How It Was

Immersive, amazing, remarkable … It’s an excellent book and Janet is a hugely gifted writer … I couldn’t put it down. - Marian Keyes

Ellis has a knack for depicting the way in which families struggle to communicate … engaging and readable - Observer

An atmospheric, clever novel, which will get under your skin - Red

Ellis writes beautifully, with a great eye for detail. - Daily Mail

A tale of silences, secrets and misunderstandings, of marital infidelities and of paths not taken … A fluent, convincing depiction of the poignant intricacies of family life - Mail on Sunday

An emotional epic. The former TV presenter’s debut novel, The Butcher’s Hook, was great, and this second one is also terrific, particularly in the way she writes about mother-daughter relationships. - Good Housekeeping

Janet Ellis writes with tenderness and wisdom about how you can lose a child while they are still under your roof - and how a child long-lost will never leave you. I veered between laughter and a lump in the throat, often on the same page. This book will sneak up behind you and break your heart. - Erin Kelly, author of HE SAID/SHE SAID

Explores the human condition with pin-sharp precision, so accurate it hurts. It’s a raw read, complex and compelling in its structure, with emotions laid bare. Written with empathy and integrity. - Lynne Parker

Actress, presenter and author Janet Ellis trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Best known for presenting Blue Peter, she stars in numerous radio and TV programmes and in 2018 appeared at the Edinburgh Festival. In 2016 Janet was awarded an MBE for services to charities and theatre.

A graduate of the Curtis Brown creative writing course, her debut novel, The Butcher’s Hook, was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize.