DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love the author Rosamunde Pilcher. My favorite book is “The Shell Seekers.” Has she written any more books lately? I think she is now in her 80s.

— Rachel, no town

ANSWER: I love Rosamunde, too! She’s definitely one of my favorites. Sadly, she passed away just a couple weeks ago, on Feb. 6, at the age of 94. The British author of the best-selling “The Shell Seekers” was born in Cornwall, England. When she married Scotsman Graham Pilcher, the couple eventually settled in Dundee, Scotland.

The prolific author published her first short stories and romance novels under a pseudonym, Jane Fraser, from 1949 to 1955. For the next 10 years, she wrote under both her pen name and her real name. By 1965, she was writing under her own name only. “The Shell Seekers,” her 14th book, was published in 1987 and was considered to be a “break-out” novel because it was one of the first that brought stories known as “family sagas” to the forefront. Her books sold over 60 million copies and in the mid-’90s, she was one of the highest paid women in England.

Her novel, “Coming Home,” published in 1995, was autobiographical. Her last book, “Winter Solstice,” was published in 2002. I have read every one of Pilcher’s books; some more than once! For interested readers, you can borrow them from the library.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently, a reader was looking for Canada Mints and Peach Blossoms (Feb. 8 Sun Spots). There’s a great candy store in Brunswick called Maine Street Sweets and Gift Shop. I called them and was told they carry Canada Mints, but not the Peach Blossoms. It’s a fun shop and worth a visit when in the area. They carry a lot of candy from the past. Thanks for all you do. Sometimes your column is the best part of the paper.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Of course! Thanks for the reminder. That store is adorable. Maine Street in Brunswick has got it going on with all its shops and eateries. Candy, gelato, pizza, ethnic food, donuts, coffee shops, a natural food store, a movie theater and more are all within an easy walk. It’s fantastic!

Also, thank you for the nice compliment! I certainly couldn’t write Sun Spots without all these interesting questions and great helpers … like I’ve said before, I never know where my readers are going to take me via my inbox. You’re the best!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking for cookbooks from Maine granges in the Feb. 14 Sun Spots, at this time I have one from Upton titled The Upton Ladies Aid Cook Book as well as one from the Maine Chapter No. 7 from the 1918 club. Orphan Annie’s always has cookbooks in stock.

— Dan, Auburn

ANSWER: Thanks, Dan! Orphan Annie’s Antiques (https://orphananniesme.net/); at 96 Court St. in Auburn is such a great place to shop for antique and vintage items. Call Dan at 207-782-0638 if you are looking for something in particular. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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