Immersed in British culture as a child visiting her mother's homeland, Shirley Patterson-Wallace developed a lasting devotion for both the people as well as the country.  Milla's Villa, is her first novel, is derived from this love.  Shirley has also had articles published in several religious magazines.

Currently working on a second book, The Forkyped, which is a young adult novel about the Lancashire legend of the Boggarts, Shirley now resides in Washington State with her loving husband, William.  Apart from writing, she devotes her time to family and her church.

The Story

Lancashire, England 1924

At age 16, a naïve Kate Brody meets handsome Frank Connor at a local dance.  He is from a somewhat wealthy family; she is a poor factory girl from a nearby village. Soon, love entwines their hearts together.

When Frank’s domineering mother discovers her favorite son is involved with a girl she deems beneath his class, a devious plan is devised.

As the lover’s relationship begins to deepen, Frank is drugged and shipped off to Canada without any explanation as to his whereabouts..  Her decision to finally tell him that she is pregnant is sadly denied.

Heartbroken and feeling abandoned, Kate vows never to let another man pierce her soul again.

Frank eventually regains his memory, but when he rushes home to England, Kate has married a man she does not love.

What ensues is a story of love, laughter, tragedy, passion, betrayal and even a heartwarming segment involving the compassion of Bing Crosby.  Above all else, however, it is a love story that lasts for over half a century.