DUDLEY author Miranda Dickinson's latest novel has hit the book shelves and it's already notching up top reviews.

The Start of Something tells the heartwarming tale of two lonely people brought together when one of them reaches out and places a note in the window.

It follows injured soldier Lachlan Wallace and single mum Bethan Gwynne, who live in opposite apartments and who are both trying to rebuild their lives.

Lachlan Wallace, stuck at home after a car accident stalled his army career - with months of physiotherapy to endure and only his rescue dog and cat for company, makes the first move after noticing a vase of flowers on the windowsill of the apartment opposite. Drawn to their hope and colour, he decides to reach out and sticks a message in his window.

Meanwhile, Bethan Gwynne - bringing up her son Noah by herself in a new town - is intrigued by a glimpse of her neighbour and one evening she sees a message in the window just for her...asking what the flowers are called...which could just be the start of something.

Released today (Thursday February 3), the book is Miranda's 12th novel and it has already won praise from Sunday Times best-selling authors.

Sarah Morgan described it as "heartwarming and believable" and "Miranda Dickinson at her very best", while Ruth Jones has dubbed it "a proper lovely romance and a fabulous spirit lifter" - with Milly Johnson rating it as "a wonderful salve for the soul".

Penned during the "darkest, scariest days" of the first coronavirus lockdown, Miranda - who grew up in Kingswinford and lives in Gornal with her husband and daughter - said she's "so proud" of her latest romantic read which she has dedicated to the country's healthcare heroes working through the Covid pandemic.

Launching the novel this week, she said: "I adore this book and I want it to be read and enjoyed everywhere."

Published by HQ, The Start of Something is available to buy from Amazon and all good high street and online book retailers.