Residents and staff at a care home were thrilled to welcome a bestselling author to their monthly book club.

Raleigh Manor care home in Exmouth welcomed The Sunday Times bestselling author AJ Pearce, writer of Dear Mrs Bird, to their book club via Zoom.

AJ Pearce delighted everyone by discussing how she develops her characters and storylines, as well as sharing insights into her three novels and her upcoming fourth book in the Emmy Lake Chronicles series.

After her talk, she said: "I really appreciate the opportunity to speak to real people instead of being in my own head with my characters."

Her novels, known for their humour, heartbreak, and uplifting themes of friendship and community during wartime, truly resonated with the book club members.

Nicola Power, home administrator and book club organiser at Raleigh Manor, said: "We are so grateful to AJ for taking the time to visit us and share her journey to becoming an author.

"I am a big fan of her novels which have inspired many of us to explore our collective histories.

"I would love to create a storyline like she can."