Secret Book Swap | No. 17 - Currie September 2026
Books We Swapped:
The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna
In a world where a girl's worth is determined by the colour of her blood, Deka discovers she is something far more powerful than anyone expected. Facing rejection and danger, she joins an army of extraordinary girls. This gripping fantasy explores power, identity and rebellion with a fierce feminist edge.
In AD 500, two sisters flee their island home for the ruined city of Londinium, carrying secrets that could change their lives forever. Rich in myth and atmosphere, this historical novel explores sisterhood, survival and belonging in a dangerous world shaped by blood ties and ancient beliefs.
Gravity Is the Thing – Jaclyn Moriarty
Abigail has spent decades trying to understand two mysteries: the disappearance of her brother and the strange self-help book that began arriving in the post. When she is invited to uncover its secrets, her life takes an unexpected turn. Warm, funny and moving, this novel explores loss, hope and the search for meaning.
When Emira is accused of kidnapping the white child she is actually babysitting, a single incident sets off a chain of events that brings questions of race, class and privilege sharply into focus. Witty, insightful and sharply observed, this novel explores the complicated dynamics of good intentions and power.
Every Summer After – Carley Fortune
After years away, Percy returns to the lakeside town where she spent six unforgettable summers and fell in love with Sam. As past and present intertwine, she must confront the mistakes that changed everything. Nostalgic and emotional, this is a sweeping romance about first love, regret and second chances.
When Chloe Dalton rescues a newborn hare during lockdown, she begins an extraordinary relationship with a wild animal that refuses to be tamed. Blending memoir, natural history and reflection, this moving book explores our connection with the natural world and the unexpected relationships that can transform our lives.
After the End – Clare Mackintosh
When their seriously ill son faces an impossible future, Max and Pip are forced to make a decision neither can agree on. Their lives then unfold along two different paths, exploring what might happen when love leads people to make different choices. Emotional and thought-provoking, this novel examines parenthood, loss and the roads not taken.
The Correspondent – Virginia Evans
Through the letters she writes to family, friends and strangers, seventy-three-year-old Sybil Van Antwerp reveals a life filled with wit, regret and long-held secrets. As her past demands to be confronted, she must finally write the letter she has never dared to send. A warm and moving novel about connection, forgiveness and the power of words.
A Stage Set for Villains – Shannon J. Spann
Cursed by one of the godlike Players who rule a mysterious theatre, Riven Hesper must enter the dangerous Playhouse to find a way to save her life. But survival means competing for unimaginable power and making a deadly bargain. This dark fantasy blends high stakes, magic and dangerous ambition.
The Whalebone Theatre – Joanna Quinn
Growing up in an eccentric English manor by the sea, three children create their own magical world of stories and adventure. But as they reach adulthood, the Second World War changes everything. Imaginative and sweeping, this coming-of-age novel explores family, identity and the unexpected roles we are forced to play.
The Decagon House Murders – Yukito Ayatsuji
A group of university students travel to a remote island, home to a strange ten-sided house and the scene of an unsolved mass murder. When they begin dying one by one, paranoia takes hold. This ingenious Japanese mystery pays homage to classic Golden Age crime while delivering a brilliantly twisty puzzle.
Our Guest , Isla from Wester Hailes Library
Libraries are important, they are wonderful and we are lucky to have them. This month, we were joined by Isla from Wester Hailes Library who shared what it’s like to work in a library, what library life is like and gave us an insight to all the brilliant things happening at Wester Hailes Library.
We were blown away to hear about all the things available, for free, to our community, library member or not - some highlighted below, visit their website below to find out more. And it was great getting a reminder of what today’s library card gives you access to including e-books, audio books and magazine subscriptions.
Thank you for joining us Isla!
Regular events and activities at Wester Hailes Library:
Coffee Morning
Quilting Group
Card making group
Lend and Mend group
Citizens Advice session
Library Link - A service for those who are less able to get to the library on their own.
ACE IT - Support for over 50s with using laptops, tablets or phones.
Knit and Natter
Crochet Club
Bring Your Own Book evenings
Book Talk
Both our game and talk this month were inspired by another librarian, the woman behind the Imagination Library, Dolly Parton.
We took a look at the incredible legacy of Dolly’s Imagination Library, which began in 1995 in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, with one simple idea: give children books.
Today, the programme sends a free, age-appropriate book to registered children every month, from birth until their fifth birthday, helping to put millions of books into the hands of children in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia.
We talked about why the Imagination Library is about more than simply teaching children to read. Dolly’s aim was to inspire a love of reading, creating those exciting moments when a book arrives wrapped up and addressed for that individual child.
And to paraphrase Dolly herself :
“The seeds of dreams are often found in books.”
We also explored how the programme works, from the carefully selected books and local community partners who make it possible, to the resources available to help parents and carers make reading together part of everyday life.
And, because at this point in the evening we usually talk about banned and restricted books, we also highlighted some of the titles that have been included in their lists which have faced challenges and bans elsewhere.
Finally we reminded ourselves, that every time we pass on a book we love, we too are giving someone else the chance to discover a new story, a new idea, or perhaps even a book that stays with them forever and that felt pretty magical.
Join us at future secret book swaps: