The Year After You

Book excerpt: Up in the Alps, Cara's old life feels a million miles away. Nobody at Hope Hall knows her past. With secrets to keep, can Cara allow herself this chance to live again? New Year's Eve, San Francisco. The most promising party of the year ends in tragedy. Georgina is gone and nothing will bring her back. Nine months later, Cara's mother decides a Swiss boarding school will be the fresh start Cara needs. Up in the Alps, Cara's old life feels a million miles away. Nobody at Hope Hall knows her past - and she intends to keep it that way. Yet, as much as she keeps her distance, her new friends break down the walls she has so carefully built up - especially the offbeat, straight-talking Hector, who understands how she feels better than anyone. But the closer Cara grows to Hector, the more her old life slips away. Embracing life at Hope Hall means letting go of the past. With Georgina gone, how can Cara allow herself this second chance? PRAISE FOR THE YEAR AFTER YOU: 'A skilful, compelling story with intrigue that keeps you whipping over the pages.' - SOPHIE KINSELLA, author of Finding Audrey 'A poignant, touching story of grief and guilt that you will hold tight until the very last page . . . I loved this sad, beautiful, hopeful book.' - KATHLEEN GLASGOW, author of Girl in Pieces 'An exploration of grief and loss that breathes new life into the boarding school genre.' - LAUREN JAMES, author of The Loneliest Girl in the Universe 'A hugely moving, thoughtful and sensitively written story about friendship and growing up.' - SOPHIA MONEY-COUTTS, author of The Plus One 'It tugs at your heart strings and gives hope to those recovering from the loss of a loved one. Watching Cara slowly allow her heart to thaw after being frozen in so much pain was truly beautiful.' - AKEMI DAWN BOWMAN, author of Starfish and Summer Bird Blue 'A poignant story of grief and guilt, hope and healing, set against the backdrop of a Swiss boarding school. Beautifully written and very touching.' - SOPHIE CAMERON, author of Out of the Blue