Books
The latest reads from our bevy of local authors!
Hypnotic
By Sherry Hostler
Is it possible to hypnotise someone to do something unthinkable – like commit a murder? You’ll find out in Sherry Hostler’s debut novel Hypnotic. In this contemporary psychological thriller, Tom takes part in a university experiment – but it’s not what he thinks it is…
This book was so gripping that I read it in one sitting – I just had to find out what happened at the end! And there is a satisfyingly surprising twist to the tale.
Sherry lived in Tring for 12 years, and also ran a cake company from the town. She now lives in Quainton, near Aylesbury.
How To Save a Life
By Clare Swatman
When two people meet on Waterloo Bridge one cold night, it’s a life-changing moment for both of them. Ted is about to throw himself into the Thames, while Marianne has been to the party from hell – seeing her boyfriend and boss in a passionate clinch with another woman. When she stops Ted from jumping, both their lives change. The book follows them as their lives continue. Clare has cleverly woven their lives together – you’ll find yourself groaning as you witness them narrowly missing each other, while all the while they (and you) wonder if they will ever meet again.
Clare, as well as being a former editor of Living Magazine, has been a journalist for more than 20 years, She lives with her family in Berkhamsted.
Blossom on the Thorn
By Loretta Livingstone
Writing historical novels is an art in itself – not only do you have to come up with a good story, but you need to ensure you stay true to the time period. Loretta Livingstone makes life even harder for herself, as the first two books in this series also feature some time travelling, which makes them rather compelling. This third book in the series places far less emphasis on this, and can be read as a standalone book. It’s an easy-to-read love story about Giles de Soutenay and Isabella, daughter of Roger le Gris, and widow of Baldwin FitzAubrey. Isabella is just 14 when she is married to Baldwin, with neither bride nor groom having any say in their choice of spouse.
Loretta has lived in Tring for 19 years. She suffers from ME, and says: ‘I often struggle to go out for a walk more than once a week unless I’m having a good spell, so the fact that I’ve managed to write three novels is pretty miraculous.’
The Little Cornish House
By Donna Ashcroft
The perfect book to take with you on holiday, Donna Ashcroft’s latest book is an easy-to-read summer romance. Even if the weather where you are is disappointing, you’ll be transported to the sunshine of the Cornish coast and stunning Indigo Cove, where you can expect secrets and second chances in this seasonal page-turner.
Donna lives in Tring and this is her ninth book. While it is set in Cornwall, its roots are firmly in Tring. The novel features a brewery and Donna did lots of research at Tring Brewery!
The Lost Whale
By Hannah Gold
Imagine if you could communicate with a whale? When Rio is sent to live in California, he joins in his friend’s whale watching trips and makes the most incredible connection with a whale called White Beak. But then his gentle giant of a friend goes missing…
A fascinating tale for kids age 8+ that combines adventure with ecological awareness. Hannah’s first book, The Last Bear, has won a whole paw-ful of awards, from the 2022 Blue Peter Book Awards to the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year.
Hannah grew up in Tring, and now lives in Lincolnshire with her tortoise, cats and husband, but The Lost Whale was launched recently at Our Bookshop in Tring. She told Living: It’s always so meaningful to come back to the place where it all started!’