Book Extract: Wicket Maiden by Chrissie Harrison

Published May 18, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleaure to be welcoming Chrissie Harrison to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for Wicket Maiden.

Wicket Maiden is a groundbreaking romantic comedy set in the world of women’s cricket.

It’s the start of a new season for professional women’s cricket team The Scorpions.

Acclaimed batter Ellie, 32, is returning to the game after a long injury, determined to regain her form and her place in the England squad. This is her last chance, and she won’t let anything stand in her way.

Cricket fan Adam, 34, an artist and photographer, has followed Ellie and the team through highs and lows. He’s drawn to her talent, athleticism and public persona – but is content to be a face in the crowd, cheering her on. He’d never date a famous person, anyway.

When events on and off the pitch bring Ellie and Adam together, friendship blossoms, and their careers initially soar. Yet, with romance in the air, Ellie loses focus, jeopardising her dream.

What’s more important to them both – love, or cricket?

A share of the book’s royalties will be donated to pertinent clubs and organisations who champion the development of grassroots, girls’ and women’s cricket.

The story echoes the film “Notting Hill” – the challenge of love between a ‘star’ and a ‘normal person’.

The book touches on the good and bad sides of fame, and shines a light on women’s cricket – the mental and physical challenges, pressure of relentless media attention, community outreach, fan engagement, and the finite nature of the career of professional athletes. Above this, it is, of course, a love story.

The book is a non-spicy romance, and also includes neurodiversity and epilepsy representation.

Chrissie has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Professional cricketer Ellie is visiting a friend at a local art gallery. Killing time, she (literally) bumps into a familiar face – one of the fans she often sees at matches. They’ve barely shared a few words over the years, and she doesn’t even know his name, let alone his job. Ellie, conversely, is known by him and millions of others…

A wide doorway led to a rear annex, with a sign proclaiming “Exhibition – Adam Glenn – Maidstone Artist”. Ellie nosed into the room. Only three people were inside, all nodding appreciatively beside a pop art style painting of a woman taking a selfie.

We’re now all masters of creating our own fame.

Another exhibit stopped Ellie in her tracks. Pride of place on the far wall was a brilliant and charismatic rendition of former England bowler James Anderson. The painting gushed with vigour and personality, movement and expression.

Wow.

It could have been five seconds or five minutes Ellie stood there, open-mouthed. Snapping out of the trance-like admiration, she turned to the room… and nearly clattered into someone holding a takeaway coffee.

‘Shit. Sorry… I…’ she offered, flustered.

Blimey. What are the chances? Swearing in an art gallery or bumping into…

‘Oh.’ Cricket Fan Guy broke into a warm yet mystified smile. ‘Small world.’

‘Yeah. I just popped in to see someone.’

‘Right. Okay.’

‘Are you… visiting? Work here?’ she asked.

‘Not as such. Art is my thing, though.’

‘Have you seen the Jimmy one? It’s amazing.’ She frowned, self-conscious. ‘Isn’t it? I don’t know. I’m no expert, but… do you like it? Jimmy—sorry, James Anderson.’ She eye-rolled at her stupidity.

Of course he knows who Jimmy is! He’s a cricket fan!

Breathe.

He was chuckling. She hoped it wasn’t at her expense.

‘Yes. That one’s my favourite.’ He looked away. ‘Best thing I’ve done, probably.’

Her mind scurried like a batter who wished she hadn’t called for a second run. ‘Oh. Right. Ah. I get it now. Local artist. So… this is… you? Wow. It’s amazing. Well done… er…’

Name? Name?

He held out a hand. ‘Adam. I’m Adam. From before, and here, and all those other times.’ His eyes twinkled.

She shook, a firm grip. ‘I’m Ellie.’

His smile was broad. ‘I know.’

Her cheeks coloured. ‘Oh, yeah, of course.’

Over his shoulder, a young girl and a man were looking in their direction. Ellie moved so she wasn’t blocking their view of the painting.

The girl, wide-eyed, tugged her father’s shirt. He bent so she could whisper in his ear. He nodded, then winked at Ellie.

I’m not sure the painting is the attraction right now.

‘Go on.’ He encouraged his daughter forward with a gentle tap on her shoulder. ‘It’ll be okay.’

Biting her lip, the girl tentatively stepped up. ‘Are… you… Ellie Waites?’

Ellie’s insides softened. ‘Yes.’

‘Can… Would I please be able to get a selfie?’

‘Of course.’

The girl skipped back to her father, who passed over his phone, mouthing at Ellie, ‘Thank you.’

Someone coughed.

Cricket Fan Guy… no, Adam.

‘Would you like me to take it?’ he asked.

‘No, it’s fine,’ she replied, at the same time the visitor said,

‘Oh, cheers.’

Before Ellie could intervene, Adam had taken the phone and was looking for a place where the girl’s memento wouldn’t be spoiled by artwork in the background.

Ellie got down on one knee and rested a palm on the girl’s shoulder.

‘Say “Ellie”,’ Adam said.

Bemused, she complied, the “ee” sound pulling her mouth into a smile—like “cheese”.

‘Would you like one too, sir?’ Adam asked the father.

‘Sure, thanks, mate.’

Ellie posed while Adam did another sterling job. Things suddenly made sense—she’d often seen him with a camera around his neck. Perhaps he was as good at photography as he was at painting… plus being rather charming and easy on the eye.

‘Hope to see you at a match soon,’ Ellie said when the impromptu photo op was complete.

The girl grinned. ‘Definitely.’

Then Dad shook Ellie’s hand, offered thanks, and they ambled away.

Adam was looking at her as if he’d witnessed the birth of a lamb or a Rubik’s Cube being solved blindfolded.

‘What?’ she said, amused. ‘It’s not like you haven’t seen the drill before. Up close.’

‘Oh no, not that. It’s so cool how you inspire kids. What a role model you are. You’re a natural.’

*****end of extract*****

About Chrissie Harrison–

I’m an incurable romantic at heart, and a sucker for great humour. I’ve been writing for many years, and all the stories contain either love, or humour, or both – I simply can’t keep these elements out of my work.

I’m inspired by the big and small screen as well as books, and have a soft spot for Richard Curtis’ romcoms, timeless TV comedy like The Good Life and Blackadder, less well-known feelgood films and romances (Always, Forget Paris, Roxanne), and books which make me laugh (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, The Rosie Project).

I have a soft spot for stories with strong women and nerdy or hapless guys.

Fundamentally, I try to write the books I like to read. I hope to distil humour, romance – and sometimes pathos or bittersweet vibes – into my novels.

Outside of writing, I enjoy photography, great scenery, a nice peaceful train ride, delicious coffee and cake, and catching up with old friends. I’m also something of a geek, fascinated by maths, science and even fonts!

Chrissie Harrison is a pen name.

Say hell0 via my website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Wicket Maiden was released on 1st May 2025. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US.