Getting a teenager to put down their phone and pick up a book is harder than convincing them your 2005 playlist is “iconic”. But every so often, a story comes along that does the job for you. The Diary of Catherine Cunningham is one of those books.
And here’s the kicker: you’ll probably read it before they do.
What’s it about?
Meet Leona. She’s a teenager from the busy city of Birmingham, and she’s making a right mess of things – poor choices, growing distant from her parents, the works. You know the drill. Her parents, at their wits’ end, make a bold, life?changing decision: they leave the city behind and move to a quiet rural village.
Leona is furious. She falls out with her parents completely. Feeling isolated and alone, she uncovers an old Tudor diary buried in the garden. And on the night she reads it? Something extraordinary happens.
She wakes up in Tudor England.
Lost, confused, and frightened, Leona has no idea how to get home. That is, until she meets the girl who wrote the diary. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with danger, fear, and adrenaline. We’re talking proper edge?of?your?seat stuff – the kind that makes you miss your bus stop because you cannot put it down.
As their bond deepens, so does their determination to survive and find a way back. Against all odds, Leona eventually returns to her own time – and to her family – forever changed by the journey. Her time in Tudor London teaches her the most valuable lesson of all: how lucky she truly is. (And yes, modern plumbing definitely makes the list.)
Why our mums will love it (and why your teens will too)
Author Karen Shandley knows a thing or two about young people. She’s a teaching assistant, a mum, an author and an artist – basically a superhero in comfy shoes. She’s spent years in the classroom, so she knows exactly what kind of adventure will fire a young person’s imagination, and what sort of values should underpin the story.
And she’s poured all that wisdom into a book that’s educational without ever feeling like homework. As she puts it herself: “The story I’ve created is full of adventure, adrenaline and emotion … when Leona finally makes her way back home, she realises what she has with her family and gets back on the right track.”
She adds: “There is a touch of magic, love and friendship in ‘The Diary of Catherine Cunningham’ – early readers have fed back that it’s a very good book to read. I’m really excited for it to be out in the world and finding its audience!”
What other readers are saying
Early reviews on Amazon have been absolutely glowing – all five stars. Here’s what actual humans are saying:
Matt Wakefield writes: *”I was lucky enough to buy a copy of Karen’s latest book for my niece, and I couldn’t resist reading it for myself! Before long I was transported back to Tudor England in all its glory, warts and all! I know my niece will enjoy it as much as I did! 10/10.”*
Rebecca Rushton?Nesbitt writes: “Amazing book by an amazing author… it’s really well written and the picture on the front is amazing with real detail… Karen Shandley has great talent!”
Ian Jones writes: “Great storytelling, an exciting adventure wonderfully written, you feel as though you’re there with the girls! A fantastic read!”
So it’s not just us – people are genuinely loving this book.
The best bit? It’s for families, not just teens
Here’s the thing. Karen says that early readers have told her the book is not only educational but promotes family and friendship values. And crucially: “It’s something that families can all enjoy – parents have loved reading it as much as their children.”
Yes, you read that right. You can pretend you’re “checking it’s appropriate” while actually devouring the whole thing in one evening. We won’t tell.
Karen also knows her stuff when it comes to schools. As a teaching assistant, she says: “I know that my book works so well in schools, whether for individual reading or in the school library.” So if you’re a parent who loves to see your child with their nose deep in a book – or a teacher looking for something fresh – this is a cracking choice.
And there’s art, too
Because Karen isn’t content with just writing a brilliant novel, she’s also producing a large oil painting dedicated to the book, which she’ll be happy to promote and share. As she says: “I love to write, paint and spend time with my children – all these passions of mine are wrapped up in one book.” Honestly, where does she find the time? (Don’t answer that. I’m already exhausted.)
The verdict
The Diary of Catherine Cunningham is a time?slip novel with heart, humour, and just the right amount of danger. It’s perfect for reluctant readers (Leona’s relatable grumpiness will hook them), history fans (Tudor London brought to vivid life), and any mum who wants to see their child’s nose in a book instead of a screen.
It’s available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover. So no excuses – get it ordered.
Where to grab it
Amazon link: The Diary of Catherine Cunningham by Karen Shandley
Rating: Five stars (from us and from actual Amazon reviewers).
Perfect for: Ages 11–16, and any mum who secretly loves YA fantasy.
Monica Costa is editor and founder of London Mums Magazine. She has a towering TBR pile, and a newfound appreciation for Tudor chamber pots (from a safe distance).
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
