A FAMOUS author once said that everyone has a good book in them, but that is exactly where it should stay.

For award-winning poet and short story writer Norma Powers of Riverside House, Peebles, this quote may have resonated with her.

Her creative desire to write a novel and become a published author hit so many hurdles over the years that it almost became the impossible dream.

Rejected by publishers and having re-written the book more times than she cares to share, Norma has finally completed the book that has lay within her for many years – The Candle House.

Set in 1950s England and France, teenager Alex escapes from her family and their old fashioned, middle-class values. She takes off to rural Normandy where she discovers the mysterious Candle House.

It is there Alex discovers secrets that shatter her childhood delusions and where she also discovers true love.

Although she did not get her break from publishers, Norma's manuscript has been recognised in national competitions.

Norma was shortlisted in The Write Time, a competition for writers over 50, and highly commended in the Rose & Crown Inspirational Romance New Novel competition.

For 85-year-old Norma, the Candle House has been a labour of love and she credits her son Mark for being instrumental in its completion.

“I’ve always wanted to write a novel and I’ve learned a lot since I began this journey which seems so long ago now.

"It has been interesting and has polished my skills and tightened my writing. I’ve had great feedback from people who have read the book, which is lovely.”

Asked if she was inspired to write another novel, Norma said the completion of the Candle House was a dream come true, but it would be her first and last book.

She added: “From now on it will be poetry, my first love and where I’ve had some success.”

The Candle House is available to buy from Amazon Books Print-On-Demand costing £6.50.