THE latest work from the pen of St Helens-born writer, Carole Matthews has now been published in paperback.

With Or Without You, Carole's eighth novel, first appeared in hardback in April last year. It tells the story of Lyssa whose world falls apart when her husband Jake, having been seduced by another woman, says their marriage isn't working. In a bid to escape, she embarks on a trekking holiday in Nepal but it never occurs to her that she might find love in the Himalayan foothills. When it's time to go home - back to reality and a very sheepish Jake - Lyssa has to face the hardest choice of her life.

Carole, who researches all her books thoroughly, trekked extensively in Nepal while researching With Or Without You. She fell in love with the place and the people, and on her return became involved with the charity, Child Action Nepal.

Born and bred in St Helens, Carole lived in Eccleston until she was 11, later moving to Boundary Road and Laffak. A pupil at St Teresa's and then St Julie's primary schools, she went on to the former Notre Dame Girls Catholic Grammar School before leaving town to work in London at the age of 18.

She now lives in Milton Keynes but still comes 'home' regularly to visit her family in the St Helens area.

With Or Without You, published by Headline Publishing, is available in paperback, priced £6.99.