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After Amba
Gold Medal Winner - The Wishing Shelf Awards 2025
Amba is a fashion and travel writer. As a 'New Woman' she flouts the mores, climbs the barriers and pushes the boundaries. Amba also makes some questionable choices.
Against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties/ Jazz Age - the music, dance, fashion and art of those heady times - Amba looks back on her life, especially on her love affair with Ida. Then she dies in a mid-air collision.
Frasey is a young research librarian. Seventy years after Amba's death she is hired by Amba's brother Andrew, to bring order to Amba's archive. Frasey becomes captivated and her life takes an extraordinary turn. Frasey takes over the narrative, as Amba takes over her life.
After Amba is a turbulent tale and true page turner. From lesbian love in the Roaring Twenties to a significant age gap relationship, along with a calamitous hen party in contemporary times, and a fine full-circle finale, this novel is surprising and captivating readers.
This is a joyous, dark, challenging and thought- provoking novel. Board the aircraft with Amba and your own boundaries may well be stretched.
Amba is a fashion and travel writer. As a 'New Woman' she flouts the mores, climbs the barriers and pushes the boundaries. Amba also makes some questionable choices.
Against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties/ Jazz Age - the music, dance, fashion and art of those heady times - Amba looks back on her life, especially on her love affair with Ida. Then she dies in a mid-air collision.
Frasey is a young research librarian. Seventy years after Amba's death she is hired by Amba's brother Andrew, to bring order to Amba's archive. Frasey becomes captivated and her life takes an extraordinary turn. Frasey takes over the narrative, as Amba takes over her life.
After Amba is a turbulent tale and true page turner. From lesbian love in the Roaring Twenties to a significant age gap relationship, along with a calamitous hen party in contemporary times, and a fine full-circle finale, this novel is surprising and captivating readers.
This is a joyous, dark, challenging and thought- provoking novel. Board the aircraft with Amba and your own boundaries may well be stretched.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
About the author
Stephanie Shields
4 books5 followersGOLD MEDAL WINNER
THE WISHING SHELF AWARDS 2025
The past presses on the present in the writings of Stephanie Shields. She injects magical realism into her intriguing plots. She is praised for her skill in developing character through dialogue, her adeptness at presenting pacey and unpredictable plotlines and her dark humour.
GOLD AWARD WINNING After Amba is Stephanie’s second novel. Amba’s short life story spans the late Edwardian Era, the Great War, the Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age, and the Second World War. The contemporary part of the novel begins in 2018, covers the Covid years and beyond. From lesbian love in the Roaring Twenties to a significant age gap relationship, and a calamitous hen party in contemporary times, and a fine full-circle finale, this novel will surprise and captivate readers.
Stephanie’s first novel, The Strange Woman, a Wishing Shelf Finalist 2021, is a fusion of feminism, farming and the fantastical. It is based on a Yorkshire witch trial in held 1622. The Strange Woman has been very successful, is held in high regard by readers and is well reviewed on Goodreads and Amazon.
Stephanie’s first book, a short story collection called Swan Landings was published in 2017. Her short story, The Watershed, was selected by Sarah Waters for the Jane Austen Bi-centenary collection, entitled Dancing with Mr Darcy published in 2009 by Honno Press and Chawton House in the UK and later by Harper Collins in the USA. Her short stories have been broadcast on local radio and, along with her poems, have been included in literary magazines and anthologies Her flash fiction and poetry have been well-received both in national and international competitions.
THE WISHING SHELF AWARDS 2025
The past presses on the present in the writings of Stephanie Shields. She injects magical realism into her intriguing plots. She is praised for her skill in developing character through dialogue, her adeptness at presenting pacey and unpredictable plotlines and her dark humour.
