A Place Called Hope

by Emma Batten

A desolate settlement is home to three young women who tell the stories of their lives. Anna is curious to discover the secrets of The Marsh and doesn't listen to the storyteller's warnings. Jessica disapproves of her frivolous cousin, but can she resist temptation? Christen feels trapped by the bleak Marsh and longs to escape. A fictional tale of life on Romney Marsh in the sixteenth century.

Paperback

Published July 8, 2017

About the author

I am a truly local author. Living in and writing about Romney Marsh means I can fully engage in the history of the area and connect with my readers. I learn about an event or custom – the great storm which changed the coastline, the body of a monk being secretly carried across the marsh, magical qualities associated with hagstones – and use these to create a whole novel. Fictional characters are put in recognisable settings as we follow the story of their lives. The eras range from the 7th to the 20th century, giving me an opportunity to explore so much of our history through writing. That local feel to my books now extends to them having distinctive covers with original artwork by artists from Greatstone and New Romney, making the books even more special for me.

Reviews

[Jo Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a lost settlement told through the diaries of two young women who lived during the 1588.
I would have liked to know more about Jessica and how she ended up as she did but at least we find out about what happened albeit as on a paragraph in Anna’s final story.
A great read that left me not disappointed but wanting more.

[Carys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, and I was surprised at the way the book turned and the romance did not plan out as expected. This is the third book I have read by Emma, I'm looking forward to the next one...