Modern Family meets The Durrells in this life-affirming and evocative novel set against the idyllic beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

Stories don’t always unfold the way you expect them to… When 45-year-old Adam inherits a rundown farmhouse and castle in Tuscany from a great uncle he didn’t know existed, he quits his job in Manchester to renovate the property. He’s thrilled his boyfriend of two years, newly divorced and out-of-the-closet Theo, is joining him. But at the last minute, Theo’s children have to come too. And they’re hostile to Adam, immune to the beauty of the rural location – and scared of the resident lizards.

As Adam explores the crumbling walls of the castle and sorts through his uncle’s possessions, he discovers some dark family secrets. But could they finally allow him to break free from the pain of the past, start building a new family and open up a life of queer joy?

The Castle of Stories is a moving, heartwarming and uplifting novel about modern family in all its forms, what it means to love, and the importance of understanding your own story.

LOVE FOR MATT CAIN:
‘Matt Cain writes gay love stories that are universally uplifting, inspiring and utterly riveting’ — Lisa Jewell
‘Bursting with pride and joy. His best yet!’ — La Voix
‘He’s done it again! Matt Cain is one of our most intelligent, empathetic authors and a brilliant storyteller. These are stories we need to hear.’ — Lorraine Kelly
‘Nobody captures the messiness, angst and utter joy of the modern family better than Matt Cain.’ — Clare Pooley
‘A relatable, funny and moving celebration of found family and the power of being seen’ — Alexandra Potter
‘SUCH a good book with themes and characters to care about. Brimming with empathy and understanding for the true meaning of family – I loved it.’ — Freya North
‘Matt Cain writes with joy, strength, truth and such a good heart’ — Russell T Davies

‘A book for anybody who feels at all marginalised, small, bullied or lost’ — Claudia Winkleman
‘I loved it! Really heart-warming and joyful, but also so poignant. I cannot recommend this book highly enough’ — Lorraine Kelly
‘A joyful tale that will move you to laughter and cheers’ — i paper
‘Will put a smile on everyone’s face . . . A great big hug of a book!’ — Michael Ball
‘A triumphant coming-of-age tale about the power of being true to yourself’ — Juno Dawson
‘This book made us laugh and cry, and entertains from start to finish’ — Attitude
‘Wonderful . . . An utter treat’ — Kate Mosse
‘A heart-warming, joyous love story – original, hopeful and totally charming’ — Adele Parks
‘A beautiful, timely page-turner, straight from the heart . . . The perfect summer read’ — Matthew Bourne
‘This rollicking romance entrapped me, chapter by chapter. True in its detail and its scope, it is amusing yet heart-breaking’ — Ian McKellen
‘Utterly absorbing and affecting. Matt Cain is one of the most entertaining and illuminating writers out there’ — Bryony Gordon
‘Positivity seeps from every page’ — The Times
‘You will weep and yet have your heart filled with joy’ — Arlene Phillips
‘Brilliant… I recommend to all’ — Matt Lucas
‘Full of warmth, humour and courage and I absolutely loved it!’ — Ruth Hogan
‘This novel is just a bucket of joy’ — Glamour
‘A joyful read; tender, full of courage and irresistibly good-hearted’ — Rachel Joyce
‘As sharp eyed as Hilda Ogden and as seen-it-all as Bet Lynch . . .a proudly Northern queer One Day, ingenious and unsparing’ — Patrick Gale
‘A big warm hug of a novel’ — Heat