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Our Dream Home
I never win anything. Not competitions. Not arguments. Not affection from my own children.
Most days, I’m just getting through – dodging teenage sarcasm, scraping fishfingers off plates, wishing my husband would just notice me once in a while.
Then came the emails. Win a car! Win a holiday! Win a house!
Spam, obviously. I blocked them.
But then I heard the radio. A real dream-home giveaway.
And for one moment – stuck between roadworks and honking horns – I let myself want something.
I texted in.
And suddenly my whole life changed.
Now we’re living in a house bigger than my wildest dreams – and my darkest nightmares.
Because the threats started almost immediately. Someone congratulating me . . . by name.
Someone who knows about the mistake that ruined everything sixteen years ago.
They know the truth. They want something from me.
And if I don’t give it to them, my lucky break will become a death sentence.
Most days, I’m just getting through – dodging teenage sarcasm, scraping fishfingers off plates, wishing my husband would just notice me once in a while.
Then came the emails. Win a car! Win a holiday! Win a house!
Spam, obviously. I blocked them.
But then I heard the radio. A real dream-home giveaway.
And for one moment – stuck between roadworks and honking horns – I let myself want something.
I texted in.
And suddenly my whole life changed.
Now we’re living in a house bigger than my wildest dreams – and my darkest nightmares.
Because the threats started almost immediately. Someone congratulating me . . . by name.
Someone who knows about the mistake that ruined everything sixteen years ago.
They know the truth. They want something from me.
And if I don’t give it to them, my lucky break will become a death sentence.
326 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2026
105 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Huntley
22 books479 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
February 24, 2026
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
What a fab, fast paced and thrilling book this was. I found myself wanting to keep reading as this book was so well written you just want to keep reading to find out what happens. I loved how it all tied together nicely at the end and how this left a satisfying feel to finish this book on.
What a fab, fast paced and thrilling book this was. I found myself wanting to keep reading as this book was so well written you just want to keep reading to find out what happens. I loved how it all tied together nicely at the end and how this left a satisfying feel to finish this book on.
January 18, 2026
I haven’t read a Jessica Huntley novel yet that I didn’t totally love. Our Dream Home kept me on the edge of my seat and was a one-sitting read. The fast pace and high tension made this twisty thriller impossible for me to put down!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Our Dream Home
Author: Jessica Huntley
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: February 25, 2026
"Our Dream Home" is a quick, easy read full of twists and turns. On a whim, the main character, Fiona, enters a contest to win a mansion. Imagine her surprise when she actually wins. She packs up her family and they move to their new, beautiful home.
This is a prime example of "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..."
I love it when UK authors include a glossary for UK terms. It definitely makes reading a little bit easier.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: Jessica Huntley
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: February 25, 2026
"Our Dream Home" is a quick, easy read full of twists and turns. On a whim, the main character, Fiona, enters a contest to win a mansion. Imagine her surprise when she actually wins. She packs up her family and they move to their new, beautiful home.
This is a prime example of "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..."
I love it when UK authors include a glossary for UK terms. It definitely makes reading a little bit easier.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Read
January 12, 2026Wow! It took me places I never expected. I think I will pass on winning my dream home. This was a really great book, so different. I loved the ending. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winning a million pound prize in a prize draw completely changes Fiona and her family's lives...but is that necessarily a good thing? Only time will tell.
Secrets and events of the past catch up with the present, like watching a car-crash in slow motion, while the feelings aroused in the reader are fascinatingly aweful.
Our Dream Home is unputdownable, as you'll find out. Grab it today and you'll be up all night to finish it in one sitting - I know I did!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secrets and events of the past catch up with the present, like watching a car-crash in slow motion, while the feelings aroused in the reader are fascinatingly aweful.
Our Dream Home is unputdownable, as you'll find out. Grab it today and you'll be up all night to finish it in one sitting - I know I did!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2026
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a dream home nightmare!
Our Dream Home, by Jessica Huntley, follows Fiona who’s dismissed like a ghost by her husband, Roger, and their two teenagers—Heather and Liam. Fiona places all of her faith and hope that things will take a turn for the better when she wins a luxurious dream house in the Cotswolds. Roger is excited, but the kids aren’t too keen to be instantly uprooted from their home and friends. But once they see the trappings of their new lifestyle, their reluctance fades away. As for Fiona, the baggage she brings along contains a long held secret that she has no intention of ever unpacking.
Their overly flirtatious new neighbor, Glory, invites all of them over to meet her husband, Victor, and their son, Ryan, who is close in age to Heather. And suddenly the plot descends into a deep, dark, downward spiral.
Can the neighbors be trusted? Will relationships be mended? Will all the emotional baggage be laid out on the bed once and for all?
Our Dream Home cranks the knob on gaslighting, dupes with deceit, reeks with revenge and executes an ending that leaves you staring at the wall, completely satisfied! I was even caught off guard during some unexpected tender moments that had me dabbing away at tears! Just another one of Huntley’s fast page-turning psychological thrillers that has all the best parts for a movie!
***I received an advance reader copy from the author via Booksprout. All opinions are my own.***
Our Dream Home, by Jessica Huntley, follows Fiona who’s dismissed like a ghost by her husband, Roger, and their two teenagers—Heather and Liam. Fiona places all of her faith and hope that things will take a turn for the better when she wins a luxurious dream house in the Cotswolds. Roger is excited, but the kids aren’t too keen to be instantly uprooted from their home and friends. But once they see the trappings of their new lifestyle, their reluctance fades away. As for Fiona, the baggage she brings along contains a long held secret that she has no intention of ever unpacking.
