WATTYS WINNER 2020 Two interconnected murders, 64 years apart. One woman's search for truth and identity. Readers' comments: 'a masterpiece', 'impeccably written', 'amazing', 'superbly crafted page-turner', 'hauntingly beautiful', 'tremendous plot and character development', 'one of a kind', 'fantastic story telling', 'loved this book', 'a wonderful read", 'absolutely beautiful', 'brought tears to my eyes' and many more Wattys judging panel: 'This is VERY good. We were HOOKED from the beginning, and the writing and plot hold up throughout. This is a very unique, polished, well-written and well-researched piece.' Plot Set partly in rural England, partly on the sun-kissed coast of southerm Italy, The Painted Altar is a murder mystery mixed with romantic and historical elements (World War Two). Given away at two days old, Mary Rice has spent her life in the shadows. When discovering the suspicious circumstances surrounding her biological mother's death, she embarks on a journey which will shine a light not only on the truth but also on her own identity. Brief extract Suddenly, the door had inched open, half a wrinkled face visible behind the tautened chain. "Hello. Who is it?" The words I was going to say had of course been well-rehearsed, repeated over and over in my mind like a mantra, but now that the moment had arrived I found myself struggling to remember them. "Mrs Harvey... I think that you might... well, that you might be..." The door closed, then slowly opened once more, the chain this time unlatched. And there she was before me - half a metre away, within arm's reach. Thin lips gradually crooking upwards at each corner like the slow beatific kindling of a summer's dawn. "Oh yes love, I know who you are." Length: 70,000 words About the author: Originally from England but for the last 16 years I've been living in Italy. I hope therefore that the Italian aspects of the novel will have a certain gloss of authenticity.

Sam, an eighteen year old confused girl, who doesn't quite understand what's going through her mind when she meets, Katie, the extremely confident, millionaire. She doesn't know what to do with her boyfriend, and the road life is leading her down. Will she give up everything for a road of uncertainty or will stay on a steady course?

[Ranked #1 In lesbian romance] Riley Wood is a Welsh born 18 year old who has moved to sanfransisco. On her first day of her senior year Miss Scarlett catches her eye. Something in Riley is changing; is it for the better? Alexa Scarlett is a 24 year old Film Studies teacher who's also Welsh and moved to sanfransisco. She's forced to confront her past when Riley walks into her life. Beneath their calm exterior there lies secrets that the pair learn about eachother. Riley's younger sister, Yasmin is an epileptic; the bond between them is deep. Secrets of the pair's past's unravel and they realise there's alot more to their connection than they could have anticipated. ***Teaser*** I stared at her never breaking eye contact. I gave her a weak smile and I could tell she'd sobered up a lot even though she was still abit tipsy. I kissed her forehead and I looked away. I let a tear roll down my cheek because I was sad, I was happy too, but I didn't want her to give up something she loved because of me. She was an amazing teacher, she wants the best for her students. "Riley?" "Yes?" "Can you lie with me for a while?" I smiled "Of course."

Warning: Not suitable for young readers or sensitive minds. Contains graphic sex scenes, adult language, and situation intended for mature readers only. Twitter: @Limarious_Oppa This story is an adaptation of 'Ruthless Seduction' written by Rainbowcoloredmind. Read her stories and support her, guys! I swear she's indeed a very good author. All credits to the original author!

She is different. In a good way. The kind of different that attracts people like me. She isn't exactly an outcast, because she deliberately decided to have no friends and be alone. Trust me, she could have anyone she wants as a friend or significant other, she just doesn't want too. She is different.