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Other Parents

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What to expect

Sarah Stovell’s gripping new novel, Every Happy Family is available now!

Hilarious, unputdownable, suspenseful fiction, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Motherland

They all have opinions.
They all have secrets.

‘Both funny and engaging while tackling some serious stuff’ Jane Fallon

‘Deft, wry and perceptive, this drama targets class and modern parenting’ Daily Mail

‘Set to be one of the most talked-about books of 2022’ HELLO!

‘Sensitive, sharply observed and often funny’ Adele Parks, Platinum

‘Touted as the new Liane Moriarty, Stovell is one to watch’ Woman & Home

‘Cringe-inducing, agonising, truthful, heartbreaking and hilarious’ Janice Hallett

In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret.

Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.

Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Max don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.

When the local school introduces a new inclusive curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate.

But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what is happening in your own home.

What readers are saying about Other Parents

'This is definitely a contender for the best book I have read this year'

‘So well written I wish it had carried on for another 400 pages’

'I genuinely couldn't put this book down! I was completely engrossed'

'I could see this being loved by anyone who liked Little Fires Everywhere or Big Little Lies'

‘Beautifully written and the characters are just so realistic and relatable’

‘This was like watching an amazing Netflix drama’

Critics Review

  • ‘An equally hilarious and gripping read that’s sure to linger long after you’ve finished.’ OK!

    ‘Funny, moving, insightful and so sharp on the politics of the school gate and beyond. Couldn’t put it down.’
    Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request

    ‘A well-told (and latterly suspenseful) story that examines
    some tricky contemporary issues . . . It’s also very funny’ Daily Express

    ‘I absolutely loved Other Parents and raced through it in less than 48 hours. Completely gripping, original and so well-observed.’ Nancy Tucker, author of The First Day of Spring

    ‘A timely and intoxicating firecracker of a drama packed with small town secrets, politics and prejudice . . . Thoughtful, thought provoking and always supremely entertaining.’ Best

    ‘This story about the politics and dark undercurrents of a school community is sharp, compelling, and thought-provoking, with a cast of characters who live and breathe on the page.’ Amanda Jennings, author of The Cliff House

    ‘Clever, thought-provoking and darkly funny. Tackles big issues with a light hand.’ Tina Baker, author of Call Me Mummy

    ‘A brilliant book’ Bella

    ‘Loved it from page one. Fully immersive with beautifully realised characters and a plot that tackles some huge, important issues. This is the kind of book I crave.’ Emily Edwards, author of The Herd

    ‘Topical issues and wry observations abound’ Woman’s Weekly

    ‘An astute and gripping page-turner that takes many hot topics and examines them from every angle . . . Genuinely original and utterly compelling.’ NJ Mackay, author of Found Her

    ‘The school playground has never been this entertaining . . . funny, moving, complicated and sometimes a bit twisted . . . If you enjoyed Big Little Lies then there are echoes of it here . . . Read and enjoy it now and revisit it in a year or two when the inevitable Netflix miniseries launches.’ My London

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