This image is the cover for the book The Ties That Bind

The Ties That Bind

How the hell do you persuade your elderly, sick mother that she can’t stay in her own home? She’s confused and belligerent, talking about Hitler and ironing boards! All she really wants is to be left alone to die in her own bed, in peace and without any fuss. But her daughters have other ideas. Sisters Diana and Vanessa face a rollercoaster of emotions as they battle the practicalities of looking after their mother Edwina as her life draws to a close. As she becomes increasingly frail, Edwina becomes more determined to wear them down by her refusal to accept their help. And now their eldest sibling, a convicted criminal, is back on the scene and that can only spell trouble. Through laughter, tears and lots of wine, Vanessa and Diana navigate the challenges of dealing with all the emotional and practical paraphernalia of a dying parent. Two middle aged women who appreciate that dark humour is sometimes what you need to get you through the day and that family ties run deep in good times and bad.

Kate Merrin

Having spent many years working in the family business, Kate got the opportunity to fulfil a dream of sitting down and writing when she took early retirement. As a busy mother and lately grandmother, her family has always been central to her days and so, it was natural that her first novel would revolve around family dynamics. Her children Adam and Francesca, are now grown but she blends her writing days with being Nanna to Connor and Evie, living in Kent with husband Keith and mad Labrador Jaffa.

Austin Macauley Publishers