Author marks book launch with meet-and-greet

Best-selling author Anna Jacobs (pictured) is known for historical sagas, modern novels and used to write fantasy novels under the pen name Shannah Jay.

Her latest book, A Time to Rejoice, was released on May 19 and she dropped into the libary to read from it and sign copies

Anna lived in Hellaby for four years in the mid 1960s and taught in the borough.

Anna said: “I taught first at St Bernard’s Catholic High School and very much enjoyed working there, with a supportive headmaster, friendly staff and great kids.

“Then I taught French at Mexborough Grammar School, another great school and great kids.”

While teaching at Mexborough Anna got her first French textbook published – a science fiction reader in simplified French called ‘Ils etaient noirs aux yeux d’or’.

She added: “It was a mini bestseller, staying in print and reprint for over 20 years.

“I have very fond memories of South Yorkshire.

“Our first daughter was born there in Hellaby and we found the people warm and friendly.

“I was sad to leave but my husband got a promotion to Newcastle-upon-Tyne Pollytechnic and I got pregnant again, so we moved.”

To celebrate her milestones Anna, who now lives in Western Australia, carried out a series of meet the author events around South Yorkshire.