Where It All Began: An emotional BRAND NEW novel on love and heartbreak from Debbie Howells for 2026

The most unforgettable story of the year. A novel about mothers and daughters, love, and loss, perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Beth Moran, and Amanda Prowse.

'I want to tell you a story, my beautiful child, of every magical thing I wish for you, my beautiful child. This is where it all begins...'

It all begins when Edie's daughter Lexie was born. A day when hope gleams like sunlight on mirror-flat water. Lexie's arrival makes Edie feel like her life is complete, and her love for her newborn daughter is immediate, like a force of nature.

Even though Edie's marriage to Ryan isn't perfect, Edie knows she can hold their family together, for Lexie and her brother.

However, life - in all its beautiful, messy glory - doesn't always follow the script. And by the time Lexie is a teenager, everything's changed, and she's moving as far away from her family as she possibly can.

But now Edie needs her back home, where it all began. Because - as everything in Edie's life changes - she realises her daughter Lexie might be the only person who can save her...

The most unforgettable story of the year - available now!

Readers love Debbie Howells:

'This book tugged on all my heartstrings. It was so beautifully written that I felt I was there with Edie... I cried a lot. I can see this as film!' Lucy Mitchell, author

'A massive WOW!... An emotional journey of heartbreak, grief and loss... A powerful, magical and quite simply beautiful read... You will lose your heart to this wonderfully touching and bittersweet tale.' Reader Review

'Wow... this book. It's very rare that a book captivates me from the first few pages alone, but this one definitely did. This was so beautifully written and so well thought out. I flew through it**.** It's a raw story of friendship, love, grief, and so much more... Incredible.' Reader Review

'Oh boy! It's poignant, it's raw, it's blooming emotional. Tissues at the ready... We don't know what may be around the corner... A stunning read, one that took my breath away. Very highly recommended.' Reader Review

'A book that made me cry so much... about soulmates and friendship. I loved it.' Reader Review

'Such a moving story, have tissues nearby{::}. This could easily be a read that'll make you cry!... Inspirational... You never know what fate will put in your way... A story of love, of loss and more.' Reader Review

• Publication date: 9 April 2026
• Page count: 256
• Dimensions: Height 236 mm; Width 162 mm; Thickness 24 mm
• Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9781837037452