Publisher: HQ
Release date: 28 August 2025
Back cover blurb: Connie can’t wait to have all her daughters back home for the holidays. It’s not just the excitement of the girls being together under one roof; uni student Fran is bringing a new boyfriend to stay. The empty nest will once again be full of friends, family and young love. Yet from the moment she sees Zac, Connie feels a deep unease. Zac reminds her of the worst mistake she has ever made: a man whose charm and good looks nearly destroyed her marriage. Then, Fran announces she’s pregnant. Reeling from Fran’s news and terrified that her past might threaten her family’s future, Connie desperately tries to navigate a path forward. But there’s a much greater menace looming, because she’s not the only one who has something to hide. Someone in the house has another devastating secret. A deception which will put everyone Connie loves in shocking danger, and one of them will pay the ultimate price.
Twenty Five years ago Adele Parks published her debut novel, Playing Away. I've been a huge fan of this fantastic author ever since, and have read all of her novels to date.
Connie Baker (and friends) were first introduced to us then, and have appeared in various novels since, but this, this is just the most delicious of them all. An absolute triumph that I will struggle to do justice for with this review.
Connie knows she is lucky, she has three fabulous daughters, a husband who she loves with all her heart. Connie couldn't be happier. She also absolutely loves Christmas, the chaotic family get togethers, the petty squabbling, the overindulging, the tackiness, nostalgia and everything in-between.
When her eldest daughter Fran returns from University for the festive season, with her new boyfriend in tow, this should be the icing on the cake. But there is something about Zac that makes Connie uneasy. For a start he bears more than a striking resemblance to John Harding. Connie's ex - of sorts.
John was Connie's one singular catastrophic mistake.
An affair early in her marriage that nearly broke it, and her.
Luke, Connie's husband found the love and strength he needed to forgive her, and their marriage has been practically perfect in the years since. Zac's appearance throws Connie off kilter, but no one else seems to notice her sudden derailment.
After all, there is Christmas to focus on, and some wonderfully happy news that Fran and Zac bring with them. Unfortunately the happiness doesn't last for long. Connie's suspicions of Zac are entirely justified, but even she can't imagine the devastation and danger that is about to come their way.
This is a thriller like no other, one that will appeal to regular Adele Parks fans, and hopefully bring an abundance of new ones.
What a way to celebrate 25 years.
Happy 25th Book Birthday Adele!
Our Beautiful Mess is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.
Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.