FISHER King Publishing has published the 12th novel by award-winning Ilkley author, Alan Reynolds.

The Baker’s Story is billed as a riveting novel that will give readers a powerful insight into what life was like in the days leading up to the First World War.

Alan said: “It’s my first venture into historical writing and of course required a great deal of research.

“There is local interest in that it is set in Keighley, primarily because I wanted an appropriate setting for a ‘typical’ working-class family of the era (there are a number of upper class novels - Downton Abbey et al).

“Arthur Marsden is a baker and the book follows his family fortunes in the weeks leading up to the start of the First World War.

“It reflects not just the social and political climate of the time but also says something about the class culture and poverty that existed, the women’s movement, and the industrial unrest.”

A synopsis of the book reads: “27th June 1914... It was just another working day in the humdrum life of master baker, Arthur Marsden, and his family.

“As he mixed dough for the morning’s bread run, he had no concept of the change that was about to be unleashed, the repercussions of which would leave no corner of the world untouched.

“In this powerful social documentary, set in a West Yorkshire town, award-winning author, Alan Reynolds, charts the life of the Marsden family, in real time, as the country sleep-walks into a conflict that will change lives forever.

“Using detailed research, this book is a moving story reflecting the social conditions of the time through the eyes of a working class family - women’s rights, industrial unrest, and a class war that teetered on the point of revolution.

“This novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys a well-researched, family saga with strong characters and storyline, or with an interest in social history, or the First World War.”

Following a successful career in banking, Alan established his own training company in 2002 and has successfully managed projects across a wide range of businesses.

This experience has led to an interest in psychology and human behaviour through watching interactions, studying responses and research.

Leadership has also featured strongly in his training portfolios and the knowledge gained has helped build the strong characters in his books.

His interest in writing started as a hobby but after completing his first novel in just three weeks, the favourable reviews he received has encouraged him to take up a new career.

The inspiration for his stories comes from real life with which people can easily identify.

The Baker’s Story by Alan Reynolds was published by Fisher King Publishing on June 3 and is available to buy now on Amazon, ISBN 978-1-913170-96-7

Other titles by Alan Reynolds include: Breaking the Bank; Exfil; Flying with Kites; Smoke Screen; Taskers End; The Coat; The Sixth Pillar; The Tinker; Trent Island; Twelve – a date with obsession; Valley of The Serpent.