An author of thirteen previous books, five of which have been short-listed in the British Sports Book Awards, David Tossell is a sports journalist for more than three decades. He is currently head of European Public Affairs for the NFL (National Football League).
Last year was a historic one for the England women's cricket team, their first full year as professional players and with every ball of their Ashes series live on television and radio.
As the dramatic events of the summer unfolded, David Tossell was given exclusive access to follow at close quarters, from freezing training mornings in the dead of winter to the dressing room and team meetings in the heat of battle against Australia.
Under the guidance of a coach who cared deeply about their performance and welfare, a diverse group of girls came together in the pursuit of international glory and personal achievement, united by a remarkable love for each other and a passion for their passion for their profession. As The Girls of Summer reveals, they would need every piece of resilience and resolve those bonds could offer.
The Girls of Summer includes all the key on-field moments - and the players' reaction to them - right up to the dramatic climax of the series, as seen from inside the dressing room. Charlotte Edwards describing how she was once almost too scared to play the sport with which she has become synonymous, and how she maintains her passion for cricket after two decades as an international. Katherine Brunt relating her battles against injury and low teenage self-esteem to become the heartbeat of the team and one of the world's fastest bowlers apart from the story behind Shaw's departure as head coach at the conclusion of the Ashes.
England captain Charlotte Edwards, in her foreword, remarked: "It is an incredibly exciting period to be involved in women's cricket, and, therefore, a great time for someone to be writing a book about the England women's team. When we heard that we were going to have someone following us about all summer we wondered what to expect, but we welcomed David with open arms and got used to having him around - and he never encroached on our space! It could have been such a great story if we had won the Ashes on the final day, but I know that with the characters we have in the dressing room, and the ups and downs of the summer, this book will be a fascinating read."
All in all, the book is an interesting read. The coloured pictures are sharp and superb.