reviews of a brush with the coast
"I just wanted to say how absolutely beautiful the book is that I bought for a wonderful friend as a thank you present. The book came so promptly (within 24 hours of ordering and no postage costs!). I almost didn’t want to let the book go! The artwork is so stunning and mesmerising and so much wonderful information! My friend is thrilled with the book as she is walking part of the South West Coast Path this year for charity and thought it would inspire her even more and hopefully be helpful for the section she is doing. I’ve added it on to my Christmas list for myself now! Suzanne Coutinho
"A beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written account by Sasha recounting her epic adventure with Jess her faithful dog walking the length of the South West Coastal Path! An absolute treasure." Jane Murray
"Recently re-released, I couldn't wait for this to arrive and was thrilled when I opened it and glanced through. The illustrations, soft tones and overall size/thickness/content are a beautiful reflection of the talent Sasha has to capture the essence of the area. I found myself turning the pages very slowly, admiring the painting on each side. The writing is relaxed and humorous and I very much enjoyed the anecdotes and reflections of one lady and her dog, Whenever you need inspiration, open your book, and you will always find somewhere new to explore. A treasure to keep and pass down to other members of your family - I couldn't love it more." Chris Atkins (2019 revised edition)
"Artistic inspiration to walk Britain's longest National Trail: you can taste the tang of salt on the breeze as you immerse yourself in this beautifully illustrated travelogue." Country Walking Magazine
"A really charming and original antidote to the usual walking books, funny , honest and practical. If this doesn't inspire you to get out on those wild clifftops, nothing will." Country Life Magazine
"A sumptuous book, crammed with delightful illustrations - drawings, sketches, painted landscapes - in an attractive and simple style, depicting the journey of the author round the South-West Path, taking in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. It's a book of great charm, to be read chronologically, or dipped into at random, always surprising, endlessly fascinating." The International Rubery Book Award
"The illustrations in A Brush With The Coast capture the essence of being by the sea, the joys of rock pool rambles, the sheer burst of freedom as a dog is let of the lead and the subdued, muted tones of the coastal landscape. Sasha brings to life the characters, she met along the way, and the story she tells is utterly enchanting." Rebecca Bentley, Cornwall Today Magazine
"A wonderful insight into the beauty of the South West coast, its people and its animals. An amazingly uplifting read brought to life by Sasha’s amusing and observant story-telling and her beautiful paintings with, of course, Jess often taking centre stage in both. It’s a book I have constantly dipped into to recall those parts of the path I have walked and gain an insight into those stretches I have yet to reach. It’s one of the best birthday presents ever. Highly recommended – relax and enjoy." Jeremy Whitaker
"A beautiful book and a wonderful journey, thanks for sharing it with us. My full review is on our website: www.highpointholidays.co.uk/blog/15-12-09-a-brush-with-the-coast-review" Mark Armstrong
"A real life coast path adventure! Sasha's discriptions and anecdotes make this book not only a joy to read ,but the pictures are fantastic for both young and old alike. A delightful book." Southwest Coast Path Association
"This is by far the best and most enthralling book of its type that I have ever read. This very brave intrepid young lady together with her beautiful dog Jess ( yes she must get some credit too) have produced a fascinating account of her challenging journey round the West Coast path. Not only does it make compulsive reading with all the fascinating facts and insights into her journey but it is beautifully illustrated with both full page examples of her fun paintings but also keyhole sketches on every page. All in all this is a must buy for anyone interested in the South West. There is nothing else like it on the market. Exceptional. Well done Sasha and Jess and thank you for the entertainment." Gordon Michie
"I simply ADORE this book, Sasha Harding captures everything I love about the Devon and Cornwall coastline, the illustrations are delightful and the text utterly charming. Wonderful to use as a guide but also lovely to look at from the comfort of an armchair by the fire in the cold of winter, dreaming of happy summer days by the Coast." Actress and Presenter, Caroline Quentin
"Sasha’s illustration and soft tones are a beautiful reflection of the splendour and variety of the South West Coastal Path. I found myself turning the pages very slowly, admiring the painting on each side. The writing is relaxed and humorous and I very much enjoyed the anecdotes and reflections of one lady and her dog, it brought back many fond memories of my time exploring the footpaths of the south west. Whenever you need inspiration, grab this book, and you will always find somewhere new to explore." Seasalt Clothing
"If ever I needed inspiration to travel 10,000 miles back home from Australia for a good ol’ stank-about on the coastal cliff tops – this book is it!
Interesting, uplifting and full of Sasha’s wit and humour, her book made me feel like rushing out to purchase an alarmingly expensive pair of walking boots, obtaining a dog and adopting a fetish for Gortex! so that I TOO could enjoy the wonders of the coast – in short; it made me homesick!
