Hello,
The nights are drawing in, and now that October has arrived, the countdown is on for the release of my new novel, Daughter of the Stones. It will be published in all formats on Thursday 23 October 2025 by Boldwood Books, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
This has been one of my favourite books to write — a story that blends myth, archaeology, and the deep emotional bonds that tie families together. Daughter of the Stones is a reimagining of King Lear told through the eyes of the youngest daughter, Cordelia, and was inspired by the original medieval source material, Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae (The History of the Kings of Britain), written in 1135.
Using clues from Geoffrey’s text, I set the Lear story around 863 BCE, during Britain’s Iron Age (1300–900 BCE). Although no written records survive from that era, archaeological discoveries — from cooking pots and weapons to seeds and stone circles — reveal a vivid world of belief, ritual, and resilience.
In the present-day timeline, Daughter of the Stones follows Caitlin King, a woman drawn back to her fractured family after her father’s sudden collapse. As she begins to experience haunting visions of another life, another time, and another daughter — Cordelia — the boundaries between past and present begin to blur.
If you’re part of a reading group or book club, this is the perfect choice for anyone who loves rich, layered stories that spark discussion. The novel explores timeless themes of family, betrayal, love, and legacy, told through powerful female voices that span millennia.
Daughter of the Stones – Book Club Discussion Guide
Family and Legacy
Caitlin’s story is rooted in her fractured family and the secrets they keep. How do families shape our sense of identity? In what ways does Caitlin’s heritage influence her choices?
Sisterhood Across Time
Both Caitlin and Cordelia face challenges tied to their roles as daughters and sisters. How do the two timelines reflect each other when it comes to loyalty, rivalry, and women’s support networks?
Betrayal and Forgiveness
Betrayal drives both timelines. Do you think betrayal can ever be forgiven? How do the characters grapple with this across centuries?
The Power of Storytelling
Daughter of the Stones reimagines King Lear. Why do some stories endure? How does retelling myth and history allow us to see our present differently?
The Supernatural and the Spiritual
Caitlin’s visions and Cordelia’s shamanic gifts connect their worlds. How did you interpret these elements — mystical, symbolic, or both?
Women and Power
Cordelia defies patriarchal law in the Iron Age, while Caitlin navigates modern expectations. What parallels did you see between their struggles?
Endings and New Beginnings
Without giving away spoilers, how did you feel about Caitlin and Cordelia’s final choices? Did you find them hopeful, tragic, or both?
I hope these questions spark conversation in your book clubs — or simply invite you to linger over the story a little longer.
Thank you, as always, for reading and sharing in this journey.
Much love,
Alexandra x