Her mother was French: this explains why most of her books are set in
France.
She taught French for twelve years at a boys' grammar school before
becoming a full-time author.
She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to Literature. She is an author.
She was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to Literature. She is an author.