Pure Fiction

When Life Imitates Art… Things Get Complicated

Pure Fiction by Julie Highmore, published by Headline Book Publishing in 2003, is a witty and charming novel about secrets, second chances, and the blurred lines between reality and the stories we tell ourselves. With sharp insight and dry humour, Highmore crafts a delightful tale of tangled relationships and unexpected revelations.

Clare is a successful romantic novelist whose own love life is anything but picture-perfect. When she discovers a shocking secret about her ex-husband, the drama begins to spill off the page and into real life. Meanwhile, her adult children are navigating relationship chaos of their own, and Clare’s quiet existence is about to become anything but.

As past and present collide, family tensions flare, and unexpected visitors stir up old memories, Clare finds herself rewriting not just her next book—but her future. Can life ever be as tidy as fiction? Or are the best stories the ones that surprise us?

Pure Fiction is a smart, feel-good novel full of relatable characters, emotional depth, and sparkling wit. Perfect for fans of Joanna Trollope, Marian Keyes, and anyone who enjoys a warm-hearted story about love, family, and starting over at any age.