Kenilworth Books

SATURDAY SIGNING - meet author Vivien Varga
2023-05-13 10:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Vivien Varga, who will be sharing her experiences and signing copies of her books “A Perfect Ending and Other Stories” and “Marika”
A Perfect Ending and Other Stories reach out to embrace, beckon, invite! Such diverse themes are ever-present to explore, relate to, emphasise with, as you accompany characters on their personal journeys, and experience vicariously their struggles, hopes and dreams. Happy tales present idyllic life-styles in Mediterranean settings, of love, adventure and self-discovery.
Vivien worked as an English and Drama teacher in Warwickshire and the West Midlands and lived for several years in Bologna teaching English as a Foreign language. Now retired, she spends her time travelling and writing.
Both Vivien’s books are available to order on our website here – ‘A Perfect Ending and Other Stories‘ and ‘Marika‘

April Book Club with Mark A. Radcliffe
2023-04-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us at the bookshop on Thursday 27th April, 6.30pm for our April book club with Mark A. Radcliffe, author of ‘Three Gifts’.
Tickets £5 each (which are redeemable in the bookshop on the night!). Your entry ticket will also get you drinks, nibbles and a goodie bag. Purchase your £5 ticket here to reserve your space!
Mark will be joining us on zoom so to make our book club accessible to everyone we will have a limited number of spaces available for people to join us on zoom as well as in the bookshop.
If you would like to join us on zoom there is no reservation charge but please do let us know on 01926 855784 or email us at info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk so we can send you the details!

SATURDAY SIGNING - Martin Mellett
2023-04-22 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local author Martin Mellett, who will be signing copies of his new book
The North Star
The North Star is a simple story about what truly matters as we get older. It is a tale of growth and finding ourselves.
‘A vivid chronicle of our times, dealing with the twin challenges of covid-19 and threats to our environment.’ – Colin Scott

The Big Read - Day (In Collaboration with Resonate)
2023-04-02 12:00 - 16:00 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
This really is the Big Read! Join us for an exciting celebration of books and reading filled with authors, activities and read-alongs! We’ll be taking over the Warwick Arts Centre with shows, talks and hands-on fun… you might even see a few of your favourite characters wandering around!
This event is for all ages. Programme coming soon!

Free tickets available HERE

SATURDAY SIGNING - meet children's author Bethan Sennett
2023-04-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Bethan Sennett, who will be sharing her experiences and signing copies of her book “Don’t eat me”
Bethan, 26 from Stratford left her job as a teacher to pursue a writing career. Bethan and her mother Beryl Anne Hughes teamed up to write “Don’t eat me” a book about Lemi the lizard, a very hungry lizard in search of a tasty snack.
Don’t Eat Me! authors Bethan Sennett and her mother Beryl Anne Hughes pictured with the illustrator Ken Morgan. Photo: Mark Williamson.

The Big Read - Night (In Collaboration with Resonate)
2023-03-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
The first of our two-part celebration of all things reading and literature, The Big Read – Night is a chance to hear from authors and researchers on how they share their stories. Join us for refreshments and exciting conversations to celebrate the written word.
This event is for ages 18+.
Programme coming soon!

Free tickets available HERE

SATURDAY SIGNING - meet poet Joost A B Lohman
2023-03-18 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet poet Joost Lohman who will be signing copies of his new book A Trail of Words.

His book of free verse poetry is a celebration of the power of words to evoke emotions and stimulate the imagination. It consists of eight collections, each focusing on different aspects of human experience. The first two: “The Wonder of Words” and “Sounds, Colours, Music” are about the author’s notion that words are synesthetic living creatures that can come together to form poetry.
In the next collection, “The Spirit Within”, the author explores various means of creative expression while “Loss” and “He Hasn’t Seen the Cracks” deal with traumatic experiences but attempt to show the light at the end of the tunnel. A lighter tone is set in “We Can be Free” and “Ephemeral” before the final collection “Smiles” hopefully does what it says on the tin and puts a smile on your face.
Joost Lohman was born in the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands and now lives in Kenilworth. He wrote his first poems (in Dutch) as a teenager and continued to write for well over a decade until his muse decided to go into hibernation. At the beginning of the twenty-first century he rediscovered his drive to write, now adopting English as the vehicle for his work. A Trail of Words is his first collection of poems to appear in print.

February Book Club with Ruth Druart
2023-02-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Books
NOW SOLD OUT!
Join us at the bookshop on Thursday 23rd February, 6.30pm for our February book club with Ruth Druart, author of The Last Hours in Paris and While Paris Slept!
Tickets £5 each (which are redeemable in the bookshop on the night!). Your entry ticket will also get you drinks, nibbles and a goodie bag.💫
Pick up your copy of The Last Hours in Paris today with 15% book club discount!
NOW SOLD OUT!

SATURDAY SIGNING - Meet Author Neville Armstrong
2023-02-18 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Neville Armstrong, who will be signing copies of his new book, ‘Guy of Warwick, The Knight is Young’.
Guy of Warwick is a legendary 10th Century hero who battles monsters and foes to become worthy of marrying Felice, the Earl of Warwick’s Daughter.
The tale is an adventurous love story that has been told and retold throughout the Middle Ages and in its time, rivalled other British legends such as Robin Hood and King Arthur.
The latest telling of Guy’s story is from Neville Armstrong, a local author who has written the ‘Guy of Warwick’ trilogy that brings the ancient legend back to life.
The first book in the series is ‘The Knight is Young’ and covers Guy’s early years.
Buy your copy here

SATURDAY SIGNING – Meet Author Ed Goodwin
2023-02-11 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Ed Goodwin, who will be signing copies of his new book, Amazing Adventures in Time!
‘Suzy and Connie’s Amazing Adventures in Time’ is an imaginative, funny, entertaining and completely mind-boggling story for young people. Will Dad’s latest invention turn out to be the Christmas gift Suzy and Connie long for? Dad dreams of becoming a famous scientist after creating a time machine. Unfortunately his children show a distinct lack of interest, while Mum constantly points out flaws in his brilliant plans. Will several fantastic trips into the past and the future convince his family, or will all his materials end up at the local tip?
Local author Ed’s inspiration for both his first book ‘Journey to the Moon’ and his second book ‘Amazing Adventures in Time’ were his five young grandchildren who encouraged him to start writing and recording children’s stories!

SATURDAY SIGNING - Meet Author Rachel Wood
2023-02-04 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Rachel Wood, who will be sharing her expertise and chatting about her book Dawn’s First Tooth.
Drawing on her experiences as a mother of twins and a dentist, Rachel has developed and written this lovely lift-the-flap storybook which shows little ones the mouth movements they’ll need to become successful eaters. Loveable, friendly dinosaurs make the perfect role models for teaching them that teeth are an exciting new tool in their mealtime adventures.

SATURDAY SIGNING – Meet Author Paula Greenlees
2022-12-31 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Paula Greenlees, who will be signing copies of her new book, The Forgotten Promise.
Malaya, 1920: Two girls make a promise in the shadows of the jungle. A promise that life won’t let them easily keep. Malaya, 1941: Ella is running her late father’s tin mine in the Kledang hills, while Noor works as her cook. When the war that felt so far away suddenly arrives on their doorstep, Ella is torn apart from her family. Her daughter Grace is left in Noor’s care as Japanese soldiers seize the mine. Ella is forced to make an impossible choice that takes her to England, thousands of miles from home. She is desperate to be reunited with her loved ones. But will the life she returns to be anything like the life she left behind?
Paula is a local author of historical fiction and is based in Warwickshire. Her debut novel Journey to Paradise, set in Singapore in 1949 was wonderfully received and we can’t wait to read her next book – The Forgotten Promise due out in paperback on 29th December 2022. Pre-order a signed copy here!

Christmas Opening Hours
2022-12-01 09:00 - 2023-01-04 17:30 | Kenilworth Books
We’re open every day now until 25th December – including Sundays!
Monday to Saturday – 9am – 5.30pm
Sundays – 11am – 3pm
23rd December – 9am – 5.30pm
24th December – 9am – 5.30pm
25th – 27th December – CLOSED
28th – 31st December – 9am – 5.30pm
1st January – 2nd January – CLOSED
3rd January – open again normal hours

David Dimbleby Keep Talking : A Broadcasting Life
2022-11-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Join us on Wednesday 30th November with Stratford Literary Festival at Warwick Arts Centre to hear David Dimbleby, leading broadcaster, reflecting on being part of a family legacy and his 50 year career at the BBC taking us behind the scenes of some of the biggest moments in British news – from election nights to Royal funerals and state occasions. In a career that has seen him interview prime ministers and presidents, make award-winning documentaries, chair Question Time for 25 years, and anchor the BBC’s live coverage of historic national an world events, he takes a wry and uninhibited look at the people, events and controversies he has encountered along the way. All delivered with his characteristic wit, clarity and insight, about monarchy, politics, and the state of Britain.
Tickets available here from Warwick Arts Centre.
Pre-order David Dimbleby’s new book Keep Talking: A Broadcasting Life here!

