WHILE I appreciate the space given to a review of my latest book (Books, May 23), might I point out to Georgina Haywood that I am only the author and not responsible for the marketing, nor for the misleading jacket, nor for the blurb which was incorrectly supplied by my publisher to the printer.

I discovered this error too late for it to be amended in time for publication and though my editor assured me it would not affect people's enjoyment of the story, it was obviously of great irritation to Ms Haywood.

I am sorry she was also irritated by the use of accents. Regular readers will know that this has been a feature of all my ten novels. If they are marketed as women's books I certainly do not regard them as such, and having a fair proportion of male fans I like to cater for everyone.

For those insular souls who must have their hit of Yorkshire, despite the impression given in the review there is still plenty of family action taking place in the county.

Lastly, I fear I must disappoint Mrs Haywood yet again: my next novel features the Great War.

Sheelagh Kelly,

Wolsley Street,

York.

Updated: 10:44 Saturday, May 26, 2001