The Baker & the Blacksmith’s Daughter

Fearing she would be left on the shelf, Joanna is swept off her feet by a handsome Italian supporting the Air Force in her country town, leading to a whirlwind marriage. After following him overseas, they eventually settle in inner Melbourne.

A chance encounter with a local French baker, who delivers to her house, stirs her inner emotions. She begins to question her commitment to her husband, as something about the baker continues to haunt her, even after moving with her family to the outskirts of Melbourne.

Suspicions about her husband’s fidelity arise as Joanna grapples with snippets of evidence suggesting a relationship with a work colleague. A chance sighting of the baker by her sons in the neighbourhood reignites her feelings once again.

Joanna moves her expanding home sewing business to local premises, unaware that the baker has also established operations nearby. When her husband eventually disappears from her life, the baker appears in her shop, rekindling her longing to be with him. Will fate allow Joanna and the baker to be together permanently?

JJ Somers is an Australian retired school teacher and principal who originally trained as a primary school teacher but completed degrees in arts and education whilst teaching at secondary level. His career then went full circle when he became principal of two primary schools. Somers also worked extensively in the private sector in a training and project management role.

Following retirement from full time work, Somers has worked in the vocational training sector as a trainer and instructional designer. He also delivers courses in financial literacy for The Smith Family to students about to leave secondary school. Somers is a passionate member of his local Rotary Club and is responsible for youth affairs. He also devotes time as a board member of his local golf club and Bendigo Community Bank.

The Lie is Somers first foray into children’s literature.