A CUMBRIAN-based author has described what inspired her to write her latest book, 'Whispers in the Shingle'.
Bridget M Beauchamp lives in Kirkby Stephen, but used the her novel to revisit memories of her childhood on the Suffolk Coast.
Set in the 18th century, 'Whispers in the Shingle' explores historic Suffolk and forbidden romance in the past.
The novel, which will be published on Tuesday, February 28, also tells the story of ordinary 18th century folk, whose poverty drive many to a life of crime, encouraged and abetted by those who benefitted from it.
Speaking about her new book, Bridget said: "I wrote 'Whispers in the Shingle' because I was inspired by the lonely Suffolk shingle beaches of my childhood and the smuggling activities of the late 18th and early 19th centuries my mother would tell me about.
"As a child of a single parent, I could appreciate the struggle of the working classes to make ends meet and the temptation to benefit from the 'free trade' so prevalent around the coasts of England in those hard times."
READ MORE: Lake District challenge event in aid of Cumbrian hospice relaunches for 2023
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here