paperback: NEW! One Good Man

Plus a FREE calico book bag and bookmarks.

 RELEASE DATE: JULY 28 Get an early copy now!

Samantha slips into town under cover of darkness, seeking safety. When Jamie finds her, feelings he thought long-dead, resurface.

Samantha arrives in town with her small daughter, the clothes on their backs and a scrap of paper with a Barrington address. 

Jamie finds them by the side of the road that first night. When he discovers she’s looking for Nicole Stewart, he realises she’s fleeing a bad situation. 

They’ll be safe with Nicole, he knows that. But her pale, frightened face haunts him and feelings he thought long-dead, resurface.

Meanwhile, the book club girl-posse are organising a festival, the first of its kind in Barrington. Rose is leading the committee and although excited, is worried it will be a disaster. And she’s not sure about Samantha’s budding friendship with Jamie.

Samantha needs help to unravel the web of lies she’s been living. She’s not looking for a hand-out, but will she accept a hand-up?

Can this small-town community help Samantha and Jamie turn their lives around and pull off the festival of the year?

REVIEW:  Some stories don’t just stay with you—they settle into your heart, leaving you changed. One Good Man is exactly that kind of book.

From the opening pages, I was completely swept up in Samantha and Jamie’s story. There’s a quiet, aching beauty to the way this one unfolds—a depth of emotion that took my breath away. I could feel the weight of every decision, every fear, every flicker of hope. It’s not often a book hits me quite like this, but Susan Mackie has crafted something extraordinary here.

Returning to Barrington felt less like reading and more like being gently folded back into a world I never want to leave. But this book doesn’t rely on nostalgia—it stands on its own as a rich, layered, and utterly compelling read. The writing is powerful but graceful, with moments so tender and raw they stopped me in my tracks.

Samantha, arriving with so little and holding so much inside her, is a character I won’t forget. Jamie, kind and solid and quietly wounded, is the kind of man we all hope exists. Their connection builds slowly, honestly—and it’s this emotional honesty that gives the book such resonance.And then there’s the festival, the reading list (which includes some of my absolute favourites!), and the beloved book club posse—adding warmth and vibrancy without ever stealing the spotlight. They’re the heart of the community, and they lift the entire story into something full of light.

One Good Man is more than just a continuation of a beloved series—it’s a standout in every sense. Richly emotional, beautifully told, and unforgettable.

Susan Mackie has outdone herself. This is her finest work yet.