Private Lives

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What to expect

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

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?

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

© Emily Edwards 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critics Review

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

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