Meet the Author - Tess Woods 2026

The City of Joondalup Libraries, Dymocks Karrinyup and Penguin Books Australia are delighted to invite you to the launch of Tess Woods' highly anticipated next novel, The Cairo Bridal Shop. Tess will be in conversation with fellow author Sasha Wasley, sharing insights into her writing process, the inspirations behind the novel, and her successful journey in the literary world.

About The Cairo Bridal Shop

Nestled at the bustling foot of the pyramids lies the iconic Albi Bridal Boutique, 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.

About Tess Woods

Tess once had a simple life until her compulsion to write made-up stories complicated everything. She’s now an award-winning and best-selling author of contemporary fiction. Her novels have been published across North America and sold into Europe for translation.

Her previous novel, The Venice Hotel, became an instant Top 10 Australian best seller in its debut week in September 2024. The book was also shortlisted in the 2025 Australian Book Industry Book Awards (ABIAs) for General Fiction Book of the Year and was voted #9 in the 2025 Better Reading Top 100 books.

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 lovely and long-suffering husband. She’s a mother of two brilliant grown-up children and one grumpy grown-up cat. She’s obsessed with her Little Red Street Library and her veggie patch.

In 2024, Tess became the director of Perth’s Festival of Fiction.

Dymocks Karrinyup will be selling Tess's book on the night, and she will be available for book signing.

Cost $15 (Ticket Only), and $40 (Ticket with Book). Book and pay online.

Please note, the presentation will run for approximately one hour, followed by book signing and refreshments.

For further information on this event please call the City on 9400 4751

Cancellations and refunds:

A program will only be cancelled if there are insufficient enrolments received one day prior to the event or due to factors beyond the City’s control. No individual refunds or credits will be given for general non-attendance.