Their overly flirtatious new neighbor, Glory, invites all of them over to meet her husband, Victor, and their son, Ryan, who is close in age to Heather. And suddenly the plot descends into a deep, dark, downward spiral.
Can the neighbors be trusted? Will relationships be mended? Will all the emotional baggage be laid out on the bed once and for all?
Our Dream Home cranks the knob on gaslighting, dupes with deceit, reeks with revenge and executes an ending that leaves you staring at the wall, completely satisfied! I was even caught off guard during some unexpected tender moments that had me dabbing away at tears! Just another one of Huntley’s fast page-turning psychological thrillers that has all the best parts for a movie!
***I received an advance reader copy from the author via Booksprout. All opinions are my own.***
February 25, 2026
Happy release day to a book that proves not every white picket fence is built to keep danger out… sometimes it’s built to keep it in. 🖤
A regular, worn-out mom wins a multi-million-pound mansion in the Cotswolds — rolling hills, honey-stone walls, old-money vibes. She’s juggling moody teens, a distant husband, and a life that feels beige… and suddenly she’s living large. Except the nightmare moves in too.
Day one, the neighbor slinks over with red wine and eyeballs the husband like he’s the last slice of pecan pie at the church potluck. Then comes the message: Congrats on the house… we know what you did sixteen years ago. Oh. OH.
The tension in this book hums like a busted screen door in July. Huntley’s writing is sharp and propulsive — short chapters, little breadcrumb reveals, and just enough doubt about the narrator to keep you deliciously uneasy. The “mistake” from sixteen years ago unravels in juicy, controlled layers, and when the twists hit? I gasped like I’d just seen my ex thriving. 😩
4.5 stars because I wanted one thread to simmer a tad longer — but honey, this was addictive. Glossy domestic suspense with teeth.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this advance copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #OurDreamHome #JessicaHuntley #JoffeBooks #DomesticThriller
A regular, worn-out mom wins a multi-million-pound mansion in the Cotswolds — rolling hills, honey-stone walls, old-money vibes. She’s juggling moody teens, a distant husband, and a life that feels beige… and suddenly she’s living large. Except the nightmare moves in too.
Day one, the neighbor slinks over with red wine and eyeballs the husband like he’s the last slice of pecan pie at the church potluck. Then comes the message: Congrats on the house… we know what you did sixteen years ago. Oh. OH.
The tension in this book hums like a busted screen door in July. Huntley’s writing is sharp and propulsive — short chapters, little breadcrumb reveals, and just enough doubt about the narrator to keep you deliciously uneasy. The “mistake” from sixteen years ago unravels in juicy, controlled layers, and when the twists hit? I gasped like I’d just seen my ex thriving. 😩
4.5 stars because I wanted one thread to simmer a tad longer — but honey, this was addictive. Glossy domestic suspense with teeth.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this advance copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #OurDreamHome #JessicaHuntley #JoffeBooks #DomesticThriller
February 26, 2026
This was one of those reads where the tension comes more from the secrets between people than from big dramatic moments.
Our Dream Home really leans into the idea that a fresh start doesn’t always mean leaving the past behind. As the story follows a couple settling into their new house and trying to build a new life, you quickly realize there’s a lot being left unsaid between them and within the neighborhood itself. I liked how the story focused on the cracks in their relationship and how those quiet fractures slowly widened as more truths came out.
Jessica Huntley’s writing kept me engaged, especially with how she let the unease build gradually. It wasn’t fast-paced the whole time, but it created that constant feeling that something was waiting just beneath the surface. I did find some parts slower than I wanted and somewhat predictable but I was still invested enough to see how everything would unravel.
Overall, a solid domestic thriller that focuses more on secrets, trust, and the darker side of starting over.
3.75/5
Our Dream Home really leans into the idea that a fresh start doesn’t always mean leaving the past behind. As the story follows a couple settling into their new house and trying to build a new life, you quickly realize there’s a lot being left unsaid between them and within the neighborhood itself. I liked how the story focused on the cracks in their relationship and how those quiet fractures slowly widened as more truths came out.
Jessica Huntley’s writing kept me engaged, especially with how she let the unease build gradually. It wasn’t fast-paced the whole time, but it created that constant feeling that something was waiting just beneath the surface. I did find some parts slower than I wanted and somewhat predictable but I was still invested enough to see how everything would unravel.
Overall, a solid domestic thriller that focuses more on secrets, trust, and the darker side of starting over.
3.75/5
March 1, 2026
Great book!
Jessica does it again!
This time we follow Fiona who is a housewife and keeps getting 'Win a Dream House' spam emails which of course, she gmignores because who wouldn't!
Driving to work one day, she hears a radio station doing the same competition, sees it as a sign and figures... why not? It's a radio station!
After winning and moving... Fiona's life begins to unravel.
I liked Fiona as a character, though she had made some questionable choices over the years! I did feel for her though as for the most part, she went unseen by her family which was sad so the events that unfold at their new home sadder because Fiona has no idea.
The idea of a Dream Home is incredibly clever because everyone would love to be that lucky!
I just love Jessica's way of writing, you think you have the story sussed and WHAM, she throws you in a totally different direction.
There is so much to discuss but all things I want to talk about are spoilers!
If you love thrillers and being on a rollercoaster ride then Jessica's new book is for you!
Jessica does it again!
This time we follow Fiona who is a housewife and keeps getting 'Win a Dream House' spam emails which of course, she gmignores because who wouldn't!
