The Peacock Summer

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What to expect

A compelling story of secrets, betrayals and the consequences of a long-ago summer from the bestselling author of Secrets of the Tides and The Shadow Year
'If she could reach back through the years and warn the person she once was, what would she say? ... What would she say to the ghosts who now inhabit her days? So many of those she has loved are now nothing but dust and memory.'
At twenty-six, Lillian feels trapped by life. Her marriage to Charles Oberon has not turned out the way she expected it would. To her it seems she is just another object captured within the walls of Cloudesley, her husband's beautiful manor house tucked away high in the Chiltern Hills. But, with a young step-son and a sister to care for, Lillian accepts there is no way out for her. Then Charles makes an arrangement with an enigmatic artist visiting their home and his presence will unbalance everything she thought she knew and understood.
Maggie Oberon ran from the hurt and resentment she caused. Half a world away, in Australia, it was easier to forget, to pretend she didn't care. But when her elderly grandmother, Lillian, falls ill she must head back to Cloudesley. Forced to face her past, Maggie fights to hold herself and her family's legacy together as she learns that all she thought was real, all that she held so close, was never as it seemed.

Two summers, decades apart.
Two women whose lives are forever entwined.
And a house that holds the dark secrets that could free them both.

Read by Elisabeth Hopper
(p) Orion Publishing Group 2018

Critics Review

A juicy mix of secrets and betrayals make The Peacock Summer by Hannah Richell a perfect holiday read.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Even more beguiling than her previous books. Stuffed full of family secrets, it's a tale of longing and dappled sunlight and the shimmering heat of lust. Exquisite, glamorous and breath-holdingly plotted
Veronica Henry
Poignant, romantic and beautifully written, I was completely captivated by this dual narrative story about forbidden love. Hannah Richell is a gifted storyteller; The Peacock Summer a wonderfully immersive book. Absolutely gorgeous
Kate Riordan
A heartwarming, compassionate story
PRIMA
A beautifully crafted story of heartbreak and hope. A bygone summer, simmering tensions, illicit passion, heroines to really root for - The Peacock Summer is thoroughly captivating. A treat of a read.
Emylia Hall
A wonderfully atmospheric novel that skilfully weaves together past and present
REDONLINE
A rich, evocative and very moving piece of writing. The story drew me in and kept me immersed right to the final pages
Katherine Webb
A beautiful and compelling story of forbidden love, grief and guilt...
Liz Fenwick
Wonderfully written, a visual treat, compelling and full of excellent characters - highly recommended
Cesca Major, author of The Silent Hours and The Last Night
Secrets, passion, sadness and sacrifice, more secrets... Wonderful book!
Susan Elliot Wright, author of The Things We Never Said
A gorgeous, gorgeous book
Cressida McLaughlin
'A truly compassionate read'
PRIMA.CO.UK
a beautifully written, wonderfully evocative read
FABULOUS MAGAZINE, SUN ON SUNDAY
I loved being swept away in this heartwarming and fascinating novel. A great read
Katie Fforde
A wonderful emotional read that drew me in and didn't let go till the last page.
WOMAN AND HOME

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