THE WATER HORSE is a vivid and compelling historical saga, from the author of EAST OF THE SUN. An impeccably researched debut, it brings to life the true story of a young Welsh woman who ran away to nurse in the Crimea. Julia Gregson weaves fact and fiction together, combining passionate storytelling, vivid characterisation and gritty historical detail. She is a natural storyteller who writes with tremendous warmth, colour and insight. THE WATER HORSE brings to life many historical figures from the mid-nineteenth century, including politicians, surgeons and Florence Nightingale. 'Lively, atmospheric novel ... the writing is skilful, vivid and explicit' Sunday Telegraph. 'A compelling story' Daily Post 'Recent biography has debunked the romance of Florence Nightingale as angelic "Lady of the Lamp" ... Julia Gregson breathes life into this new interpretation' Guardian.

"A vivid tale of love and war" -- Fanny Blake WOMAN & HOME "lively, atmospheric novel...the writing is skillful, vivd and explicit" SUNDAY TELEGRAPH "Recent biography has debunked teh romance of Florence Nightingale as angelic 'Lady of the Lamp'...Julia Gregson breathes life into this new interpretation" GUARDIAN "a wonderful evocation of the rugged Welsh coastlne and Catherine's home life" HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW

Julia Gregson worked as a model for Hardie Amies before becoming a journalist. She was posted to Vietnam and India, and then worked for Rolling Stone in New York. She has interviewed Muhammad Ali, Buzz Aldrin, Ronnie Biggs and Hollywood royalty. Married with one daughter and four step-children, she lives in Wales with two Welsh cobs, a Shetland and two dogs.