Belinda Baxter is an estate agent who specializes in houses that have that certain something: houses that are welcoming, comforting, true homes. When Hunter's Moon, the Willoughby family estate, is ready to go on the market, she's the perfect person to handle the sale. Only, the house is going up for sale for tragic reasons, and even Belinda wishes that it could stay in the family...

The story alternates between Belinda in the present day, and Sally, who saved the house for the Willoughby family back in 1967, when she was employed there as a housekeeper. Both stories are engaging, though there's not a great deal of plot to be had in either. As with Henry's other books, it's all about atmosphere and character. This is an ideal comfort read, especially since it's set in the same town as Henry's How to Find Love in a Bookshop, so readers who enjoyed that story will come across some familiar characters and places. It can be read as a stand-alone just as easily, though. If you're looking for something sweet and gentle, this should fit the bill. ( )

I have said previously that I don't read enough Veronica Henry books but with so many books and so little time, I am delighted that The Forever House went straight to the top of my reading queue. With the boundless charm and sparkling wit I have come to know and love from Veronica Henry, I was completely captivated by The Forever House and started and finished it on the same day.

There is an excellent dual storyline of two very strong women characters: Belinda and Sally who meet when Sally decides to put her beloved family home on the market and chooses Belinda as her estate agent. Sally's story is quite sad as she doesn't really want to sell Hunter's Moon but rather has to sell due to her family situation. Belinda tries to make it as painless as possible whilst we learn the stories of these two fabulous women.

Through flashbacks to the 1960's we read about Sally meeting her husband Alexander Willoughby and his eccentric family. What an absolute HOOT! There is a scene with a frozen chicken, a hairdryer and the Willoughby's pet where I don't mind telling you I absolutely roared with laughter, I couldn't have kept it in if I tried. They are such a crazy family but there is much love and laughter in their house, which is why it is so hard for Sally to part with Hunter's Moon.

Belinda meanwhile, throws herself into work as she is more successful in her professional than private life. She is saving up for her very own forever house and thought she had found it once upon a time but she doesn't like to remember that part of her life as it is filled with painful memories. Belinda deserves some happiness and you never know what is around the corner for her.

What an absolutely gorgeous book. From the warm inviting cover to the charming story within, it's a treat from start to finish. There is laughter but there are also tears and unfortunately such is life. The Forever House is a perfect life story and I treasured every moment, including the lump in my throat and the tear in my eye at the end.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )

What a wonderful book! Not a whole lot of plot; but great writing and some excellent characters, skilfully developed in a dual-timeframe style.

Brenda is an estate agent with a few secrets in her past, and a longing for a 'forever house' of her own. Much of the book involves her trying to sell the huge house belonging to Sally and Alex; and a lot of the book takes us back fifty years, to the time when Alex and his family still lived there, and when he and Sally first met.

It wouldn't appeal to anyone who likes a lot of tension or fast action, but for those who like gentle character-based women's fiction, I would recommend this highly.

Full review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-forever-house-by-veronica-henry... ( )