When
the Stones Held
is a historical novel inspired by the remarkable true story of William Edwards,
the self-taught Welsh stonemason who built one of the great bridges of the
eighteenth century.
Growing up in rural South Wales, William lives in a world of hard physical labour, dangerous rivers and limited opportunity. From an early age, he develops an instinctive understanding of stone, balance and the possibilities hidden within the landscape around him.
As the
coal trade begins to transform the valleys and the need for safer routes grows,
William accepts an extraordinary challenge: to build a bridge across the River
Taff at Pontypridd. He is twenty-seven years old and has never built a bridge
before.
What follows will test far more than his skill as a stonemason. Flood destroys his first bridge. Later attempts bring new failures and new problems to solve. With his reputation, livelihood and family affected by every decision he makes, William must decide how much he is prepared to risk for something no one can promise will succeed.
Set against a South Wales beginning to experience profound change, When the Stones Held is a story of ambition, family, community and resilience, and of an apparently ordinary man whose determination would leave a legacy that survives more than two and a half centuries later.
Praise:
'When the Stones Held' is a beautifully written novel that celebrates perseverance, faith, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It reminds us that the greatest achievements are rarely built by one pair of hands alone, but through the courage, kindness, and support of those who stand beside us.
Yarde Book Promotions
Buy Link:
https://books2read.com/u/4X7PX6
This book is available on #KindleUnlimited
***
About the Author
David E. Owen
After decades spent teaching around the world—from the UK to the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East—I came to writing fiction later in life. I started with fantasy before finding my voice in fast-paced, real-world spy thrillers. My stories are grounded in current issues like corruption, gender bias, and power, but always emphasise pace, surprise, and character-driven tension.
I’ve visited over 80 countries, worked as a radio host in Abu Dhabi, directed Shakespeare for African audiences in the bush, and even survived a flash flood in Mali and an armed hold-up. I was arrested for drug-smuggling in Nigeria but was eventually released when I refused to pay off the police captain, and I was boat-wrecked alone on a desert island in the Arabian Sea (but no tree) and rescued through a police search. Now retired from teaching, I split my time between writing, photography, and trying to get fit (thanks to a stubborn rowing machine). My latest novel, Hate Machine, tackles misogyny and gender radicalisation — not typical thriller territory, but I like a challenge.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://davideowen.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daieowen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.owen.7355
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dai-owen.bsky.social
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/david-e-owen
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B008MKE5X8/about
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71319623.David_E_Owen
If
you enjoy heartfelt historical fiction, you’ll love Crusader’s Path. An
award‑winning story of faith, destiny, and redemption set during the Crusades. https://books2read.com/u/3yNPen