GOLD AWARD WINNING After Amba is Stephanie’s second novel. Amba’s short life story spans the late Edwardian Era, the Great War, the Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age, and the Second World War. The contemporary part of the novel begins in 2018, covers the Covid years and beyond. From lesbian love in the Roaring Twenties to a significant age gap relationship, and a calamitous hen party in contemporary times, and a fine full-circle finale, this novel will surprise and captivate readers.
Stephanie’s first novel, The Strange Woman, a Wishing Shelf Finalist 2021, is a fusion of feminism, farming and the fantastical. It is based on a Yorkshire witch trial in held 1622. The Strange Woman has been very successful, is held in high regard by readers and is well reviewed on Goodreads and Amazon.
Stephanie’s first book, a short story collection called Swan Landings was published in 2017. Her short story, The Watershed, was selected by Sarah Waters for the Jane Austen Bi-centenary collection, entitled Dancing with Mr Darcy published in 2009 by Honno Press and Chawton House in the UK and later by Harper Collins in the USA. Her short stories have been broadcast on local radio and, along with her poems, have been included in literary magazines and anthologies Her flash fiction and poetry have been well-received both in national and international competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 18, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
14th August 2025
TITLE: After Amba
AUTHOR: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5
“A smartly plotted drama with a wonderfully unpredictable plot and a memorable cast of characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
What a delightful novel this is. The author is a well-accomplished writer capable of balancing character development with an unpredictable, family drama. It’s mostly (the first half anyway) the story of Amba, a ‘go-getting’ sort of girl who’s determined to have it all. But when she’s killed in a plane crash, her brother, Andrew, in an attempt to better know his sister, gets help from a woman, Frasey. Despite the age gap, this soon turns into romance.
There’s a lot going for this smartly plotted novel. Firstly, I liked Amba in many ways – although most readers (I was) will be shocked by the ‘reveal’ at the end of the first half. In many ways, Amba is a good example of a woman born in the wrong century; she’s what I’d call a ‘trail blazer’, and I suspect most readers will enjoy getting to know her – and possibly want to be more like her. Secondly, there’s a lot of drama in the story; to be honest, there’s never a dull moment, the author offering the readers an insight into many aspects of life back in the day including WW2, the war effort, and a ‘worm’ story that’s particularly funny/disgusting! And thirdly, I loved the last chapter – simply LOVED it. It’s so very ‘full circle’, ending the story on a melancholy, but fitting, note.
So, if you happen to enjoy character-led dramas, then this book is very much for you. I think most readers will enjoy the ups and downs of Amba’s life, and they’ll be hoping her brother, Andrew, finds the love he so badly needs. All in all, a gripping, and highly unpredictable novel.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: After Amba
Author: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 42
I absolutely adored After Amba. It’s one of those rare books that manages to be thoughtful, funny, heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. Amba is such a vivid character – bold, flawed, adventurous, and completely unforgettable.
What I loved most was the way the story moves between different time periods without ever feeling confusing. The Jazz Age setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and I found myself completely immersed in Amba’s world. Then just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it surprised me.
The ending was beautiful. I closed the book with that lovely mixture of satisfaction and sadness that only comes from finishing a truly memorable novel.
Male, 58
This is the sort of novel that reminds me why I love reading. I picked it up expecting a historical drama and ended up getting so much more.
Amba herself is a fantastic creation. She's brave, rebellious, occasionally frustrating, and entirely believable. I also enjoyed the modern storyline with Frasey and Andrew. The way the two narratives eventually connect is very cleverly done.
There are moments that made me laugh, moments that genuinely shocked me, and one particular revelation that had me staring at the page for a few seconds before carrying on. A wonderfully original and highly entertaining read.
Female, 35
I fell in love with this book almost immediately.
The 1920s setting is gorgeous, the characters feel real, and Amba completely stole the show for me. She’s exactly the kind of literary heroine I enjoy reading about – determined to live life on her own terms, regardless of what society expects.
I also appreciated how sensitively the relationships were written. Nothing felt forced or sensationalised. Everything grew naturally from the characters, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
A lovely, intelligent novel that stayed with me long after I'd finished it.
