I am a writer and former Classics teacher living with my husband Keith on the fringe of the Lake District National Park in Northern England. We were both born and brought up in Bury, Lancashire, but we have lived in Cumbria for most of our adult lives.

I have been writing stories ever since I could hold a pen. I finished my first book when I was five years old; it was all of twelve pages long and entitled 'My Doll'. I embarked on my first historical novel at the age of ten, and on and off I have been writing them ever since. My main interest to begin with was in the world of the Greeks and Romans - I won an exhibition to Newnham College, Cambridge, to read Classics. However, in my third year at Cambridge I switched to studying Theology (in which I obtained a first class honours degree) which led to my specializing in novels set in the world of ancient Israel. The first one, 'Rabshakeh', was shortlisted for the Deo Gloria Prize. I have periodically returned to my roots; one of my more recent novels, 'Callistus of Rome', is set in Rome in the third century AD/CE.

I enjoy researching my novels as much as I love writing them, and over the years I have made a number of visits to the Middle East, and to Israel in particular. I have also spent time in Rome, and in visiting archaeological sites all across the Roman empire.

For many years I taught Latin (and sometimes Religious Studies and Music) at St. Bees School, and more recently have done some private tutoring. My other interests include fell walking, skiing, canoeing, nature conservation, studying Hebrew and making music. Together with my husband I run 'Phoenix Praise' Worship Band , and we lead worship at various local churches. For several years we were involved in leading a local independent housechurch, and this challenging and sometimes painful experience significantly enhanced my understanding of character and the human condition!