There was standing room only when local author Jill Treseder launched her new book in Dittisham.

In spite of storm Imogen, about 40 gathered at the Red Lion for a lively question and answer session followed some brief readings and book signings.

Becoming Fran is Jill’s third novel – a coming-of-age tale set in Hampshire, Bristol and Cornwall in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Readers can join Francesca Fairweather on a journey of self-discovery as she lurches from crisis to crisis as a child, a student and a mother. It is a story of trust and betrayal, secrets and lies, identity and friendship.

Jill said that her memories of 1960s Bristol, where she was a student herself, was useful in anchoring the narrative in its location, although the novel is in no way autobiographical.

The book is on sale at Dartmouth Community Book­shop and is also available in various e-book formats.