I'm really happy to announce that my novel "Green Twining" was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2025.

Here are the reviews from the Wishing Shelf readers:

Male, 29
A beautiful, heartfelt story with memorable characters and a romance I couldn't
help rooting for. Warm, emotional and quietly uplifting—I flew through it in just a
couple of evenings.

Female, 48
This book completely won me over.
The romance is lovely, but it's the healing that stayed with me. Watching Joe slowly
believe he deserved happiness was incredibly moving, and I found David's patience
and wisdom genuinely inspiring. There are some difficult themes throughout, but
they're handled with sensitivity and hope.
I also appreciated that the supporting cast wasn't just there to fill space. Tim, Sean
and the rest all have their own journeys, making the whole world feel alive. By the
end I genuinely didn't want to leave Green Twining Farm behind.

Male, 67
As someone who remembers Britain in the mid-1980s very well, I thought the
period details rang true. The atmosphere of a small rural community where
everyone seems to know everyone else's business is captured brilliantly, and it
adds an extra layer of tension to Joe and David's relationship.
What impressed me most, though, was the compassion shown towards every
character. Even those who make poor choices are given understandable 
motivations. Sid's struggles, Marion's quiet resilience, Joe's insecurities—they all felt
authentic. The novel reminds us that everyone carries burdens we cannot see.
It's a gentle story rather than a fast-paced one, but if you enjoy character-driven
fiction with emotional depth, this is well worth your time.

Female, 33
I absolutely adored David. What a beautifully written character.
There's such warmth running through this novel, even when it's dealing with some
pretty difficult subjects. The relationship between Joe and David felt gentle and
believable, and I loved how their love gradually helps heal not just themselves but
the people around them too.
It's emotional without being melodramatic, thoughtful without feeling preachy, and
I found myself thinking about the characters long after I'd closed the book.
Definitely one of my favourite reads this year.

Male, 41
This was a real surprise. I picked it up expecting a romance, but what I got was a
much richer story about trauma, family secrets, friendship and learning to accept
yourself.
Joe and David make a lovely couple, but I found myself just as invested in Joe's
parents and the emotional baggage everyone seemed to be carrying. There were
moments that were heartbreaking, others genuinely uplifting, and I never felt the
story became overly sentimental. I'd happily recommend it.

Female, 56
I wasn't expecting this book to affect me quite so deeply. Green Twining is one of
those quiet novels that slowly works its way into your heart. Joe is such a
vulnerable, believable young man, and watching him gradually find the courage to
embrace who he really is felt incredibly rewarding.
What I loved most was that this isn't just a romance. It's about damaged families,
old wounds, forgiveness, and the way kindness can transform people. David is a
wonderfully compassionate character without ever feeling unrealistic, and the
relationship between him and Joe develops at exactly the right pace.
The English countryside is beautifully described too—sometimes peaceful,
sometimes almost haunting. I finished the final chapter feeling strangely hopeful. A
genuinely touching read.

To Sum It Up:
“A hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving LGBTQ+ romance about love, healing, family secrets,
and finding the courage to be yourself. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf
Book Awards