
Life Begins
Friends, family and secrets in the Italian countryside, the perfect escapist read
Kate Eberlen(Author)
Orion (Publisher)
Published on 30. January 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-3987-1216-4 (ISBN)
Description
'A tangle of friends and family, secrets and longing set in the glorious Italian countryside. Escapism at its finest' - Veronica Henry
'A gripping, intriguing tale of family and love, set against an escapist backdrop - the perfect holiday read' - Libby Page
'A complex and satisfying emotional drama that might just inspire you to start planning for a second act of your own' - C J Wray
'I loved this immersive read. Fabulous' - Cesca Major
What if the life you're living isn't the one you want?
Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university. For his fortieth birthday, she plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Sometimes it feels like everyone knows how much she loves Robin... everyone except Robin himself.
Laura has two beautiful children, a stylish London home and a thriving career as a deputy headteacher. But she also has a secret. One she's been keeping for many years. And now it's time for the truth to come out.
Actor Robin is looking forward to being the centre of attention once more, as those he loves most come together for a week-long getaway. But as long-simmering desires rise to the surface and tensions reach breaking point, he begins to wonder...
Could life really begin again at forty?
From the Richard & Judy Book Club author Kate Eberlen, Life Begins is an emotional relationship drama set in the Italian countryside.
'A gripping, intriguing tale of family and love, set against an escapist backdrop - the perfect holiday read' - Libby Page
'A complex and satisfying emotional drama that might just inspire you to start planning for a second act of your own' - C J Wray
'I loved this immersive read. Fabulous' - Cesca Major
What if the life you're living isn't the one you want?
Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university. For his fortieth birthday, she plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Sometimes it feels like everyone knows how much she loves Robin... everyone except Robin himself.
Laura has two beautiful children, a stylish London home and a thriving career as a deputy headteacher. But she also has a secret. One she's been keeping for many years. And now it's time for the truth to come out.
Actor Robin is looking forward to being the centre of attention once more, as those he loves most come together for a week-long getaway. But as long-simmering desires rise to the surface and tensions reach breaking point, he begins to wonder...
Could life really begin again at forty?
From the Richard & Judy Book Club author Kate Eberlen, Life Begins is an emotional relationship drama set in the Italian countryside.
Reviews / Votes
Told through the eyes of three leads I loved this immersive read. It's full of love, secrets, mess and second chances with a swoony setting to transport you to Italy as you sit at home wondering how it will all play out. Fabulous. The perfect way to kickstart a new year. * Cesca Major * Sunshine in a book!A tangle of friends and family, secrets and longing set in the glorious Italian countryside - Life Begins is escapism at its finest. Kate writes with a keen eye, a gentle touch and a wonderful sense of humour that brings her stories to life and makes them both relatable and enjoyable. Mouthwatering food, golden sun-drenched locations and unforgettable characters - you will love it. * Veronica Henry * A gripping, intriguing tale of family and love, set against an escapist backdrop - Life Begins is the perfect holiday read. * Libby Page * Kate Eberlen has done it again. Life Begins is another belter! Once again it has a gorgeous Italian setting but this time there are more characters and more emotionally charged relationships tested by more twists and turns. I loved it * Matt Cain *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Orion Publishing Co
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
254 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3987-1216-4 (9781398712164)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Kate Eberlen
Life Begins
Friends, family and secrets in the Italian countryside, the perfect escapist read
E-Book
01/2025
Orion
€3.99
Available for download
Person
Kate Eberlen is the author of Miss You which was a Radio 2 Book Club Choice and a Richard and Judy Book Club Choice, and Only You. Her novels have been translated into 30 countries worldwide. She lives in London.