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Under One Roof
Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Paige Toon.
One forgotten discovery will change three women’s lives for ever… Robin hasn’t been home for decades. After running away to London, she never expected to see her cantankerous mother, Faye, again. But when Faye has a fall, the two women are thrown together once more. The years apart have not made their hearts grow fonder and the ground between them is unsteady. Then Robin finds an unopened scroll – the last of the treasure hunts her much-missed father used to take them on every Sunday. A hunt he believed might change everything. Yet, not even this gift from her beloved father can smooth the way until Robin’s daughter, Amber, arrives to meet her grandmother for the first time. Amber is determined that the decades-old mystery be solved. Can a 30-year-old treasure hunt really 'change everything'?
Praise for Samantha
'I adore Samantha Tonge's books and this is the best one yet!' Jaimie Admans
'A page-turning novel full of secrets and mystery with a wonderful setting' Della Galton
'A heartwarming story about secrets, lies and new beginnings. A delightful, cosy read' Nicola Gill
'Warm, cosy and perfect to curl up with' Mandy Baggot
'A charming story about second chances and redemption. Five stars!' Lucy Coleman
'A must-read story of love, loss, friendship and community' Sandy Barker
One forgotten discovery will change three women’s lives for ever… Robin hasn’t been home for decades. After running away to London, she never expected to see her cantankerous mother, Faye, again. But when Faye has a fall, the two women are thrown together once more. The years apart have not made their hearts grow fonder and the ground between them is unsteady. Then Robin finds an unopened scroll – the last of the treasure hunts her much-missed father used to take them on every Sunday. A hunt he believed might change everything. Yet, not even this gift from her beloved father can smooth the way until Robin’s daughter, Amber, arrives to meet her grandmother for the first time. Amber is determined that the decades-old mystery be solved. Can a 30-year-old treasure hunt really 'change everything'?
Praise for Samantha
'I adore Samantha Tonge's books and this is the best one yet!' Jaimie Admans
'A page-turning novel full of secrets and mystery with a wonderful setting' Della Galton
'A heartwarming story about secrets, lies and new beginnings. A delightful, cosy read' Nicola Gill
'Warm, cosy and perfect to curl up with' Mandy Baggot
'A charming story about second chances and redemption. Five stars!' Lucy Coleman
'A must-read story of love, loss, friendship and community' Sandy Barker
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2022
1395 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Tonge
33 books336 followersSamantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
August 6, 2024
Favorite Quote:
‘I’m determined not to give everything up just because of this flippin’ arthritis.’ Her eyes twinkled. ‘I might even go dating, on that Tinker, it’s such an appropriate name. I’m sure there’d be an adventurous modern man out there who’d be happy to fiddle around and get my old engine running again.’
My Review:
This was excellent and although rife with family tension, I fell right into the tale and was fully invested in these authentic characters. The writing was engaging, entertaining, poignant, heart-squeezing, and thoughtfully insightful. The nimble storylines were cleverly crafted with witty treasure hunt clues and riddles, well nuanced with pensive secrets lurking just out of reach, and shrewdly paced to keep me curious and reading until my eyes closed against my will.
The cast of characters was a unique collection of flawed personalities from engaging and likable to abrasive and obnoxious. I was itching to see how their issues would be tackled and possibly resolved. Poor Robin, I adored her but she couldn’t seem to please anyone. She had a failed marriage behind her, recently lost her job, a snarky teenage snot for a daughter, and a snide and cruel battleax for a mother. I would have wanted to run away and join the circus for some peace!
‘I’m determined not to give everything up just because of this flippin’ arthritis.’ Her eyes twinkled. ‘I might even go dating, on that Tinker, it’s such an appropriate name. I’m sure there’d be an adventurous modern man out there who’d be happy to fiddle around and get my old engine running again.’
My Review:
This was excellent and although rife with family tension, I fell right into the tale and was fully invested in these authentic characters. The writing was engaging, entertaining, poignant, heart-squeezing, and thoughtfully insightful. The nimble storylines were cleverly crafted with witty treasure hunt clues and riddles, well nuanced with pensive secrets lurking just out of reach, and shrewdly paced to keep me curious and reading until my eyes closed against my will.
The cast of characters was a unique collection of flawed personalities from engaging and likable to abrasive and obnoxious. I was itching to see how their issues would be tackled and possibly resolved. Poor Robin, I adored her but she couldn’t seem to please anyone. She had a failed marriage behind her, recently lost her job, a snarky teenage snot for a daughter, and a snide and cruel battleax for a mother. I would have wanted to run away and join the circus for some peace!
May 10, 2024
This was an enjoyable read from Tonge but I did struggle with the underlying tension throughout the novel. Between mother, daughter and grandmother, there is a constant anger towards one another and I found this actually dampened my reading of the book.
The story follows Robin as she returns home to look after her mother who has recently injured herself. This is a massive step for Robin, who hasn’t spoken to her mother in many, many years and, over the story, readers learn that their relationship was extremely poor. Robin did not feel she could ever please her mother and turned to her teenage magazines for advice over the years. Faye is not particularly happy to see Robin return, feeling like it emphasises her inability to be independent. And when Robin’s daughter, Amber, unexpectedly turns up, the tensions just escalate further.
There isn’t really any happy relationship in the first half of the story because the emotions are so fraught. Robin and Amber do not see eye-to-eye and I disliked how rude Amber was to her mother who, on the face of it, is just trying to be caring and protective – pretty much the opposite of her Faye was with her. However, as the story progresses it is soon clear that there are a lot of similarities between the three generations and I liked seeing how this eventually brings the characters together.
Not only that, the women embark on a treasure hunt that Robin’s father had written before he passed away. Robin has fond recollections of these and encourages Faye and Amber to complete his final treasure hunt. I loved how cryptic the clues were and, even though it was twenty years later, the three are still able to solve the puzzle, leading to more home truths.
Robin’s letters to the agony aunt are inserted throughout the novel. I enjoyed reading them and thought that Tonge had really captured the essence of growing up and the uncertainties faced in a hormonal world. Readers can see how isolated Robin felt and I sympathised with how she could not turn to her mother for advice. I thought the significance of these letters grew as the story progressed and enjoyed how Tonge uses them towards the end of the story.
I think this book was missing some flashbacks because I never felt connected to Robin’s past. Even with the letters and Robin reminiscing with old friends, it still felt like another time period. I thought Tonge could have moved to Robin’s upbringing as this would have added extra depth to the narrative, as well as making Robin’s father more like a character rather than a distant ghost.
