WATTYS WINNER 2020 Two interconnected murders, 64 years apart. One woman's search for truth and identity. Readers' comments: 'a masterpiece', 'impeccably written', 'amazing', 'superbly crafted page-turner', 'hauntingly beautiful', 'tremendous plot and character development', 'one of a kind', 'fantastic story telling', 'loved this book', 'a wonderful read", 'absolutely beautiful', 'brought tears to my eyes' and many more Wattys judging panel: 'This is VERY good. We were HOOKED from the beginning, and the writing and plot hold up throughout. This is a very unique, polished, well-written and well-researched piece.' Plot Set partly in rural England, partly on the sun-kissed coast of southerm Italy, The Painted Altar is a murder mystery mixed with romantic and historical elements (World War Two). Given away at two days old, Mary Rice has spent her life in the shadows. When discovering the suspicious circumstances surrounding her biological mother's death, she embarks on a journey which will shine a light not only on the truth but also on her own identity. Brief extract Suddenly, the door had inched open, half a wrinkled face visible behind the tautened chain. "Hello. Who is it?" The words I was going to say had of course been well-rehearsed, repeated over and over in my mind like a mantra, but now that the moment had arrived I found myself struggling to remember them. "Mrs Harvey... I think that you might... well, that you might be..." The door closed, then slowly opened once more, the chain this time unlatched. And there she was before me - half a metre away, within arm's reach. Thin lips gradually crooking upwards at each corner like the slow beatific kindling of a summer's dawn. "Oh yes love, I know who you are." Length: 70,000 words About the author: Originally from England but for the last 16 years I've been living in Italy. I hope therefore that the Italian aspects of the novel will have a certain gloss of authenticity.

Hailey's life has been pretty normal and trouble free so far. If you categorise growing up with your all-male neighbours trouble free... After coming back from Australia to the US of A she comes back to more than just her home. She comes back to find that the McLane boys have know grown up into a family of 9 boys ranging from super hot to just plain adorable. What do you do when you're thrown back into the chaos that the McLane's call normal life? How do you deal with living among a male-dominated household? Is there a way to make a waterproof camera NOT water proof? Hailey may not have all the answers and she may be wondering these exact questions herself but join her anyway as she goes through the ups and downs of being a teenage girl hopelessly stuck in a life that's anything but normal. A/N: The first few chapters aren't really that good and the story may seem a bit slow at the start but it does get better if you keep reading! I got the main idea for my story from the book "Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan boys" and I also put in a few of my own experiences in too! (Only SOME things in here have happened to me, not everything!) Also! I am Australian.... sooooo if I get some facts wrong about how things go in the US i'm sorry! Thanks for all the support everyone! :) Luv u all xxStephxx

From the coasts of the peaceful islands of Ione, a wall of dense smog of the Nation looms from the distance, threatening the island. Queen Ailani had always dreaded the day her island will be mercilessly devoured by the Nation and her people will succumb to the rule of their own leader. But when it was too late, they had already obtained a strong grip around the island and were slowly suffocating it more and more with each passing day. Now she looks at the constitution in front of her with a pen in her hand and a gun pointed at her head. For years she was forced to watch as these foreigners slowly took over her land and her people. Her own people are divided from loyalty to their nation and their Queen or to the illusion of wealth and power of the Nation. Armed with the dangerous combination of greed and impatience, the foreigners staged a coup throughout her island. She stands at a crossroads: sign away her island or her life. This story is inspired by Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, who stood against the rising world power of America to protect her sacred lands and beloved people. - Wattpad selected me to be part of a campaign on behalf of Hulu for Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaids Tale". From its sole focus on feminism and women empowerment, I was inspired to create a story from such values. In a time when women are still undermined, the world needs a flood of more literature to spread this. So I'm honored to be part of this opportunity to contribute my writing to the feminist movement.

"It is your choice," he said, stepping so close to me that our lips were almost touching. "Either do what I say - or get another job." My heart stood still as I gazed up into his deep, dark, dangerous eyes... In a world where women's only role in life is to sit at home and look pretty, Lilly is determined to fight for her freedom. There's only one problem: a powerful man blocking her way.

~ A collection of short stories and poems by Darragh Briscomb ~ - Dedicated towards all those who read the stories that I write, and certain people in my life that have managed to mould me into the person I am today. You are all truly wonderful people. -