Where We Belong: The heart-breaking new novel from the bestselling Richard and Judy Book Club author Paperback – 27 May 2021

From its first words, this beautifully written novel drew me in and I couldn’t stop reading. Anstey Harris creates such fully fleshed, believable characters - you can’t help but want to know, and really care, what the future hold for Cate and Leo after tragedy sends them to live at the quirky Hatters Museum of the Wide Wide World. And Hatters itself is a character as loving developed as all the human ones. The evocation of a faded-grandeur house and grounds in the heat of an English summer is hauntingly evocative. But it’s a gripping story too - the web of secrets, uncertainties, hopes, betrayals, and courage against the odds is masterfully spun, and some scenes will live long in my mind.

Enjoyed this book very much

An amazing story for anyone who has ever had to start again...I was so very lucky to get an early read of this gorgeous book and I loved every second. I was transported into the magical world of the museum and Cate and Leo's new lives. Leo is a fantastic character and I felt for Cate every step of the way. A story of loss and new beginnings with plenty of intrigue. Beautifully written with wonderful dynamics between characters as they wrestle with change and trust. I loved Grace Atherton and this more than lives up to Harris' fabulous debut - it is a masterpiece.

Nothing special but a good quick holiday read or for a plane journeyquite predictable but a nice story 😊

An enjoyable story in the unusual setting of a struggling museum in Kent. Cate and her son Leo are forced to move into an apartment at the top of the building after falling on hard times. Initially, Cate hates being there but gradually she falls under its spell and determines to do all she can to ensure it remains open, not least because she and Leo would once again be homeless were it to close. Initially, like other readers, I thought that Leo was a child. He is a delightful character and the author did a good job of portraying Cate’s tendency to underestimate his capabilities and her gradual loosening of the apron strings to enable him to live his own life. Araminta was also an interesting character who was keeping Cate at arms length due to a secret she was determined to keep, whilst at the same time she was obviously very fond of Leo and tolerant of his messiness whilst showing disapproval of Cate and the fact that she clearly didn’t want her around. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a quirky read.

I found this author via Amazon first reads. I found her writing very easy to read, the characters enthralling. I find myself lost within the story and at times, felt it sad but also had moments where I laughed out loud. It was an easy read whilst on holiday.

Lovely book, beautifully written and the end brought me to tears. The writer makes you feel like you are there in person watching the characters and the story unfold. The way in which Richard’s demons are written about are both heart wrenching and insightful.

An enjoyable read from an author I wasn’t aware of before. The storyline is quite unusual.