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The Purple Thistles
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26A bittersweet inheritance draws three women back to their Texas hometown in a heart-lifting novel about found family, friendship, and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Kate, Elizabeth, and Gloria come from three vastly different backgrounds and were never friends in high school. But what they have in common Ula, a beloved nanny to all of them, has left a shared inheritance that reunites them in Applewood, Texas, at a time when each woman feels alone.
Kate was part of Applewood’s elite until bad decisions and a disappointing marriage left her disowned by her wealthy parents. Elizabeth fled her austere family for a new life in Kentucky, only to return under the shadow of a devastating secret. And Gloria, who grew up in poverty with an alcoholic mother, is struggling now with her own demons and divorce.
As they navigate painful pasts, heartbreak, unexpected romance, and the warm bonds of community, Kate, Elizabeth, and Gloria discover how much they need each other. And back in Applewood they can bloom again. Just as Ula hoped.
Kate, Elizabeth, and Gloria come from three vastly different backgrounds and were never friends in high school. But what they have in common Ula, a beloved nanny to all of them, has left a shared inheritance that reunites them in Applewood, Texas, at a time when each woman feels alone.
Kate was part of Applewood’s elite until bad decisions and a disappointing marriage left her disowned by her wealthy parents. Elizabeth fled her austere family for a new life in Kentucky, only to return under the shadow of a devastating secret. And Gloria, who grew up in poverty with an alcoholic mother, is struggling now with her own demons and divorce.
As they navigate painful pasts, heartbreak, unexpected romance, and the warm bonds of community, Kate, Elizabeth, and Gloria discover how much they need each other. And back in Applewood they can bloom again. Just as Ula hoped.
- GenresContemporary
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
About the author
Carolyn Brown
188 books4,215 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate Cheadle's childhood nanny and family housekeeper, Ula Kelly, dies of pancreatic cancer, and leaves her and two other high school classmates a sizable inheritance and they each got one of her properties.
The young ladies are shocked to learn that Ula wanted them to become close friends, because the truth was, they couldn't stand each other in high school, and by the looks of things, they still couldn't.
Kate was especially confused by everything. The other two women certainly knew of Ula's connection with her family, but what on earth was Ula's connection with them?
As it turned out, those connections were established easily enough, but every step toward friendship between the three of them was hard-won.
How they got there is intertwined with a quintessential view of life in a small country town.
I liked the small town feel, and the fact that I could easily keep track of the characters and their stories. There were plenty of surprises, too, 99% of which I saw coming. I was so engrossed in the story that I finished the book in two days!
The one thing that bothered me about the book is that the ending felt extremely rushed. I understand that no book can go on forever, but I feel like the characters and readers deserve a much more realistically paced ending.
The Purple Thistles fictitiously captures something that I feel that we've lost in real life (except maybe high school cliques) - small town and family values.
The adult characters had cell phones, but they never had them out during a meal or a get-together, and the few kids that could've had them didn't have phones at all. Traditions and looking out for each other meant something to most of the characters, and so did placing value in relationships.
This book reminded me a lot of Ann Hood's The Knitting Circle, both because of its strong emphasis on women's relationships, and the individual stories that the main characters have.
Overall, this book ticks all my boxes for an amazing Women's Fiction read!
I would recommend the book to any woman who's looking for an engrossing story that's true-to-life, focuses on the unique friendship between women, and has a small town feel.
The young ladies are shocked to learn that Ula wanted them to become close friends, because the truth was, they couldn't stand each other in high school, and by the looks of things, they still couldn't.
Kate was especially confused by everything. The other two women certainly knew of Ula's connection with her family, but what on earth was Ula's connection with them?
As it turned out, those connections were established easily enough, but every step toward friendship between the three of them was hard-won.
How they got there is intertwined with a quintessential view of life in a small country town.
I liked the small town feel, and the fact that I could easily keep track of the characters and their stories. There were plenty of surprises, too, 99% of which I saw coming. I was so engrossed in the story that I finished the book in two days!
The one thing that bothered me about the book is that the ending felt extremely rushed. I understand that no book can go on forever, but I feel like the characters and readers deserve a much more realistically paced ending.
The Purple Thistles fictitiously captures something that I feel that we've lost in real life (except maybe high school cliques) - small town and family values.
The adult characters had cell phones, but they never had them out during a meal or a get-together, and the few kids that could've had them didn't have phones at all. Traditions and looking out for each other meant something to most of the characters, and so did placing value in relationships.
This book reminded me a lot of Ann Hood's The Knitting Circle, both because of its strong emphasis on women's relationships, and the individual stories that the main characters have.
Overall, this book ticks all my boxes for an amazing Women's Fiction read!
