Joy Coutts is a copyeditor, proofreader, and author of "A Missing Mother". In this first of two novels, she explores the experience of the childhood loss of a parent and the lifelong scars of grief and sadness that leaves. Joy was nearly five years old when her mother Valerie died, aged only 25 years. Joy was far too young to understand the thoughts and emotions of losing a parent at an incredibly young age. It teaches a child either to believe in fairy tales and happily ever after, or it gives them a strong sense of self preservation and survival. Either way there is always hope of finding a path through life. Fast forward to grown up life. Over twenty years of writing daily reports in the corporate business banking industry honed her writing skills. As Joy approached a significant half century birthday, she realized she knew little about the woman who had given birth to her. Family snippets of information collected over the years painted a hazy picture of a woman with a strong character, a caring and friendly personality, but little more than that. And so, eventually, Valerie faded from memory. She was 'missing'. After completing two creative writing courses, Joy felt empowered to share her story of loss and grief. Joy recounts what it feels like to be a child without a mother. The fictional backdrop of her story was created out of Joy's deep interest in the rapid change of the role of women in the war years. She particularly highlights the bravery of the women, although classed as civilians at the time, who served with the Special Operations Executive. Born in Darlaston and grew up in the West Midlands, UK she has lived in the beautiful north east of England for nearly 40 years. When she is not writing or working with other writers words, she walks, practices yoga and meditation, and sea dips at her local beaches.