Author launches romcom series set in Devon

Following on from the success of her ‘Another Cup of Coffee’ series and ‘The Cornish Escape’, Jenny Kane, has announced the launch of a brand new series of romcoms

A brand new series of romcoms has been announced by a Tiverton author.

Following on from the success of her ‘Another Cup of Coffee’ series and ‘The Cornish Escape’, Jenny Kane, has announced the launch of a brand new series of romcoms: The Mill Grange trilogy. Described as warm-hearted, feel-good reads, these novels are inspired by the Victorian manor, Northmoor House, near Dulverton – where Jenny runs ‘Imagine’ writing retreats for budding authors.

“As soon as I set eyes on Northmoor, I knew I had to set a story there,” she said. “The house and grounds, on the edge of Exmoor – so close to Dulverton itself, Upwich in the novels, – are simply idyllic. It is the perfect place for anyone wishing to escape from the world for a while. I’ve been lucky enough to stay there on a number of occasions, and each time I go, I’m inspired with ideas for future stories.”

The trilogy begins with Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange, published by Aria on June 25. The story features Thea Thomas who - like Jenny herself- is an archaeologist and historian. Jenny admits to stealing fairly heavily from her former academic life when it comes to choosing which locations and excavation experiences to feature in her fiction.

She explained: “Having worked for years at the Roman Baths in Bath, Thea is keen for a new start – one where her interfering ex-boyfriend will leave her alone. When she lands a job heading up the restoration of Mill Grange, a stunning Victorian manor on the Somerset/Devon border, it feels like the perfect opportunity to start afresh.

“What Thea hadn’t banked on, was how hostile the existing volunteers, led by formidable pensioner Mable Hastings, would be about accepting new leadership. With the deadline for the manor’s grand opening to the public looming, Thea is in desperate need of more volunteers.

“Reluctantly agreeing to appeal on the local news for helpers, Thea attracts a great deal of interest, including from celebrity archaeologist Shaun Cowlson. But when Thea’s ex turns up, what seemed like a dream come true begins to turn into a nightmare. The question is can Thea restore the manor in time, or not?”

Featuring many local landmarks and locations, from the Tarr Steps to Taunton – and on to Tiverton itself by books two and three (Autumn Leaves at Mill Grange and Spring Blossom at Mill Grange), details of the Mill Grange series can be found at Jenny’s website. www.jennykane.co.uk