Private Lives

The addictive and thought-provoking new novel from the author of the Richard & Judy book club pick, THE HERD. 
 
Praise for Emily Edwards: 
 
'A knock-out twist' GILLIAN McALLISTER 
 
'Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant' CLARE MACKINTOSH 
 
'It is hard to imagine a more timely novel' JODI PICOULT 
 
***Available to pre-order now*** 
 
In the sleepy seaside sleepy town of Waverly, Rosie and Seb Kent are happily married. Now that Seb has achieved his dream of becoming headmaster of the local school, their lives couldn't be any better. 
 
Then Abi arrives. 
 
Abi, a young, single mother, has come to Waverly for a fresh start. She plans to reinvent herself and give her children a new life. 
 
Then she sees Seb. 
 
As their complicated hidden past threatens to destroy them both, they try their hardest to keep it contained. But in a small town, secrets don’t stay hidden for long and soon, what should be their private business becomes a very public scandal. How far will everyone – them, their families and the whole community – go to protect everything they hold dearest?

It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue.

Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE

Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable.

Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant.

Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.

A must-read about how our individual choices can directly affect those around us.

I loved this book. It put me through the emotional wringer. A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters who left me in tears but also full of hope.

A timely novel, we were completely gripped.

THE HERD is a tense and provocative exploration of parental friendship tangled in one of the most controversial topics of our time. Compelling and nuanced, this hugely impressive page-turner will have readers desperate to discuss: what would they do?

Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story.

Insightful, compassionate and nuanced. The Herd is so good.

Gripping, thought-provoking, moving and oh-so-topical, The Herd tackles the most divisive parenting issue of our age with skill and compassion. Fans of Jodi Picoult will DEVOUR it

Had me so gripped I raced through it in two days. A story about parenting decisions, betrayal and friendships - guaranteed to spark lively conversations with everyone who reads it.

I absolutely loved The Herd. Timely, thought-provoking and compulsively readable

After studying at Edinburgh University, Emily Edwards worked for a think tank in New York before returning to London where she worked as a support worker for vulnerable women at a large charity. She now lives in Lewes, East Sussex with her endlessly patient husband and her two endlessly energetic young sons. Her previous novel, The Herd, was a number one bestseller.

In the sleepy seaside sleepy town of Waverly, Rosie and Seb Kent are happily married. Now that Seb has achieved his dream of becoming headmaster of the local school, their lives couldn't be any better. 
 
Then Abi arrives. 
 
Abi, a young, single mother, has come to Waverly for a fresh start. She plans to reinvent herself and give her children a new life. 
 
Then she sees Seb. 
 
As their complicated hidden past threatens to destroy them both, they try their hardest to keep it contained. But in a small town, secrets don’t stay hidden for long and soon, what should be their private business becomes a very public scandal. How far will everyone – them, their families and the whole community – go to protect everything they hold dearest?

Emily Edwards

Two best friends 
 
Elizabeth and Bryony are polar opposites but their unexpected friendship has always worked. They're the best of friends, and godmothers to each other's daughters - because they trust that the safety of their children is both of their top priority. 
 
One little secret 
 
Little do they know that they differ radically over one very important issue. And when Bryony, afraid of being judged, tells what is supposed to be a harmless white lie before a child's birthday party, the consequences are more catastrophic than either of them could ever have imagined. 
 
Every parent's worst nightmare . . .

Emily Edwards

The Herd

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