A lovely gentle story that starts with us getting to know a little unconnected community which then grows into a beautiful story of people coming together, sharing their secrets and becoming family. It’s the sort of community we all long to be part of. The characters are drawn from real life examples I suspect as I can relate to all of them, the good and less charming ones. I did find myself skim reading the last few chapters as I became keen to finish the book which was dragging a little bit so have deducted one star. Altogether a really nice read and to be recommended Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Just lovely- though it did take me a little while to settle in to this story. A warm, observational tale of life in a small suburban terrace with a group of residents who are rather different to each other. United by a fight to save a park and mighty oak tree opposite their homes, this is a story of community, of secrets, of becoming and of family. I really enjoyed it.

I was a little sceptical about this as I have a little aversion to “celebrity” authors. However as I really like Tom Allen I thought this was worth a read and I’m so glad I gave it a chance as I absolutely devoured this book. It is a lovely easy read and complete escapism. The characters were brilliantly described, some wonderful and kind and others who you would cross the road to avoid. All in it is a wonderful tale of a small community coming together to protect an ancient tree and all learning more about themselves in the process. There were funny moments, sad moments and moments where I wanted to do harm to certain characters.

Tom Allen is a sometimes outlandish comedian and presenter. That really comes over in this very enjoyable book. He hass come up with a disparate list of characters who are neighbours who live in a four house terrace in a small town. Couple Vince and Nathan Luke move into one of the houses that has been empty, and this changes the dynamics of all four households. I think most readers will have come across people who are like most of the various different characters, I know I have.They are far from stereotypes though, and each has another level to that first presented. While the author moves readers gently into the story, the list of surprising but realistic events build steadily to a crashing crescendo. It is an entertaining and very enjoyable read.

An accomplished debut from Tom Allen. Suburbia beckons with the perfect demographic set up - grumpy older Meldrew-esque couple, youngish family with teens, single old lady with a mysterious past and the new gays on the block. The usual neighbourly dynamics ensue and at the heart of the story lies the challenge to the installation of an EV charging station that will nibble into part of the local park. Antics aside (no spoilers