A Trail of Discovery Through Small Independent Bookshops in the Cotswolds

Over the past couple of months, at the suggestion of my publisher Matador,

Passionate Spirit cover design
Passionate Spirit cover design

I’ve visited a number of small independent bookshops throughout the Cotswolds (where my new novel A Passionate Spirit is set).

The Yellow Lighted Bookshop Tetbury
The Yellow Lighted Bookshop Tetbury

I’ve introduced myself and my novel, offered each bookshop manager a copy of my advance information sheet and asked if they would be willing to stock my book when it comes out in November.

Not only have I found the managers of the shops very friendly and encouraging, and have won several positive responses to the idea of stocking my book, but also I’ve had a wonderful journey of discovery among small independent bookshops.

Madhatter Bookshop, Burford
Madhatter Bookshop, Burford

For a small town to have its own independent bookshop is a great blessing. I’ve now visited bookshops in Stow-on-the Wold, Burford, Chipping Norton, Tetbury, and Woodstock.

The Borzoi Bookshop, Stow-on-the-Wold
The Borzoi Bookshop, Stow-on-the-Wold

Among the bookshops I found one that also sells hats; and another that sells tea, coffee and cakes at the front, in amongst the book displays. All of these shops have individual, fascinating and eclectic displays of books; none are the same, and none are dominated by the current blockbuster or most-hyped new publication. In several I found books that I wanted to buy, and I did make a number of purchases; among them, not a few Christmas presents!

I still plan to visit bookshops in Stroud, Abingdon, and Oxford.

Jaffe and Neale Bookshop, Chipping Norton
Jaffe and Neale Bookshop, Chipping Norton

In particular I loved this quote which I found in The Yellow Lighted Bookshop, Tetbury:

So often, a visit to a bookshop has reminded me that there are good things in the world.  (Vincent Van Gogh)

I thoroughly agree with Van Gogh.

Published by SC Skillman

I'm a writer of psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction and non-fiction. My latest book, 'Paranormal Warwickshire', was published by Amberley Publishing in November 2020. Find all my published books here: https://amzn.to/2UktQ6x

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