Bloomsbury presents Second Act at Appleton Green by Kate Forster, read by Fiona Sheehan.

After losing her voice before the audition of a lifetime, West End hopeful Lily Baxter flees to the one place that’s always felt like home: her grandmother Violet’s cosy cottage in the heart of Appleton Green.

Violet is overjoyed to have Lily back under her roof, even if it’s not under the happiest of circumstances. As Lily muddles through lost dreams and what-ifs, Violet is quietly nursing her own worries—and hoping this unexpected visit might help them both them heal.

When charming local nurse Nick encourages Lily to join the village’s amateur dramatics group, she reluctantly agrees — and soon finds herself swept up in script readings, prop-painting parties, and something that feels a lot like falling in love.

As opening night draws near, Lily must decide where her heart truly lies: back in the bright lights of London, or centre stage in Appleton Green. C 2025 Kate Forster P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC