A compelling and heartbreaking tale of lost love, family secrets and those little moments that can change your life for ever.
Returning to the wild Cornish coast for the funeral of her beloved grandmother, Natasha has no idea of how things are about to change. This trip reunites her with her large and complicated family for perhaps the last time: Summercove, her grandparents' beautiful house by the sea, is being sold. With it go a generation of memories and the key to the death, many years ago, of fifteen-year-old Cecily, her aunt, a tragedy that no one ever discusses.
When she finds the opening pages of Cecily's diary, written the summer she died, Natasha discovers the family she idealised has secrets that have long been buried. But where is the rest of the diary?
Back in London, trying to rebuild her own life, Natasha is haunted by Cecily's writing and the tragic tale of love, rivalry and heartbreak promised in those scant pages. She has to know what happened, the summer her aunt died. And so she makes some life-changing decisions – and in the process finds out that a second chance at love might be possible…
‘Well written… you'll love it' Daily Mail
‘Romantic… Gripping…Marks Harriet Evans out as a writer of superior popular fiction, her seemingly sunny coming of age story darkening at every turn' The Lady
‘Escapism that brings with it the promise of "custard yellow" sands and hot summer sun.' Independent
‘An engrossing novel of jealousy, passion, forbidden love and heartache' Woman and Home
‘Heartwarming and hugely enjoyable' Closer
‘A broken heart and a forbidden affair are the compelling components of this poignant tale of self-discovery…Wonderful.' Marie Claire
‘(A) story of heartbreak and rivalry… An effortless and deeply satisfying romantic tale' Glamour