A COTTAGE at Linton gives it name to the latest novel by author Sarah Colliver.

When War Came to Laundry Cottage is Sarah’s first foray into writing historical fiction.

Laundry Cottage was owned by the Price family who told Sarah stories about life in the Second World War.

Sarah had a launch event at Ruardean Village Hall which featured stalls recalling Dig for Victory, rationing and the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Forces Institutes) – as well as tea leaves readings.

The launch event raised £563 for Great Oaks Hospice in Coleford.

Sarah, who lives in Drybrook, said: “We decided to do a launch but also raise money for Great Oaks Hospice which is very important to our community and its nice that the community has come together and donated lots of lovely things.

“I could not have done it without the people who have helped and the donations. Its been a great team effort.”

The book tells the story of a young woman, Sybil Cooper, who escapes the bombs in the city and comes to live with her Auntie Vi in the countryside but she finds she has not escaped danger.

Sarah, who is a care coordinator at Coleford Medical Practice, has written other books all set in the present day – Deep, Deeper Still, and We Close Our Eyes.

She added: “This is my fourth book but my first historical fiction but I really enjoyed writing this book and its probably my favourite.

“I’m a bit of a historical fiction buff and I loved immersing myself back in time.

“The feedback is that the book has transported people back to the era which is music to my ears because that is all I could hope for.”

The book is on sale at the Wednesday and Saturday markets in Ross, Living by Velvet Estates in Lydney and from Amazon.