The Light a Candle Society: The joyful, uplifting book club read for 2026 from Sunday Times bestseller Ruth Hogan

Every flame tells a story...

George McGlory has been floundering since the death of his wife, Audrey. But when he witnesses a public health funeral - with the most basic of ceremonies, no flowers and no mourners in attendance - he vows to find a way to celebrate the lives of those who have no one else to remember them.

Together with florist Elena, undertaker Edwin, and Sid, the owner of a bric-a-brac emporium, George forms The Light a Candle Society to bring cheer to otherwise lonely funerals.

As they work to create meaningful and personal memorials, George and his friends find themselves confronting the secrets of their own histories, mending broken connections and harnessing the magical kindness of strangers.

Because in remembrance we find comfort, hope and, above all, love...

Praise for Ruth Hogan:
''Magical ... uplifting '' ANTON DU BEKE
''Told with wit and heart'' BETH MORREY
''Every page is a joy'' PIP WILLIAMS
''Delightfully uplifting'' WOMAN''S OWN
''Full of hope'' PRIMA

'LIFE-AFFIRMING AND FULL OF LOVE' CELIA ANDERSON
'WARM, COMPASSIONATE, WITTY' MIKE GAYLE
'HEARTWARMING' Woman's Own

A TOP TEN KINDLE BESTSELLER

Every flame tells a story...

George McGlory has been struggling since the death of his beloved wife, Audrey. But when he witnesses a public health funeral - with no flowers and no mourners - he is inspired to create The Light a Candle Society.

As George and his friends join together to celebrate forgotten lives, their care, compassion, humour and friendship become gifts not only to the people they are remembering, but to each other.

And the kindness of strangers gives them strength to confront the secrets of their own histories, forging joyful and unexpected new connections...

Praise for Ruth Hogan:
'Magical ... uplifting ' ANTON DU BEKE
'Told with wit and heart' BETH MORREY
'Every page is a joy' PIP WILLIAMS
'Delightfully uplifting' WOMAN'S OWN
'Full of hope' PRIMA

Readers LOVE The Light a Candle Society
'Wow ... this book is so emotional, uplifting and powerful' *****
'The story just grips you. Read it.' *****
'Such a powerful read. It will stay with me forever' *****
'A poignant, heartwarming story' *****

• | Author: Ruth Hogan
• | Publisher: Atlantic Books
• | Publication Date: Jun 26, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language: eng
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781805460756
• | ISBN-10: 1805460757