Sometimes you snap a photo, and it captures more than just a place—it captures a vibe, a moment. That’s exactly how it felt when I stood at the top of this narrow lane, lined with charming, time-worn fisherman’s cottages that would come to define Saltmere in Kissing the Pearl.
I could almost see Alex’s rental car rounding the corner, just arriving, marking the start of something she had no idea was coming. This town, Saltmere, was about to change everything.
The air was fresh, the town alive with its quiet energy. No fanfare. No dramatic entrances. Just the soft, natural rhythm of a place where real change doesn’t need to announce itself—it simply unfolds. Alex was about to meet Polly, who greeted her with warmth and showed her around the charming Airbnb that would be her home for the next while.
Saltmere was ready, and so was Alex. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that set the stage for the biggest shifts. This was one of those moments. And Saltmere? Well, it was about to become the backdrop for an unforgettable story.
The blue boat that features in Kissing The Pearl. It’s looking a bit battered these days, which feels fitting given the state of Lucy and Tia’s relationship when they met there. This spot — quiet, worn, and full of history — was where Lucy arranged to meet Tia for a conversation that had been a long time coming. It carried more weight than either of them probably realised. But that’s all I’ll say… no spoilers.
In the story, Saltmere’s oysters are more than just part of the town’s history; they carry a deeper meaning. Like oysters themselves, so much of what happens between the characters is about what’s hidden beneath the surface — the roughness you see outside, and the tenderness, the beauty, that takes time to grow and reveal itself.
It felt fitting that when The Silver Tide opened at the Mayfair Belle, the oysters were celebrated front and centre. And even more fitting when The Duke of Ashbourne commissioned Agnes to capture Saltmere’s spirit.
She called her painting Everneath — a word that hints at everything lying just beneath what we see. It’s about the layers of emotion, memory, and second chances that thread through the novel, and through Saltmere itself.
Just like the oysters, some things need time and maybe a little grit to become something precious.
Well, that’s a wrap! I finished the day with a lovely glass of Lucy’s favorite Sauvignon and a hop, skip, and a jump in the spring sunlight on one of my favorite beaches on the South Coast.
Here’s a shot of me, Jamie Loghan, jumping for joy. Kissing The Pearl will soon be available to buy or download, and I’m beyond excited for you to experience the story. Stay tuned—it’s coming your way!
