A STORY of love and entrapment set in wartime Lisbon forms the basis of a Stourbridge author’s debut novel.

Retired lawyer and former Catholic priest Kevin Hartley has recently had his first book ‘End of Innocence’ published by The Conrad Press.

Originally from Cheshire, Kevin – who has lived in Stourbridge for more than 40 years – spent six years as a student in Portugal, before being ordained as a Catholic priest.

During his time as a priest, he had various posts in England and Rwanda, before leaving the active ministry and becoming a lawyer, specialising in ecclesiastical law for the Church of England.

Kevin said: “I have been writing for quite a long time, but that was only ever little bits here and there, but since I retired I have had more time to focus on my writing.

“This is my first published novel. I have written several others but without success.”

End of Innocence tells the story of Michael Harrington, a celibate Catholic priest, who wrestles with his conscience as he falls for the charms of woman, and is blackmailed into becoming a courier for the Nazi Intelligence.

“Portugal is a wonderful country and as such an intriguing place to live during the Second World War,” Kevin said. ““I have great affection for Lisbon so it only felt right that it would be the setting for my book.”

Priced at £12.99, End of Innocence, which is available to buy on Amazon and specially ordered from Waterstones, has received a positive response from critics.

Kevin added: “I have been very happy with the reception of the book so far as it’s been quite well received, especially from the Lisbon Magazine who gave it a nice review.”