Cathy hails from a family of writers, so she was always going to be a writer. Her great aunt was a story teller and a poet who emigrated to the Bronx. Her father wrote plays. Other influences have been the various writing groups she belongs to; Leicester Writers' Club, Just Write group, the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is president to Lutterworth Writers' Group. Cathy writes Sagas set in various parts of Ireland, she also writes romantic suspense fiction set in 50s/60s Her reviewers compare her to the late Maeve Binchy and Catherine Cookson. Having lived her childhood in Ireland, her books have that touch of authenticity. They depict the lifystyle and hardship of Irish families in those days, with the passion and emotion of her charachers who are wound up in intricate plots. Cathy's debut novel, Shadow Across the Liffey, was a finalist at the R.N.A's Joan Hessayan national award in May, 2013.  Cathy's latest books, A PLACE TO BELONG and THE DUBLIN GIRLS published with Headline Publishing Group are available in paperback and all are availible in library large print in UK and Ireland . Available on Amazon in e-Book, audio, paperback, large print      

Leicester Writers' Club Endeavour Award

The Cathy Mansell award, an award presented by Lutterworth Writers' Group for special achievement.

Leicester Writer's Club novel award.

Contender for the Romantic Novelists' Award (New Writers' Scheme)