Late in the Day

by Imogen Clark

From the million-copy bestselling author of In a Single Moment comes a gripping story of trust, family and the secrets we keep.

When Harriet Carmichael leaves her husband, she is determined to begin new home, new life, a chance to live on her own terms.

A life drawing class seems harmless enough, until she finds herself drawn to Mac, the charming but elusive model.

Her adult children disapprove of her every move, and when Mac—significantly younger and apparently homeless—moves in with her, their suspicions reach fever pitch. Yet there is an undeniable spark between Harriet and Mac, one that makes Harriet question what she truly wants from this new chapter.

While her family is convinced she’s being manipulated by a conman, Harriet longs to believe in his genuine affection. But she has secrets of her own, shaped by experiences she has never dared to share.

As buried memories rise to the surface—along with a friend she thought lost forever—Harriet must weigh her heart against her judgement. Is she finally ready to reveal who she really is, or is she making the biggest mistake of her life?

Genres: Audiobook

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Multi-million copy bestselling author Imogen Clark writes contemporary book club fiction about the hidden truths within families—and the consequences of uncovering them. Her novels have topped the Amazon Kindle charts eight times and are now translated into twelve languages, reaching readers worldwide. She was shortlisted for the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2020 and the Kindle Storyteller Award (writing under pen name Izzy Bromley0 in 2025.

Originally a lawyer, Imogen left her legal career to raise her four children before returning to her first love—books. She studied English Literature part-time at university and soon began writing stories of her own.

When she’s not writing, Imogen is usually planning her next adventure. A passionate traveller, she finds inspiration for her novels everywhere from Yorkshire, where she lives with her husband, to the far corners of the globe.

If you'd like to connect then please visit her website at www.imogenclark.com where you can sign up to her monthly newsletter. Imogen can also be found on Instagram Facebook and TikTok as Imogen Clark Author.

Reviews

[Amy K]

Cougar and the Toy Boy

Harriet is starting over after ending a 30+ year marriage, and she is starting over in a big way that her adult children absolutely don't approve of. Meanwhile, in a previous time frame, Nina and her family have moved into a commune.

Initially, it felt as if I was reading two completely different books, but eventually they do start to come together.

[Julia]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

This was one of those books that constantly felt like it was building toward something significant like a revelation, a connection, a moment where all the pieces would finally click into place. Spoiler: that moment never came.

The story spends a lot of time hinting at hidden truths and emotional reckonings, but by the end, very little feels resolved in a satisfying way. The Nina storyline, in particular, ended up feeling largely pointless, and I was left wondering what purpose it ultimately served.

I also struggled with the characterization. Nearly every character felt either one-dimensional or extremely unlikable. Maddie barely seemed to exist beyond a surface-level sketch, while Harriet, Vanessa, and Mac were often so frustrating that it was difficult to enjoy spending time with them. There were numerous scenes that made me deeply uncomfortable (especially Mac's interactions with Harriet's family and children).

One of my biggest frustrations was Harriet herself. We're shown flashbacks of a bright, curious, intelligent young woman, yet her adult decisions often feel completely disconnected from that person. I understand that the novel is trying to reveal pieces of her past gradually, but the flashback structure felt disjointed and confusing rather than illuminating. Instead of helping me understand Harriet, it often left me feeling irritated.

What really bothered me, though, was Harriet's overall arc. After spending forty years in a marriage that clearly left her unhappy, she finally turns sixty and decides to start over and live life on her own terms. That's a compelling premise. Yet almost immediately, she falls into a relationship with Mac - a man who seems incapable of functioning independently and appears content to mooch off her generosity. I kept asking myself: why? Why does a woman who has finally reclaimed her independence immediately place herself back into a dynamic where she's once again catering to a man? It felt contradictory to everything the novel seemed to be setting up.

In the end, this wasn't a bad book, but it was an incredibly frustrating one. There were moments where I thought it was heading somewhere profound, but the payoff never arrived. I finished the novel feeling more annoyed than moved, and with far more questions than answers.

