Bath Events and Reading Groups
In this beautiful Georgian city we host all sorts of literary occasions from reading groups to large events. We are home to a vibrant all year round event programme, culminating every year in our Autumn Literary Festival which runs from September through to the end of November.
Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 6th October, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! At 10:00am, our new storyteller, Taya will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately …
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Station Eleven's Emily St. John Mandel for Exit Party
Tuesday 6th October, 7pm
Join science fiction master craftsman and author of Station Eleven, Emily St. John Mandel, to celebrate Exit Party.This new novel spans space and time, introducing a …
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Sabrina Ghayour and Persiana One
Wednesday 7th October, 7pm
'Sabrina Ghayour's Middle-Eastern plus food is all flavour, no fuss - and makes me very, very happy' Nigella LawsonWe're so happy to welcome back The Queen …
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Susie Dent for Death Writ Large
Wednesday 7th October, 7pm
Please note this event has been moved to Elim Church.The excellent wordsmith & Lexicographer Susie Dent joins us in October for her new novel in the …
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An Evening with Ann Cleeves
Thursday 8th October, 7pm
Matthew Venn is called to investigate when the body of a young woman is found in the swimming pool of a luxurious North Devon holiday home. …
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Rose Ferguson's 4 Week Plan to Feel Better Than Ever
Thursday 8th October, 7pm
This isn't just another health book. It's your chance to clear the fog, reboot your energy and finally feel good in your own skin.'I've always admired …
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An Evening with Alexander McCall Smith
Friday 9th October, 7pm
To use the ramp for wheelchair users at the venue (Elim Church) please contact us in advance so we can make sure you are looked after …
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Ian Rankin for The Heights
Saturday 10th October, 12pm
Please note that this event starts at 12pm.The first standalone thriller in two decades from a number one bestseller. Expanded from the short story The Rise, …
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Andrew Roberts for Napoleon and His Marshals
Monday 12th October, 7pm
We have the supreme pleasure of welcoming internationally renowned, award-winning biographer and historian, Andrew Roberts to the bookshop. His forthcoming book Napoleon and his Marshals is …
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Monica Galetti with Gathering
Tuesday 13th October, 7pm
From the far-flung kitchens of South China and sun-soaked archipelagos of Italy to the spice-laden waters of the Java Seas, discover recipes collected over a lifetime …
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Sarah Clegg for Perilous Enchantment
Tuesday 13th October, 7pm
The author of The Dead of Winter brings us a revelatory and bewitching history of fairies and the ever-changing role they have played in our imagination.We …
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Gary Kemp and Simon Halfon: 1967 - The World of Brian Epstein and The Beatles
Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
From Spandau Ballet's guitarist and George Michael and Oasis' cover designer, their new book is both a biography and detective story. Here is a time capsule …
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Maryam Aslany for Peasants: Makers of the Modern World
Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
'Peasants is not just an extraordinary debut, it is that most precious rarity: an out-and-out masterpiece' WILLIAM DALRYMPLEInternational academic Maryam Aslany joins us for Peasants: a …
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An Evening with Celia Imrie
Thursday 15th October, 7pm
An evening with the Olivier Award-Winning Actress and Screen Icon, Celia Imrie.Celia Imrie and fellow actor, Fidelis Morgan will present The Elegant Hustler together as a …
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Max Hastings for Plunder
Thursday 15th October, 7pm
The last weeks of World War II on the Western Front in Europe witnessed extraordinary scenes of heroism, horror, melodrama and pathos.In Plunder, Max Hastings presents …
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Hockney's Californian Muse with James Cahill
Friday 16th October, 7pm
A panoramic view of 1960s LA and Californian culture through the eyes of artist and subject: the youthful fascination of David Hockney and the knowing gaze …
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Elif Shafak for In One Brief Moment All Eternity
Sunday 18th October, 3pm
From the Booker and Women's Prize-shortlisted author of There are Rivers in the Sky and The Island of Missing TreesDuring a time of great turmoil, Gustave …
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Feminist Reading Group
Sunday 18th October, 7pm
For October's Feminist Reading Group, we're getting into the witchy season with early feminist classic Lolly Willowes; or The Loving Huntsman by Sylvia Townsend Warner!When Laura …
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Filming The Odyssey with James Mottram
Monday 19th October, 7pm
Discover the secrets of The Odyssey (2026) by Christopher Nolan, with James Mottram's new behind-the-scenes look at 2026's most talked about film. Film critic Mottram will …
