‘At once both treacherous and tender’
Sunday Times’ Bestselling Author of After the Forest
- Kell Woods -
A wonderfully atmospheric and compelling historic novel set in Scotland in 1695, from the author of All The Bees In The Hollows.
Based on the selkie myths of the time, this is the story of Malie, a young woman struggling with grief, oppression, her relationship with nature and her own inherent wildness within during Europe's 'little ice age'.
Malie grew up hearing tales of selkies: shape-shifting women who shed their seal skins to seduce fishermen on the Orkney shores. That's the story of how her parents met, and it must be true because one day her mother slipped into the sea and was never seen again.
Raised by her father, Malie has always done what she's been told, and now she's married and expecting her first baby. Life on land is predictable and safe, and her future is all mapped out for her. But, just like the seals in the sea, there's a wildness in Malie's soul – one that cannot be tamed and deeply yearns for the sea.
Dealing with themes of motherhood, grief, violence and female oppression, The Woman in the Seal Skin is a wonderfully haunting and atmospheric tale of a woman living in a cloistered community on a wild Scottish island, who one day meets her wildness within.
AVAILABLE 31 MARCH 2026.
‘Beautifully written, atmospheric and compelling.’
- Inga Simpson -
Bees choose their masters. Bees don't sting good people.
Marytè is a devoted beekeeper. She lives by the old rules: work with fellow beekeepers, be a good Christian and a good harvest will follow. These rules help her cope with her grief when she inherits her husband's tree hollows. But as harsh conditions and tax increases threaten the harvest, Marytè begins to question her faith, her community and her own sanity.
There is little help to be had from her eldest daughter. Austėja is no worker bee. She takes risks, speaks her mind and dreams of escaping their isolated community. As her mother works, she finds refuge in the ancient forest and the old beliefs instilled in her by her defiant grandmother.
When Austėja discovers the mutilated body of the Hollow Watcher and uncovers a honeycomb of lies and betrayal, she is intent on finding the truth and protecting her family. Will mother and daughter overcome their differences, learn the truth behind the murder and complete the honey harvest?
‘A moving story of love, loyalty and the clash of tradition and change – all deeply entangled in the secrets of an ancient forest.
Beautifully written, atmospheric and compelling.’
Inga Simpson, author of The Thinning
Hi, I’m Lauren
Author & Psychologist
Lauren is the author of All The Bees In The Hollows which was voted Best Debut Fiction in the 2025 Indie Book Awards and longlisted in the ARA Historical Novel Prize 2025.
Her new novel The Woman in the Seal Skin will be released in March 2026.
Lauren is also a qualified psychologist with fifteen years’ experience in the perinatal and infant mental health sector.
Trust the Process Podcast
Trust the Process is a podcast conversation series with authors who are also psychologists or therapists.
In Lauren’s interviews with guests, she explore the overlap of psychology and creativity, managing dual careers and a public profile.
Subscribe to the podcast and you’ll receive a notification in your inbox every time we drop an episode.
