Tynedale author Kimberley Adams has been taken aback by the success of her debut novel, Love Lindisfarne.

Released just weeks ago, it is proving a hit with readers nationwide.

"'It seems that everyone really does love Lindisfarne, and Northumberland in general, readers adore our fabulous county," said Kimberley.

People have already paid a visit to Northumberland after reading the novel, with many others planning to do so.

She said: "I tend to set my work in the northeast and no matter how hard I try to move to other locations; it keeps returning like a pigeon to its cree. I’m so passionate and proud of our local area that I want to fly the northeast flag."

Prior to Love Lindisfarne, Corbridge-born Kimberley had published short stories.

However, it was her novel's shortlisting in a competition by publishing giant Penguin Michael Joseph that gave her the encouragement to finish it.

Paying tribute to the local area extends to the book's cover, a stunning representation of Holy Island illustrated by Sarah Farooqi, an artist based in local Gallery 45 in Felton.

Publishing under the name Shy Bairns Publishing, Kimberley draws on a northern saying for inspiration.

She said: "Shy Bairns Get Nowt has become my mantra and it is so true.

"Getting a book into the marketplace is not for the faint hearted and you have to endure a rollercoaster ride, but we northerners are made of strong stuff!"

One reviewer describes the book as 'a love letter to the North wrapped around an inspiring tale'.

Love Lindisfarne is now available across independent retail outlets in Northumberland, online from Amazon or Waterstones, or can be ordered in at local bookshops.