Driving to work one day, she hears a radio station doing the same competition, sees it as a sign and figures... why not? It's a radio station!
After winning and moving... Fiona's life begins to unravel.
I liked Fiona as a character, though she had made some questionable choices over the years! I did feel for her though as for the most part, she went unseen by her family which was sad so the events that unfold at their new home sadder because Fiona has no idea.
The idea of a Dream Home is incredibly clever because everyone would love to be that lucky!
I just love Jessica's way of writing, you think you have the story sussed and WHAM, she throws you in a totally different direction.
There is so much to discuss but all things I want to talk about are spoilers!
If you love thrillers and being on a rollercoaster ride then Jessica's new book is for you!
February 10, 2026
My third book by this author, and this is hands down my favourite to date!
The story was split into 3 parts and had a great writing style. It had short chapters, and kept me gripped! The story starts with a mother who wins a radio competition for a luxurious new home, but her life soon turns upside down! I knew there was something not quite right and that it was too good to be true, but I had no idea where the story was heading!
There were so many secrets and revelations that left me shocked - I genuinely never saw any of them coming! One of the twists towards the end felt like an emotional gut-punch, and added a deeper layer to the story. It was heartbreaking 🥺
I enjoyed the satisfying, emotionally charged conclusion, and it left me wanting more from the story!
I can’t recommend this one enough, another fantastic read from this author and an easy 5 stars!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Out 25th February.
The story was split into 3 parts and had a great writing style. It had short chapters, and kept me gripped! The story starts with a mother who wins a radio competition for a luxurious new home, but her life soon turns upside down! I knew there was something not quite right and that it was too good to be true, but I had no idea where the story was heading!
There were so many secrets and revelations that left me shocked - I genuinely never saw any of them coming! One of the twists towards the end felt like an emotional gut-punch, and added a deeper layer to the story. It was heartbreaking 🥺
I enjoyed the satisfying, emotionally charged conclusion, and it left me wanting more from the story!
I can’t recommend this one enough, another fantastic read from this author and an easy 5 stars!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Out 25th February.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If it's too good to be true...Jessica Huntley never disappoints!
When downtrodden wife and mother Fiona wins a multi-million pound house in a radio competition, she believes her luck has finally changed. But in this tense and twisty domestic thriller, her dream home quickly becomes the backdrop for a waking nightmare.
The plot is full if suspense, woven with past secrets, greed, and psychological gaslighting.
Fiona is a refreshingly relatable protagonist, fiercely protective of her children and brave enough to own her mistakes even as the walls close in.
If you’re ready to suspend disbelief and enjoy a high-stakes ride, this is a perfect one-sitting read.
It finishes with a perfectly executed ending that satisfies every thrill-seeker’s appetite. Highly recommended!
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy. All views expressed are my own.
When downtrodden wife and mother Fiona wins a multi-million pound house in a radio competition, she believes her luck has finally changed. But in this tense and twisty domestic thriller, her dream home quickly becomes the backdrop for a waking nightmare.
The plot is full if suspense, woven with past secrets, greed, and psychological gaslighting.
Fiona is a refreshingly relatable protagonist, fiercely protective of her children and brave enough to own her mistakes even as the walls close in.
If you’re ready to suspend disbelief and enjoy a high-stakes ride, this is a perfect one-sitting read.
It finishes with a perfectly executed ending that satisfies every thrill-seeker’s appetite. Highly recommended!
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy. All views expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Release date 25th February
Our Dream Home
By Jessica Huntley
My rating is a big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an incredibly gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller Our Dream Home is by Jessica Huntley.
This starts out getting to know the Howden family and Fiona's difficult struggles with her teenage daughter Heather and son Liam, her husband not much help giving her nobacking and builds up into an high speed crazy plot of revenge for a 16 year old mistake, a kept secret, a decision Fiona Howden felt was the right thing to do at the time, not knowing it would come back to haunt her in later years.
Fiona starts getting inundated with spam emails, win a house, win a car or win a holiday, all blocked and deleted.
When stuck in roadworks over the car radio announcing a competition 'win a house' Fiona knows the answer and takes the chance and sends the text.
The next day brings a life-changing email, and two weeks later the family move into this huge house.
This should be a dream start to a comfortable new life, but with the excessively over-friendly next-door neighbours it soon becomes apparent to Fiona that something is off, it seems they all hide secrets and tension grows between the Howdens and their neighbours.
Our Dream Home is an extremely well-written book by Jessica that had me gobsmacked, I was blown away and kept guessing right through until the end, I had no clue who the culprit was, who was in cahoots with them, it could have been anyone.
The characters are superb and really believable, very well described and visually stunning.
It was like What the hell is going on here, I found it almost impossible to put this book down, I was totally hooked.
Release date 25th February
Our Dream Home
By Jessica Huntley
My rating is a big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an incredibly gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller Our Dream Home is by Jessica Huntley.
This starts out getting to know the Howden family and Fiona's difficult struggles with her teenage daughter Heather and son Liam, her husband not much help giving her nobacking and builds up into an high speed crazy plot of revenge for a 16 year old mistake, a kept secret, a decision Fiona Howden felt was the right thing to do at the time, not knowing it would come back to haunt her in later years.
Fiona starts getting inundated with spam emails, win a house, win a car or win a holiday, all blocked and deleted.
When stuck in roadworks over the car radio announcing a competition 'win a house' Fiona knows the answer and takes the chance and sends the text.