[Isabella]

I must admit it took me a while to get engaged in the story although now that I have finished it I realise maybe this was the author’s intent. Nevertheless I enjoyed the second half better. The plot is intriguing and the outcome not so predictable as I expected. One of the few books where I didn’t like any of the characters but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like their story. An overall deserved 4 stars.
With many thanks to Lake Union, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.

[Alyssa]

Late In The Day follows Harriet a divorcee starting over after. After attending a life drawing class, she meets Mac, a nude model. This book is a slice of life, refreshing take on the realisation that it is never too late to start over.

This book made me realise that I have deprived myself of reading books with older protagonists. In this book we follow Harriet, a sixty year old divorcee, so it was interesting to read about a character who is in a completely different "stage" in life that isn't the progtagonist in an Agatha Christie mystery. Harriet is a relatable main character. Sure she makes rash decisions, but I think if anyone deserves to shout YOLO to the winds after an unhappy 40-years of marriage, it should be her. She's charmingly written and real and I think many readers could relate to her excitiment and fear in starting over.

This book is quite a cosy read. It's like one of those slice of life tv shows you put in between your binge marathons, or a book that you pick up at the airport on the way to holiday. It's a light and quick read, yet it's got substance. Regardless of whether you can relate to the characters or their experiences, I think any reader can close this book and walk away with something.

2.5 stars

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My Star Ratings:
★★★★★: Unhinged levels of love. Life-changing. Perfectly devastating. I will be recommending this until someone physically takes it out of my hands.
★★★★: Great pacing, great characters, emotional damage in all the right ways. Might not be perfect, but I had a genuinely good time reading it
★★★: Enjoyable enough to finish but not something I’d scream about. I liked it, but it didn’t leave a mark. A solid, middle-of-the-road read.
★★: The cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas— writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: I finished it out of pure spite or misplaced hope.

[Tetyana]

Pardon, but no…

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but unfortunately, it did not turn my expectations into joy and simply wasn’t my cup of tea after all. The actions and behavior of the main characters didn’t fit my tastes at all, making it very difficult to connect with the story. Additionally, I really didn’t dig the parallel story of the dad with his kids and found their development disappointing. Between the frustrating characters and the underwhelming side plot, I really didn't enjoy this read.

[Wendy Hall-Duenez]

It took me a little while to get into this one but once I did I was very happily entertained. The audiobook was very well done. This one’s about a woman who’s just had her 60th birthday (like me!) who also has a 40 year old child (like me!). Who leaves her husband to find a new chapter… the similarities end there but I did enjoy the story. The ending was nothing like I thought it would be but I wasn’t disappointed.

[Erin David]

I enjoyed this book! The internal dialogue of the main character was funny and relatable. Changing your life’s course at 60 is scary but totally doable. The two separate timelines and stories was enjoyable- I typically like books like this and then when they finally connect, you understand the current timeline character better. I felt the ending was abrupt and slightly dissatisfying but fine. Overall, I would recommend this book!

[Sarah Gosling]

Secrets and second chances; new beginnings and unexpected endings.

Harriet shocks her family when she leaves her husband after 40 years of marriage to take a second chance on herself. She moves into a new home, starts a new life, taking a chance to live on her own terms. Convinced the life skills she has acquired will stand her in good stead, she embarks on a new adventure of living.

Mac takes a gig as a life model at an art class where Harriet is rediscovering her love of drawing. While many years younger, there is an undeniable spark between model and artist which raises unexpected questions for Harriet about what she truly wants from this new chapter.

When the apparently homeless Mac moves in with her, Harriet’s adult children first disapprove and then become increasingly concerned – though whether for their Mum or themselves remains to be seen. While her family is convinced she’s being manipulated by a conman, Harriet is sure she is a better judge of character and believes in his genuine affection despite his background being an enigma.

Yet Harriet has secrets of her own, shaped by experiences she has never dared to share. Is she finally ready to reveal who she really is, or is she making the biggest mistake of her life?



