Telford woman pens debut novel

Helen Raven, of New Street, St Georges, has written her first book, Fallen Angel, which is set in a fictional village and explores relationships between family and friends following a tragic death.

In the book, 18-year-old Violet Henderson is found dead in a local beauty spot and the whole village is left unsettled and in shock.

A decade later, her sister Lucy Henderson returns to Old Haven.

She is guarding deadly secrets and, as she tries to put the past behind her, someone is determined to bring her down.

The 24-year-old penned the book over the period of a year.

Miss Raven said: "I am really excited about my first novel.

"Ever since I was very young, I have enjoyed writing stories which friends and family members have read and always said they enjoyed.

"That encouraged me to pursue my writing throughout my studies and eventually to a degree level at the University of Nottingham, where I studied creative and professional writing and achieved a first class honours degree.

"Whilst at university, I had several short stories published in various anthologies, including the university anthology, and some as a result of my winning open writing competitions."

The former Wrockwardine Wood Secondary School student said she has already received praise from people who have read her novel.

Miss Raven, who currently works as a shop assistant, said: "People say they have enjoyed it, they've enjoyed the twist.

"It's set in two time periods and it's basically about how this death affects everyone.

"I'm really pleased with it. It took me about a year to write as I changed a few things along the way.

"I'm always writing so I'm sure this won't be my last book."

The book, priced at £9.99, has been published by The Torch in Shrewsbury.

It is available online from Waterstones and Amazon, or can be bought at The Cave, in High Street, Shrewsbury.