Male, 67
I don't often write reviews, but After Amba deserves one.
The author's greatest strength is characterisation. Even minor characters feel as though they have lives beyond the pages of the book. Amba is magnificent, but I found myself equally invested in Andrew and Frasey's journey.
The historical detail is handled with a light touch. You learn about the period naturally through the story rather than through long passages of exposition. There are also several unexpected twists, including one major surprise that genuinely caught me off guard.
And yes, the infamous tapeworm episode is every bit as memorable as other reviewers suggest!
By the final chapter I was completely emotionally invested. The ending brought everything together perfectly. A rich, rewarding novel that I would happily recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction.
Female, 51
What a delightful surprise this book was.
I started reading one afternoon and found myself staying up far later than planned because I simply had to know what happened next. The story constantly evolves, taking readers down paths they don't expect.
Amba is larger than life in the best possible way. She's fearless, passionate and occasionally makes decisions that left me muttering, "Oh no, don't do that!" at the page. Those flaws only made me like her more.
The novel balances humour, romance, family drama and tragedy with remarkable skill. One chapter had me laughing, the next had me feeling emotional, and somehow it all worked beautifully together.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I'll be recommending to friends.
Review 6 – Female, 29
This book completely swept me away.
I loved the Jazz Age atmosphere, the unconventional relationships, the mystery surrounding Amba's life, and the way the past keeps reaching into the present. Every time I thought I had worked everything out, the story revealed another layer.
The characters felt like people I knew rather than fictional creations. I especially enjoyed Frasey's journey as she becomes increasingly fascinated by Amba's story. As a reader, I felt exactly the same way.
The final pages were perfect—moving, satisfying, and beautifully circular. If you enjoy books that combine historical fiction, romance, family secrets and unforgettable characters, After Amba is an absolute gem.
To Sum It Up:
“A captivating, boundary-breaking tale of love, loss and self-discovery, After Amba sweeps readers from the glamour of the 20s to the present day in an unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
14th August 2025
TITLE: After Amba
AUTHOR: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5
“A smartly plotted drama with a wonderfully unpredictable plot and a memorable cast of characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
What a delightful novel this is. The author is a well-accomplished writer capable of balancing character development with an unpredictable, family drama. It’s mostly (the first half anyway) the story of Amba, a ‘go-getting’ sort of girl who’s determined to have it all. But when she’s killed in a plane crash, her brother, Andrew, in an attempt to better know his sister, gets help from a woman, Frasey. Despite the age gap, this soon turns into romance.
There’s a lot going for this smartly plotted novel. Firstly, I liked Amba in many ways – although most readers (I was) will be shocked by the ‘reveal’ at the end of the first half. In many ways, Amba is a good example of a woman born in the wrong century; she’s what I’d call a ‘trail blazer’, and I suspect most readers will enjoy getting to know her – and possibly want to be more like her. Secondly, there’s a lot of drama in the story; to be honest, there’s never a dull moment, the author offering the readers an insight into many aspects of life back in the day including WW2, the war effort, and a ‘worm’ story that’s particularly funny/disgusting! And thirdly, I loved the last chapter – simply LOVED it. It’s so very ‘full circle’, ending the story on a melancholy, but fitting, note.
So, if you happen to enjoy character-led dramas, then this book is very much for you. I think most readers will enjoy the ups and downs of Amba’s life, and they’ll be hoping her brother, Andrew, finds the love he so badly needs. All in all, a gripping, and highly unpredictable novel.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: After Amba
Author: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 42
I absolutely adored After Amba. It’s one of those rare books that manages to be thoughtful, funny, heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. Amba is such a vivid character – bold, flawed, adventurous, and completely unforgettable.
What I loved most was the way the story moves between different time periods without ever feeling confusing. The Jazz Age setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and I found myself completely immersed in Amba’s world. Then just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it surprised me.
