What happens behind closed doors stays there. Doesn't it? An intimate look into the lives of two families and the secret that divides them.

The addictive and thought-provoking new novel from the author of the Richard & Judy book club pick, THE HERD.

'Compassionate and cleverly told . . . will spark rich and lively debate' JENNY QUINTANA

'A fresh take on a community drama and a perfect book club read' KIT CONWAY

'Filled with escalating tension that never let up. I found myself completely immersed'

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Everything is as it should be.

Rosie and Seb Kent are happily married, living in the sleepy seaside town of Waverly. Now that Seb has achieved his dream of becoming headmaster of the local school, their lives couldn't be any better.

Then she 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. And then she sees Seb.

And nothing will ever be the same again . . .

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?

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*** READERS CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PRIVATE LIVES ***

'Emily Edward's takes a simple situation and turns it into a compulsive page turner'

'Emily Edwards...has a brilliant knack for the book-club type discussion novel'

'Simply superb storytelling. Emily Edward has nailed the domestic drama'


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

About the Author
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.

Reviews
Just who, the novel asks, is the villain here? A great premise and plot with lots of emotion. * Daily Mail *
Loved this. It's about two residents in a small town whose past catches up with them, causing major upset to both their families and the wider local community. It's about gossip and judgement and forgiveness, and is brilliantly done. * SARAH TURNER (The Unmumsy Mum) *
Addictive, thought-provoking, compassionate and cleverly told, Private Lives explores contrasting attitudes to controversial ethical dilemmas, raising the question of how far people have the right to know the personal secrets of those in authority. A highly compelling and complex read that will spark rich and lively debate. * JENNY QUINTANA *
Fast-paced with fantastic dialogue, we loved this. * Woman's Weekly *
Calling it a perfect book club read (which it is) doesn't do justice to the compulsive urge it invokes to message all your girlfriends and ask them what they would do in the same circumstances! Edwards presents all sides of a complex situation with balance and compassion, wrapped up in a compelling story with beautifully taut prose. * KIT CONWAY *
This brilliantly written novel will really get you thinking. * The Sun on Sunday's Fabulous Magazine *
Praise for Emily Edwards * : *
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. * Woman & Home *
Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it! * Stella *



Book Information
ISBN 9781787636965
Author Emily Edwards
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Bantam (Transworld)
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 428g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 154mm * 26mm