Secret Book Swap | No. 13 - North Berwick June 2026
Books we swapped:
The Mercies – Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Inspired by real events in seventeenth-century Norway, this powerful historical novel follows a community of women forced to fend for themselves after a devastating storm claims the lives of the island’s men. Atmospheric and richly detailed, it explores friendship, fear, faith and the dangers of challenging societal expectations.
Under the Lemon Tree – Emma Cowell
After the sudden loss of her beloved twin brother, Kat travels to the Greek island of Agistri when an unexpected inheritance offers the chance of a fresh start. Surrounded by sun-drenched landscapes and long-buried family secrets, she begins a journey of healing and self-discovery. Warm, uplifting and richly atmospheric, this novel explores grief, belonging and the possibility of finding hope in unexpected places.
Set in 1828 Edinburgh, this gripping historical novel reimagines the notorious Burke and Hare murders through the eyes of two women whose lives are entwined with the scandal. As medical ambition, poverty and violence collide, both must decide how far they are willing to go to protect the lives they have built. Rich in atmosphere and historical detail, it explores power, survival and the voices often missing from history.
The Mourning Necklace – Kate Foster
Inspired by a remarkable true story, this historical novel follows Maggie Dickson, who returns home after surviving her own execution in eighteenth-century Scotland. Rich in atmosphere and emotional depth, it explores resilience, justice and the challenges faced by women in a society quick to judge. A compelling blend of history, suspense and human courage.
Edinburgh Skating Club – Michelle Sloan
Inspired by a real Edinburgh mystery, this historical novel blends art, identity and hidden histories across two timelines. Atmospheric and engaging, it explores gender, ambition and the stories history leaves untold while bringing eighteenth-century Edinburgh vividly to life
Three women are left waiting on Valentine’s Day when the same man fails to turn up for each of their dates. Funny, heartfelt and cleverly constructed, this contemporary romance explores love, grief and the unexpected ways lives can become intertwined.
She Didn't See It Coming – Shari Lapena
When a wife and mother disappears from her luxury apartment building, suspicion falls on the residents who knew her best. As secrets emerge behind closed doors, a seemingly close-knit community begins to unravel. Tense, twisty and full of suspense, this psychological thriller explores trust, deception and the hidden lives of neighbours.
The Fabulous Frances Farquharson – Caroline Young
This lively biography celebrates the remarkable life of Frances Farquharson, an American-born socialite who became a colourful figure in the Scottish Highlands. Engaging and richly researched, it offers a fascinating glimpse into twentieth-century society, resilience and a woman determined to live life on her own terms.
A Vengeful Harvest – Lexie Conyngham
Set in Aberdeen at the beginning of the Second World War, this historical crime novel follows Inspector Alec Cattanach as he investigates a series of seemingly unconnected incidents that threaten to spiral out of control. Rich in atmosphere and period detail, it combines an intriguing mystery with a vivid portrait of a community on the brink of profound change
In this fascinating work of narrative history, Madeleine Pelling explores the lives of three women whose sensational deceptions captivated Britain during the Enlightenment. Blending true crime, social history and cultural analysis, it examines belief, moral panic and the enduring power of a good story. Engaging and thought-provoking, it offers a fresh perspective on society's complicated relationship with truth.
Two brothers navigate grief, relationships and the shifting dynamics of adulthood following the death of their father. Intimate and emotionally perceptive, Rooney’s novel explores love, family and the complicated ways people seek connection during periods of change.
Blanche on the Lam – Barbara Neely
When housekeeper Blanche White becomes entangled in a murder investigation, she must rely on her intelligence and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead. Sharp, witty and socially observant, this crime novel combines mystery with an insightful exploration of race, class and power.
The Sunshine Sisters – Jane Green
Three very different sisters are reunited when a family crisis forces them back into one another’s lives. Warm, emotional and full of humour, this family drama explores sibling relationships, forgiveness and the complicated bonds that endure despite years of distance.
They Were Sisters – Dorothy Whipple
This classic twentieth-century novel follows three sisters whose lives take very different paths after marriage. Insightful and deeply compassionate, Whipple examines family relationships, domestic expectations and the quiet struggles faced by women, creating a moving portrait of resilience and hope.
Guest writer, Eleanor Morton
Eleanor is a Scottish stand-up, writer and actor who began performing at 18. Her 2024 award-winning Fringe show Haunted House enjoyed a sell-out run, and she created and starred in BBC Radio 4’s Eleanor & Pals. She co-wrote The Rest of Us spotlighting overlooked figures in UK history. Known for online characters like to tour guide ‘Craig’, Eleanor co-hosts the podcast Eleanor and Alisdair Read That. Life Lessons from Historical Women is her first book.
Life Lessons from Historical Women
Life Lessons from Historical Women is a funny, fascinating tour through the past, bringing to life the women whose stories have shaped our modern world. Eleanor shines a light on ordinary women and extraordinary lives, drawing out moments of purpose, creativity and rebellion that still resonate now. From Judith Kerr, Mary Seacole and Emily Davison to the first woman to summit Everest and the enduring importance of pockets in women’s clothing, Eleanor writes with humour and respect, uncovering stories that offer valuable lessons for women today.
Banned Book Reading
For June, our banned books discussion took a slightly different form as part of our Pride Month event, becoming a game as well as a conversation.
Rather than beginning with a single news story, our group had to identify the missing colours from a rainbow of book titles. The game took us from classics such as The Color Purple and The Bluest Eye to contemporary LGBTQ+ titles including All Boys Aren't Blue, Red, White & Royal Blue, and Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. Along the way we also encountered children's picture books, literary fiction, memoirs and even fairy tales.
Once the colours had been guessed, we turned the cards over to explore the stories behind them. Some titles had been challenged or removed because of LGBTQ+ themes and representation. Others had faced objections over discussions of race, gender, sexuality, violence or religion. A few had been caught up in broader political movements, while others had been restricted for reasons that now seem almost absurd, such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? being temporarily removed from a Texas curriculum after officials confused its author with someone else entirely.
What struck us was the sheer variety of books involved. Some were written specifically about LGBTQ+ experiences, while others faced challenges and restrictions for other reasons. Yet together they highlighted how often books become flashpoints for wider debates about identity, history, education and who gets to decide what stories are available to readers.
The game also reminded us that censorship does not always look the same. The reasons varied enormously, but the underlying questions felt familiar: who decides what is appropriate to read, whose voices are considered acceptable, and what do we lose when access to books becomes restricted?
Join us at future secret book swaps: