Kemps Bookstore has a fantastic programme of events as summer comes to a close - with several big names right on your doorstep.

First in the line-up is Kate Foster, whose best-selling debut novel The Maidens has been longlisted for the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Kate enjoys exploring themes of historical retellings and women in history, with her latest novel, The King’s Witches, telling the story of Princess Anna of Denmark, a young woman betrothed to King James VI of Scotland.

She will be joining Kemps on September 11th and this event will be perfect for lovers of historical fiction, particularly those who delight in the sub-genre of ‘witch-lit.’

On the following Saturday, Harry Whittaker, the son of renowned author Lucinda Riley, will be visiting Kemps. He has co-authored the international best-seller and conclusion of the acclaimed Seven Sisters series, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, so come along and chat with Harry about how it felt to complete his late mother's popular book series and discuss any future endeavours he has of his own. He will also be signing copies of The Hidden Girl.

As well as events centring around fiction, Kemps will be hosting a series of non-fictional events including well-known historian and broadcaster, Dan Jones. Dan has written and hosted many television shows including ‘Henry VIII and His Six Wives’, ‘Britain’s Bloody Crown’, and the acclaimed Netflix series 'Secrets of Great British Castles.’ His newest book, Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England’s Greatest Warrior King, offers a nuanced portrayal of the medieval king and the events that characterised his reign. This event will be perfect for history lovers so join us for an evening of fascinating conversation discussing Dan’s book and ‘one of the most intriguing characters in all medieval history, but one of the hardest to pin down’. Tickets can be booked via the Milton Rooms.

Following the history theme, Annie Garthwaite will join us at the bookshop a couple of days later on Thursday, September 19, to discuss her book, The King's Mother. While Dan Jones highlights Henry V’s reign at the beginning of the fifteenth century, Annie will take us to the end of the 1400s from the War of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor Age. She tells us the story of those era-defining wars through the eyes of four women who shaped and suffered them. The King’s Mother is a powerful historical novel and feminist retelling of the War of the Roses, highlighting fundamental yet lesser-known Yorkist and Lancastrian women, making it perfect for fans of the Medieval and Early Modern periods, as well as gender history. The event will be hosted in Malton’s newest events space, the beautifully refurbished Wesley Centre in Saville Street, Malton.

Towards the end of the month on September 25, Sally Coulthard will be with us at Kemps to discuss her book, A Brief History of the CountrySide in 100 Objects. Sally is a best-selling author with many of her books delving into the traditions of rural life, from artisans to agriculture, the people, plants and creatures who make the countryside tick. A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects helps us learn about our rural past, as artefacts are touchstones that breathe life into its history. This event will be ideal for lovers of history, particularly social and rural history while resonating with the surrounding countryside

Liz Kemp said: "We are thrilled and excited that we have secured such a stellar lineup of authors for our Autumn season. I do hope people enjoy having these authors right on our doorstep and show their support by attending."

Keep an eye out for our later Autumn events, with authors such as Victoria Hislop and an array of topics stemming from history to nature, as well as a ghostly evening perfect for October!

More details of these and future events can be found at www.kempsgeneralstore.co.uk or in-store.