Cardigan author Anwen Francis has released her latest novel, Abigail’s Magic.

The author the Siani Shetland and Diesel the Donkey books adopted a new approach for this novel, as she explained.

“Introducing magic to my novels has been a completely new way of writing for me. My other books are quite factual but this one was quite a challenge. It’s been a long time since I was eight years old and Abigail, who appears on the cover of the novel, gave me lots of ideas.

“I thought it would be great to base the book locally. There’s also something very magical about the Preseli Mountains and every time I travel on them, I get this strange feeling, a feeling of mystery and enchantment.

“They are inspirational and captured my imagination and of course, there is no better pony than a Shetland Pony to steal the show as the main character.”

The cover photograph was taken by well- known Cardigan photographer Sian Broderick.

“We’ve had some terrific photos taken by Sian over the last year. Some were taken down on Poppit beach before lockdown and others at the Frenni Fach and her work has just fitted in so well with the book theme,” said Anwen, who also used friend Christine Latter from Gwili Pottery near Newcastle Emlyn as her illustrator.

“I absolutely love Christine’s pottery work. It’s unique and catches the eye, so I approached her about working with me on this new novel and she agreed. I’m delighted with her work and the project has just come together nicely.”

Cover star Abigail is a keen rider and a member of the Tivyside Pony Club. Some of her friends from the Pony Club also feature in the novel and Abigail is delighted to be on the front cover.

She said: “I loved reading the book and I couldn’t put it down! I really liked it when Magic was cantering on the mountains with Toby the Toad looking for fairies and chasing chocolate eggs! I wished it was all real!’

Abigail’s Magic can be purchased from Awen Teifi or directly from Anwen on [email protected]