A CELEBRATED writer will soon be meeting the public of the Vale.

Griffin Books welcomes debut author, Elizabeth Macneal, to Penarth next week.

She'll be discussing her highly anticipated new historical novel over cream tea at All Saints Church on Wednesday May 8, with doors open at 2:30pm.

Ms Macneal's book, The Doll Factory, is set in London in the year 1850.

It is the story of a young woman who aspires to be an artist, and a man's obsession that may destroy her world forever.

The book has received rave reviews from other authors, and has been chosen for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club.

The event is particularly recommended for fans of Jessie Burton (author of The Miniaturist and The Muse) and Sarah Waters (author of Fingersmith and The Little Stranger).

Tickets are £12.50 including the cream tea and a personally signed copy of the book, which has a retail price of £12.99.

Book your tickets by contacting the shop on 02920 706455 or at www.ticketsource.co.uk/griffinbooks