PODCAST: Tess Woods on The Cairo Bridal Shop and Finding Her Way Back to Writing

PODCAST: Tess Woods on The Cairo Bridal Shop and Finding Her Way Back to Writing

Three sisters disappear from a bridal shop at the foot of the pyramids. That’s where Tess Woods’ new novel, The Cairo Bridal Shop, begins. Tess joins Cheryl to talk about the very personal story behind the book, her Egyptian heritage, her beloved grandmother and the unexpected journey that took her from physiotherapy to bestselling author. The Cairo Bridal Shop is out now.

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21 August 2026

What Are You Reading? Author Spotlight: Tess Woods

    Publisher details

    The Cairo Bridal Shop
    Author
    Tess Woods
    Publisher
    Penguin
    Genre
    Fiction
    Released
    01 September, 2026
    ISBN
    9781761350863

    Synopsis

    The highly anticipated new novel by the bestselling author of The Venice Hotel.Nestled at the bustling foot of the pyramids lies the iconic Albi Bridal Shop, where three sisters are about to break the shackles of tradition to fight for their futures.When Mariam Albi was tragically killed, the responsibility of running the business was thrust upon eldest daughter, Sarah. Bound to the dress shop and to the demands of her husband and his spiteful mother, Sarah finds herself trapped with nowhere to turn.Political journalist Aya is writing the story of her career while on the cusp of a thrilling new relationship with Australian-raised journalist, Gamal. When Gamal is arrested on suspicion of treason, Aya risks her life to follow her heart.University student Lola, the youngest of the Albi girls, is finding her place in the world while masking her true identity. But her secret is exposed, putting her life in grave danger as she faces losing everything and everyone she loves.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
    About the author

    Tess Woods

    Tess Woods once had a simple life until her compulsion to write made-up stories complicated everything. She’s now an award-winning and Australian Top 10 bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Tess also works as a physiotherapist in private practice, and she shares a clinic and a home on the stunning Western Australian coast with her husband. She’s the mother of two brilliant grown-up children who she loves to travel with, and a fluffy cat who keeps her company while she writes. Tess 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. You can contact Tess on Instagram, Facebook or at [email protected]

    Books by Tess Woods

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    1. Wander says:

      Tess Woods talking about finding her way back to writing is the kind of interview that reminds you the craft never really leaves — it waits. The way back usually runs through the characters: when mine go quiet, I rebuild them in a structured character bible (CharForge maps traits, backstory, and how each one relates to the rest of the cast), and having the whole cast on one page is often what unsticks the story. Lovely listen for anyone mid-novel or mid-hiatus.

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