Ash

Amanda ran from an abusive marriage in Saudi Arabia with her four sons and infant daughter, Aisha. She found sanctuary at Blossom House - in the loving embrace of a community of women who understood. But always at the back of her mind was the fear that Muhammed would come for his children. Ash has grown-up feeling lost and out of place, left to her own devices by her damaged mother, abandoned to the lure of paint and canvas. She has few friends until she comes upon a group of Islamic women who promise empowerment and a mission in life - which has to be better than sacrificing herself to the twin goddesses of anorexia and social acceptance. One woman's dream is the other's nightmare.

Alys has been writing since the age of seven. She has been a nurse, midwife, and is now an Associate Professor of Midwifery. She has also worked as a chef, and still loves cooking mouth-watering vegan food. She is passionate about writing, and about promoting women's health and wellbeing through her work, and lives with her grown-up son, her sister and niece near the seaside in South Wales.