All in Books

A Traditional West Country Kind Of Christmas

This article nostalgically contrasts traditional West Country Christmas customs with modern celebrations. It reminisces about unique practices like ashen faggot burning, where participants drink and toast to banish spirits; the Mummers’ Play, featuring characters like Father Christmas; and 'guise-dancing' in St Ives, where people wore disguises and danced. It also mentions the belief of master bullocks kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve and tradesmen's tradition of giving extras to favoured customers. The customs of a robin in Christmas lore and a unique Christmas drink, Lamb's Wool, are also highlighted. The article laments the loss of these traditions to modern, commercialised celebrations, aiming to evoke a sense of old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Another excerpt from The Lemon Tree Forest

Embark on a literary journey with "The Lemon Tree Forest," an evocative novel intertwining Greek culture, mystical experiences, and personal memories. Partly set in the heart of rural Greece, the soon-to-be-published book offers a vivid portrayal of 1980s life in a landscape steeped in history. The author draws from personal experiences, crafting a narrative that's as refreshing as the lemon-tangerine hybrid juice featured in the story. From thrilling encounters with local wildlife to the delicate balance of respecting village customs, this novel promises an escape to a world where the past and present merge, and every sense is engaged. As you wait for the unveiling of the cover, savor this snippet and prepare for an adventure laced with the aromatic scents of mountain thyme, rosemary, and, of course, lemons.

Tiny Excerpt from The Lemon Tree Forest

In "The Lemon Tree Forest," a curious encounter unfolds as a young boy's fascination with medieval knights leads him to meet Sir Fred, an enigmatic old squire. Amidst the manor's grandeur, they cross paths under a glass dome, surrounded by suits of armor and ancestral portraits. The boy extends his hand in awe, asking, "Are you Sir Cricket Bat?" Sir Fred's response is unexpected: "Would you like a balloon?" He conjures a colorful orb from the shadows, leaving the child enchanted. The origin of the balloon remains a mystery, as Sir Fred never indulged in frivolous purchases.

The Story of The Deer Park - A Modern Fairy Tale

There’s a new book called The Deer park launched this week - and it’s immediately proving to be very popular. Martin Hesp explains how the story came about… The Deer Park - a children's fairytale inspired by the magical woodlands above Dunster and includes references to local history and legends, intertwined with the author's personal experiences and family stories