Independent Author Award Winner

Winner of the 2026 Literary Global Award

Book of the Year Women's Fiction

After The Lake - book cover
Read on Kindle Unlimited
Debut Novel

Stories that linger long after
the last page

Mara Mansour writes quiet, emotionally rich fiction about love, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to truly be seen.

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Mara's Books

After The Lake book cover

Debut Novel - Contemporary Romance

After The Lake

A tender, emotionally rich romance about two teenagers who fall in love at fifteen, on the fragile edge between childhood and adulthood. When circumstances force them apart, they sustain their bond through handwritten letters, carrying longing and hope across a year of separation. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the 1980s, the novel explores first love, growing up too soon, and the question of whether love is something you outgrow - or something you choose, again and again.

Coming Soon

Mara's Next Novel

Stepping Out Of The Silence - coming soon book cover
Coming Soon

Mara's Next Novel - Contemporary Fiction

Stepping Out Of The Silence

After losing both of his parents in a tragic accident, Elliot stopped living. For two years, he has hidden himself away inside the walls of his apartment, shutting out the world, and everyone in it.

The only person he still lets close is Noah, his best friend who quietly put his own life on hold just to keep Elliot from completely disappearing into himself.

Then Val moves in across the hall. She's loud, reckless, impossible to ignore and entirely too interested in the quiet man who never opens his door. She's everything Elliot is hiding from, but she refuses to leave him alone.

They clash constantly, pushing every one of each other's buttons, yet somewhere between late night arguments, unexpected honesty and the chaos she brings into his carefully structured existence, something begins to change.

Little by little, Elliot starts learning to live again. And Val, beneath all her noise and laughter, begins to realise she's been hiding too.

Heartfelt, emotional and deeply human - a story about grief, healing, friendship and the terrifying beauty of letting people in.

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Events

Meet Me at the Book Fairs

I'd love to meet you in person! Throughout the year I'll be attending book fairs and literary events where you'll be able to browse my books, chat with me, and have your copies personally signed.

As a thank you for visiting my stand, you'll also be able to purchase my books at a special event-only discounted price.

Check the dates below to see where I'll be next. I hope to see you there!

Leamington Spa Book Extravaganza

Sunday, 02 August 2026🕒 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Royal Pump RoomsRoyal Pump Rooms Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA

Event Discount

UK Author Promotions, Grand Launch

Sunday, 23 August 2026🕒 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Oulton Hall2 Rothwell Ln, Oulton, Leeds LS26 8HN

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Birmingham Book Extravaganza

Saturday, 12 September 2026🕒 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Uffculme Centre52 Queensbridge Road, Birmingham, B13 8QY

Event Discount

Birmingham Christmas Extravaganza

Saturday, 28 November 2026🕒 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Uffculme Centre52 Queensbridge Road, Birmingham, B13 8QY

More Details
Event Discount
Signed copies available
Exclusive book fair discounts
Happy to chat and take photos
Mara Mansour, author
DEBUT
Author
About the Author

Meet Mara Mansour

Mara Mansour is a debut author whose writing captivates with its quiet intensity, emotional realism, and careful exploration of what remains unsaid. Her storytelling style leans into stillness, where tension and connection emerge from the subtleties of human interaction.

Through her novels, Mara delves into complex themes of vulnerability, resilience, and love found in unexpected places, weaving narratives that allow readers to pause and reflect on life's unspoken moments.

Her debut novel, After the Lake, is character-driven, immersive, and quietly powerful - written for those who cherish slow-burn stories about emotional risks and the courage it takes to truly be seen. When she's not writing, Mara is a busy mother of four and a teacher, balancing her passion for storytelling with the everyday joys and challenges of family life.

Debut Novelist
Contemporary Romance
Mother of Four

Reader Reviews

What Readers Are Saying

After The Lake is the kind of book you read in one sitting and then sit quietly with for days. Beautifully written.

Sarah M.

The letters between the characters are some of the most tender writing I have encountered. A stunning debut.

Claire R.

Mara has a gift for writing what goes unsaid. I cried at the end - in the best possible way.

Joanna K.
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