Inspirational local author self-publishes debut novel

A support teacher at The King's School in Ottery St Mary has recently achieved a lifelong ambition to both write and publish a book.

'Love, Life and Lemons' is now available to order from Payhembury Provisions. The novel is set in the 1920s and moves back and forth between the grey, city-scape of London to the sun-scorched colours of Northern Italy.

It is a story of love overcoming cultural divides, the secret of an ancient lemon tree, family feuds and fabulous food – brimming with passion and vivid description.

Jane Hugen-Tobler - who also reached the milestone age of 50 this year - lives with her family in Payhembury.

Sidmouth Nub News caught up with Jane to find out more about her journey to becoming a published author.

When asked about what inspired the narrative, she explained: "I had always had this idea to write about my grandma, and while I was at university [Jane graduated from Exeter University in 2014] I began exploring with creative writing ideas, which became the basis for the book.

"All I know about my grandma is that she wedded an older man in the 1920s and they never actually consummated their marriage due to him having a foot fetish." Janes laughed: "It was one of those tales that got passed down the family, but you couldn't really ask her about it.

"She then met my grandfather [an Italian] and for her to get divorced they had to be found together in this hotel, so as to site adultery. That's all I really know. The narrative was fabricated around this, using research I did whilst visiting Italy."

Another motivation for completing the book came from the school students Jane works with.

She told me that one boy in particular kept asking 'how's your book going Miss?' and when he learnt that she had finished writing, but was struggling to find a publisher, simply said 'why don't you publish it yourself then?'

"So, that's what I decided to do. I used Amazon [the online bookstore] to do it. It takes you through these various stages, which was painstaking at times, but I got there eventually and I'm happy with how it looks," Jane explained.

"My mum illustrated the front cover, which I love."

Jane credits her husband in the book, thanking him for 'all the dog walks and talks'. She told me: "He has been an invaluable support throughout the entire process and helped me to believe in myself and my abilities."

As someone who has read 'Love, Life and Lemons' - I can personally vouch for the fantastic reviews it has already received. You can get yourself a copy by clicking the red button below.