The next day brings a life-changing email, and two weeks later the family move into this huge house.
This should be a dream start to a comfortable new life, but with the excessively over-friendly next-door neighbours it soon becomes apparent to Fiona that something is off, it seems they all hide secrets and tension grows between the Howdens and their neighbours.
Our Dream Home is an extremely well-written book by Jessica that had me gobsmacked, I was blown away and kept guessing right through until the end, I had no clue who the culprit was, who was in cahoots with them, it could have been anyone.
The characters are superb and really believable, very well described and visually stunning.
It was like What the hell is going on here, I found it almost impossible to put this book down, I was totally hooked.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to the author for the copy.
The premise of this book instantly hooked me. A woman wins a multi-million-pound dream home in the Cotswolds — honestly, who hasn’t seen those competitions and let their mind wander? I know I have. Jessica Huntley takes that familiar fantasy and flips it on its head, giving it a dark, unsettling thriller twist… because of course a dream like that can’t come without a price.
Our main character is refreshingly honest about where her life is at. She doesn’t sugarcoat the fact that things are in shambles — her relationships are strained, she feels overlooked and unappreciated by her family, and she’s carrying the weight of choices that have shaped her into who she is now. That rawness makes her feel very real, and it’s easy to sense just how much she’s hoping this house will be a fresh start.
But there’s a dark secret lurking beneath the surface, and moving into this beautiful home quickly begins to feel like a terrible mistake. Tension simmers throughout as cracks start to appear, and the fragile version of family life she has begins to threaten total implosion.
This is very much a slow-burn thriller, but one that keeps you reading like you’re watching a horror film through your fingers — you know something dreadful is coming, you just don’t know when or how. That creeping sense of unease is done so well.
And when the twists come? They’re fantastic. The pace ramps up dramatically towards the end and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Everything tightens, the stakes soar, and the payoff is well worth the wait.
A tense, imaginative take on a dream-come-true scenario with a dark heart at its core — and a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful houses hide the ugliest secrets 🖤📚
Review of advance copy
For context, I am a slow reader and I get distracted easily. But this book kept me on my toes. First few chapters was just fine, setting up the scene and all. When things started happening.. wait wait! Who is the mad man here? If you love Freida McFadden's writing, you'd definitely love this! When the plot was revealed, it felt a bit off. Like it was rushed. Why am I on the final chapter already? Then I read the epilogue.. omg this can't be any better! Where is the Book 2! I need it now!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2026
A good read
Our Dream Home by Jessica Huntley.
This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. This is the 3rd book I've read by this author. This was slow to get into. I liked the writing style and the story. I read this in two sittings. I did like Fiona and Heather and Liam. I wasn't sure about George. I didn't trust him. I didn't like Glory either. I certainly didn't expect that. That was a surprise. I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending.
Our Dream Home by Jessica Huntley.
This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. This is the 3rd book I've read by this author. This was slow to get into. I liked the writing style and the story. I read this in two sittings. I did like Fiona and Heather and Liam. I wasn't sure about George. I didn't trust him. I didn't like Glory either. I certainly didn't expect that. That was a surprise. I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Dream Home is a mix between suspense and disbelief and can be read in one sitting.
Fiona is a downward spiral where she feels where her children don't value and her husband doesn't support her. An offer of a luxury home which is too good to believe creates an illusion of a dream come true.
The author unveils her main protagonist at the very beginning. Though it's refreshing it also becomes easy to predict the course of the book. Fiona is a well written and relatable character. However certain plot points require you to suspend belief to accept them. As a reader, you know that certain characters are shady if they don't meet the requirements of the role. Like doing a thorough check when you win something.
The climax could have been better and a bit more intelligent than the TV show route it took.
Overall it's a great read as it's short and crisp
and to the point.
I thank Joffe Books and NetGalley for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fiona is a downward spiral where she feels where her children don't value and her husband doesn't support her. An offer of a luxury home which is too good to believe creates an illusion of a dream come true.
The author unveils her main protagonist at the very beginning. Though it's refreshing it also becomes easy to predict the course of the book. Fiona is a well written and relatable character. However certain plot points require you to suspend belief to accept them. As a reader, you know that certain characters are shady if they don't meet the requirements of the role. Like doing a thorough check when you win something.
The climax could have been better and a bit more intelligent than the TV show route it took.
Overall it's a great read as it's short and crisp
and to the point.
I thank Joffe Books and NetGalley for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
“Our Dream Home” - Luck is a bit like Karma.
★★★★☆
First of all thank you to BookSprout for this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This was my first novel by Jessica Huntley and it did not disappoint!
It’s a very character driven story with a great pace and I caught myself flying through it.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that will hook you and keep you on the edge of your seat I can definitely recommend this one. I will also be checking out more of her books.
★★★★☆
First of all thank you to BookSprout for this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This was my first novel by Jessica Huntley and it did not disappoint!
It’s a very character driven story with a great pace and I caught myself flying through it.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that will hook you and keep you on the edge of your seat I can definitely recommend this one. I will also be checking out more of her books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you’re a fan of Jessica, you’re in for a thrilling experience filled with dark twists and suspenseful moments that remind you that nothing is quite what it seems!
Fiona, feeling defeated in life and relationships, receives emails about winning contests, which she initially dismisses as spam. However, after hearing about a dream-home giveaway on the radio, she decides to participate and unexpectedly wins a large house. But shortly after the win, she starts receiving threatening messages from someone who knows about a past mistake she made sixteen years ago. This person wants something from her, suggesting that her newfound luck might come with dire consequences.
