picked up in the wrong mood and with the wrong expectations. So I’ll let go of my usual stingy self and give it 3 stars. Okay, 2.75. The Rating Scrooge in me doesn’t want to compromise too much.
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the DRC of “Two Doors Away”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
July 29, 2022
Una lectura un poco demasiado intensa para mí gusto.
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Two doors away de Elle Spellman
Argumento:
Desde que se mudó a una nueva ciudad, Steph, una vez aventurera, está haciendo todo lo posible para demostrarles a sus amigos y familiares que su vida es tan satisfactoria y tan envidiable como siempre. ¿La verdad? Está arruinada y descubrió que hacer nuevos amigos no es tan fácil como esperaba.
Eric ha perdido su rumbo en la vida desde su ruptura con la perfecta Clarissa. Ahora que todos sus amigos están comprando casas, casándose y formando familias, Eric todavía vive en una casa compartida y se siente abandonado.
Eric y Steph están solos. Son extraños, pero tienen una conexión: viven en la misma calle, a ambos lados del número 26. Ni Eric ni Steph han conocido a su vecino en el número 26, pero ambos solían consolarse al escuchar a su vecino tocar el piano en el a la misma hora todas las noches - los hizo sentir menos solos.
Ahora la música se ha detenido y el número 26 permanece en silencio.
Unidos por su preocupación mutua, Eric y Steph comienzan a acercarse y parece que podrían descubrir que la solución a sus problemas ha estado a solo dos puertas de distancia todo el tiempo.
Mi humilde opinión:
Creí que por el argumento y la linda portada este libro iba a ser más alegre, un romance dulce y divertido pero...
La historia está dividida en partes, está por un lado la de Steph y por el otro la de Eric que cuentan sobre sus día a día y cómo les afectó las rupturas de sus ex y decisiones personales en sus vidas. Atravesando o lidiando con el duelo, la depresión y soledad, pensando en el pasado y lo que 'hubiera sido si' con culpas y arrepentimientos. Contado de cada perspectiva le dio profundidad a estos personajes y me hizo comprenderlos mucho mejor.
Sin embargo, sentí toda esa narración tan gris y tediosa! Mientras leía sobre los protas pensaba pobrecitos, dejen a sus ex en el pasado y pónganse las pilas para encontrar más emoción en sus vidas que parecían deprimentes.
Eso hizo que el ritmo de la lectura fuera lenta para mi, me daban ganas de pasar páginas para ir a alguna mejor parte. Es cuando Steph y Eric se conocen que me desperté y la historia pareció moverse un poco aunque no tanto como me hubiera gustado.
Me pareció lindo que los dos tuvieran un link con la música que toca en el piano el vecino, que las melodías les dieran paz al final del día. Y es la razón por la que ambos se conocen en un punto y deciden averiguar el misterio de porqué de un día para el otro el vecino del número 26 desapareció.
En cuanto a los protagonistas, no era fan de Steph. Era envidiosa, mentirosa y superficial. No entendí porque esa manía de fingir algo que no eres y por redes sociales! Fue irritante esa obsesión que tenía de mostrarse popular para que vea su ex en instagram. No me gustaba para nada.
Eric era un hombre común con un trabajo común, este dulce héroe me encantó. Él está viendo a sus amigos armar sus vidas, mudándose con sus novias o casándose y teniendo bebés mientras que su vida está estancada. Piensa que arruinó su felicidad futura hace tiempo y no sabe cómo avanzar. Su historia me pareció más creíble en ese sentido que la de Steph.
El romance estuvo bien. Me gustó mucho el primer encuentro de Eric y Steph y esa charla tan divertida que tuvieron. Sentí allí mismo la conexión y cuán perfectos se veían juntos compartiendo risas en el bar con una cerveza y papas fritas.
Creo que a mí me tiró para abajo porque tenía muchas expectativas con este libro y al final lo sentí demasiado intenso en cuanto a lo emocional. Sí encontré algunas cosas buenas pero no alcanzó para que me encantara.
January 29, 2025
I had never heard of this book before I saw it in my local library so I decided to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. I really enjoyed this!
Was it predictable? Yes.
Did I figure out right from the start how it would end? Yes.
But I have to say this book and characters really charmed me.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet, charming, heart warming read.
Was it predictable? Yes.
Did I figure out right from the start how it would end? Yes.
But I have to say this book and characters really charmed me.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a sweet, charming, heart warming read.
