The Essence of Bliss - Emily Astillberry

Emily Astillberry is an author and RSPCA Inspector from Norfolk. She has a degree in English Literature and Linguistics from York University and has been investigating animal cruelty and neglect and rescuing sick and injured animals for almost 20 years. In her day job, Emily deals with very difficult and often emotional situations and meets all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds. Her career provides some of the inspiration for themes and characters that can be found in her fictional work. At home, in an old cottage in the country, Emily has a husband, 5 children, 2 dogs, a cat, 2 giant African land snails and a rescue hen who seems to have moved inside with the dogs, so finding time to write can be a challenge. She is happiest outdoors, growing fruit and vegetables in the garden, walking the dogs and family holidays usually involve walking up mountains in summer, skiing down them in winter and sleeping in a tent whenever possible. Emily loves spending time with her large, noisy, chaotic family, cooking meals for friends and playing board games. She always has at least one book on the go and has always dreamed of writing her own novel. She now dreams of writing more.

GENRE: Paranormal romance, Women's fiction

Blurb:

Isabel Bliss is a devoted reception class teacher with a remarkable sensitivity to the feelings of others. She experiences people's emotions as if they were her own. When a boy in her class experiences unspeakable suffering she must find a way to rescue him from his torment. A new family moves to town and Isabel has profound reactions to the sons; recoiling from one and enchanted by the other. She is set on a journey of self discovery, challenging the very concepts of chance, choice and destiny.