This summer saw the launch of Mail on Sunday Novel Competition winner Isabel Ashdown’s latest novel Hurry Up and Wait, in which 39-year-old Sarah Ribbons reluctantly revisits past mistakes as she prepares for a reunion at her old high school on the South coast of England.

In November, Gabrielle Kimm’s The Courtesan’s Lover hits the shelves, a spin off from her debut novel His Last Duchess and a return to her captivating renaissance Italy.  Opening chapters of The Courtesan’s Lover were shortlisted for the Impress Prize for Fiction.

And one to look forward to in 2012 is Rook, the second spellbinding novel from IMPAC Literary Award nominee Jane Rusbridge.  Telling a story of family, legacy and turning back the tides in the ancient Sussex village of Bosham, Rook explores the mystery surrounding Harold II’s burial place.

To find out more about these titles and others from the Chichester Book Club authors, scroll down and click on the images below.  Happy reading!

The Courtesan’s Lover by Gabrielle Kimm

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge

Glasshopper by Isabel Ashdown

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm

Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown

Rook by Jane Rusbridge (coming August 2012)

Following the success of October’s Meet the Author event in Chichester, local authors Isabel Ashdown, Gabrielle Kimm and Jane Rusbridge will be appearing for another lively afternoon of book chat at The Beach House in West Wittering this November.

The event, to be held at the coastal venue on 3rd November, promises an informal, engaging afternoon of readings and conversation over tea with three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong local connections.

Books are available to buy from The Beach House before or at the event, at the special price of £5.00 each (£6.99 – £8.99 RRP).

For more details about the authors, their books and the delicious cream tea on offer, click on the image to the left.  The event is FREE – to secure your place simply phone The Beach House on 01243 514800.

We look forward to welcoming you and your friends on 3rd November!

Kate Angus, Library Manager said, “The school is delighted to host the event.  It is the first of its kind and it will be great to meet local authors and discuss their captivating fiction.”

The event, to be held at the school on 14^th October, promises an evening of readings and conversation with the three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong connections with the local school.

“It’s wonderful to be invited into a school with such close personal connections,” says Isabel, a former pupil whose latest book is partly inspired by her schooldays at CHSG in the 1980s.

The featured books are The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge, His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm and Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown.

Part of Jane’s novel is set in a seaside railway-carriage house, like those in Wittering. “We hope a few people will read the books prior to the event,” she says, “and come loaded with questions to ask the authors.”

Gabrielle’s book opens in the baking heat of a 16th century Tuscan summer.  A former teacher at CHSG, she says, “All three of us have had daughters at the school and we’re delighted to be helping the school raise funds through ticket sales.”

It’s a public event, and tickets cost £5 each, which includes a free glass of wine.  To book: contact Kate Angus or Susan Mulkern at CHSG on tel: 01243 78701401243 787014 ext 2606 or email: kangus@wsgfl.org.uk or ask at Chichester Public Library.

For full details of the evening, the books and the authors, just click on the image above.

To Buy the Books:

Our friends at Waterstone’s Chichester will be there on the night selling books or you can buy them ahead of the event at a number of online sites, including:

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge: £4.95 from Bloomsbury or £6.82 from Amazon or £7.99 from Waterstone’s or £5.10 Kindle Edition

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm: £4.48 from Book Depository or £4.49 from Amazon or £6.59 from Waterstone’s or £3.99 Kindle Edition

Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown: £5.86 from Book Depository or £5.87 from Amazon or £8.99 from Waterstone’s or £5.57 Kindle Edition

Also, please check out the new ‘Local Heroes’ book bay instore at Waterstone’s, Chichester – supporting and encouraging readers and writers in our city.

Autumn 2011

Friday 9th September, Book Group discussion of Glasshopper, Chichester (closed group) (IA)

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Monday 12th September, Book Group discussion of Glasshopper, East Wittering (closed group) (IA)

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Sunday 18th September, Reading With Authors on the Savidge Reads Website, time tbc (IA)

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Thursday 22nd September, Book Group Q&A, Waterstone’s, Chichester, 7pm (Glasshopper) (IA)

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11th – 13th September, Hampstead and Highgate Litfest 2011, London Jewish Cultural Centre (JR)

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Monday 26th September, Book Chat & Signing, University of Chichester, Cloisters Chamber, 5.15-6.30pm (IA)