March 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this tale of two people leading separate lives, unknowingly connected by a third. The raw emotions beautifully portrayed helped me connect with the characters. Elle Spellman is a great wordsmith and I hope she writes many more books. Truly beautiful.
June 21, 2023
Bristol. Steph si è trasferita a Chapel Garden già da un po' di tempo, ma non ha mai avuto occasione, né voglia, di relazionarsi con i suoi vicini di casa.
Anche Eric è talmente preso a pensare alla sua vita infelice e frustrante, da non trovare il tempo per conoscere gli altri abitanti del suo quartiere.
Entrambi trovano conforto ai loro problemi personali grazie ai vicini della casa numero 26 - quella che divide le loro rispettive abitazioni -, che tutte le sere suonano il pianoforte. Ma una sera tutto cambia. Il pianoforte smette di suonare e nei giorni successivi la casa sembra essere disabitata.
Steph ed Eric iniziano a preoccuparsi per i loro vicini, pur non avendoli mai conosciuti. Si incontrano proprio davanti alla porta dell'abitazione numero 26, decisi a capire cosa sia successo, e così hanno modo di conoscersi.
Da quella che inizialmente è una piacevole amicizia, comincia a scaturire un sentimento più profondo...
Ho trovato questa lettura molto piacevole. Divertente e a tratti commovente, dispensa insegnamenti importanti, soffermandosi sui valori della vita che contano davvero.
Anche Eric è talmente preso a pensare alla sua vita infelice e frustrante, da non trovare il tempo per conoscere gli altri abitanti del suo quartiere.
Entrambi trovano conforto ai loro problemi personali grazie ai vicini della casa numero 26 - quella che divide le loro rispettive abitazioni -, che tutte le sere suonano il pianoforte. Ma una sera tutto cambia. Il pianoforte smette di suonare e nei giorni successivi la casa sembra essere disabitata.
Steph ed Eric iniziano a preoccuparsi per i loro vicini, pur non avendoli mai conosciuti. Si incontrano proprio davanti alla porta dell'abitazione numero 26, decisi a capire cosa sia successo, e così hanno modo di conoscersi.
Da quella che inizialmente è una piacevole amicizia, comincia a scaturire un sentimento più profondo...
Ho trovato questa lettura molto piacevole. Divertente e a tratti commovente, dispensa insegnamenti importanti, soffermandosi sui valori della vita che contano davvero.
January 1, 2023
This was such an incredible book to read. It’s filled with so much raw human emotions and the main characters are so relatable, I loved them so much and was rooting for them from the start and just wanted everything for them.
This book had me feeling so so much, the grief portrayed in this book hit me so hard it was like a reflection of myself within the pages. Every single word I felt deep within my soul. It made me feel like my emotions are completely valid. This has become a new favourite book and has a special place in my heart.
This book had me feeling so so much, the grief portrayed in this book hit me so hard it was like a reflection of myself within the pages. Every single word I felt deep within my soul. It made me feel like my emotions are completely valid. This has become a new favourite book and has a special place in my heart.
September 11, 2023
BORINGGGG
January 22, 2022
Omg I'm emotional. I didn't know how I'd feel about this book at first, it was so sad. I didn't expect it to be sad. It follows two characters, Steph and Eric. They live either side of another house, where someone plays piano at 10pm every night, until one day it stops.
Steph is grieving for her mum who passed away recently, though she hasn't really let herself heal at all and has bottled it up. She also split from her boyfriend Miles because he wanted to settle down and she still wanted some adventure. She puts up a fake happy front on social media.Eric also split from his girlfriend because she wanted babies in the next year and he was too slow to commit to that. Both Eric and Steph are really lonely and my heart ached for them. They get to know each other when wondering why their neighbour stopped playing piano.
So the pacing of the book isn't perfect and I'd have liked more development in the romance aspect but I really liked the ending. It just shows the importance of kindness and found family. My heart just warmed up and I cried bit. This book was a lot sadder than I expected but it had hope in it too. Not an easy read but I liked the messages.
Steph is grieving for her mum who passed away recently, though she hasn't really let herself heal at all and has bottled it up. She also split from her boyfriend Miles because he wanted to settle down and she still wanted some adventure. She puts up a fake happy front on social media.Eric also split from his girlfriend because she wanted babies in the next year and he was too slow to commit to that. Both Eric and Steph are really lonely and my heart ached for them. They get to know each other when wondering why their neighbour stopped playing piano.