I loved this story exploring new beginnings from unexpected moments and circumstances in life. I also found it challenging: would I have the encourage to start again at 60? Would I open my home to an apparently homeless person? Would I start a relationship with someone many years younger than myself? At its heart, would I challenge society norms and expectations and allow others the second chances I would want?

One of the reasons I love Imogen Clark’s books is that she writes about themes which dig into our prejudices and expectations while embracing wonderful stories of characters who follow you long after the book is done. Late In The Day does not disappoint and it’s lovely to come back after a few days to write this review and reconnect with Harriet’s boldness and Mac’s spirit of fun. The chapter headings cue us that we will meet Nina and Madie, and I remember turning pages with some impatience to meet them and then to find out how they would fit into the story; it was not quite as I expected and I loved that.

Imogen gives every character their own clear voice and distinctive narrative and each is woven into the themes of secrets and second chances which this wonderful book explores.

The pacing of the story is managed well. While times I did get a little frustrated I have learnt with Imogen that where so many authors might speed up the narrative, she gives space for each character to take shape, each development to be explored – often from different perspectives - and in giving these time, our own attitudes and ideas also have room to breathe – and be challenged. I love books like this which are far more than a cosy story.

Thank you to Imogen Clark and Lake Union Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Sharon Mathews]

I thoroughly enjoyed Late in the Day. Imogen Clark is a master at capturing relationship dynamics, and this novel is no exception. I was intrigued from the first page, wondering how Harriet’s life would unfold after her unexpected decision to leave her husband. While trying to be true to herself and live her life on her own terms, she realizes that she will have to deal with how her decision and new life will be viewed and judged by her adult children, her friends, and society itself. Reinventing herself at 60 takes courage and character, as well as the ability to find parts of herself that she left behind. The alternating timelines of present day and the 1980s revealed parts of Harriet’s story that helped me understand how she made the decision to change her life. As an adult child and the mother of adult children, I saw both my relationship with my mother and my relationship with my children reflected in Harriet’s relationship with her children. It’s not easy for Harriet to put her needs and desires before those of her children, but she has reached a point in her life where she realizes that they have their own lives and really have no say in how she lives hers. She chooses to spend time with Mac and offer him a way out of his current situation, although her children don’t seem to trust her judgement and question the relationship. She chooses to take Nina in and help her as well, and I enjoyed seeing Nina’s story unfold in the past and present and how she related to Harriet. It is story of how your past influences and changes your future, and a story of the complex relationships people have with partners, friends, children, and, ultimately, with themselves.

[Karen Kennan]

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc!

Harriet’s marriage ended when she was 60. Having spent years focussed only on her family, she now finds herself in her own tiny home having only to think of herself. She works part time in a supermarket (much to her elder daughter’s shame!) and takes up life drawing classes with her friend.

In no time at all, she sparks up a flirtatious friendship with model Mac. In his 40s and homeless, Harriet’s children become worried after finding out their relationship is intimate, and that he’s also moved in. Oldest daughter Vanessa attempts to stage an intervention, mainly worrying about her inheritance, and querying Harriet’s soundness of mind. It really made me think about how society views women. As in, a younger guy couldn’t possibly be actually interested in Harriet. It could only be that he wanted to take her money. She couldn’t possibly have any value as a person. This is how her own children see her. They’d have much preferred for her to be unhappy but perfectly presented and not an embarrassment for the rest of her life. I keep saying it was all of them but it was mainly Vanessa, who corralled the others into following her.

There’s a back story to Harriet interspersed between the chapters and although it’s interesting, it didn’t feel super relevant to me. Perhaps maybe just showing that Harriet didn’t always have the perfect life.

