The Woman at Number 24

by Juliet Ashton

'This brilliantly written and captivating story instantly drew us in and refused to let go. Fresh, funny and utterly fabulous, it’s the perfect holiday read' Heat

Meet the residents of number 24 in the warm, witty and wonderful novel from bestselling author Juliet Ashton.
 
When your marriage falls apart, the last place you'd want your husband to move to is downstairs. Unfortunately for Sarah, up in the eaves at number 24, her ex-husband now lives one floor beneath her with his new wife. Their happiness floats up through the floorboards, taunting her.

A child psychologist, Sarah has picked up great sadness from the little girl, Una, who lives with her careworn mother three floors below, but is Sarah emotionally equipped to reach out?

The Spring brings a new couple to the house. Jane and Tom's zest for life revives the flagging spirits, and Sarah can't deny the instant attraction to handsome Tom. Having seen at first hand what infidelity does to people, she'll never act on it ... but the air fizzes with potential.

The sunshine doesn't reach every corner of number 24, however. Elderly Mavis, tucked away in the basement, has kept the world at bay for decades. She's about to find out that she can't hide forever.

Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure.

'This book delivered so much more than I expected. Emotion, laughs and mystery, I simply adored every minute of reading it' Netgalley reviewer 

'Wow! Just a beautiful read, like a breath of fresh air. Very heart warming and easy to read. A great 5 Stars from me!' Netgalley reviewer

'This book is like wrapping yourself up in a blanket on the sofa and watching your favourite film. Warm, heart-felt and witty' Lara Marshall, Netgalley reviewer

'The Woman at Number 24 is an absorbing story full of wonderful moments ...This was my first Juliet Ashton book to read and I really fell in love with her accurate, vivid and flowing writing' Netgalley reviewer

'This book was positively packed with intriguing storylines and plenty of twists and turns I did not see coming ...  this was a really lovely story about community and seeing beauty in our fellow humans. Sarah was a truly genuine and caring character and I really enjoyed reading about her growing friendship with Mavis, her elderly neighbour. I really loved Jane as well- she added a special something to Number 24. This is the first Juliet Ashton book I have read and I will certainly be looking out for more books by this author!' Netgalley reviewer

Praise for Juliet Ashton:
'Funny, original and wise' KATIE FFORDE on The Valentine's Card
‘Gloriously and irresistibly romantic … It's like One Day with all the additional trials and tribulations of female friendship’ HANNAH BECKERMAN on These Days of Ours
‘Warm, witty and surprising’ Louise Candlish on These Days of Ours

• ISBN10: 1471158896
• ISBN13: 9781471158896
• Publish Date: 20 April 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Edition: Paperback Original
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 432
• Language: English

Reviews

[Emma (SCR)]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copies of this book. I received both a paper and digital copy of this book. I switched between the two as my kindle is easier when I’m on the move.

I first heard about this book at the Spring Blogger Evening 2017 and SJ mentioned a quote that when you read it will mean everything. At the time I thought what could “Daddy, a lizard” mean? But SJ was right.

When I read the premise of this book I thought, god I couldn’t do what Sarah was doing. I lived with my ex for 2 months after we broke up and it was extremely difficult.

This book really is something special. There are 8 people living in number 24. The story mainly focuses on Sarah but there is a lot of interaction with the other members of the house.

My favourite character is little Una. She is one tough little girl that has been through an awful lot for someone so young.

This story has lots of twists and turns that I never saw coming. The ending however will leave you feeling uplifted.

This was my first book by Juliet. I really enjoyed her style and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.