DROITWICH author Sheryl Brown will be releasing the paperback of her latest novel Learning to Love on Monday (April 4).
The book centres around Andrea Kelly whose house in a small village burns down, leading to her losing all her worldly possessions.
She is optimistic her neighbours will help her in her time of need but that assistance comes from the person she least expects – Dr David Adams who opens his door not just to her but to her three children and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.
Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with the aftermath of the fire and the suspicious absence of her husband Jonathan.
But as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs.
Learning to Love, being published by the award-winning Choc Lit, has already received exceptional early reviews.
Lyn Vernham, Choc Lit’s managing director, said: “It’s a wonderful feelgood read that, in typical Sheryl Browne fashion, has you in tears and laughing out loud in equal measure.”
Shery’ls debut The Rest of My Life, did incredibly well, being selected for the 2016 Best of the Year by WH Smith Travel.
Matt Bates, WH Smith Travel’s fiction buyer, said: “Her novels cut straight to the heart and if you’re looking for a totally engrossing read that will make you cry as well as laugh your socks off then look no further.”
Sheryl, described by Mr Bates as a ‘rising star in women’s fiction’, lives in Droitwich with her family, is a mum, a foster mum to disabled dogs and is ‘super-pleased’ to have completed her Masters Degree in Creative Writing at Birmingham City University.
She works part-time in her own business and in her leisure time enjoys boating. She once restored an old narrowboat.
As well as the women’s fiction, Sheryl also writes thrillers and has so far had two – After She’s Gone and Sins of the Father – released.
Sheryl said she was delighted with Learning to Love and the fantastic reception it has received.
“It was such fun to write so I’m doubly blessed.”
Sheryl added she took so much inspiration from the area she lived in – particularly from the waterways.
“Cruising the River Avon and Severn, stopping off at countryside pubs, mooring up in idyllic surroundings have all been part of my research.
“I hasten to add that there’s a lot of hard slog in writing a book too of course.
“I do find our inland waterways a great inspiration.”
As well as Learning to Love, the canals feature in The Rest of My Life, released last year, and in her upcoming psychological thriller The Edge of Sanity.
“I’m pretty sure they’re going to crop up again, too – most likely along with a dog or two,” added Sheryl.
Learning to Love is available as a paperback from Monday (April 4) at www.amazon.co.uk along with all good book shops and online stores.
