Just Between Us

Whispers in Sisterhood

When ambitious journalist Rachel O’Connell is assigned to write a feature on the storied women’s retreat at Castlewood Manor, she expects graceful gardens and discreet afternoon teas. Instead, she uncovers a labyrinth of confidences shared in candlelit parlors, where five lifelong friends—each carrying her own secret—gather each midsummer to unburden her heart. There’s Vivienne, the socialite haunted by a scandalous past; Lena, the corporate executive torn between loyalty and ambition; Coral, the artist nursing a shattered dream; Maeve, the schoolteacher hiding a forbidden love; and Tara, the devoted mother facing an unimaginable loss. As Rachel listens, she realizes that every whispered confession binds the group in a tapestry of hope and heartbreak far more intricate than any headline.

Entangled Destinies

Drawn deeper into the circle, Rachel becomes witness to moments that shift the course of each woman’s life: midnight letters exchanged beneath moonlit towers, impromptu dances in rose-scented courtyards, and tear-stained vows exchanged in the hush before dawn. As old rivalries surface and new alliances form, the retreat’s idyllic veneer begins to crack. Betrayals long buried threaten to uproot friendships, while unexpected kindness offers the promise of redemption. With her own prejudices challenged and her heart unexpectedly stirred, Rachel must decide whether to remain a detached observer—or to risk her career by revealing the truth she’s been entrusted to protect.

Healing the Heart’s Chasm

On the retreat’s final eve, beneath a sky ablaze with summer stars, the women confront the pivotal choices that have defined them. In a crescendo of emotion by the manor’s ancient fountain, secrets are laid bare, forgiveness is offered, and courage is born anew. For Vivienne, a second chance at love; for Lena, the freedom to forge her own path; for Coral, the spark to reignite her creativity; for Maeve, the strength to defy convention; and for Tara, the hope to embrace tomorrow. United by the retreat’s transformative power, they discover that true sisterhood can bridge even the deepest chasms of the heart.

. Cathy Kelly, bestselling author celebrated for her heartfelt explorations of friendship, love, and the resilience of women’s bonds, enchants readers with unforgettable characters and the enduring magic of shared stories.