So the pacing of the book isn't perfect and I'd have liked more development in the romance aspect but I really liked the ending. It just shows the importance of kindness and found family. My heart just warmed up and I cried bit. This book was a lot sadder than I expected but it had hope in it too. Not an easy read but I liked the messages.
January 1, 2022
I love this book. It is such a great light-hearted, cute read. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting! The characters are developed well and are relatable and the storyline is relatable and well-thought-out.
July 5, 2022
NON SAPEVO DI AVERNE BISOGNO
Un romanzo di cui davvero davvero non sapevo di avere bisogno. Figuratevi che, scoraggiata dal suo basso punteggio qui su Goodreads, avevo addirittura pensato di rinunciare a leggerlo: cambiare decisione, invece, mi ha permesso di trascorrere ore piacevolissime assieme a due protagonisti a cui mi sono affezionata in tempo record. Il fatto è che, oltre ad una caratterizzazione che serve a renderli unici, Steph ed Eric divengono anche delle figure esemplari rispetto ad alcune tematiche molto delicate da essi incarnate (la dipendenza da social, il lutto, la depressione, il senso di inadeguatezza perenne). Personaggi secondari come Amanda e soprattutto Jude(e no, stavolta il nome non centra nulla!) si sono poi conquistati la mia simpatia in virtù del loro grosso contributo alla trama.
A tal proposito, nonostante gli eventi narrati non siano poi così imprevedibili, c'è da dire che il mistero legato all'appartamento del numero civico 26 desta innegabilmente curiosità. A me, per esempio, complice anche la scrittura estremamente scorrevole e ricca di dialoghi, questo mistero ha impedito di scollarmi dalle pagine per ore ed ore. È lui, in effetti, a dare una direzione e uno scopo ben preciso alla lettura, comunicando un invito a non chiudersi alla vita anche quando sembra non valerne più la pena.
Un romanzo di cui davvero davvero non sapevo di avere bisogno. Figuratevi che, scoraggiata dal suo basso punteggio qui su Goodreads, avevo addirittura pensato di rinunciare a leggerlo: cambiare decisione, invece, mi ha permesso di trascorrere ore piacevolissime assieme a due protagonisti a cui mi sono affezionata in tempo record. Il fatto è che, oltre ad una caratterizzazione che serve a renderli unici, Steph ed Eric divengono anche delle figure esemplari rispetto ad alcune tematiche molto delicate da essi incarnate (la dipendenza da social, il lutto, la depressione, il senso di inadeguatezza perenne). Personaggi secondari come Amanda e soprattutto Jude
A tal proposito, nonostante gli eventi narrati non siano poi così imprevedibili, c'è da dire che il mistero legato all'appartamento del numero civico 26 desta innegabilmente curiosità. A me, per esempio, complice anche la scrittura estremamente scorrevole e ricca di dialoghi, questo mistero ha impedito di scollarmi dalle pagine per ore ed ore. È lui, in effetti, a dare una direzione e uno scopo ben preciso alla lettura, comunicando un invito a non chiudersi alla vita anche quando sembra non valerne più la pena.
July 25, 2022
È stata una grande emozione leggere questo libro, pensavo fosse un romanzo rosa invece è una coccola per il cuore.
Un romanzo che cela messaggi importanti, di rivincita, di lotta ma soprattutto di inno alla vita.
L'aspetto "materno" mi ha fatto contorcere dal dolore, toccando corde e paure nascoste e mai rivelate.
Il finale ha saputo strapparmi un sorriso e un sospiro, facendomi ricredere sul mio pensiero che al peggio non c'è mai fine.
Mi regalato la speranza e la gioia che dopotutto si deve trovare sempre la forza di andare avanti senza scordare il passato.
Grazie di cuore alla scrittrice
Un romanzo che cela messaggi importanti, di rivincita, di lotta ma soprattutto di inno alla vita.
L'aspetto "materno" mi ha fatto contorcere dal dolore, toccando corde e paure nascoste e mai rivelate.
Il finale ha saputo strapparmi un sorriso e un sospiro, facendomi ricredere sul mio pensiero che al peggio non c'è mai fine.
Mi regalato la speranza e la gioia che dopotutto si deve trovare sempre la forza di andare avanti senza scordare il passato.
