Who Is The Real Angela Petch?

An absolute treat for my blog readers this week as author Angela Petch reveals more about herself and a fascinating story it is indeed!

I’m speaking to Angela quite a lot of late as we share our adventure into the world of sourdough bread making. Angela’s latest novel published by Bookouture is The Sicilian Secret. Over to Angela …

I came across an author’s quote the other day: “We are the sum total of our experiences,” penned by B. J Neblett. Combined with a piece of writing advice: “write what you know”, it started me thinking about the various places I’ve lived and their influence on my writing.

Morton asks, “Who is the real Angela Petch?” It sounds deep and meaningful; as if I am on the psychiatrist’s couch. But she’s certainly got me thinking. Warning: I’m delving deep into the past and there were no digital photographs back then, so pardon the grainy quality of my images.

I was born in Germany as my father was in the army during that period in the early 1950s, helping with the displaced.

We moved to England and lived in a rather anonymous suburb of London when he joined the Civil Service. When I was seven years old, he accepted a sideways career move to work for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the European and North African headquarters in Rome. We had seven amazing years living in the Roman countryside, taken on tours by my wonderful parents. My classmates were from all over the world: France, Australia, USA, Nigeria, Scotland, Denmark to mention a few.

Italy has featured greatly in my life since those formative years when I lived in the Eternal City and they sparked a deep love for this beautiful country and people. Back in England, after the tragic death of our youngest brother, I couldn’t study Italian at school, so I found a teacher myself. Then, I studied for my Italian degree.

**ME IN MY 20S ON MY THIRD YEAR ABROAD**

Fast forward and I am working for The Times European Sales department. A two-timing boyfriend causes me to apply for a job to leave London. (Despite my broken heart, no way was I going to be messed about). I ended up in Amsterdam using my Italian for a construction company, working on a project in Sicily. On the island my broken heart was mended when I met my husband. (You never know what is round the corner).

After our wedding, we relocated to Tanzania, East Africa for three years, where I taught in a mission school: a commercial college preparing students for work in business. The nuns couldn’t pay me but I received something far more wonderful than money: invitations to various outposts that we would never have experienced otherwise: a maternity hospital run by Italian nuns for Masai women; a nomad American priest who worked with the Masai and a visit to a witch doctor’s hospital.

Family life with three young children absorbed us in our middle years but now that I am retired (am I??? I’ve never been busier), we live in Tuscany for six months each year and my writing began to take shape.

With my various experiences, I have plenty of subject matter for stories. Life is never boring for me.

About Angela Petch

Published by Bookouture, Angela Petch is an award-winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring their unspoilt corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas.

The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.

Angela’s gripping WWII novels set in Italy are published by Bookouture. While her novel, Mavis and Dot, was self-published and tells of the frolics and foibles of two best-friends who live by the seaside. Angela also writes short stories published in Prima and People’s Friend.

Social media links:

Blog: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angela_Petch

Instagram: @angela_maurice

About The Sicilian Secret

Italy, 1943. With war raging across the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters of his beloved Sicily, Savio’s pen scrawls desperately across the page. His letter must be sent in secret – or his life will be in terrible danger…

England, present day. Paige is devastated when her reclusive but beloved Aunt Florence dies – the only family she’s ever known. Inheriting her crumbling cottage, Paige finds an unfinished note. ‘I am sorry, Paige. It’s time to tell you everything. It all began in Sicily…’

Beside the note is a faded envelope – addressed to a woman called Joy – with an Italian postage stamp from 1943. The letter inside is made up of Roman numerals and snippets of sentences written in Italian. But who is Joy? Was someone sending a coded message? Paige is desperate to piece together the truth. But she soon discovers it will change everything she’s ever believed about her aunt, and her family history.

1943. Lady Joy Harrison may have grown up in a manor house, but she’s determined to fight for what’s right and use her fluent Italian to help the Allies. Breaking code on a long night shift, Joy reads a secret message that makes her whole body shake. A dark-eyed young man she once loved is in terrible danger on the shores of Sicily. Was the message sent by him? And will she ever see him again – or will the war tear them apart for good?

An absolutely heartbreaking and stunning timesplit historical novel about how wartime secrets can stretch across the generations, and the incredible bravery of ordinary people in the darkest of times. Fans of The Nightingale, Fiona Valpy and Lucinda Riley will be captivated.

Purchase link: https://geni.us/B0CYQTW8KKauthor

Order links for audio –

UK: https://ow.ly/8BP850RkY2U

US: https://ow.ly/xrJn50RkY2T