The Violet Bookshop

03/11/2026

I'm taking part in the Cancer Research UK Read Every Day In November Challenge.

Why, I hear you ask? Don't booksellers spend most of their working day reading? Sadly not. Although it absolutely is a requirement of the job, it gets pushed down the to-do list in favour of stock management, finance, window displays, marketing etc. But most importantly, the work Cancer Research UK does is absolutely essential to the treatment and support of those living with cancer, as well as their loved ones, and they are only able to do that work through donations and fundraising. So - I've challenged myself to at least an hour a day whilst in the shop. Please follow the link below if you'd like to donate!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. I’m going to be taking on reading every day in November help raise money for Cancer Research UK. Please show your support and help fund life-saving cancer research by donating to my page.

31/10/2026

✨👻🦇🎃 It's Halloween! 🎃🦇👻✨

Treat yourself to something spooky for the weekend! Upton's shops are teaming with cool, quirky, spooky season goodies and we're no exception - books, cards and bookmarks for any age of Halloween treat!

There's also lots of ghostly fun to be had at The Tudor House Museum Upton, and of course all our lovely cafes and restaurants are open for cosy hot drinks, lunch and dinner, so why not make a day of it?

27/10/2026

I'm just closing the best day of takings I've had so far in 2026 😱

I've surpassed my best single festival day from the summer, surpassed Christmas Eve 2025, and I'm close to last year's Christmas lights switch-on day too.

I haven't got a clear clue why or how. The release of A Court of Splintered Harmony has definitely helped, but actually today's purchases and order collections have really varied in type, genre and cost. Sunshine, half term, pay day recently? Who knows. All I know is that days like this keep indie bookshops going, and indie booksellers' sanity in check. I'm always beyond grateful for every single purchase of every single amount, but today feels extra. I'm very lucky to operate in a community that chooses me.

27/10/2026

✨🧝 What was broken will be remade 🧝✨

Romantasy fans - the day we've been waiting for has arrived!! A Court of Splintered Harmony (The Valkyrie Cycle: Movement I) is finally here!

Prythian is still piecing itself together after the devastating Hybern War, with unity proving more difficult by the day. But deep in the heart of the continent Koschei the Deathless, despite being bound to a mountain lake for millennia, is stirring and the insidious threat of his return is spreading across Fae territories...

If you've pre-ordered it's ready for collection, otherwise get yourself over here to grab yours!

And don't forget... A Court of Forgotten Melody (Movements II & III), is published on Tuesday 12th January and you can pre-order your copy now!

24/10/2026

📚⭐ Today! ⭐📚

Come and meet Upton independent author Julie Sheppard, pick up a copy of her debut novel The Seven Side Hustles of Cliff Richard with a little discount, and of course get it signed!

2-4pm today (Saturday 24th October) at The Violet Bookshop, 3 Old Street, Upton.

22/10/2026

Come and meet the fabulous Julie Sheppard, Upton local who has just published her first novel! The Seven Side Hustles of Cliff Richard will be on offer at £7.99, 2pm-4pm on Saturday 24th October!

20/10/2026

It's publication day for Philippa Gregory's highly anticipated Royal Witch! If you've read any of Philippa's back catalogue - including books like The Other Boleyn Girl, The Constant Princess, The White Queen and more recently Boleyn Traitor - you'll recognise Royal Witch's masterful storytelling and impeccable historical research. Set in 1420, it follows Eleanor Cobham following her arrival at the court of Henry V and her extraordinary rise to power amongst sorcery, rivalries, ambition and chaos. If you love a seasonal read it's perfect now the nights are drawing in!

Hardback £25

20/10/2026

Following the announcement last month by HarperCollins to stop publishing David Walliams' backlist, bookshops alike have been asked for their views on this. Have a read for mine and lots of other fantastic indies' thoughts - I think it's fair to say that there's definitely a majority view on it!

A number of independent bookshops have told The Bookseller they stopped stocking David Walliams’ titles “years ago”.

17/10/2026

All set up for the day with Karol Darnell and Honesty Press! We're showcasing her fantastic independent press and her published indie authors, some of which you may have spotted in the shop previously. Pop in for a chat and a browse!

15/10/2026

On Saturday we're welcoming Karol Darnell, author and founder of local independent publisher Honesty Press! Karol will be here all day with books to discover, chats to be had, and some of Honesty Press's other authors dropping in for you to meet. There will be fiction, poetry, memoir, short stories and picture books available to browse - something for everyone!