Lucy Ashford, an English Studies lecturer, has always loved literature and history, and from childhood one of her favourite occupations has been to immerse herself in historical romances. She studied English with history at Nottingham University, and the Regency is her favourite period. Lucy has written several historical novels.

She lives with her husband in an old stone cottage in the Peak District, near to beautiful Chatsworth House and Haddon hall, all of which gave her a taste of the magic of life in a bygone age.

Her garden enjoys spectacular views over the Derbyshire hills, where she loves to roam and let her imagination go to work on her latest story.

From an early age, Louise was adopted into a family who from the beginning said they didn't want her. Her first book,Thrown Away Child, reveals the abuse and neglect she and a fellow adopted child suffered at the hands of their adopted mother Barbara.

Ten years ago, Louise and her family became a fostering family. They have looked after over twenty children, some have stayed long term. This led to the bestselling series Thrown Away Children where Louise is inspired by the stories of children in the care system.

Within days the book became a bestseller. Louise now draws on her experience to write a new series of 'How to' books about adoption, fostering and parenting.How to Adopt a Child is the unvarnished truth about adoption. Louise is well known for 'saying it as it is' so not only is it witty and engaging, it also empowers adopters to feel confident and in control and to know where to turn to for help.