The Tea Leaves & Reads Bookshop is thrilled to be hosting an evening of literature featuring two Historical Fiction Authors. Bestselling Author Susanna Kearsley, will be joining us from Canada and is celebrating the re-release of one of her earlier publications, The Rose Garden. Susanna will be taking to the stage with debut author, Linda Wilgus, whose first novel The Sea Child has already captivated early readers (including us!).
The event will be held at the Fairground Village Hall opposite the Tea Leaves & Reads Bookshop with doors opening at 6:00pm, giving attendees time to secure a good seat and visit the T’s & C’s coffee van right outside for refreshments or treats. The Bookshop will also be open for browsing beforehand too.
The main event begins at 7:00pm, when Susanna and Linda will discuss their latest works, writing, and their unique perspectives on Cornwall as well as writing from the perspectives of ‘outsiders.’ A Q & A session from the audience will follow and the evening will finish at approximately 8:30pm after book signings and a meet and greet.
Both authors bring a wealth of experience and a global perspective to their work. Linda, born in the Netherlands, and Susanna, a Canadian who has lived in South Korea, the US, and Wales, have both called multiple countries home. This gives them what Susanna refers to as the ‘outsider’s eye’ – the ability to write passionately and insightfully about places they do not live in, which brings both gifts and challenges to their storytelling.
The evening promises an engaging conversation not only about writing and Cornwall, but also about the evolving landscapes of publishing and bookselling. Susanna has been publishing for over three decades, beginning with her Transworld Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize win in 1993, while Linda is launching her career with her debut novel this year. Their discussion will also explore the differences, opportunities, and challenges faced by authors at different stages of their careers.
About the Authors
Susanna Kearsley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author. A former museum curator, she specializes in multi-stranded novels that weave past and present, often restoring the lost voices of real people. Her award-winning novels have been translated into over twenty-five languages. Susanna now lives near Toronto but frequently returns to the UK to be with family and friends. Visit her website susannakearsley.com or follow her on Instagram @susanna.kearsley.
Linda Wilgus grew up in the Netherlands and has also lived in Italy, Belgium, and the United States before settling in the UK. A University of Amsterdam graduate, she previously worked as a bookseller and knitting pattern designer. Her short stories have appeared in numerous literary magazines. The Sea Child is her debut novel. Linda lives with her husband, three children, and their dog. Find her on Instagram @lindajwilgus or at lindawilgus.com.
Books purchased on the night from Tea Leaves & Reads can be signed and dedicated. We regret that unfortunately there isn’t time for you to bring additional books for signing. The book bundle is only available on the evening for collection at the event, however customers who are not able to attend but would like signed and dedicated books can order all titles separately via our website. If you are attending the event and wish to read Linda’s book ahead please contact us for earlier release.
Books included in the two book bundle include:
- The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley RRP £9.99 (Paperback) publishing 9th April 2026
- The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus RRP £18.99 (Hardback) publishing 12th Feb 2026
In purchasing a ticket you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Do read the FAQ too and contact us if you have ANY questions – events@tealeavesandread.co.uk.
FAQ’s
The Location
Tea Leaves & Reads is located at The Fairground in Weyhill, Hampshire.
The main event will be held at The Fairground Hall, opposite the bookshop. For accessibility queries please contact us or visit the village hall website.
The Bookshop will be open right up until the event starts – do pop in for a catch up, browse and chat about books. You can also buy both Authors books on the night (copies will be limited) including Susanna’s backlist. Get in touch if you’d like to pre order more of Susanna’s books before the event.
Tickets
When you purchase a ticket you will receive an email receipt which will include your order number and name – these will be used to confirm entry to the event. Please keep this safe as this is your admission ticket on the day. You will receive a welcome email around one week before the event starts.
Parking & Travel
Available parking on-site is free.
Refunds
Tickets are non-refundable. Please note that there may be circumstances beyond our control that mean an Author cannot attend. In the unlikely event of full cancellation, Tea Leaves & Reads will initially transfer tickets to a new date. A refund will be given if an alternative date cannot be found.
Tickets may be transferred but you will need to contact us and let us know the order number and the new attendees name. For further queries please see our terms and conditions.
