Lola's Secret
  • Published: 6 January 2026
  • ISBN: 9781761357954
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $22.99
Categories:

Lola's Secret

Formats & editions
Paperback
6 Jan 2026
Paperback
19 Jun 2017
EBook
28 Sep 2011
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A funny, sad and moving novel about memories and moments and the very meaning of life.

At the Valley View Motel in South Australia's picturesque Clare Valley, 84-year-old Lola Quinlan is up to her usual mischief. She's sent her family away for Christmas and invited a number of mystery guests to come and stay. But who are all these people, and why aren't they spending the festive season with their own loved ones?

As the big day draws closer and Lola's personal family dramas threaten to unravel her plans, she discovers that at a special time of year, magic can happen in every family – especially your own.

A funny and sad and moving novel about the very meaning of life, Lola's Secret has touched the hearts of women the world over.
  • Published: 6 January 2026
  • ISBN: 9781761357954
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $22.99
Categories:

About the author

Monica McInerney

One of the stars of Australian fiction, Monica is the author of 13 internationally bestselling books for adults, including most recently The Godmothers, shortlisted for the 2021 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year and her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat. Monica grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley of South Australia. She and her Irish husband have been living between Australia and Ireland for thirty years. They currently live in Dublin.

portrait photo of Monica McInerney

Also by Monica McInerney

Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat
The Godmothers
The Trip of a Lifetime
Hello from the Gillespies
The House of Memories
At Home with the Templetons
All Together Now
See all

Praise for Lola's Secret

The book is hugely entertaining but also reminds us of the importance of thinking of others as McInerney draws beautiful and very convincing portraits of characters either depleted by the demands of modern life, desperately lonely or in need...But the best thing about this book is its sense of humour. McInerney is the mistress of the plot and weaves about five into this fine, textured read.

Sunday Tasmanian

Lola's Secret is a lovely, gentle story of a family, a Christmas, love and different kinds of adventure.

Courier Mail

This is a charming, witty novel in which Monica's assured writing sparkles and which, when you reach the end, will leave you feeling like you've been given a huge, warm hug...Some novels are simply very special. This is one of those novels.

Hello! Magazine

Awards & recognition

Australian Book Industry Awards

Shortlisted  •  2012  •  General Fiction Book of the Year

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