BETRAYAL by Lesley Pearce
‘We’ve all been betrayed at some point,’ says Lesley. We’re having coffee overlooking Meadfoot Beach near her home in Torbay. In such an idyllic setting it feels incongruous to be discussing predatory people, violence, and how trust can be blown to smithereens. This is Lesley at her best. It’s all in seamless context, a story that is gripping and with poignant reflection on the nature of relationships. I asked how she developed the plot. ‘I met Erin Pizzey many years ago. She campaigned tirelessly and established the first refuge for domestic violence. victims. The concept of women healing other women through mutual support and sharing experiences, in a safe space, is a strong theme in Betrayal.’ This isn’t the only thread, and there is a shocking scene with one of the children. Ultimately, the strands are perfectly woven. As Lesley says: ‘Reach out and persevere. A good life is there.”.

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND PADDLE BOARDING by Lisa Drewe
I was chatting to Daniel Start of Wild Things Publishing about this book as he’s also a keen paddleboarder. ‘September and early autumn are some of the best times to take to the water. The sea temperature is usually at its highest and the winds often lighter.’ I then asked where he’d flag up as a favourite. “The Erme Estuary without a doubt. This secret river is close to Modbury, but it feels wild and remote!’ Looking at the photographs, I can see the attraction for health and soul. enrichment. From the ruggedness of Lee Bay in North Devon to the tranquility of the Grand Western Canal at Tiverton, this is the ultimate companion to a popular sport. As with all Wild Guides, the essentials are thoroughly researched and include pitstops, as well as special points of interest and safety. Author Lisa Drewe is an award-winning author, writer and photographer.

THE SUNRISE SISTERHOOD by Cathy Bramley
It’s a bit of a love letter to Salcombe, this one. Residents, visitors and those yet to fall for the heavenly coves, white sands. and coastal inlets – known as rias – will absolutely adore Cathy’s latest novel. Salcombe is a wonderful place to find healing, and the three main protagonists – Liz and her god-daughters Clare and Skye have a family history that needs some repair work. Liz is forced to pull out all the stops to save the catering business she built with Jen, Clare’s late mother, but she has more than a few demons to face in the process. It’s feel-good emotional escapism, yet I suspect many readers will find common ground be it rivalry, jealousy or long- held secrets. As old foundations crumble and individual backstories emerge, new futures beckon. All aided, abetted and grounded by yoga on the beach and the power of the sisterhood.

AROUND THE OCEAN IN 80 FISH AND OTHER SEA LIFE by Dr Helen Scales
Bookshelf regulars may recall seeing the beautifully illustrated guide to plants around the world by Jonathan Drori. Definitely part of a series to treasure for years. This new volume by marine biologist, writer, and broadcaster Dr Helen Scales, takes us deep into the oceans. It will appeal to those interested in nature, travel and of course fish. What I enjoyed immensely is the range of topics which includes medicine, culture, and folklore. Beginning with the common cuttlefish, often washed up on our beaches, we learn how artists such as J.M.W. Turner and Vincent van Gogh used its ink. Jurassic Coast fossil hunter Mary Anning even found an extinct relative of the cuttlefish with its original ink sac. Helen adds an extra layer to seashore walks – even humble limpets will never be seen in the same light: it would take a force of 100 kilogrammes to dislodge one from a rock!

TELL ME LIES by Teresa Driscoll
An Azores high was sitting over the West Country when I read Teresa’s latest in my garden. Result: sunburn. Just one more page, just one more page…is it a disgruntled local or the husband? Former journalist Teresa leads you all around the houses- and that’s before we get to the woods. As a writer of psychological thrillers, she’s so accomplished in making the reader work, as in think. Who’s mad or bad or plain sad? Hannah and Sam, in an attempt to restore marital harmony, take their eight- year-old daughter Lily on a break to Owl Cottage in Cornwall to a seemingly idyllic retreat. That is until dead creatures appear on the doorstep and there are knocks at the door but no sign of anyone. I’d never have figured out the ending: and as we don’t do spoilers it is essential to buy the book. You won’t regret it. Trust me on sunscreen.

THE SEASIDE – ENGLAND’S LOVE AFFAIR by Madeline Bunting
Arches, pillars, donkey rides, the pier theatre, and Victorian shelters providing refuge while the family tucks into egg sandwiches. This is the emotionally warm and fuzzy stuff of seaside memories held by those of us from the pre-Benidorm era. In a clockwise trip from Scarborough to Blackpool, Madeleine revisits some 40 resorts, delving into their history and contemporary plight. In Torquay she pops into a café for fish and chips (a staggering £17) and gets chatting to a waitress with a bio-science degree who is desperate about the lack of degree-level jobs. The reality of coastal living in 2023 is far from glamorous, particularly out of season. Onwards to North Devon where Airbnb trumps long-term renters…Some of this is hard to take, as the social reality and health deprivation in some areas are grim. It’s a political snapshot of England right now, stark and raw, yet with hope for the future.

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.