An author has written a novel set in the period of the Romans and Picts, when Hadrian’s Wall marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Written in time for the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall, Helena Barnard, 31, put pen to paper to create her novel, 'A Painted Winter.'

Originally from Australia but now living in Haltwhistle, Helena takes her readers back to the times when the Romans tried to conquer the Pictish lands north of the Wall.

An introduction to the book,explains: "In the misty highlands of fourth century Scotland, two Pictish brothers conspire with the Ancient People from beyond the Great Wall to attack the Romans.

"Roman power in Britannia is weakening. Brothers Brei and Taran, Princes and warriors of a Pictish Kingdom, seek revenge against the Romans for attacking their city, killing their father, and taking their mother as a slave. The sudden arrival of Sorsha, a mysterious woman with an incredible gift, sets the brothers on a path to warfare."

Speaking about her work, Helena said: “I have always been writing little stories, for as long as I can remember.

"At about four years old I wrote an illustrated book about a caterpillar who travels the world. I still have it!

“More recently, developing the idea behind 'A Painted Winter' inspired me to pursue writing at a professional level.

"I got the idea a few years ago. I was travelling around England and Scotland and I started to engage closely with the history and archaeology of the Roman occupation of Britain, in particular in relation to the Picts.”

Helena, whose pen name is H.Barnard, is releasing more books about the same period and has named them the ‘Pictish Conspiracy Series’.

She has already another book release planned this year.

She said: “The second book, 'The Saxon Spring', will be released mid 2022. There’s a lovely scene featuring the famous latrines from Housesteads Fort!”

'A Painted Winter' is available online on Amazon and other book websites.

If you want more updates about Helena’s work, she is on Twitter: @HelenaBWrites and Instagram: @helenareadsandwrites