SATURDAY SIGNING – Meet children's author Ali Tyler
2022-11-26 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Be brave, be brilliant…
Meet Ali Tyler – and discover the history of the brave and brilliant scientists and artists.
Saturday 26th November
10.30am – 1.30pm at Kenilworth Books
Bright and informative books for children about the lives of some of the world’s great artists and scientists; from Ai Weiwei to George Washington Carver, and Mary Cassat to Alice Ball. The series aims to introduce young children to inspirational people in a variety of different fields through engaging rhyming verse and with something to find on each page. Each book has a glossary, and activities too!

November Book Club and Late Night Shopping
2022-11-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
💫 NOVEMBER BOOK CLUB 📚
Join us for our last in person book group of the year!
No authors – just a discussion of this month’s book club pick, The Haunting Season, a collection of new and original ghost stories by great contemporary writers. As the nights close in, take the chance to curl up with this collection of atmospheric tales! 🍂 🍁💫
Our book club gathering will be on 24th November 6.30-8pm – and that night, we’d also like to invite you to stay on for some after-dark shopping, with mulled wine AND 10% discount!! 🛍️
This event is FREE but please register your interested by emailing us at info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk or calling us on 01926855784.

SATURDAY SIGNING - Meet transport specialist Ashley Wakelin
2022-11-12 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Step inside the history of Midland Red, the iconic Midland transport company
Pop in and meet author and transport specialist Ashley Wakelin and discover his two beautiful books about the history of our own local Midland Red Buses. He will be with us on Saturday 12th November from 10.30am until 1.30pm. You’ll be able to find out about his books, chat about your own recollection of these iconic buses, and buy signed copies of Inside Midland Red and Midland Red Influence – an ideal Christmas gift for a transport lover!

SATURDAY SIGNING - Meet Author Samantha Marcham
2022-10-29 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Samantha Marcham, who will be signing copies of her book, Golf Widows.
With husbands that are always out playing golf – whether at the club or on trips abroad – a group of frustrated wives are thrust together every Saturday for lunch; are effectively ‘Golf Widows’. But when disaster strikes everything changes! Already unfulfilled in their individual marriages, they discover their devious husbands are guilty of deception and betrayal, resulting in a supportive friendship group being formed, and the angry ‘Golf Widows’ decide to go away to Majorca on a trip themselves. The ladies try to make up for their lost years in just one week… Will things spiral out of control? Or will this be exactly what they need, to finally get their happy endings?.

PENGUIN LIVE: Sue Barker
2022-10-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Spend an unforgettable evening with tennis and broadcasting legend Sue Barker at Warwick Arts Centre on Friday 14th October as she shares the remarkable story of her life and career.
From her former tennis career as Britain’s No. 1 player and world No. 3, to her four decades on camera as an award-winning broadcaster, this event will celebrate publication of her all in, once-only autobiography – Calling the Shots.
Rewind to 1971, and Sue Barker’s coach is sending his 15-year-old tennis protégé to a junior championship in France, alone, with a one-way ticket, telling her she’d have to win the money to pay for her return fare.
Sue hides in the grounds of the hosting tennis club overnight, to avoid paying for a hotel. The next day, she walks onto court and smashes it. Five years later, and she’s Britain’s No. 1.
The same combination of grit, grace and talent took her to the top of live Sports TV. And now, after four decades on camera encouraging other legends to tell their stories, she is telling her own.
Join Sue for this exclusive Penguin Live event as she takes us inside the showbizzy world of 70s and early 80s tennis. She reveals the battles she fought for hard-won success in two careers, gives us a ringside seat on the nation’s biggest sporting dramas, and a fascinating insider’s understanding of competitors under pressure.
Don’t miss out on your chance to hear from Sue live as she shares her extraordinary life story. As a former tennis champion and an award-winning broadcaster Sue has brought sporting history into our living rooms for decades. Come and spend an evening with this trail-blazing woman who has always called the shots!
Tickets here
*Every ticket purchase includes a signed copy of Calling the Shots (RRP £20).*

PENGUIN LIVE: Gyles Brandreth
2022-10-12 07:30 - 21:30 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Just A Minute regular, QI veteran and Celebrity Gogglebox star Gyles Brandreth will be live on stage at Wariwck Arts Centre with stories from his unlikely life in politics, entertainment and TV and with the inside story on his latest book: A History of Britain in Just A Minute.
Tickets available here
This event won’t be just a minute – it’ll be 75 fun-filled minutes of hilarious name-dropping, outrageous anecdotes and unexpected revelations. A History of Britain in Just A Minute does what it says on the cover: it’s a riotously addictive romp through British history with a difference.
This isn’t history as they taught it at school: this is history in just a minute! From Stonehenge and Boudicca to Peppa Pig and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Gyles covers a thousand years of our island story in side-splitting 60-second instalments, without hesitation, repetition, or deviation.
On stage, the jumper-wearing ex-MP, This Morning agony uncle, and denizen of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner, will tell stories & take audience questions. This promises to be a laughter-packed roller-coaster ride around the history of Gyles Brandreth, the history of Just A Minute and A History of Britain in Just A Minute. Don’t miss out on your exclusive chance to see Gyles live at this riotous event with Penguin Live!