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Tuesday 4^th October, Guest Talk on The Devil’s Music at Inspire Leisure, The Windmill studio, The Green, Windmill Road, Littlehampton, Sussex BN17 5LH, 6.00pm (JR) – Free entry

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Monday 9th October, Ilkley Literary Festival, (IA with Marika Cobbold) 8pm

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Wednesday 19th October, Guildford Book Festival (IA with Marika Cobbold), details to follow

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Wednesday 26th October, Book Chat & Discussion of The Devil’s Music, Funtington Literary Society (closed group) (JR)

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3rd November, Meet the Author Tea, the Beach House, West Wittering, details to follow (IA, GK + JR)

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Tuesday 15th November, Interview on Portsmouth Live TV, 5pm (GK)

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Friday 18th November, Launch Party for The Courtesan’s Lover, Waterstone’s Chichester, 6-8pm (GK)

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Saturday 26th November, Book Signing, Waterstone’s Chichester, 11am-2pm (GK)

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Saturday 3rd December, Book Signing, Waterstone’s, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, 11am-2pm (GK)

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25th January 2012, Book Chat and Signing, University of Chichester, 5.15-6.30pm (GK)

Chichester Book Club authors Isabel Ashdown and Gabrielle Kimm will both be running workshops over the weekend, as well as taking part in the publishing panel on the Friday night, where they’ll be sharing their insights about their journeys into publication.

Click on the image below for full details of this exciting new event, set in the inspiring surroundings of Cobnor, West Sussex.

For tickets, contact retreat Director Katy Lassetter on Tel: 01243 533241 or email: Katy@ChichesterCopywriter.co.uk

Kate Angus, Library Manager said, “The school is delighted to host the event.  It is the first of its kind and it will be great to meet local authors and discuss their captivating fiction.”

The event, to be held at the school on 14^th October, promises an evening of readings and conversation with the three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong connections with the local school.

“It’s wonderful to be invited into a school with such close personal connections,” says Isabel, a former pupil whose latest book is partly inspired by her schooldays at CHSG in the 1980s.

The featured books are The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge, His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm and Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown.

Part of Jane’s novel is set in a seaside railway-carriage house, like those in Wittering. “We hope people will read the books prior to the event,” she says, “and come loaded with questions to ask the authors.”

Gabrielle’s book opens in the baking heat of a 16th century Tuscan summer.  A former teacher at CHSG, she says, “All three of us have had daughters at the school and we’re delighted to be helping the school raise funds through ticket sales.”

It’s a public event, and tickets cost £5 each, which includes a free glass of wine.  To book: contact Kate Angus or Susan Mulkern at CHSG on tel: 01243 78701401243 787014 ext 2606 or email: kangus@wsgfl.org.uk or ask at Chichester Public Library.

For full details of the evening, the books and the authors, just click on the image above.

To Buy the Books:

Our friends at Waterstone’s Chichester will be there on the night selling books or you can buy them ahead of the event at a number of online sites, including:

The Devil’s Music by Jane Rusbridge: £4.95 from Bloomsbury or £6.82 from Amazon or £7.99 from Waterstone’s or £5.10 Kindle Edition

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm: £4.48 from Book Depository or £4.49 from Amazon or £6.59 from Waterstone’s or £3.99 Kindle Edition

Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown: £5.86 from Book Depository or £5.87 from Amazon or £8.99 from Waterstone’s or £1.49 Kindle Edition

Also, please check out the new ‘Local Authors’ book bay instore at Waterstone’s, Chichester – supporting and encouraging readers and writers in our city.

At the Thresholds website you’ll find interviews, resources, writing exercises and some great recommendations for next reads.  If you’re interested in writing, reading, chatting and learning more about the short story click on the link below.  It’s a great place for anyone with a passion for the short story:

Thresholds

‘Celebrating Local’ : Meet the Authors

Thursday 5th May, 7.30pm

Location: Woodies Wine Bar, Chichester

Come and join us for a fun and informal evening of readings and book chat with three award-winning local authors.  Featuring Gabrielle Kimm, Jane Rusbridge and Isabel Ashdown.

Books will be available for purchase on the evening at the specially discounted price of £5.00.

Entry: £5.00 / Appetisers and raffle on the night.

Tickets: contact Stonepillow on (01243) 537934 or email dingram@stonepillow.org.uk

“Talented performers and artists working together to raise awareness & to help empower homeless people to make positive changes in their lives.”