The Holiday Home

By: Fern Britton

Narrated by: Fern Britton

Length: 8 hrs and 32 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.

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!

A bit of escapism

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

A good read

Not my favourite of Ferns Books...too much family squabbling.
But family life can be like that ..but it’s not for me.
I’m sure anyone with family at home will relate to this..

Easy listen

Fern has a wonderful, soothing voice which made the narration very pleasant to listen to. Entertaining characters. Enjoyed the story.

Great listen

a story f ups and downs with real life dramatic goings on and the hint of some dark curse. a good piece of listening.

juls

really enjoyed this book. first one for me to read of this author and pleasantly surprised

another fantastic book by Fern Britton

just loved it. easy to listen to. fab story and gripping. narrator easy to listen to and loved the voice changes.

Captivating

Excellently written and narrated by the author, Fern Britton. The author manages to bring the story to life throughout and leaves you wanting to hear more. My only disappointment is that I have come to the end of the story. Can’t wait for my next one!

Page Turner

Kept wanting to hear more if the story as it unfolded just a perfect length for a listen whilst enjoying the summer sun, with no distractions.