The Way We Are Now

BRAND NEW from bestselling author Julie Houston comes a powerful story of first love, long-hidden secrets and second chances. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, David Nichols and Ruth Jones.

First love, long-hidden secrets and second chances.

Anna Piasecki thought she had left her university heartbreak behind. After spending decades building a successful life, she arrives at sixty with everything as she wants it - a glittering career, a devoted partner and brightest star of all, her brilliant son Noah, the apple of her eye.

Theo Mandeville is trapped. Bound by aristocratic duty to his sprawling Yorkshire estate, he has spent decades living the life that was expected of him while regretting the star-crossed romance he walked away from.

When their children meet at college, Anna and Theo suddenly find their carefully constructed lives colliding. With a devastating forty-year-old secret hanging over them, can their families survive the truth and do they dare to trust that fate has other plans for them?

Spanning decades, The Way We Are Now is a sweeping, heartwarming and life-affirming tale of first love, friendship and second chances perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, David Nichols and Ruth Jones.

Readers love Julie Houston:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Sometimes a book just grabs you and takes you along for the ride and this did that, it was a book I just needed to read it made me feel joyful, I laughed so much, it was also heartwarming and a story of second chances. A book that would definitely get you out of a reading slump.'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'An absolute roller coaster emotional ride. Ms Houston is a master in crafting well-drawn, complex characters. The family relationships and situations really resonate. In turns, laugh-out-loud funny, heart-wrenching, and warm.'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Great story telling, wonderful characters and warm humour. I absolutely love Julie's books, I've read every single one and I've adored them all. I couldn't put it down.'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'The writing was as wonderful as ever - easy to connect emotionally with the well-drawn characters, a lovely focus on family, but with plenty of laughs along the way too. A really lovely read.'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'This was so much more than just a lovely read. It had a depth to the story and a few twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing about people's intentions and plans. It was fantastic! A really brilliant read from start to finish!'

Authors love Julie Houston:

'Warm and poignant, brimming with heart and humour and filled with characters I was rooting for. Loved this class act!' Fiona Gibson

'This is a gorgeous, warm-hearted read with a cast of characters that you can't help but root for. It's a beautiful depiction of the special bond between sisters - warts and all and I can't wait to see where we go next with the Allen family.' Freya Kennedy

'There is too much to love about Julie's latest book. This story of three sisters is funny, heart-warming and will keep you hooked to the final page.' Carmen Reid

'Warm, funny and well written, with a page-turning plot, this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde

'Julie Houston at her best - heartfelt and hilarious' Sandy Barker

'Laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming!' Mandy Baggot

'A tour de force of beautiful, funny and emotional storytelling' Fay Keenan

'A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep' Sheila O'Flanagan

'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with!' Katie Ginger