THE well-crafted prose of Ulverston author Rosey Darbishire has secured her the accolade of the first winner in the New Authors - New Reviewers' project, sponsored by The Westmorland Gazette web site www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk and bookshop chain Ottaker's.

Aspiring radio-writer Mrs Darbishire penned the winning review of The Piano Teacher, by Lynn York, which will be featured alongside the book of the month title in the Kendal branch of Ottakar's.

"It's very nice to win," said Mrs Darbishire. "Out of the blue I got a message from the author which was nice. She said I was her ideal reviewer!"

The flattering review concluded that The Piano Teacher was not as sugary as the blueberry pie in the North Carolina-set novel but was more like a good slice of the central character's pound cake "with the sweet crust on top and just a hint in the center of a sad streak".

The runner-up in the competition was the review of The Miracles of Santo Fico, by D.L. Smith, presented by Gwen Green, of Kendal.

Both reviewers received gift vouchers from Ottakar's.

The winning reviews, along with those for three other books, are posted in the Leisure New Authors, New Reviewers' section.