Marilyn Parkes-Seddon

On the beautiful island of Guernsey is an art gallery by the name of La Perle. Owners Antoinette and James are both privileged and delighted when famous artist Raphael Harcourt-Smithe offers to hold an exhibition at the gallery, with the centrepiece being his painting Madrigal. As the exhibition progresses, La Perle transforms into a place of mystery and intrigue, and when romance becomes entangled with murder, it is clear that things are not all as they first seem...Marilyn Parkes-Seddon's gripping thriller is enhanced by her vivid descriptions of the beauty of Guernsey, which contrast with echoes from the Second World War, during which the Channel Islands were occupied by German forces.

Before the Reformation, the desire to go on pilgrimage was almost universal; it was a part of life. For some it was simply an act of piety, whereas others wished to obtain healing. Few would have doubted that by visiting a saint's shrine or holy place they would gain indulgences to offset against their sins, fast-tracking themselves into heaven when they died. The scallop shell - symbol of St James - became the recognised badge of pilgrims everywhere. In this book Marilyn Parkes-Seddon recounts her experiences visiting twenty-two places of pilgrimage in Britain. Her journeys take her from the tiny cell where St Julian lived in self-imposed incarceration for forty years to the unexpected jewel of Samye Ling Buddhist monastery in Dumfries & Galloway and the awesome grandeur of Durham Cathedral.

Before the Reformation the desire to go on pilgrimage was almost universal. It was a part of life. For some it was simply an act of piety; others wished to obtain healing. Few would have doubted that by visiting a saint's shrine or holy place they would gain indulgences to offset against their sins and fast-track themselves into heaven when they died. The scallop shell, symbol of St James, became the recognised badge of pilgrims everywhere. In this book Marilyn Parkes-Seddon recounts her experiences visiting twenty-two places of pilgrimage in Britain. Her journeys take her from the tiny cell where St Julian lived in self-imposed incarceration for forty years to the unexpected jewel of Samye Ling Buddhist monastery in Dumfries & Galloway and the awesome grandeur of Durham Cathedral.

Hoping to find a way to move on from the sadness that threatens to overwhelm her life, young widow, Betsy Abbot, moves to Alderney to manage a small bistro. There she meets and falls in love with a Guernsey yachtsman, Allain Laubert, but once again Betsy's life is devastated by sudden tragedy. The Jonquil of the title is Allain's yacht, and the story centres on the St Anne Challenge, a biennial yacht race around the island of Alderney. Allain gives Betsy new hope. Her life once again is brightened by love. But subsequent to the tragedy there are complications and misunderstandings, and Allain's former girlfriend, Francesca, is determined to keep them apart.