Where the light gets in / Lucy Dillon

The daughter of a celebrated illustrator, Lorna Larkham has spent years trying to live up to her mother's talent - but after a disappointing time at art school and a disastrous foray into the art world, she has come to the conclusion she just doesn't have the creative spark. But when a dying friend urges her to live without fear, Lorna forces herself to take one last leap of faith: moving back to the countryside and buying the little art gallery she remembers so fondly from her childhood. The gallery, however, is struggling and Lorna can't think how to save it. Until she meets Joyce Rothery, a famous local artist who hasn't painted for years but who's still brimming with ideas; if anyone can break through the elderly woman's tough exterior, that is. Then Joyce has to put her fiercely guarded independence aside and turn to Lorna for help herself. When other friends - and an old flame - fighting battles of their own also appear on Lorna's doorstep, she starts to realise that bravery, and creativity, come in many forms. As she and Joyce unleash some artistic magic on the residents of Longhampton, can Lorna face her fears . . . and create the life she's always wanted? An inspiring, life-enhancing novel that will make you see your life afresh . . . Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Jojo Moyes and Veronica Henry.

It was Betty, defiant to the end, who sent Lorna back to Longhampton. Right now, with the keys to the town's gallery in her hand, Lorna feels about as courageous as Betty's anxious little dachshund, trembling beside her. Lorna's come home to Longhampton to fulfil a long-held dream, but she knows, deep down, there are ghosts she needs to lay to rest first. But as Lorna - and the little dog - tentatively open their cracked hearts to old friends and new ones, facing hard truths and fresh promises, something surprisingly beautiful begins to grow around the gallery, something so inspirational even Lorna couldn't have predicted the light it lets into her world