July Retreat Authors

For our first summertime Cotswolds retreat, we have a mixture of genres and authors to lean into the local area and make the most of the great British summer. We are also working with Helen Gambarota of the Best Book Forward Podcast to run these author events within the retreat - she is a seasoned interviewer and host with a stunning personality.

We will open the Sunday evening with chocolate tasting provided by our first author and chocolate expert, Catherine Kurtz, before taking a closer look at her debut novel. Feast is a delectable story with a hint of magic and darkness to keep our guests rooting for our protagonist, Min, until the very end. If you like a bit of jeopardy in your happy endings, this is the book for you. We will eat our own outdoor feast in the picturesque meadows of Minster Lovell to discuss the book and enjoy the evening.

Catherine Kurtz - and her debut novel, FEAST

On Monday we will speak to seasoned thriller author, Kate Riordan about her new book set in the Cotswolds over 2 summers, featuring 2 dead girls and confusing circumstances. The Last Time I saw Her Alive is out at the end of the month, and our guests will be among the first to read the story, guess the mystery and examine whether our memories always serve us well. We will keep the evening lively with beers, Pimm's, BBQ and close off the night with marshmallows around the firepit.

Kate Riordan - The Last Time I Saw Her Alive

Tuesday brings us our first ever Illustrator & Author combo: Lydia Wood. Her book, Locals is an ode to her favourite pubs in London and brings not only her beautiful drawings but also the backstory and uniqueness of each pub to life. We will chat at the local, Old Swan, to understand more about Lydia's goal to draw all 3,000 pubs in London and get a look into her process, as she begins a sketch of the pub onsite. She will also be providing us instruction for those that want to give her sketch drawing a-go.

Lydia Wood - debut book, Locals