Fiction

The fulfilment of a long-held dream

Unlocking the Gates
The Power of the Pendant
Adrift in Paradise

Unlocking the Gates

by Shirley Thompson & Caroline Bourner

Our story begins in the late 19th century, in a fashionable part of London, where twin brothers are about to be born. James Carstairs enters the world first; his brother Edward follows 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 later, their parents divorce. The boys become American citizens and eventually go up to an Ivy League university.

But it is James, the elder twin, around whom the story centres. He distinguishes himself as both a good student and a talented sportsman, and during the First World War he serves as a captain in France.

Then, in 1920, his life changes beyond all recognition: his uncle, the 2nd Lord Daylesworthy, dies — and James inherits the title…

Book news clipping about Unlocking the Gates

As featured in

Warwickshire Life Magazine

Book news, August 2011

See the article (PDF)

ISBN 978-1-85858-478-2
240mm x 170mm Paperback
Fully Illustrated
£9.95 (free post and packing)

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The Power of the Pendant

by Cerys Stansfield with Shirley Thompson

After its launch at Waterstones 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!

One morning, when Cerys goes to the cupboard under the stairs to fetch her coat, little does she suspect what awaits her. She stumbles into the Land of Grace, an enchanted world of queens, dwarfs and princesses, where tortoises riding chickens, evil potions and a witch posing as a court photographer are everyday occurrences — along with eccentric sorcerers, toy soldiers who come to life, and a cornucopia of other creatures of every size and description.

This highly imaginative tale was written in the third person by a nine-year-old schoolgirl, who stars as the main character alongside the school friends and family who share her fantastic adventure. Cerys is the storyteller, with some guidance from her English tutor, the biographer and novelist Shirley Thompson. Written for children of all ages, this humorous fantasy will no doubt appeal to adults too.

Creativity runs in the family: the delightful illustrations are by Cerys’s 16-year-old Irish cousin, Mícheál (pronounced “Mihall”) Doyle.

ISBN 978-1-85858-466-9
240mm x 170mm Paperback
Fully Illustrated
£5.95 (free post and packing)

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Adrift in Paradise

by Shirley Thompson

Fiona Eastley, an attractive young widow, is recovering from the trauma of her husband’s sudden death. The months that follow are a nightmare, and 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 the ideal place to put those memories behind her — and during a fortnight’s holiday at Club Skiathos she meets not one but two handsome strangers who are destined to transform her life.

This broadly based romantic mystery is the story of a modern woman, with all her strengths and insecurities, written for adults of all ages. Its pages are filled with exotic locations, including several islands at different points of the globe, each with its own ambience. The creative arts feature prominently, alongside an international cast of characters. Several chapters take place on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and there is a strong Irish link through one of the two heroes, the legend of the Rose of Tralee and beautiful Bantry House in south-west Ireland, ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry.

Fiona must decide which of her two lovers she will spend the rest of her life with. But before she can, Fate plays an extremely cruel and unexpected trick: the Sirens of Greek mythology are intent on luring the three main characters onto the rocks, and as events unfold, four of the islands take on a far more sinister aspect. Full of twists and turns, this story will keep you guessing right to the very end.