Belinda Ashton
A story of personal change touched by poetry, music, and a deep love of nature and the English countryside.
Gifts for My Granddaughter
Reaching among the books, Rachel removes a unique and beautiful book of poems written by a distinguished ecologist, Richard Carraway, for his beloved granddaughter. Profoundly moved by Richard’s words of affection and caring, as well as his careful, intuitive observations of nature, Rachel draws upon her courage and sets out to meet him. Unbeknown to her at the time, his poems and the gentle essence of his life – living on an estuary, close to the land – will change her life forever. And for Richard, a quietly charismatic yet reclusive man, agreeing to Rachel’s visit would impact his life as well.
Written as an offering in reverence for nature and our enduring connections with one another, ‘Gifts for My Granddaughter’ touches on hope, friendship, and the chance to begin reimagining the unfolding narrative of one’s life.
(above) samples of a few pages - 280 pages in total
Gifts for My Granddaughter
I will soon be releasing my story as a digital download so that it is accessible wherever you are in the world. It will arrive on your computer or mobile phone as a PDF, which will be easy to dip into whilst enjoying a cup of tea and some quiet time to yourself.
It will also be available as a printed copy, upon request.
My book will be available in September 2026
Please feel free to send me your email address if you would like to receive a notice when the digital version of my book becomes available.
‘It was the subtle intimation of a way of life, a mere few words that changed everything for me...’
Set in Hampstead, London & on the west coast of England
‘As I followed Richard along the old sheep track, watching him interact with Willow and then bend down to pick up some litter, I felt such tenderness for this shared experience. And just being here, walking with him and seeing how everything he does is considered and conscious of its far-reaching impact, which surely can only point to the deepest caring and commitment to living in harmony, is both humbling and eye-opening...’
‘In the background, filling the cafe with a warm sentiment, she hears a scratchy recording of Lucienne Boyer’s Parlez-moi d’amour playing quietly from two speakers on a glass cabinet. The song stirs feelings from a time long ago...’
Gifts for My Granddaughter
I have always had nostalgic sensibilities, and ‘Gifts for My Granddaughter’ reflects the values of kindness, gentleness, and caring that mean so much to me. Belinda, 2026
FEEDBACK
A poignant and thoughtful exploration of how noticing small moments and looking more deeply at the world around us can profoundly impact our lives. Richard’s character in particular was very moving...
E.C.
Copyright © Belinda Ashton 2026