It’s the season of the nativity, goodwill, and buying someone a special gift.
So for the next few days I’m concentrating on a roundup of things literary for the Christmas Stocking.
A book I have enjoyed enormously and which would make a belting Christmas present is
A Yorkshire Vet: Through the Seasons.
This is written by Julian Norton, one of the stars of Channel 5’s endearing series The Yorkshire Vet. It is his second book, and as in the first, Julian proves that he can not only untangle a calf having difficulties entering the world, but turn a neat phrase.
In Through the Seasons we join Julian as he works his way through a year in this glorious area of North Yorkshire, one of my favourite parts of the country, being a northern girl. But it’s not just a travelogue, good grief no, it is about the challenges and successes as Julian and his team go to the aid of animals in trouble.
The same compassion that is shown by the vets in the Channel 5 series shines through in this memoir by Julian. He made me laugh, and almost cry as he brings his experiences to life and evokes the countryside; the cold, the heat, the wind, not to mention the dramas taking place within it. We see the way the vets and staff at work as a team, and witness the stoicism and humanity of all concerned, including the animals.
It is an easy read but more than that, it leaves you feeling full of well being.
When is number three coming out, Julian?
Through the Seasons follows hot on the heels of his bestselling, Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs, which is now available in paperback and which is already a bestseller.
Naturally both books would make a great gift, but to have a signed copy would be extra special.
Which brings me on to the White Rose Book Café in Thirsk, the centre of the small but beautifully formed market town where Julian practises at: The Skeldale Veterinary Centre.
The White Rose Book Café has been featured in Frost Magazine before, and I make no apology for mentioning it again. It is an award winning bookshop, with a fabulous café and in another life, it is the sort of bookcafe I would have loved to run; friendly, informative, all things to all people. They have a mail order service, and are happy to post books to people, including signed copies. What could be better.
Well, how about their festive menu: with Mince Pies, Coconut Snowball drink, Festive Cranberry Fizz, Gingerbread Latte etc. etc.
This glorious book shop tell me they have a book signing event with Julian at Thirsk Town Hall in conjunction with Thirsk Christmas Fayre, on Sunday 26th November at 12.
In addition Jodi Taylor, author of The Chronicles of St Mary’s will be at the BookCafe on Saturday 9th December 10.30 for festive book signing for this ‘madcap adventure packed series. Free event.
Meet Gervase Phinn (wish I could be there, love him) signing copies of Happy Days. Take tea with Gervase and enjoy his amusing anecdotes. A few seats left. A ticketed Free Event. 14th December 3pm to 4.30 pm at the BookCafe
So, back to Christmas gifts, in particular signed copies.
Do contact the White Rose Book Café on 01845 524353 or email: sales@whiterosebooks.co.uk for home delivery of signed copies of any of these authors. They can also home deliver virtually any book in print.
A Yorkshire Vet Through The Seasons £14.99 signed by Julian Norton. A star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet. UK Mailing costs £3.40 1st class. £2.90 2nd Class.
The pb of Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs is £8.99