Sarah Hawthorn's latest novel has been three years in the making, and involved a global trek to bring the finer details to life.
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The Bundanoon-based author of the psychological thriller A Voice in the Night, will launch her latest tale with The Bowral Bookshop this weekend.
The Dilemma is a wartime fictional mystery set in Guernsey and England, from 1914 to 1958.
It starts in 1950s where a daughter "stumbles" on a mysterious letter from her late mother, which changes everything.
"There are a whole lot of secrets that turn her life upside down," she said.
Although she did not give too much away, the novelist wanted the book to leave an impression on readers.
"...I want the reader to think about what they would have done in that same situation," she said.
When it came to researching these "dual time lines", it required a lot of digging.
Ms Hawthorn joined different Guernsey-based Facebook groups to get a sense of growing up there in the 1950s, and spoke with historians and travel guides.
She made her way to Guernsey to discover the places for herself, with a guide and historian, and accessed newspaper archives in local libraries.
"I spent a lot of time with my nose in the newspaper," she said.
The novel was ranked first on Amazon's new releases list four a total of four weeks, and is rated 4.4 out of five stars on Goodreads.
Two actors have also been chosen to bring The Dilemma to life in an audio form, which will be released in December.
It is not the only milestone the novelist is celebrating - A Voice in the Night is officially being launched in North America on November 8.
You can go along to the launch of Ms Hawthorn's novel on November 13, from 4pm to 6pm at The Bundanoon Club.
Attendees can purchase a copy of the book and have it signed, listen to a reading and question and answer session, and enjoy refreshments.
Entry is free but must be reserved via Trybooking.
Learn more about Sarah at sarahhawthorn.com.au.
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