Bea's Book Wagon, page 27
Recommended by Greg
Behind the Seams by Esme Young
I love The Great British Sewing Bee, and when I heard Esme had released a book, I ordered a copy from Bea immediately. I’m a keen seamstress (I made the bunting and cushions for the bookshop) and this was an informative and enjoyable read. I loved reading Esme’s backstory and hearing more about the British fashion industry, I bet she was a real hoot in the sixties!
Recommended by Clara
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Any book by Roald Dahl is always special, but ‘Matilda’ is a firm favourite at the school and it’s one of our most requested titles at story time. It’s a book about loving books, sprinkled with a little bit of magic. Is there anything more inspiring for children and adults alike? Of course, I like to think I’m nothing like Miss Trunchball, the book’s terrifying and cruel headteacher, who rules the school with a rod of iron. In fact, one of my favourite parts of the story is when Matilda runs Trunchball out of town, leaving the kind and gentle Miss Honey in charge. A beautifully crafted story with a cast of wonderful characters that conveys the incredible power of reading.
Recommended by Mrs Connolly
Hinch Yourself Happy by Mrs Hinch
When my girlfriend, Claire, brought me this book, I thought she was trying to send me a not-too-subtle message about the state of my flat, but it turns out Mrs Hinch is an absolute legend! Who knew? I’ve been following all her hints and tips, and my flat is now starting to feel like a proper home – I’m even following her on Insta, too.
Recommended by Josh
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
If you enjoyed Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, you’re going to love this follow up. I’m totally obsessed with this book, it really is fantasy at its best, I didn’t want it to end! It’s got definite Hunger Games vibes, with some added spice and more mythical creatures than you can shake a stick at. I’m counting down to the next instalment, I just hope we don’t have to wait too long!
Recommended by Claire
How to be a Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson
No one does comfort cooking like Nigella! This book has become my baking bible and I’m always referring back to it for my go-to bakes (the marzipan fruit cake is a firm favourite). The recipes are always a triumph and Nigella’s tone of voice really shines through – it’s like she’s in the kitchen with you. You can keep your Mary Berry, it’s Nigella all the way for me!
Recommended by Sue
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
A timeless story, with a gorgeous cast of characters – I adored it! I’ve read a few Austen novels but never ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ so when Bea gifted me a copy, I couldn’t wait to dive in and I wasn’t disappointed. Austen captures the importance of family just perfectly, and the bond between sisters Elinor and Marianne, although they’re so different, is something quite wonderful.
Recommended by Anya
Daisy’s Christmas Gift Shop by Hannah Pearl
I’m not usually one for a festive romance, but when Bea told me the main character in this book opens her own gift shop so she can spend her time helping customers find the perfect gift, I thought I’d give it a try and I’m glad I did! This was a really fun read and I quickly found myself caught up in the characters and enjoying all the twists and turns in the story. The plot has so many layers to it, there’s drama, mystery and intrigue as well as romance, so there really is something for everyone. With it being set in a gift shop, I could totally relate to the character of Daisy and the joy she experiences helping people find the perfect present. It’s definitely five stars from me.
Recommended by Simon
Wahaca: Mexican Food at Home by Tomasina Miers
If you’re looking to cook up a bit of authentic Mexican spice at home, this book will show you how! It’s got everything from breakfasts and dinners to puddings and cocktails, and the author’s love of Mexican food comes across brilliantly. The recipes are easy to follow and delicious, so why not give it a try and add a little spice to your weekly menu?
Recommended by Tony
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
When Bea told me I would enjoy this book I didn’t believe her, as I don’t like reading, but it was actually fun. I like the way they told the story, as if it was the horse talking, that was clever. Joey is a very brave horse, even though there is a war going on and I would definitely read more books by Michael Morpurgo. I give this four stars.
Recommended by Billy
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Well, where to start? I can’t quite believe we’ve made our third trip to Blossom Heath! These characters are starting to feel like old friends to me now, particularly Rose, who has been with me since page one of book one. I hope you enjoyed meeting this new cast of characters, especially Bea and her wonderful book wagon, just as much as I did creating them.
I want to kick off my acknowledgements with a huge thank you to all my amazing readers. There is nothing I love more than seeing how much you’ve enjoyed visiting Blossom Heath and meeting the characters I’ve conjured up, and I hope this return visit is everything you hoped for.
To my editor Sara-Jade Virtue at Simon & Schuster, thank you for believing in Bea’s story from the first moment you read the synopsis. Your guidance and support has been invaluable and I can’t thank you enough. To Louise Davies, thank you for guiding me through another copyedit so skilfully and, remember, you must try a pistachio latte (I will be checking up!).
I’d also like to thank my brilliant friend, Amanda Watson, and her gorgeous cheese business, Beau Fromage, which she runs from a refurbished horsebox, and was the original inspiration for the book wagon idea. Thank you for answering my (numerous!) WhatsApp voice notes asking all the technical questions – I now know exactly what a jockey wheel does and how to hitch a trailer thanks to you. You were an absolute star and nothing I asked was too much trouble, so thank you!
To my wonderful agent, Laura Macdougall at United Agents, a huge thank you for all your support in helping me to share Bea’s story and always answering my (far too many!) questions so quickly and with such good humour.
To my brilliant Essex writer buddies from the RNA, hanging out with you all is such a tonic and I love how we get to pick each other’s brains and offer support and advice when we need it. Writing can be a solitary career and I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you lovely lot! A special shoutout goes to Fiona Collins, Lauren North, Lorna Cook, Emma Robinson, Carrie Elks, Lizzie Chantree, Carrie Walker and Lizzie Page for being your brilliant selves.
To fellow Simon & Schuster author, Eva Verde, how lucky am I that you literally live just around the corner? Our coffee catchups, train journeys and dedication to finding the best scones and jam Chelmsford has to offer are always a joy!
And finally, I can’t write a bookshop book without mentioning all the marvellous local independent bookshops I’ve visited recently, all of which have helped to inspire Bea’s fictional bookshop. To Olivia and the team at Maldon Books (who have an actual real-life book wagon in the summer months), Jo at Red Lion Books in Colchester, Andrew at Dial Lane Books in Ipswich, Kate at Harris & Harris Books in Clare, and Kathryn and William at Tea Leaves & Reads in Andover, thank you for always giving me such a warm welcome and for bringing books to the local community. There really is nowhere I’d rather be than a good bookshop!
More from the Author
New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
Always By Your Side
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With a degree in English and American Literature, Julie Haworth worked as an English teacher for a number of years, specializing in working with learners with literacy difficulties, before launching her own freelance copywriting business. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
www.SimonandSchuster.co.uk/Authors/Julie-Haworth
Also by Julie Haworth:
Always By Your Side
New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Café
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First published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd, 2025
Copyright © Julie Haworth, 2025
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Paperback ISBN: 978- 1- 3985- 4818- 3
eBook ISBN: 978- 1- 3985- 4819- 0
Audio ISBN: 978- 1- 3985- 4820- 6
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Julie Haworth, Bea's Book Wagon
