The Unlikely Courage of Gracie Meadows

De: Abigail Johnson

Sometimes, those with the smallest voices have the most important things to say.

Meet Gracie. At mid-life she’s fed up with her marriage and career, so when a new housing estate threatens to sever the last connection to her late father, the oak tree he planted as a child, she decides to take a stand – only Gracie has never stood up to anyone.

When five-year-old neighbour Tilly unexpectedly bounds into her life, she shows Gracie that sometimes you shouldn’t take no for an answer. Despite revelations of long-buried family secrets and conflicts taking root, perhaps this could be the beginning of a new chapter, one in which she might finally have the courage to find her voice.

This is the uplifting story of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference, of friendship, community and staying true to who you are . . .

©2026 Abigail Johnson (P)2026 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Reseñas de la Crítica

A very real and heartwarming story about the life-changing power of friendship and found family. A complete joy. I loved it (Alexandra Potter, bestselling author of Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up)

A lovely, beautifully executed novel, full of compassion, warmth and insight. An immersive, uplifting read for these troubled times (Laura Barnett, author of The Versions of Us)

With wonderfully drawn characters you really root for and plenty of twists and turns, The Secret Collector is a delightfully uplifting story about hope, redemption and the transforming power of friendship (Mike Gayle, author of All the Lonely People)

This is a treasure of a story. Told with humour and heart, the writing is so beautifully skilful that it appears effortless. I loved Alfred and Kian, loved their dynamic, and was genuinely moved by the growing bond between them. A must-read (Fiza Saeed McLynn, author of The Midnight Carousel)