valerie holmes, author

When life changes, a strong woman will survive… escape into a world of love, mystery and adventure!

Love is a timeless essential of life. Throughout history, love in all its forms is a constant: be it passionate, caring, needy, manipulative, possessive or one that is strong enough to cross barriers of culture or faith. When two souls meet in a situation which takes them out of their normal social strata or into a shared danger, a relationship forms as the adventure unfolds.

My books are set in the natural beauty of what was in Regency times the  ‘North Riding of Yorkshire’, with its wild moors, fertile dales and rugged coastline. Miles away from the London Ton, these regional stories focus on people who could have existed and  struggled to survive the many social, industrial, religious and political changes at a time of constant war against Napoleon and his allies.

“A fine Regency epic set during a time when women were expected to be complaisant and humble towards their masters and ‘betters’; but Lydia Fletcher is not and will fight for what she believes in – honesty and trust.” Bestselling, award winning saga writer, Val Wood

The Yorkshire Saga Series published by Sapere Books

Buy book 1 here!

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Guisborough Abbey, North Yorkshire

The bridge across the Esk

Now a ruin, but once a thriving community, beautifully set against the forestry with the moorland above.

 

Phoebe’s first view of the coast…

Phoebe looked out in awe as day dawned above a vast expanse of sea, reveal9ng a large sweeping bay. Beyond the edge of the woodland, at the very end of the gill, lay a small hamlet in the lee of a headland. She could see that, in the opposite direction along the bay, was a larger fishing village, with a small fleet of cobles, the local flat-bottomed fishing boats, nestled in its natural harbour.  

“This coast is one of dramatic headlands, steep paths, and gently sweeping flat, sandy bays. The sea is a wild changing beast, often treacherous with wild breakers and high tides, yet it is always beautiful,” Matthew said. He clearly loved the area.