ACCLAIMED historical novelist Anne O’Brien, who lives just outside Pembridge, publishes her latest, The Queen's Choice, next week.

Formerly a history teacher, Anne turned to writing novels when she and her husband George moved from Beverley in Yorkshire's East Riding to the 18th century cottage they now live in.

“I always thought I’d like to write and I started by writing a few short stories and had some success with them and won some local prizes. That made me look at it more seriously. When we moved, my husband said ‘Now is your chance. See if you can.’ So I did.

“I decided I wanted to write something historical and tried a Regency romance, not knowing whether it would get anywhere." Having won a competition run by Mills & Boon in conjunction with the Yorkshire Post, Anne approached them and wrote historical romances for several years before moving to mainstream publisher Mira in 2010 for the publication of Virgin Widow, which has been followed by a further seven titles, the most recent of which is The Queen's Choice, which tells the story of Joanna of Navarre, Queen of England and wife of King Henry IV. Attending the marriage of Richard II, King of England in 1396, Joanna encounters Henry Bolingbroke, the Earl of Derby. Their attraction is immediate and mutual, despite Joanna’s marriage to the much older John, Duke of Brittany.

Several years later, Henry has been crowned King of England having overthrown the tyrannical Richard, and the recently widowed Joanna is surprised to receive a proposal of marriage from him. To accept means losing her sons, and abandoning her Regency of Brittany, but unable to discard her still-strong feelings for Henry, Joanna reluctantly agrees.

However, life in England is not what Joanna had expected. Accustomed to having her previous husband’s ear and a say in matters of policy, she is shocked to find herself shut out of politics and regarded by many as an enemy for her Breton heritage. Henry is distracted by rebellions from all corners of the country, and the repeated attempts upon his life lead him to suspect everyone – even his wife. Both are too proud to confront the distance that is growing between them. Alone, and with no one to confide in, can Joanna overcome her pride and make amends with her husband? And if the two reconcile, can Henry maintain his hold upon the Crown and establish himself as rightful King?

Praise for Anne’s previous novel The King’s Sister:

‘A gripping tale…packed with love, loss and intrigue’ S Magazine

‘A fast-paced historical drama that is full of suspense’ Essentials

‘A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won’t be able to put this book down’ Candis

‘An epic historical adventure…4 stars’ Heat

‘An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, you will love Anne O’Brien’ We Love This Book

‘A fast-moving, compelling account of one wilful royal woman’s determination to defy powerful dynastic expectations and marry the man she loves.’ Lancashire Evening Post

‘This book is flawlessly written and well researched, and will appeal to her fans and those who like Philippa Gregory's novels too. ’ Birmingham Post

The Queen's Choice is published by by Mira Books on Thursday, January 14.