Nestled at the bustling foot of the pyramids lies the iconic Albi Bridal Shop, where three sisters are about to break the shackles of tradition to fight for their futures.

When Mariam Albi was tragically killed, the responsibility of running the business was thrust upon eldest daughter, Sarah. Bound to the dress shop and to the demands of her husband and his spiteful mother, Sarah finds herself trapped with nowhere to turn.

Political journalist Aya is writing the story of her career while on the cusp of a thrilling new relationship with Australian-raised journalist, Gamal. When Gamal is arrested on suspicion of treason, Aya risks her life to follow her heart.

University student Lola, the youngest of the Albi girls, is finding her place in the world while masking her true identity. But her secret is exposed, putting her life in grave danger as she faces losing everything and everyone she loves.

Inspired by the stories of the ancient pharaoh queens before them, the Albi sisters must harness their inner strength to survive - for in Egypt, history runs deep but blood runs deeper.

'Illuminating, compelling and affecting. These women stole my heart and kept me guessing until the last page. I loved it.' Sally Hepworth

'Tess Woods just keeps getting better-sharper, braver, and more deliciously unputdownable with every novel. In her hands, the ties that bind us become a tangle of culture, politics, longing, and the eternal question of where we truly belong.' Melina Marchetta

'A beautifully structured, fascinating read with such palpable passion for Egyptian people and culture. It blends myth and history and an inherent message about the importance of storytelling with such real, lovable and funny characters. And I love reading about sisters.' Meg Bignell

'Tess is an artist, she creates pictures with her words.' Australian Women's Weekly

'Woods is a natural storyteller.Her characters are as well drawn as Melina Marchetta's and Maeve Binchy's.' Writing WA

'Is this the most anticipated book of 2026 from the most loved author?' Gillian O'Shaughnessy