Kiran Millwood Hargrave

One chance encounter can define a lifetime

Erica and Laure meet on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, 1978. Erica is a student, relishing her first summer abroad before beginning university at home in England. Laure is studying for her Ph.D. at the Sorbonne, drinking and smoking far too much, and sleeping with a married woman.

The moment the two women meet the spark is undeniable. But their encounter turns into far more than a summer of love. It is the beginning of a relationship that will define their lives and every decision they have yet to make. Spanning cities, decades and heartbreaks, fate brings them within touching distance again and again.

But will they be brave enough to seize the life they truly want?

What Readers Say

'One of the greatest love stories I’ve ever read' - Stacey Halls, author of The Household
'Immersive, sensual, beautiful and powerful' - Marian Keyes, author of My Favourite Mistake
'Tender and wistful, it’s a will-they-won’t-they for the ages' - GQ
'Hot, smart and completely captivating' - Daisy Buchanan, author of Pity Party
'A beautifully told story about love, longing, and the lives we almost live' - Louise O'Neill, author of Idol

'A moving examination of true love and passion' - The Guardian
'The biggest weepy since One Day' - Stylist
'Emotional and addictive' - Daily Mail
‘A beautifully written exploration of desire, freedom and the roads we do and don’t take’ - The Observer
'A heart-rending tale of missed chances' - Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain
'Tender, sensual and thrumming with life' - Lucy Steeds, author of The Artist