The ending was beautiful. I closed the book with that lovely mixture of satisfaction and sadness that only comes from finishing a truly memorable novel.
Male, 58
This is the sort of novel that reminds me why I love reading. I picked it up expecting a historical drama and ended up getting so much more.
Amba herself is a fantastic creation. She's brave, rebellious, occasionally frustrating, and entirely believable. I also enjoyed the modern storyline with Frasey and Andrew. The way the two narratives eventually connect is very cleverly done.
There are moments that made me laugh, moments that genuinely shocked me, and one particular revelation that had me staring at the page for a few seconds before carrying on. A wonderfully original and highly entertaining read.
Female, 35
I fell in love with this book almost immediately.
The 1920s setting is gorgeous, the characters feel real, and Amba completely stole the show for me. She’s exactly the kind of literary heroine I enjoy reading about – determined to live life on her own terms, regardless of what society expects.
I also appreciated how sensitively the relationships were written. Nothing felt forced or sensationalised. Everything grew naturally from the characters, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
A lovely, intelligent novel that stayed with me long after I'd finished it.
Male, 67
I don't often write reviews, but After Amba deserves one.
The author's greatest strength is characterisation. Even minor characters feel as though they have lives beyond the pages of the book. Amba is magnificent, but I found myself equally invested in Andrew and Frasey's journey.
The historical detail is handled with a light touch. You learn about the period naturally through the story rather than through long passages of exposition. There are also several unexpected twists, including one major surprise that genuinely caught me off guard.
And yes, the infamous tapeworm episode is every bit as memorable as other reviewers suggest!
By the final chapter I was completely emotionally invested. The ending brought everything together perfectly. A rich, rewarding novel that I would happily recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction.
Female, 51
What a delightful surprise this book was.
I started reading one afternoon and found myself staying up far later than planned because I simply had to know what happened next. The story constantly evolves, taking readers down paths they don't expect.
Amba is larger than life in the best possible way. She's fearless, passionate and occasionally makes decisions that left me muttering, "Oh no, don't do that!" at the page. Those flaws only made me like her more.
The novel balances humour, romance, family drama and tragedy with remarkable skill. One chapter had me laughing, the next had me feeling emotional, and somehow it all worked beautifully together.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and one I'll be recommending to friends.
Review 6 – Female, 29
This book completely swept me away.
I loved the Jazz Age atmosphere, the unconventional relationships, the mystery surrounding Amba's life, and the way the past keeps reaching into the present. Every time I thought I had worked everything out, the story revealed another layer.
The characters felt like people I knew rather than fictional creations. I especially enjoyed Frasey's journey as she becomes increasingly fascinated by Amba's story. As a reader, I felt exactly the same way.
The final pages were perfect—moving, satisfying, and beautifully circular. If you enjoy books that combine historical fiction, romance, family secrets and unforgettable characters, After Amba is an absolute gem.
To Sum It Up:
“A captivating, boundary-breaking tale of love, loss and self-discovery, After Amba sweeps readers from the glamour of the 20s to the present day in an unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
October 3, 2025
Highly Unusual and Utterly Compelling
My Headline for this review begins with "Highly Unusual". I have never read a book quite like this one. It is totally outside my comfort zone as a sci-fi and horror fan who dabbles in crime fiction (thanks to Stephen King's recent escapades). This book is more of a historical memoir and love story that spans a period from the early 20th century right up to present date and beyond (well, currently beyond - give it a few years and it will all be the past I guess). It is also a novel that deals with social taboos in the early 20th century parts. All of this is addressed in a compelling, beautiful and sensitive way.
So - I was way outside my comfort zone, but I found myself gripped from start to finish.