3.5/5

[Li Sa]

As usual, Imogen Clark delivers another beautiful story. Her writing style is compelling, and I liked the concept of the story, especially how the flashbacks unfold and tie into the present.
After separating from her husband, Harriet begins to rediscover her strength and allows herself to be unapologetically herself. Although I was initially a bit skeptical of her judgment, I ended up enjoying her unlikely pairing with Mac. He remained something of an enigma to me, but I was happy to see them thrive.
I also found the family dynamics intriguing. While I can understand the children’s reactions to a point, Vanessa in particular was too much for me. She was exhausting in her need to control every situation and in the way she went about it. At times, though, I guiltily caught myself having similar thoughts to hers. That was a bit confronting, but also important, as it forces you to come face to face with your own biases and prejudices regarding class and people's circumstances.
I couldn’t fully relate to the characters in terms of age, but their bravery in being themselves was inspiring.

[Reading Xennial]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I know she’s very prolific, but I haven’t gotten around to reading any until now. This was an interesting family drama based on Harriet and her decision to radically change her life when she turned sixty. She leaves her husband and goes into the workforce when most people are looking to retire. She joins some girlfriends at a drawing class with a model and she develops a friendship/relationship with Mac.

This was an interesting read. It’s not something I’d normally pick up, but it gave me a lot to think about. Harriet is about my mother’s age so it was hard not to think about her kids POV about this new Harriet and worrying about her. This was well written and paced mostly steady. There were a few parts where it dragged a bit, but overall I was interested throughout the book. The characters have a lot of depth and their own unique voices. I would recommend this if you’re a fan of literary fiction.

Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

[Hannah Symonds]

This story is about Harriet and how she navigates life after leaving her husband. She is determined to do more for herself this time round. She moves in to her own cosy home and can do what she likes when she wants. When one of her friends brings her along to a life drawing class she meets Mac. He charms her from the start and Harriet feels this could be a good thing for her. But her family don't see eye to eye with Mac and feel as though he is taking advantage of their mum. Harriet must prove to herself and her family that Mac is the real deal even though things are moving very fast and she is not use to it. I felt as though Harriet was a bit underappreciated. I felt as though Mac saw an opportunity and went for it, but you need to read the whole story to find out. I really enjoyed reading this story however the ending really let it down and I felt extremely disappointed. The last chapter was a year later and it did not give much away and I felt as though it ended abruptly and did not really tell the reader anything. Was such a shame.

[aims]

This book follows Harriet as she navigates leaving her husband and finding herself all over again. At 60 years old and with 3 children, Harriet is trying to find herself now that her life is different. Harriet joins her friend Ruth at a painting class and ends up meeting Mac.
Mac is the model at the class but he and Harriet hit it off, despite him being the same age as one of her children. This is where the children are skeptical and believe that their mom is being conned. Mac is a cheeky character who really does bring out a different side of Harriet, which is actually a better side of her (in my opinion).
Then we have the back story of Nina, now I was confused for at least 70% of this book as to why Nina was relevant to the story about Harriet but it turns out they lived together in a commune before Nina ran away. I really enjoyed this concept within the book and thought that it just made it that little bit more interesting for the reader. Not only do we get an insight into Nina’s past but we get to see why Harriet is the way she is.

[Imogen Jade]

Thank you NetGalley, Imogen Clark and Team for this ARC

This is a totally different style of book to what I normally read but it was interesting, it did take me a while to get into because it was in 3rd person.

Harriet just turned 60 years old and decides to divorce her husband of 40 years as she feels like she has lost herself in the marriage and wants to find herself again, she has 3 kids with the soon to be ex husband.

This book was all about Harriet having freedom to find herself again and enjoy new experiences. She does meet a younger guy called Mac and they help each other with exploring new things and yes they did become intimate.

I loved the insight from her past to see where she is at today and how it all came about.

There are some unanswered questions about Harriet and Mac so their could be another book on them later on unless they just left it where it ended.

Would read this author again

[Debi]

Made me feel like a prude!