Grazie di cuore alla scrittrice
September 13, 2022
Ciao lettori! Oggi vi lascio la recensione di un libro molto carino, ma non entusiasmante a parer mio. Logicamente l'opinione è strettamente personale. Si tratta de L'amore due porte più in là di Elle Spellman edito Garzanti.
Perché penso questo? A tratti mi è sembrato come se ci fossero delle parti inutili, scritte solo per allungare il brodo, e farne così un romanzo esageratamente lungo. Seppur la narrazione sia fluida e di facile lettura, avrei evitato alcuni pezzi superflui. Dialoghi presenti e buona traduzione.
Il romanzo è ambientato a Bristol, città inglese dove Steph si è appena trasferita. I due protagonisti sono appunto Steph, che all'inizio mi è sembrata un tantino egocentrica, ma mi è piaciuta poi continuando la lettura. Poi abbiamo Eric, il bel vicino di casa. Il libro inizia dal punto di vista di lei, esasperata dal ricordo di una canzone, al momento sbagliato. Un concerto che proviene dal civico 26. Quella canzone. Feste con le amiche, post sui social ingigantiti per non far trapelare la sua infelicità, perché dietro ad un'apparente bella vita si cela molta infelicità appunto.
Anche il secondo protagonista, Eric, negli ultimi tempi infelice tanto quanto Steph, è attratto dal suono del pianoforte proveniente dalla casa vicino. Entrambi cominciano a preoccuparsi quando un giorno non sentono più alcun suono provenire dalla casa dei vicini. Spinti dalla stessa curiosità si incontreranno proprio lì, dove il destino farà il suo corso. Cominceranno una nuova vita, una bellissima amicizia, che passo dopo passo sboccerà in qualcosa di dolce, magico e bellissimo.
Questa è comunque una bellissima storia, sicuramente da leggere, che ti lascia tanta dolcezza nel cuore, facendoti innamorare dei protagonisti, e magari facendoti leggermente odiare i personaggi secondari, che come descritti ad una festa all'inizio del racconto, pensano solo a godersela e spassarsela... Forse un po' troppo. Tanto che Steph, ben che fa... Fugge dalla festa! Ecco, una perfetta similitudine con la sottoscritta! 😉
3 stelle e mezza.
⭐⭐⭐✨
A presto con la prossima lettura!
Perché penso questo? A tratti mi è sembrato come se ci fossero delle parti inutili, scritte solo per allungare il brodo, e farne così un romanzo esageratamente lungo. Seppur la narrazione sia fluida e di facile lettura, avrei evitato alcuni pezzi superflui. Dialoghi presenti e buona traduzione.
Il romanzo è ambientato a Bristol, città inglese dove Steph si è appena trasferita. I due protagonisti sono appunto Steph, che all'inizio mi è sembrata un tantino egocentrica, ma mi è piaciuta poi continuando la lettura. Poi abbiamo Eric, il bel vicino di casa. Il libro inizia dal punto di vista di lei, esasperata dal ricordo di una canzone, al momento sbagliato. Un concerto che proviene dal civico 26. Quella canzone. Feste con le amiche, post sui social ingigantiti per non far trapelare la sua infelicità, perché dietro ad un'apparente bella vita si cela molta infelicità appunto.
Anche il secondo protagonista, Eric, negli ultimi tempi infelice tanto quanto Steph, è attratto dal suono del pianoforte proveniente dalla casa vicino. Entrambi cominciano a preoccuparsi quando un giorno non sentono più alcun suono provenire dalla casa dei vicini. Spinti dalla stessa curiosità si incontreranno proprio lì, dove il destino farà il suo corso. Cominceranno una nuova vita, una bellissima amicizia, che passo dopo passo sboccerà in qualcosa di dolce, magico e bellissimo.
Questa è comunque una bellissima storia, sicuramente da leggere, che ti lascia tanta dolcezza nel cuore, facendoti innamorare dei protagonisti, e magari facendoti leggermente odiare i personaggi secondari, che come descritti ad una festa all'inizio del racconto, pensano solo a godersela e spassarsela... Forse un po' troppo. Tanto che Steph, ben che fa... Fugge dalla festa! Ecco, una perfetta similitudine con la sottoscritta! 😉
3 stelle e mezza.
⭐⭐⭐✨
A presto con la prossima lettura!
April 11, 2022
Steph and Eric hear piano music being played from next door, at 10 pm every night; and it is beautiful.
