Where We Belong: The heart-breaking new novel from the bestselling Richard and Judy Book Club author

Must admit to being disappointed by this - at least when compared to The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton which was so beautifully written that I was able to overlook the predictable ending. This one just felt too implausible.The character of Leo is very well written, he really holds the whole book together but, for me, he deserved a much better plotline. There are also inconsistencies. At one point, when Cate is looking at an old photo we are told that Leo is wearing a badge which proclaims "I am 11" and on the next page she states that it was taken 'more than 10 years ago' yet at other points of the book Leo is described as being 19. There is a bit of social stereotyping in relation to Curtis's family which to me felt awkwardly written. (BTW as an avowed metalhead I can assure you that boy racer chavs listen to dance, techno, hip-hop, they certainly do not listen to metal). The brief section about the paint flinging animal rights people also seemed to be odd from a sociological perspective (again it's really not a chav thing) and didn't add anything to the story at all. I felt that it ought to have either been elaborated on or edited out.Other reviewers seem to have loved this book but for me Leo was the only reason I kept going.

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.

This novel was a joy to read. The characters were wonderful and heartfelt; I'm missing them already.Such an uplifting and wonderful story, just what I needed to read right now.Anstey's writing is exquisite and a true pleasure to read.Her first novel, The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton was also fabulous. Anstey is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Highly recommended.

A beautifully told story. Wonderful characters in a fantastic setting. Based on a place I have visited and every detail rang true. Anstey Harris deals with difficult subjects and prejudices but through well-rounded and multi-layered characters. I wept silent tears and was left with a little knot in my sternum, and a sigh of satisfaction that everything will be okay. Utterly beautiful and uplifting 'phoenix from the ashes' story.

I loved Anstey Harris’ first book ‘The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton.’ This next novel did not disappoint. Beautifully written, I felt myself drawn into the world of Hatters. I especially adored the character, Leo, the main character, Cate’s, son. The story was emotional and moving with twists I did not see coming. I felt tearful as I reached the end. Simply stunning.