Our Team of Reviewers...

I usually think of reading fiction as not merely a hobby or pastime, but rather as an exploration of human lives, worlds and intellectual landscapes, a never-ending search for unknown depths within our own hearts. When we read good books, we are offered a glimpse of the authors' genius, we are given a few valuable hours or days to spend in the company of a Dickens, Dostoevsky or Hemingway - or a Stephen King, Ken Follett or Wilbur Smith. I can't think of a greater privilege. There is nothing more enriching than placing ourselves in the hands of great authors - great minds - and let them enchant us with their tales.

As a result, I make a point of expanding my horizons, and, from time to time, choose books and authors that represent a new direction, perhaps a new challenge in my journey as a reader, while continuing to savour works and authors that I'm already familiar with.

I hardly ever find time to read non-fiction, but when I do, I choose with great care (or listen to the right people), and those books always leave a lasting impression on me. (See the three non-fiction titles I've included in my list).

I've tried to pick a fair selection of old and new favourites, but of course I'll be revising and updating the list every couple of weeks to introduce more books/authors I admire.

Reading to me is a pleasure, it's relaxing, exciting and a way to escape the madness of everyday life. I generally read fiction but occasionally come across a biography or memoir that must be read. But fiction is my chosen genre and historical fiction my first love. Sharon Penman, Iain Pears and Sarah Dunant would be my Three Musketeers and Alison Weir their Queen! And the Classics... Jane Austen, Edith Wharton and Wilkie Collins to name but a few.

There are so many books to choose from these days we are spoilt for choice but when you come across an author you like, it's like making a friend for life! You're guaranteed a great read!!

Sometimes you get a feeling from just holding a book in your hand, a ripple of anticipation, a sense of the story to be told and always that hope that the author will meet the reader and take you by the hand to a different place. I will often pick up a book and put it back down because even though I want to read it, I may not be in the right mind frame, so it will join the pile by the side of the bed and when I feel that I am ready I will pick it up again.

These are some of the titles that have made it into my bedside pile and out the other side, I can only hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.

Some people think that reading is a pastime of isolation and solitude. I however like to think of it as a shared experience.

From a young age I've felt that reading is an experience that can be shared with the author, the characters themselves and other readers. I love to talk about books with anyone willing to humour me and through this I gain a wonderful insight into other books and also other people.

When I read a book I imagine the author's hand reaching out to me and pulling me into the story, sometimes into the protagonists shoes where I can look out through their eyes onto the world as they see it.

Apart from the sheer joy of reading, the knowledge which I gain from reading both fiction and non-fiction broadens my mind and helps steer my imagination in directions which otherwise would remain unchallenged.

I have a very eclectic taste in books. I read from many genres including crime, poetry, modern fiction, MBS, psychology, classic fiction and even childrens from time to time. We also stock a wide selection of puppets which I have great fun bringing to life. Don't be surprised if I recommend any of my niece's (and my own) favourites.

With 2 children - Boy aged 5 and Girl aged 2¾ (coeliac which is challenging), there are so many books to choose from and not enough time in the day, so most of my reading happens on holidays. If I don’t like a book that I’m reading I won’t waste my time and I move on to something else. There are many good books by unknown authors who I'd love to see gaining the recognition that they deserve and, over time, I'll include these too.

I love cookbooks (well actually, I love flicking through cookbooks and looking at the pictures although I do try new recipes when I get a chance). I’ve put a few comments on recipes to try in some of my recommendations.

I love crime novels, favourites include Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais, Lee Child and more recently Stieg Larsson (definitely the best thriller/crime books that I’ve read in years).

As I order all of the new products that we stock, I end up spending a lot of my wages on things that we sell like children's books, jigsaw puzzles, and craft items (it’s messy but the kids love it). My husband also does well getting loads of signed books (actually his family and mine don’t do so badly either). Books are so much better value than magazines and have come down hugely in price with the drop in value of sterling. You'll be amazed at the prices you'll see on our website, especially for Children.