But the two don't know their neighbour who plays this music, and they do not know each other.
But a chance encounter and a single mission can lead them to become better neighbours, better friends and maybe more.
The chapters of this novel are split between the two main characters, which gave a nice narrative of the characters and how they were affected by the music.
But I found the writing to be repetitive and become really slow in places. However, I do understand this is to set up the scene and the atmosphere, due to the specific themes which were explored; anxiety, depression, death and grief.
This novel also explores everyday situations, such as within the character of Steph who seems to be 'keeping up appearances' and simply doing things for show on social media and I thought this was explained brilliantly; showing how our lives aren't always as they seem.
Overall, I thought this novel had a great narrative and real depth within the characters, but the structure, which was repetitive and made it slow and boring really let it down for me.
But the two don't know their neighbour who plays this music, and they do not know each other.
But a chance encounter and a single mission can lead them to become better neighbours, better friends and maybe more.
The chapters of this novel are split between the two main characters, which gave a nice narrative of the characters and how they were affected by the music.
But I found the writing to be repetitive and become really slow in places. However, I do understand this is to set up the scene and the atmosphere, due to the specific themes which were explored; anxiety, depression, death and grief.
This novel also explores everyday situations, such as within the character of Steph who seems to be 'keeping up appearances' and simply doing things for show on social media and I thought this was explained brilliantly; showing how our lives aren't always as they seem.
Overall, I thought this novel had a great narrative and real depth within the characters, but the structure, which was repetitive and made it slow and boring really let it down for me.
June 22, 2022
Ellie has moved into Chapel Gardens, Bristol but her life as it is and her life on Instagram are two different things - on Instagram she has a glamorous life, successful career and lots of friends the reality however is different and Ellie is actually lonely. Every night she hears her neighbour play music until one night it all becomes too much for Ellie and she bangs on the wall and demands that the music stop playing. Eric also lives in Chapel Gardens and is in a rut since he broke up with his girlfriend Clarissa - he hates his job, his house sharer is moving in with his girlfriend and all his friends are getting "coupled up". He also need to advertise for a new house mate. One evening he bumps into Steph and they discover that they hadn't heard from their musical neighbour for some time. As they look for clues as to what happened their neighbour in no. 26 they grow closer - could what they both have been looking for be just Two Doors Away.
October 26, 2022
Un romanzo inaspettato: i libri editi da @garzantilibri sfiorano con delicata sensibilità temi preziosi in questo caso la depressione, il superamento di un lutto e la successiva rinascita.
Eric e Steph sono due vicini di casa che all’inizio non sanno di essere così vicini e quanto questa “vicinanza” li aiuterà a riscoprire se stessi. Galeotto fu il suono di un pianoforte del civico che sera dopo sera sempre alle 10 farà compagnia ad entrambi fino a un piccolo “incidente” che spingerà uno dei due a una reazione che scatenerà l’INCONTRO.
Un romanzo avvolgente che ti fa riflettere sulla bellezza dell’incontrarsi e dello scoprirsi piano, piano perché a volte non serve andare chissà quanto lontano per cercare la felicità ma basta fare due passi…e sbirciare due porte più in là.
Eric e Steph sono due vicini di casa che all’inizio non sanno di essere così vicini e quanto questa “vicinanza” li aiuterà a riscoprire se stessi. Galeotto fu il suono di un pianoforte del civico che sera dopo sera sempre alle 10 farà compagnia ad entrambi fino a un piccolo “incidente” che spingerà uno dei due a una reazione che scatenerà l’INCONTRO.
Un romanzo avvolgente che ti fa riflettere sulla bellezza dell’incontrarsi e dello scoprirsi piano, piano perché a volte non serve andare chissà quanto lontano per cercare la felicità ma basta fare due passi…e sbirciare due porte più in là.
January 23, 2024
3.75/5 Stars!
“Fear exists everywhere. We’ve got so much to be genuinely frightened of as adults.”
There are 2 POVs; Steph and Eric’s. In-between where they each live is a house so the curiosity when that neighbour has left is how these two meet.
Both characters can be likeable and irritable at times.
At some point in influencer’s lifestyle’s Instagram life you would understand Steph’s point of view. Although if you gain maturity as a lot of people still have not gained this life skill, you realise that posting or sharing stories that is ‘personal’ is actually embarrassing. - In the way that it should be for you and those you personally show it to e.g. family members directly showing them instead of posting boring stories or posts! OMG Steph is constantly taking fake shots showing fake dates and a complete fake lifestyle which was so annoying. And she was obsessed with how many likes and so forth. Like the amount of effort she was going to showcase this utterly fake life was so cringe.
