'Reflections of the Past - A Story of the Guardians of the Well' is an imaginative, cogent, thought provoking story based in the village of St Clether, near Launceston, and centred upon its ancient 'pool' - or 'well'.

Looked upon for possibly thousands of years as being sacred or holy, the site was enhanced, with the coming of Christianity, by the building of a chapel. Vanda Inman realised that the pool and its immediate location has possessed spiritual connotations for a couple of thousand years and more.

The author with skill and perception has involved a historical novel which will seize the reader's attention early on and hold it until the last page.

She has used the legends of 'The Maidens of the Well' to pen a story of spirituality, romance, mysticism and love - encompassing this vast expanse of time-creating characters which convince whilst at the same time astutely placing them before a literary backdrop which illustrates to a major degree the quite awesome changes in ways of life and beliefs during the past two millennia.

Five Maidens carry the story; firstly is Rowan in the age of paganism and its harmonious accord with nature, and her attempts to protect that sacred pool from the forces of evil. This era is followed by the rise of the Celtic Church and the fears of Rhiannon that this formal doctrine might infringe on the customs of people regarding their reverence for the well, then moves on to the medieval age when Rosenwyn Bravely confronts that, and those, which threaten the sanctity of this sacred place.

There is a leap then to relatively modern times - the Victorian era - when Rose, a lady of Wisdom and mystical powers, overcomes obstacles to save the holy well and restore the chapel, then right up-to-date in the modern era, with Rowena Bringing new life, purpose and positive spirituality over once again the well and chapel.

There is much to admire in this work. Firstly it is a 'good read' from start to finish, the author creating atmosphere and mysticism, but adroitly avoiding whimsy. It also has much that is thought provoking, Vanda Inman writing clearly on a subject of which she has both insight and understanding; it comes through, as well, that she has immense affection for Cornwall, and this affinity gives her writing an extra power and dimension. It is, at £7.50, exceptional value.

'Reflections of the Past - A Story of the Guardians of the Well' by Venda Inman, published by Vanda Inman's Write Space (ISBN 978-0-9530733-3-7) priced at £7.50, from Venda Inman, Rivendell, St Clether, Launceston. 01566 86533