The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson
“A sprawling, beautiful delight of a novel spanning nearly a century as four generations gradually peel back the layers of long-buried family secrets that may just change everything. ... I immensely enjoyed this sweeping, heartrending, emotional roller coaster of a tale, which made me laugh, cry, and think about the true meaning of family."
— Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson
The HarperCollins Winter 2024 Lead Read! An Indie Next pick!
Available in hardcover, paperback, and audio
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Praise for The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson
“A family secret, a DNA test, a journey as rich and colorful as the early-day circus itself. Through Cecily Larson’s hidden life, Ellen Baker tenderly examines personal determination, lost love, family ties, and our innate need to discover our own truth.”
Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours and Before and After
"Unforgettable. Baker's electrifying tale is a haunting testament to the complex intersections of familial bonds driven by a remarkable courage which can only be found in hope."
Kim Michele Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series
“Ellen Baker has written the quintessential escape novel, whose overflowing plot involves three generations of women, family secrets, a one-ring circus (really), and the pleasure of historical flashbacks. Light a fire and settle in.”
—Monica Wood, author of The One-in-a-Million Boy
“The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson is a deeply satisfying, multi-generational rollercoaster of a novel written in gorgeous prose and with characters that ring so true you want to reach out and touch them. I savored every page of this book and will remember the story of Cecily and Lucky for a very long time to come.”
Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics and Community Board
“The Hidden Life Of Cecily Larson explores the lasting legacy of love, family, loss, and luck, beautifully told through the lives of an extended family. It is heartbreaking, yet redeeming, and shines a light on the power of hope. I loved Ellen’s storytelling.”
Crystal Smith Paul, author of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?
“Part genetic mystery and part adventure story, The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson takes readers on a riveting ride through America, spanning nearly a century of history, heartbreak, and—most importantly—hope. At the center of the novel is one impossible love story, whose reverberations echo through the generations in surprising ways. With rich, original settings, determined characters, and countless twists and turns, Ellen Baker has written a deeply felt novel about families, both lost and found.”
Thao Thai, author of Banyan Moon
A Top Book of the Season
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Upcoming Events
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Sunday, June 22
4-6 p.m.
NOVEL book bar & cafe
Portland, Maine
Hosted by The Portland Literary Club
I’ll be discussing and signing THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON. More details to come soon!
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Wednesday, July 9
7 p.m.
PRINT: A BOOKSTORE
Portland, Maine
I’ll be in conversation with Libby Buck to celebrate the release of her debut novel PORT ANNA, which explores second chances and blossoming romance in a charming port town in Maine. Please join us!
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Tuesday, July 22
2 p.m.
Virtual program
GLEN COVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Glen Cove, New York
I’ll be on Zoom discussing THE HIDDEN LIFE OF CECILY LARSON with the Glen Cove Public Library. Click the button below to register!
Want to work with me?
I offer an online course called START YOUR NOVEL WITH CONFIDENCE: 3 WEEKS TO CONFIDENTLY PLAN, OUTLINE, AND START THE NOVEL YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF WRITING. Find out more here.
I also offer 1:1 novel editing and coaching services to a few clients per year. I specialize in helping writers who want to pursue traditional publication.
