When I shared that I would be visiting London and asked for suggestions, so many people said I had to visit Persephone Books. I’m glad I took the suggestion! I wanted to share a bit about this interesting store and publisher and continue on with my England book haul by sharing my Persephone purchases. Persephone Books was founded in 1998 to publish books, primarily written by women, that had gone out of print. According to their website: The name Persephone was chosen as a symbol of female creativity, as well as of new beginnings (the daughter of Zeus is associated with spring). You can read the full history here. When…
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England Book Haul: Non-Fiction
I’ve been a bit slow with sharing my England book haul from my trip at the end of May! Last month I shared the YA/Middle Grade books I purchased and today I’m sharing my non-fiction finds. Four of these I picked up because of their beautiful covers, but it was the descriptions that sold me. They are books about gardening and nature, something the Brits do well! The fifth is historical and also works as a great souvenir from my favorite museum we visited in London. Skymeadow: Notes from and English Gardener by Charlie Hart This was one of my first purchases I made on my trip. We stumbled upon…
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England Book Haul: YA Books
Last month I spent a great 10 days in England. My husband and I stayed in The Cotswolds and London and did day trips throughout the Cotswolds, to Oxford and Blenheim Palace and to Windsor. I’m looking forward to sharing more about these destinations! I went a little book shopping crazy and ended up bringing back a lot more books than I originally planned on, but I have no regrets! Plus, even with the exchange rate, books are cheaper in the UK than in the US! I’m going to break my book haul into a couple posts and I’m starting today with my YA/Middle Grade purchases. Malamander by Thomas Taylor…
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Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand Review
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. I’ve finished another one of your recommendations for books that take place in the English countryside! Thank you @erindotsmith for suggesting this one! The widowed Major Pettigrew is left contemplating his quiet life after the death of his younger brother. His has been a life of following all the rules. When he strikes up an unlikely friendship with the Pakistani local shopkeeper, Jasmina, things begin to take a turn as he starts to learn what’s truly important. I listened to Major Pettigrew on auidobook, which I would definitely recommend. This is a good one for fans of A Man Called Ove. It’s endearing and heartwarming…
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Don’t Want to Miss a Thing Book Review
Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell book review. When I asked for recommendations on my instagram of books that take place in The Cotswolds @xoxokellynina *delivered*. This is a fun and sweet story that was a super quick read for me. Don’t Want to Miss a Thing primarily follows Dex who is left reeling after he loses his older sister, especially since he is left as the guardian of her baby. He knows he needs to change his lifestyle and decides to move out to the country. We are introduced to many members of the village and the story jumps quickly between these multiple intertwining storylines. If you…
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Cover Crush: 84 Charing Cross Road
I have a major cover crush on this Sphere edition of 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. What’s great about this edition, beside the beautiful cover, is that it also includes the sequel, The Duchess of Bloomsbury. This is a British edition, but thanks to Book Depository it’s easy to track down! I’m so excited to read this book before my upcoming trip to London. Books about books are some of my favorites and when they take place in England that’s even better! If you have any suggestions for other books to read before my trip, please let me know in the comments. Summary from publisher: This charming classic…