Despite all the tension, this does end happily and I enjoyed seeing how the women evolve over the story. Just like Robin’s father had hoped, the treasure hunt does bring both mothers and daughters together with a satisfying conclusion at the end.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Robin as she returns home to look after her mother who has recently injured herself. This is a massive step for Robin, who hasn’t spoken to her mother in many, many years and, over the story, readers learn that their relationship was extremely poor. Robin did not feel she could ever please her mother and turned to her teenage magazines for advice over the years. Faye is not particularly happy to see Robin return, feeling like it emphasises her inability to be independent. And when Robin’s daughter, Amber, unexpectedly turns up, the tensions just escalate further.
There isn’t really any happy relationship in the first half of the story because the emotions are so fraught. Robin and Amber do not see eye-to-eye and I disliked how rude Amber was to her mother who, on the face of it, is just trying to be caring and protective – pretty much the opposite of her Faye was with her. However, as the story progresses it is soon clear that there are a lot of similarities between the three generations and I liked seeing how this eventually brings the characters together.
Not only that, the women embark on a treasure hunt that Robin’s father had written before he passed away. Robin has fond recollections of these and encourages Faye and Amber to complete his final treasure hunt. I loved how cryptic the clues were and, even though it was twenty years later, the three are still able to solve the puzzle, leading to more home truths.
Robin’s letters to the agony aunt are inserted throughout the novel. I enjoyed reading them and thought that Tonge had really captured the essence of growing up and the uncertainties faced in a hormonal world. Readers can see how isolated Robin felt and I sympathised with how she could not turn to her mother for advice. I thought the significance of these letters grew as the story progressed and enjoyed how Tonge uses them towards the end of the story.
I think this book was missing some flashbacks because I never felt connected to Robin’s past. Even with the letters and Robin reminiscing with old friends, it still felt like another time period. I thought Tonge could have moved to Robin’s upbringing as this would have added extra depth to the narrative, as well as making Robin’s father more like a character rather than a distant ghost.
Despite all the tension, this does end happily and I enjoyed seeing how the women evolve over the story. Just like Robin’s father had hoped, the treasure hunt does bring both mothers and daughters together with a satisfying conclusion at the end.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2022
A fabulous story of three generations of the same family that have been fractured for years, and seeing how they learn to get to know each other again, and see each other in a new light.
Robin is the central character, she has barely seen or heard from her mother Faye since she ran away aged 16, but has agreed to return home to look after her after a fall. Faye is not overly welcoming, but grudgingly allows Robin to stay until she is able to do things for herself again.
Then there is Amber, Robin's daughter who took her dad's side in the divorce and has been on rocky ground with Robin since. She is having a tricky time at uni, and the suggestion is that she moves in with Faye and Robin until she makes up her mind about the future.
So three women in one family, under one roof, but find common ground with the treasure hunt that Robins's beloved late dad had left them, promising it would change everything.
I was hooked on trying to work out how a treasure hunt could change their lives, and it's worth every moment of the book, every time you want to reach out and knock some sense into the characters, for the conclusion. It's so fitting and touching, and just wonderful.
We get to re-live the 1980s (or experience it properly for the first time) as Robin's bedroom was left as it was, so there are plenty of 80s references, fashions etc.. Between chapters we get a real idea for what teenage Robin was like, as we see her old letters to the agony aunt in her favourite magazine and the personalised replies too.
Which is big reminder of how painful your teen years can be!
At times I found this a bit tricky to read, purely because I have a not exactly smooth relationship with my mother, but it did mean I was able to empathise a lot with Robin.
It's another incredibly good book from Samantha Tonge who continues to surprise and impress as the direction of her writing evolves with each book.
Thank you yo Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Robin is the central character, she has barely seen or heard from her mother Faye since she ran away aged 16, but has agreed to return home to look after her after a fall. Faye is not overly welcoming, but grudgingly allows Robin to stay until she is able to do things for herself again.
Then there is Amber, Robin's daughter who took her dad's side in the divorce and has been on rocky ground with Robin since. She is having a tricky time at uni, and the suggestion is that she moves in with Faye and Robin until she makes up her mind about the future.
So three women in one family, under one roof, but find common ground with the treasure hunt that Robins's beloved late dad had left them, promising it would change everything.
I was hooked on trying to work out how a treasure hunt could change their lives, and it's worth every moment of the book, every time you want to reach out and knock some sense into the characters, for the conclusion. It's so fitting and touching, and just wonderful.
We get to re-live the 1980s (or experience it properly for the first time) as Robin's bedroom was left as it was, so there are plenty of 80s references, fashions etc.. Between chapters we get a real idea for what teenage Robin was like, as we see her old letters to the agony aunt in her favourite magazine and the personalised replies too.
Which is big reminder of how painful your teen years can be!
At times I found this a bit tricky to read, purely because I have a not exactly smooth relationship with my mother, but it did mean I was able to empathise a lot with Robin.
It's another incredibly good book from Samantha Tonge who continues to surprise and impress as the direction of her writing evolves with each book.
Thank you yo Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 15, 2022
Three generations literally under one roof (such a fitting title!) is the opportunity needed for perceptions to be challenged and truths to be revealed.
Robin, at a crossroads in her life, revisits more than her non-existent relationship with her mum when she’s back at the family home in the Peak District. I enjoyed the memories that came to life for me … I read those magazines and had the posters on my wall too! Great use of the clothes we wear to portray how we’re feeling and what we want the world to see.
Faye, seemingly poles apart from Robin with no common ground, shows a different part of herself when her granddaughter also comes to stay. I enjoyed watching Faye and Amber’s relationship flourish.
Amber, big changes in her life and not knowing quite what to choose, is the force behind continuing the treasure hunt. She’s wise for her years and determined to shape a better outcome.
I have to be honest, I didn’t feel a connection with the characters for a while. But as the three women continue on their quest to find out the answer to the final treasure hunt, I became totally invested in them. Robin and Faye (and to a lesser extent Amber) snuck into my heart. A couple of times I had tears.
I made guesses about underlying reasons and events but there’s something that came as a huge surprise to me. OMG, really! I wouldn’t have ever guessed. It wasn’t even on my radar. And it changes EVERYTHING. It’s brilliant! When you’ve read a LOT of books, you’re always on the look-out for something unique. And this is it.
Under One Roof is a story that reminds us to look below the surface. To communicate openly and with love. That nothing is insurmountable.
