Books

Choose from our autumn selection of books by local authors.

Wedding Bells at the Wartime Bookshop
by Lesley Eames

Lesley Eames delivers another heartwarming instalment in her beloved Wartime Bookshop series. Wedding Bells at the Wartime Bookshop continues the stories of Alice, Naomi, and Kate as they navigate love, loss, and friendship in wartime Britain. Set against the backdrop of a Hertfordshire village during WWII, this uplifting novel blends community spirit with personal triumphs and romantic twists. Naomi is upset when a nasty, anonymous letter lands on her doorstep. Who could have sent it? Meanwhile, Ruby is preparing for her wedding to Kenny. But why she isn’t excited? A touching, feel-good read from start to finish.

Lesley is originally from Manchester, but lives in Hertfordshire. She won both the Festival of Romance New Talent Award and the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Elizabeth Goudge Cup. Along with novels, she has also had more than 90 short stories published in magazines, and also mentors other writers.

The Line to Freedom
by Mike Walsham

The Line to Freedom by Mike Walsham is a story of courage and resistance during World War II. It follows Andrew, recruited into the British Secret Intelligence Service while working in the banking sector in the City of London. After undergoing commando-style training in Scotland, lengthy Royal Navy officer training, and instruction as a parachutist, Andrew was dropped into northeast France in late May 1941 to collaborate with the French Resistance. He was later sent to Sardinia in a bid to thwart the Italian Air Force from bombing Allied convoys heading to Malta. On his return to England, he assumed the identity of a missing French Resistance operative and was dropped back into France on a perilous mission. This compelling story is rich with detail thanks to Mike’s meticulous research, and provides a fascinating insight into the world of intelligence during WWII.

Mike Walsham is an author who lives in Berkhamsted. He published his first novel, Monique, in 2020, followed by Doing One’s Duty and Outwitting the Enemy.

The Matchmaker’s Mare
by Hywela Lyn

The Matchmaker’s Mare by Hywela Lyn is a sweet, romantic story with a delightful equestrian twist. Set in rural Wales, the story centres on a gentle matchmaking scheme involving two lonely hearts – and a spirited mare. Lyn’s writing captures the charm of the countryside and the warmth of small-town connections, delivering a tender tale of hope, healing, and unexpected love. With vivid descriptions, likeable characters, and just the right dose of emotion, this is a feel-good read. Uplifting and heartwarming throughout, with a touch of the paranormal!

Award-winning author Hywela Lyn was born and raised in rural West Wales, but moved to Pitstone when she married her late husband, more than 30 years ago. She is a member of The Romantic Novelists’ Association (UK), and her local writing group, Chiltern Writers.

A Chance Worth Taking
(previously Five Things I Love About You)
By Clare Swatman

Miranda’s life is steady, but rather too predictable – but when she’s knocked off her bike and wakes up in hospital bruised but not broken, she wonders if the universe is trying to tell her something. And when she starts to be plagued by recurring dreams featuring the same featureless man, she is convinced it’s a sign.

She embarks on a journey to the future she’s always longed for. But when she finds the ideal life and love awaiting her, will she be brave enough to embrace it?

Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Beth Moran and Jill Mansell.

After The Party
By C.L Swatman

Summer, 2005: Five students attend an end-of-year party. As dawn breaks the next day, four of the friends are preparing to leave when they realise one of the girls is missing. That’s when the screaming starts.

Twenty years later, Amy is at home when there’s a knock at her door. The woman on her doorstep introduces herself as Hannah Hastings, a well-known true-crime podcaster. She’s investigating the drowning of a young woman at a party in 2005. Amy slams the door, but the damage is done. And a few days later, she receives a threatening note, telling her not to speak to Hannah… or she’ll regret it.

Amy has spent two decades trying to forget that night – and now she is the one in danger.

Clare Swatman lives in Berkhamsted and is the mum of two teenagers. A former Living Magazines editor, and national magazine journalist, she has written 10 women’s fiction novels, along with thrillers under the name C. L. Swatman.

Local authors! Let us know about your book releases. Email editorial@livingmags.info.