Sasha’s knack for making you aware of the many wonderful sights, sounds, smells, flora & fauna amidst her enchanting dialogue of each day of the walk left me wanting more – hence I couldn’t it down! Not just a darn good read but you get to know Sasha and Jess a little better as you share every step of their journey… Each day; a new adventure. Each page; a beautiful illustration, sketch or water colour. Each moment; Inspirational!" Melanie Emmerick from Cairns
"I absolutely loved this book, full of humor and beautiful paintings. I tried very hard to ration myself to one stretch of the footpath at a time but couldn't wait to see what happened next! so did the whole book in 2 days, I laughed out loud at some of the situations that Sasha and Jess got themselves into, especially some of the B&B's, and at the end I felt as if I had walked the entire 630 miles with them. Brilliant! can't wait for the next one." Wendy Bampfield
"I've just got through my first reading of this book and I think the title should perhaps be "Travelling Without Suitcases". What is related is a delightful story of what it is like to stay in lots of B&Bs along the Coast Path. (The suitcases magically appear at every stop!) The story is interspersed with many of Sasha's usual postcard-style paintings, together with many real life sketches, watercolours and landscapes, which give a good flavour of the sights and weather! It's a good yarn about the woes of setting off on such a trek, but the stories of Jess and the people met en route will make you chuckle." Neil Hartwell
"The sketches really bring the area and your experiences to life. The finished pictures are – as ever – truly charming and you feel you know the characters involved but what was quite amazing was the story of your journey. This was not just a gentle amble along some lovely coastal paths – this was an adventure and to do it alone – apart from Jess – was a real achievement. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves your work, loves the coastline or just loves the humour contained within it." Helen Bertram
"An exhilarating book. You can almost smell the sea air and feel the sun." Lionel Woodcock
"I’m a longtime admirer of Sasha’s work and looked forward immensely to her first book. I was not disappointed – it’s a triumph! A Brush With The Coast is a BIG book packed with not only her familiar and much-loved acrylic canvases but also wonderful watercolour illustrations. What a surprise they were. I’m full of admiration for her her simple and beautiful rendering of trees.
The writing is no less a tour de force. I read it in one sitting and she never lost my interest, taking me through the trials and tribulations of long-distance walking and the amazing characters she meets along the way. Her love of the southwestern coastal region and her family are evident throughout and Jess, her seven stone Rhodesian Ridgeback dog and companion throughout the walk, frequently steals the show. Before starting the trek Jess wasn’t keen on exercise and completing the six hundred and thirty mile distance has apparently not changed her opinion one bit. We’re treated to a delightful calvacade of illustrations throughout the book of Jess blissfully sound asleep.
Sasha’s cheery sense of humour enriches her writing as it does her paintings and I laughed out loud a number of times. To research, illustrate and write a book of this size is a considerable achievement, but Sasha, superwoman that she is, has even self-published it too! Wow!!" Jim Watson
"Sasha Harding has pulled off an almost impossible task of creating an art book (and oh so much more than an upmarket coffee table book) which is also a jolly good read! From start to finish, Sasha's amusing travels along the South West Coast Path, with her dog, Jess, is beautifully illustrated, funny, charming and a real joy not only for lovers of her art and walkers but for everyone.
Sasha, if you do not know her work, produces quirky, charming coastal paintings in soft hues that make you smile, and her new book has taken her ability to please to a new level. Not only is this book beautifully illustrated in her inimitable style - with full colour plates of locations and people she met along the way, and black and white sketches, particularly of Jess - it also has humour that really does compliment the pictures. It really is a marriage made in heaven and the book is a work of art in itself, and beautifully produced.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, and even if you don't know Sasha's work now you will be converted and look forward to her next book with anticipation!" Melissa Hartwell
"A beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written account by Sasha recounting her epic adventure with Jess her faithful dog walking the length of the South West Coastal Path! An absolute treasure." Jane Murray
"Recently re-released, I couldn't wait for this to arrive and was thrilled when I opened it and glanced through. The illustrations, soft tones and overall size/thickness/content are a beautiful reflection of the talent Sasha has to capture the essence of the area. I found myself turning the pages very slowly, admiring the painting on each side. The writing is relaxed and humorous and I very much enjoyed the anecdotes and reflections of one lady and her dog, Whenever you need inspiration, open your book, and you will always find somewhere new to explore. A treasure to keep and pass down to other members of your family - I couldn't love it more." Chris Atkins (2019 revised edition)
"Artistic inspiration to walk Britain's longest National Trail: you can taste the tang of salt on the breeze as you immerse yourself in this beautifully illustrated travelogue." Country Walking Magazine
"A really charming and original antidote to the usual walking books, funny , honest and practical. If this doesn't inspire you to get out on those wild clifftops, nothing will." Country Life Magazine
