A NEW novel set in the Cotswolds focuses on the consequences of fixed beliefs.

Bitter Pill, written by A J Linney, centres on Lexie and Pippa, who have been best friends since meeting at university.

Now, however, their hopes and ambitions are taking them down very different paths.

Lexie, driven to find help for her autistic brother, works for a pharmaceutical giant.

Tough, self-sufficient and practical, she has sacrificed personal relationships in her quest for money and influence.

In contrast, Pippa is an idealistic homeopathic doctor, who is driven by her desire to truly care for people.

She is devoted to her husband, RAF pilot Oliver, and their young son and feels more and more alienated from the values of her erstwhile best friend.

Home on leave, Oliver attempts to thaw the frosty relationship between the women, but the chemistry between him and Lexie leads to a night of passion that will change all their fates.

What’s more, Oliver harbours another secret which is far more shocking.

When it is revealed, can the broken bonds of love and friendship ever be healed, or have professional rivalry, bitterness and betrayal fractured these ties forever?

Author A J Linney is passionate about healing.

She is a trained nurse and homeopath, with this experience inspiring Bitter Pill.

She lives in Cornwall and is currently writing a non-fiction book, a memoir and a novel.

“I wanted to write a story about the consequences of fixed beliefs within the complexity of healing,” she said.

“The medical model treats symptoms and drugs play a significant role, whereas homeopathy investigates causation and treats the person holistically.

“I believe in nature’s medicines. In childhood, my mother used the humble dock leaf on nettle stings.

“This stirred something within me.

“Pharmaceutical companies patent some gifts of nature, which may be toxic.

“I wanted alternatives.”

Ms Linney said that while she was sceptical about homeopathy, she was ‘fascinated’ by the results of patient case studies.

“I experimented with simple first-aid remedies for my family, with amazing results,” she said.

“This prompted me to train as a homeopath.

“In both careers, I met opinionated individuals who opposed each system.

“However, I feel strongly that all systems play a role.

“All healing is good, surely? The result is what matters.”

Bitter Pill is published by Troubador Publishing and priced at £10.99.