Cheltenham-based author Amanda Reynolds says the reaction to her latest release has left her ‘absolutely delighted’.

The best-selling author of ‘Close to Me’ returned with another stunning psychological drama in the shape of her latest release ‘Lying to You’ which was released this summer. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction, it’s such a great feeling when you get messages from people that have enjoyed your writing,” Amanda said.

“Social media is very good for interacting with fellow authors and bookworms, it’s quite a humbling experience when someone takes time out of their day to message me saying how much they have enjoyed reading one of my books,” she added.

Much like her debut novel, ‘Lying to You’ is a psychological thriller, a genre that Amanda says she enjoys reading and writing. She continued: “Some of my favourite books fall into that category, the likes of ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘Apple Tree Yard’. The next book I’m working on is another psychological thriller, I suppose it’s a genre I feel most comfortable writing.

“Writing is not an easy process and I don’t think it should be, that’s what makes it so rewarding. Getting a literary agent was a big deal for me, it gave me confidence that my writing was good enough and I could go on to write professionally. I feel extremely fortunate to be doing something that brings me so much pleasure, I’m really excited for what the future holds.”

Amanda has had a significant impact on the literary scene in Gloucestershire after establishing Cotswold Creative Writing in 2011. She added: “I was teaching two weekly writing classes a week, it was a great thrill to be working alongside so many wonderful writers. Our writers won many prestigious competitions for their short stories.”

Amanda will be appearing at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Tuesday 9th October where she will be reading an extract from her new book and discussing her career as an author. Amanda added: “It’s a fantastic event, to be asked to appear there is very humbling, especially as it’s in my hometown! The festival is very supportive of local authors which is wonderful.

“I attended last year’s festival and was very fortunate to be asked to read from one of my own books, it was a great thrill. I’ll be sharing a stage with two local authors – Jane Bailey and Caroline Sanderson – it’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”