The Forest of Forgotten Stories Postcard

Extracts

Extract: The Forest of Forgotten Stories by Hazel Prior

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Reading lists

Books that feel like a warm hug

Life and Otter Miracles

You loved Veronica McCreedy. Now meet Phoebe Featherstone . . . 
 
From the bestselling author of Richard & Judy's pick Away with the Penguins comes this 'otterly' delightful, heart-warming and feel-good story about the healing power of nature. 
 
'A lovely holiday read . . . Packed full of humanity and otters!' Sally Page, bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories 
 
'This gorgeous book has everything!' Clare Pooley, the New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project 
 
_____ 
 
Down by the river, Phoebe Featherstone is about to make a life-changing discovery . . . 
 
Clever, nosy Phoebe is unable to get out much, but she has a talent for uncovering her neighbours' secrets by examining the parcels delivered by her courier father, Al. 
 
When they discover an abandoned baby otter on the riverbank, Phoebe must step out of her comfort zone - and she experiences an unexpected sense of happiness that she has not felt in a very long time. But now, further secrets are coming to light. 
 
Phoebe soon realizes that something is amiss at the local otter sanctuary. She will need to overcome her own close­ly guarded issues and put all her sleuthing skills to good use if she wants to save the otters . . . and in the process, change her life for ever. 
 
_____ 
 
'Beautifully written by a born storyteller' Lorraine Kelly, beloved TV presenter and author of The Island Swimmer 
'Uplifting, heartwarming and wonderful, an utterly charming story - I loved it!' Faith Hogan, million-copy bestselling author of The Bookshop Ladies 
'Perfect fireside read' Trisha Ashley, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Stories 
'A glorious, life-affirming story. I read it in a day' Clare Mackintosh, no.1 bestselling author of Other People's Houses 
'A story that readers will be sure to fall in love with. Otterly charming!' Freya Sampson, the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Library 
 
Readers LOVE Hazel Prior: 
 
'This book was just amazing. It made me laugh and cry!'&#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'There is so much to love and treasure in this story' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'This book was a delight from start to finish!' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'Glorious dose of otter cuteness' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088;

Vivid and very real . . . Packed full of humanity and otters, plus a good mystery too!

Sally Page, bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories

Uplifting, heartwarming and wonderful, an utterly charming story - I loved it! Another gorgeous book from Hazel Prior to lose yourself in!

Faith Hogan, author of The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club

Life and Otter Miracles is a warm-hearted and uplifting story which celebrates the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. With a cast of beautifully-drawn characters and a delightful small-town mystery as its heart, this is a story that readers will be sure to fall in love with. Otterly charming!

Freya Sampson, author of The Last Library

A joyous addition for bookshelves everywhere. Nature lovers and readers looking for a warm-hearted, touching read are sure to love it as much as I did.

Phaedra Patrick, author of The Library of Lost and Found

An otter JOY! Amazing characters, cute otters, clever plot, emotion, the beauty and perils of the countryside beautifully evoked. If you want to be happy, read this book!

I love everything Hazel writes. She creates worlds I want to live in, with people I would be friends (and enemies) with. The Tiptree's raspberry jam on artisan sourdough toast of a comfort read.

Completely absorbing . . . Stunning scenery, intriguing characters and of course, those wonderful otters. A life-enhancing book that constantly tugs at the heartstrings but still overflows with joy. I adored it!

Warm and uplifting . . . gorgeously comforting

Warm, moving and escapist in the best feel-good way, I loved everything about this novel. Another incredible read from Prior.

Samantha Tonge, author of Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage

Beautifully written by a born storyteller.

This gorgeous book has everything! Mysteries, misunderstandings, arguments, reconciliations, kindness, love and lots of PENGUINS!

Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project

A glorious, life-affirming story. I read it in a day.

Clare Mackintosh, bestselling author of I Let You Go

Gorgeously comforting, this book will remind you of the healing power of nature

HAZEL PRIOR lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat. As well as writing, she works as a freelance harpist. Hazel is the author of Ellie and the Harp-Maker, the #1 ebook and audiobook bestseller Away with the Penguins and its follow-up, Call of the Penguins. Life and Otter Miracles is her fourth novel.

Down by the river, not everything is as it seems . . . 
 
Clever, nosy Phoebe Featherstone is unable to get out much, but she has a talent for uncovering her neighbours' secrets by examining the parcels delivered by her courier father, Al. 
 
