A Plain and Simple Truth by Jane Emerssen, £9.99

THIS sequel to Jane Emerssen's well-received debut novel A Necessary Fiction continues the theme of exploring long-buried family secrets.

The Cumbrian writer says it was not her original intention to continue the story; but like many novelists, she found herself impelled to take the story forward..

A Plain and Simple Truth is set largely between 1988 and 1990 and tells of three men who discover their lives are inextricably linked after they meet at a funeral.

Jane says the story's theme is 'nature or nurture' and which is a stronger influence in the long run.

The author, who was born in Carlisle, began writing in the 1980s. She was commissioned by How To Books to to write a series of advice and guidance books on personal development and recruitment before turning to fiction.

"I needed a change of direction," she says. "I enjoy the challenge of devising a plot, researching background material and exploring how characters react when faced with difficult situations."

ALLAN TUNNINGLEY