I choose this book since it had older characters and I liked that Harriet chose on her own to leave an unhappy marriage and start again on her own even though she knew it would make others very unhappy. It was interesting to see how she came out of her shell. I did not trust Mac at all and did not like their relationship. I just could not get over the huge age difference. Learning the secret of her youth was interesting but not compelling enough for me to care about the characters. I wish there was more closure by the end of the book, but I did appreciate living for oneself.

This book may have been more enjoyable for me if it was read in book club and I was able to discuss with friends so that I didn't focus so much on certain character flaws. It was a quick read, and I was never tempted to dnf.

I received this book from Goodreads with the only request being an honest review.

[Constance Leonard]

I very much enjoyed the mixed timeline of this book, especially the flashbacks to the 80s as this was definitely 'my time'. Well written and with interesting characters, some much more likeable than others.

I could easily empathise with Harriet, being of a similar age and phase in life. I did have some serious questions about her life choices though - would I ever have chosen to do what she did?? I found I had a lot of sympathy for her adult children's concerns, although they definitely over-reached on a few occasions.

Parts of this book felt like a departure from this author's usual style, with some much darker subject matters. However, although harrowing, they were sensitively managed.

If you enjoy a family drama with a few secrets and a twist at the end, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advance copy.

[Tina J]

I absolutely loved this story.

The alternating timelines of the present day and the 1980s really spoke to me—this is my era. The references to fashion and music instantly transported me back to my younger self. Imogen writes with intelligence, wisdom and grace towards her characters who light up every page.

Imogen’s portrayal of the older woman/younger man dynamic was spot-on; I could practically feel the pull Mac had on Harriet.

I was deeply invested in Harriet’s future and truly hoped she could trust him. Imogen writes with intelligence, warmth, and grace, bringing her characters to life on every page.

This emotional tale will make you laugh, cringe, and feel deeply, with vivid scenes that sweep you along like a wildly spinning roller coaster from start to finish.

It’s the perfect summer read.

[paul r ward]

If you’re going to treat yourself to a book then make it this one!
Imogen Clark does it again in delivering what at first glance appears to be a story about normal family life….this book though challenges perceptions on how we all feel the need to comply to societal rules and what happens to our family when we decide to break those rules. I knew I was going to love it when only a few pages in I read the sentence “She might be walking out on her life but she was still going to need clean knickers”. From that moment the book follows Harriet and what appears to be her conventional life, we soon discover that her conventional life is about to be cast aside though and she starts on a journey of acceptance about who she wants to be. I enjoyed this book so much that I was sad that I’d finished it.

[Hannelore Cheney]

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon UK for the eARC.
Harriet has left her husband of 40 years, much to her shocked family's disbelief. She wants to live her own life and not be that obedient, mild housewife anymore.
One of her first adventures is to join an art class with her best friend. The model happens to be a nude male.
Although he's young enough to be her son, there's a strong attraction between them. What happens next is astounding and her children are shocked, especially the eldest daughter, who tries her utmost to curb her mother's new lifestyle...to no effect.
There are two timelines, now and 45 years ago, explaining a lot.
I very much enjoyed this book, it's quirky and I loved Harriet's gutsyness. She doesn't listen to anyone but her instinct and it serves her well.

[Janice King]

This book was ok, interesting enough for me to finish. Half of it was another character’s point of view not even mentioned in the synopsis, which confused me. This part was very YA, following a 15 year old girl.

I did not like the main character’s love interest and found no reason to trust him. I am a 52 year old single lady and very much value my independence and privacy. I certainly would not invite a stranger to move into my house.

Eventually Harriet got her family to be more accepting of Mac and to believe he really loved her not just for what she could give him. The ending jumped abruptly to one year later when the couple seemed to be no longer together so I guess they didn’t love each other that much after all.

[Simoné Wolmarans]

I loved every minute of this story. It was charming and warm on the surface, but there was a constant undercurrent of dread that never quite let go. I spent most of the book bracing myself, waiting for the other shoe to drop, completely on edge.

By the final chapter, when everything seemed to be falling into place, I let my guard down… only for the epilogue to deliver the exact blow I’d been anticipating all along.

That said, I genuinely loved this book. The characters were fantastic, and the story was layered with subtle moments that kept reminding you that the worst might not be behind you. It’s one of those journeys where, by the end, you’re just grateful to have experienced it and to have met these characters along the way.

[Sue Jack]

Imogen Clark’s 'Late in the Day' is a thoughtful, absorbing novel that blends mystery with emotional depth. I found it an easy, enjoyable read, but one that still tackles weighty themes: coercion, manipulation, fractured families, female friendship, and the lingering effects of trauma.

Harriet’s story is especially compelling. Seeing her as a grounded, empowered woman in her sixties while also revisiting her vulnerable teenage years in a troubling hippy commune creates a rich, layered portrait. The mystery threaded through both timelines keeps you hooked, and the ending — particularly the unanswered questions around Harriet and Mac — leaves just enough space for speculation or even a sequel.

A great choice for book clubs, with plenty to unpack. A strong 4‑star read.

[Farah G]

Family life is often complex, and never more so than when you decide you want to head in a new direction that involves leaving a long term marriage. But Harriet is determined to strike out in favour of a new life, even if her children are convinced that her relationship with a man some years younger is a terrible mistake.

So, is Harriet right in thinking that there is potential for something special with Mac, or is he just exploiting her as her family believes?

This novel delves into the many complications and compensations of family life in an honest way. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Alice Tate]

I enjoyed the journey of this book, but found the ending a bit rushed and lacklustre! I felt like lots of elements were left unfinished - for example, the back story behind Celeste and why she was giving Nina such attention. I really thought there would be more to the commune drama!
Also, Mac was very clearly manipulating her and I feel like it was evident that Harriet didn’t really love him/he was forcing things… I wanted to see her realise this fully and grow from the experience.
However, I did really enjoy the book for the most part and the different perspectives added lots of depth to the story.

[Marian Sennstrom]

Imogen Clark has a wonderful way of writing memorable stories containing quirky, interesting and delightful characters. Harriet, the main character in "Late in the Day," fits each one of those descriptions. She is around the same age as me, and I found myself picturing her as an instant new friend throughout the story. As our friendship grew, I was intrigued to learn more about her teenage years during the 1980s and was fascinated (but also a little concerned) as her relationship with a much younger man developed after her divorce when she was in her early 60s. “Late in the Day” was an absolute treat to read!

[Bookwormbadger]

I have read and enjoyed several of the author's previous novels, and thought this one was really good too. I liked the dual timeline, it was cleverly done in such a way that the link between them and now didn't unfold until much later, but I was hooked. The pace is gentle but the plot made for gripping reading. Excellent characters; I found the ending somewhat implausible, but thought it was a great read.
With grateful thanks to NetGalley, Imogen Clark and Amazon Publishing for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy McElreath]

A character‑driven mystery with more depth than I expected.
I received an ARC of Late in the Day from NetGalley. What began as what I assumed would be a familiar “life reset” story quickly surprised me with the introduction of Nina. The dual perspectives between Harriet and Nina were occasionally a bit disorienting, but the unfolding mystery of their connection kept me engaged.
In the end, I appreciated the originality of the plot and the deeper themes running beneath the surface.

[Tracey Clark]

I’ve read a few of Imogen’s books. I really like this one. Without revealing any spoilers I have to admit that being a 61 yr old some of the beginning plot around Harriet were a little close to home for me and at times I was squirming. It’s a great book though about how family life can change and also about how things in our past shape us. Definitely a book about trust. Well worth a read.

My review is of an advanced copy received via NetGalley

[Louise Bookmac82 Mackin]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a nice cosy read with a bit of mystery and a few shocking twists thrown in.

I loved that it was a dual timeline story and loved seeing the 2 time lines fit together.

My favourite character was Nina and I really felt for her.

The epilogue left me with a lot of questions, some of which could probably have been answered in the book.

Overall its a great read and I plan to explore the authors extensive backlog in the future.