Emily Parker spoke with author Claire Musters about finding restoration after an affair, and why we wear masks.

Claire: I do it in a church context, because in telling our story at the beginning of the book, I talk about how when we got back together, I then had to face our church family again and how difficult that was. But also how gracious and loving they were and how, having had my mask ripped off, it began a journey for us all of authentic community. My husband's actually now the pastor of that church, so we've been on a huge journey together as a group of people.

Wherever you are, whether you go to church or not, I think the same rules apply. Having a few friends that you completely trust; you can't really be truly who you are if you're not sure that you trust the people that you're with, if you feel like you need to hold back a bit. So I talk about cultivating really close friendships so that you feel that you've got people around you that aren't going to judge you; that you know have your back and are for you, so that if you reveal something that you are not that proud of, then they're not going to turn around and judge you, but they're going to be there to encourage you in the steps that you need to take.

If necessary, seek professional help. If you know you're wearing a particular mask and it's affecting your relationship, perhaps if you're married and you're not sure you've got loving friends or family who would be supportive, or if you're not sure you want to be that open with them yet, then seek professional help and go through it that way, just so you've got that open arena to be able to start speaking out. Because often, a lot of our fear is fuelled because we don't speak out and it loses some of its power when we begin to voice these things.

Emily: If anybody wants to get hold of a copy of your book and find out more, how can they do so?

Claire: My book is on Amazon. I know lots of local Christian book shops are stocking it as well. I have a website which is www.clairemusters.com and at the moment I'm selling my book directly through there and I can sign the books too. If you want to find out a bit more about me and about what I do, I have a personal blog on there as well and I keep it updated with what I'm doing with my writing, my speaking, and my editing as well.