Fiona has an intriguing backstory, and we gradually uncover her trauma towards the end of the book. It kept me on my toes, making me suspicious of every character. I did manage to predict one of the twists, which seemed purposely designed to mislead us later. Fiona came off as quite naive for believing she won a contest, but her participation made it all very believable! Portraying these characters as ordinary, everyday people adds depth to the read. We all know that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is worth questioning.
The descriptions of the house, the neighbors, and the extra money were vivid, yet I found it frustrating that Fiona and George were so dishonest with each other! I truly didn’t see the ending coming, nor some of the twists.
If you enjoy short chapters, tales of dark pasts that come back to haunt you, or are just looking for a fast-paced read, then this is for you. Expect the unexpected, and next time you buy a lottery ticket, be cautious—you never know who might be pulling the strings behind the scenes. Don’t miss out on Jessica’s work; it’s fantastic, and she always manages to keep me guessing!
Thank you, Joffe Books and Netgalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fiona, feeling defeated in life and relationships, receives emails about winning contests, which she initially dismisses as spam. However, after hearing about a dream-home giveaway on the radio, she decides to participate and unexpectedly wins a large house. But shortly after the win, she starts receiving threatening messages from someone who knows about a past mistake she made sixteen years ago. This person wants something from her, suggesting that her newfound luck might come with dire consequences.
Fiona has an intriguing backstory, and we gradually uncover her trauma towards the end of the book. It kept me on my toes, making me suspicious of every character. I did manage to predict one of the twists, which seemed purposely designed to mislead us later. Fiona came off as quite naive for believing she won a contest, but her participation made it all very believable! Portraying these characters as ordinary, everyday people adds depth to the read. We all know that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is worth questioning.
The descriptions of the house, the neighbors, and the extra money were vivid, yet I found it frustrating that Fiona and George were so dishonest with each other! I truly didn’t see the ending coming, nor some of the twists.
If you enjoy short chapters, tales of dark pasts that come back to haunt you, or are just looking for a fast-paced read, then this is for you. Expect the unexpected, and next time you buy a lottery ticket, be cautious—you never know who might be pulling the strings behind the scenes. Don’t miss out on Jessica’s work; it’s fantastic, and she always manages to keep me guessing!
Thank you, Joffe Books and Netgalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Thank you NetGalley and Joffe books for an advanced reader copy**
I feel like I could resonate with the mom in this book. Stretched thin, constant laundry and chores and feeling invisible in your own house.
Fiona a mother to 2 teenagers and a wife, is feeling defeated in her life, her 2 kids barely speak with her and her husband just exists in the house. She enters a radio competition and ends up winning their dream home, but little does she know, it ends up being her worse nightmare. She has hidden a big secret from her family and moving into this house will expose her secret!
The deception, the lies and betrayals at the end were so good! Would recommend this book!
I feel like I could resonate with the mom in this book. Stretched thin, constant laundry and chores and feeling invisible in your own house.
Fiona a mother to 2 teenagers and a wife, is feeling defeated in her life, her 2 kids barely speak with her and her husband just exists in the house. She enters a radio competition and ends up winning their dream home, but little does she know, it ends up being her worse nightmare. She has hidden a big secret from her family and moving into this house will expose her secret!
The deception, the lies and betrayals at the end were so good! Would recommend this book!
February 26, 2026
Our Dream Home by Jessica Huntley revolves around a typical family who acquires a dream home, only to have their lives turned upside down. The story is driven by secrets and deceit, creating a gripping thriller that keeps me on the edge of my seat with its numerous twists and turns. Huntley’s writing is always entertaining and well-crafted, making her a favorite author.
Thanks, Joffe Books via NetGalley.
Thanks, Joffe Books via NetGalley.
January 12, 2026
Fantastic book!!
The beginning of this book is so relatable – an overworked, underappreciated mom who feels like she gets lost in her day in and day out, mundane life. The thrill of winning a home almost seems too good to be true, until it proves that it is!
The plot twists are unmatched and the ending is superb!
The beginning of this book is so relatable – an overworked, underappreciated mom who feels like she gets lost in her day in and day out, mundane life. The thrill of winning a home almost seems too good to be true, until it proves that it is!
The plot twists are unmatched and the ending is superb!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is Jessica Huntley at her best. A dark and tricky page turner from the start with hints of more to come.
Fiona is locked into a humdrum marriage that has gone stale, a boring job that is going nowhere and a tiny house with no prospect of upsizing. Her husband ignores her and is engrossed in his work and her kids resent her.
After receiving numerous spam e-mails informing her that she has won a blah blah blah, she finds herself in a traffic jam and the radio announces a competition for a multi-million pound house and £100,000 cash and all bills paid for twelve months. Too good to be true but out of boredom she fires of a text with what she knows is the the winning answer.
Unbelievebly she receives a phone call from the station, she has won first prize. Her wildest dreams have come true but her nightmare has just begun. Her dark past catches up with her and the dream turns sour.
This is a mothers determination to survive and keep her kids safe. Twist after thrilling twist from start to finish.
Fiona is locked into a humdrum marriage that has gone stale, a boring job that is going nowhere and a tiny house with no prospect of upsizing. Her husband ignores her and is engrossed in his work and her kids resent her.
After receiving numerous spam e-mails informing her that she has won a blah blah blah, she finds herself in a traffic jam and the radio announces a competition for a multi-million pound house and £100,000 cash and all bills paid for twelve months. Too good to be true but out of boredom she fires of a text with what she knows is the the winning answer.
Unbelievebly she receives a phone call from the station, she has won first prize. Her wildest dreams have come true but her nightmare has just begun. Her dark past catches up with her and the dream turns sour.
This is a mothers determination to survive and keep her kids safe. Twist after thrilling twist from start to finish.
January 11, 2026
Her books just get better with each one that is released and I don't know how that is possible.
This book is so cleverly written and I couldn't get enough. I didn't want it to end but also I had to know what was coming.
I will think of this book whenever I see the ads on TV to win a dream home, it was just brilliant.
This book is so cleverly written and I couldn't get enough. I didn't want it to end but also I had to know what was coming.
I will think of this book whenever I see the ads on TV to win a dream home, it was just brilliant.
December 30, 2025
I’m so very proud to say I am ending my reading year with an exceptional read by an author I absolutely love.
I don’t know if you, Jessica, get to see this feedback but if you so happen to… wow ! I absolutely loved this.
I said this last time in my last read of yours that it was my favourite of yours yet but I think this one has topped it.
This is the perfect popcorn thriller, you just have to read more ! It was suspense and twisty and I loved Fiona ! She resonated so much with me and I’m not sure why. I just loved her and I just need more of her, I could have easily have read another 200 pages of her but that being said, for this book to be any longer I think it wouldn’t have been as great (I hope that makes sense)
There is a character I absolutely LOATHE in this book and I’m sure if you read this, you’ll feel the same. They were awful and very well written- to get this much of a visceral response - HA!
Edit:
I forgot to mention I guessed one of the main twists very early on but honestly… I didn’t even mind it was so fun. The ending I did not see coming
I don’t know if you, Jessica, get to see this feedback but if you so happen to… wow ! I absolutely loved this.
I said this last time in my last read of yours that it was my favourite of yours yet but I think this one has topped it.
This is the perfect popcorn thriller, you just have to read more ! It was suspense and twisty and I loved Fiona ! She resonated so much with me and I’m not sure why. I just loved her and I just need more of her, I could have easily have read another 200 pages of her but that being said, for this book to be any longer I think it wouldn’t have been as great (I hope that makes sense)
There is a character I absolutely LOATHE in this book and I’m sure if you read this, you’ll feel the same. They were awful and very well written- to get this much of a visceral response - HA!
Edit:
I forgot to mention I guessed one of the main twists very early on but honestly… I didn’t even mind it was so fun. The ending I did not see coming
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who hasn't wanted to win a dream home and a bunch of money, right? Of course, it all sounds too good to be true. In Our Dream Home, it is life-changing.
I couldn't put this book down! While the writing style was quite simple, I think it suited the book well. In fact, it made it easier to consume it fast!
Struggling with past trauma, the mundane tasks of motherhood, and life unfulfilling in general, we meet the long-suffering main character, Fiona, whom I was immediately rooting for. I particularly loved that most of the characters started off highly unlikable, and how some of them redeemed themselves towards the end, whilst the others, let's just say, chose a different path.
My favourite part has to be a line in chapter 11. A genuine jaw-dropping moment for me, followed by well-deserved hollering haha. All I'm going to say is, after this, I couldn't read fast enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed guessing who was behind what and was genuinely surprised, and shocked, multiple times, but also loved seeing Fiona's personal growth. I would recommend Our Dream Home to anyone who enjoys quick, twisty thrillers and being on the edge of their seats!
I want to thank the author, Jessica Huntley and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Our Dream Home from Netgalley Reader before its release.
3,75 ⭐
I couldn't put this book down! While the writing style was quite simple, I think it suited the book well. In fact, it made it easier to consume it fast!
Struggling with past trauma, the mundane tasks of motherhood, and life unfulfilling in general, we meet the long-suffering main character, Fiona, whom I was immediately rooting for. I particularly loved that most of the characters started off highly unlikable, and how some of them redeemed themselves towards the end, whilst the others, let's just say, chose a different path.
My favourite part has to be a line in chapter 11. A genuine jaw-dropping moment for me, followed by well-deserved hollering haha. All I'm going to say is, after this, I couldn't read fast enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed guessing who was behind what and was genuinely surprised, and shocked, multiple times, but also loved seeing Fiona's personal growth. I would recommend Our Dream Home to anyone who enjoys quick, twisty thrillers and being on the edge of their seats!
I want to thank the author, Jessica Huntley and Netgalley for the opportunity to read Our Dream Home from Netgalley Reader before its release.
3,75 ⭐
February 25, 2026
“Our Dream Home” by Jessica Huntley is a suspense-filled thriller that pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. What starts as the ultimate fantasy winning a dream home quickly spirals into a chilling nightmare. This story is packed with secrets and lies, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and unease. The ending is especially twisty and satisfying. I was completely hooked and ended up reading this in one sitting. A gripping, fast-paced read that proves dreams can come at a dangerous cost.
February 28, 2026
You know those books you pick up on a quiet evening, maybe with a cup of tea in hand, and before you know it the tea has gone stone cold and you've missed your bedtime by two hours? "Our Dream Home" by Jessica Huntley is absolutely one of those books, and I am not even a little bit sorry about the lost sleep.
At the heart of this story is Fiona, and I have to say from the very first chapter, I felt her. She is stuck in one of those ruts that creeps up on you slowly, the kind where your husband has somehow become more of a "world's greatest dad" performer than your actual partner, and your teenagers look at you like you're a mildly irritating piece of furniture. What makes Fiona's situation cut even deeper is the shadow of her past , having survived breast cancer and chosen a mastectomy for the sake of her family, she now finds herself quietly wondering whether any of it was even worth it. That is a raw, painful place to write from, and Huntley handles it with a gentleness that felt genuinely respectful rather than exploitative.
