Alex Charlton Books

A curse links two pairs of lovers who live over a thousand years apart. For centuries, it has slithered through the idyllic Kent village of Ashward, spoiling lives and destroying people.When Kate Summers arrives in Ashward, disillusioned with her London life and her marriage to Mark, she is determined to make a new start and focusses all her energies on the restoration of their beautiful Tudor manor house. But soon she encounters the layer of darkness that lies close to the surface of village life.What causes the sophisticated and learned vicar such anguish? What dark mystery do the cellars in Ashward Priory hold? Who or what is the menacing black figure present at local festivals? Gradually Kate discovers for herself the answers to these questions as she becomes ensnared by the beauty and savagery of pagan ritual and natural magic, still vividly alive in Ashward. When, at last, it seems that she has found true friendship and the sort of love that she has always longed for, will she, because of the ancient curse, lose everything that she holds most precious?

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, this romance delves into various forms of love while intertwining a captivating mystery. The narrative is enriched by a hint of ghostly elements, adding an intriguing layer to the emotional exploration. As relationships evolve, the characters navigate the complexities of affection and connection, all while unraveling the enigmatic threads of the story.

The narrative explores themes of tragedy and redemption through the lives of two women: Grace Brabazon, a devoted teacher in rural Britain, and Grace Adams, a struggling fashion designer in London. Both face abrupt career setbacks that leave them feeling lost. An unexpected time-shift leads to a life-swap, offering them a chance to navigate each other's worlds and discover new possibilities for success and personal growth amidst their challenges.