First novel a real labour of love for ex-midwife
A RETIRED nurse and midwife from Llanelli has published her first book.
Sonia Davies, who writes under the pen name of Sonja Collavoce, has written a romantic fiction story called Rhiannon.
She said: “The story takes place in Llanelli and the surrounding area in the early 1960s.
“It is, for many, a trip back in time and the response has been marvellous, with many readers, mainly women, asking for more.” Despite Rhiannon being her first novel, Sonia is no stranger to the world of writing.
“My track record includes having poetry published and performing some of my work in the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff and at Swansea’s Dylan Thomas festival,” she said.
The novel sees character Mavis Watton unhappy with her superficial life and cold and passionless marriage.
When bohemian Irishman Seamus O’brien leaves the cultural metropolis of London, seeking tranquillity in West Wales, he has no intention of creating havoc, but he has yet to meet the captivating Mavis.
The consequences of his arrival set in motion a chain of events which Mavis had never dreamed of.
Sonia said the book had been a decade in the works while she juggled her professional career. She added: “I started the book while I was working, having been a nurse, midwife and health visitor.
“I kept coming back to the book and writing it over the last 10 years.
“When I retired I then started editing it down and proofreading it all before a friend of mine, Ken Mcdermott, helped format it all ready to be sold as a Kindle edition.
“The cover was designed by local Llanelli artist Christine Price.” Rhiannon is available to buy now in paperback and as a Kindle edition.