Highly recommended.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
Robin, at a crossroads in her life, revisits more than her non-existent relationship with her mum when she’s back at the family home in the Peak District. I enjoyed the memories that came to life for me … I read those magazines and had the posters on my wall too! Great use of the clothes we wear to portray how we’re feeling and what we want the world to see.
Faye, seemingly poles apart from Robin with no common ground, shows a different part of herself when her granddaughter also comes to stay. I enjoyed watching Faye and Amber’s relationship flourish.
Amber, big changes in her life and not knowing quite what to choose, is the force behind continuing the treasure hunt. She’s wise for her years and determined to shape a better outcome.
I have to be honest, I didn’t feel a connection with the characters for a while. But as the three women continue on their quest to find out the answer to the final treasure hunt, I became totally invested in them. Robin and Faye (and to a lesser extent Amber) snuck into my heart. A couple of times I had tears.
I made guesses about underlying reasons and events but there’s something that came as a huge surprise to me. OMG, really! I wouldn’t have ever guessed. It wasn’t even on my radar. And it changes EVERYTHING. It’s brilliant! When you’ve read a LOT of books, you’re always on the look-out for something unique. And this is it.
Under One Roof is a story that reminds us to look below the surface. To communicate openly and with love. That nothing is insurmountable.
Highly recommended.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
February 17, 2022
Robin, recently made redundant, is persuaded by her Uncle Ralph that her mother, Faye, needs help after a bad fall. Robin and Faye have been estranged for a long time and they haven’t seen each other for eighteen years—since Robin’s daughter, Amber was born. Faye had never been a motherly sort, scathing and harsh, and she and Robin often clashed. Robin’s dad always acted as mediator but after he died Robin ran away with her boyfriend.
The atmosphere in the present is as tense as it’s ever been between Robin and Faye, only eased slightly when Amber needs somewhere to stay. Amber and Faye have never met before, so Amber has no preconceptions regarding her grandmother and the two of them get on well together.
Tensions run high as the three generations try to get along, not always successfully, but the last treasure hunt clues left by Robin’s father help bring them together and allow them to begin to face the past. They all had much to learn about each other, as well as the past, and why it still resonates.
Under One Roof is the story of these three women, thrown together due to circumstances, and each learning that the way they see, and react, to each other needs to be re-evaluated and taken into consideration.
The characters are defined well. Initially I felt for Robin. She couldn’t seem to do anything right, but gradually things begin to make sense. Sensitive and believable topics are covered with empathy and insight, along with some humour. I loved the nostalgic look back at the 80s…brought back a lot of memories.
The atmosphere in the present is as tense as it’s ever been between Robin and Faye, only eased slightly when Amber needs somewhere to stay. Amber and Faye have never met before, so Amber has no preconceptions regarding her grandmother and the two of them get on well together.
Tensions run high as the three generations try to get along, not always successfully, but the last treasure hunt clues left by Robin’s father help bring them together and allow them to begin to face the past. They all had much to learn about each other, as well as the past, and why it still resonates.
Under One Roof is the story of these three women, thrown together due to circumstances, and each learning that the way they see, and react, to each other needs to be re-evaluated and taken into consideration.
The characters are defined well. Initially I felt for Robin. She couldn’t seem to do anything right, but gradually things begin to make sense. Sensitive and believable topics are covered with empathy and insight, along with some humour. I loved the nostalgic look back at the 80s…brought back a lot of memories.
March 8, 2022
This is a delightful story about mothers and daughters, family rifts and reconciliations. It is steeped in nostalgia, sensitively written and brilliantly observed. We feel for the characters more and more as their histories are revealed, nudging us into an awareness that there are always reasons for the way people behave. Full of poignancy, heart and humour ~ just lovely!
February 18, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as it revisits a specific time in the '80s which holds some very special personal memories for me, and many of them took place in the same locations mentioned in the book!
All three main characters have issues regarding relationships, including those with each other, but an unexpected situation brings them together and they find themselves working through the reasons behind their past decisions, in the hope of discovering some resolution and hope for the future.
The idea of completing a treasure hunt sets them on their way, but results in changing everything - just as it had intended - and this reveals an unexpected conclusion to a very satisfying read.
All three main characters have issues regarding relationships, including those with each other, but an unexpected situation brings them together and they find themselves working through the reasons behind their past decisions, in the hope of discovering some resolution and hope for the future.
The idea of completing a treasure hunt sets them on their way, but results in changing everything - just as it had intended - and this reveals an unexpected conclusion to a very satisfying read.
April 7, 2022
A wonderful read, warm, funny and heart breaking , highly recommend.
Robin, is the central character in this story. She returns to her childhood home to provide support to her mother Faye, who she has been estranged from for a long time. They are soon joined by Robin's daughter , Amber, seeking refuge from her university accommodation. This is their story. As secrets from the past unfold and roots of their fractured relationships laid bare. The story is beautifully told, and the writer has created three complex and interesting characters who will stay with me for a long time.
Robin, is the central character in this story. She returns to her childhood home to provide support to her mother Faye, who she has been estranged from for a long time. They are soon joined by Robin's daughter , Amber, seeking refuge from her university accommodation. This is their story. As secrets from the past unfold and roots of their fractured relationships laid bare. The story is beautifully told, and the writer has created three complex and interesting characters who will stay with me for a long time.
February 1, 2022
Five stars isn't enough!
I've always been a huge fan of Samantha Tonge's books, and this is exactly the reason why. A masterfully plotted tale that draws you in from the first page and keeps you gripped throughout!
Absolutely unputdownable! I raced through this and had to prise my Kindle out of my hands in the early hours of quite a few mornings!
We follow the story of Robin, her estranged mother Faye, and her daughter Amber - three generations of women all staying in the same house. There are family secrets galore, things to uncover along the way, interesting and intriguing friendships, and an adorable dog!
One of my favourite parts of this was all the 80s nostalgia! Robin's look back at her childhood bedroom, teen magazines, music, big hair and bright clothing made me so nostalgic for my early 90s younger years! A fantastic addition to what was already a fantastic book!
Highly, highly recommended reading! It's been a long while since I read a book this fast, but it was just that good! Warm, heartfelt, and a bit different, and all topped off by an utterly perfect ending. The kind of book that makes you want to go back to the beginning and immediately read it again!
I've always been a huge fan of Samantha Tonge's books, and this is exactly the reason why. A masterfully plotted tale that draws you in from the first page and keeps you gripped throughout!
Absolutely unputdownable! I raced through this and had to prise my Kindle out of my hands in the early hours of quite a few mornings!
