The Golden Thread
Monica Carly
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Buy NowWhy I wrote this book
Now that I have reached an age where life’s experiences have been many and varied, I realise that what fascinates me above all else is the interaction between people. I humbly look up to Jane Austen as the master at describing the intricacies of close relationships, her delicate brushstrokes revealing deep psychological insights. What makes people behave the way they do is endlessly intriguing. Why are some people able to set out on a road that clearly leads to self-fulfilment, while others seem bent on the downhill path to self destruction – and cannot be dissuaded from it? My stories are concerned with the relationships within a close circle, and the way people often hurt those they love best. Yet there is always the chance of change for the better, given the right circumstances and support. Readers will become immersed in the lives of my characters, willing them to come through their trials and reach a happier place, and will rejoice with them when they succeed in doing so.
Asked who she compares her work to Monica said 'I hardly like to mention the works of Jane Austen in the same breath as my own, but she is my inspiration. More up to date authors – Joanna Trollope and Michele Roberts.'
Synopsis
A heart-stopping page turner, The Golden Thread, with its many twists and turns in the plot, attractive characters, and feel good-ending has a strong appeal for women readers.
Two sisters, Claudia and Maria, grow up as happy playmates and the best of friends. Claudia, the elder by three years, is protective of her sibling, whose fun-loving ways often lead her into trouble. When their mother dies, Maria feels secure in the knowledge that Claudia is there to help and guide her. Both sisters are confident that nothing can shatter their close relationship. Until, that is, the arrival of handsome Italian businessman Stefano Volpe. With his continental charm and dazzling smile, he enters their lives with disturbing consequences.
In a few short weeks, an event of heart-breaking proportions breaks the trust between the two sisters, souring Claudia's outlook throughout her working life. She severs all ties with Maria for the next forty years. The sisters treads their own paths, neither able to share their burdens with the one person who knows them better than they know themselves.
The bond between the sisters is stretched to breaking point until a chance encounter leads to a miracle. Claudia and Maria both find unexpected happiness and can finally share their joy together. Author Monica Carly has created a gripping tale with engaging characters and an intriguing plot that will absorb the reader right up until its feel-good ending. The Golden Thread is a work of romantic fiction with a twist and has been inspired by the author's love of Jane Austen.
Reviews
‘A dramatic take on a universal theme.’ Shan Lancaster – Freelance Journalist
‘Attractive characters and a feel-good ending. Enjoy!’ Jackie Wilkin: BookReviewer and Denman College Tutor
Her writing style is comparable to Michele Roberts and Joanna Trollope. It's a lovely story...elegant writing. There's an intricate web of relationships and Carly handles them well. It's a light, feel-good read but with some twists in the plot which I certainly wasn't expecting...a very enjoyable read. The Book Bag
About the Author
Writing has always been a passion. My literary output began early with the production of my first (very) short story at the age of five, entitled Mary the Missionary, depicting the antics of a somewhat mischievous small girl. Not only did my story highlight the character flaws in the heroine which rendered her an unsuitable candidate for such a calling, but it also acted as a stark warning to any who might aspire to embrace this altruistic way of life to eschew similar behaviour, or they would be in for a career rethink. In my teens I won an inter-schools essay writing competition – a notable achievement, I thought, until I discovered that I was the only entrant. Despite the lack of opposition, I was solemnly presented with the first prize.
Born in Peterborough, where I attended Peterborough County School, I then moved to Sheffield and spent four years at Sheffield High School. My last five years’ of schooling took place in Kingston, Jamaica, at St Andrew High School, where I took the exams which led to a place at Bristol University. There I studied English, French and Latin, achieving a 2.1 degree, which I followed up with a teaching certificate.
After three years spent teaching, the chance to hone my skills as a writer came when I began to raise my family, since this gave me the opportunity to take a creative writing course. I produced several short stories (which I hope were of a higher standard than my initial attempt) and also children’s stories, with some publication success. At this stage, however, I did not attempt a full length novel.
After a career switch into consumer issues, I worked for fifteen years in the trading standards department of a local government office. Finally, after retirement – of a sort – I have at last the luxury of enough time to produce a novel. Now a full-time carer for my husband who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, I have found creative writing provides the ideal mental escape from a humdrum daily routine. I produced my first novel, Fraser’s Line, in 2009, and have now concluded my second novel, The Golden Thread. As for my third, that is currently going round in my head.
Book info
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Genres
Format
Paperback
248 pages pages
Author
Monica Carly
Publisher
Matador an imprint of Troubador Publishing
Publication date
1st January 2012
Author's Website
ISBN
9781780880167
