A former nurse, Sally Piper channels her deep understanding of human vulnerability and resilience into her compelling narratives. Her writing delves into the intricate emotional landscapes of her characters, exploring themes of connection, care, and the search for meaning. Piper's prose is marked by its keen observation and psychological depth, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the complexities of the human condition. Her unique background informs a distinctive voice that brings a profound sense of empathy and authenticity to her stories.
Grace has not had twelve people at her table for a long time. Hers isn't the kind of family who share regular Sunday meals. But it isn't every day you turn seventy. As Grace prepares the feast, she reflects on her life, her marriage and her friendships. When the three generations come together, simmering tensions from the past threaten to boil over. The one thing that no one can talk about is the one thing that no one can forget.
Exploring the lasting impact of a traumatic crime, the narrative delves into the lives of Billie, who mourns her daughter Jess's murder, and her grandson Daniel, who struggles to forge his own identity amidst the family's grief. With memories haunting them, Daniel's stepmother Carla devises a plan to help the family move forward. This poignant story highlights themes of human connection and the significance of place in memory, offering a deeply emotional and evocative reflection on loss and healing.
We can't ever go back, but some journeys require walking the same path again. When three young women set off on a hike through the wilderness they are anticipating the adventure of a lifetime. Over the next five days, as they face up to the challenging terrain, it soon becomes clear they are not alone, and the freedom they feel quickly turns to fear. Only when it is too late for them to turn back do they fully appreciate the danger they are in. As their friendship is tested, each girl makes an irrevocable choice; the legacy of which haunts them for years to come. Now in their forties, Samantha, Lisa and Nicole are estranged, but decide to revisit their original hike in an attempt to salvage what they lost. As geography and history collide, they are forced to come to terms with the differences that have grown between them and the true value of friendship.