As darkness fell, the brightly coloured festoon lights nestled in amongst the converted studios of The Fairground flickered into life, for the first time since last Winter. Across from the Tea Leaves & Reads Bookshop, the Petal Boutique Florist was bustling with the sounds of snips and floral creations being prepared for the weekends Wreath Making Workshops. Down near the Fairground Cafe, the Christmas Trees were glowing in the warmth of the festoon lights, ready and waiting for eager people to arrive at the weekend to pick out their tree. It was the perfect setting to begin a Winters’ Night Out with Cathy Bramley and Cressida McLaughlin.
The doors to the Fairground Hall opened and the smell of warm mince pies and brewed coffee filled the air as ticket holders ventured in to take their seats and settle in for the evening. The Mince Pie Station was popular, four different choices filled the table, including ‘Bramley’ Apple Pies for those who preferred something different, and ‘Merry Mince Pies’, some with added ‘Merry-ness’ for those who wanted a bit of Rum! A quiet hush fell over the hall as the event began, just after 7pm, and there was a silent anticipation for what was to come.
And what an hour we had! Many of our guests remarked that they hadn’t quite known what to expect, and it’s very hard to put a bookish event into words. But it’s like sitting down with old friends, friends that you probably never met before but have had glimpses into their lives through social media, writing blogs and interviews. Friends who have crafted the characters that you have come to know and love, or the ones you have yet to discover. Friends who have put words onto a page that have meant so many things to so many different people.
There’s nothing quite like an Author chat, where you gain little snippets of insight and information that you will never have gleaned from an Author bio or blog interview. We heard about the ‘Bird’ and the ‘Bus’, covers, titles and series. We got to hear a little bit more about what might be next, and the journey that Cressida & Cathy had been on to get to where they are now. We got advice, and inspiration, and the drive to go and read all of the Christmas Books, all at once!
Author events are a privilege and a rarity – we were so lucky to be able to host this and we are very grateful to both Cressida & Cathy for travelling to our little corner of the world. If you’re keen to venture to a future event and have any questions do let us know. Author chats tend to be spoiler free, give you the opportunity to ask ALL your questions (mostly!) and buy signed and dedicated books. Most of all you know you’re amongst book people, and book people truly are the best kind. These events give you a chance to meet your Literary Heroes, last night we certainly met ours.
The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin
In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…
When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.
Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.
But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own.
A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley
In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…
When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.
Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.
But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own.
Purchase the Books
Cathy & Cressida’s books are in stock on our website and available (whilst stocks last) as signed editions. Choose to purchase them alone or in a cosy book box of treats!
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