The Shut-Away Sisters: A gripping and utterly heartbreaking historical novel

London, 1915. As German bombs rain down on the East End of London and hungry children queue for rations in the blistering cold, fifteen-year-old Florrie is forced to grow up fast. With her father fighting in the muddy trenches, Florrie turns to her older sister Edith for comfort. But the war has changed Edith. She has grown quiet, with dark shadows under her eyes, and has started leaving the house at night in secret. When Florrie follows her sister through the dark and winding streets of London, she is shocked by what she discovers. But she knows she must keep her sister’s secret for the sake of their family, even if she herself must pay the ultimate price…

Years later Kate, running from her broken relationship, is sorting through her dead aunt Florrie’s house, which she shared with her sister Edith. As she sits on the threadbare carpets, looking at photos of Florrie during the war, she notices the change in her aunt – from carefree young girl with a hopeful smile to a hollow-cheeked young woman, with dark sad eyes.

Determined to put her family’s ghosts to rest, Kate must unearth the secret past of her two aunts. Why is there a hidden locked room in the little house they shared? What is the story behind the abandoned wedding dress wrapped in tissue and tied up with a ribbon? And when Kate discovers the tragic secrets that have bound her family together, will she ever be able to move on?

A heartbreaking historical novel of war, tragedy and the sacrifices we make for those we love. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah and Victoria Hislop will be hooked by The Shut-Away Sisters.

What everyone is saying about The Shut Away Sisters :

‘My first Suzanne Goldring novel and I hope it's not my last! I loved this story, I cried in places and was so hopeful in others. A wonderful read.’ Karen Loves Reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A wonderful story… I felt sad once I’d finished this book as I enjoyed it so much. I wish I could give it more stars as it was just that good.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It had me crying at times. For a great historical fiction read make sure you don’t miss this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A warm and wonderful book!... For me, this story was a page-turner right from the beginning.’ The Retired Book Lady

‘Lovely read. thoroughly enjoyable and keeps you guessing … Would highly recommend’ Netgalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Goldring gives us a picture of two strong women who overcome the obstacles that are put in their path and are better people because of it… a lovely read for those who enjoy stories that weave the past and future together.’ My Book Babbles, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book!’ Fictionvixenreads

‘A beautifully written story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What everyone is saying about Suzanne Goldring:

‘I could not put this book down, and heaven help anyone that tried to disturb my reading!! I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I cheered… what a fantastic read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I just couldn't put this one down. I loved every page and I went through an entire box of tissues before I was done. You will keep turning the pages until the very end because you just won't be able to put it down at all.’ Crossroad Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It made me cry at so many points… It left me completely hooked and towards the end I just couldn’t put the book down!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