Harpenden Books

10/09/2026

The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day,
"Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay..."
"Tell me about her, Daddy, do!
Will she be just like me and you?"
"Not exactly," the Gruffalo said...

The Gruffalo Granny is out today, come grab your copy!

05/09/2026

The Archipelago is ablaze with bandits and a deadly treasure hunt sets motion in the third instalment of Rundell’s elegant and enthralling Impossible Creatures series, which finds a beloved character kidnapped and held to ransom. And our exclusive editions with sprayed edges couldn’t be more gorgeous!

05/09/2026

Buckeye has my whole heart. ❤️

This is the kind of book that quietly creeps up on you. It’s tender, compassionate and deeply human — the sort of story where seemingly small moments suddenly have you putting the book down just to take a breath.

Set in a small Ohio town in the aftermath of WWII, this is a story about love, loss, secrets, family and the ways the choices we make can ripple through generations. But honestly, the plot almost feels secondary to the people. I cared so deeply about these characters and their capacity for love, kindness and forgiveness.

I laughed. I held back tears more than once. And by the end, I had that wonderful, slightly aching feeling you get when a book has reminded you exactly why you love reading.

Sweeping but intimate, Buckeye is beautifully observed and incredibly moving.

My book of the year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And honestly… I’m jealous of anyone who gets to read this for the first time. 😭❤️

04/08/2026

Do you plan to read any or indeed, all The Booker Prizes long list? Let us know in the comments below 📚

04/08/2026

In a world of texts, tweets, and endless scrolling — remember when someone would sit down, pick up a pen, and write to you?

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a beautifully written novel, yes — but what makes it special is what it asks of us: to slow down and remember the quiet power of a handwritten letter. In an age of constant notifications and endless disconnection, this book is a gentle reminder that real connection takes time, intention, and a little bit of ink.

Some stories entertain you. This one makes you want to write to someone you love. 💌

📖 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Winner of The Women’s Prize for Fiction. Come and pick up a copy in store today!

10/07/2026

Are we slightly obsessed with Women's Prize fiction winner The Correspondent by Virginia Evans ? Yes we are! It’s a truly wonderful book. Have you read it?

Huge thanks to Cissy for her beautiful creation.

The Correspondent, in paperback and in store!

08/07/2026

Some love stories are bigger than just two@people. This one is told by friends, flatmates, exes and strangers - everybody but the main characters. Bobby Palmer's latest novel is moving, funny, wise and charmingly written, it will stay with you long after you finish it.

20/06/2026

20/06/2026

📚 “THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!” 🤣

That’s the reaction we had from one very enthusiastic customer who walked into store after reading Tom’s Crossing — and he didn’t stop there… he’s read it three times, annotated his copy, and told us that no other Western compares.

More than just a Western, Tom’s Crossing is a story of resilience, family and the bonds that carry us through impossible odds — a gripping adventure that stays with you long after the final page.

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? 🎁 Treat Dad to a story he won’t be able to put down — and one he might just want to read three times too!

🤠 Available now in store.

19/06/2026

We are delighted to share the shortlist for the 2026 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. Over 750 booksellers have been reading for the final prize this year, we already have some favourites so it's time we share those with you. Come and see us, pick a copy or two and let's start the discussion! Winner will be announced on thursday 16th of July.