A Hopscotch Summer

Summer Days, Childhood Ways

In A Hopscotch Summer, Annie Murray transports readers to the golden haze of 1960s England, where long, sun-drenched afternoons and the laughter of children echo through quiet village lanes. Best friends Ellie Thompson and Nora Wallace are inseparable—building games of hopscotch with chalk on the schoolyard, sharing secret crushes beneath the apple trees, and warding off the growing ache of adulthood with every carefree jump. But as the summer sun climbs higher, Ellie returns from London with a mysterious secret, and the innocence of their friendship is tested by whispers of change carried on the warm breeze.

Tunnels of Secrets and Sisterhood

When local legend tells of hidden wartime tunnels beneath the village green, Ellie and Nora embark on a daring exploration that leads them into the heart of forgotten stories. Among the dusty brick walls and rusted rails, they unearth letters from a long-lost soldier and uncover the bravery of a woman who once defied convention. Each discovery draws the girls closer, forging a bond that transcends childhood games and binds them to the courage of those who came before. As shadows lengthen and the scent of honeysuckle drifts through evening air, Ellie must decide whether to reveal her own secret or risk fracturing the friendship that has defined her world.

Finding Hope in Every Hop

A Hopscotch Summer is a tender, evocative tale of friendship, resilience, and the delicate dance between holding on and letting go. With richly drawn characters and atmospheric detail—from the clink of lemonade glasses on the porch to the hush of starlit hedgerows—Annie Murray weaves a story that celebrates the power of memory and the promise of new beginnings. As summer wanes and the hopscotch chalk fades, Ellie and Nora learn that true courage lies not in the leaps they make, but in the trust they share.

.Annie Murray is a bestselling author celebrated for her heartfelt sagas of friendship, family, and the enduring strength of ordinary women in extraordinary times.