Four houses in a new development are occupied over a period of a week or two. There's a married - but rather incompatible - couple, with a social-climbing wife. There's an unmarried, but apparently very compatible couple - he's nearly fifty, and very gentle, while she is considerably younger, but the only problem appears to be his glamorous ex-wife, who still works with him.

Then there's Jessica, a writer, who we first meet in Corfu as she finishes her novel, and then leaves the philandering man she was living with, flying back to the UK in part to care for her mother (who is extremely independent and has no wish to be cared for).

Finally, there's Josh, a personable young man who works with his brother in the clothing industry. He seems rather an abrupt, shy kind of person but we soon discover that he has a serious medical problem which impinges on his life in different ways.

It's a character-driven novel, with a lot of sub-plots that mostly work out well in the end. Fairly predictable, but enjoyable all the same for a good light read at a busy time of year.

Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/10/a-sense-of-belonging-by-erica-james... ( )

Dull and badly written. All 'tell' rather than 'show' with each character ruminating endlessly about their motives and wondering what the other characters are thinking. The bored reader can't wonder themselves as we get to hear inside everyone's head. And when there is conversation it is of the 'would you like a coffee?', 'Yes, please'. 'With milk' 'yes please'. 'And sugar', 'yes thanks' variety. ( )