The Gentle Man & the Butterfly : Volume 1: The Light Rises

The Gentle Man & the Butterfly is based on a compelling true story of a relationship affected by mental illness and abuse, but filled with love in spite of both.

Volume 1: The Light Rises

Thomas lies dying in his hospice bed and relates the story of his time with Lucy, the love of his life, to his nurse. Introduced by a mutual friend who believes Lucy is in need of a calming influence, they quickly become more than mere friends as they discover just how much common ground they share despite a substantial age difference.

Moving into his Cornish cottage, Lucy conducts clandestine phone conversations with her ex, causing their relationship to flounder and almost break apart on the rocks of doubt and distrust. Managing to make it through, Lucy's mental health issues make themselves very apparent, but they're quieted by the couple's growing connection.

After a city break in Barcelona, their bond becomes ever stronger. Enjoying many happy times together and a home life filled with closeness and affection, Thomas and Lucy seem to be a perfect match. However, when she takes a new job and begins to question her sexuality, it looks like this may be about to change.

And so begins the story of The Gentle Man & the Butterfly. Predominantly set in Cornwall, England, it also transports readers to Barcelona, Belfast and a small Greek island in the Aagean Sea. Comprised of two volumes entitled The Light Rises and The Darkness Falls, it presents mental health issues with uncommon compassion.

Portraying a relationship which is both unconventional and intriguing, this is a very contemporary romance with lots of twists that'll have you laughing, crying and staring at the page in shock. Heartbreakingly beautiful, it's a tale filled with light, darkness and, most of all, love.

This story contains themes of an adult nature, including sex, drug use and self-harm.