Best Friend Next Door Book (2024 Updated)

This book is excellent. I think I finished it probably in two days. I was like “ I’ll read just a little but more because I have to know things” it is definitely a page turner. This is a chilling take of deception , duplicity, and unfaithfulness.

It will keep you breathless until the last page. It is a story of a couple who attend a dinner party next door. They are new parents. They take only their baby monitor and leave their baby sleeping alone in her crib.

Each one of the parents take turns coming back home every hour on the hour checking the baby. But did one forget ? Did they drink too much wine and forget a check in? When they got home they discovered their baby was missing completely vanished.

This book takes you places you never even think or know you are going. That’s a great thing that it’s not predictable. Granted, there are things that aggravated me about it like, the neighbors being set up as important characters, only to serve as little more than slightly over-convenient device.

But, still even there, it’s handled rather smoothly and does indeed and significantly help in moving the plot along and adding to the dynamics. There’s no fluff to this book. It is a thriller. Overall fast track read.

It has great premise and riveting writing style. I urge you to read it. I’m glad I did. Great job to the author Shari Lapena.

The Couple Next Door is a book I really enjoyed reading. Anne and Marco have gone to dinner at their neighbours but because their babysitter has let them down they have left baby Cora home alone with the baby monitor.

At the end of the night, Cora has disappeared. It is a cracking story stuffed with characters who all seem to have something to hide. In fact the only person who does seem to be totally innocent is baby Cora herself.

But, what has happened to her? It is a very intriguing read that really drew me in with characters who I sympathised with and despaired of equally. Now, I have to say that I did work it out fairly early on but, and it is a big BUT, that was only part of it there was a heck of a lot more story to come and the surprises kept on coming right up until the last page.

It is a story that is full of lies and betrayals where you realise that you never really know the people closest to you The only downside for me is that it was all written in the present tense and that made it difficult for me at first to really connect with the characters.

It felt a little like listening to the audio descriptions for the blind on TV but after a while I got used to it. This is a story that at the end of the day is well worth a read. I received a review copy from the publishervia Netgalley.

Thrillers/mysteries are my favorite book genre. I breezed through this one. It was a pretty quick read and easy to follow. If you’re looking to add a book to your shelf or on the hunt for your next read, I recommend this little thriller.

It is not a long book, so don’t worry about a huge novel showing up which could be daunting.

Huntley Fitzpatrick’s debut novel has ALWAYS been one of my favorite YA contemporaries since it released. I can hardly believe it was her first novel! It has what I love when I read novels like this, all of the fluffy amazing cuteness that comes with reading contemporary.

This one goes deeper than the average cutesy romance though. My Life Next Door has some underlying issues. Jace and Samantha fall into some real world problems that could ultimately tear them apart. While Samantha’s family is all about perfection, the Garretts are all about real life.

Its almost like reading two different stories when you go from Samantha and her mother to Samantha with the Garretts. It was amazing to see Samantha navigating the crazy, dramatic world of the Garrett’s who took her in as if she was just another one of their children.

It had me laughing and crying at every turn of the page. Jace shows Samantha a side of life she never believed she could have. The more Samantha fell for him the more I did as well!.

I’ve never picked up a YA title thinking ‘Ooh I bet I’ll learn something about parenting. ‘ Never. Ever. I pick up YA reads for the same reason my friends watch Glee. The stories offer an escape into the simpler world of teens.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick delivers on the virtuous teen romance and for a bonus throws in some to-do and not-to-do’s for parents. The story kicks off with one of best first lines that I’ve read in a long time ‘The Garretts were forbidden from the start.

‘ Immediately I thought coven of witches or harborers of terrorists. But no. To Senator Reed the Garretts are way more sinister. Senator Reed forbids her daughters Samantha and Tracy from interacting with the Garretts because they represent chaos.

Senator Reed vacuums her way out the door each day. For herself and her daughters she’s constructed an orderly and seemingly perfect life that’s imagined only on photo shopped magazine covers. Next door chaos reigns.

With 8 kids and 8 kids worth of toys cars and bikes the Garretts are the antithesis to the Reed’s antiseptic home. Yet the chaos beckons Samantha’s attention. She studies the Garretts at a distance from the roof outside her window until one night Jase Garrett joins her on the roof and invites her into his family’s disarray.