PENGUIN LIVE: Bernardine Evaristo
2022-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from 2019 Booker Prize winner, Bernardine Evaristo at Warwick Arts Centre with Penguin Live on Sunday 9th October!
Tickets available here
Bernardine’s win – the first by a Black woman – was a revolutionary moment both for British culture and for her. After forty years as a trailblazing writer and advocate for inclusion, she moved from the margins to centre stage, taking her place in the spotlight at last. Her journey was a long one, but she made it, and she made history. In this exclusive live event, you will hear first-hand from Bernardine Evaristo her no-holds-barred account of how she did it, refusing to let any barriers stand in her way.
Bernardine will discuss her intimate and inspirational book MANIFESTO, which draws on her heritage, childhood, lifestyle, relationships and creativity. In the event she will discuss how she forged her own path of rebellion against convention and sustained a life-long commitment to the imaginative exploration of ‘untold’ stories. MANIFESTO offers a vital contribution to current conversations around social issues such as race, class, feminism, sexuality and aging.
Join us for this exclusive event where Bernardine celebrates staying true to yourself and to your vision. It’s about how to be unstoppable – in your craft, your work, your life. It is Bernardine Evaristo’s manifesto for never giving up.

Saturday Signing - Fletcher and the Stars by Julia Rawlinson
2022-10-08 10:30 - 12:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Julia Rawlinson, who will be launching and signing copies of her latest book, Fletcher and the Stars.
Julia Rawlinson is a writer of children’s poetry and picture books which are sold internationally. Luckily for us she lives locally and loves nothing more than popping into the bookshop to chat about Fletcher’s adventures. If you would like a dedicated copy of any of her books pop down to meet her on the 8th ask in the bookshop or leave a message when you order online

SATURDAY SIGNING – Meet Author Andrew March
2022-09-24 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Andrew March, who will be signing copies of his book, Loving the Enemy.
Loving the Enemy tells the compelling true story of Fred Clayton, a grammar schoolboy from Liverpool, and Cambridge scholar, who leaves the comfort of the halls of Cambridge at the beginning of the Nazi era and makes a troubled journey to discover first-hand what life must be like to live under the despotic regime. Arriving in Dresden, he develops a friendship with a German family that will change his life.
Andy is a Vicar who travelled as part of a group from Coventry to Dresden, Germany in February 2015 to join in the commemorations marking 70 years since that city was bombed and stand with our former enemies, now friends, to declare that love must overcome hate. It was a visit that left an indelible mark on Andy and provided the catalyst for the creation of Loving the Enemy.

September Book Club with Elizabeth Lee and Joanne Burn
2022-09-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us at the bookshop on Thursday 22nd September, 6.30pm for our September book club with Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women, and Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure!
Tickets £5 each (which are redeemable in the bookshop on the night!). Your entry ticket will also get you drinks, nibbles and a goodie bag. 💫
Click here to purchase your £5 ticket and reserve your space!

Stories from Warwickshire Folk Tales
2022-09-17 14:00 - 16:00
Professional storyteller Cath Edwards tells stories from her recent book in a lively and engaging style. Come and hear about fascinating local characters, some sharp as a tack, others less so; lovers true and false; ghosts of old who still linger today; and a most unusual highwayman.
Order your Signed Copy of her book Warwick Folk Tales here!

Art in Talisman Square
2022-09-17 | Talisman Square, Talisman Square, Kenilworth, CV8 1JB, United Kingdom
We are delighted to announce once again that Kenilworth Arts Festival are collaborating with Kenilworth Books, to bring you a day of Art, Music and Literature in the heart of Kenilworth.
This year for one day only, we shall be transforming Talisman square into an art exhibition, interactive literary space and acoustic music venue. Working with local artists and businesses to showcase local artists, musicians and writers.
There will be a series of eco-art workshops, community bench painting, storytelling, piano playing and craft activities going on throughout the day.
Story Walk – Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
Julia Rawlinson, author of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves will be signing copies of Fletcher from 10.30-12.30 on Saturday 17th September at the bookshop. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves story walk will be on display from 10th to 24th September in the beautiful flower borders of Talisman Square. Pop along, take part in the story walk and join in with Fletcher colouring and craft activities!
Storytelling – Warwickshire Folk Tales
Professional storyteller Cath Edwards tells stories from her recent book in a lively and engaging style. Come and hear about fascinating local characters, some sharp as a tack, others less so; lovers true and false; ghosts of old who still linger today; and a most unusual highwayman.

