The Unlikely Courage of Gracie Meadows
21 May 2026Synopsis
Sometimes, those with the smallest voices have the most important things to say.
Meet Gracie. At mid-life she’s fed up with her marriage and career, so when a new housing estate threatens to sever the 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 five-year-old neighbour Tilly unexpectedly bounds into her life, she shows Gracie that sometimes you shouldn’t take no for an answer. Despite revelations of long-buried family secrets and conflicts taking root, perhaps this could be the beginning of a new chapter, one in which she might finally have the courage to find her voice.
This is the uplifting story of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference, of friendship, community and staying true to who you are . . .
Details
21 May 2026
9781035058693Reviews
A very real and heartwarming story about the life-changing power of friendship and found family. A complete joy. I loved itAlexandra Potter, bestselling author of Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up
A lovely, beautifully executed novel, full of compassion, warmth and insight. An immersive, uplifting read for these troubled timesLaura Barnett, author of The Versions of Us
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 friendshipMike Gayle, author of All the Lonely People
A convincing case for how much we need friendship and community to sustain usThe Times
