As well as being an artist, Kerry Manning is the author of a series of charming stories set in her native Ireland. Kerry has a simple philosophy, “I am just a woman striving to be fabulous despite the curveballs that life throws at us!”
Her book, Learning to Love Lucy (blurb below), is the first of The Inverbridge Series, with two more written (one returned from her editor, the other on its way) and due to be published in 2026.
Lucy Hehir stopped loving herself a long time ago. Her ex-husband put paid to that. He regularly reminded her just how useless she was. At age 49 she’s done with feeling frumpy and scared. What she needs is a new life filled with joy and excitement and purpose, and yes, maybe love. From confusing dating apps to disastrous online dates, nobody measures up to her friend’s sizzling brother, Jim. The only problem is he over a decade younger than her.
Just when things start to look good for Lucy it all comes tumbling down. Lucy’s ex-husband is sniffing around and causing Lucy serious anxiety. When her daughter returns home, she finds herself slipping back into her old role, forever saying sorry and trying to please everyone. Can Lucy throw off her past, learn to live and most importantly, show her wobbly bits to a younger man?
You can find out more about Kerry and her writing via:
Below is the recording from the panel Kerry has kindly taken part in…
The 4pm: Romance / Women’s fiction, the seventh panel of the 25 Jan 2026 Festival …