Samantha sneaks under her mom’s radar to date Jase. Their romance trots along innocently until Senator Reed’s political ambitions cleave a gulf between the youthful relationship leading Samantha to have to choose between loyalty and honesty.

A choice that proves sometimes kids know better than adults. Parenting tips? Yeah they’re there; laced into the fabric of the story. First tip: Parents who are involved in their children’s day to day lives and who accept the individuality of their children create a circle of trust and respect with their children.

Evidenced by Tim’s parents. The Masons parent at arm’s reach ignoring Tim’s misdeeds until ignorance is no longer possible. But even then they fail to involve themselves in their son’s life. By contrast Mr.

Garrett treats Tim like one of his own children. He’s honest that Tim’s messed up accepts Tim where he is in his life and guides Tim on how to be better. All actions that Tim’s parents could have taken if they weren’t afraid to be involved.

Second tip: Kids watch their parents behavior to learn how they themselves should behave. Senator Reed theoretically represents and safeguards her voters. It’s the message the Senator promotes in her campaign.

A message that Samantha believes until she witnesses her mom sacrifice integrity for image. Her mom’s misanthropic actions leave Samantha wavering over what is ethical and unethical ñ a path a responsible parent would have boldly drawn for their child.

Young adult blended with parenting tips. I’ll take that any day over the average non-fiction guide to perfect parenting. Especially stories like My Life Next Door that test how many nights I can go with only a few hours’ sleep.

My only disbelief with My Life Next Door was how constantly kind the Garretts’ kids acted toward each other. I grew up with 3 brothers. I love them with all my soul but boy did we go at it when we were younger.

I don’t care how good parents are siblings argue. It’s a fact. My Life Next Door serves up a sweet summer romance entwined with fables of loyalty integrity and family values. A great read for the beach or for a lazy cozy weekend.

~review by pagecravings. com.

This book is utterly amazing!! i can’t put it down and i try to pick it up as often as possible! carry it everywhere because i want to know what happens next. finished in 2 days. <3

I love a book that makes you forget you are reading. These characters became part of my life! I could have easily read this in one sitting but instead, I chose to keep putting it down to make it last! I didn’t want it to end.

Hilarious banter, heart wrenching “feels”, a perfect summer read!.

This one will grab you and not let go. It’s full of fun, sarcasm, doglets, laughs, and the redemptive power of allowing yourself to be loved. Emotions are highest of highs and lowest of lows, but the ride is worth every hill and valley.

Beautifully written and an absolute delight to read. I would and have recommended this book to others. I am looking forward to re-reading it at some point in the future! Definitely read this book!!

this book was a million times better than Normal People in my opinion, Rooney just does an amazing job at giving young people relatable characters. Such a good read.

This was my first Colleen Hoover book and it didn’t disappoint! Lily is so authentic, keeps to her values, and makes the reader want her to succeed. The way Colleen writes this, it’s hard to know what’s coming next and as a reader I found myself as shocked by the twists as Lily did.

The constant back and forth of present and past timelines was a great way to show character depth on Lily’s part and introduce Atlas without him actually having to be there. And when he is there, dynamite.

As someone who’s gone through a similar experience to what Lily did in this book in the past, I felt this book put my thoughts into words more beautifully than I ever could. One thing I’ll say is that while yes this book does have romance elements I would not market it as a romance or go into it expecting that.

It’s much more a cautionary tale and a contemporary fiction novel. But this made me want to read everything Colleen Hoover has ever written and I’m actively waiting for the sequel this Fall!.

I bought this book because it was the book chosen by my book club for the month of January. I really didn’t think I was going to like the book, but I was pleasantly surprised! The book was a very interesting read.

Besides a good story line, it provided insight into the life of people living in Cuba. I would recommend this book.

So, I was meant to be experiencing the April Sun in Cuba, but like so many of us, we’ve needed to find pleasure closer to home this year. Reading this book gave the sense of escapism I needed and also provided lots of knowledge of the history of Cuba dressed up in a lovely story of 2 women, caught up in very different times.

I’ll be looking to purchase the next book too. for more about strong women and a fascinating country.