I would recommend the book to any woman who's looking for an engrossing story that's true-to-life, focuses on the unique friendship between women, and has a small town feel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Purple Thistles by Carolyn Brown
I really enjoyed this book, a heartwarming women's fiction novel centered on friendship, family, and small town life. The story begins when Kate Cheadle's childhood nanny and housekeeper, Ula Kelly, passes away and leaves a substantial inheritance, including properties, to Kate and two other women who were her high school classmates. The twist is that these three women never got along in high school and have no desire to be friends.
As the story unfolds, they slowly uncover Ula's connections to each of them and begin a journey toward understanding, forgiveness, and unexpected friendship. I found the character development engaging, and I liked how each woman had her own personal struggles and growth arc. The small-town setting added warmth and authenticity, making it easy to connect with both the characters and their lives.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was its emphasis on community, family values, and genuine human relationships. In a world that often feels dominated by technology, it was refreshing to read about people who prioritized spending time together, supporting one another, and maintaining meaningful traditions. The themes of found family and female friendship were especially well done.
The story kept me invested throughout, and I found myself eager to keep turning the pages. While there were a few plot twists that felt somewhat predictable, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. My only criticism is that the ending felt rushed. After spending so much time getting to know the characters, I would have liked a more gradual and satisfying conclusion.
Overall, this is a touching and uplifting novel that beautifully captures the importance of friendship, community, and second chances. If you enjoy character driven stories with strong female relationships, a cozy small-town atmosphere, and plenty of heart, I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley, Carolyn and Montlake for this reader copy
I really enjoyed this book, a heartwarming women's fiction novel centered on friendship, family, and small town life. The story begins when Kate Cheadle's childhood nanny and housekeeper, Ula Kelly, passes away and leaves a substantial inheritance, including properties, to Kate and two other women who were her high school classmates. The twist is that these three women never got along in high school and have no desire to be friends.
As the story unfolds, they slowly uncover Ula's connections to each of them and begin a journey toward understanding, forgiveness, and unexpected friendship. I found the character development engaging, and I liked how each woman had her own personal struggles and growth arc. The small-town setting added warmth and authenticity, making it easy to connect with both the characters and their lives.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was its emphasis on community, family values, and genuine human relationships. In a world that often feels dominated by technology, it was refreshing to read about people who prioritized spending time together, supporting one another, and maintaining meaningful traditions. The themes of found family and female friendship were especially well done.
The story kept me invested throughout, and I found myself eager to keep turning the pages. While there were a few plot twists that felt somewhat predictable, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. My only criticism is that the ending felt rushed. After spending so much time getting to know the characters, I would have liked a more gradual and satisfying conclusion.
Overall, this is a touching and uplifting novel that beautifully captures the importance of friendship, community, and second chances. If you enjoy character driven stories with strong female relationships, a cozy small-town atmosphere, and plenty of heart, I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley, Carolyn and Montlake for this reader copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Purple Thistles is a warm, heartfelt story about three women who never expected to need each other—and certainly never expected to find their way back home. Carolyn Brown has such a gift for writing small towns that feel lived‑in, comforting, and just a little complicated, and Applewood, Texas is no exception.
Kate, Elizabeth, and Gloria arrive carrying very different burdens, yet the thread that ties them together—Ula’s bittersweet inheritance—feels tender and genuine. I loved how Brown lets each woman’s past unfold slowly, with just enough ache to make their growth feel earned. Kate’s fall from privilege, Elizabeth’s secret that shadows her return, and Gloria’s fight to break cycles she grew up with all add texture without ever overwhelming the story.
What really shines is the sense of found family. Watching these three women, who barely knew each other in high school, learn to lean in rather than pull away is both uplifting and quietly emotional. There’s romance, heartbreak, and plenty of small‑town charm, but at its core this is a novel about second chances—about blooming again in the very place you once wanted to leave behind.
It’s tender, hopeful, and full of Carolyn Brown’s signature warmth. A lovely read for anyone who enjoys stories where community, friendship, and a little nudge from the past help guide the way forward.
With thanks to Carolyn Brown, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Kate, Elizabeth, and Gloria arrive carrying very different burdens, yet the thread that ties them together—Ula’s bittersweet inheritance—feels tender and genuine. I loved how Brown lets each woman’s past unfold slowly, with just enough ache to make their growth feel earned. Kate’s fall from privilege, Elizabeth’s secret that shadows her return, and Gloria’s fight to break cycles she grew up with all add texture without ever overwhelming the story.
What really shines is the sense of found family. Watching these three women, who barely knew each other in high school, learn to lean in rather than pull away is both uplifting and quietly emotional. There’s romance, heartbreak, and plenty of small‑town charm, but at its core this is a novel about second chances—about blooming again in the very place you once wanted to leave behind.
