The Holiday Home

By: Fern Britton

Narrated by: Fern Britton

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

The latest wonderfully witty novel from Britain’s favourite TV presenter, Fern Britton.

Two sisters, one house, a lifetime of secrets. Set on a Cornish cliff, Atlantic House has been the jewel in the Carew family crown for centuries. Each year, the Carew sisters embark on the yearly trip down to Cornwall for the summer holidays, but they are as different as vinegar and honey.

Prudence, hard-nosed businesswoman and married to the meek and mild Francis, is about to get a shock reminder that you should never take anything for granted. Constance, homemaker and loving wife to philandering husband Greg, has always been out-manoeuvred by her manipulative sibling.

But now that Pru wants to get her hands on Atlantic House, Connie is not about to take things lying down. When an old face reappears on the scene, years of simmering resentments reach boiling point. But little do the women know that a long-buried secret is about to bite them all on the bottom.

Can Constance and Pru put their feuding aside for the sake of everyone else, or will this family holiday push them all over the edge?

©2009 Fern Britton (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

"Complicated friendships and tales of a chaotic love life make this a must-read." ( Woman)

"A light-hearted, fun read that perfectly captures the sights and smells of village life." ( Heat)

"Fern Britton has transferred her fun and friendly charm to the page" ( Good Housekeeping)

Disappointing story

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The story seemed disjointed at the start and didn't get going until half way through. I enjoy Fern Britton's television work and had high expectations of her book, as she's so witty and personable on TV.

Would you ever listen to anything by Fern Britton again?

I'd looked forward to listening to this book. On the strength of it, I'm sorry to say that I won't be trying another by Fern.

Would you be willing to try another one of Fern Britton’s performances?

Probably not.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Holiday Home?

A number in the first half of the book.

Any additional comments?

Wish I could have been more positive.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Beautifully narrated by Fern

I enjoyed listening to Fern's beautifully read story- I love her voice and her delivery of different accents and male and female characters was good too.This touches on many facets of human nature and the background setting of the family home in Cornwall is perfect for the storyline. Not all families are like this - but it comes across as being a very interessting one with some surprises which I won't spoil for future readers!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A bit of escapism

I enjoyed Ferns narration and it was an enjoyable story. A good family drama. Recommended.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Laughter, tears repeat!

Wonderful book again by Fearn Britton, and she reads it with such passion. The characters are brought to life and you get completely invested in the story. Clever changes of time within the story to allow flashbacks to make the present more dramatic/understandable. I couldn’t stop listening to it, i gasped out loud, laughed and there were tears from laughter and from sadness.
We all know a Pru and a Connie which is why we want to know what happens. Brilliant - a must listen.

Holiday home

Nice to listen to, as I find it difficult to read the words this is good

gentle story

Lovely easy listening story, pleasure to listen to, as Fern has a great voice