Rutland author releases Amazon time travel best-seller based on a Leicester legend

An author - who goes by the pen-name of Frances Evelyn - has released her debut novel inspired by a Leicestershire legend.

Frances came across the legend of Black Annis - a witch who lives in a cave scratched with her own fingernails - while working in Leicester.

Her book, The Changeling Tree, has two parts to it; one of the parts was written 10 years ago, however, wasn't published as Frances felt 'unsatisfied' with it.

Frances, who lives in Rutland, said: "It didn't hold together very well, things happened which I couldn't explain why they happened."

However, after re-shaping the book and adding the second part Frances was satisfied with the final piece.

Set in Leicester, the book tells the story of three generations of the same family who are caught up in a Faerie challenge.

Before becoming a full-time novelist Frances worked as an academic in English.

Since creating novels rather than academic books, writing has become 'more personal' and 'vulnerable' for Frances.

The Changeling Tree was released on December 22 - the day of winter solstice - which is when the story begins.

Since its release The Changeling Tree has made it onto the time travel best-seller category on Amazon.

The novel is available in paperback or e-book form on Amazon.

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