Synopsis
Sometimes ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference . . .
Meet Gracie. At mid-life, she’s fed up with her unhappy marriage and humdrum career. So when a new housing estate threatens to sever her last connection to her late father – the oak tree he planted as a child – she decides to take a stand. Only Gracie has never stood up to anyone.
When Gracie’s five-year-old neighbour, Tilly, unexpectedly bounds into her life, she shows Gracie that you shouldn’t always take no for an answer. Despite long-buried family secrets being revealed and conflicts taking root, Gracie begins to think that this could be the beginning of a new chapter – one in which she finally discovers her inner strength and realizes that even in the face of loss, there is hope.
Full of warmth and joyful community, this is the uplifting story of one woman’s journey towards letting go of the past and creating memories worth holding on to . . .
Readers LOVE Abigail Johnson:
‘It’s not often that a book can make me cry, but this one definitely did’
‘Both heart-wrenching and happy, a rollercoaster of emotions’
‘Very moving’
‘Heartwarming with some genius touches of humour’
‘Really made you feel like you knew the characters. Loved it’
‘The best book I have read for ages’
Details
30 July 2026
9781035058679Reviews
A very real and heartwarming story about the life-changing power of friendship and found family. A complete joy. I loved it
A lovely, beautifully executed novel, full of compassion, warmth and insight. An immersive, uplifting read for these troubled times
With wonderfully drawn characters you really root for and plenty of twists and turns, The Secret Collector is a delightfully uplifting story about hope, redemption and the transforming power of friendship
A convincing case for how much we need friendship and community to sustain us
