Parallel Lives

Parallel Lives is a romantic story set in the past and the present. Aine Masterson, a young Irish woman inherits an 18th century mansion and estate called Benbulbin that lies along the Sligo and Fermanagh border. Although her marriage is on the rocks, not being able to stop herself, she falls in love with it. Throwing away all thoughts of a high-powered career in the EU and against her husband’s wishes, and those of some of the locals who know it’s cursed, she sets out to restore Benbulbin. Unbeknown to her, Benbulbin already has a resident. A young man, William Fitzwilliam, son of the original owner of the house, a ghost since the 18th century. He has been seeking release from the curse of the ‘Slaughtered’ and his responsible death of his wife-to-be. Aine is the key to releasing him from his purgatory. But there are London villains seeking the house and what lies beneath it.

Maureen Thornton was born on the Isle of Wight and studied dance in Sweden before entering the Guildhall School of Music to study acting and drama. She came with her parents to Northern Ireland in the early sixties where she became a successful actress, appearing in numerous productions in theatre, radio and television. She married fellow professional Roy Heayberd and they had a son, Adam. It was only when she was diagnosed with cancer did she follow her long-held ambition to write.