Kerry Barrett – författare

From the bestselling author of The Girl In The Picture comes a beautiful new timeslip novel.Berkshire, 1944When Will Bates offers to take ATA pilot Lilian Miles to the dance, he sends her heart into a flutter. But as their relationship progresses, Lilian can’t help but get cold feet. Deep down she’s always known that the secrets locked in her past would weigh heavily on her future happiness…London, 2018Helena Miles loves nothing more than digging into the back stories of celebrity families, making her perfectly suited for her job as a researcher on the hit show Where Did You Come From?. But when handsome superstar Jack Jones sweeps into her life, she unexpectedly finds herself trawling through her own family history.As she explores her family’s past, she discovers that there are far more secrets hidden there than she ever expected… What really happened to her aunt Lilian during the war, and why can’t she open up about it now? An inspirational tale of sisterhood and strength, perfect for fans of Tracy Rees and Kathryn Hughes. Readers love Kerry Barrett:‘All Kerry Barrett's books are brilliant’‘I'd highly recommend this: detective fiction, historical fiction, powerful, moving, thrilling, sometimes comic, always very human.’‘A beautiful story which kept me hooked’‘I would definitely recommend this read, but be warned, you won't want to put it down.’‘Loved the whole story, couldn't put it down’‘Will definitely read more from this author’

‘Incredible… I was enraptured through every single part of it… Made me feel quite emotional… Fabulous read.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars London, 1910. Twenty-one-year-old Esther Watkins would do anything for the Suffragette cause. Imprisoned, force-fed and beaten, she is determined to fight for what she believes is right – no matter what it costs her. With new love Joseph by her side, will she get the better future she dreams of?Kent, 2019. With her marriage in tatters, school teacher Lizzie Armstrong moves to sleepy Elm Heath for a fresh start, and her pupils and the community soon steal her heart. So when the school is threatened with closure Lizzie knows she has to fight, and she looks to the school’s founder for inspiration.What makes Esther, born and bred in London, a proud Suffragette, suddenly leave the city and escape to Elm Heath? And when Lizzie uncovers Esther’s heartbreaking secret, could it give her the strength she needs to save not just the school, but her new beginning too? A heart-wrenching and uplifting novel for fans of Emily Gunnis, Kathleen McGurl and Kathryn Hughes. Readers LOVE The Secret Letter!‘Love love love this book!’ Kathleen McGurl, USA Today bestselling author of The Forgotten Secret‘Pulls you in right away from the first few pages… Hard to put down… I really enjoyed this book.’ NetGalley reviewer‘Beautiful and heart-wrenching and so impossible to put down!’ NetGalley reviewer‘A great read!… Have tissues handy! I highly recommend!’ NetGalley reviewer‘I absolutely adored this book.’ NetGalley reviewer‘Amazing book!’ NetGalley reviewer‘Perfectly paced and plotted… I soon found myself lost in the characters’ world and reluctant to put the book down… Brilliant.’ Over the Rainbow Book Blog‘Sucked me in… I had a hard time putting it down.’ NetGalley reviewer‘This book honestly has it all… Shocking, heart-warming, funny and superbly researched.’ Readers Enjoy Authors’ Dreams

'Wonderful story which transfixes you from the start – this is the first novel I've read by this author but definitely not the last. The characters are beautifully written and the author effortlessly sucks you in to their worlds.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A beautifully written historical page-turner.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Two women. One house. Centuries of secrets. East Sussex Coast, 1855 Violet Hargreaves is the lonely daughter of a widowed industrialist, and an aspiring Pre-Raphaelite painter. One day, the naïve eighteen-year-old meets the mysterious and handsome Edwin on the beach. He promises her a world beyond the small coastal village she’s trapped in. But after she ignores warnings about Edwin, a chain of terrible events begins to unfold for Violet… East Sussex Coast, 2016 For thriller-writer Ella Daniels, the house on the cliff, where she’s moved with her young family, is the perfect place to overcome writer’s block. But there’s a strange atmosphere that settles once they move in – and Ella’s intrigued when she hears stories of brutal murders in the house next door more than 150 years ago. When Ella uncovers a portrait of a beautiful young girl named Violet Hargreaves, who went missing at the same time as the horrific crimes, she becomes determined to find out what happened. And in trying to lay Violet’s ghost to rest, Ella must face ghosts of her own… This haunting timeslip tale is perfect for fans of Louise Douglas, Tracy Rees, Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley. Praise for Kerry Barrett:'What a page turner!' Daisy Wood, author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris'Lovely fireside reading!' Marius Gabriel, author of The German Daughter‘A fantastic and engaging read. Kerry Barrett truly is a very talented author. It’s absolutely perfect for summer holidays or wintry days snuggled on the sofa.