Heap Earth Upon It

Author: Chloe Michelle Howarth

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945) | Historical fiction | Fiction: special features

Published on 30^th October 2025 by Verve Books in the United Kingdom.

Hardback | 288 pages
223mm x 144mm x 30mm | 396g

January 1965. The orphaned O'Leary siblings - Tom, Jack, Anna and Peggy - arrive in the village of Ballycrea, tight-lipped about their troubled past and desperate for a fresh start.

After being met with suspicion from most of the locals, the family are thrilled when they're taken under the wing of their well-respected neighbours, Bill and Betty Nevan, who offer them work, companionship and an opportunity to fit in.

But for one of the O'Learys, this new friendship sparks an intense attachment that makes the dynamic dangerous for all. It's difficult to bury secrets, but almost impossible to bury feelings...