Book tour: author sees Over The Line as ‘a story about trust’

The next stop on the Over The Line book tour is in Monmouth on Wednesday 12th August when author Steve Howell will discuss and sign copies of his debut novel at Rossiter Books.

Set in and around Caerleon in South Wales, the novel tells the story of an Olympic poster girl, Megan, who disappears after the police reopen an investigation into the steroid-related death of an old school friend.

The controversy around her deepens when it also emerges she’s still seeing a banned rugby player who failed a drugs test. Her coach, Liam, who narrates the story, wants to believe in his star athlete but her erratic behaviour strains even his loyalty.

“The story explores the pressures that lead to people risking their health – and possibly their lives – by using steroids, whether motivated by sporting ambition or, for many teenage boys, an obsession with having the ‘perfect’ muscular physique,” said Steve.

“But it’s not just a book for people interested in those issues. One reader said she wasn’t ‘one for sporty novels’ but found Over The Line is ‘very much about human emotions and people’s feelings’.

“And I was especially pleased she felt like that because, above all, I see the book as a story about trust and the passions it can arouse. Through Megan’s relationships with different people, I’ve tried to show how trust can be eroded by suspicion, how it is sometimes misplaced, and how – on the other hand – it can be built on such solid foundations that it endures the mistakes someone has made.”

Rossiter Books, which also has a store in Ross-on-Wye, is a highly-respected independent bookseller that runs and supports author events throughout the year. Other speakers this autumn include Pat Barker (Noonday), David Starkey (Magna Carta) and Jack Thurston (Lost Lanes).

“At Rossiter Books we love bringing both new and established authors to our towns to talk about their books,” said Carol Bloomfield, events manager. “Supporting new writers is an important part of our job and we’re delighted to have Steve Howell joining our exciting events programme.”

Tickets for the event at £3 each can be booked on the Rossiter website.

As well as being on sale at Rossiter Books, you can buy Over The Line at £7.99 at Waterstones and most independent bookshops.

It can also be ordered online via www.gwales.com or this website.

A Kindle version of Over The Line at £3.49 is available on Amazon.

Over The Line event

Wednesday 12th August
Talk & signing at Rossiter Books, Monmouth –7pm

Friday 4th September
Talk & signing at Cwtsh, Newport – 7pm
(details to be confirmed)

Thursday 10th September
Talk, signing and a glass of wine at Chepstow Bookshop, Chepstow – 7pm
(to book please call Jamie-Lee or Hannah – see below)

Thursday 11th November
Talk & signing at Wellfield Bookshop, Cardiff – 7pm
(for details contact Jamie-Lee or Hannah)

For more details on the above events or to arrange an event, please contact
jamie-lee.cole@freshwater-uk.com or hannah.jones@freshwater-uk.com or phone them on 02920 545370