The Peacock Summer
Published on 18. April 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
416 pages
978-1-4091-5223-1 (ISBN)
Description
A compelling story of hidden secrets and forbidden love, from the bestselling author of The Secrets of the Tides
'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.
'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.
Reviews / Votes
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 * 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 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Orion Publishing Co
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
282 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4091-5223-1 (9781409152231)
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
Hannah Richell
The Peacock Summer
The most gripping story of forbidden love and hidden secrets you'll read this summer
E-Book
06/2018
Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
€5.99
Available for download
Person
Hannah is the author of international bestsellers Secrets of the Tides and The Shadow Year. The Peacock Summer is her third novel. Her books have been translated into nineteen languages.