This is a debut tale of dark magic and intrigue that changes Verity’s life forever when a mysterious stranger she sees in the local library gives her an ancient red book and she reads it. Secrets begin to stir in the local community of Wellow – suspect this is a fictional setting but feels like the Isle of Wight to me - she and two of her friends explore further the funny goings on in the seaside town but can they stop what appears to be an all-powerful witch hell-bent on revenge?
Verity Gallant knows she'll never be as pretty and popular as Poppy, her perfect little sister - she doesn't quite fit in. But when a mysterious stranger hands her an ancient red book, everything changes. Verity becomes embroiled in a tale of dark magic and intrigue; she uncovers old rivalries and discovers new friends. Together, she, Henry and Martha explore the secrets stirring in the ancient harbour town of Wellow. But what will it take to stop a powerful witch hell-bent on revenge?
Melanie spent her formative years in the sailing town of Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. The tightly-bound community, maritime history and captivating landscapes of the southern Island were all sources of inspiration for the fictional town of Wellow in which Mistress of the Storm is set. Melanie lives in Suffolk, near the seaside town of Southwold, with her husband Lucien and their two sons, Joe and Ben. Mistress of the Storm is her first book.