No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors.
On the quiet street of St Brigid's Terrace in Dublin, Eileen Murphy lives alone at number 26 with her dog Dora. Virtually a recluse, she keeps herself to herself as she tries to come to terms with her tragic past.
Next door at number 28, lives beautiful Lucy Walsh, her husband Neil and their five-year-old daughter Anabel. To Eileen, who watches from her window, the Walshes are the perfect family.
But one fateful night, Eileen is pulled into their world and she realises that Lucy Walsh's life isn't as perfect as she thought...
With the unexpected help of little Anabel, the women become a lifeline for each other to overcome the demons in their lives. Through Eileen's help, Lucy finds the courage to overcome her fears and in aiding Lucy, Eileen is forced to emerge from her solitary world and take baby steps to confront her own past.
As the bonds of friendship change these women forevermore, will Lucy find the courage to forge a new life for herself and her daughter and will Eileen find it within herself to forgive her old mistakes?
5-star praise for The Family Next Door:
'Extremely heartbreaking but also hugely uplifting and hopeful. A wonderful read that won't disappoint.' Reader Review
'Loved this story of true friendship and resilience between 2 women who have both been tested to the limits. A must read.' Reader Review
'Emotional and thought-provoking. Caroline Finnerty writes so skilfully about sensitive issues that I felt my heartstrings were being tugged at all the way through The Family Next Door' Reader Review
'Held me captive until the end. Beautifully written.' Reader Review
Caroline Finnerty is an Irish author of heart-wrenching family dramas and has compiled a non-fiction charity anthology. She has been shortlisted for several short-story awards and lives in County Kildare with her husband and four young children.