We follow the story of Robin, her estranged mother Faye, and her daughter Amber - three generations of women all staying in the same house. There are family secrets galore, things to uncover along the way, interesting and intriguing friendships, and an adorable dog!
One of my favourite parts of this was all the 80s nostalgia! Robin's look back at her childhood bedroom, teen magazines, music, big hair and bright clothing made me so nostalgic for my early 90s younger years! A fantastic addition to what was already a fantastic book!
Highly, highly recommended reading! It's been a long while since I read a book this fast, but it was just that good! Warm, heartfelt, and a bit different, and all topped off by an utterly perfect ending. The kind of book that makes you want to go back to the beginning and immediately read it again!
March 14, 2022
I’ve always been a fan of Samantha Tonge’s work, having read several of her earlier books and this latest release, while a change in direction to a more emotional, heartfelt read, does not disappoint at all.
The story is a multi-generational one centring around Robin who returns to her childhood home to look after her mother, Faye who has had a fall. Their relationship has always been fractured and the intervening years haven’t helped in smoothing over those difficulties. Robin is confronted with her past, including her teenage bedroom hidden away in the loft, and slowly with the discovery of an unopened scroll from a treasure hunt, organised by Robin’s father back in the day, it offers the opportunity to understand and reflect on past decisions and actions made. With Robin’s daughter, Amber, coming to live under the same roof, I loved seeing the developing relationship between Grandmother and granddaughter and how this impacted on Robin’s view and understanding of her own relationships.
I loved this story! It’s such an absorbing and compelling read that transports you to the 80s with some fabulous nostalgic reminders. Highly recommended.
The story is a multi-generational one centring around Robin who returns to her childhood home to look after her mother, Faye who has had a fall. Their relationship has always been fractured and the intervening years haven’t helped in smoothing over those difficulties. Robin is confronted with her past, including her teenage bedroom hidden away in the loft, and slowly with the discovery of an unopened scroll from a treasure hunt, organised by Robin’s father back in the day, it offers the opportunity to understand and reflect on past decisions and actions made. With Robin’s daughter, Amber, coming to live under the same roof, I loved seeing the developing relationship between Grandmother and granddaughter and how this impacted on Robin’s view and understanding of her own relationships.
I loved this story! It’s such an absorbing and compelling read that transports you to the 80s with some fabulous nostalgic reminders. Highly recommended.
December 24, 2021
This is a heartfelt and interesting read. I love the Dear Debbie letters throughout which I think if you've ever been a teenage girl you can relate to most of these feelings.
Great storytelling.
Great storytelling.
March 8, 2022
A cute read, loved the throwback to the 80s
March 11, 2022
I am a massive fan of Samantha Tonge and was delighted to receive an invite to join her latest blog tour. In Under One Roof we meet Robin as she goes to stay with her estranged Mum.
I was instantly captured by the strained relationship between Robin & Faye and how they clashed over everything. As we got to know the pair we learnt about Robin and the difficulties experienced in her teenage years especially following the loss of her Dad and how her relationship with her Mum just seemed to spiral, until she finally ran away.
When Robin discovered the 30 year old treasure hunt, that her Dad had left behind she is keen to do it but meets opposition from her Mum, until her own daughter Amber comes for a visit and she see’s her Mum start to thaw a little.
A story full of unique relationship dynamics where they travel a rollercoaster of emotions as they try to forge relationships with each other, whilst finding a way to exist as a family and help each other solve the final clues for their last ever treasure hunt.
I was instantly captured by the strained relationship between Robin & Faye and how they clashed over everything. As we got to know the pair we learnt about Robin and the difficulties experienced in her teenage years especially following the loss of her Dad and how her relationship with her Mum just seemed to spiral, until she finally ran away.
When Robin discovered the 30 year old treasure hunt, that her Dad had left behind she is keen to do it but meets opposition from her Mum, until her own daughter Amber comes for a visit and she see’s her Mum start to thaw a little.
A story full of unique relationship dynamics where they travel a rollercoaster of emotions as they try to forge relationships with each other, whilst finding a way to exist as a family and help each other solve the final clues for their last ever treasure hunt.
February 16, 2022
I have been a fan of Samantha and her work for a few years now. I love the charming, funny and ultimately feel good stories that she writes. I read the synopsis of ‘Under One Roof’ and it certainly sounded as though it ticked all the aforementioned boxes. I was spot on too because I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Under One Roof’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the concept of this story – the fact that three generations of stubborn but strong female characters are forced to live together under one roof due to circumstances that are really beyond their control. Old habits die hard though and the after effects of long held grudges still rankle many years after the grudge was first formed. I felt a lot of empathy towards all three ladies and I ended up comparing their family to my own. Believe me, my family certainly know to carry on a grudge and our motto should be ‘a grudge is for life not just for Christmas’. I can’t say that I would consider any of the ladies as a friend but as time went on I grew to understand them a bit better and my feelings towards them warmed a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘Under One Roof’. In fact as soon as I read the synopsis I knew that there was a strong chance that I wouldn’t be able to put the book down for any length of time. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to say that I had started reading the book but I ended up becoming so wrapped up in the story and in the lives and loves of the three ladies that I was still sat there reading over two hours and several chapters later. It soon became clear to me that reading ‘Under One Roof’ would became addictive. I must be psychic because that’s exactly what happened. My Kindle travelled everywhere with me as I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Under One Roof’ and I had to say goodbye to the three ladies. I found ‘Under One Roof’ to be a delight to read with lots of laughs and heart warming moments.
‘Under One Roof’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Samantha Tonge. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling story. Samantha clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she describes them. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. For me the story hits the ground running and maintained a gentle pace, which suited the story that Samantha is telling. I love the way in which Samantha weaves drama and humour into the story. I love the way in which Samantha makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the centre of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Under One Roof’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Samantha’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I loved the concept of this story – the fact that three generations of stubborn but strong female characters are forced to live together under one roof due to circumstances that are really beyond their control. Old habits die hard though and the after effects of long held grudges still rankle many years after the grudge was first formed. I felt a lot of empathy towards all three ladies and I ended up comparing their family to my own. Believe me, my family certainly know to carry on a grudge and our motto should be ‘a grudge is for life not just for Christmas’. I can’t say that I would consider any of the ladies as a friend but as time went on I grew to understand them a bit better and my feelings towards them warmed a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘Under One Roof’. In fact as soon as I read the synopsis I knew that there was a strong chance that I wouldn’t be able to put the book down for any length of time. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to say that I had started reading the book but I ended up becoming so wrapped up in the story and in the lives and loves of the three ladies that I was still sat there reading over two hours and several chapters later. It soon became clear to me that reading ‘Under One Roof’ would became addictive. I must be psychic because that’s exactly what happened. My Kindle travelled everywhere with me as I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Under One Roof’ and I had to say goodbye to the three ladies. I found ‘Under One Roof’ to be a delight to read with lots of laughs and heart warming moments.
