2023 Nature Month-By-Month: A Children’s Almanac by Anna Wilson
I’d like to have consulted my junior helper on this one, but it was past his bedtime. However, I think I know what his reaction would be: ‘Auntie Nette, this book says everything!’ It certainly does. ‘It’s got lists of special dates, food we can cook and how to make a garden in an egg cup!’ I’m quite excited by the scope of the Almanac. It’s a fantastic, fully illustrated delight, with dozens of ideas for being creative and learning lots. From being a fossil detective to having awareness of the Countryside Code it covers many subjects to encourage observation and participation. I’d like to add the author has created an excellent, inclusive book that lists festivals and even recipes, relevant to major religions, such as Celebration Biryani. West Country writer Anna achieves a truly accessible guide that connects people locally and globally. And it’s a whole year’s fun.

Farringdon’s Fortune by Linda Finlay
It’s a pleasure introducing new work and a delight to follow the personal stories of our writers, like Linda, watching how their work has evolved. Linda had ten novels under her belt before embarking on the Farringdon trilogy. The books can be read as stand-alone but I feel it’s more enjoyable to follow the characters from the beginning. Her trademark in-depth research on rural industries/crafts is very much in evidence in this second novel. ‘I think the detail stays with the reader and adds to the integrity. This time I’ve added more social contact as we move from East Devon to the London season of the 1850s.’ To enable a female key character to enter work, Linda then weaves in nursing life in the Hospital for Gentlewomen During Illness where the superintendent was Florence Nightingale. History and heart in a delightful family saga.

The Secret Of Angel Cove by Sheila Norton
When I pick up one of Sheila’s books I feel as if I’ve stepped into the pages, as if watching a play unfold. Unlike television soaps with a daily cliff-hanger, where everyone is heading for a weekly breakdown, award-winning novelist Sheila takes a gentle yet wholly realistic approach. Characters may have their own tragedies but this is tempered by the nuts and bolts of everyday life, for instance retirement and reaching out for new interests. ‘I wanted to make this story multigenerational,’ says Sheila. ‘So, we have friendships that span the years and are enriching for both sides.’ She pays great attention to the setting and although Angel Cove doesn’t actually exist, it’s a hybrid of the places she’s come to love in Devon. She and I have spent many hours chatting by the sea and I have such respect for her work. An engaging portrayal of a coastal village.

Marple: Twelve New Stories by Various authors
As a Miss, and formerly of Marple, I’d like to explore how the place I called home was the inspiration for one of Agatha Christie’s finest character creations and sleuth extraordinaire – Jane Marple. Just beyond my school lay the ruins of Marple Hall and it was here in 1929 that Agatha attended a contents sale and borrowed the name. Apparently, she once wrote that her intention was ‘to give old maids a voice.’ YAY! And now 12 acclaimed crime writers have added theirs. The concept of tribute stories is fabulous and fearsome. To get under the skin and into the mind of Miss Marple must have been a challenge. Also, it’s weird when a gutsy, seasoned novelist refers to our heroine, as Val McDermid does, swallowing ‘…the last of her sherry.’ Kate Mosse combines damson gin, cherry brandy and knitting with problem solving. Long live Marple!

The Empire by Michael Ball
‘I feel truly blessed by my former TV years in Devon. The beauty of the countryside is matched only by the warmth, generosity and humour of the amazing Devonian people.’ With such a lovely comment from Michael, I had to review his book. Rewind to 1922, to the glory days of variety theatre, and be prepared to be immersed in a world of glitz, glamour and the characters who made it a magical world. I loved the quirky anecdotes within the text – ‘A rabbit bit its way out of its cage and relieved itself on the first singer’s second gown and the magician’s trick table needed oiling.’ Fans of Michael, from listeners to his Sunday show on Radio 2 to his tours with singer Alfie Boe, will recognise a great affection for all things grease-paint conveyed in this debut novel – a romantic whirlwind with rivalry, tensions and every possibility of an encore…

How To Attract Garden Birds by David Alderton. Consultant Dr Jen Green
With spring in the air and thoughts turning to life outdoors, watching the birds holds appeal to all age groups as a window into the natural world. David Alderton is an international best-selling authority on birds and their care. He begins with a potted guide to anatomy, how bills, wings and feet all contribute to their survival. It’s incredibly comprehensive and includes chapters on bonding, courtship displays and even how birds sing. He writes: ‘There is immense pleasure to be had from knowing that you are helping wild bird populations to thrive, and from watching them feed.’ With this in mind, he offers a myriad of suggestions from planning a garden to choosing plants that produce berries, nuts and seeds. Backed up with with quality photographs the book features practical step-by-step projects for making your own feeders, tables, birdbaths and nest boxes, from simple designs to highly ornamental creations.

Annette Shaw is a freelance journalist with 30 years of experience, and has a regular column in Devon Life, sharing her pick of brilliant books with Devon connections. With her reputation for championing books and authors around the county, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase her reviews here.