Thank you so much for reading The Silent Wife – I really hope you enjoyed it.
When I was mulling over ideas for this novel, I read lots of opinion pieces and internet forums to see what women were talking about, the problems they face, the issues that are important to them. Over and over again, the discussions came back to the intricacies of family dynamics. In particular, I was struck by how much give and take is required – usually from the women – to keep everything bubbling along happily and how devastated they feel when they are at odds with members of their family. Because this is a novel – and at the heart of any good novel is conflict – I was drawn to exploring how much more complicated relationships become when people marry for a second time, finding themselves obliged to weave a delicate path through the established history of ex-wives (or deceased wives), step-children and in-laws. I’ve seen friends weep over the reluctance of other family members to accept them as the new spouse and plunge into despair over the difficulties of parenting step-children. But I’ve also watched patient persistence result in the creation of a new family, still with challenges, but also with its own traditions, celebrations and joy.
As well as exploring how hard it would be to fit into a family where the first wife had died, I wanted to look at how we never know the truth about other people’s marriages. Over and over again, I see how much women will endure to protect their children and how hard it is to ask for help when a marriage turns nasty for fear of not being believed, being labelled a drama queen, of repercussions on the children. Because this is fiction, I was able to write a happy – but hopefully credible – ending. I do understand that real life is not always so simple.
Anyway, if you have enjoyed The Silent Wife, I’d be very grateful if you would consider posting a short review – reviews are so important to authors in getting the word out about our books. Also, I cannot tell you how much it brightens my day when readers get in touch, so I’d be delighted to hear from you on Facebook or Twitter. Messages from readers are motivational treasure!
If you’d like to be kept up-to-date with news of my next book, please sign up here: Kerry Fisher email sign-up. We won’t bombard you with anything else.
All the very best
Kerry xx
@KerryFSwayne
kerryfisherauthor
Acknowledgments
It’s only now with my fourth novel, that I really understand how much hard work is involved in bringing a book to fruition. Which means a lot of thank yous are required. I’ll start with the wonderful team at Bookouture working away on all the things the authors probably never even know exist! Special thanks to Lydia Vassar-Smith for her wonderful editing and general cheerleading, as well as Kim Nash for being a tireless publicity whirlwind. It’s been a privilege to be part of the Bookouture community of authors too – a lovely, supportive bunch.
As always, the book bloggers and Facebook groups have been amazing – I daren’t mention anyone by name for fear of missing someone out – but thank you, I really do appreciate the time you take to comment, read and write reviews.
One of the biggest perks of this job is finding a whole new tribe of friends, whom I probably would never have encountered if I hadn’t become an author. I have to mention Jenny Ashcroft and Jane Lythell, plus all the members of the DWLC – your support means everything! And I’m indebted to Adrienne Dines for her ability to unpick stories, see what’s really going on and send me scuttling off in the right direction. I owe such a lot to Allie Spencer for her friendship, as well as her advice on divorce procedure!
My lovely agent, Clare Wallace, has been such a star. It’s a privilege to be lucky enough to find an agent whose judgement I trust completely. I’m very grateful to the whole team at Darley Anderson for all their hard work on my behalf.
The writing of this book coincided with the lead-up to my son’s GCSEs. This threw an extra level of nuttiness into the household mix, so thank goodness for my husband, Steve. He did a great job of plugging the gaps and taking over when I thought my brain was going to blow up.
Finally – a huge thank you to all the readers who buy and recommend my books. You make my day.
Also by Kerry Fisher
The School Gate Survival Guide
The Island Escape
After the Lie
After the Lie
An addictive and gripping read about love, life and living a lie.
One little lie can make one big difference …
Lydia has the ‘right’ kind of friends, her children are at the ‘right’ kind of school and she’s married to the ‘right’ sort of man – kind, steady, reliable Mark. Her wedding business is flourishing and even though she is at loggerheads with her mother, she couldn’t ask for anything more from life.
But the truth is that Lydia has been lucky. She has been living a lie for years and Mark has no idea who he is really married to. But nothing lasts forever and the past has a funny way of catching up with the present. When the person who knows all of Lydia’s dark little secrets turns up at the school gates, his presence threatens to blow Lydia’s life apart.
What is Lydia’s terrible truth? Once the secret is out, you can’t put it back …
A powerful and heartbreaking story, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jane Green.
Read here!
Praise for After the Lie:
‘Kerry Fisher’s novel is woven with funny and amusing narratives, it is also filled with moments that fill you with dread as Lydia tries to keep the lid on her shameful secret, that she has kept from her husband and her well-to-do friends. I loved this book. We all have childhood memories that have the “cringe-factor” and ones we try not to remember, but Lydia’s secret is beyond anything I can imagine having to go through and Ms Fisher captures Lydia's fears perfectly.’ Postcard Reviews
‘Five out of five stars. Past collides with present in this compelling book…as is the way with secrets they have a way of getting out eventually with results that no-one can predict…’ Portobello Book Blog
‘This was such a riveting story...having now read two of Kerry’s books I am becoming quite a fan. Kerry’s books are so true to life that you feel as if you are one of the family. A thought-provoking, poignant and funny book that doesn't disappoint.’ The Book Magnet
Read on for an exclusive extract of After the Lie…
After the Lie
Exclusive extract
Prologue