‘Under One Roof’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Samantha Tonge. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling story. Samantha clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she describes them. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. For me the story hits the ground running and maintained a gentle pace, which suited the story that Samantha is telling. I love the way in which Samantha weaves drama and humour into the story. I love the way in which Samantha makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the centre of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Under One Roof’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Samantha’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 4, 2022
I’ve read a few of Sam’s books now but I think this one is my favourite, I got absolutely lost in this and just didn’t want to put my kindle down. The scroll’s treasure hunt was so immersive and I felt like I was right there with Amber, Robin and Faye, trying to figure out the riddles. I think it’s safe to say I would have been pretty pants though as I didn’t get many of the clues!
I loved all of the references to Manchester and how things have changed since the 80’s, as I live just outside of Manchester it was so easy to relate to and I’ll definitely look at the buildings and things in a different way next time I’m in town. The book felt so fun and uplifting with all of the references to the 80’s and I could just picture Robin and Amber going through all of the treasures in Robin’s old bedroom and the nostalgia that must have been flowing. Oh to have the confidence to wear those bright colours and bold styles!
There were so many different levels to this book and the relationship between Robin and Faye went quite deep. You really felt for both of them in the end as we got to know the characters a bit more but initially I was fully on team Robin. I absolutely loved Uncle Ralph though! The things that get revealed as we progress through this book can be quite emotional but Sam writes about them in such a honest and natural way. All of the Dear Debbie letters were fab and it really did take me back to reading teen magazines and the quizzes that we all use to spend hours doing, I wonder if they’re still a thing now… probably not!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend picking it up, this is such a wholesome book that isn’t afraid of tackling tough issues but in a really nice, sensitive way and will end up giving you that fuzzy feeling like a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket. I could have spoken about so much of the book that I enjoyed but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet!
I loved all of the references to Manchester and how things have changed since the 80’s, as I live just outside of Manchester it was so easy to relate to and I’ll definitely look at the buildings and things in a different way next time I’m in town. The book felt so fun and uplifting with all of the references to the 80’s and I could just picture Robin and Amber going through all of the treasures in Robin’s old bedroom and the nostalgia that must have been flowing. Oh to have the confidence to wear those bright colours and bold styles!
There were so many different levels to this book and the relationship between Robin and Faye went quite deep. You really felt for both of them in the end as we got to know the characters a bit more but initially I was fully on team Robin. I absolutely loved Uncle Ralph though! The things that get revealed as we progress through this book can be quite emotional but Sam writes about them in such a honest and natural way. All of the Dear Debbie letters were fab and it really did take me back to reading teen magazines and the quizzes that we all use to spend hours doing, I wonder if they’re still a thing now… probably not!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend picking it up, this is such a wholesome book that isn’t afraid of tackling tough issues but in a really nice, sensitive way and will end up giving you that fuzzy feeling like a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket. I could have spoken about so much of the book that I enjoyed but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet!
January 17, 2022
The story
Robin’s elderly mother has injured herself and for the first time in three decades, she returns to her mother’s home to care for her while she recovers. Robin was 16 when she left after her father died, and moved to London, staying with her uncle. Now divorced, with a daughter Amber, studying in Manchester, it’s hard to return home to a mother who doesn’t show her feelings and finds it easy to criticise Robin. But as time passes and Amber joins Robin and Faye, the truth of what happened all those years ago is slowly revealed and old hurts begin to heal.
My thoughts
This is a sad story although really well written. Families are complicated, and become more complicated when the truth isn’t shared. The slow healing that takes place between the three generations in this family is heartwarming. I loved the sealed in time 80’s bedroom and all the clothes that Robin decides to wear again once she is in her childhood home. She lives her life in such a regimented way that her body is in the shape it was it 30 years before, this one fact feels so much of the story in itself.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Robin’s elderly mother has injured herself and for the first time in three decades, she returns to her mother’s home to care for her while she recovers. Robin was 16 when she left after her father died, and moved to London, staying with her uncle. Now divorced, with a daughter Amber, studying in Manchester, it’s hard to return home to a mother who doesn’t show her feelings and finds it easy to criticise Robin. But as time passes and Amber joins Robin and Faye, the truth of what happened all those years ago is slowly revealed and old hurts begin to heal.
My thoughts
This is a sad story although really well written. Families are complicated, and become more complicated when the truth isn’t shared. The slow healing that takes place between the three generations in this family is heartwarming. I loved the sealed in time 80’s bedroom and all the clothes that Robin decides to wear again once she is in her childhood home. She lives her life in such a regimented way that her body is in the shape it was it 30 years before, this one fact feels so much of the story in itself.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
February 9, 2022
Three decades have passed since she ran away,
She's never been back - until today.
Her Uncle has convinced Robin to return again
To help her estranged mother who is in such pain.
This is the story of Robin's return
And how it helped uncover the past and to learn
She never felt she could do anything right for her Mum
Whose criticism and derogatory comment left her glum.
Solving riddles from her Dad was what they used to do
And he's left them one more packed with clues
With Robin's daughter, Amber, can these three women heal
Wounds from the past when the riddle's solution they reveal?
Working as a three, piecing together the clues
Sharing time with each other and their past news.
Secrets, facts the others didn't know
Helping knowledge of each other to steadily grow.
This is a three generational tale that's superb, feels real
Facing their past history and all it can reveal.
I thoroughly enjoyed my complementary copy of this amazing read
And hope, after reading my honest review, it is just what you next need!
She's never been back - until today.
Her Uncle has convinced Robin to return again
To help her estranged mother who is in such pain.
This is the story of Robin's return
And how it helped uncover the past and to learn
She never felt she could do anything right for her Mum
Whose criticism and derogatory comment left her glum.
Solving riddles from her Dad was what they used to do
And he's left them one more packed with clues
With Robin's daughter, Amber, can these three women heal
Wounds from the past when the riddle's solution they reveal?
Working as a three, piecing together the clues
Sharing time with each other and their past news.
Secrets, facts the others didn't know
Helping knowledge of each other to steadily grow.
This is a three generational tale that's superb, feels real
Facing their past history and all it can reveal.
I thoroughly enjoyed my complementary copy of this amazing read
And hope, after reading my honest review, it is just what you next need!
