A WIVELISCOMBE author has released a new LGBTQ+ romantic adventure book.

Emma Bettridge, a theatre producer and writer based in Wiveliscombe, has released her latest book ‘The Ranch at the End of the World’, the first Young Adult (YA) book published by Welsh independent publisher Graffeg.

Chocolate Books in Wiveliscombe will host a book launch for the release of Emma’s new book on Thursday, October 17, at 6pm.

The Ranch at the End of the World is a romantic adventure story featuring Nell Dart, a young, troubled member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Written by Emma Bettridge, who is also a part of the community, The Ranch at the End of the World features a range of struggling teenagers from a variety of different backgrounds who are all given their last chance of gaining an education at the venue the book is named after.

A perfect coming-of-age story for all young teenagers, The Ranch at the End of the World draws attention to unconventional and alternative forms of behavioural therapy, including equine therapy. Emma Bettridge’s enthralling and engaging text is accompanied by several pencil illustrations by artist Josephine Birch.

Emma Bettridge said: “The Graffeg team are a little bit magic. Their vision, care and attention to detail is so special and I am beyond delighted that my first Young Adult book will be published under their new imprint, Cadno.”

Matthew Howard, publishing director of Graffeg, said: “The Ranch at the End of the World is one of those stories that arrives as a submission and then haunts you until you publish it.

“As a first foray into YA it’s a real tour de force and we’re delighted to be working with Emma on publishing it as part of our Cadno imprint.

“With issues of identity and understanding at its heart, it really does capture what our new venture is all about.”

Emma Bettridge is also the author of two other picture books ‘Goodbye Hobbs’ and ‘Red is Home’.

The Ranch at the End of the World will be released on Thursday, October 17.