The Amazon #1 Bestseller, reminiscent of The Thorn Birds, The Light Between Oceans, and Lady Chatterley's Lover. Poignant, heartrending, and unforgettable. Inspired by a true story . . .
“An intense and emotional read!” – Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of In Farleigh Field and The Tuscan Child
The saga of two women–one driven by passion to do the unthinkable, the other plunging into insanity–and a man bound between them.
What horrific thing does Anna do? And what is she capable of? Set against the sprawling backdrop of 1930s Australia, Anna May Shahan is a wild child raised on a lush farm by the sea, always barefoot and playing in her neighbor’s secret garden. Her Aboriginal nanny, Yarrajan, teaches her the ways of the land, and Anna grows up to be a quirky, eccentric, and sweet woman. But she is not without her demons, as she struggles with bizarre behaviors and a haunting, dark side.
Soon after marriage, Anna inherits her family’s sheep station called Sugar Alexandria, and she and her Irish husband James lead a simple, hardworking life. That is until Anna’s beautiful widowed cousin Lottie returns from London after being absent for over a decade. Lottie confesses to Anna her heart’s greatest desire to have a child, and Anna, in fear of losing her beloved cousin again, seeks to grant her wish by means of her own husband. What happens next brings devastating consequences for them all.
A literary achievement and the most emotionally gripping book of the year, The Consequence of Anna is a complex, multidimensional family saga, intertwined with the haunting mystery of Anna’s mental illness and the secrets, lies, and revelations revealed through the hidden passions of Lottie and James.
Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz have crafted a poetic story layered with lush romance, the frightening effects of altruistic intentions gone wrong, and the strong bond of female friendship. A provocative and powerful allegory, cutting through rules and boundaries, and proving the old adage that no good deed goes unpunished.
Perfect for fans of Kristen Hannah, Marie Benedict, Kate Morton, and Delia Owens.
What readers are saying about this emotional tearjerker inspired by true events . . .
"Storytelling on an epic scale. I had to stop reading and let myself have a good cry more times than I care to admit. This story touched my heart and soul and I will never forget it."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robin Price, Amazon
"Gruesome and yet beautiful at the same time... This book will devastate you, tear you down, then bring you back up for air... Such a masterpiece... It's been sometime since I had a good hard cry. I needed it. Thank you."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BookLover, Goodreads
"Wow. Just wow... The most powerful novel I have ever read... It teaches you, it shocks you, it moves you... When done I cried so much it hurt. It will certainly change how you think of people who suffer with mental illness."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sherry, Goodreads
"Moody, brooding, haunting... Genius... Very well written and incredibly thought provoking. If you like To Kill A Mocking Bird, The Piano, or The Light Between Oceans, you will love The Consequence of Anna."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ IrishGirl, Goodreads
"What a special book this is... An extraordinary tale about mental illness, obsession, envy and passionate love intertwined... Vivid, engrossing and inspiring. Highly recommend."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Avid Reader, Amazon
"A true masterpiece!... Brilliantly written and if you only read one book this year - make it this one!"
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Christine Cazeneuve, Goodreads
"So much sparkle! Such beautiful decadent prose... Rich with metaphors, creating shining gorgeous scenes... Dark, romantic and haunting... My favorite book of 2022. A must read."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shelly Perner, Goodreads
Kate Birkin is the Amazon #1 Bestselling author of The Consequence of Anna, her debut novel that became an instant success. An accomplished ghostwriter for the past several years, she’s written a dozen novels and two original screenplays spanning the genres of literary, historical, women’s fiction, romance, mystery, and crime.
Kate is a bohemian at heart with a "fiery soul obsession with writing", and finds that storytelling is a magical way for her to escape into another world. After collaborating with fellow writer, Mark Bornz, together they built their literary company, KATE BIRKIN BOOKS. Humbled, blessed, and grateful, she is thrilled that their common love for creative writing has entertained thousands of readers around the world.
Kate is also a skilled equestrian, a collector of oil paintings, enjoys playing her violin and pursuing her avid interest in photography, and is obsessed with Australia, Ireland, and the ocean–places of creative inspiration for her. A passionate advocate for human and animal rights, she supports multiple charities that champion their cause.
Visit https://katebirkinbooks.com to learn more about Kate and her books.