Struggling to manage the grief of those around her, she escapes to a remote cottage by the coast where she swims in the winter sea, cooks the forgotten Keralan dishes of her childhood and begins the search for her husband’s lover.

It isn’t long before Uma realises what she must do to pick up the tattered threads of her life. But will her choices jeopardise the only family she has left?

‘Petals and Stones is the kind of book that makes you want to sneak away from real life so that you can return to its characters and their lives… A beautifully written debut’ Virginia Macgregor

‘What an engaging read this tale of grief, love, family and friendship. Petals and Stones explores the ties which bind us together and the choices we make that can tear us apart. Very atmospheric and beautifully written. Loved it from start to finish’ June Taylor

''Well written, thoughtful and very enjoyable'' Katie Fforde

''Petals and Stones traces the devastating impact of the discovery of infidelity immediately before a partner’s death, so that grief is contaminated by anger and betrayal. Joanne Burn’s writing explores with care and precision the nuances of love deferred for the best of intentions, the tides within family and friendship dynamics and the corrosive lies we tell ourselves. Beautiful and redemptive'' Liz Flanagan

‘Lyrical, perceptive, and thought-provoking’ Christine Poulson

‘Petals and Stones is the kind of book that makes you want to sneak away from real life so that you can return to its characters and their lives… I loved the powerful and unexpected love story at the heart of the novel, which had me hoping and longing and cheering and sometimes crying a little too. A beautifully written debut’ Virginia Macgregor

''A meditative, carefully crafted debut... Simple, meaningful prose that gripped and moved me from start to finish'' J.M. Monaco