It’s tender, hopeful, and full of Carolyn Brown’s signature warmth. A lovely read for anyone who enjoys stories where community, friendship, and a little nudge from the past help guide the way forward.
With thanks to Carolyn Brown, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
July 18, 2026
My Thoughts
Kate Cheadle, Elizabeth Tisdale and Gloria Winters never planned on returning to Applewood because they all wanted the lives they left behind to stay there.
When their beloved Nanny Ula passed away and she left her business assets and her home to them it became a second chance to live the lives each wanted but had almost given up on having.
In the authors tried and true fashion the small town where our three main characters grew up has stayed pretty much unchanged with a few surprises that give Elizabeth, Gloria and Kate a chance to start over both separately and together.
Each chapter is told from a different point of view, alternating between Kate, Elizabeth and Gloria.
As each of their pasts are revealed to one another the women start to form strong bonds with not only each other but also elderly residents of the small trailer park Elizabeth inherited and along the way others from town as well.
A beautifully heartfelt story with more than one twist to keep it flowing.
[EArc from Netgalley]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story is told from the different point of views of Kate, Gloria and Elizabeth. Each one sharing a bit of their past history with Nanny Ula as well as present day with the recent passing of Nanny Ula. Keep in mind that all three have never been friends. Not even well known acquaintances.
Each one had never planned on returning to Applewood. They just wanted the lives they had there to just be forgotten. All three only had unhappy memories of living there. But when circumstances change with their beloved Nanny Ula, all three have their plans changed dramatically.
It was a shock to be told their beloved Nanny Ula passed away and she left her business assets and her homes to them.
Was this a way for Nanny Ula to give them each a second chance?
Will this unexpected chance give Elizabeth, Gloria and Kate a chance to start over both separately and together?
Things come to light and are revealed that the women never knew about.
All the characters are lovable and likable…..
A beautiful heartfelt story with so many unexpected twists to keep it flowing and engaging.
Each one had never planned on returning to Applewood. They just wanted the lives they had there to just be forgotten. All three only had unhappy memories of living there. But when circumstances change with their beloved Nanny Ula, all three have their plans changed dramatically.
It was a shock to be told their beloved Nanny Ula passed away and she left her business assets and her homes to them.
Was this a way for Nanny Ula to give them each a second chance?
Will this unexpected chance give Elizabeth, Gloria and Kate a chance to start over both separately and together?
Things come to light and are revealed that the women never knew about.
All the characters are lovable and likable…..
A beautiful heartfelt story with so many unexpected twists to keep it flowing and engaging.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three women who have little in common beyond originating from the same town in Texas are drawn backed upward thanks to the legacy of the woman they all had in common and loved deeply.
Gloria, Elizabeth, and Kate are - in various different ways - each at a crossroads. Can they find strength or support from each other at this crucial point in their lives?
What was Ula thinking to bring together three such diverse women? Perhaps ultimately what people leave the ones they love is simply the shared gift of having loved them.
This is a tender story by a chronicler of women's lives that will be enjoyed by readers of women's fiction. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Gloria, Elizabeth, and Kate are - in various different ways - each at a crossroads. Can they find strength or support from each other at this crucial point in their lives?
What was Ula thinking to bring together three such diverse women? Perhaps ultimately what people leave the ones they love is simply the shared gift of having loved them.
This is a tender story by a chronicler of women's lives that will be enjoyed by readers of women's fiction. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Found family, friendship, going home, moving forward and overcoming your past are all themes Carolyn Brown weaves through The Purple Thistles.
A journey through the lives of three women who are unexpectedly brought together after the death of their childhood nanny, Ula, Each enters the story raw, dealing with hurt, loss, and even trauma. They come together and form family, find love, purpose and a future.
This is a sweet and clean romance. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy.
A journey through the lives of three women who are unexpectedly brought together after the death of their childhood nanny, Ula, Each enters the story raw, dealing with hurt, loss, and even trauma. They come together and form family, find love, purpose and a future.
This is a sweet and clean romance. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Purple Thistles is an inspirational Carolyn Brown story about friendship, family, overcoming obstacles, prejudices and growing in love. Kate, Gloria, and Elizabeth never were friends in school, but an inheritance from the woman they all considered more of a mother than their own brings a new understanding of family into their lives. This is a book to savor. I voluntarily reviewed a copy from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well Carolyn Brown has done it once again, I started reading her books with my grandmother and haven't skipped a new one since. The Purple Thistles is overflowing with love, found family and good ol' fashioned humor. I was not ready for it to end and now that it has i can't wait for the next new book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, The Purple Thistles, by Carolyn Brown, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Elizabeth, Gloria, and Kate. had the same nanny, Ula, she passed on and left an inheritance to them. This was a really good read, Ula was a great character.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews