Two best friends, one summer night, and twenty years of silence … what happened at the lighthouse?

The stunning, haunting new novel from the author of The Lost Summers of Driftwood.

Sylvie is a lover of words and a collector of stories, only she has lost her own. She has no words for that night at the lighthouse when their lives changed forever. What happened to cleave her apart from her best friend and soulmate, Kase?

Sylvie yearns to rekindle their deep connection, so when Kase invites her to the wild Tasmanian coast to celebrate her 40th birthday, she accepts – despite the ghosts she must face.

As Sylvie struggles to find her feet among old friends, she bonds with local taxi boat driver Holden. But he is hiding from the world, too.

Through an inscription in an old book, Sylvie and Kase discover their mothers have a history, hidden from their daughters. As they unpick what took place before they were born, they’re forced to face the rift in their own friendship, and the question of whether it’s ever okay to keep a secret to protect the person you love.

Vanessa McCausland’s enthralling new novel is about betrayal and forgiveness, the stories we tell, and the healing power of words.

‘This evocative novel completely captivated me and I didn’t want it to end. Vanessa McCausland is a remarkable storyteller.’ Petronella McGovern

‘Vanessa McCausland doesn’t disappoint! Lyrical and evocative, the trauma and emotion rises off the pages along with the salt spray and the haunting cries of the eagles.’ Fiona Lowe

‘McCausland’s poetic writing makes the heart sing. Graceful and glorious.’ Alexandra Joel

‘Reading a Vanessa McCausland book is like indulging in fine dark chocolate – her writing is decadent, dark, complex and luxurious. In this book she takes her lyricism to a new level, reveling in the power of words and stories to both heal and harm.’ Cassie Hamer

‘Rich with atmosphere and moral conflicts, The Beautiful Words sensitively explores the intricacies of two generations bound by secrets, with McCausland’s trademark, hauntingly lyrical prose. It’s a gifted storyteller that keeps me up way past my bedtime, but once again, I found myself unable to put Vanessa McCausland’s novel down.’ Maya Linnell

‘Intriguing … The Beautiful Words is a compelling story in a uniquely Australian setting for fans of Hannah Richell or Emily Bitto.’ Books + Publishing

‘Breathtaking … Rich with atmosphere and written in haunting, melodic prose, The Beautiful Words is a powerful and timely work of fiction that celebrates the importance of female friendship and women’s voices. Ultimately, though, it is a tale of healing, and a love letter to words and the power of storytelling.’ Better Reading

‘A clever and wonderful book’ Herald Sun

‘Like the slow-moving river that flows through the story, this compelling mystery will creep up on you and pull you in.’ Josephine Moon

An absorbing drama about broken dreams, first love and the mystery of a lost sister, for all fans of Hannah Richell and Kate Morton.

‘A cracking read’ Maggie Alderson

Is it more dangerous to forget … or to remember?

Phoebe’s life has fallen apart and there’s only one place left to go. Alone and adrift after a failed marriage proposal, she flees Sydney to her family’s abandoned holiday cottage.

On the slow-moving river Phoebe is confronted with the legacy of her older sister’s suicide, a year before. Why did Karin leave a note written in flowers and walk into the water?

Phoebe’s childhood love, Jez, has moved back to the beautiful old house, Driftwood, one jetty down. He’s married now and the home has become a refuge for an unlikely little community.

As the river begins to give up its secrets, Phoebe finds herself caught up in old feelings and new mysteries.

The Lost Summers of Driftwood is a story of lost loves, rekindled passions, tragedy and betrayal set against the backdrop of an idyllic south coast town.

Praise for The Lost Summers of Driftwood:

‘This tender and evocative story of the power of love, grief and memories will resonate with so many readers thanks to the power of Vanessa McCausland’s storytelling and her understanding of human nature.’ Sophie Green, author of The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club

‘McCausland is a natural storyteller who weaves love, loss, mystery and secrets into a satisfying tale’ Herald Sun

‘You’ll be on the edge of your seat as surprising secrets unfold on every page’ Woman’s Day

‘Full of mystery and romance, this is the perfect atmospheric summer read‘ Who Weekly

‘Pure reading pleasure! Evocatively written and with beautifully realised characters whose loves and losses play out against a lush and mysterious backdrop, I kept turning the pages, desperate to know what would happen, but also wishing it would never end.’ Cassie Hamer, author of After the Party