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  • Published: 24 June 2025
  • ISBN: 9781787636965
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $34.99

Private Lives





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: 24 June 2025
  • ISBN: 9781787636965
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $34.99

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.

Also by Emily Edwards

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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

Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story.

Susan Lewis

Fans of Liane Moriarty will love it!

Stella

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

Clare Mackintosh

Echoes of The Slap.

Stylist

Smart, empathetic and with a knock-out twist.

Gillian McAllister

A must-read about how our individual choices can directly affect those around us.

Cosmopolitan

I loved this book. It put me through the emotional wringer. A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters who left me in tears but also full of hope.

Sharon Horgan

A timely novel, we were completely gripped.

Closer

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

Had me so gripped I raced through it in two days. A story about parenting decisions, betrayal and friendships - guaranteed to spark lively conversations with everyone who reads it.

Sarah Turner, The Unmumsy Mum

I absolutely loved The Herd. Timely, thought-provoking and compulsively readable

Laura Marshall
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