THE debut novel of an author with strong ties to the Isle of Wight has received critical acclaim after its release earlier this month.

Joanna Murray's grandparents were both born and lived in Yarmouth, while her mother still lives in Totland and Joanna herself has a house in the West Wight.

Now based in Oxfordshire, she has released Confessions of a Barista on Platform 1, which has been described as Bridget Jones meets Fleabag.

The story, which taps into the author's real life experiences, is set in a tiny railway station coffee shop serving London commuters in a deprived part of Sussex.

Narrated by the female owner through a series of vignettes and her own back story, it is a current portrayal of an eccentric community through primary and secondary characters.

The protagonist unwittingly becomes a therapist to her customers – in turn they take her on her own journey of self-discovery – among the coffee, track mantras and tannoy announcements.

Joanna said: "Some of my happiest childhood memories are the days spent body boarding at Compton Beach – still one of my favourite places in the world – and I go there whenever I can.

"I always wanted to write a book, although I had no idea it would be based around my experiences of opening and running a coffee shop.

"I am currently adapting the book as a screenplay, while starting work on my second novel."

Confessions of a Barista on Platform 1 is available to purchase on Amazon, with a paperback version available for £8.99.