This book is beautiful, heart wrenching, stunningly beautiful. I definitely think I’ll be reading more by Chanel Cleeton! The multi telling about the Cuban revolution, and the subsequent challenges facing both those who left and those who stayed will leave you feeling completely compelled and conflicted about a Cuban getaway!.

This book teaches people to be considerate of other peoples feelings. It teaches many other valuable things too though, such as how to interview well, things to say that make you more pleasant to be around, etc.

It definitely gets you to think about how you could and should “do better”. It has helped many people to transform from being socially awkward and defensive to someone that seems collected and confident.

So far, a very well written and concise book. Will show you clear messages, with examples that show the recourse of each action. Using the instructions listed, it helps gain a new understanding of humans, and how to throughly communicate.

Although some of the examples are dated, with some common sense and understanding, you can still see the benefits of each action today.

it is 2018 as of right now and this book don’t seem to reach the 21st century. I’m sure the book is classic and it has its own way to view it’s content, and yet i think it needs more than just a smile to solve many problems as of right now.

We’re in the 21st century and we as humans have evolved a lot since then and I think we need to get into debt to understand completely how people operate and this book, I would say outdated. Feel free to read it, I’m not saying I didn’t learn anything from it.

I learned a lot from this book. Though, I believe only 20-30% of the stuff I read are useful. 70% of it are outdated. If you’re curious, just read it. You may like it. =).

If you’ve ever involuntarily blurted out ‘And I’m Britt’, this is the book for you. If you’ve pounced on this book before reading the blurb, allow me to enlighten you: this is a novel, not a super long episode of Crime Junkie in book form.

Not that I’d ever open a book, see A Novel after the title and question every assumption I’ve ever made. All Good People Here (A Novel) primarily takes place in Wakarusa, Indiana, where Ashley and Britt grew up.

In 1994, six year old January Jacobs died. Everyone in town knew Krissy, January’s mother, murdered her but the case has officially remained unsolved. “You don’t want to go back to that sad little town where that terrible thing happened.

” Margot hasn’t lived in Wakarusa for twenty years but has returned to care for her beloved Uncle Luke. When a young girl is reported missing in a nearby town, Margot believes the person who killed her childhood friend has struck again.

Margot is determined to use her crime reporting skills to solve the cases but she seems to be the only one seeing their similarities. This may be a small town but many of its residents are living with secrets.

“What did you do?” Hearing the story from Krissy and Margot’s perspectives, you learn about the dynamics of the Jacobs’ family, how the investigation into January’s death unfolded and the impact it has had on everyone close to the case in the subsequent years.

A few key details about January and her death made me think of JonBenét Ramsey. Once I made that connection, I had trouble seeing anything else. I enjoyed tagging along as Margot followed up leads, although I did get a bit bogged down at times with what was happening with Luke.

I guessed some of the reveals but, rather than being disappointed by this as I usually would be, it made me feel like I was being a good Crime Junkie. It’s taken me two weeks since finishing this book to attempt writing a review and that’s mostly due to the last time we see Margot in this book.

Readers will likely either love or hate this scene. I loved it but, because I don’t want to get all spoilery, I can’t tell you why I loved it and that’s what I really want to talk about. I’m looking forward to reading future books by Ashley.

Until then, I’ll keep getting my Crime Junkie fix whenever I can and remembering to always “Be weird. Be rude. Stay alive. ” Content warnings are included on my blog. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this book.

Three days. That’s how long it took to read this book. First I want to begin by saying this: In 2020 when COVID hit and the shutdowns happened, I was straight BORED. I wasn’t working, my kids were home, and my husband wasn’t working any of his side jobs.

So I turned to a podcast. And that podcast was Crime Junkie. I put zero thought into what podcast. I just chose one and went with it. Still 2 years later, multiple podcasts, and Crime Junkie is still my favorite.

When I found out she was releasing a book I KNEW I had to read it. I had very high expectations for this book. I want to say that this was an excellent book and most definitely lived up to the hype. What I wish however, was some more closure in the ending.

Now, I won’t say more because I don’t wanna ruin it. But for me I could have handled ONE MORE CHAPTER. I will say though that coming from the creative side of my brain, I knew what she was doing by NOT having that full closure.

It for sure left my brain spinning and going into circles on what would have happened. And is that real life? Yes. Something I appreciate about this book: I did NOT figure out “whodunit. ” I had my suspicions and granted the person who did it was one of them, I just wasn’t for sure.

