Sunderland's long-gone paper mills inspire Glenda Young's new book + win copies

A book set around Sunderland’s long-gone paper mills is set for release – and we have five copies to give away.
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From the pen of Sunderland author Glenda Young, The Paper Mill Girl will be released in paperback on March 18 and is the latest release in her saga series set in her home city.

The series, which also includes Belle of the Back Streets, The Tuppenny Child, Pearl of Pit Lane and The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon, is part of an initial six-book deal, which has now been extended to eight with publisher Headline due to the success of the series.

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The traditional book launch including signings has had to be shelved this year, however, Glenda has teamed up with The Word in South Shields to virtually launch the book on Thursday, March 18. She is also giving a host of virtual talks with The History of Consett Steelworks, Sunderland Libraries, Gateshead Library and Sunderland University in the coming weeks.

The Paper Mill Girl is released in March and is inspired by Sunderland's old paper mills.The Paper Mill Girl is released in March and is inspired by Sunderland's old paper mills.
The Paper Mill Girl is released in March and is inspired by Sunderland's old paper mills.

Glenda grew up in Ryhope and her books all centre around strong female characters overcoming adversity in a northern pit village.

The author, who works with Sunderland Antiquarian Society and the Ryhope Heritage Society when researching her novels, said: “The Paper Mill Girl is set in the fictional Grange Paper Works, which is based on the old paper mills of Sunderland which I researched extensively for the story.

"Sunderland’s paper mills no longer exist and it’s a privilege to bring them to life again, this time through the eyes of a young girl working there.

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“The book is set in the areas of Hendon and Ryhope in Sunderland and I’m very proud to be putting the village of Ryhope, where I was born and bred, on the literary map and bringing the village to life in my books.”

Sunderland author Glenda Young. Photo by Les Mann.Sunderland author Glenda Young. Photo by Les Mann.
Sunderland author Glenda Young. Photo by Les Mann.

In addition to the saga book extension, 2021 will also see the release of Glenda’s new Cosy Crime series set in a B&B on the Yorkshire coast. Publisher Headline have signed three Cosy Crimes by Glenda Young and Murder at the Seaview Hotel will be out in August 2021, followed by further titles in May 2022 and May 2023.

Glenda added: “I’m delighted to not only extend my saga books with Headline, but to also have the opportunity to move into a whole new genre. The first cosy crime book, Murder at the Seaview Hotel is really funny.

"It features a troupe of twelve Elvis impersonators, called Twelvis, and one of them is found dead with his blue suede shoes stolen. It was such fun to write and every time I sat down to write, I listened to an Elvis song to get me in the right mood for each chapter.”

WIN

Hendon Paper Mill Christmas party in the 1950s. Archive pictures are from Sunderland Antiquarian Society, Beamish Museum archive and Rob's Shepherd's book Grangetown History, Vols. 1–3Hendon Paper Mill Christmas party in the 1950s. Archive pictures are from Sunderland Antiquarian Society, Beamish Museum archive and Rob's Shepherd's book Grangetown History, Vols. 1–3
Hendon Paper Mill Christmas party in the 1950s. Archive pictures are from Sunderland Antiquarian Society, Beamish Museum archive and Rob's Shepherd's book Grangetown History, Vols. 1–3
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We’ve teamed up with Glenda Young to offer five readers the chance to win her latest book. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this question: in which pit village did Glenda grow up?

A:: Ryhope

B:: Silksworth

C:: Easington

The Paper Mill Girl is released on March 18The Paper Mill Girl is released on March 18
The Paper Mill Girl is released on March 18

Email your answer, along with your name and address, to [email protected]. Closing date: March 5. Books will be posted to winners after March 18.

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