Ceylon, 1908: Stella Baxter returns to the island paradise that once promised her everything - haunted by her father's death and the brutal assault that left her with a baby she cannot love.
Her husband, Norton, is waiting for her in Colombo. He rescued her from scandal, he sees her worth, and his steady presence offers something Stella had given up on: a chance to heal. At last she can turn to the work that still binds her to her father - preserving his precious academic legacy.
But the arrival of the Government Agent's wayward daughter, Cynthia - abandoned by her lover and desperate to salvage her reputation - ignites forbidden desires within Norton's own family. As secrets unravel and the respectable façade of British Ceylon begins to crack, the fragile new life Stella has built is caught in the fallout.
Soon the mistakes of the past resurface, and Stella must fight to protect not only her father's legacy but her own future.
Set against the lush, oppressive heat of early twentieth-century Ceylon, this unforgettable historical novel is perfect for readers who love Dinah Jefferies, Angela Petch and Rhys Bowen.
What readers say about The Tea Planter's Secret:
"Fantastic storytelling, interesting history and believable characters – what's not to love?! After the first book I was so invested in the characters, I really couldn't wait for this one to arrive." Reader review, 5 stars
"Vivid and atmospheric… full of emotion, secrets, and resilience." Reader review, 5 stars
"An amazing, emotional read… the breathtaking beauty of this island cannot completely shadow the fiery, personal war that Stella Baxter is forced to endure." Reader review, 5 stars
"Completely transported me back to colonial Ceylon… so immersive and atmospheric that I could vividly picture the tea plantations, the heat, the beauty of the landscape, and the complicated social tensions of the time… A compelling historical saga filled with layered characters, heartbreak, resilience, and hope." Reader review, 5 stars
"A Clare Flynn novel is always a treat. Well written, thoroughly researched, and full of atmosphere… The characters were so easy to love. Strong and determined, but with very human frailties that made me feel for them." Reader review, 5 stars
"Fabulous, fabulous book… I found myself rooting for each woman… Flynn's descriptions of Ceylon's beauty are rich. She had me wishing that I could apparate into that time." Reader review, 5 stars
"I wish I could rate this higher than 5 stars… Clare Flynn's ability to capture Ceylon during those times is remarkable." Reader review, 5 stars
