A Beautiful Terrible Thing

From the winner of the inaugural DFB & Arvon Search for a Storyteller competition, a powerful story of love, loss and forgiveness: tender, devastating and hopeful.

“A phenomenal debut, dark but hopeful” — Eileen Armstrong, TSL (journal of the School Library Association)

**Shortlisted for the McKitterick Prize 2026**
**Shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award 2027**

Cara's world broke when tragedy struck her family. Three months later, she’s trying to find her way back through grief when she meets Nathan. Gorgeous, smart and kind, she feels a freedom when she’s with him. But he’s hiding a huge secret. His world broke three months ago too – when he caused something terrible to happen.

There’s no way Cara and Nathan can be together. But, despite everything, they find it impossible to be apart.

One tragic event. Two stories that collide and intertwine in the most beautiful, terrible way. A stunningly written, thought-provoking drama about loss, atonement, and love which defines a lifetime.

“Devastatingly impactful... shines with hope-giving truths” — Joanne Owen, LoveReading

Mainstreet Trading Books of the Year 2025
Hive Rising Writers: Our top debut authors to watch, Oct 2025
LoveReading YA Debut of the Month, Oct 2025