‘And Fred Loved Jean’ is a compilation of letters written by Fred Giles to his girlfriend and later wife Jean [Moore] the parents of local children’s book publisher Heather Ornek.

Heather has already published two children’s books about Fergus, the knitted Scotsman, and is working on a third installation, but said ‘and Fred Loved Jean’ was her current focus.

Heather said the letters which are featured in the book were found after her parents passed away.

She said her Dad was an ardent letter writer, but her Mum was not as good at reciprocating, much to her Dad’s frustration.

Heather said after reading the letters friends suggested they be collated in a book because they are a snapshot of the times the couple were living in.

She said she selected about half of the letters for publication, and the ones chosen to be included in the book were selected because they were interesting, or because of the information that was contained in the letter.

She said what comes through in all of the letters is her Dad’s love for her Mum.

“He absolutely adored her from the moment he met her, and that’s obvious from reading the letters,” she said.

The book will be launched at Books Plus on September 10 at 4pm. Everyone is welcome but asked to RSVP for catering purposes on 63315994.