I loved how it all came together in the end. Overall this was an excellent thriller! I highly recommend!.

The book was OKAY… The storyline is pretty cool, but the book is extremely slow to start. Like, not-interesting-until-page-120, slow to start. There are also quite a few run on sentences in this book, which is frustrating for me personally.

The “f-word” is often used unexpectedly & unnecessarily as well. It doesn’t fit with the theme of the conversation or book, ever. The writing seemed to get lazy toward the ending. The second to last chapter, when everything “goes down” (for lack of a better term) it is rushed and can be classified as unrealistic.

Overall, the book was alright. The ending was a surprise – that’s for sure. Definitely not my favorite, though.

I read this book for the first time a few years ago. It was truly an inspiration to me. It also validated many of the opinions that I had, especially when reflecting on the many errors that I made starting out in my business career.

Particularly instructive are the chapters talking about inergenerational wealth: the more that you give your kids, the less likely it is that they will amount to anything. It also outlines, in no uncertain terms, that much of America’s wealth is created by first generation Americans.

Once immigrants have been “socialized” it becomes much less likely that they will create any wealth. While Stanley does not address the point specifically, if there ever were an argument to be made for unfettered immigration it would be this: immigrants have to succeed and create wealth by their own entreprenurial activities.

They are not members of any “club”, have no network to drawn on, have no family to rely on. They have to succeed on their own. Case it point: Google’s founders – both first generation Americans. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to become wealty in one generation, and is prepared to swim against the tide of consumerism and entitlement mentalities which threaten to drown America.

I love this book and could not put it down. It primarily focuses on the saving and spending habits of Americans who have become millionaires, complete with demographics, statistics and true examples.

I highly recommend acquiring and reading this book all the way through.

I just received the book today. I don’t need to become a millionaire. I want to be able to live comfortably and take care of my family. When I read the description about this book, I felt this would be something that I can use to get me to a good place financially.

The author is noted for his previous book, “The Remains of the Day,” which was made into a great movie of the same name. This book, “Klara and the Sun,” is a departure from the stark realism of the prior book, in that the narrator and main character Klara is an android, or AF (android friend) of a young girl who suffers from a serious disability.

Klara is solar-powered, but since she is on the brink of real sentience, she develops a spiritual connection to the sun as her source of power and life, and quasi-religious devotion. The setting is somewhere sometime, not clearly recognizable as the near present, but Klara and her young friend, the child’s Mother and Father, and their human associates are recognizable types of everyday people.

Klara, however, becomes (to me) the most “human” of all. This story is lyrical and beautiful and memorable. Most read!.

I wish I could send a letter to Ishiguro and tell him how much I’ve enjoyed all of his books. I marvel at his ability to write in so many different settings with such varied topics. I became completely immersed in Klara’s world and it’s a book that leaves me pondering its meaning.

This would be an interesting project for a movie. I’d love to see these characters dramatized.

Timely, poignant read about love. Intriguing story line addressing and revealing questions about human relationships, love and artificial intelligence. Very thought provoking and offers provocative text for book club discussions.

A very entertaining and good-natured book about a family of pirates moving to a small, boring town of Dull-on-Sea. The illustrations are very humorous and the story line is easy to understand. The whole series is highly recommended!.

My 6 year old loves this book. The illustrations are amazing, filled with details. We can discuss them and connect to the text for an hour easily. Great book!

Bought this book for my Grandson who had enjoyed the story at school. Definitely a second hand book, quality similar to what you would get from local borrowing library.

This was the most boring book I have read. I persisted until I was one third of the way through, but I just could not get into it at all. It was predictable, the characters were about as shallow as you could get & I am just cross that I bought it & didn’t borrow it.

Total waste of money for me!.

Delivery was fast. Ordered it last minute before I headed off on holiday and it came in perfect time. The actual book reminds me a lot of the Madeline McCann case and after hearing soo much about it already it makes it hard to pick up and read.

However once you do manage to get into the book, it has different twists and turns that makes it interesting and its own story.

Good read and would appeal to most readers. It contained a few twists and turns. I felt it was well written. There were a few surprises along the way which keeps a book interesting. Very enjoyable light read.