When they discover an abandoned baby otter on the riverbank, Phoebe must step out of her comfort zone - and she experiences an unexpected sense of happiness that she has not felt in a very long time. But now, further secrets are coming to light. 
 
Phoebe soon realizes that something is amiss at the local otter sanctuary. She will need to overcome her own close­ly guarded issues and put all her sleuthing skills to good use if she wants to save the otters . . . and in the process, change her life for ever. 
 
From the Number One bestselling author of Away with the Penguins comes this 'otterly' delightful, warm-hearted and uplifting story about the healing power of nature.

Call of the Penguins

The new heartwarming story from the No.1 bestselling author of Away with the Penguins

**Don't miss Granny McCreedy's brand-new adventure in Gone with the Penguins - out now!** 
 
'The perfect fireside read. Veronica McCreedy will capture your heart' 
TRISHA ASHLEY, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Christmas Invitation 
 
'This gorgeous book has everything! Mysteries, misunderstandings, arguments, reconciliations, kindness, love and lots of PENGUINS!' 
CLARE POOLEY, author of The Authenticity Project 
 
A delightfully feel-good novel from the author of the Richard & Judy Book Club pick Away With the Penguins. 
 
_____ 
 
Veronica McCreedy can't resist the promise of adventure . . . 
 
Nine-year-old Daisy and nearly ninety-year-old Veronica make an unlikely pair of friends. 
 
Fiercely independent and impeccably dressed, Veronica has lived an incredible 87 years. Most of them alone, in her huge house by the sea. But with the arrival of brave and resilient Daisy into her life, Veronica finds she has a renewed thirst for adventure - and that they both share a passion for penguins! 
 
So when Veronica and Daisy are invited to travel to the other side of the world together and visit the penguins of the southern hemisphere, they both jump at the chance. 
 
Veronica had thought her days of new friendships, family and love were over, but perhaps it's never too late for one more adventure? 
_____ 
 
 
Readers are falling in love with Call of the Penguins! 
'A life-affirming, warm, comforting book to help you feel cosy' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A cockle-warming joy from start to finish' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'Emotional, funny, and uplifting' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'This story really warmed my heart' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A book to lift the spirits' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'Light hearted and absolutely delightful' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088;

Just what the doctor ordered . . . Funny, wise, touching. I loved it.

TRACY REES, author of The Hourglass, a Richard & Judy Summer Read

The perfect fireside read. Veronica McCreedy will capture your heart.

Trisha Ashley, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Christmas Invitation

So beautifully written by a born storyteller.

So many readers are set to fall in love with this charming story.

Call of the Penguins sparkles with wit, courage and kindness. This is a heart-warming journey into the highs and lows of human nature. I loved it!

A wonderful story, full of twists and turns. Outstanding.

This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.

Daily Express (on Away with the Penguins)

Clare Mackintosh (on Away with the Penguins)

Jo Whiley, Radio 2 Book Club (on Away with the Penguins)

A gorgeous read full of hope, with a cast of characters who will delight!

The perfect pick-me-up for right now, a warm-hearted, humorous and emotional read.

Meet the heroine everyone's talking about . . . 
 
Fiercely resilient and impeccably dressed, Veronica McCreedy has lived an incredible 87 years. Most of them alone, in her huge house by the sea. 
 
But Veronica has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife. 
 
More specifically, a love for penguins! 
 
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance. 
 
Even though it will put her in the spotlight, just when she thought she would soon fade into the wings. 
 
Perhaps it's never too late to shine?

Away with the Penguins

The joyful no. 1 Richard & Judy pick now with exclusive bonus chapter

A truly feel-good book club read, a #1 bestseller in ebook and audio! 
Veronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . . 
A BBC Radio 2 Book Club and Richard & Judy Book Club pick.

**Don't miss Granny McCreedy's brand-new adventure in Gone with the Penguins - out now!** 
 
A Richard & Judy Book Club and BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick. 
A truly feel-good book club read - a #1 bestseller in ebook and audio! 
 
'This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.' Daily Express 
 
Veronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . . 
 
Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she's never seen without her ruby-red lipstick. 
 
Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone. 
 
She can be found either collecting litter from the beach ('people who litter the countryside should be shot'), trying to locate her glasses ('someone must have moved them') or shouting instructions to her assistant, Eileen ('Eileen, door!'). 
 
Veronica doesn't have family or friends nearby. Not that she knows about, anyway . . . And she has no idea where she's going to leave her considerable wealth when she dies. 
 
