Kemps Books of the Month August

Perhaps this summer isn’t turning out how anyone had hoped weather-wise but at least here at Kemps rain never stops play. We have summer holiday reading aplenty for this month so whether you are hoping to catch a sunny day by the pool or you end up watching the raindrops on the window, there might be something for you in this selection.

Fayne is the new novel by Canadian writer Anne-Marie MacDonald and is set in a crumbling castle in the Scottish Borders during the late 1800s. Charlotte lives her young life in the shadow of the portrait of her mother who died giving birth to her and now, in spite of her natural curiosity and adventurous spirit, her father keeps her under close supervision at the castle. However, when her insatiable appetite for learning causes her to uncover a curious object on the moors, secrets and stories about her past begin to unravel. Written with stunning style, this a story that hooks you in immediately and carries you all the way through its 700 pages.

From one crumbling building to another, The Whalebone Theatre comes to our shelves in paperback. Immensely popular in the shop as a hardback and an instant bestseller nationwide, this is the story of an unwanted child and her half siblings who are left to their own devices among books they are too young to read. When a whale washes up near their manor house on the coast, their imaginations are ignited as they transform its huge frame onto a theatre. However, when World War II arrives, the children, now adults are thrown into roles they could never have imagined. Full of atmosphere, vivid description and marvellous settings, if ever there was a story set for the big screen this must be one!

Sticking to the theme of parents and children, here is something a little different. Hawk Mountain is a tense and unsettling thriller with male relationships at its centre. Single father, Todd Nasca suffers a chance encounter with his old school bully, Jack, who, to Todd’s surprise is over-the-moon to have been reunited with him. Unprepared for Jack’s newfound enthusiastic friendliness, Todd agrees to meet him for a meal which turns into putting him up for the night. This night turns into days and when Jack starts to exercise an unsettling hold over Todd and his son, Todd begins to fear for their safety. This is a pacey and compelling story which plays on the thin lines between love, hate and obsession.

Two beautiful non-fiction books are due for release at the end of the month. Firstly, Helen Rebanks brings us her memoir, The Farmer’s Wife which takes us through a day in the life of which many people around Malton will recognise. Highlighting just how vital the role of a farmer’s wife is in keeping the family farm happy, healthy and successful she weaves into her story memories of important events in the life of her family and community. This book tells the story of those women whose lives rarely hit the limelight and it reminds us all to perhaps take more pleasure in the natural rhythms of our own lives. With recipes, list and a helpful guiding voice, this is a book to enjoy and come back to again and again.

Expert gardener, Sarah Raven sees her seasonal cookery book republished and it is a must for every kitchen garden cook’s shelves. Full of inspiration for eating seasonally, beauty and practicality are combined in this manual for cooking UK grown produce (you really will need no other book!). Sarah splits the year into six season of two months and her recipes showcase the best about growing and cooking with home grown produce. The damson and almond pudding is a favourite!

In children’s books, Neil Clarke’s Pow! is a fun and friendly story that lends a helping hand to little ones whose worries sometimes get the better of them. The amazing Pow! comes to the rescue of his three worried friends (the wonderfully named Ahh, Ooh and Eek!) when they have been overwhelmed by their worries. It’s another lovely story by one of our favourite picturebook authors and its relatable story, colourful characters and mindfulness tips will be sure to help those little ones whose butterflies occasionally get a bit too fluttery.

Fane by Anne Marie MacDonald, pub by Tramp Press, paperback, ISBN: 9781915290090, £15.99

The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, pub by Penguin, ISBN: 9780241994146, £9.99

Hawk Mountain by Conor Habib, pub by Penguin, paperback, ISBN: 9781804991114, £9.99

The Farmer’s Wife by Helen Rebanks, pub by Faber & Faber, hardback, ISBN: 9780571370580, £20

Sarah Raven’s Garden Cookbook, pub by Bloomsbury, hardback, ISBN: 9781526640130, £30

Pow! by Neil Clark, pub by Ladybird, paperback, £7.99