Then in the most brilliantly bonkers plot twist Fiona enters a radio competition on a whim and wins a country mansion and a hundred thousand dollars cash. I actually laughed out loud. Sometimes life does that, doesn't it? Just throws open a door you weren't even looking for. Her family reluctantly pack up and agree to go, and you just know from that word "reluctantly" that nothing about this fresh start is going to be straightforward.
And oh, is it not. Because Fiona's new next-door neighbour turns out to be the biological father of her daughter , a one-night stand from college days when names were never exchanged and the encounter was filed away as a distant memory. The layers in this book just keep building, one on top of the other, like a house that looks beautiful from the outside but has something deeply wrong with its foundations.
Because that is exactly what begins to happen. Strange things start occurring in and around the house. Then Fiona's husband instead of being a source of support turns on her with gaslighting and manipulation that had me gripping the pages in genuine frustration and discomfort. Huntley writes that particular kind of psychological cruelty so convincingly it made my skin crawl. And just when you think things cannot possibly escalate further, someone tries to kill Fiona and her children.
Has their dream home become their nightmare house? You will have to read it to find out and trust me, you will want to.
"Our Dream Home" is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that wraps family drama, psychological tension, buried secrets, and genuine suspense all under one (very unsettling) roof. Jessica Huntley has written something that lingers long after the final page. Highly, warmly, enthusiastically recommended.
February 27, 2026
Here is my review for Our Dream House by Jessica Huntley
I was totally addicted to this brilliant psychological and suspense thriller right from the very start of the book. I was intrigued by Fiona who turned out to be a very complicated character and she had had a lot happen to her in her life, none of it really great although she loved her children and would do anything for them. She entered a radio competition one day and it changed her and all her family’s lives in a way she didn’t realise was going to happen. They uprooted their old lives in Leicester to move to a mansion in the Cotswolds with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Liam and Heather weren't too happy about the move, especially with having to leave their old friends behind and having to start new schools. Fiona starts receiving threatening messages almost straight away. That's not the only strange coincidence, she tells George they need to move but he won't hear of it and says they are staying put. This is such a terrific read, I read it in one sitting! I haven’t done that in a while. I hardly moved all day as I was so engrossed in this gripping story. I didn't see the twists coming until they hit me as they were so well hidden in the story. The story was descriptively written and described everything extremely well. I felt like I was visualizing it like a film as I was reading the story, it was so well written and thought out. The characters were very realistic and I thoroughly loved the plot. I totally love this author’s psychological thrillers which are usually filled with suspense and tension. This one seemed to have an extra edge as she had done some interesting research which she had included in this story which made it a lot more intriguing.
Blurb :
We’ve won a multi-million-pound house in the Cotswolds. It’s a dream come true. But the nightmare is just beginning.
I never won anything until now.
Most days, I’m just getting through — looking after my teenagers, working in a job I don’t really like, wishing my husband would notice me once in a while.
Now we’re living in a house bigger than my wildest dreams.
The threats start immediately.
The day we move in, the woman next door comes over, with a bottle of red wine. She eyes my husband like he’s a succulent piece of meat.
Then I get a message congratulating me . . . and saying they know about what happened sixteen years ago. The mistake that ruined everything.
And things are about to get even worse.
AN EXHILARATING PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH TWISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU GASP.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Sue Watson, John Marrs, Jane E. James, Shalini Boland and Valerie Keogh.
I was totally addicted to this brilliant psychological and suspense thriller right from the very start of the book. I was intrigued by Fiona who turned out to be a very complicated character and she had had a lot happen to her in her life, none of it really great although she loved her children and would do anything for them. She entered a radio competition one day and it changed her and all her family’s lives in a way she didn’t realise was going to happen. They uprooted their old lives in Leicester to move to a mansion in the Cotswolds with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Liam and Heather weren't too happy about the move, especially with having to leave their old friends behind and having to start new schools. Fiona starts receiving threatening messages almost straight away. That's not the only strange coincidence, she tells George they need to move but he won't hear of it and says they are staying put. This is such a terrific read, I read it in one sitting! I haven’t done that in a while. I hardly moved all day as I was so engrossed in this gripping story. I didn't see the twists coming until they hit me as they were so well hidden in the story. The story was descriptively written and described everything extremely well. I felt like I was visualizing it like a film as I was reading the story, it was so well written and thought out. The characters were very realistic and I thoroughly loved the plot. I totally love this author’s psychological thrillers which are usually filled with suspense and tension. This one seemed to have an extra edge as she had done some interesting research which she had included in this story which made it a lot more intriguing.
Blurb :
We’ve won a multi-million-pound house in the Cotswolds. It’s a dream come true. But the nightmare is just beginning.
I never won anything until now.
Most days, I’m just getting through — looking after my teenagers, working in a job I don’t really like, wishing my husband would notice me once in a while.
Now we’re living in a house bigger than my wildest dreams.
The threats start immediately.
The day we move in, the woman next door comes over, with a bottle of red wine. She eyes my husband like he’s a succulent piece of meat.
Then I get a message congratulating me . . . and saying they know about what happened sixteen years ago. The mistake that ruined everything.
And things are about to get even worse.
AN EXHILARATING PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH TWISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU GASP.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Sue Watson, John Marrs, Jane E. James, Shalini Boland and Valerie Keogh.