January 2, 2022
A heart warming interesting read for the readers to enjoy.
Robin Wilson's uncle Ralph notifies her about her mother Faye's fall and asks her to go back to Parade Row in Stonedale Manchester to take care of her, it has been a long time thirty years in fact and would she greet her with open arms she didn't really have a choice in the matter.
Robin, her mother Faye and daughter Amber are all living under one roof and this is going to be a step back in time for her nothing has changed except when she spots Brynners bookshop she's in for a shock when she see's the owner.
This is such a beautiful well planned out story and I loved the dear Debbie letters that we get to read that Robin wrote back in her teens, and the house opens up to a lot of hidden heirlooms belong to her father.
Really enjoyed every chapter, it was so lovely to get the chance to read an early copy that i thank Netgalley and the publishers.
Robin Wilson's uncle Ralph notifies her about her mother Faye's fall and asks her to go back to Parade Row in Stonedale Manchester to take care of her, it has been a long time thirty years in fact and would she greet her with open arms she didn't really have a choice in the matter.
Robin, her mother Faye and daughter Amber are all living under one roof and this is going to be a step back in time for her nothing has changed except when she spots Brynners bookshop she's in for a shock when she see's the owner.
This is such a beautiful well planned out story and I loved the dear Debbie letters that we get to read that Robin wrote back in her teens, and the house opens up to a lot of hidden heirlooms belong to her father.
Really enjoyed every chapter, it was so lovely to get the chance to read an early copy that i thank Netgalley and the publishers.
February 17, 2022
A wonderful story of one family who have struggled over the years as life and moments caused fractures in their relationships. But when Faye, the grandmother falls and needs help, Robin feels she has no option but to return to her family home after 30 years away to help. When fate plays another hand at healing these three women and brings granddaughter Amber back into the family home the three generations have to learn to live with each other as well as learning about themselves and how they coped with life’s situations.
This is such an uplifting story filled with 1980’s pizazz and nostalgia. At times if felt like coming home and it had such a warm, cosy feel to the storyline.
I loved learning about each character and how life shaped them and how as they all learned from each other a sense of belonging was felt. Including a dog on the storyline always brings a softer side to all and Hoover certainly did this.
A charming modern day family saga.
This is such an uplifting story filled with 1980’s pizazz and nostalgia. At times if felt like coming home and it had such a warm, cosy feel to the storyline.
I loved learning about each character and how life shaped them and how as they all learned from each other a sense of belonging was felt. Including a dog on the storyline always brings a softer side to all and Hoover certainly did this.
A charming modern day family saga.
February 9, 2022
This is a wonderful story of three generations of women living living under the same roof, not entirely willingly, but mostly forced by life events. Their relationships have been strained for several years now and the forced cohabitation will have them learn to know each others again.
I loved the 80s vibe of Robin's teenage years, so many happy/nostalgic recollections for me!
A warm, heartfelt read that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the 80s vibe of Robin's teenage years, so many happy/nostalgic recollections for me!
A warm, heartfelt read that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2022
Fabulous book, when Robin who hasn’t been home since 1989 hears her mother has had an accident and needs some help at home forces herself to go back to her childhood home. Robin and mum Faye have never got on and when Robin’s daughter Amber a student whose rented flat gets flooded joins them things go from bad to worse. Can three females learn to forgive and forget and move on. A brilliant storyline that made me nostalgic for the 80’s and had me singing and happy. If this was a record it would be No1 on Top of the Pops.
February 19, 2022
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review, and for including me on the blog tour for Under One Roof!
I thoroughly enjoyed this family fiction story, featuring mother/daughter relationships, repairing them while getting to know each other again, and what can happen when you return home after being away for so long. All of the 80’s flashbacks were so much fun, too. And the letters to the magazine - reminded me of reading all of those columns in seventeen, YM, and others as a teen. I heartily recommend it if you love a story about fractured family coming together with a dose of nostalgia!
I thoroughly enjoyed this family fiction story, featuring mother/daughter relationships, repairing them while getting to know each other again, and what can happen when you return home after being away for so long. All of the 80’s flashbacks were so much fun, too. And the letters to the magazine - reminded me of reading all of those columns in seventeen, YM, and others as a teen. I heartily recommend it if you love a story about fractured family coming together with a dose of nostalgia!
September 27, 2024
I bought this as a mystery books from the works, it’s not one I would usually pick up. However, this was an amazing read and I would recommend it to anyone interested in women’s fiction and reading about healing a fractured relationship between mother and daughter.
June 4, 2022
This book was a little hard to get into… it didn’t start off being one of those books you just can’t put down. It was a heartwarming book indeed. Full of wisdom, growth, love and forgiveness.
October 29, 2023
This is the first book I've read of Samantha's, won't be my last. The story made me cry, laugh. It follows the lives of Robin, Faye and Amber. So sad in part. I would recommend this book.
June 1, 2024
Amazing how Tonge writes about the three generations and their differences in life. Makes you think and look at your own life.
February 10, 2022
A fantastic nostalgic story
Love this!❤️ Have just finished it and wow what a story, absolutely fantastic, thank you for reminding me of being a teenager in the 80s!
Love this!❤️ Have just finished it and wow what a story, absolutely fantastic, thank you for reminding me of being a teenager in the 80s!
February 20, 2022
I have come to expect well-written and entertaining books from Samantha Tonge, but this one is special. There is unexpected depth in this very easy-to-read, seemingly simple story of three women, representing three generations of one family.
Robin ran away from home when she was 16 and although she did see her mother Faye once when her own daughter Amber was born, it wasn’t enough to break through the animosity and bridge the gap between them. Now, 48-year-old, divorced and recently made redundant Robin is asked by her Uncle Ralph to go back to her home village in greater Manchester to take care of Faye who has had a nasty fall. You’d think Robin’s mother would be grateful for having someone to look after her for a few weeks until her cast comes off and her bruises fade, but no, Faye doesn’t want any help or support, especially not from her estranged daughter who left her in the summer when Faye’s husband/Robin’s dad passed away. But Robin isn’t the same firey teenager with little life experience- she has matured and learned how to deal with challenging situations and a lot of this experience has come from being a mother herself. When her sweet, independent, eighteen-year-old daughter has a bit of a crisis with student accomodation, the simplest solution is to move into her grandmother’s house and get to know Faye and the secrets her family holds.