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Once I started reading this book I didn't want to stop. I found it so interesting and intriguing.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘There aren't enough stars for this fun, deep and relaxing read. Highly recommended.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fantastic and engaging read. Kerry Barrett truly is a very talented author.’ – Babs (Goodreads)Two women. Two decades. One story.Fearne has landed her dream job to run Mode. Except the dream isn’t quite so rosy in reality, the print magazine is struggling and Fearne is determined to save it!In 1966, desperate to escape her life, Nancy moves to London with her brilliantly unpredictable friend Suze to achieve their dream of writing for Mode magazine together.For Mode to survive Fearne needs to recreate the magic of the early issues and she is on track to find Suze – Mode’s longest-serving editor. Unbeknownst to Fearne, what she uncovers might be the biggest story of her career… If you loved The Forgotten Girl then don’t miss out on A Step in Time, another emotional novel from Kerry Barrett – out now! What reviewers are saying about A Step in Time‘It’s all set against the backdrop of Strictly Stars Dancing, adding an extra element of glitz and glamour to the proceedings. This is a great book that I devoured in two sittings and it’s absolutely perfect for summer holidays or wintry days snuggled on the sofa.’ – Bab’s Bookshelf‘This was a really enjoyable, funny read… I recommend this book to fans of Strictly, and also to anyone who wants a feel good story with so much more depth to it than some I have read.’ – Fiona’s Book Reviews‘Sparkly, fun, witty and deeper than expected… There aren't enough stars for this fun, deeper than expected witty and relaxing read. Highly recommended.’ – Michelle (Goodreads)

‘This is a great book and for fans of Strictly Come Dancing it’s an absolute must-read. It’s FAB-U-LOUS darling…’ – Louise ReviewsThe time of her life!Following a (totally justified) ugly, public brawl with her love-rat boyfriend, soap star and paparazzi darling Amy Lavender's TV career is over.Her agent assures her that winning a glitzy dancing TV competition will put Amy back on top. But Amy has two left feet, and her hot dance partner Patrick seems to think that she's behaving like a superficial spoiled brat (also totally justified).At rock bottom, Amy is now living in a rented room when she encounters her upstairs neighbour, an elegant older lady with a mysterious, tragic air who knows more than a thing or two about the foxtrot.But it'll take more than a couple of dance lessons to get Amy back on the leaderboard and ready to cha cha cha her way to glitterball glory!What readers are saying about A Step in Time‘It’s all set against the backdrop of Strictly Stars Dancing, adding an extra element of glitz and glamour to the proceedings. This is a great book that I devoured in two sittings and it’s absolutely perfect for summer holidays or wintry days snuggled on the sofa.’ – Bab’s Bookshelf‘This was a really enjoyable, funny read… I recommend this book to fans of Strictly, and also to anyone who wants a feel good story with so much more depth to it than some I have read.’ – Fiona’s Book Reviews‘Sparkly, fun, witty and deeper than expected… There aren't enough stars for this fun, deeper than expected witty and relaxing read. Highly recommended.’ – Michelle (Goodreads)‘A great book to curl up with whilst you try to guess who is going to win the dance competition.’ – Kim (Goodreads)

‘I loved this book! I was hooked from the start… I devoured this.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars Only she knows the truth. Only she can save them. 1799Emily Moon lives with her mother in an inn on a clifftop in the darkest reaches of Cornwall. After her father mysteriously disappears, her mother finds solace at the bottom of a bottle, and the only way to keep afloat is to turn a blind eye to the smugglers who send signals from the clifftops. But Emily knows that the smugglers killed her father to ensure his silence, and she will not let his murder go unpunished…Present dayAfter a case ends in tragedy, police officer Phoebe Bellingham flees to Cornwall for a summer of respite. But rather than the sunny Cornwall of her dreams, she finds herself on storm-beaten cliffs, surrounded by stories of ghosts and smugglers – and the mysterious Emily Moon, who vanished without a trace over two centuries ago. As rain lashes down around her, Phoebe determines to find the truth behind the rumours – but what she uncovers will put herself in danger too… A haunting and moving timeslip novel perfect for fans of The Girl in the Letter, The Forgotten Village and The Witchfinder’s Sister. Readers LOVE The Smuggler’s Daughter!