A Nun's Grave: A novel set in the Vale Royal of England

Yesterday and today - the fates of four peopleare inextricably entwined:In the 14th century…When the Black Death ravages her village, Ida Godman, the orphaned daughter of a reputed witch, makes her way to Chester. On the way she witnesses terrible deeds. Destitute when she arrives, she is taken in by the nuns of St Mary’s Convent, where she discovers that Sister Ambrose has wicked plans for her. A dark secret in her heart, she accompanies a group of nuns as they travel through Delamere Forest to celebrate the feast day of St Benedict at the great Cistercian abbey of Vale Royal.John of Dutton, a young monk, is the son of a poor herdsman. He has been forced to flee his home after stealing milk from the local lord’s shippon and has found refuge at Norton Priory. As a reward for his hard work he is allowed to go to Vale Royal for the celebrations.In the 20th century…Ian and Jane are newlyweds who have just bought a luxury house near the golf course in the grounds of the former Vale Royal Abbey. In a local pub they hear about the nun who is said to haunt the place. Ignoring advice not to get involved, Ian finds a monument which is regarded as her grave and starts to research the story. He becomes obsessed – putting his marriage in jeopardy as he and Jane are dragged under the influence of the tragic and manipulative Ida.

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