A YOUNG author following in his father’s footsteps has penned a festive follow-up to his debut novel.
Bradwell-on-Sea resident Michael ‘Michaela’ Trueman self-published his first book, Cue Romance, earlier this year.
After being inspired by his sci-fi writer father Richard Trueman, the 20-year-old wrote the debut novel set in a snooker club in Colchester.
The novel also featured the heroine of his second romance novel – The Christmas Genie’s Wish.
Main character Eugenie Holland only has a small part in Cue Romance but Michael had always planned to explore her story more.
Read more: Author hopes for big break with debut novel mixing love and snooker
He said: “I always knew I wanted to expand on her character and, after watching Songs of Praise and reading an article about toxic positivity, I worked out exactly who Eugenie was and what her story would be.”
The hero and heroine of the new Christmas novel also visit St Peter’s Chapel in Bradwell.
“The novel is about shopping locally, as well as faith, friendship, festive fun, and, of course, romance,” Michael added.
The author volunteers in charity shops so drew on some of his retail experience for his book, as Eugenie works in a boutique.
She takes on the role of Christmas Genie – which Michael describes as “a personal shopper with a less dull title” – at her aunt’s shop in Colchester.
The blurb reads: “While helping other people buy presents, the Christmas Genie herself finds the very thing she wants for Christmas.
“He ticks every box of her wishlist, but will he be present on Christmas Day?”
The book costs £8.99 and can be bought now on Amazon or at Maldon Books in Maldon High Street and Red Lion Books in Colchester.
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