Hello, welcome to my website

My books are set in 1793-1801 among the shipbuilders and merchants living on the south coast of Cornwall. Britain is at war and the people of Cornwall must look to their defences. While navy ships await orders in Falmouth, the wheat fields lie in ruin: people are starving and corn riots seem inevitable. China clay has recently been discovered and a more efficient harbour is needed to export the clay to the potteries in the north. With the very real 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 where I live with my husband. For the last twenty five years we have sailed in and out of the romantic harbours of the south coast of Cornwall and it is there 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.

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