Shades of Yellow

SEMI-FINALIST FOR THE SOMERSET AWARD FOR LITERARY AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION.

WINNER OF A SILVER (HISTORICAL WOMEN'S FICTION) AND GOLD (DUAL TIMELINE) MEDALS IN THE 2025 COFFEE POT BOOK CLUB AWARDS.

Two women betrayed by love, five centuries apart. A story of forgiveness, courage, and rebirth.

During her battle with illness, Lucy Ellis found solace in writing a novel about the mysterious death of Amy Robsart, the first wife of Robert Dudley, the man who came close to marrying Elizabeth I. As Lucy delves into Amy’s story, she also navigates the aftermath of her own experience that brought her close to death and the collapse of her marriage.

After taking leave from her teaching job to complete her novel, Lucy falls ill again. Fearing she will die before she finishes her book, she flees to England to solve the mystery of Amy Robsart’s death.

Can she find the strength to confront her past, forgive the man who broke her heart, and take control of her own destiny?

Who better to write about a betrayed woman than a woman betrayed?

Winner of a CPBC Book of the Year GOLD Medal (DUAL-TIMELINE FICTION) and a CPBC SILVER Medal (HISTORICAL WOMEN'S FICTION).

Praise for Shades of Yellow.

Touching story of love, betrayal, and women’s lives across centuries - an editor's pick at Booklife.

With its profound themes and thought-provoking insights, this novel leaves a lasting impression, lingering in the mind long after the final page has been turned. YARDE BOOK REVIEWS

The story’s impact lingers beyond the ending, reflecting the novel’s overall effectiveness. It felt as if I had just experienced a rare work of art. READERS’ FAVORITE.

This is great historical fiction with a literary touch—carefully researched, thoughtful, and ultimately hopeful. A deeply engaging read that lingers in the mind long after the last page ~ Elizabeth St John, award-winning author.

This book bears a touch of the eternal and deserves five stars just for the creativity throughout ~ Brook Allen, award-winning author.

A dazzling, multi-layered tale of love and betrayal ~ Vivienne Brereton, author.

Mixing the old and the new, modern day life with that of the sixteenth century, Wendy weaves together a captivating story for fans of historical fiction and contemporary literature.

Sarah Hodder, author.

This book is a wonderful blend of contemporary and historic fiction. I loved it!

Kristie Dean, author.

Shifting between 2010 and the Elizabethan era, Wendy J. Dunn's compelling new novel Shades of Yellow explores the complexities of relationships, creative ambition, and medical pain through the eyes of two brave women living centuries apart. Forced to confront the decisions that have brought them to their respective crisis points, Lucy and Amy seek to rewrite their own destinies. A treat for lovers of history and strong stories.

Lauren Chater, author of The Beauties, plus others.