They are just two girls sitting on a bench on a windy pier but this summer will change them both forever. A captivating story of love, betrayal and family secrets set in a Victorian seaside holiday town.

Martha’s life has been turned upside down. Her father, her home, her prospects – all gone. Thanks to her mother’s recklessness she has been forced take a job at the Grand Hotel in the seaside town of Cove and warned never talk about her former life.

When Martha first meets Lizzy, her neighbour’s housemaid, she considers her beneath her notice. But Lizzy has a charm about her that is hard to resist. She also has keen eyes. And she knows that Martha is hiding something.

As the girls sneak down to the beach at night, their bond grows into something special. But the sun can’t shine forever, and someone is looking for Martha. Someone she doesn’t want to find her.

A Different Life is a moving story about yearning, betrayal and difference, but most of all, about who we really are trying to save when we rescue someone else.

PRAISE FOR JULIA KELLY:

'A beautifully written story of loss and love' Florence Knapp, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE NAMES

'Tender, moving' Daily Mail

'A beautiful story of grief, hope and love' Lucy Diamond, Sunday Times bestselling author of ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY

'Superbly crafted and tender' Woman & Home

‘Spectacular... a gift to readers everywhere’ Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO

© Julia Kelly 2027 (P) Penguin Audio 2027