BOOK
My debut historical novel ABSENT LIVES was published on 28th April 2026.
A haunting tale of the ripples of war, the endurance of memory and the unbreakable threads of family.
1915. When the RMS Lusitania is torpedoed by a German U-boat off the Irish coast, young parents Anita and Elmore are torn from their happy lives. They survive, but amid the chaos their infant son, John, is lost. Grief drives Elmore to vengeance on the battlefields of France, where he is reported missing in action. Shattered and alone, Anita seeks solace across the Atlantic, carving out a fragile existence on her aunt’s Californian ranch and with the wealthy McKinneys in colonial Nassau, before finally settling in the shadows of New York’s skyline.
Scotland, 1960. Twenty-two-year-old Charles is summoned to his grandfather’s deathbed and handed a mysterious package containing a child’s jacket and a bracelet. As curiosity turns to obsession, Charles embarks on a journey that will span decades, unravel a half-century-old mystery and lead him to a woman whose story was almost lost to time.
AVAILABLE AT WATERSTONES OR ONLINE AT
WATERSTONES
AMAZON
'A splendid debut. The authors feel for her subject is remarkable, her communication compassionate and research diligent. I'm in awe of the sensitivity and depth of soul which infuses her writing style. A moving story, brilliantly told!’
Chris Hawkins, former GUARDIAN journalist
'Ms Pells delivers an astoundingly gripping narrative. Rarely have I encountered such an evocative and heart-wrenching description of loss. Beautiful prose coupled with impressive research - and a moving personal angle - makes ABSENT LIVES a powerful and emotional read. Brava! '
HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY
'Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, inspired by tales of remarkable resilience, or are curious about the author's connection to this incredible saga, ABSENT LIVES will enthral you.’
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTE
If you'd like to book me for a talk/book signing, please get in touch here
DIARY DATES
31st May 2026.
Talk / Book signing,
Castle Books Ludlow. 5pm
5th June 2026
Book Signing
Bannatynes, Shrewsbury 9 am till noon
9th July 2026
Talk/Book signing
Much More Books, Much Wenlock 7 - 8 pm
15th July 2026
Talk/book signing
Waters Upton Village Hall, Shropshire 7 - 8 pm
25th July 2026
Shropshire Writers Book Fair
Palmers, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury 10 am - 3 pm
6th October 2026
Book Signing
Bannatynes, Shrewsbury. 9am - 12pm
14th November 2026
Book Signing
Shrewsbury Library
Castle Street, Shrewsbury 10am - 1pm
19th January 2027
SHE MEETS Bookclub
Peach Tree, Shrewsbury 6.30pm
February 2027
Shrewsbury Book Club
TBC
20th May 2027
Book Talk & Signing
Edstaston & Coton WI
Edstaston Village Hall, Nr Wem
10th June 2027
Talk/Book signing
Stanton Lacy Village Hall WI 7,45 - 9pm
"What a fantastic gem of a book this was. If you love historical fiction that is compelling, emotional and multi-layered, then you will love this book. I can't wait to read more by this talented author."
AMAZON REVIEW
"A gripping, beautifully described emotional drama . Haunting in its content and superbly written throughout. Highly recommended."
WATERSTONES REVIEW
"What makes this book particularly special is the author’s writing style. It is engaging, descriptive, and emotionally resonant, bringing the characters and their experiences vividly to life. For a first novel, it is an impressive achievement and a testament to the author’s storytelling talent."
AMAZON REVIEW
1915. When the RMS Lusitania is torpedoed by a German U-boat off the Irish coast, young parents Anita and Elmore are torn from their happy lives. They survive, but amid the chaos their infant son, John, is lost. Grief drives Elmore to vengeance on the battlefields of France, where he is reported missing in action. Shattered and alone, Anita seeks solace across the Atlantic, carving out a fragile existence on her aunt’s Californian ranch and with the wealthy McKinneys in colonial Nassau, before finally settling in the shadows of New York’s skyline.
Scotland, 1960. Twenty-two-year-old Charles is summoned to his grandfather’s deathbed and handed a mysterious package containing a child’s jacket and a bracelet. As curiosity turns to obsession, Charles embarks on a journey that will span decades, unravel a half-century-old mystery and lead him to a woman whose story was almost lost to time.
AVAILABLE AT WATERSTONES OR ONLINE AT
WATERSTONES
AMAZON
Chris Hawkins, former GUARDIAN journalist
'Ms Pells delivers an astoundingly gripping narrative. Rarely have I encountered such an evocative and heart-wrenching description of loss. Beautiful prose coupled with impressive research - and a moving personal angle - makes ABSENT LIVES a powerful and emotional read. Brava! '
HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY
'Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, inspired by tales of remarkable resilience, or are curious about the author's connection to this incredible saga, ABSENT LIVES will enthral you.’
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTE
If you'd like to book me for a talk/book signing, please get in touch here
DIARY DATES
31st May 2026.
Talk / Book signing,
Castle Books Ludlow. 5pm
5th June 2026
Book Signing
Bannatynes, Shrewsbury 9 am till noon
9th July 2026
Talk/Book signing
Much More Books, Much Wenlock 7 - 8 pm
15th July 2026
Talk/book signing
Waters Upton Village Hall, Shropshire 7 - 8 pm
25th July 2026
Shropshire Writers Book Fair
Palmers, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury 10 am - 3 pm
6th October 2026
Book Signing
Bannatynes, Shrewsbury. 9am - 12pm
14th November 2026
Book Signing
Shrewsbury Library
Castle Street, Shrewsbury 10am - 1pm
19th January 2027
SHE MEETS Bookclub
Peach Tree, Shrewsbury 6.30pm
February 2027
Shrewsbury Book Club
TBC
20th May 2027
Book Talk & Signing
Edstaston & Coton WI
Edstaston Village Hall, Nr Wem
10th June 2027
Talk/Book signing
Stanton Lacy Village Hall WI 7,45 - 9pm
"What a fantastic gem of a book this was. If you love historical fiction that is compelling, emotional and multi-layered, then you will love this book. I can't wait to read more by this talented author."
AMAZON REVIEW
"A gripping, beautifully described emotional drama . Haunting in its content and superbly written throughout. Highly recommended."
WATERSTONES REVIEW
"What makes this book particularly special is the author’s writing style. It is engaging, descriptive, and emotionally resonant, bringing the characters and their experiences vividly to life. For a first novel, it is an impressive achievement and a testament to the author’s storytelling talent."
AMAZON REVIEW
