A CLANDESTINE love affair fraught with danger in the midst of 17th century religious rivalry is the intriguing background to a gripping novel by a former Times proofreader.

'Sacred Music', the debut ebook of Felicity Luckman, is set in a period that fascinates its author, who is a history graduate from London University, with a particular interest in the seventeenth century.

The tale's hero is Francis, Baron Trenoweth, a young and impulsive student at Oxford, who is keen to show his Protestant colours by taking part in a pope-burning procession. This is England in 1680, when rumours of a 'Popish Plot' to kill the king are circulating widely.

But when Francis is introduced by his cousin to the Somervilles of Coneybury, he is immediately captivated by 17-year-old Eleanor, not knowing that the Somervilles are in fact Roman Catholics.

Francis is also a keen amateur musician, and is particularly excited to have the chance of meeting Henry Purcell, and to sing in the Chapel Royal choir.

Even while knowing the danger, however, he is unable to keep away from Eleanor, and soon he is drawn into a deadly intrigue where much more than his own life is at stake.

'While researching the book I was able to read transcripts of several original documents, including a seventeenth century treason trial,' said Felicity.'

The author, aged 69, told the Times: 'From childhood I always wanted to write. I supposed I was spurred on even more when I was 14. I asked my father, a clergyman, do you think I would make a writer?

'He replied: "No I don't think so, you haven't the imagination!" His remark just made me more determined.'

Though much of her adult life was concerned with bringing up her three children, Felicity has worked in various capacities locally, including Morwellham Quay and for some years at the Times, both as proofreader and typesetter.

She is a long serving member of St Eustachius and also a member of the Tavistock Writers' Group.

'I have some invaluable help from the group and some positive criticism from people who have seen things that I have overlooked when it came to editing the book.

'I'm now trying to polish up a sequel to Sacred Music, which carries on to the reign of James II and the Duke of Monmouth rebellion in 1685.'

There has been a surge of interest in mixing well researched historical facts with entertaining fictional storylines as shown by Booker prize winner Hilary Mantel and her interpretation of the Tudor dynasty.

Whatever comes of 'Sacred Music' and its sequel no doubt Felicity's father, if he was alive today, would give it his blessing and find the work 'highly imaginative'.

Sacred Music is available on Kindle through Amazon, price £3.35. ASIN: B008K4B7XC