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Former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, for Black Coffee and Red Lipstick
Monday 19th October, 7pm
Black Coffee and Red Lipstick is a collection of essays that weave ideas about our domestic and daily life – hence the black coffee – with …
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Tiny Tales ~ Our Picture Book Reading Group
Tuesday 20th October, 10am
Welcome to Tiny Tales! At 10:00am, our new host, Taya will read a handful of brilliant new picture books carefully selected. It will last for approximately …
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Pulitzer Prize Winner Hernan Diaz for Ply
Tuesday 20th October, 7pm
This autumn, we welcome Hernan Diaz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Booker-longlisted, Sunday Times bestselling author of Trust. In 2024, Trust was also named one of The New …
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Trinity Chef Adam Byatt
Tuesday 20th October, 7pm
‘As close to an absolutely perfect experience of eating out as is possible to have’ Giles CorenThe story of a neighbourhood restaurant that became a world-renowned …
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Stephanie Garber for The Mirror of Infinite Endings
Wednesday 21st October, 6.30pm
Please feel free to bring copies of The Mirror of Infinite Endings and the new pink hardback editions of the Once Upon A Broken Heart series …
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Lozhka: Alissa Timoshkina on Eastern European Soups & Stews and Spoon Food
Wednesday 21st October, 7pm
In her latest cookbook, Lozhka, award-winning food writer and historian Alissa Timoshkina pens a love letter to Eastern European comfort food.More than a utensil, the spoon …
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Oz Clarke: A Vine is a Wild Thing
Thursday 22nd October, 7pm
An Evening with Oz Clarke and A Vine is a Wild Thing: A Wine-Lover’s Guide to Grapes, Growers and Gloriously Good Bottles.“Sheer, giddy joy” Jancis Robinson“Oz …
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Vaseem Khan for The Man with the Golden Compass
Thursday 22nd October, 7pm
Vaseem Khan comes to Topping & Company Booksellers Bath to celebrate his brand new book in his Q Mysteries series The Man with the Golden Compass.Fresh …
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Literary Walk: Discover Bath's Archaeology with Richard Hingley
Sunday 25th October, 11am
Join us for a tour to discover the traces of the Roman town of Aquae Sulis AD 50–400. This tour will explore the course of the …
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Queer Voices Reading Group
Sunday 25th October, 7pm
Welcome back to the Queer Voices Reading Group! In anticipation for Halloween 2026, we will be reading the body horror novel Skin by Kathe Koja. Out …
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Susan Stryker for Changing Gender: The History and Future of a Concept
Monday 26th October, 7pm
'Whenever Susan Stryker speaks, I listen.' Torrey Peters, Women's Prize-shortlisted author of Detransition, Baby'Reading Susan Stryker, we are gloriously transformed.' Jules Gill-Peterson, author of A Short …
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Victoria Hislop for The Wine-Dark Sea
Tuesday 27th October, 7pm
Greece, 1946. In the power vacuum remaining after the Second World War, a brutal civil war erupts between rival left- and right-wing factions. The conflict spirals …
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Bath Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Horror Reading Group
Wednesday 28th October, 7pm
Welcome to Ghouls, Goblins and Aliens, our Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror reading group. Your host, Roxane, will guide you through what’s great, what’s new, and …
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Sarah Moss for The Winter Guest
Wednesday 28th October, 7pm
A novel to gulp down in one sitting, The Winter Guest, from Sunday Times bestselling author, Sarah Moss, is an enthralling story about how the past …
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Rick Stein's Cookery Course
Thursday 29th October, 7pm
An evening with one of our favourite food heroes.‘I’ve been cooking at home and as a chef for the last 60 years, in the early days …
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The Untold Story of Sculpture with Jo Baring
Thursday 29th October, 7pm
Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, Totem is a celebration of art, those creating it and those it means something to.For forty thousand years, we have been carving …
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Unapologetically Black and Bold
Thursday 29th October, 7pm
Welcome to the Unapologetically Black and Bold reading group! I'm Angel and this month's book is Honey, a thrilling dark academia novel debut from Imani Thompson. …
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An Evening with The Great Pottery Throw Down's Keith Brymer Jones
Friday 30th October, 7pm
Join our evening with Keith Brymer-Jones, the star of The Great Pottery Throwdown.Firing Earth is the new book from The Great Pottery Throwdown’s favourite judge and …
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Bonnie Garmus with Rachel Joyce for Peck & Peck
Monday 2nd November, 7pm
The number one bestselling author of global sensation, Lessons in Chemistry, returns with a story about a young man whose life turns upside down when he …
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Jancis Robinson Wine Tasting for The World Atlas of Wine
Monday 2nd November, 7pm
