Meet an Author: Tess Woods

Step into the iconic Albi Bridal Shop, nestled at the bustling foot of the pyramids in the new novel by the bestselling author of The Venice Hotel, Tess Woods.

A sweeping story of sisterhood, love and defiance, The Cairo Bridal Shop blends family drama, romance, politics and the stories of the ancient pharaohs to create an unforgettable portrait of modern Egypt. The novel follows three sisters bound by their late mother’s bridal shop and by the lives they are fighting to claim. Sarah longs for a child while trapped in a crumbling marriage, Aya risks everything to save the man she loves from political imprisonment, and Lola grapples with her identity in a society where being herself could cost her everything. As pressure mounts from family, culture and the state, the sisters must navigate impossible choices — and hold on to each other through it all.

Inspired by the stories of the ancient pharaoh queens before them, the Albi sisters must harness their inner strength to survive – for in Egypt, history runs deep but blood runs deeper.

Tess Woods is an award-winning and Australian Top 10 bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her novel The Venice Hotel was an instant Australian Top 10 best seller and was shortlisted for the ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year. Tess lives in Western Australia with her husband and two children.

She was born in Alexandria to an Egyptian family and has drawn from her heritage to write The Cairo Bridal Shop, the book of her heart.

Don’t miss this chance to hear about Tess’s latest novel, described by Sally Hepworth as “Illuminating, compelling and affecting” – book your free tickets today.

Getting there

Helensvale Library is located beside Helensvale Plaza shopping centre just a 10 minute walk from the Helensvale Train Station. Consider using public transport or active travel. Plan your trip with the Translink journey planner.

Free parking is available for 3 hours. Additional street parking is also available at the nearby Lindfield Road.