In 1950s London, a young woman wants to be a doctor at all costs — even if it means living a lie…

It’s 1953. Memories of the war are beginning to fade and young Queen Elizabeth has just ascended to the throne.

Isobel McIntyre is a doctor-in-training at a London teaching hospital. It’s not easy being a woman working in medicine. And Isobel carries the additional burden of a shocking secret. One night three years ago, Isobel took the chance to walk into another woman’s life. By the time she understood the implications, it was too late to turn back. Now the secret she’s been hiding for so long threatens everything – her career, new-found friendships, and a love affair that promises the kind of joy Isobel thought was only for others.

Love and happiness can’t thrive in a world of lies. But does Isobel have the courage to tell the truth, whatever the consequences? 

What readers are saying about Nikola’s fiction

 

‘If you’re after a well-written, intriguing read fully of family secrets, grab a copy of this brilliant debut.’ Fabulous

 

‘A thoughtful, sad and beautifully-written debut.’ The Daily Mail

 

‘An emotional and involving story.’ Woman and Home

 

‘A delightful debut about family and secrets.’ — Prima Magazine

 

‘A charming and beautifully written story… hugely pleasurable to read and a little bit heartbreaking. I’ll definitely be looking out for Nikola Scott’s next book.’ — Nicola at Short Book and Scribes

 

‘A delightful family mystery. Beautifully written and hugely enjoyable.’ — Inside Out

 

‘I was completely enthralled from the beginning. Everything, from the setting to the time period to the characters felt totally authentic. I raced through it.’ Kathryn Hughes

 

‘I loved this touching exploration of love and its capacity for consolation and destruction… The characters were vivid and involving and Nikola Scott expertly entwined the two stories, so that both were compelling and satisfying. Beautifully written.’ Judith Lennox

 

‘An atmospheric and gripping read’ My Weekly

 

‘Wonderful characters and a very moving storyline’ Sun

 

Nikola has a real gift for writing sumptuous, atmospheric fiction that has the heady advantage of pulling you into her world immediately, keeping you captivated throughout and making it very difficult for you to want to let go by the end. Curling up with Summer of Secrets was like having a cup of tea with your oldest friend. Beth at Bibliobeth