Northamptonshire authors publish five new releases showcasing a rich mix of genres — including gangster fiction, historical fiction and autobiography — perfect additions to your reading list this season. You may even be inspired to pick up a pen and follow suit!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Finding Home by Lorna Marlow
Lorna Marlow’s compelling debut novel, Finding Home, has been shortlisted for the Debut Romance Novel Award by the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
Lucy wants for nothing, except love, respect and financial independence. Trapped in a gilded cage of violence and loss, it takes a surprise inheritance from a distant relative, to enable Lucy to start again.
Lucy establishes a new life in Cornwall but she is afraid to trust anyone completely, certain that revealing the truth will put her in danger. However, in time, she begins to share the secrets of her past and dares to love again.
As her new life unfolds, Lucy delves into the history of her new home and begins to unravel the past, bringing to life a lost relative in whom she sees a kindred spirit: a woman with her own demons to face and through whom, Lucy finds the strength to confront her own, as old threats resurface and she learns to fight back.
Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4uNq7fp
About the author – Lorna Marlow
Lorna Marlow is a Northamptonshire-based author and former English teacher who left the profession in 2022 to pursue writing full time. Her debut novel, Finding Home, quickly gained recognition for its compelling blend of romance, suspense and emotional storytelling.
Inspired by the rugged beauty of Cornwall, where all of her novels are set, Marlow weaves atmospheric settings with stories of resilience, family secrets and second chances. Although proudly rooted in Northamptonshire, she describes Cornwall as “owning a piece of her soul” and often draws on its dramatic coastline and close-knit communities in her writing.
Lorna lives with her husband and two children and is currently working on future novels while appearing at literary and community events across the UK.
Clouds over Bowland by Rosemary Sturge
Set in the North of England during the Napoleonic Wars, the novel explores the lives of a Quaker farming community in the remote Forest of Bowland in North Lancashire. Drawing on the author’s deep connection to the area where they grew up, the story centres on the community’s response to encounters with French Prisoners of War. Told through the voices of Hugh, a young Scotsman employed by the local landowner, and Dorcas, the daughter of a Quaker farmer, the novel brings to life a rich and often overlooked corner of British history. With its vivid historical setting and human stories of faith, loyalty, and change, it will appeal strongly to readers who enjoy historical fiction set before 1820
Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4dKv8j3
About the Author – Rosemary Sturge
The author has a longstanding interest in the history and landscapes of Northern England, particularly the Forest of Bowland in North Lancashire where she grew up. Earlier work has included fiction set in medieval Northampton, reflecting a continuing passion for bringing Britain’s past vividly to life through character-driven storytelling and carefully researched historical settings.
Destiny of a Gangster by Dennis Meredith
Destiny of a Gangster by Dennis Meredith is a crime fiction novel that explores the harsh realities of life within the criminal underworld. It follows the journey of a central character shaped by violence, loyalty, and difficult choices, as they navigate a world where power and survival often come at a cost. The story delves into themes such as fate, ambition, betrayal, and the struggle between escaping a criminal lifestyle or being pulled deeper into it. Through its portrayal of gang culture and personal conflict, the book presents a gritty look at how environment and circumstance can shape a person’s destiny.
Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4dKv8j3
About the author – Dennis Meredith
The author is a former Mayor who has written six books across a range of different genres, demonstrating an imaginative approach to storytelling. Despite being dyslexic, he has never allowed this to limit his creativity or ambition. Instead, he has drawn on his strong imagination and determination to pursue his passion for writing, turning ideas into stories that reflect both resilience and creativity. His journey shows that challenges can be overcome and that storytelling can be a powerful outlet for expression and achievement.
Hotel of Views by Steve Whitmill
“I have just had my 13th book published! It is a 5th book of 30 original poems called ‘A Hotel of Views’, and am awaiting a 20-poem compilation of children’s poetry to come out imminently.
My work is a mixture of personal interpretations on love, relationships, children and of loss. Some is funny and readers will spot Gary Larson or Spike Milligan styled observations. My past work as a mental health nurse also provides commentary on ageing, illness and historical comment on caring for the mentally ill. Readers of my work comment on the highly relevant and personal nature of the writing and can often relate to the message conveyed.”
Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/4nwupFn
About the author – Steve Whitmill
“As a Northampton author, I have a special interest in promoting literacy in our young children, and carry out voluntary work in two local primary schools, and have worked with secondary schools in the past. As a writer of poetry, I try to convey the creative excitement that verse or prose can deliver in creating a narrative with the reader – whatever age they are.
I also write short stories for young people that feature traditional avenues of adventure and resilience to adversity, and have 48 short plays which are suitable for emerging thespians and those who have never acted or read out loud before.”
Becoming Who I Was & (Perhaps) Still Might Be… by Peter H. Dietrich
Peter H. Dietrich has been writing for most of his life, including poetry, stories, travel articles, plays, novels, musicals, and many other forms. From an early age he participated in public poetry recitals, often accompanied by a jazz band, and many of his song lyrics have been recorded with various musicians and musical formations.
In recent years he has been giving public talks about his life and work, and in this new album the reader can discover the texts of some of these talks, along with illustrations, and extracts from his children’s books. His photography also figures throughout, making this an album for all tastes to enjoy.
“Looking back at my life and its constant travels, I believe it is important to remember where and how it all began for me, and what drove me always to carry on discovering new places, new people, and new wonders, which I am still doing today. I think it took me 50 years to realise that my driving-force has always been the world I saw and dreamt about as a child, and which has been with me through thick and thin, like a beacon in the sky above….so we should never forget to hold the hand of the child we used to be…”
The book is available to buy from Abington Library or by contacting the author: awwcinc@yahoo.co.uk