Devon Halliday’s “To Stay, To Stay, To Sta”y Tracks a College Town’s Eventful Summer — Read an Excerpt! (Exclusive)

**Debut Novel by Devon Halliday Set for Release in Autumn 2026**

Devon Halliday’s first novel, *To Stay, To Stay, To Stay*, is scheduled to be released on 27 October 2026, by the publishing house McSweeney’s. This much-anticipated debut has already garnered significant attention, having been longlisted for the Centre for Fiction’s First Novel Prize for 2026.

Set in a fictional college town named Eden in Ohio, this innovative narrative unfolds over the course of a single week during a particularly hot summer. Halliday’s story is portrayed through the eyes of seven diverse residents of Eden, each character representing a unique facet of life in this close-knit community. The cast includes a variety of professions that cut across the spectrum of everyday life, such as a realtor, a baker, a poet, an artist, and a gardener.

The novel’s synopsis paints it as “a mosaic portrait of love and its close substitutes,” indicating that themes of love and the struggles that come with it will be central to the narrative. Halliday’s storytelling promises to explore the intricacies of human relationships and the deep emotional currents that run through them.

In a unique promotional effort, an exclusive excerpt from *To Stay, To Stay, To Stay* was recently shared, offering readers a glimpse into Halliday’s evocative prose. The excerpt presents a whimsical scenario, exploring the thoughts of a lost wedding ring, raising questions about the symbolism of such a cherished object and the emotional weight it carries.

The narrative resonates with the challenges of life in Eden, as one of the protagonists, Nicole, grapples with her feelings surrounding the loss of her wedding ring. The search for the ring becomes a metaphor for deeper existential inquiries and reflects the tensions that may manifest in relationships. Halliday’s writing delicately intertwines thought-provoking themes with a touch of humour, making the excerpt both relatable and engaging.

Nicole’s journey through her home, searching for the ring, showcases her internal conflict regarding her marriage. As she searches various unlikely locations for the ring—from kitchen counters to trash bags—her actions hint at broader issues of commitment and self-reflection. The carefully depicted scenes not only illustrate her physical search but also delve into the emotional labyrinth she navigates, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

*To Stay, To Stay, To Stay* promises to be a thought-provoking addition to contemporary literature, tackling profound themes while maintaining a humorous tone. Halliday’s ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary is evident in the preview, compelling readers to ponder the significance of their own relationships and the subtleties of daily life.

With its impending release, anticipation is mounting for Halliday’s debut novel. As preorders become available, it appears that many are eager to explore this rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that *To Stay, To Stay, To Stay* aims to weave. The book’s varied cast of characters and their interconnected stories hold the potential to resonate deeply with readers.

As Halliday invites readers into the world of Eden, one can only hope that the themes of love, loss, and rediscovery will resonate just as strongly beyond the pages. The novel’s release is not just an introduction to Halliday as an author, but also a celebration of the complexities of human connection—a narrative that promises to linger in the minds of its readers long after the final page.