I loved the way the story focused on the three main characters (a bit more on Robin and Faye) which allowed the author to really develop them and dig deep into their feelings and their motivations. All of this without becoming too long and boring. There is a wonderful treasure hunt with its enigmatic clues- the last gift left by Robin’s father to the two people he considered most precious in the world. Of course, Faye and Robin do need Amber’s help to not only with the mysterious anagram, but also with their own uneasy mother-daughter relationship. There are also great references to 80s (including some fashion gems a lot of readers are going to sigh over nostalgically). And there are Dear Debbie! letters written by teenage Robin that bring a bit of levity and show how difficult it is (some say impossible) to give life advice to a teenage girl. The secondary characters are memorable in their own way- e.g. Tara, Yul, Blanche, even absolutely adorable Hoover…They do not take away from the protagonists, but rather add and enhance their stories by providing valuable details that let us understand what happened and empathise.
While my own family is nothing like Robin’s, reading this book brought back a lot of memories from when my grandmother was still alive and I could observe her relationship with my mother and realise for the first time in my life why my mother behaved in certain ways.
A well-written, thought-provoking, compelling and entertaining read from a very talented author who keeps delighting her fans with every new release. Highly recommended to anyone who likes stories about families in general and mother-daughter relationships in particular, life, time, second chances, forgiveness and understanding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Robin ran away from home when she was 16 and although she did see her mother Faye once when her own daughter Amber was born, it wasn’t enough to break through the animosity and bridge the gap between them. Now, 48-year-old, divorced and recently made redundant Robin is asked by her Uncle Ralph to go back to her home village in greater Manchester to take care of Faye who has had a nasty fall. You’d think Robin’s mother would be grateful for having someone to look after her for a few weeks until her cast comes off and her bruises fade, but no, Faye doesn’t want any help or support, especially not from her estranged daughter who left her in the summer when Faye’s husband/Robin’s dad passed away. But Robin isn’t the same firey teenager with little life experience- she has matured and learned how to deal with challenging situations and a lot of this experience has come from being a mother herself. When her sweet, independent, eighteen-year-old daughter has a bit of a crisis with student accomodation, the simplest solution is to move into her grandmother’s house and get to know Faye and the secrets her family holds.
I loved the way the story focused on the three main characters (a bit more on Robin and Faye) which allowed the author to really develop them and dig deep into their feelings and their motivations. All of this without becoming too long and boring. There is a wonderful treasure hunt with its enigmatic clues- the last gift left by Robin’s father to the two people he considered most precious in the world. Of course, Faye and Robin do need Amber’s help to not only with the mysterious anagram, but also with their own uneasy mother-daughter relationship. There are also great references to 80s (including some fashion gems a lot of readers are going to sigh over nostalgically). And there are Dear Debbie! letters written by teenage Robin that bring a bit of levity and show how difficult it is (some say impossible) to give life advice to a teenage girl. The secondary characters are memorable in their own way- e.g. Tara, Yul, Blanche, even absolutely adorable Hoover…They do not take away from the protagonists, but rather add and enhance their stories by providing valuable details that let us understand what happened and empathise.
While my own family is nothing like Robin’s, reading this book brought back a lot of memories from when my grandmother was still alive and I could observe her relationship with my mother and realise for the first time in my life why my mother behaved in certain ways.
A well-written, thought-provoking, compelling and entertaining read from a very talented author who keeps delighting her fans with every new release. Highly recommended to anyone who likes stories about families in general and mother-daughter relationships in particular, life, time, second chances, forgiveness and understanding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 9, 2022
The complexities of family relationships are often a rich vein of inspiration for a writer to explore – and a subject area I always rather enjoy reading about too. And my goodness, they certainly don’t come much more complicated than the relationships in this book.
Robin returns to her childhood home to provide support to her mother Faye, injured in a fall – driven by a sense of obligation and duty, certainly not by love, having never received any from her mother. They’ve been estranged for a considerable time – and it’s immediately clear that their time spent together is unlikely to be easy. They’re joined by Robin’s daughter Amber, a university student at a bit of a crossroads in her life – she’s never met her grandmother before, and Robin’s understandably concerned about them all living in close proximity.
But the tensions are eased a little by a gift from Robin’s late and much-loved father – one last treasure hunt, with cryptic clues to explore, and the promise that it will “change everything”. But as well as coping with the present, they also need to negotiate the past – the secrets, the fractured friendships, the distorted memories, and the elusive truths underpinning their lives and the deeper reasons for the problems between Robin and her mother.
This book did make me question a little whether it’s important to like and sympathise with its main characters – I must admit I didn’t really take to any of them, however much I wanted to, and the revelations about their pasts didn’t really change that. It’s extremely cleverly done though, and it certainly didn’t spoil my eagerness to become involved in their lives – I particularly liked the way we saw Robin making the same mistakes in her relationship with Amber that she so resented when she was a teen herself, replicating her mother’s behaviour while apparently entirely unaware that she was doing so.
And as well as watching their relationships unfolding, there was a lot I very much enjoyed about this book. Finding her bedroom in the attic unchanged since she left as a teen in the 80s, there are plenty of opportunities to revisit the clothing, the music, and the passions of that time through the posters on the walls – and the book is beautifully punctuated by the letters written to “Dear Debbie”, introducing some of the small concerns and more major issues that the teenage Robin was unable to discuss with her mother. She also has the unexpected opportunity to revisit the romance of her teenage years that ended so badly – a thread I very much enjoyed, a strong and convincing developing romance, as we also learn more about what happened after she fled from her home so many years before.
The storytelling is excellent, as is the character development – and the misunderstandings and upsets of the past are slowly disentangled and repaired. While it’s a story that frequently brings a smile, there’s a very satisfying emotional depth too – these are very real people, well drawn, making and perpetuating the mistakes and behaviours that drove them apart, moving steadily towards the reconciliation and forgiveness that comes from understanding. And I really loved the treasure hunt device, its progress and its outcome – it helps to make the story even more of a page-turner, although the family dynamics already make it a compelling read.
I really enjoyed this one – perhaps not entirely what I was expecting, but beautifully done, and the author’s writing has never been better. A definite recommendation from me.
Robin returns to her childhood home to provide support to her mother Faye, injured in a fall – driven by a sense of obligation and duty, certainly not by love, having never received any from her mother. They’ve been estranged for a considerable time – and it’s immediately clear that their time spent together is unlikely to be easy. They’re joined by Robin’s daughter Amber, a university student at a bit of a crossroads in her life – she’s never met her grandmother before, and Robin’s understandably concerned about them all living in close proximity.
