Rosanna Ley

Rosanna Ley has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 15 years. Affiliated to several colleges and universities in England, she also runs her own writing courses in the UK and abroad. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. Her writing holidays take place in stunning locations in Italy and Spain and whilst not teaching or writing she mentors and appraises the work of new writers.

‘Bay of Secrets’ was inspired by the culture and landscape of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and by the story of ninos robados – the ‘stolen’ children of Spain – under Francoism. It explores the themes of loss and the later repercussions of dark family secrets. Like ‘The Villa’, it features strong female voices from the past and present, along with an intense undercurrent of mystery and romance.

Rosanna enjoys travelling and her favourite writing place is anywhere with a sea view. She lives with her artist husband in a Victorian cottage in West Dorset.

For more information visit www.rosannaley.co.uk

Latest book: THE BAY OF SECRETS

Bay of Secrets Set between England and the Spanish Canary Islands, three women discover a surprising truth about their shared pasts.

Spain 1939
Following the wishes of her parents to keep her safe during the Civil War, Julia is forced to enter a convent in Barcelona. Looking for a way to maintain her links to the outside world, she volunteers to help in a maternity clinic. But worrying adoption practices in the clinic force Sister Julia to decide how far she will go to help those placed in her care.

England 2011
Six months after her parents’ shocking death, thirty-four year old journalist and jazz enthusiast Ruby Rae has finally found the strength to pack away their possessions and sell the family home. But as she does so, she unearths a devastating secret her parents, Vivien and Tom, had kept from her all her life.

‘Combines a fascinating historical strand for lovers of Victoria Hislop with the storytelling of Rosamunde Pilcher. A ‘must-have’ for the summer.’ (Veronica Henry author of ‘The Long Weekend’.)

‘The journey is a roller coaster of secrets, heartbreak and family feuds but unravels to a satisfying conclusion. Rosanna Ley has written another compelling family saga.’ (Romance Fiction)

‘A beautiful and intriguing novel’ (Page to Stage)

To read more click here: Extract of Bay of Secrets

THE VILLA

Three women, all seeking answers. Will Villa Sirena bring them together - or drive them apart?

When Tess Angel receives a solicitor's letter inviting her to claim her inheritance - the Villa Sirena, perched on a clifftop in Sicily - she is stunned. Her only link to the island is through her mother, Flavia, who left Sicily during World War II and cut all contact with her family.

Initially resistant to Tess going back to her roots, Flavia realises the secrets from her past are about to be revealed and decides to try to explain her actions. Meanwhile, Tess' teenage daughter Ginny is stressed by college, by her blossoming sexuality and filled with questions that she longs to ask her father, if only she knew where he was...

To read more click here: Extract of The Villa

'Beautifully written, warm and romantic... the perfect holiday read' (Rachel Hore, author of A Gathering Storm)

Bibliography

'Bay of Secrets' is also to be published by Bastion Lubbe (Germany) and Sperling and Kupfer Spa (Italy).

'The Villa' has also been published by Bastion Lubbe (Germany) Sperling and Kupfer Spa (Italy) and Boveda (Spain) - under the name of Juliet Hall. And Literackie (Poland) and City Editions (France) under the name of Rosanna Ley.