Will uprooting herself from London to live in the country help Kay escape guilt-ridden memories of her husband's death? Far from finding a quiet life, she is caught up in an age-old village conflict where passionate opinions on Romany Gypsy Travellers divide the local people. A young woman, Lena, enters her life, unwittingly putting Kay's plans on hold. Kay struggles to not only come to terms with her emotional past but also to resolve Lena's problems, those of the village and the Gypsies. And another relationship blossoms that she would never have dreamed of... "Copies of GYPSIES STOP tHERE should be in every public library, in every school and if you know someone who is anti-Gypsy for this or that reason maybe give him or her a copy for Christmas or just as a gift generally. The price of this book could make a lifetime of a difference as far as attitudes are concerned and from one reader the effects could snowball. I am certain this book has that potential." For full Book Review see O NEVO DROM

See also: Voice magazine Winter 2009 (back page) The author has held book signing events at Waterstone's shops in Farnham, Guildford, Basingstoke and Woking; and at Borders bookshops in Brighton and Southampton. It is on the recommended reading list in the national police training programme. "A clever title by a well researched author captures the stigma, prejudice, bigotry and plain ignorance that often blights society. Yet the key qualities of courage, loyalty, respect and family unity shine through in a thought provoking story that remains light hearted and will keep you guessing ... I'm really looking forward to the sequel." Neighbourhood Specialist Officer, Gypsy & Traveller Liaison (who has worked with Travellers for 25 years) Says Waterstone's, "A fantastic, insightful first novel by a local author. Challenges prejudices and entertains thoroughly. This is a perfect holiday read." Listen to Miriam Wakerly reading extracts on radio Rokker Radio, Three Counties Radio. "...a good read, this story provides an entertaining way of understanding a very important social issue ... A recommended read for book club members who wish to have a story that is thought-provoking." Bernadette McLean, Principal of Helen Arkell Centre and non-executive Director of Barrington Stoke Publishers "Brilliant story. Spot on. Really brought to life some of the issues that the Travelling community experience at each place they stop!" Diana Stevens, Traveller Project Worker, Hart Voluntary Action " ... a writer who, while offering a balance of views, is sympathetic to the problems faced by Traveller families today in the UK ... unique, as well as highly engaging." Jacqui McLachlan, Gypsy Liaison Officer, Hampshire County Council " ... introduces Gypsies into the story without either demonising them or making them seem impossibly romantic. It should certainly get people thinking as well as keeping them entertained." Jane Housham, University of Hertfordshire Press (publishers of academic books on Gypsies) About the Author This is the first novel by Miriam Wakerly, who has had short stories and articles published in magazines, and likely to be the first of many, as the subject lends itself to both sequels and prequels. With a BA (Hons) Degree in Combined Arts from Leicester University, her career history includes teaching; public relations and marketing in the IT industry; and community work. She has lived in Frimley or Frimley Green since 1978.