Loved this butttttt I couldn’t finish it. Super rough details, greatly written and done though. Probably will finish later! I still love everything about it. Super interesting and keeps you wanting to know more!.

A very sad and at times difficult read but nonetheless a very good book. It is very well written and pulls no punches. The fact that it is based on a real life case is chilling. Man’s inhumanity to man knows no bounds and is chilling how close to savagery mankind actually is.

I hadn’t heard of this book or the movie based on it until one day when I was exploring an online movie site. I came across the movie, watched it and was blown away. Quite shocking to say the least. I realized that if the movie was that amazing the book must be even better, so I immediately went on ebay to purchase it.

After receiving the book I eagerly read it in just a few days, and to be honest I was a little disappointed. The book and the movie are almost identical. Which I guess to some people in the movie world that is a good thing.

But I was wanting and expecting more. So my advice is, if you plan to read the book, don’t watch the movie, or if you’ve seen the movie, don’t bother reading the book. All in all, it’s a fantastic, frightening and very real story which makes you seriously wonder about people and what they are capable of doing to others.

When I bought this book I was hoping for a light-hearted fun summer-read. Well it is a good book but it is so realistic to how people really are that makes it a serious book. Addie and Val’s relationship is how many people’s lives are.

I really enjoyed this book because of the truthfulness of how friendships can be. All true friendships have their trials and tribulations. Jennifer hit it right on the spot!!!.

If you like Jennifer Weiner’s books you’ll want to get Best Friends Forever. It’s about two friends who part only to come together in a time of need. Funny and heartwarming. I’ve not found a book written by Jennifer that I haven’t liked and I don’t think I’m going to.

She’s great.

Stephanie Perkins actually made me feel several emotions while reading this book (which I did in one sitting, actually. ) I believe she wanted to make a point on how we see ourselves, separately. Our main conflict in this story is Lola dealing with who she wants to be.

She was aware that she’s empty but she wants to fix this on her own. She doesn’t want to use a mask to cover it up forever, she wants to become her own person and to know herself well. I love that there wasn’t an instant solution to this problem.

When she realized this, my heart ached. I realized how I feel the same and how I need to fix it by myself. Overall, I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. It’s so important what Stephanie conveys through each character in this book.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for depth in a contemporary romance, love between neighbors, or simply where the protagonist has been in love with another character for such a long time. I was beyond impressed and fulfilled after finishing this novel! I just wish I could experience it once again.

I know i’ll pick up the next companion novel. Fingers crossed that Lola and Cricket make a cameo!.

Holy fried butter on a stick if THIS is what Stephanie Perkins brings to the table as second helpings I don’t think my heart can survive a third attack with Isla later this year! Although it is not a direct sequel to Anna and The French Kiss Lola and The Boy Next Door carries the same scorching intensity and introduces a whole new set of characters to fall in love with.

THE GOOD BITS (Lola Nolan) Lovable to the power of love! She has the right balance of snark and sweet that makes her exactly my sort of people. I love that colorful wigs and costumes make up her closet – and she dreams of dressing like Marie Antoinette for winter prom.

Lola is the very definition of unforgettable and it is so very easy for readers to fall in love with her and want the absolute bestest of best lives for her. (Cricket Bell) YUMZERS! Who knew a Cricket to be so scrumptious? I would dare to say that Cricket far outshines Etienne by a long shot.

I am not sure if that is because he is definitely single when he declares his interest in Lola but I know that was always the tricky part about Etienne in the beginning. Cricket was just the right sort of boy ñ adorable smart and quirky ñ and he fit just right with Lola that it was baffling to watch Lola try to resist and cling to her boyfriend Max.

Especially when Cricket offers to help Lola with her tricky costume design! (Cameos of Anna and Etienne) OMG my heart nearly skipped a beat as these two came on scene. Their love sparkled with such sigh-worthy brightness to cause envy but Anna and Etienne mostly kept to the sidelines unless called out to advise Lola with her relationship troubles.

Stephanie Perkins did not have to include Anna and Etienne to make this story work but I am always so THRILLED to see familiar characters make guest appearances (usually in romance series). It feels like they are giving a blessing or guidance to the new couple in the spotlight.

