The Bright Side Club

A tender slice-of-life story blending wit, heart and community with giving life –and love – a second chance!

The last thing Steph expected in her forties was to be reinventing everything. Divorced, suddenly unemployed and juggling single parenthood, she’s learning that starting over is messier – and braver – than she imagined.

Nate’s life has been knocked off course by his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Moving back into her house to help has strained his relationship and career.

The local laughter workshop should have been light relief. Instead, a clumsy scooter mishap brings them crashing into each other – literally – and sparks a tentative connection neither of them saw coming. What follows is a warm, funny, deeply human story about friendship, small kindnesses and the slow, surprising work of falling in love again when life has already taught you so much.

Readers LOVE Jane Riley:

‘I tried not to rush because I knew I’d be sad to finish it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A warm, comforting read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Didn’t want it to end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I could not put this book down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews

Praise for The Mudlarkers' Club

'A warm and uplifting read, packed with loveable characters you can’t help but root for’ Kate Storey

'An emotional and uplifting story, following a delightful group of characters – the Mudlarkers – as they search the riverbed for forgotten treasures, making new friends and changing their lives along the way. You won’t look at the Thames in the same way again’ Elissa Soave

‘[Riley] gives us this feel-good foray into the “treasures” buried on the banks of the River Thames’ The Sunday Post

About the author

Jane Riley grew up in New Zealand, married an Englishman and lives in Sydney, Australia. She has a degree in French and English Literature and has worked in public relations and publishing. For more than twenty years she freelanced as a writer and editor and has completed the Faber Academy Course in Australia. She is the author of the novels THE LIKELY RESOLUTIONS OF OLIVER CLOCK, GERALDINE VERNE’S RED SUITCASE and THE MUDLARKERS' CLUB.