We’re looking forward to welcoming Danielle Giles to Romiley to celebrate the release of her stunning debut Mere – a darkly atmospheric historical novel about fear and survival, power and position, and a love that takes hold in the darkest of places. Danielle will be in conversation with bookshop owner Kelly.

Light refreshments are included in the ticket price. Doors at 6pm.

About the book:

Norfolk, 990 AD. Deep in the Fens, isolated by a vast and treacherous mere, an order of holy sisters make their home. Under the steely guidance of Abbess Sigeburg they follow God’s path, looking to their infirmarian, Hilda, to provide what comfort and cures she can.

But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realizes this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom.

Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a vision: a curse is upon them and change must be brought. Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow…

“Haunting and beautiful” – Lucy Rose, bestselling author of The Lamb

About the Author:

Danielle Giles is a writer and researcher based in Bristol. She has been published (writing as Danielle Vrublevskis) in Extra Teeth and Dear Damsels, shortlisted for the Bristol Short Story Prize and the Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize, and longlisted for the Galley Beggar Press Short Story Prize. She won the Local Prize in the 2023 Bath Short Story Award. Mere is her first novel.