"A sumptuous book, crammed with delightful illustrations - drawings, sketches, painted landscapes - in an attractive and simple style, depicting the journey of the author round the South-West Path, taking in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. It's a book of great charm, to be read chronologically, or dipped into at random, always surprising, endlessly fascinating." The International Rubery Book Award
"The illustrations in A Brush With The Coast capture the essence of being by the sea, the joys of rock pool rambles, the sheer burst of freedom as a dog is let of the lead and the subdued, muted tones of the coastal landscape. Sasha brings to life the characters, she met along the way, and the story she tells is utterly enchanting." Rebecca Bentley, Cornwall Today Magazine
"A wonderful insight into the beauty of the South West coast, its people and its animals. An amazingly uplifting read brought to life by Sasha’s amusing and observant story-telling and her beautiful paintings with, of course, Jess often taking centre stage in both. It’s a book I have constantly dipped into to recall those parts of the path I have walked and gain an insight into those stretches I have yet to reach. It’s one of the best birthday presents ever. Highly recommended – relax and enjoy." Jeremy Whitaker
"A beautiful book and a wonderful journey, thanks for sharing it with us. My full review is on our website: www.highpointholidays.co.uk/blog/15-12-09-a-brush-with-the-coast-review" Mark Armstrong
"A real life coast path adventure! Sasha's discriptions and anecdotes make this book not only a joy to read ,but the pictures are fantastic for both young and old alike. A delightful book." Southwest Coast Path Association
"This is by far the best and most enthralling book of its type that I have ever read. This very brave intrepid young lady together with her beautiful dog Jess ( yes she must get some credit too) have produced a fascinating account of her challenging journey round the West Coast path. Not only does it make compulsive reading with all the fascinating facts and insights into her journey but it is beautifully illustrated with both full page examples of her fun paintings but also keyhole sketches on every page. All in all this is a must buy for anyone interested in the South West. There is nothing else like it on the market. Exceptional. Well done Sasha and Jess and thank you for the entertainment." Gordon Michie
"I simply ADORE this book, Sasha Harding captures everything I love about the Devon and Cornwall coastline, the illustrations are delightful and the text utterly charming. Wonderful to use as a guide but also lovely to look at from the comfort of an armchair by the fire in the cold of winter, dreaming of happy summer days by the Coast." Actress and Presenter, Caroline Quentin
"Sasha’s illustration and soft tones are a beautiful reflection of the splendour and variety of the South West Coastal Path. I found myself turning the pages very slowly, admiring the painting on each side. The writing is relaxed and humorous and I very much enjoyed the anecdotes and reflections of one lady and her dog, it brought back many fond memories of my time exploring the footpaths of the south west. Whenever you need inspiration, grab this book, and you will always find somewhere new to explore." Seasalt Clothing
"If ever I needed inspiration to travel 10,000 miles back home from Australia for a good ol’ stank-about on the coastal cliff tops – this book is it!
Interesting, uplifting and full of Sasha’s wit and humour, her book made me feel like rushing out to purchase an alarmingly expensive pair of walking boots, obtaining a dog and adopting a fetish for Gortex! so that I TOO could enjoy the wonders of the coast – in short; it made me homesick!
Sasha’s knack for making you aware of the many wonderful sights, sounds, smells, flora & fauna amidst her enchanting dialogue of each day of the walk left me wanting more – hence I couldn’t it down! Not just a darn good read but you get to know Sasha and Jess a little better as you share every step of their journey… Each day; a new adventure. Each page; a beautiful illustration, sketch or water colour. Each moment; Inspirational!" Melanie Emmerick from Cairns
"I absolutely loved this book, full of humor and beautiful paintings. I tried very hard to ration myself to one stretch of the footpath at a time but couldn't wait to see what happened next! so did the whole book in 2 days, I laughed out loud at some of the situations that Sasha and Jess got themselves into, especially some of the B&B's, and at the end I felt as if I had walked the entire 630 miles with them. Brilliant! can't wait for the next one." Wendy Bampfield
"I've just got through my first reading of this book and I think the title should perhaps be "Travelling Without Suitcases". What is related is a delightful story of what it is like to stay in lots of B&Bs along the Coast Path. (The suitcases magically appear at every stop!) The story is interspersed with many of Sasha's usual postcard-style paintings, together with many real life sketches, watercolours and landscapes, which give a good flavour of the sights and weather! It's a good yarn about the woes of setting off on such a trek, but the stories of Jess and the people met en route will make you chuckle." Neil Hartwell
"The sketches really bring the area and your experiences to life. The finished pictures are – as ever – truly charming and you feel you know the characters involved but what was quite amazing was the story of your journey. This was not just a gentle amble along some lovely coastal paths – this was an adventure and to do it alone – apart from Jess – was a real achievement. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves your work, loves the coastline or just loves the humour contained within it." Helen Bertram
"An exhilarating book. You can almost smell the sea air and feel the sun." Lionel Woodcock
"I’m a longtime admirer of Sasha’s work and looked forward immensely to her first book. I was not disappointed – it’s a triumph! A Brush With The Coast is a BIG book packed with not only her familiar and much-loved acrylic canvases but also wonderful watercolour illustrations. What a surprise they were. I’m full of admiration for her her simple and beautiful rendering of trees.
