The Last House on Sycamore Street by Paige Roberts
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation on September 25, 2018
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Women’s Health
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
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As intriguing as it is relatable, Paige Roberts’ compulsively readable novel delves into the secrets and ties that lie between friends–and neighbors.
When Amy Kravitz opts to leave Washington, D.C., behind in favor of a less stressful life in the Philadelphia suburbs, she has a certain kind of house in mind. And on a charming street in a family-friendly neighborhood, she and her husband Rob find it. It’s a perfect brick colonial with plenty of space, a beautiful yard, and great schools nearby. The sellers, Julian and Grace Durant, are eager to make a deal. In an unexpected bonus, the Durants’ young son, Ethan, strikes up a friendship with Amy and Rob’s introverted four-year-old, Noah.
Soon, Amy is unpacking boxes in her new home and arranging playdates for Noah and Ethan. But as weeks go by, Amy suspects something isn’t quite right. Julian’s mail keeps arriving at their old address, and Amy can hardly miss the “Final Notice” stamped on the envelopes in big, red letters. Behind the laid-back veneer projected by the Durants, Amy senses lives reeling out of control. But how much does Grace know, how much is she choosing to ignore–and is there more at stake in Amy speaking up or in staying silent?
I fell in love with the cover of this book when I saw it available for review on NetGalley, so I immediately requested the opportunity to review it. Once I had requested it, then it occurred to me to read the synopsis of the book. Thankfully, when I read the synopsis, I realized that I did want to read the book after all.
Here’s the story:
Amy and Robert are house hunting when they meet Grace and Julian and buy their house. Amy and Rob move in with their son Noah. Both couples have boys around the same age, which causes Amy and Grace to become friends as the boys have play dates together.
At first, Amy thinks that Grace lives the perfect life until mail keeps arriving addressed to Julian and Grace with final notice written all over them. Amy accidentally opens one of the letters and worries herself about what to do with her knowledge of the contents. The mail situation together with Julian’s odd behavior helps Amy come to the realization that Julian has an addiction problem. Sadly, Amy’s brother Tim is also an addict.
I’ll be honest – I kept waiting for something more to happen in this story line, but it really never did. It seemed like this book would be a tension-filled thriller, it never got there. I really wish there would have been more, more drama going on and more character development to help achieve a bigger story line.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paige Roberts has been a scientist, journalist, waitress, and cook. Now she’s the author of The Last House on Sycamore Street and Virtually Perfect.
A graduate of Yale University and Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she lives outside Philadelphia with her family and an ever-expanding collection of cookbooks.
Connect with Paige Roberts on social media ~
WEBSITE // TWITTER // FACEBOOK
I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy through Net Galley in exchange for my post. I was not required to post a positive review. Thank you!
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