THE BAD BITS (Nothing!) Are you crazy? Reading Lola and The Boy Next Door felt like inhaling the most heavenly slice of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake without any regrets whatsoever. THE OVERALL I thought it would be impossible to top Anna and The French Kiss but apparently Stephanie Perkins was just getting warmed up with her debut.

Without breaking a sweat Lola and The Boy Next Door picks up the baton from its predecessor and ran seven leagues further with breathtaking delight. I cannot wait to see how much higher in the clouds this author takes us with her next book!.

This is the second book in the Anna and the French Kiss series, and it’s my least favorite one. don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, it’s just different from the other two. Yes, there’s love, yes, there are funny parts and also bits which will make you suffer, and yes, it’s a book worth reading.

Just don’t expect too much from it.

I love poetry and these books are a good way to get young minds into poetry. Being introduce to poetry at a very young age has played a vital role in my life. Npt only is it fun but also teaches young minds to use their imagination and express themselves with images.

I was so happy to find these Shel Silverstein books – hardcover no less – at this great discount. My little one is too young for these just yet but I’m stocking her library just the same. Books arrived in pristine condition, no shipping issues.

A great book of poems. A must for every bookshelf. *thumbs up* Silverstein is underrated and deserves more appreciation.

What would you do if you got a letter saying that their son broke-in your house & snooping on your laptop? Another amazing suspense from Shari Lapena, Lately I have been very lucky with all my recent thrillers that I read & no doubt Someone We Know was also a 5 star for me.

I love a thriller which is fast paced and moves right into action. We all do, right? This is exactly like that. A #whodunnit case which is gets complex with every page & it becomes a little difficult to know who did it until the last few pages.

I loved how the story of other characters was connected & it gave a hard time to the police to actually keep up with new evidence & secrets emerging every now & then, they moved one step ahead & 2 steps backward arresting suspects but their theory didn’t add up.

There was so much secret between each family, like it was difficult to know if they were telling the truth. I love a story with so much happening in it that you just want to keep turning the pages faster and faster.

I loved Olivia how she wanted to do what is right even if it could cause trouble for her own family. I would definitely recommend it Thank you Viking Books for gifting me a copy of this book.

Read in February 2020 I loved all the characters, the neighborhood, and the storyline. Shari knows how to surprise her readers. This is a great read! I recommend to anyone who loves Whodunnit, mystery, and thriller novels.

The twists and turns are surprising, to say the least. Olivia and Gloria, I love their friendship everyone always needs a great friend. Their Sons Raleigh and Adam, typical teenagers. New neighbors move in and change the neighborhood.

That one neighbor that you love to hate. I don’t like saying a whole lot in reviews because I’m always afraid of giving too much away. This book you have to read it.

I have never read a Shari LaPena book but the blurb was intriguing, so I bit. I have always loved to read, but life was so busy I was down to reading only magazines. How I longed for the time to read a real book.

Pandemic hit, I now had time, so I have bought several books now and have started enjoying being able to read real books again. This was a great story. Glad I bought it!.

Do NOT buy this book if you do not want your children being exposed to mature subject matter at this time. NOWHERE did I see there was mature content in this book about a boy liking another boy. When my daughter started asking questions I was confused as to why.

When she brought me the book I was VERY UPSET! This book should have let parents know there was mature subject content matter in the book and let parents make the decision. No more Raina Telgemeier books for us.

which is sad because my daughter loved this author.

It’s tricky finding appropriate, yet fun books for my very advanced 9yr old reader, so I’d appreciate a heads up when there’s discussion in a book that is sexual in nature. The author assumes that the reader is at least somewhat versed in sexual preference, cross-dressing, and kissing without proper consent.

I’d return it, but I’d pay to ship back, which would be a wash for what I paid in the first place. I will not buy from this author again.

Im reading these graphic novels with my 9yr old and really appreciate this author!. The protagonist in this book has normal struggles of middle school and puberty and I have so enjoyed the way the author depicts her navigating friends and so called friends.

Reading along with my younger daughter has been so wonderful as we talk about Rainas courage and sympathize with her fears and worries. If you are an open and accepting others differences and want to be be able to talk to your children about some of these differences I highly recommend these books.

Even though I have talked about gay people and my daughter knows many gay people and couples, having a character come out in book helps open the door to more discussion and ideas of compassion, acceptance and love for ALL.