As part of an ever-popular campaign, The Mysterious Miss Mayhew, written by North East author Hazel Osmond, has been selected as the North Tyneside Summer Read for 2016.
The Mysterious Miss Mayhew will be promoted to readers along the coast throughout summer 2016. From July until September, residents and visitors can pick up a copy for the special price of just £4 from St Mary’s Lighthouse, the Old Low Light, and any North Tyneside customer first centre.
The Summer Read campaign culminates in an author event on September 15 at 6.30pm at The Rendezvous Cafe, in Whitley Bay. Hazel will be talking about and reading from her book, and will be available to sign copies. Tickets for the event are £3 and can be purchased from any North Tyneside library.
This year, there will also be a special offer, where readers can get both the book and a ticket to the event for a discounted £5.50.
Cllr Eddie Darke, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “I’m delighted that we are once again working with New Writing North to host the Summer Read event.
“This is a great opportunity for people in North Tyneside to discover and learn more about new authors they may not have been aware of.
“The Mysterious Miss Mayhew is a great choice for this year’s Summer Read. It is based in the North East and I’d encourage any active readers to pick up a copy.”
Based in the North East, the book follows main character Tom in a heart-warming romantic comedy about the most unlikely love affair.
Married with a five-year-old child, Tom continues to grow further and further from his estranged wife, who continues to block his attempts at a divorce. So when the mysterious Fran Mayhew comes into the picture, she is just another tricky person for him to deal with.
Speaking proudly of her achievement, Hazel added: “I'm delighted that 'The Mysterious Miss Mayhew' has been chosen as North Tyneside's 2016 summer read.
“Whatever the weather throws at us this year, I think people will find the story of Tom, Hattie and Fran really brightens up their day.
“Thank you to North Tyneside Council and New Writing North for this fantastic opportunity. “
Hazel Osmond, of Northumberland, is a writer of short stories and romantic comedies who has lived in the North East for over thirty years. Her first book, Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe? was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Romantic Comedy award. Since then she has written three further books and many short stories.
Originally launched in 2011, the Summer Read project is run by North Tyneside Council in partnership with New Writing North. It was launched with the intention of promoting local authors, as well as an opportunity to offer a programme of events and activities across North Tyneside.
Previous authors involved include Carolyn Jess-Cooke, Dan Smith, Mari Hannah, Rebecca Muddiman, Steve Chambers and Debbie Taylor.
ENDS