Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors

By Catherine Alliott

An emotional, beautiful read that will leave you with a smile on your face and hope in your heart.

Published: 4/03/2021 by Michael Joseph

Book review, no spoilers I swear!!!

Welcome fellow bookish folk, today I am sharing my thoughts on the beautiful book, Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Alliott. First of all, I'd like to say thank you to the publishers for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as well as an invite on the blog tour. Secondly, I had no idea what to expect from this book and was hooked from the very first chapter, it's emotional, loving and hopeful. But before I tell you more about what I thought, how about I tell you what the book is about, give you an idea.

Blurb:

From the outside, anyone would think that Lucy Palmer has it all: loving children, a dashing husband and a gorgeous home.

But when her marriage to Michael comes to an abrupt and unexpected end, her life is turned upside down in a flash.

As the truth of her marriage threatens to surface, Lucy seizes the opportunity to swap her house in London - and the stories it hides - for a rural escape to her parents' farmhouse in the Chilterns.

But Lucy gets more than she bargained for when she moves back to her childhood home, especially when it throws her into the path of an old flame.

Coming face-to-face with her mistakes, Lucy is forced to confront the secrets she's been keeping from herself and those she loves.

Is she ready to let someone in? Or will she leave the door to her past firmly closed . . .

Thoughts:

Well, let me start by saying this was my first Catherine Alliott book so I had no idea what to expect only that it was bloody brilliant and I'll be looking out for Alliott's books from now on.

I knew from reading the blurb that this book was going to be different to the other books I tend to read. The title sort of gives away the fact that this book is about domestic violence and how we never truly know what a person goes through behind closed doors. The way in which the story is written is in a way that is raw, honest and so real that it is painfully relatable.

Although this book centres around the subject of domestic abuse, it is also about over coming trauma and living for yourself. Lucy's character is one that I loved, sympathised, and just wanted to hug. Her journey throughout this book is beautiful to read and is one with plenty of highs and lows as she tries to find her way. Lucy's also a woman with many sides to her, she has flaws and has made mistakes but she is also a woman who doubts herself and its not until she returns home that we see she is more than a self-doubting scared girl, in fact she is a strong, clever woman who has to power to choose her own path now.

As much as I loved Lucy's character, I also loved how the story involved other characters. Lucy's family in particular, all of which were unique in there own way. The miss-matched family is so wonderful and relatable, from chaotic parents, to an organised sister and trouble making teens. This bunch of characters bring light into the story and add that hint of comedy that will make you laugh.

I obviously don't want to give too much away but this book from start to finished had me hooked. I loved the writing and I loved the story. It will break your heart and put it back together again and the ending! Oh I loved how it ended, I was smiling and yet felt bereft that it was the last page.

Rating: 4.5* out of 5

After all tomorrow is another day spent reading.

Till next time,

Phoebe x

You can buy Behind Closed Doors now from Amazon in, ebook, hardback and audio but remember if you are able to, support your local bookshop.