Stories of women's conversions to Christianity have been put together in a book launched in Bath at the weekend.

Vicar's wife and nurse Pam Norman has written Let's Hear it for the Girls – which contains the testimonies of 12 women about their faith.

It was launched at her church, St Saviour's in Larkhall, on Saturday.

Mrs Norman describes it as a coffee table book, with most of those whose stories appear in it having Bath connections.

She has lived in Bath for 12 years and this is her fourth book.

The idea came from Christian businessman Robert Hicks, of Creative Publishing, who noticed that women- only meetings had sprung up at many churches throughout the country. He thought there was a gap in the market for a book of tightly-written tales for people interested in religious faith.

Mrs Norman said: "Robert wanted ordinary stories of modern women, short enough to be read in one sitting. It was a fun and inspiring process writing it, though editing an 8,000 word transcription of one interview down to 800 was a challenge."

The artwork was done by Weston illustrator Lee Owen, while the vicar of Holy Trinity Church at Combe Down, Paul Langham, gave permission for his modern translation of the gospel of Mark to be included in the book. Mrs Norman added: "It is a very ecumenical book, with women from Catholic, Methodist and Anglican backgrounds, and others with no church upbringing at all.

"I am privileged that these women opened up to me so honestly, to enable their personal journeys to be shared with others."

The stories include one of how Christianity helped a woman recover from alcoholism, while another interviewee told how the death of her nephew led her to find faith.

Mrs Norman said: "I was bowled over when I saw the book in print.

"It is astonishingly attractive and unashamedly girlie, with curly writing and a deep pink cover.

"The illustrations appeal to your feminine side too. I think it is very touchy-feely book and it even smells great."

She has now written four books over the last four years – starting with one about her battle with post-natal depression following the birth of her fourth child. The other two are quiz books compiled with her mum Eileen Rawson, which raise money for charity.

This is the first time Mrs Norman has been commissioned to write a book, and she says she may follow it up with one about men's stories.

To buy a copy, send address details and a cheque payable to Pam Norman for £5 plus £1.50 P&P per book, to St Saviour's Rectory, Claremont Road, Bath, BA1 6LX.