Leamington resident publishes four books during pandemic

LEAMINGTON — Jo- Anne Southern’s career in the entertainment industry goes back decades as she was once the Pearly Queen and Diamond Lil for the famous Skyline Hotel chain.

Born in Lancashire, England, Jo-Anne came to Canada and formed bands to play in clubs and hotels and was often featured at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, along with Skyline Hotels in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto.

An accomplished pianist and guitarist, Jo- Anne also began writing in those early days and continues to enjoy writing during these uneasy times.

Jo-Anne in her entertainment days.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of long-standing health problems, she fought back against the pandemic by using the last two years to complete four novels that are currently in release on Amazon.

These four books — The Quandary, Romany Legend, No Smoke Without Fire and A Grievous Burden — join her list of eight previously published novels.

JO-ANNE SOUTHERN

Her first book, Yesterday’s Shadows, brought to life the historic events of British Queen Boadicea’s ultimate defeat by the Romans in 58 AD.

She followed up with such titles as The Emperor’s Women, Keeping Mum, Nets of Gold, A Walking Shadow, Taking Stock, The S.O.B., and Doin’ It.

Doin’ It — a novel about a runaway teenager’s life on the streets — is currently being considered for a movie by Hollywood producers.

Her latest four offerings have reflected a more varied look at some of life’s twists through a range of subjects.

No Smoke Without Fire

No Smoke Without Fire gives readers the revealing story of a grandmother’s past.

In Romany Legend, a family pays heavily for a father’s anger.

A widow sacrifices for her children in The Quandary, and in A Grievous Burden a childless couple adopt, but all is not right.

Jo-Anne and her husband Frank Gilmore have lived in Leamington since 2007, choosing to retire here after closing up their energy efficiency consultancy.

You can find all of her books on Amazon or visit www.joannesouthernbooks.com