The Next Chapter Collection What Really Happened to Me

A high-flying executive walks out of her polished life with no plan and no suitcase, and lands in a place where nobody knows her name. Heartfelt British women’s fiction about burnout, blame and the unexpected joy of starting over in the middle of your story. She’s built a life that looks perfect on paper. But the truth won’t stay hidden forever. Grace Leven has the job, the title, and the polished public image to match. But behind the magazine covers and boardroom doors, her world is quietly falling apart. Her marriage is over. Her best friend has vanished. And one damning piece of footage could unravel the career she’s spent decades building. So she runs—no plan, no suitcase, just instinct—and finds herself somewhere no one knows her name. She tells herself it’s temporary. Just time to breathe. But the stillness leaves room for everything she’s tried to outrun: the panic, the guilt, and the ache of a life that no longer fits. And then there’s Harvey—the quiet, steady presence who sees through the cracks and offers her something she didn’t expect: a reason to stay. What Really Happened to Me is the second novel in the Strawberry Village series. It’s a heartfelt exploration of burnout, blame, and the quiet strength it takes to rewrite your story from the middle. Praise for What Really Happened to Me: “It’s escapism, it’s funny and there is a serious message about living your life on your terms.” “Completely hooked from the first chapter to the last!” “Sit down with a cuppa and enjoy What Really Happened to Me.” “Ellie’s writing is funny, warm and the characters are inviting.” “Absolutely loved this and felt like I was meeting up with old friends.” “It’s another superb book from beginning to end.” “Ellie hooks you in with your old friends from Strawberry Village.” “Introduces some new characters going through a tough time.” “Great book, thoroughly enjoy reading all my Ellie Barker books!”