But today . . . today Veronica is going to make a decision that will change all of this. 
 
'I love this gorgeous book. Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart.' Trisha Ashley 
 
Readers are falling in love with Away with the Penguins: 
 
'Without a doubt the most delightful, joyous and uplifting book I've read so far this year . . . be prepared to fall in love.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A gloriously quirky and life affirming story of hope.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'Oh how I loved this absolute gem of a book. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088;

A glorious, life-affirming story. I read it in a day. I’m going to buy it for so many people this year!

I love this gorgeous book. Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart.

A warm and witty journey of self-discovery. Prior proves that it’s never too late to become the person you were meant to be.

Wendy Wax, bestselling author of MY EX-BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING

A warm-hearted and life-affirming tale about ageing, human kindness, old-fashioned values and protecting our planet.

Love is not simple; it is the most complex of all the experiences we encounter. Caring for an orphaned penguin liberates the love Veronica had withheld for decades. At the age of eighty-six, the world is all at once at her feet. I commend this novel as a work of art, written in a prose so fluent that it all but reads itself to you. And the creation of the character of Veronica, just by itself, deserves high praise.

Robert Hillman, author of THE BOOKSHOP OF THE BROKEN HEARTED

A truly feel-good book club read - a #1 bestseller in ebook and audio! 
 
'This year's Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.' Daily Express 
 
 
Veronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . . 
 
Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she's never seen without her ruby-red lipstick. 
 
Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone. 
 
She can be found either collecting litter from the beach ('people who litter the countryside should be shot'), trying to locate her glasses ('someone must have moved them') or shouting 
instructions to her assistant, Eileen ('Eileen, door!'). 
 
Veronica doesn't have family or friends nearby. Not that she knows about, anyway . . . And she has no idea where she's going to leave her considerable wealth when she dies. 
 
But today . . . today Veronica is going to make a decision that will change all of this. 
 
 
'I love this gorgeous book. Unflinching, stubborn, funny and moving, Veronica is an unlikely heroine who will sneak in and capture your heart.' Trisha Ashley

Ellie and the Harpmaker

Ellie and the Harpmaker is a gentle romantic novel by Hazel Prior about a chance meeting between Ellie and Exmoor harp-maker Dan that changes both their lives, ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burn relationships, dual perspectives and stories about a quiet life. 
 
Synopsis 
Sometimes it takes a chance encounter to discover what happiness really is . . . 
 
Meet Dan: Dan needs peace and order. He likes perfectly triangular sandwiches, the way coffee smells of sunshine and harvest, and the sound of birdsong that drifts into his harp-making workshop on Exmoor. His life is quiet, predictable, and safe from any danger of surprises. 
 
Meet Ellie: Ellie is a dreamer. But recently Ellie has stopped dreaming and her world has become very small. Her days are spent keeping a perfect home for her husband, Clive, and trying to keep him happy. 
 
When Ellie stumbles across Dan's workshop, they cannot imagine that their lives are about to change forever... 
 
 
Perfect for readers who like...<ul><li>Slow-burn relationships that develop from friendship towards love.</li><li>Vivid English countryside settings, particularly Exmoor and its natural landscape.</li><li>Alternating first-person perspectives that explore both central characters.</li><li>Cosy, heartwarming fiction with music and harp-making at the heart of the story.</li></ul> 
Books like Ellie and the Harpmaker<ul><li>The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick</li><li>The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce</li><li>Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession</li></ul> 
Themes and story elements<ul><li>Friendship and connection</li><li>Personal growth</li><li>Music and creativity</li><li>Marriage and control</li><li>Finding independence</li><li>Unconventional relationships</li></ul>

A poignant, feel good debut about a man who gives a stranger a harp, and inadvertently gives them both a second chance at life... 
'Uplifting and full of heart. I couldn’t put it down!’ JO THOMAS

Wow, what a love story. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Uplifting and full of heart, and I couldn't put it down!'

A wonderful, genuine, heart-warming, funny and beautifully written book . . . you will fall in love with Ellie and the Harp-Maker

Ellie and the Harp-Maker is a beautiful love song of a story, wonderfully told with a warm heart and much hope. Hazel Prior’s writing is a lyrical delight

From the author of no.1 ebook bestseller and Richard &amp; Judy Book Club pick Away with the Penguins. 
 
'Uplifting and full of heart, I couldn't put it down!' Jo Thomas, author of Celebrations at the Chateau 
 
- 
 
Sometimes it takes a chance encounter to discover what happiness really is . . . 
 
