A West Norfolk author, soon to be releasing her ninth book, is looking forward to holding her first ever book launch in the town.

Gillian Harvey, who lives in Hunstanton, will be presenting her latest contemporary novel, The Little Provence Book Shop, for the first time in person.

Having lived in France for the past 14 years and now moving to the seaside town, Gillian said she was stepping out of her comfort zone to celebrate her hard work.

“The Little Provence Book Shop” tells the fictional story of Adeline, who discovers a family secret and decides to flee to France and work in a mysterious bookshop – where a deeper mystery is revealed.

Gillian said: “I remember wanting to write books since I was five years old and was always writing things down, even on family holidays at the beach.

“I finished my first book in my early twenties, but it took a while to take shape.

“My husband and I moved to France in 2009 after our time as teachers. Not for writing, but it gave me a little more time and space to explore.”

The Little Provence Book Shop is due to be published on 9 October and Gillian will be hosting the launch at Waterstones in Lynn that day.

The author added: “I was considering doing an in-person book launch after doing a few online. The in-person launch pushed me out of my comfort zone.

“This is a big moment for me where I force myself to celebrate my successes, which can be difficult at times.”