Eric. Was better but still annoying. He very much lives in the past in a different way than Steph like he is constantly declaring his love about Clarissa who dumped him forever ago! She was an utter bitch who kept changing his wardrobe especially when they were going away on holidays and things like that without even telling him. It was just so toxic between them yet he’s obsessed with her even when she has shown she has moved on and isn’t going back!
It took forever for these two to meet. But even when they did meet, Steph is still obsessed with how she must look and Eric is obsessed with his ex. Like Stephen was so close to getting intimate with Alex who is an upper middle class A W***** with his views of women and so forth.
A part of me did like the writing style but I didn’t hate the novel so I needed to finish it.
I did expect this to be a light read when my friends and I went shopping last week as it was in the romance / light reads section of Waterstones. Disappointed in that way but I did finish it which means I liked it enough to finish it.
Review: https://clife.blog/2024/01/30/book-re...
“Fear exists everywhere. We’ve got so much to be genuinely frightened of as adults.”
There are 2 POVs; Steph and Eric’s. In-between where they each live is a house so the curiosity when that neighbour has left is how these two meet.
Both characters can be likeable and irritable at times.
At some point in influencer’s lifestyle’s Instagram life you would understand Steph’s point of view. Although if you gain maturity as a lot of people still have not gained this life skill, you realise that posting or sharing stories that is ‘personal’ is actually embarrassing. - In the way that it should be for you and those you personally show it to e.g. family members directly showing them instead of posting boring stories or posts! OMG Steph is constantly taking fake shots showing fake dates and a complete fake lifestyle which was so annoying. And she was obsessed with how many likes and so forth. Like the amount of effort she was going to showcase this utterly fake life was so cringe.
Eric. Was better but still annoying. He very much lives in the past in a different way than Steph like he is constantly declaring his love about Clarissa who dumped him forever ago! She was an utter bitch who kept changing his wardrobe especially when they were going away on holidays and things like that without even telling him. It was just so toxic between them yet he’s obsessed with her even when she has shown she has moved on and isn’t going back!
It took forever for these two to meet. But even when they did meet, Steph is still obsessed with how she must look and Eric is obsessed with his ex. Like Stephen was so close to getting intimate with Alex who is an upper middle class A W***** with his views of women and so forth.
A part of me did like the writing style but I didn’t hate the novel so I needed to finish it.
I did expect this to be a light read when my friends and I went shopping last week as it was in the romance / light reads section of Waterstones. Disappointed in that way but I did finish it which means I liked it enough to finish it.
Review: https://clife.blog/2024/01/30/book-re...
November 23, 2022
I was afraid that this book is not going to reach my expectations but oh boy i did not regret picking up this book! It was a slow burn and you can only see their built up towards the last few chapters. But this book really show us how hard it is to move on from the past and grieving. We all need a closure and open up to the people that we trust in order to move on and grow. Throughout the book, the author has displayed conflicts that were faced by the characters and the emotion are well delivered. Because if something that had happened, the two of them are bound to meet and fell in love. Finish the remaining chapters in one sitting and it was so heartwarming
August 2, 2022
Steph ed Eric sono vicini di casa. Vivono la loro vita come sempre, anche se negli ultimi tempi sono molto infelici. Quando improvvisamente non sentono più il suono del piano provenire dalla casa vicino cominciano a preoccuparsi. Il destino vuole che uniranno le forze, le loro vite si intrecceranno e da semplici vicini diventeranno amici, e poi piano piano qualcosa in più.
Una storia profonda ed emozionante, che va letta e compresa. Prima di essere una storia d'amore è la storia di vita di due persone infelici che cercheranno la strada giusta per loro.
La recensione complete su Youtube.
Una storia profonda ed emozionante, che va letta e compresa. Prima di essere una storia d'amore è la storia di vita di due persone infelici che cercheranno la strada giusta per loro.
La recensione complete su Youtube.
