BARBER Jim Adams is a sort of “love him or loathe him” character - his writing normally sparky, always controversial, and provoking strong reactions.So his latest book will catch most readers off guard - a tender romance full of passion, exploring relationships and definitely thought-provoking.

BARBER Jim Adams is a sort of “love him or loathe him” character - his writing normally sparky, always controversial, and provoking strong reactions.

So his latest book will catch most readers off guard - a tender romance full of passion, exploring relationships and definitely thought-provoking.

“I just love writing and I like to write a variety of different stories - it could be comedy or spy thriller or a romance, or a letter to the Evening Star!” said Mr Adams, who runs Jim and Donna's Barbers in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

“When I write my letters they are mostly tongue in cheek. I just want to provoke a reaction and to get people debating the various subjects I tackle.

“I do feel strongly about things but I want others to feel strongly, too - they don't have to agree with me, just have an opinion.”

His new book Tear for Samantha is the story of a young girl who confesses her love for an older man whose marriage is collapsing - leading to a tangled web as home and family blend with work to produce explosive relationships.

“I love romance. Once I got the idea for the story, the words just flowed,” said father-of-four Mr Adams, who lives with his wife Carol in Layham, near Hadleigh.

“Writing for me is a discipline - I have to sit down every night at the computer and write something.

“It can be tough, especially after being out at work all day, and you have to steel yourself, but I just love it. I meet so many characters with so many stories as a barber there is plenty to write about.”

He is currently working on a book about the “fourth estate”, the press - drawing on his years as a journalist with the Bucks Advertiser and the West Ruislip Times.

“I remember having to write a series about the ghosts of Amersham and nearby villages. We even sent our own 'ghost' of Dick Turpin through the village one night, but no-one saw it. The police sergeant then drove ahead of it, sounding his siren, but no-one woke up or even looked out of their window!” he said.

He has also written a comedy The Winsome Tales of Begley Bottom. “I sent off an outline to BBC2 and they have asked for a script. I have never done a script but I am going to give it a go,” he said.

Have you read Jim's books or letters? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk