On Thursday evening, 9 ^th of July, Manorbier Castle will host the launch of an exciting new children’s novel by local author Diane Doona – The Keeper’s Secret .

In the author’s first novel, the spectacular backdrop of the Pembrokeshire coast becomes the setting for a gripping adventure, and a moving story of recklessness, loyalty and courage.

When the publisher, Pont Books, contacted Manorbier Castle to discuss the possibility of arranging an event to celebrate the launch of the book, they were pleased to learn that Manorbier and the castle were such a prominent features in the book.

Speaking on behalf of the publishers, marketing officer Sioned Wyn says:-

“We are thrilled to be launching Diane Doona’s first novel at Manorbier Castle. It is wonderful to be able to host the event in one of the places that inspired Diane to write the book.”

Joe Jackson has to leave London with his father to go and live in remote west Wales. That’s not something he’s looking forward to, especially since Dad’s just not the same anymore.

But meeting a mysterious girl called M and Jasper Barrow, the keeper of the castle, changes Joe’s mind – and his life…

The book weaves in the relationship between father and son, loss and adapting to new surroundings, with a light touch – but it is all wrapped up in a contemporary adventure which draws on elements of history and fantasy to create an exciting story.

Diane originally wrote the story for her two daughters as a bedtime read and was inspired by the places she explored as a child – seashores, caves, cliffs and castles. She says:-

“I love this area – it’s full of beauty and a sense of mystery and discovery… I hope this book inspires the readers to visit the places which are a part of Joe and M’s story.”

The Keeper’s Secret is available from all good bookshops and online retailers

For more information, visit www.gomer.co.uk

About the author

Diane Doona is Pembrokeshire born and bred, and lives near Manorbier where her first novel is set. While her career has been as finance manager for a west Wales legal firm, she has always enjoyed history and writing, and has been a regular member of a writing group over the years. This has given her the experience to write this exciting novel for 8-11 year olds – which has been scrutinised carefully by the younger generation in her family for its enjoyment value and necessary sense of adventure and intrigue! Diane, a keen traveler, enjoys walking the Pembrokeshire coastal path around the spectacular coves near her home, with her dog for company. Little wonder that this landscape provides the backdrop for her novel.