Thomas Taylor Bookish Gathering (with cake!)
2022-09-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Meet author and illustrator, Thomas Taylor.
Join us for another evening of bookish celebration -this time we’re bringing Eerie-on-Sea to the bookshop! Those who Loved Malamander, Gargantis and Shadowghast can discover the fourth book in this brilliant series, Festergrimm. You can meet author and illustrator, Thomas Taylor who will be here signing and dedicating books. As usual there will be signing, bookish chatting, LOTS of book-themed cake, window displays and general celebration. No need to book – just come along.
If you can’t make it to the bookshop, but would like to order signed, dedicated books – NO PROBLEM! Just head to our website and place your order. Make sure you tell us who you’d like Thomas to dedicate the book to. You can have the books posted to you (postage is free in the UK over £11.99). If you’re not sure about anything just give us a call on 01926855784 or email us at info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk

SATURDAY SIGNING – Meet Ali Swift
2022-09-10 10:30 - 14:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet writer Ali Swift, who will be signing copies of her book My Wellness Toolbox and Your Wellness Toolbox.
Local writer Ali Swift is a mother of two, Author of the award-winning book My Wellness Toolbox, Your Wellness Toolbox Coach, Holistic Therapist, Solihull Radio Presenter & IT Consultant. She is passionate about sharing her real-life experiences and tools to help others manage, tackle and overcome mental health challenges and live a more positive life.
Introducing My Wellness Toolbox, an innovative and amusing guide on how author and real-life example, Alison Swift, learned to cope and overcome her crippling anxiety. Contained within the book are 26 tools Alison has collected along the highs and lows of her journey. These include: Water, Daily Self Care, NO, Gratitude, and Affirmations.
These (largely free) tools are tried, tested and still proven daily by Alison and others, from simple everyday worriers to those dealing with serious anxiety and depression, and are discussed in each chapter in a colloquial tone that helps build an encouraging rapport between Alison and her reader. Although Alison’s toolbox may be slightly different to yours, she hopes this will be a launchpad that will propel the reader into a changed and better life. Readers who are battling with their own mental health challenges, as well as those interested in affecting a more positive outlook, will enjoy this humorous guide with its surprisingly powerful tools.

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves Story Walk
2022-09-10 - 2022-09-24
This summer, creators of the Fletcher Fox series Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beeke have been busy organising and taking part in Fletcher Story Walks.
A story walk is an outdoor trail for families, which combines reading a children’s book with a walk, and sometimes other activities too. Families follow pages from the book displayed along the trail as they explore the outdoor space.
Fletcher’s Four Seasons work perfectly in the story walk setting, providing a fun and educational activity. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves story walk will be on display from 10th to 24th September in the beautiful flower borders of Talisman Square. Thanks to Kenilworth Books and Kenilworth Arts Festival, the space is now a community garden..
Julia Rawlison, author of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves will be siging copies of Fletcher from 10.30-12.30 on Saturday 17th September at the bookshop. Pop along, take part in the story walk and get your edition signed!

SATURDAY SIGNING – Meet Peter Raposo
2022-08-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Peter Raposo!
Peter was born in London but raised in Portugal from the age of 2 up until 19. Afterwards he moved back to England. He wrote his first story at the age of 6. When he’s not writing or reading, you’re more likely to find him playing videogames – he has a YouTube channel called That Boring Dude – or patrolling his city and taking photographs of the world around him using his cheap mobile phone. His first novel ‘dUst’ is classic dystopian science fiction. Since then he has written and published a few more books including ‘This is Not the End’ and ‘The Illusion of Movement’.
DUst Synopsis
There are no books –
the machines don’t allow us to have them anymore…
After the Great War comes to an end the human race starts living side by side with the machines. But some humans have secrets, as do some machines, and sooner or later they will clash, resulting in the last war ever. But before that happens, the greatest detective of the New World must solve one last case while an asexual sky poet tries to warn the world of the dangers of giving too much freedom to the machines. And the Thin Dust is still in the air, slowly killing the human race but not the machines.
dUst is about a dystopian future that might one day arrive without any of us noticing.
