The days are generally getting warmer now (this week being the glaring exception as I adjust the scarf around my neck) and sadly the Spring blossom has been and gone. It’s such a drawcard in Matakana Village and is anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Although sweeping blossom petals out of the shop can be repetitive, we never tire of looking out the window and seeing the fluffy pink clouds lining the carpark.
Once the blossom is gone though, for us it’s time to take a deep breath and face the very busy lead-up to Christmas. October is the time of the year when we receive a large amount of stock for the festive season and you only have to glance in our window or the tables as you walk in the door to see authors old and new piled up to tempt you. Familiar names are often timed for Christmas, but there are always debut authors too, bravely stepping into the market. It’s always nice to see what was a debut author a few years down the track with their second or third great book and thinking “Oh I remember when they were just starting out with and now look at them”……which also makes you realise how quickly time marches on.
We are always happy to advise and give our recommendations if you’re buying a gift (or even if it’s just for yourself). It can be overwhelming to know where to start looking. Looking through a copy of the Bookseller’s Summer Reading Guide is a good place to start and also to leave conveniently marked and lying around where family or friends can see what you are interested in!
Two book groups have visited the shop recently – one local and one from further afield. Both visit us annually and spend an hour or two after hours with Mary-Liz book-talking a selection of new titles whilst having a glass of wine and a nibble. The latter group then went out for dinner nearby, so made their trip north worthwhile. We don’t have our own shop book group, so if your group would like to visit then give us a call to arrange a date.
Our complimentary gift-wrapping has a twist at this time of the year too – we ask for a gold coin donation in exchange for wrapping and ribboning your purchases. This year our very worthy cause is Julie’s Animal Refuge. Julie Thompson runs an independent animal refuge in Kaipara Flats Road with volunteer help and does an incredible job providing for the unwanted animals in the wider Warkworth area, and frequently far beyond. This is such a good cause and we are hoping to make a great donation once Christmas is over (although we are often gift wrapping for Christmas up until New Year for the chronically disorganised!).
Christmas cards, 2020 diaries and calendars and other interesting non-book items are selling quickly and are good indicators that 2019 is nearly over and the new decade is close by. We look forward to a busy Christmas and summer and helping everyone find the perfect book for beach, bach or under a shady tree.