The writing is no less a tour de force. I read it in one sitting and she never lost my interest, taking me through the trials and tribulations of long-distance walking and the amazing characters she meets along the way. Her love of the southwestern coastal region and her family are evident throughout and Jess, her seven stone Rhodesian Ridgeback dog and companion throughout the walk, frequently steals the show. Before starting the trek Jess wasn’t keen on exercise and completing the six hundred and thirty mile distance has apparently not changed her opinion one bit. We’re treated to a delightful calvacade of illustrations throughout the book of Jess blissfully sound asleep.
Sasha’s cheery sense of humour enriches her writing as it does her paintings and I laughed out loud a number of times. To research, illustrate and write a book of this size is a considerable achievement, but Sasha, superwoman that she is, has even self-published it too! Wow!!" Jim Watson
"Sasha Harding has pulled off an almost impossible task of creating an art book (and oh so much more than an upmarket coffee table book) which is also a jolly good read! From start to finish, Sasha's amusing travels along the South West Coast Path, with her dog, Jess, is beautifully illustrated, funny, charming and a real joy not only for lovers of her art and walkers but for everyone.
Sasha, if you do not know her work, produces quirky, charming coastal paintings in soft hues that make you smile, and her new book has taken her ability to please to a new level. Not only is this book beautifully illustrated in her inimitable style - with full colour plates of locations and people she met along the way, and black and white sketches, particularly of Jess - it also has humour that really does compliment the pictures. It really is a marriage made in heaven and the book is a work of art in itself, and beautifully produced.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, and even if you don't know Sasha's work now you will be converted and look forward to her next book with anticipation!" Melissa Hartwell
reviews of a brush with anglesey
"I was charmed by the deceptively simple illustrations. They seem to speak of endless summer and boundless opportunities. I may have to buy a camper van now!" Lynn Bowles, Radio Broadcaster (BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Wales)
"A book to dip into again and again; quirky and humorous, it showcases Anglesey and its Coastal Path beautifully, and the illustrations are a delight. It will, I'm sure, inspire readers to get out and experience the fantastic Isle of Anglesey for themselves. Bendigedig (wonderful)!
Sioned Jones (Anglesey Coast Path Officer)
"A beguiling invitation to discover Anglesey and a treasure trove of souvenirs for those who walk the coastal path." Friends of Anglesey Coast Path
"Another EXCELLENT, entertaining, comical & very well written adventure Sasha & Jess! And even more exciting with your new companions of Mouse (the prize Piddler!!) Jack & of course Pam the Van! Absolutely first class, another award on it's way I feel." Rebecca
"Such a wonderful book, we are thrilled with it. It was also a lovely touch to have a thank you note from Sasha Harding in it!" Carly Andrews
"A wonderful book. I love the illustrations." S G Barrett
"A book to dip into again and again; quirky and humorous, it showcases Anglesey and its Coastal Path beautifully, and the illustrations are a delight. It will, I'm sure, inspire readers to get out and experience the fantastic Isle of Anglesey for themselves. Bendigedig (wonderful)!
Sioned Jones (Anglesey Coast Path Officer)
"A beguiling invitation to discover Anglesey and a treasure trove of souvenirs for those who walk the coastal path." Friends of Anglesey Coast Path
"Another EXCELLENT, entertaining, comical & very well written adventure Sasha & Jess! And even more exciting with your new companions of Mouse (the prize Piddler!!) Jack & of course Pam the Van! Absolutely first class, another award on it's way I feel." Rebecca
"Such a wonderful book, we are thrilled with it. It was also a lovely touch to have a thank you note from Sasha Harding in it!" Carly Andrews
"A wonderful book. I love the illustrations." S G Barrett
reviews of plop!
"I am so delighted with this enchanting and beautifully illustrated book that I don't know how I will be able to refrain from giving it to my granddaughter before Christmas! I am so grateful that you took the time to personally inscribe it to her which makes it so very special. I will be showing it to all my friends who have grandchildren or children on their Christmas list and are looking for a special present. Thank you!!! Also it arrived so promptly (24 hours after ordering) that I was amazed." Patricia Saffell