But the tensions are eased a little by a gift from Robin’s late and much-loved father – one last treasure hunt, with cryptic clues to explore, and the promise that it will “change everything”. But as well as coping with the present, they also need to negotiate the past – the secrets, the fractured friendships, the distorted memories, and the elusive truths underpinning their lives and the deeper reasons for the problems between Robin and her mother.
This book did make me question a little whether it’s important to like and sympathise with its main characters – I must admit I didn’t really take to any of them, however much I wanted to, and the revelations about their pasts didn’t really change that. It’s extremely cleverly done though, and it certainly didn’t spoil my eagerness to become involved in their lives – I particularly liked the way we saw Robin making the same mistakes in her relationship with Amber that she so resented when she was a teen herself, replicating her mother’s behaviour while apparently entirely unaware that she was doing so.
And as well as watching their relationships unfolding, there was a lot I very much enjoyed about this book. Finding her bedroom in the attic unchanged since she left as a teen in the 80s, there are plenty of opportunities to revisit the clothing, the music, and the passions of that time through the posters on the walls – and the book is beautifully punctuated by the letters written to “Dear Debbie”, introducing some of the small concerns and more major issues that the teenage Robin was unable to discuss with her mother. She also has the unexpected opportunity to revisit the romance of her teenage years that ended so badly – a thread I very much enjoyed, a strong and convincing developing romance, as we also learn more about what happened after she fled from her home so many years before.
The storytelling is excellent, as is the character development – and the misunderstandings and upsets of the past are slowly disentangled and repaired. While it’s a story that frequently brings a smile, there’s a very satisfying emotional depth too – these are very real people, well drawn, making and perpetuating the mistakes and behaviours that drove them apart, moving steadily towards the reconciliation and forgiveness that comes from understanding. And I really loved the treasure hunt device, its progress and its outcome – it helps to make the story even more of a page-turner, although the family dynamics already make it a compelling read.
I really enjoyed this one – perhaps not entirely what I was expecting, but beautifully done, and the author’s writing has never been better. A definite recommendation from me.
February 13, 2022
After the trauma of her Father’s sudden death Robin flees her family home at only sixteen, leaving everything behind including her cold, unfeeling Mother. When years later Robin receives a letter saying her estranged Mum has had a fall she finds herself torn between her duty to help and the painful memories that returning to her childhood home would bring, but after a little persuasion from her Uncle she’s soon en-route barrelling head first towards the past.
Thrown back into her old life she discovers things haven’t stood still in her absence and her Mum has adapted her life as a single woman, despite the fragility her accident has accentuated. Robin quickly discovers whilst some things have been changed beyond recognition that her ‘secret’ childhood bedroom in the attic has remained untouched since she left……bring on some 80’s nostalgia! Whilst reacquainting herself with the memories she thought she had left in the past Robin discovers a treasure map made by her Dad before his final work trip. Having been hidden all this time could solving it’s mystery help bring Mother and Daughter together again as her Dad had intended or will it take a little help from another source?
This book is Sam’s first with a brand new publisher, Boldwood, and despite using this switch to take her writing in a different direction she has retained everything I adore about her books. Tonge’s writing style flows beautifully making reading an absolute dream plus she writes such amazing, fully fleshed and realistic characters and Under One Roof is no exception.
This wonderfully complex multi-generational story takes some really difficult and thought provoking topics thrusting them firmly into the light for examination. These are then explored in-depth by a host of realistic and flawed characters as they navigate relationships and the past. I myself am estranged from my Mother and I appreciated the way Sam has approached this topic showing the true struggle to try and rebuild relationships as apposed to the quick fix we often get in books when dealing with family rifts.
I absolutely loved the inclusion of the secret 80’s bedroom which I believe was the inspiration for the story itself. It really added a fun, nostalgic element to a story that was at times hard to read. Being born in the early 80’s I’m sure some of the nods to the era will have gone over my head, but I really did enjoy learning more about Robin through the frequent inclusion of her Dear Debbie letters from her teenage years.
Under One Roof is yet another winning book and in my opinion Tonge just keeps getting better and better with each and every book published. This book is filled with secrets, misunderstandings, family history and complicated relationships and I just couldn’t put it down – when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it! If you haven’t had the pleasure of this authors writing yet then I urge you to pick one of her books up; you won’t be disappointed.
JUST A NOTE TO SAY THAT THIS BOOK DOES HAVE SOME CONTENT WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY BE TRIGGERING HOWEVER COULD BE DEEMED AS SPOILERS SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS BOOK PLEASE DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE READING.
Thrown back into her old life she discovers things haven’t stood still in her absence and her Mum has adapted her life as a single woman, despite the fragility her accident has accentuated. Robin quickly discovers whilst some things have been changed beyond recognition that her ‘secret’ childhood bedroom in the attic has remained untouched since she left……bring on some 80’s nostalgia! Whilst reacquainting herself with the memories she thought she had left in the past Robin discovers a treasure map made by her Dad before his final work trip. Having been hidden all this time could solving it’s mystery help bring Mother and Daughter together again as her Dad had intended or will it take a little help from another source?
This book is Sam’s first with a brand new publisher, Boldwood, and despite using this switch to take her writing in a different direction she has retained everything I adore about her books. Tonge’s writing style flows beautifully making reading an absolute dream plus she writes such amazing, fully fleshed and realistic characters and Under One Roof is no exception.
This wonderfully complex multi-generational story takes some really difficult and thought provoking topics thrusting them firmly into the light for examination. These are then explored in-depth by a host of realistic and flawed characters as they navigate relationships and the past. I myself am estranged from my Mother and I appreciated the way Sam has approached this topic showing the true struggle to try and rebuild relationships as apposed to the quick fix we often get in books when dealing with family rifts.
I absolutely loved the inclusion of the secret 80’s bedroom which I believe was the inspiration for the story itself. It really added a fun, nostalgic element to a story that was at times hard to read. Being born in the early 80’s I’m sure some of the nods to the era will have gone over my head, but I really did enjoy learning more about Robin through the frequent inclusion of her Dear Debbie letters from her teenage years.
Under One Roof is yet another winning book and in my opinion Tonge just keeps getting better and better with each and every book published. This book is filled with secrets, misunderstandings, family history and complicated relationships and I just couldn’t put it down – when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it! If you haven’t had the pleasure of this authors writing yet then I urge you to pick one of her books up; you won’t be disappointed.
JUST A NOTE TO SAY THAT THIS BOOK DOES HAVE SOME CONTENT WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY BE TRIGGERING HOWEVER COULD BE DEEMED AS SPOILERS SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS BOOK PLEASE DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE READING.
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