“Trying to work out where it all began, where it all started going wrong. And I suppose the real answer is it started years before you could have ever imagined it did.”

It’s a book and it’s based in London. Dare I give you another reason why I picked up this book?

Katherine Faulkner’s latest novel details the story of a beautiful family home in Greenwich Park, London, and all the family secrets in it. We’re given insights into three characters’ lives: Helen, Serena, and Katie. Helen is the oldest and only daughter in the Haverstock fam. Known for their exquisite architecture company, Helen moves into the family home with her husband, Daniel, as they await the birth of their first son. Serena is married to Rory, the oldest son and middle child of the Haverstock clan. They also await the birth of a baby, a girl. Katie is a journalist; she’s the girlfriend of Charlie, the youngest of the Haverstocks. Don’t worry, they aren’t expecting a child. That would be too cute.

While attending antenatal classes (or birth classes as we Pats call them), Helen meets Rachel, a young and soon-to-be solo momma. The two pregos develop a “friendship”; Rachel keeps Helen company during her time off work. Combine the friendship with the house remodel, and you have a story that isn’t as simple and family-friendly as one would imagine from the looks of the things in Greenwich Park.

Props to Faulkner for providing unique twists on a not-so-average family tale. Who doesn’t love unexpected turns? My only complaint is the author allows you to figure out the storyline too quickly, in lieu of the anticipation we readers love and crave. The twist at the end, however, is delicious. Four out of five stars for this London tale that will put your dysfunctional family to shame.

Posted by Michelle