Against the majestic, visual backdrop of the French and Italian Riviera, three generations of strong passionate women fight for the survival and the future legacy of their families. Merryn weaves a tale of fact and fiction linking the 3 generations in a gripping tale of fate, romance and mystery.

Against the majestic, visual backdrop of the French and Italian Riviera, three generations of strong passionate women fight for the survival and the future legacy of their families. Merryn weaves a tale of fact and fiction linking the 3 generations in a gripping tale of fate, romance and mystery.

Sometimes it takes fear, anger, rejection and forgiveness to discover just who you really are.

Sixteen year old Mary Hampton is tall, stunningly beautiful but damaged. Born and raised on an isolated farm in rural New Zealand, she is forced to harbour a horrific secret. Devastated, because she will leave behind her first love and her adored mother, but driven to protect herself, Mary runs away from home. Armed only with determination and the contents of a letter, she travels to France to search for her Parisian birth father.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Sammezzano Castle, past meets present in the glorious Tuscan sun.

Allegra O’Brien has it all: a beautiful family, a loving husband and a stunning west London home. But when she discovers her husband’s infidelity, that world crashes down around her.

Secrets. The past. A journey toward healing.

When life begins to unravel, the truth has a way of finding its way back. Behind The Butterfly Gate lies a story of hidden connections, emotional discovery, and the courage it takes to face the past.

From the author of The Peacock Room, Merryn Corcoran brings another powerful story about transformation, family secrets, and second chances.

Step beyond the gate and discover the story for yourself: