Anne Marie Ryan, 47, is a children's book author and publisher who has just released her first adult novel, titled The Six Tales of Christmas.

The novel is about an independent bookshop in the Cotswolds that is struggling financially, but still wants to help the community during the Christmas period.

Nora and Simon, the shop owners, set up a campaign whereby people can nominate someone they believe is in need of a book during the holidays.

Six people are picked and a book is sent out to each of them, with the hope that this will help them with their struggles.

"It's a fairy tale for adults, a feel good story with a happy ending," Ryan told Nub News.

The American expat who has lived in Ealing for 25 years has previously written several children's fiction books.

"I wanted to challenge myself and do something different by writing for a more grown up audience," she said.

"It's different to children's books, but not as different as I expected," she added.

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The 47-year-old started writing the novel in September 2019 and made sure that its release date was just in time for Christmas.

"The book deals with several serious themes such as mental health, grief and redundancy, but has a happy ending, something which is a must for 2020."

Ryan added: "It's important to remember that just like in the book, a random act of kindness can change a life."

The Six Tales of Christmas can be found both online at Waterstones and Amazon for £6.99, but also at your local bookstore, such as The Pitshanger Bookshop, which is still doing deliveries and collections.