From 12th January to 26th January 2026 join Trollope enthusiasts from across the world every second Monday to discuss Rachel Ray as we read it together on Zoom.

Rachel Ray is a domestic novel set in a small Devon town, focusing on the emotional and moral struggles of a young woman whose prospects of happiness are clouded by family pressure and religious intolerance. When Rachel meets Luke Rowan, a spirited young man with unclear intentions, she must navigate conflicting advice from her kindly mother and her strict Evangelical sister. The novel offers a sharp critique of religious hypocrisy and the limits placed on women’s independence, while providing a tender portrait of love, reputation, and small-town life.

Register free for the complete 2026 BIG READ

You only need to register once, you can then attend any of the 2026 BIG READ Zoom meetings without needing to register again. You can cancel your registration at any time.

26 January – Rachel Ray, Chapters 16 – 30
9 February – The Bertrams, Chapters 1 – 12
23 February – The Bertrams, Chapters 13 – 24
9 March – The Bertrams, Chapters 25 – 36
23 March – The Bertrams, Chapters 37 – 47
6 April – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 1 – 13
20 April – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 14 – 26
4 May – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 27 – 39
18 May – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 40 – 52
1 June – Mr Scarborough’s Family, Chapters 53 – 64
15 June – The Belton Estate, Chapters 1 – 11
29 June – The Belton Estate, Chapters 12 – 22
13 July – The Belton Estate, Chapters 23 – 32
27 July – Castle Richmond, Chapters 1 – 11
10 August – Castle Richmond, Chapters 12 – 22
24 August – Castle Richmond, Chapters 23 – 33
7 Sept – Castle Richmond, Chapters 34 – 44
21 Sept – The Kellys and The O’Kellys, Chapters 1 – 12
5 Oct – The Kellys and The O’Kellys, Chapters 13 – 24
19 Oct – The Kellys and The O’Kellys, Chapters 25 – 36
2 November – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 1 – 14
16 November – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 15 – 29
30 November – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 30 – 44
14 December – Ralph The Heir, Chapters 45 – 58
28 December – Christmas Day at Kirkby Cottage

Click here to register to attend Rachel Ray BIG READ Zoom meetings

We will send you an email with instructions on how to join and the password. Using Zoom is easy, just click on the link in the email and follow the instructions. Please note that you will not be able to join the meeting until 8.00pm (UK time) on the day.

Resources

• Plot summary and character listing for Rachel Ray
• Download Rachel Ray free of charge from Project Gutenberg
• Explore our Reading Guide for Rachel Ray