Author Andrea Michael has teamed up with the Watford Writers group and Watford Borough Council for the return of One Town One Book.

The initiative was launched last year as part of the Watford Together campaign, which aims to connect people in the town through arts, culture and heritage during the pandemic and beyond.

Andrea's powerful and uplifting The Book of Us has been chosen as the subject for town-wide book clubs. It’s an emotional novel of friendship, love and the family you choose.

The 13-time published author is also trained in using writing for therapy and will be holding a number of free writing therapy workshops for Watford residents.

The author has lived in the area for the last seven years

The author has lived in the area for the last seven years

She said: “I’ve lived in Watford for the last seven years. I now do technically live in Bushey but only just! But I still consider myself a Watford girl and am overjoyed that my book has been chosen to be part of this wonderful initiative.”

The book “is about how friendships can impact your life, how even after years apart, betrayals and hurt feelings, there are some people you’d do anything for. It’s about shared histories and making sure you get the endings you deserve, on your own terms – all themes which really resonate with how we are all feeling at the moment.”

A number of initiatives will be running as part of the project

A number of initiatives will be running as part of the project

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “One Town One Book is a great initiative to bring back. It is incredibly easy to get involved in, simply purchase or borrow the book and make it your spring-time read. "We have a whole host of activities planned for everyone to enjoy, including book clubs and writing workshops with author Andrea Michael.

"The book is also a great opportunity for residents to kick off their own virtual book clubs and find a new way of connecting with others.”

The council is encouraging people to take part by reading the book and joining one of the book club events in April. As part of the initiative, Watford Writers and the council will be running writing for wellness workshops. Further details are on the Watford Together website www.watfordtogether.co.uk/