Private Lives
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  • Published: 19 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9781787636958
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $45.00

Private Lives

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
24 Jun 2025
EBook
19 Jun 2025
Audiobook
19 Jun 2025
Hardback
19 Jul 2025
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Another thorny issue is up for debate in this addictive and thought-provoking new novel from the author of the Richard & Judy book club pick, THE HERD.

In the sleepy seaside sleepy town of Waverly, Rosie and Seb Kent are happily married. Now that Seb has achieved his dream of becoming headmaster of the local school, their lives couldn't be any better.

Then Abi arrives.

Abi, a young, single mother, has come to Waverly for a fresh start. She plans to reinvent herself and give her children a new life.

Then she sees Seb.

As their complicated hidden past threatens to destroy them both, they try their hardest to keep it contained. But in a small town, secrets don’t stay hidden for long and soon, what should be their private business becomes a very public scandal. How far will everyone – them, their families and the whole community – go to protect everything they hold dearest?
  • Published: 19 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9781787636958
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $45.00
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About the author

Emily Edwards

After studying at Edinburgh University, Emily Edwards worked for a think tank in New York before returning to London where she worked as a support worker for vulnerable women at a large charity. She now lives in Lewes, East Sussex with her endlessly patient husband and her two endlessly energetic young sons. The inspiration for The Herd came when she was eight months pregnant with her first son, and her husband and their vaccine-hesitant doula had an impassioned 'debate' about vaccination in their garden. As she sat there with her hands over her huge stomach listening to them both, Emily realized this was an issue which impacts us all and that it would make a brilliant topic for a novel.

portrait photo of Emily Edwards

Also by Emily Edwards

The Herd
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Praise for Private Lives

Praise for Emily Edwards

:

It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue.

Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE

Controversial, addictive and clever, and the characters are so multi-layered and complex they are wholly believable.

Woman & Home

Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it!

Stella

Will have book clubs across the country in hot debate! Brilliant.

Clare Mackintosh

Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.

Gillian McAllister

THE HERD is a tense and provocative exploration of parental friendship tangled in one of the most controversial topics of our time. Compelling and nuanced, this hugely impressive page-turner will have readers desperate to discuss: what would they do?

Ashley Audrain

Insightful, compassionate and nuanced. The Herd is so good.

Louise O'Neill

Gripping, thought-provoking, moving and oh-so-topical, The Herd tackles the most divisive parenting issue of our age with skill and compassion. Fans of Jodi Picoult will DEVOUR it

Tammy Cohen

Addictive, thought-provoking, compassionate and cleverly told, Private Lives explores contrasting attitudes to controversial ethical dilemmas, raising the question of how far people have the right to know the personal secrets of those in authority. A highly compelling and complex read that will spark rich and lively debate.

JENNY QUINTANA

Loved this. It's about two residents in a small town whose past catches up with them, causing major upset to both their families and the wider local community. It's about gossip and judgement and forgiveness, and is brilliantly done.

SARAH TURNER (The Unmumsy Mum)

Calling it a perfect book club read (which it is) doesn't do justice to the compulsive urge it invokes to message all your girlfriends and ask them what they would do in the same circumstances! Edwards presents all sides of a complex situation with balance and compassion, wrapped up in a compelling story with beautifully taut prose.

KIT CONWAY

This brilliantly written novel will really get you thinking.

The Sun on Sunday's Fabulous Magazine

Fast-paced with fantastic dialogue, we loved this.

Woman's Weekly

Just who, the novel asks, is the villain here? A great premise and plot with lots of emotion.

Daily Mail