The Lace Weaver

A priceless lace shawl. A homeland under siege. Two women whose lives will be forever changed by war.

Estonia, 1941. Caught between Stalin's brutal Soviet occupation and Hitler's advancing armies, young farmer Katarina fights to protect her family's treasured legacy: exquisite lace shawls whose intricate patterns preserve the stories of generations.

Far away in Moscow, Lydia longs to escape a life of privilege and uncover the truth about her mother's Baltic heritage. But when she journeys to Estonia, she finds herself swept into a nation on the brink of destruction.

As war engulfs their homeland, Katarina and Lydia are drawn into the resistance alongside two courageous young men willing to risk everything for freedom. Together they must navigate betrayal, sacrifice, and impossible choices in a battle for survival, love, and the future of their country.

A sweeping and unforgettable tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of family, perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, and Heather Morris.

Praise for The Lace Weaver

‘A beautifully written and utterly compelling story of love and war and resistance that shines a light onto a dark and tragic period of history while also illuminating the enduring power of love and friendship. Unforgettable and emotionally wrenching, and as exquisite as the lace the women of the story weave.’ Kate Forsyth

‘A sweeping historical story set in Estonia and Russia during the tumultuous year of 1941 … This is a meticulously researched novel, and Chater seamlessly incorporates the symbolic motif of the Estonian lace-weaving tradition and the Tartu knitting circle to link the past and present … Recommended for fans of Kirsty Manning and Kate Morton, this is a gut-wrenching tale about a devastating time in history. Full of hope, heartache and the power of keeping traditions alive.’ Books+Publishing

‘From the very first line, I was captivated by this tale of two very different, but equally heroic, women. There is beauty to be found everywhere: in the writing, in the women's friendship, in the tragedy, and in the motif of the lace shawls, which weaves the story together.’ Natasha Lester, author of Her Mother’s Secret and A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald

'A rich, textured and evocatively told story of love, loss and the ties that bind. The setting is exotic and intriguing and presents a unique side of the war ... I found it difficult to put this haunting novel down and it will stay with me for a long time to come, I’m certain. Lauren Chater is a bold new force in Australian historical fiction. Bravo on a glorious debut!’ Tess Woods, author of Beautiful Messy Love and Love at First Flight.

‘Beautiful and brilliant … An impressive, powerful and skillfully told anti-war novel from an extremely gifted writer.’ Backstory journal