We are absolutely delighted to welcome one of the world's most respected wine critic and journalist, Jancis Robinson to lead a very special wine tasting for …
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Andrea Wulf for The Traveller
Monday 2nd November, 7pm
The award-winning author of The Invention of Nature and Magnificent Rebels, Andrea Wulf joins us to illuminate the remarkable life and legacy of George Forster, detailed …
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Tim Downie for Rituals
Tuesday 3rd November, 7pm
Travel along with actor and podcaster Tim Downie as he explores the strange and beautiful places that have shaped British folklore.Ever wondered where trick-or-treating came from? …
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An Evening with Laura Kuenssberg
Tuesday 3rd November, 7pm
Had enough of the chaos? Laura Kuenssberg's debut book is what you need to make sense of a confusing world. This event will be chaired by …
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Simon Armitage for Gilgamesh
Wednesday 4th November, 7pm
The Poet Laureate's exhilarating verse translation of the ancient epic poem captures its timeless and immersive power.Gilgamesh originated in Ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, yet …
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An Intimate Evening with Jay Rayner: Nights Out in the Kitchen
Wednesday 4th November, 7pm
Join us for an intimate evening in the bookshop with beloved restaurant critic Jay Rayner to celebrate his new book: Nights Out in the Kitchen.In his …
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M. John Harrison
Thursday 5th November, 7pm
We are delighted to be joined by multi-award winning author M. John Harrison to celebrate The Booker Prize longlisted The End Of Everything, a slyly satirical …
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Alexei Sayle for How I've Tried to Change the World
Friday 6th November, 7pm
Eye-wateringly funny, moving and polemical, this is a chronicle of defiance and belief: a story of one man's refusal to stay on the pavement.So, this is …
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Edmund de Waal for How to Begin
Friday 6th November, 7pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOW TAKING PLACE AT ELIM CHURCH The internationally beloved author of The Hare with Amber Eyes and Letters to Camondo shares …
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The Saffron Table Launch Event with Jaq Brewer
Monday 9th November, 7pm
‘This book captures everything that Antonio and I loved about sharing food. These recipes are made to be cooked, enjoyed and passed on. They come from …
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Stephen Sackur on Investigations That Shook the World
Tuesday 10th November, 7pm
Drawing on his long and distinguished reporting career, the former BBC HARDtalk presenter mounts a passionate case for fearless, truth-telling journalism in a world turned toxic …
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The House Of Cromwell with Miranda Malins
Wednesday 11th November, 7pm
'An epic and clever history' Gareth RussellWithin a century, the Cromwell family produced two of the most powerful and controversial commoners in British history. Thomas served …
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Rick Wakeman for The Wizard of Prog
Wednesday 11th November, 7pm
From the keyboardist from Yes, Rick Wakeman, the new memoir, The Wizard of Prog, tells the story of a musical genius with a taste for adventure, …
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Cocktail Hour with Tim Hayward
Thursday 12th November, 7pm
Join us for an evening of cocktails and the stories behind them with Food and Drinks writer, Tim Hayward.It's 6 o'clock: clear your mind of the …
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Roland Mouret: The Butcher's Boy Who Dressed the World
Friday 13th November, 7pm
Roland Mouret's influence on the fashion world - from The Dress, to the fashion front-lines of Paris, London and New York, to mentoring Victoria Beckham - …
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Murder on the Royal Crescent with Harriet F. Townson
Monday 16th November, 7pm
Miss Marple meets Nancy Mitford in this glittering new Christmas murder mystery set in Bath, from the bestselling and award-winning author of D is for Death.On …
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Jo Brand for Decline and Falling Over
Monday 16th November, 7pm
Jo Brand is getting on a bit and, to be frank, all this stuff about ageing well and staying active has made her feel rather tired.From …
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Reading, Writing and Looking: A Workshop with Tessa Hadley
Tuesday 17th November, 7pm
We're thrilled to offer a part-workshop, part-talk from Tessa Hadley, centred around the author's new literary study Alone with a Book.For as long as Tessa Hadley …
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Jeremy Lee on Kitchening
Tuesday 17th November, 7pm
Please note: This event is now taking place on the 17th of November. The time and location remain the same.It is a huge pleasure to welcome …
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Nick Harkaway for The Taper Man
Wednesday 18th November, 7pm
On a cold night in November, Nick Harkaway joins us for his next instalment with George Smiley in The Taper Man.It is 1965, and the Cold …
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From Vine to Wine: An English Wine Tasting with Sam Caporn
Wednesday 18th November, 7pm
The Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn brings us a definitive guide to English wine, from must-visit rolling vineyards to delicious wines to enjoy. Spanning sixteen counties, …