‘Gripping and unputdownable… A brilliantly told story and one I keep thinking about since I finished reading it.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars‘Creepy, atmospheric and gripping, a really great read.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars‘Ticked all of the boxes for me… One of those books that draws you in straight away… I found it difficult to put down.’ NetGalley reviewer‘Atmospheric and gothic… Gives you the odd shiver up your spine… A really enjoyable read.’ NetGalley reviewer‘An intriguing story full of adventure, imaginative characters, history, and beautiful Cornwall scenes.’ NetGalley reviewer‘I could literally hear and smell the waves crashing on the rocks… Kept me gripped throughout… Twists along the way.’ Yeah Lifestyle

The truth can be dangerous in the wrong hands…1661, North Berwick, ScotlandOne stormy night, healer Honor Seton and her daughter Alice are summoned to save the town lord's wife – but they're too late. A vengeful crusade against the Seton women leads to whispers of witchcraft all over town. Honor hopes her connections can protect them from unproven rumours and dangerous accusations – but is the truth finally catching up with them?Present day, North Berwick, ScotlandAfter an explosive scandal lands her husband in prison, Tess Blyth flees Edinburgh to start afresh in Thistle Cottage. As she hides from the media’s unforgiving glare, Tess is intrigued by the shadowy stories of witchcraft surrounding the women who lived in the cottage centuries ago. But she quickly discovers modern-day witch hunts can be just as vicious: someone in town knows her secret – and they won’t let Tess forget it… A hauntingly compelling timeslip novel from the author of The Girl in the Picture, perfect for fans of The Forgotten Village and The Witchfinder’s Sister. Readers LOVE The Secrets of Thistle Cottage!‘A beautifully written book and a gripping tale, frightening at times, funny at times, but a most enjoyable read.’ – NetGalley Reviewer, 5 Stars‘I loved this book! Historical fiction and a thriller to boot!’ – NetGalley Reviewer, 5 Stars‘Great stories of witchcraft… unexpected turns along the way… This has everything.’ – NetGalley Reviewer, 5 Stars‘The Secrets of Thistle Cottage offers the reader a trip to a lovely coastal location and then pulls you in to a time warp… a great book… but be prepared to read it in one go.’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘I enjoyed the different timelines. This has some witchcraft added in the mix and was so dang good!’ – NetGalley Reviewer‘An enjoyable read… The author sets the scene with eerie and atmospheric detail.’ – NetGalley Reviewer

📜 Inspired by an incredible true story, this is an unforgettable novel about love, loss and one impossible choice‘I loved this… Wonderful… Really tugged at my heart strings… My favourite… Had everything I love’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘OMG… Excellent. Chefs kiss… I love this… Heart-wrenching… Uplifting… I highly recommend this’ Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heart-breaking but so uplifting – Kerry really is a hugely talented voice’ Nicola Cornick, author of The Forgotten Sister ***** London, 1940 When nurse Elsie offers to send a reassuring letter to the family of a patient, she has an idea. She begins a book of last letters: messages to be sent on to wounded soldiers’ loved ones should the very worst come to pass, so that no one is left without a final goodbye.But one message will change Elsie’s life forever. When a patient makes a devastating request, can Elsie find the strength to do the unthinkable? London, present day Stephanie has a lot of people she’d like to speak to: her estranged brother, to whom her last words were in anger; her nan, whose dementia means she is only occasionally lucid enough to talk.When she discovers a book of wartime letters, Stephanie realises the importance of our final words – and uncovers the story of a secret love, a desperate choice, and the unimaginable courage of the woman behind it all… A moving and compelling historical fiction novel from the author of The Girl in the Picture, perfect for fans of The Nightingale and The Keeper of Happy Endings. Readers LOVE The Book of Last Letters!‘I loved this book from beginning to end. It was one of those books that you just couldn't put down… One of the best books I have read’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A blinder of a novel. A brilliant story that at times is heartwarming and yet at other times heartbreaking’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A gripping and emotional read that will stay with me for a long time’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘An incredible read and I absolutely loved it’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘An absolutely beautiful book… It’s a definite read and read again for me’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘What a beautiful story. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster… I couldn't put it down’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Gripping… Such a wonderful read’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I just loved everything about this book… Ticked all the boxes for the perfect read.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1933. Hannah Snow is fleeing her unhappy marriage when she finds herself in a small hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. But when a monster is spotted in the depths of the waters, the press descends – and Hannah finds her hiding place is discovered. Someone has been looking for Hannah, and when they find her events will take a devastating turn…Present day. True crime podcaster Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a promising government minister who disappeared in 1933 – just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen… From the bestselling author of The Book of Last Letters, get transported to Scotland in The Missing Wife, a gripping and emotional dual timeline historical novel, perfect for fans of Lorna Cook and Dinah Jeffries. Readers LOVE The Missing Wife!‘I absolutely loved this book… An enthralling story that kept you guessing… An unexpected gem.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘What a great book! I’ve finished it in 2 days, absolutely loved every bit of it… Beautifully written and so easy to read. I’m off to find some more from this author!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I read this in less than a day… A brilliant read, uplifting and just a great story.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Enthralling and absorbing and I loved it. Definitely recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I really enjoyed this book… Gripping story, well written and researched. Highly recommended.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A pleasure to read and incredibly engaging… Undoubtedly a “just one more chapter” type of book… Quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Kept me up way past my bedtime as I needed to know what happened… Definitely recommended for those who enjoy a mystery.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Great fun. Tragedy, romance, and history all mixed up together… Fast paced and very absorbing.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This moving story is not to be missed.' Candis A forgotten past. A garden full of secrets. A mystery to be uncovered. 1943. With her best friend having recently joined the Land Army and her mother lost in grief after the death of her father early in the war, Gloria is lonely. When she finds an unlikely kindred spirit in Jerome, an American soldier stationed in her Cotswolds village, Gloria begins to fall in love. But conflict between the soldiers and the villagers lead to an impossible choice with devastating consequences. Present day. After their dreams of starting a family are crushed, Philippa and her husband Marco need a fresh start. Focusing on repairing the crumbling walls and leaking roof of the Cotswolds house they impulsively bought seems easier work than repairing their relationship. When Philippa finds a hidden memorial hidden deep in the garden, the discovery only pushes them further apart. But as Philippa determines to uncover the truth behind the memorial, could the secrets it reveals be the key to finally putting their heartbreak to rest? Don’t miss this sweeping dual-timeline historical novel from the author of The Girl in the Picture and The Book of Last Letters, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook. Readers LOVE The Garden of Lost Secrets!'I love a dual timeline story, and this is a really captivating one… Loved it.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A thought provoking dual timeline novel… an excellent read.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book was an absolute joy. I didn’t want to finish it. I look forward to reading more books by this author.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book has heartache and joy and it was an absolute pleasure to read.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'What a wonderful book full of wonderful characters.' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a page turner!' Daisy Wood, author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris'A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine.' Marius Gabriel, author of The German Daughter'Original and immersive' Eva Glyn, author of An Island of Secrets In a bookshop nestled in the sprawling streets of Lisbon, a shopkeeper leads a double life… Looking for a new start after her father’s death, Lara Hope arrives in Lisbon in search of a family she’s never met.As war storms across Europe, Lara finds solace and belonging in her landlady’s tranquil bookshop in one of the most beautiful corners of the city.But when she witnesses a customer secretly swapping a book, she realises the bookshop is not all it seems. Lara is plunged into a labyrinthine world of mystery and facades, encountering new friends, an unexpected romance, and even royalty… Is she prepared to risk it all for this new life?Readers love The Bookshop of Secrets:'The ending left me wanting more…these characters are too engaging and too ingenious to disappear into the ether' Historical Novel Society‘I lapped it up!’ Eliza Graham'A must-read for historical fiction fans and for me, Kerry Barrett’s best book yet' Annie Lyons'A gripping ‘what if’ tale with a larger-than-life heroine at its heart' Tessa Harris'This book was an absolute joy. I didn’t want to finish it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I adored this novel and found it hard to put down. The plot unfolds with ease and you easily warm to the characters'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Beautifully written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'An exceptional read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lose yourself in this small town romance, where witchy magic and second chance love flourish against a cozy Autumn backdrop 🔮🌿 ‘I was under a spell… I loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewEsme McLeod is a high-flying lawyer in London, but her life isn't as perfect as it might seem. She is estranged from her family, in a toxic relationship with a married man, and she’s a part-time witch.As a teenager, Esme discovered that her meddling mother had cast a love spell on Esme’s boyfriend, Jamie. Mortified, she fled her hometown in the Scottish Highlands, cutting ties with her mum, Jamie and magic. Well, nearly all magic – sometimes getting served at a bar or finding a space in a busy car park without magic is just too much of a drag.When Esme's aunt becomes ill, she reluctantly returns home to help out. What she doesn't expect is for her aunt's doctor to be Jamie. As Esme tries to repair her family relationships and master her unpredictable magic, could it be that sparks are flying between Jamie and her for real this time? Perfect for fans of Erin Sterling’s The Ex Hex and Lana Harper’s Payback’s a Witch!If you love: - Second-chance romance- Big city to small town- Witchy rom-comThen you don’t want to miss Like a Charm!Previously published as Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.'I was looking for a book that would be the perfect read for my holidays and this really hit the mark.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Perfect with a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Strong characters, addictive dialogue and an absorbing story.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Pre-order this brand new, heartwarming story from the Kindle bestselling author of The Bookshop of Secrets now!Filled with Kerry's signature warmth and page-turning storytelling, lose yourself in the last library, hidden amongst the sprawling streets of Paris. In the heart of Paris, one library refuses to close its doors … As the city’s shopfronts go dark and war rages across Europe, Frances Reed is determined to keep her library open. Delivering books to those who need them most, she knows stories are more than just words – they can save lives.Meanwhile, Cassie Watkins arranges safe passage for those with nowhere else to turn. When a parcel of books connects Frances and Cassie's worlds, they form a fragile network of readers, helpers, and secrets.But someone else is reading between the lines too, and discovery could cost them everything. How far will Frances and Cassie go to keep stories alive?Praise for Kerry Barrett:'A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine and a cast of fabulously diverse characters having perilous adventures in exotic locations – what more could you want? Lovely fireside reading!' Marius Gabriel‘What a page turner! A bookshop in wartime Lisbon is the gateway to a thrilling world of mystery, espionage, adventure and romance for brilliant and beautiful Lara' Daisy Wood'Original and immersive. If you read one Second World War novel in 2025 – make it this one' Eva Glyn‘A lively trip up the vertiginous backstreets of wartime Lisbon that serves up Nazi spies, Edward and Mrs Simpson and a bookshop with a difference, all seen through the eyes of an engaging young British actress. I lapped it up!’ Eliza Graham'I was completely swept away by the story of smart, savvy heroine, Lara and the wonderfully, eclectic cast of supporting characters. A must-read for historical fiction fans and for me, Kerry Barrett’s best book yet' Annie Lyons'A gripping ‘what if’ tale with a larger-than-life heroine at its heart' Tessa Harris'The ending left me wanting more—these characters are too engaging and too ingenious to disappear into the ether' Historical Novel Society

'What a page turner!' Daisy Wood, author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris'A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine.' Marius Gabriel, author of The German Daughter