ROSIE Thomas might be best known for her master storytelling but she is also a great adventurer. She has climbed in the Alps and the Himalayas, trekked in Pakistan, Ladakh and Bhutan, followed the Silk Route through Asia, worked on a research station in Antarctica, sailed the Atlantic, explored in Chile and competed in a classic car rally from Peking to Paris and next week, this intrepid traveller, will be travelling all the way to Cowbridge.

On Friday, April 4, Rosie will be the guest of the Cowbridge Book Festival and will talk about her recently published and eagerly awaited novel, The Illusionists.

Originally from north Wales, Rosie won a scholarship and became a boarder at Howells School where she soon found the library and read and read. She went on to read English at St Hilda’s College Oxford and after a few years working for women’s magazines her first novel was published in 1982.

Rosie is the author of over 20 novels, most recently the award winning Iris and Ruby and The Kashmir Shawl (published in 2012 to great critical acclaim). She believes her travelling and writing are interdependent “all along the road there are stories waiting to be told” and her many fans would testify that she has the skill to weave wonderful, spell binding stories from her many adventures.

Obviously, we can expect a fascinating and informative evening as Rosie talks about her work and inspirations. After the presentation there will be an opportunity to purchase the book and enjoy a glass of wine and a chat with the author as she signs her books.

All proceeds from 2014 Festival events will be donated to The Noah's Ark Appeal Children’s Hospital of Wales, and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Rosie Thomas will present her book The Illusionists at 7.30pm on Friday, April 4 at Cowbridge United Free Church, tickets £5 including a glass of wine.

Further information including more detail on this book is on our website www.cowbridgebookfestival.co.uk

Tickets are available from David Barnes (dry cleaners) 35 High Street, Cowbridge; Nicklebys Pound Field, Llantwit Major; online from TicketlineUK; via the festival website or phone Stella Cheeseman on 01446 774827