An NHS worker has had her debut book published, after submitting it to publishers during lockdown.

Macclesfield born-and-raised writer Rachel Lloyd, has just released her thriller novel titled Gabriel.

The ex-Fallibroome Academy pupil from Upton Priory had seen her hard work pay off, after trying to get published for 20 years.

I was always interested in art ad literature at school but despite reading various authors works including Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe, but I was told I had poor literature skills and needed to try harder," said Rachel.

"This eroded my confidence in my own abilities despite winning a short story competition at school called night noises.

"I spent three years at Mid Cheshire College of art and design before going on to study the history of art and architecture at Manchester University. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at University and gained a 2;1 degree, my confidence was restored and after completing my University degree I started to write my first book called Gabriel.

"I completed my book when I was twenty-six, when still living in Macclesfield, and over the years sent it off for publication."

About three decades later, her life-long passion project has finally been given the chance to find an audience.

The book boasts a five-star rating on Amazon, and can also be bought from Waterstones or Blackwells.

"I have worked hard all my life and despite living on the breadline," added Rachel.

"I finally realised my dream of becoming a published Author when I was offered a publishing deal from Olympia publishers for my first book Gabriel in January 2021.

"My book was finally published in February 2022 under my pen name Rae Lloyd."

The book is 183 pages long, and costs just £7 on paperback. It is even free for Amazon Kindle members.

The publication of her first - and fingers crossed not final - piece is a testament to a lifetime of hard work.

"I have had a tumultuous life involving heart break and broken emotionally abusive relationships but have always worked to scrape a living," Rachel recalled.

"I have so far received a lot of positive feed back but would obviously like to get my book out to the widest possible audience, I am very proud that despite all the obstacles in my way I never gave up on my dream. My mum passed away on the 22nd August last year after living in Macclesfield for around 60 years so this book is dedicated to her.

"I am currently working on another book and have many ideas in the pipeline.

"I have also gone on to write two others and also lots of poetry.

"My ideas come from observing the nature of the world around us, the psychological and physical effects of our environments and the times we find ourselves living in and through."

Rachel lived in Macclesfield until her mid-30s, but has always felt it is home. She now lives in coastal Cornwall, which provides her with creative inspiration.

She now works as a full-time administrator for the NHS.

The blurb for Gabriel is as follows:

"When Amber is abruptly let go at work, she decides to go down to Cornwall, where she has precious memories of visiting with her father, many years before. She meets a friendly taxi driver at the station and asks that he drop her off for a walk along the clifftop before she goes into town.

There, on the clifftop, Amber meets a strangely compelling man and after that night, she loses her memory completely. She wakes up in a house she somehow recognises as hers, but she doesn't know if it is or how it came to be so.

She has terrible dreams every night and when she tries to remember who she is, her mind and body are overcome with a terrible weakness and illness.

Amber knows she has to find the answers to who she is and why she is here. She knows her fate is somehow entwined with that of the chilling stranger she met on the clifftops. But how far will she have to go to find out the truth? And who is the stranger from the cliffs?"

You can also buy Gabriel on eBay.

One review described the book as "Gripping."

"A Fantastic read," they said.

"The twists and turns keeps you interested until the end. Highly recommended."

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