February 25, 2026
Fiona Howden feels invisible in her own home. Her husband is often distracted and her two teenaged children are hostile toward her. She has a dull job in the office of a garage and lives with her family in a rundown rental flat. Her unfulfilling life means that she often engages in trichotillomania, pulling out her own hair. One day she hears a radio contest, and, on a whim, she submits the answer. She’s shocked when she gets a call the next day informing her that she’s won the prize: a multimillion pound house in the Cotswolds with all expenses paid for a year and a large sum of cash. Her children aren’t at all thrilled to be uprooted from their school, but the good fortune seems like a dream come true to Fiona and her husband George. George often works from home, so he is able to work anywhere. The family moves into their amazing home and begins to enjoy living in luxury. They are soon mingling with their nearest neighbors, Glory and Victor. Fiona is shocked to discover that she has met Victor before. Her daughter Heather was the result of a one-night stand with Victor when she was a student – a fact that no one knows other than Fiona herself. Soon after meeting him, strange things begin to happen at the lovely new house. Heather wakes up to find a man in her room, but no one is there when the room is searched. Victor seems to appear suddenly, even when the house has been locked and the alarm set. Fiona gets locked for hours in the wine cellar, and then a fire breaks out, nearly trapping Fiona and one of her children. Fiona isn’t sure where the danger is coming from, but she worries that the good fortune of winning the dream home may turn out to be a nightmare instead.
I enjoyed living vicariously through Fiona and experiencing the thrill of winning an amazing prize that not only solved the family’s financial problems, but also allowed them to enjoy a luxury lifestyle. The mystery of who was behind all of the eventual bad fortune was a bit of a stretch, and some of the explanations didn’t really go far enough. Some important facts were glossed over without clarification (especially the death of a major character which was just casually mentioned and then never explored at all). I did like the twists in the story, even though a few of them were a bit hard to swallow! Overall, the story did have a satisfying conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Joffe's ARC program.
I enjoyed living vicariously through Fiona and experiencing the thrill of winning an amazing prize that not only solved the family’s financial problems, but also allowed them to enjoy a luxury lifestyle. The mystery of who was behind all of the eventual bad fortune was a bit of a stretch, and some of the explanations didn’t really go far enough. Some important facts were glossed over without clarification (especially the death of a major character which was just casually mentioned and then never explored at all). I did like the twists in the story, even though a few of them were a bit hard to swallow! Overall, the story did have a satisfying conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Joffe's ARC program.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Our Dream Home is a gripping, emotionally charged psychological thriller that taps into something deeply relatable: the quiet longing for a life that feels just a little easier, a little brighter, a little more seen. Jessica Huntley takes that universal wish and twists it into a nightmare that unfolds with delicious tension.
The narrator’s voice is instantly compelling—funny, weary, and painfully honest. She’s a woman who feels invisible in her own home, worn down by teenage moods, endless chores, and a husband who barely seems to notice her. So when a dream‑home giveaway crosses her path, it’s no surprise she lets herself hope for once. And when she wins, it feels like the universe has finally thrown her a lifeline.
But Huntley wastes no time turning that fantasy into something far darker. The new house is everything she never thought she’d have… until the threats begin. The congratulatory messages that use her name. The reminders of a mistake she buried sixteen years ago. The chilling sense that someone has been waiting for this moment—waiting for her.
The tension builds beautifully. Huntley balances domestic realism with creeping dread, creating a story where the everyday and the sinister blend seamlessly. The protagonist’s guilt, fear, and desperation feel raw and real, and the sense of being watched—of being known—gives the book a claustrophobic edge that keeps the pages turning.
What makes the novel especially effective is how grounded it feels. This isn’t a heroine with a glamorous life or endless resources. She’s an ordinary woman who wanted a break, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape without confronting the past she’s spent years trying to outrun.
Our Dream Home is twisty, tense, and emotionally resonant—a thriller that understands how the smallest choices can echo for years, and how a single moment of hope can open the door to danger. Fans of domestic suspense will devour it. A sharp, addictive read that turns wish‑fulfilment into pure menace.
with thanks to Jessica Huntley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The narrator’s voice is instantly compelling—funny, weary, and painfully honest. She’s a woman who feels invisible in her own home, worn down by teenage moods, endless chores, and a husband who barely seems to notice her. So when a dream‑home giveaway crosses her path, it’s no surprise she lets herself hope for once. And when she wins, it feels like the universe has finally thrown her a lifeline.
But Huntley wastes no time turning that fantasy into something far darker. The new house is everything she never thought she’d have… until the threats begin. The congratulatory messages that use her name. The reminders of a mistake she buried sixteen years ago. The chilling sense that someone has been waiting for this moment—waiting for her.
The tension builds beautifully. Huntley balances domestic realism with creeping dread, creating a story where the everyday and the sinister blend seamlessly. The protagonist’s guilt, fear, and desperation feel raw and real, and the sense of being watched—of being known—gives the book a claustrophobic edge that keeps the pages turning.
What makes the novel especially effective is how grounded it feels. This isn’t a heroine with a glamorous life or endless resources. She’s an ordinary woman who wanted a break, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape without confronting the past she’s spent years trying to outrun.
Our Dream Home is twisty, tense, and emotionally resonant—a thriller that understands how the smallest choices can echo for years, and how a single moment of hope can open the door to danger. Fans of domestic suspense will devour it. A sharp, addictive read that turns wish‑fulfilment into pure menace.
with thanks to Jessica Huntley, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
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