A DEVON author will experience a 'Sea Change' when she reads extracts from her latest novel at Chagford Bookshop this weekend.

Julie-ann Rowell is an accomplished novelist and will be reading from 'Sea Change'. This is the first book in a trilogy, chronicling the adventures of Oriana Belle Tavey, who at fourteen, runs away from home and goes to sea disguised as a boy.

The year is 1718, and in the brilliantly evoked, harsh world of seafaring, piracy and the slave trade, young Oriana painfully sheds her naivety and learns courage and resilience — and some unexpected answers to the mystery of her family.

'Sea Change', published by Solidus, is written for bold readers aged ten and upwards — the realism and taut drama should appeal to all who enjoy adventure stories.

Devon born writer Julie-ann now lives in Totnes, working from home as a freelance editor and writer.

As a poet, she has had more than 50 poems published in magazines and anthologies. Awards for her poetry include first prize in the New Writer Poetry competition, runner up in the BT section of the National Poetry competition in 2000, as well as other commendations. She has been selected for master classes with Gillian Clarke and Matthew Sweeney, and belongs to the Advanced South West Writers' Group and Two River Poets.

'Convergence', Julie-ann Rowell's first poetry collection was published earlier this year by the Brodie Press.

The reading will take place in Chagford Bookshop in the Square, Chagford, from 11am on Saturday, December 20.