Kimberley Freeman is an award-winning bestselling author of some thirty novels across a variety of genres.

Based in Brisbane, Kimberley is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and this year her new novel 'The Secret Year of Zara Holt' was published by Hachette Australia.

A novel inspired by the life of Dame Zara Bate - fashion designer and business woman - known as the wife of Australia's 17th prime minister, Harold Holt, who disappeared off the coast of Portsea and whose body was never recovered.

'The Secret Life of Zara Holt' is a poignant, compelling story of love, scandal and betrayal that stretched across more than forty years and the passionate bond that kept Zara imagining that Harold would find his way back to her.

A captivating read from an exceptional story-teller.

Cassie had a fascinating, wide-ranging chat with Kimberly about this incredible novel. Do tune in.