Nantwich salon worker enjoying booming book sales

A salon receptionist in Nantwich is proving a cut above the rest as author of a new book featuring an air stewardess as the central character.

Staff and customers at Steven Burgin hair salon in Nantwich have raised a glass to Karen Kelly whose debut novel, Lillian White’s Journey, is now selling well online with Waterstones and retail giant Amazon.

Mother-of-two Karen, from Wistaston, let her creative talents flow into a story about fun-loving Lillian who wakes up on the day of her wedding with a hangover, a naked stranger and no recollection of the previous night!

Nantwich News revealed in June how Karen, a former air stewardess herself, said Lillian’s adventures are not based on her own experiences but the colourful characters she met during her flying career.

She said: “I’ve enjoyed writing as a hobby for many years but never completed a story.

“When I turned 50 I decided it was now or never so a year on I am filled with pride to actually pick up my own book and see it for sale online within weeks of it being published.

“Working at the salon is tremendous fun and the team have been extremely supportive and encouraging, especially during the nervous run up the launch, and of course my hair looked amazing for the event!”

Amazon describe Lillian White’s Journey as “a feel-good, humorous read about a group of thirty something girls experiencing life, love and relationships.”

Salon owner Steven Burgin said: “We celebrate and encourage creativity in and outside of work.

“We are delighted at Karen’s success. Meanwhile, we are rooting for our apprentice Libby.

“She’s a great singer and is waiting to hear if she is through to The Voice after attending auditions.”

Karen is looking forward to a book signing event at WH Smith in the Trafford Centre on October 26.

She’s also planning to pen a sequel after receiving excellent reviews online.

(Pic by Peter David Robinson)