BRIDESTOWE author Joan Calmady-Hamlyn has produced yet another enjoyable read in her latest novel, As it Happened. Set in the present day, the story follows the lives of Jon, Anne and Dirk, taken as hostages in Iraq but freed by American troops. Once home, they pursue their lives against a backdrop of world events through 2005 — the Fleet Review, the London bombings, the Kashmir earthquake, Hurricane Katrina — even England's historic Ashes win. For West Devon readers, there is plenty to recognise in the places in which sections of the book are set. Joan Calmady-Hamlyn, who was born in 1920, began writing stories at the age of seven and has continued to write for pleasure. She spent eight years working as an electro-encephalographer in a neuro-psychiatric unit before marrying and having two daughters. She is now widowed with six grandchildren. As It Happened is published by UPSO Ltd and is available from local bookshops. JANE HONEY