A SLEEPY market town nestled in the hills of the West Country is transformed forever when the vivacious young Julie arrives to visit her newly-wed friend Sarah.

Captivating the hearts and minds of the bored and downtrodden townsfolk with her sweet nature, Julie teaches them how to live, laugh and love in spite of the hardships that blight their everyday lives.

However, Julie's company is not welcomed by everyone. The pernicious son and heir apparent of the local landowner, one Rupert Trelivan, resents the rejuvenating effects of Julie's stay on his hitherto oppressed tenants and will stop at nothing to regain his stifling influence over the townspeople.

Eager to help her new friends rid themselves of the hated aristocrat, Julie delves into the sinister mysteries of Rupert's past. But just as she discovers the shocking truth about Rupert, a terrible tragedy unfolds.

Grief stricken and lonely, Julie seeks solace in the beautiful wild meadow at the edge of Sarah's farm. In this tranquil sanctuary Julie finally perceives the true reason for her visit.

Will she be able to fulfill her own heart's desires and save the town from its dangerous and cruel overlord? Or is this a battle that love alone simply cannot win?

Julie's Meadow is a simple yet touching love story, brimming with passion and excitement and written straight from the heart of author Tony Dwelly. He portrays moments of tremendous poignancy in an effortless and lucid writing style. With heartfelt emotional depth and delicacy he expresses the agonising despair of unfulfilled longing and the unquenchable joy of true love against the backdrop of humble tragedies that afflict everyday life.

Julie's Meadow, priced at £9.99, is published by Paragon Publishing and is available from Bookstop in Tavistock and online.