Meet Dan: Dan needs peace and order. He likes perfectly triangular sandwiches, the way coffee smells of sunshine and harvest, and the sound of birdsong that drifts into his harp-making workshop on Exmoor. His life is quiet, predictable, and safe from any danger of surprises. 
 
Meet Ellie: Ellie is a dreamer. But recently Ellie has stopped dreaming and her world has become very small. Her days are spent keeping a perfect home for her husband, Clive, and trying to keep him happy. 
 
When Ellie stumbles across Dan's workshop, they cannot imagine that their lives are about to change forever... 
 
- 
 
Readers love Ellie and the Harpmaker 
 
***** 'Without question this is one of the best books I have read and I read a lot' 
***** 'The perfect feel-good read!' 
***** 'Warm, touching and funny, it's a great read that will fill your heart with joy' 
***** 'A magical tale that leaves you feeling warm and hopeful' 
***** 'A beautifully written, tender love story ... I didn't want it to end but couldn't put it down'

The Forest of Forgotten Stories

From the bestselling author of Richard & Judy's pick Away with the Penguins comes this heart-warming and hopeful story about the healing power of nature and reading. 
 
Hope is written in the trees . . . 
 
In a quiet corner of Somerset there is a woodland where every tree tells a story. 
 
For Leo Felkirk, the young novelist who planted the first saplings, Booklovers’ Wood means everything. Only he can’t remember why. In fact, due to a head injury, he can remember very little at all. 
 
With the help of a close-knit community of book-loving friends, Leo sets out to uncover the story he has forgotten. And as memories begin to surface, so too does the truth about why the wood means so much – not only to Leo, but to everyone who helped it grow. 
 
But with Booklovers' Wood itself under threat, will Leo be able to piece together the past in time to secure the future? 
 
Praise for Hazel Prior 
'A lovely holiday read . . . Packed full of humanity!' Sally Page 
'Beautifully written by a born storyteller' Lorraine Kelly 
'Uplifting, heartwarming and wonderful, an utterly charming story - I loved it!' Faith Hogan 
'This gorgeous book has everything!' Clare Pooley 
'Perfect fireside read' Trisha Ashley 
'A glorious, life-affirming story. I read it in a day' Clare Mackintosh 
'A story that readers will be sure to fall in love with!' Freya Sampson 
'Funny, bittersweet and wholly original' Daily Express

In a quiet corner of Somerset there is a woodland where every tree tells a story. 
 
For Leo Felkirk, the young novelist who planted the first saplings, Booklovers’ Wood means everything. Only he can’t remember why. In fact, due to a head injury, he can remember very little at all. 
 
With the help of a close-knit community of book-loving friends, Leo sets out to uncover the story he has forgotten. And as memories begin to surface, so too does the truth about why the wood means so much – not only to Leo, but to everyone who helped it grow. 
 
But with Booklovers' Wood itself under threat, will Leo be able to piece together the past in time to secure the future?

Hazel Prior

The final outing for Hazel Prior's redoubtable and wonderfully quirky heroine, Veronica McCreedy, is just as heart-warming and original as her previous books. An absolute delight from start to finish.

This book is GORGEOUS! It brings happiness.

Another glorious triumph from Prior. The characters - human and penguin - felt like friends and the ending was everything I could have wanted. Moving and gripping, it's a read to savour. Prior's beautifully descriptive, confident prose leads you on an epic adventure with Veronica, Eileen and Daisy. A novel full of hope, full of humour, and a sharp reminder that we need to take action to protect the things we love. Be more Veronica McCreedy!

Vivid and very real . . . Packed full of humanity

Tracy Rees, author of The Hourglass, a Richard & Judy Summer Read

Trisha Ashley, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress Repair Shop

Uplifting, heartwarming and wonderful, an utterly charming story - I loved it! Another gorgeous book from Hazel Prior to lose yourself in!

From the No.1 bestselling author of Away with the Penguins comes the heart-warming and charming final chapter of Veronica McCreedy's story. 
 
"Emperor penguins defy the odds, and I shall too.” 
 
Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. 
 
Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything... 
 
Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays. 
 
When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there. 
 
Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning...

Hazel Prior

Books by Hazel Prior

Series by Hazel Prior

The McCreedy Penguin Trilogy

Articles featuring Hazel Prior

Extract: The Forest of Forgotten Stories by Hazel Prior

Books that feel like a warm hug

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