The novel takes the format of a historical memoir for the first half and then deals with the current day aftermath of part 1 in the second. I'm not going to say much about the story as I don't want to give spoilers, but the whole thing is gripping and certainly one to be savoured. It is so different from "The Strange Woman” but is also eerily familiar to someone who has read the earlier novel. The writing is subtle - even at points where there is shock or controversy in the narrative. The characters are so real - some you will love and others not so much (just like real life I guess). The main thing, though, is that it is just so believable. I felt I was reading a factual account of people who lived and breathed.
I hope that there will be a third novel from the author in the future. If there is then I will be first in queue.
My Headline for this review begins with "Highly Unusual". I have never read a book quite like this one. It is totally outside my comfort zone as a sci-fi and horror fan who dabbles in crime fiction (thanks to Stephen King's recent escapades). This book is more of a historical memoir and love story that spans a period from the early 20th century right up to present date and beyond (well, currently beyond - give it a few years and it will all be the past I guess). It is also a novel that deals with social taboos in the early 20th century parts. All of this is addressed in a compelling, beautiful and sensitive way.
So - I was way outside my comfort zone, but I found myself gripped from start to finish.
The novel takes the format of a historical memoir for the first half and then deals with the current day aftermath of part 1 in the second. I'm not going to say much about the story as I don't want to give spoilers, but the whole thing is gripping and certainly one to be savoured. It is so different from "The Strange Woman” but is also eerily familiar to someone who has read the earlier novel. The writing is subtle - even at points where there is shock or controversy in the narrative. The characters are so real - some you will love and others not so much (just like real life I guess). The main thing, though, is that it is just so believable. I felt I was reading a factual account of people who lived and breathed.
I hope that there will be a third novel from the author in the future. If there is then I will be first in queue.
October 19, 2025
A much looked forward to second novel from the author of "The Strange Woman".
The author is an true wordsmith and excellent storyteller. Her ability to develop believable characters and to recreate so vividly a past era in this case the 1920s allows us to understand and empathise with the characters and through them the position of women in their society. The second half of the book is set in contemporary times and builds on the earlier story with the introduction of new and convincing characters.
The plot is engaging and the twists and turns make compelling reading. The end, though unexpected is thoroughly satisfying.
I would highly recommend it.
The author is an true wordsmith and excellent storyteller. Her ability to develop believable characters and to recreate so vividly a past era in this case the 1920s allows us to understand and empathise with the characters and through them the position of women in their society. The second half of the book is set in contemporary times and builds on the earlier story with the introduction of new and convincing characters.
The plot is engaging and the twists and turns make compelling reading. The end, though unexpected is thoroughly satisfying.
I would highly recommend it.
October 10, 2025
This book is a riveting read that you won't want to end! It is well written, full of interesting characters, and many a surprising turn.
It's set in both modern day, and the 'roaring twenties' of the early 20th century Jazz age, and has a strong cast of feisty female characters, who we follow through their lives and loves.
I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is drawn to modern, historical, or contemporary fiction.
It's set in both modern day, and the 'roaring twenties' of the early 20th century Jazz age, and has a strong cast of feisty female characters, who we follow through their lives and loves.
I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is drawn to modern, historical, or contemporary fiction.
October 21, 2025
A novel full of humour, wit, jokes, excoriating portraits of unpleasant (and even pleasant) people. It's light and dark, profound and profane. I admire Amba's strength, courage and creativity whilst at the same time recoiling from her manipulation of others. A deeply unusual and challenging novel.
April 19, 2026
A captivating read.
Stephanie Shields is an incredible writer, with the ability to bewitch and surprise her readers and transport them to places and situations previously unimaginable which can also be challenging to deal with. But this is counterbalanced by her outrageous humour which can be rather disarming. A potent cocktail!
Don’t be afraid to board the plane with Amba.
Stephanie Shields is an incredible writer, with the ability to bewitch and surprise her readers and transport them to places and situations previously unimaginable which can also be challenging to deal with. But this is counterbalanced by her outrageous humour which can be rather disarming. A potent cocktail!
Don’t be afraid to board the plane with Amba.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews