Susan Thomas-Czarnecki, of Poland, writes:

Teignmouth has enticed me back yet again.

I must admit to getting goose bumps when I see my book Mist on the Window on sale but this stay has been about slowing down and living again, not just about promoting my book.

I am, so I am told, a grockle – with a permanent smile.

I am thrilled to see that the twinkling lights along the promenade have not been done away with and I am afraid I love your seagulls – walking boldly as they do down your streets and poking their noses audaciously into pubs whose doors stand open. The fact that they stole a piece of my children's barbecue chicken brought a flapping of arms – and a smile.

I have noticed that my lovely black and white chequered ferry seems not to be running with its remembered smooth efficiency, although its presence on the water continues to evoke fond memories.

I thought I might frown when finding the old paddling pool transformed into a skateboard park – but it was filled with excited young people, so I refrained. It is my children, however, who smile most whenever visiting the superbly crafted play area on the front.

You will see a twinkle in my eye, too, when I speak of the amazing moment of capturing on camera the rarely-spotted albino shag, and if you happen to see me rowing up the river, or catching mackerel out in the sea or sitting quietly on the back beach you will notice I am still smiling.

I thought the expression on my face might change when I was handed a giant crab to hold – a photo tells me otherwise. I continued to grin as I tucked into it later that evening.

And I stood mesmerised as I watched the force of the water in the gale at high tide a week ago thrash against the promenade wall and send up waves higher than the lighthouse – what a sight.

No wonder Teignmouth became the setting for the book.MORE LETTERS ON LINE