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Colin Thubron for Passage
Thursday 19th November, 7pm
The story of a long-simmering love triangle set in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, from the Booker-longlisted novelist and travel writer.She was standing at the boat's …
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Sophie Oliver for What the dresses know
Monday 23rd November, 7pm
An exciting new history of modernism that re-examines the movement through some of its most brilliant female artists.Pioneering women were at the heart of the movement …
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Emily Wilson Journeys Through Ancient Literature
Monday 23rd November, 7pm
From the widely celebrated translator whose renditions of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad have captured a generation's imaginationPLEASE NOTE EMILY WILSON WILL NOT BE DEDICATING ON THE …
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An Evening with Sarah Raven
Tuesday 24th November, 7pm
Learn how to bring the outside in for the festive season with Sarah Raven's Pocket Christmas.Please note this event is now taking place at Christ Church …
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Allie Esiri for Sleep
Tuesday 24th November, 7pm
‘This book will bring a little magic into your day and into your heart’ Helena Bonham CarterWe're delighted to be hosting award-winning poetry curator Allie Esiri …
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Wine Tasting with Noble Rot's Dan Keeling
Wednesday 25th November, 7pm
“The more you read, the more you want to pour a glass and taste. The ultimate dinner-party cheat sheet — just enough knowledge to sound effortlessly …
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Matthew Rice for A Year in the Garden
Thursday 26th November, 7pm
Join us for an evening with a renowned artist and author of How to Look, Draw & Paint, Rice's Language of Buildings, and Oxford. Here is …
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Elena Armas for Alma Vampires
Sunday 29th November, 7pm
Join us for an evening with Romance queen and Sunday Times bestselling author Elena Armas for her brand new paranormal romance: Alma Vampires.College romance meets Billionaires …
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Phil Cavell in Bath 2026
Monday 30th November, 7pm
The bestselling author of The Midlife Cyclist comes to Bath! Join us to celebrate the publication of Phil Cavell's latest book, The Cycling Addiction, a highly …
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Elly Griffiths for The Case of the Christmas Card
Wednesday 2nd December, 7pm
Join Topping & Company Bath for a spine-chilling Christmas evening with Elly Griffiths, with her new festive novella The Case of the Christmas Card, an Ali …
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Rachel Khoo's Smallest Restaurant in Paris
Thursday 3rd December, 7pm
A thoroughly Parisian evening of French food and storytelling with The Little Paris Kitchen's Rachel Khoo.'Rachel Khoo shaped a path for chefs like me . . …
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Tim Spector's Good Mood Food
Thursday 10th December, 7pm
The legendary Tim Spector joins us for a festive evening with his brand new feel-good cookbook - Good Mood Food.Eat better. Feel better.Packed full of recipes …
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British Museum Lectures: The Bayeux Tapestry
Thursday 21st January, 7pm
We're delighted to be joined by curator Lloyd de Beer to discuss the upcoming British Museum exhibition, The Bayeux Tapestry, and its accompanying publications.These new titles …
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Rachel de Thample's Fermentation Year
Thursday 28th January, 7pm
'The expert guide to year-round fermentation - essential reading' Tim SpectorFrom kimchi to kombucha, miso to honey ferments, The Fermentation Year is your seasonal guide to …
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Naomi Potter The Menopause Doctor
Thursday 4th February, 7pm
Dr Naomi Potter, our leading menopause specialist, brings us the new comprehensive, science-backed health and wellness guide for 2026 answering all you need to know about …
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Beth Alexander with The Retreat Kitchen
Friday 5th February, 7pm
Join Beth Alexander, Bath's Free Range Chef for an evening of demos and tastings to celebrate the launch of her new cook book, The Retreat Kitchen.'Such …
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How to Garden with Pollyanna Wilkinson
Wednesday 17th February, 7pm
Multi-award-winning garden designer, Pollyanna Wilkinson will help you nurture your garden with friendly, expert guidance.We're delighted to welcome back Pollyanna to Bath with How to Garden, …
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Jess Elliott Dennison for Vegetable Recipes
Thursday 18th February, 7pm
Jess Elliott Dennison brings lovers of her Midweek Recipes, Weekend Recipes, and delicious food alike, her third book in the series: Vegetable Recipes. Here, she shares …
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An Evening with TJ Klune
Friday 19th February, 6.30pm
Join us for an evening with beloved fantasy author TJ Klune for his new book The Stars Look Like Home.The Stars Look Like Home is a …
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Helen Cullen for Iseult
Thursday 4th March, 7pm
Raised in myth. Silenced by scandal. As her mother lies dying, Iseult Gonne must reclaim the one story she was never allowed to tell - her …
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