To begin our story, we must transport you back to the late 19th Century, where the first of two twin brothers is about to be born, in a fashionable area of London. James Carstairs enters the world first, followed by his brother, Edward, just one minute later.
At the age of two, the twins are taken to the New World, the United States of America. Sadly, just four years afterwards, their parents divorce. The twins become American citizens and eventually matriculate, at an Ivy League University.
But it is James Carstairs, the elder of the twins, around whom our story centres. He distinguishes himself, not only as a good student, but as a talented sportsman. During World War One he serves as a captain, in France.
In 1920 his life changes beyond all recognition, when his uncle, the 2nd Lord Daylesworthy, dies – and James inherits the title…
Featured in August 2011 edition of Warwickshire Life Magazine.
ISBN 978-1-85858-478-2 . 240mm x 170mm Paperback . Fully Illustrated . £9.95 (free post and packing)
Following it’s launch at Waterstones Bookshop in Solihull, The Power of the Pendant went to number one in the Local Bestsellers List.
She looked up and saw the most amazing castle that she had ever seen. The castle was a beautiful white colour, with the sun’s gentle rays reflecting off it. It was floating on clouds, for clouds were its best support in the sky. There was a golden stairway, leading up to the front door. The stairway was at an angle and was difficult to climb. She clambered up, holding on tightly. Eventually she reached the top, exhausted, tired and worried about what was in this extraordinary place!
When Cerys goes to the cupboard under the stairs, to collect her coat, one morning, little does she suspect what awaits her there for she stumbles into the Land of Grace: an enchanted world, of queens, dwarfs and princesses. Tortoises riding chickens, evil potions… and a witch posing as a court photographer are everyday occurrences, plus eccentric sorcerers, toy soldiers who become human and a cornucopia of other creatures, of every size and description.
This is a highly imaginative tale, written in the third person, by a nine year old schoolgirl, with herself as the main character, accompanied by a group of school friends and family, who share her fantastic adventure. Although Cerys is the main storyteller, guidance has been provided, to some extent, by her English tutor, the biographer and novelist Shirley Thompson. Designed for children of all ages, this humorous fantasy will no doubt appeal to adults too!
Creativity is a family trait: the delightful illustrations are by Cerys' 16 year old Irish cousin, Micheál (pronounced Mihall) Doyle.
ISBN 978-1-85858-466-9 . 240mm x 170mm Paperback . Fully Illustrated . £5.95 (free post and packing)
Fiona Eastley, an attractive young widow, is recovering from the trauma of her husband’s sudden death. The months that follow are like a nightmare. Two years later, she is still trying to pick up the pieces. The beautiful island of Skiathos, in the middle of the Aegean Sea, seems an ideal setting for putting such memories behind her. During a fortnight’s holiday, at Club Skiathos, she meets not one, but two handsome strangers, who are destined to transform her life.
This is a broadly based romantic mystery novel, about a modern woman, with all her strengths and insecurities. It is designed to appeal to adults of all ages. The pages are filled with exotic locations, including several islands, at different points of the globe, each with a unique ambience. The Creative Arts feature prominently, plus an international cast of characters. Several of the chapters take place on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. There is also a strong Irish link, via one of the two heroes, the legend of the Rose of Tralee and beautiful Bantry House, in the south-west of Ireland: the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry.
Fiona must decide which of her two lovers she will eventually spend the rest of her life with. But before she can do so, Fate plays an extremely cruel and unexpected trick. For the Sirens of Greek Mythology are intent on luring the three main characters onto the rocks. As events unfold, four of the islands take on a far more sinister aspect. This is a story full of twists and turns, which will keep you guessing right until the very end!
Below you can see Shirley signing copies of Adrift in Paradise at Borders Bookhsop in the Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull, in September 2009.
ISBN 978-1-85858-447-8 . 240mm x 170mm Paperback . Fully Illustrated . £9.95 (Special Offer free post &packing)
Also available from The Kindle Store, Apple iBooks Store and Kobo.