Hello, welcome to my books

My books are set in 1793-1800 among the shipbuilders and merchants living in the harbours on the south coast of Cornwall. Britain is at war and Cornwall must look to her defences. Navy ships await orders in Falmouth, the wheat fields lay in ruin, people are starving and corn riots seem inevitable. China clay has been discovered and a new harbour is required. With the threat of invasion, volunteer forces need to be mustered, and a constant watch kept for French spies…

Before I started writing, I had a fulfilling career as a nurse, taking a break while the children were young to qualify as a library assistant. My love of English literature saw me complete an Open University honours degree in Humanities which is where my interest in the Enlightenment began. Cornwall and the eighteenth century – a heady mix.

My home is in the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. I live with my husband and border terrier. For the last twenty five years we’ve sailed in and out of the romantic harbours of the south coast of Cornwall which is where I set my books. I love hearing from readers, so do join me on my Facebook page, or leave a message on this site.

I’m published by Corvus Books, an imprint of Atlantic Books, and Teresa Chris is my agent.

So, come, let me take you back to 1793, to the rugged cliffs and secret coves on the south coast of Cornwall.  Believe me, it really was a dark and stormy night…

Best wishes and happy reading,

Nicola x