March 30, 2022
I needed something like this, chick lit, all clean romance with a cinammon roll hero, I didn't like The heroine though like when she went to New York like she couldn't go any other time she seemed a little selfish to me I'm glad her relationship didn't work out I mean she has the man of her dreams and she was like overthinking a vacation like she wanted that more than her boyfriend and look what happened to her mother worst timing ever. Eric❤️ such a sweetheart
August 15, 2022
Thorough enjoyed this book, such an easy read with really likeable characters. I loved the mystery of what happened to the neighbours as a brilliant subplot to the romance story. The way it was very much about the characters as individuals before they became a couple. I only took a star off as I felt the ending was a little rushed, I wanted more time & I was kind of over the whole “oh Clarissa” stuff by the end despite enjoying & appreciating how it ended. Highly recommend.
November 15, 2022
Forse non sono 3 stelle piene, forse 2 stelle e mezzo. Il romanzo è tenero e confortante, ma è come se non decollasse mai. Se cercate un libro “bomba”, uno di quelli che vi rapisce e vi incolla alle pagine, fatto di sentimenti travolgenti e sensazioni palpitanti, questo non è il libro per voi. Questo è un libro di tenerezze, di ricerche, di sentimenti, di aspettative, di perdite, di riflessioni, è un libro che si fa leggere con lentezza, ma che mi ha tenuto tanta compagnia.
March 19, 2023
Before I read this book, I had read others note that the book doesn't really come together until the last few chapters - which I completely agree with. I was reading this book for a long time not sure what the point was, however, slowly became more interested later in the book.
There is things about the ending that made the book go from 2 stars to 3 stars for me. I don't want to give any spoilers but I enjoyed how the story ended and where the characters were in life.
There is things about the ending that made the book go from 2 stars to 3 stars for me. I don't want to give any spoilers but I enjoyed how the story ended and where the characters were in life.
January 4, 2022
Steph and Eric live 2 doors apart, but have never met. not until their neighbour goes missing and they get to know each other. Both are dealing with issues, so will they be able to get past these, and what happened to the mysterious neighbour?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
December 31, 2022
This was so heartwarming! I loved this beautiful slow-burn romance so much! I picked this one up from a sale on a whim - never having heard of it before. I am so glad I found this gem! The characters are so easy to care for and they had so much depth to them. So glad I ended 2022 off with this beautiful read!
March 31, 2023
L'ho letto in meno di una settimana. Quasi ogni capitolo finisce con un colpo di scena che invoglia a leggere il successivo. Ho amato la scelta di raccontare la storia da due punti di vista: quello di Steph e quello di Eric, i protagonisti di questa storia. Un libro coinvolgente e a tratti emozionante. Leggetelo è non ve ne pentirete!
September 6, 2023
(3,5) surprisingly gut aber zumindest für mich kein silly light read wegen der thematik….. und ich konnte weder die hashtags noch die usa reise ernstnehmen aber was soll man machen. steph hat außerdem noch nie was von softlaunchen gehört WER postet heimlich ein bild von einem typen den man zum zweiten mal trifft 😭
July 12, 2024
This one was not for me. I was not a fan of the writing style or pacing - it just felt like every time the story was finally getting some clear direction it changed?
Eric was boring but Steph was INSUFFERABLE. I just could not root for them.
I could write more and elaborate but I hate leaving negative reviews; i’ll just end with saying I would not personally recommend.
Eric was boring but Steph was INSUFFERABLE. I just could not root for them.
I could write more and elaborate but I hate leaving negative reviews; i’ll just end with saying I would not personally recommend.
May 31, 2025
*spoilers*
throughly enjoyed this book about female friendships, the high and lows of grief and grabbing the next new exciting opportunity when you feel stuck and all hope has gone.
I was a bit disappointed with the end of her staying instead of taking the new job because of a boy! like I know there was other strings keeping her in Bristol but a boy! Ugh
Overall 3.5 stars x
throughly enjoyed this book about female friendships, the high and lows of grief and grabbing the next new exciting opportunity when you feel stuck and all hope has gone.
I was a bit disappointed with the end of her staying instead of taking the new job because of a boy! like I know there was other strings keeping her in Bristol but a boy! Ugh
Overall 3.5 stars x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2021
This was such a cute, quick and easy read that I read in one sitting. The writing is good, the characters are developed well and are relatable and the storyline is relatable and well thought out. A really enjoyable light hearted read.
January 6, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Such lovely writing, it was a non put downable read that I gobbled up on Christmas Eve. Would highly recommend, I loved Steph and her various neighbours / friends. Will definitely be looking out for what this author produces in the future.
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