A hidden note. A lost love. A second chance...

From the #1 bestselling author of The Letter, Kathryn Hughes, comes The Key, an unforgettable story of a heartbreaking secret that will stay with you for ever.

''A wonderful, enthralling story; one that I didn't want to end'' LESLEY PEARSE

''Un-put-downable with a twisting plot'' My Weekly

''A heartbreakingly powerful read'' Sun

''Shocking, stirring'' Woman

1956

It's Ellen Crosby's first day as a student nurse at Ambergate Hospital. When she meets a young woman admitted by her father, little does Ellen know that a choice she will make is to change both their lives for ever...

2006

Sarah is drawn to the now abandoned Ambergate. Whilst exploring the old corridors she discovers a suitcase belonging to a female patient who entered Ambergate fifty years earlier. The shocking contents, untouched for half a century, will lead Sarah to unravel a forgotten story of tragedy and lost love, and the chance to make an old wrong right . . .

It's time to discover what a million readers already know. No one grips your heart like Kathryn Hughes . . .

''Oh wow! This story broke my heart then filled it with joy then broke it all over again! I adored The Letter and The Secret but this I have to say was my favourite. Heartfelt and poignant an absolute joy ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'' REAL READER

''A sheer joy to read . . . Wonderfully romantic with beautiful characters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'' REAL READER

''I have finished this book with tears in my eyes but a smile on my face ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'' REAL READER

''A beautifully told, tragic tale . . . restoring your faith in the kindness of strangers ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'' REAL READER