Medina Book Shop

'A Merciful Sea' book launch with Katie Daysh
2025-03-29 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
An ocean divides them. Can their love survive the battles to come?Arthur Courtney is a commander without a ship and without purpose. So when old friend Captain Henry Harrison offers him a place onboard HMS Lion, bound to join Nelson’s fleet in the Mediterranean, he is eager for the opportunity.
But onboard discipline has broken down; Harrison is not the captain he once was. Added to this, Courtney has agreed to a troubling deal in order to serve: marriage to Harrison’s sister-in-law, Tabitha Sandham. He fears he will have to choose between his career and his love for Hiram Nightingale.
In England, Nightingale’s life is shaken by the death of his father and by the re-appearance of the Lion, the ship that caused him such pain. When threatening notes are received at his and Courtney’s cottage on the Isle of Wight, he vows to find out the truth behind them. But it appears there is more trouble on the island than simply the threatening messages.
So while Courtney defends the sea, Nightingale must help protect England’s shores from calamity. A stunning and romantic historical adventure of the sea from the author of Leeward, a Times Historical Novel of the Year 2023.

'The Alchemist's Oracle' launch with Zoe Sadler
2025-04-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Set out on an enchanting journey with The Alchemist’s Oracle, where ancient alchemy brews a magical concoction of self-transformation. Step into the mystical realms where ordinary life merges with the extraordinary, revealing secrets to illuminate your path. Within this bewitching deck, each card is a potion, an elixir for your soul. Unlock the wisdom of the alchemical symbols and elements, guiding you through a playful odyssey of self-discovery. This deck is more than a tool; it’s your spirited companion, a whimsical passport to a world where self-love and emotional wellbeing grow in abundance. Let this oracle be your guide, leading you to the heart of transformation. Just as alchemists turn lead into gold, you’ll embark on your personal metamorphosis. The Alchemist’s Oracle invites you to sip from the cauldron of your inner wisdom, embracing a richer, purposeful life. A whimsical and quirky deck for budding alchemists – will appeal to younger as well as more seasoned readers Merges a playful and light-hearted approach with genuinely transformative guidance Combines artist and alchemist Zoe Sadler’s lifelong passions for nature, medicinal plants, and ancient wisdom Each card is a piece of art, infused with the essence of alchemy and the natural world and inspired by a (metaphorical) magic potion with transformative properties.

'Wild Seas, Wilder Cities' Book Launch Event
2025-04-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Wild Seas, Wilder Cities takes an upbeat look at the small changes that ordinary people are making which add up to create a healthier, happier and more sustainable world. Many talented writers and poets have contributed and many different tales are told. The launch is an opportunity to mix with fellow readers, authors and poets, and to learn more about what’s happening on the Isle of Wight, in the Solent and across the water.

An Evening In The Company Of Marnie Riches
2025-04-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
When Gill Swanley decides to take up gardening to fight a midlife malaise, she never expected it to become quite such a dangerous hobby.
Pushing herself to ‘get out there’, Gill picks herself up the secateurs and joins the Bromley Botanists. Here she finds a seven-strong group whose main agenda is how to win the coveted Golden Trowel for best community club of the year.
But when a dead body turns up in the community greenhouse, they suddenly have more serious matters to consider than victory. They must uncover whether their arch-rivals, Croydon, are taking things to another level or whether someone more dangerous is targeting their rag tag group.
Can they dig up the truth before someone else is left pushing up the daisies?
Marnie Riches grew up on a rough estate in north Manchester. Exchanging the spires of nearby Strangeways prison for those of Cambridge University, she gained a Masters in German & Dutch. She has been a punk, a trainee rock star, a pretend artist and professional fundraiser. Aside from literary pursuits, gardening is her passion.
Marnie’s award-winning crime-thriller debut, The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die, is ten years old this spring, and in that decade she has become a bestselling contributor to the genre, with four critically acclaimed series and hundreds of thousands of books sold in the UK alone. The Gardeners’ Club – a must-read for Richard Osman fans – may be Marnie’s twelfth murder mystery, but it is her first foray into cosy crime…with a horticultural twist!
When she isn’t writing about murder most foul, Marnie teaches academic writing for the Royal Literary Fund. She has been a course tutor and supervisor for Cambridge University’s Masters in crime- and thriller-writing. She teaches crime-writing for New Writing North and has also taught the Faber Novel Writing Course. She pens historical romance under the pseudonym, Maggie Campbell.
www.marnieriches.com

'The Restless Coast' talk with author Roger Morgan-Grenville £5
2025-07-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
The island of Britain has over 10,000 miles of coastline, steeped in history and constantly shifting, changing, adapting and providing. The Restless Coast is a moving and beautiful account of a journey around it, during which the author travels its length to discover its challenges and opportunities, and to talk to the people trying to protect it. At once delightful travelogue and passionate defence, The Restless Coast shines a powerful spotlight into the thin line that surrounds us, and defines our status as islanders.
Overarching the journey is the extraordinary natural history of the coastline, together with the story of how man has imprinted himself on its very geology and shape for countless centuries. Into the account, Roger Morgan-Grenville threads the modern challenges that the shoreline faces, and the people who are trying to protect it. At once informative, angry and funny, The Restless Coast is a very personal love letter to our island edge.

Figlet 4 Book Launch SOLD OUT
2025-07-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
This edition explores the theme “Feast or Famine” — and the evening promises a rich serving of spoken word performances from some of the island’s most exciting voices, plus live music—and a chance to get your hands on the brand-new edition hot off the press.

'Victory in Australia: the Remarkable Story of England's Greatest Ashes Triumph 1954-55', Author talk by Richard Whitehead
2025-07-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
The Ashes series of 1954–55 marked a watershed moment in the history of English cricket. Under the leadership of Len Hutton, the national team’s first professional captain, one of the greatest
group of players ever to represent England won an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in more than 20 years. It is a feat that has been repeated only four times in more than 70 years since. But Hutton’s men had to overcome the additional obstacle of losing heavily in the first Test – only one England team has managed to win an overseas Ashes series after such a monumental setback.
The names of the cricketers who locked horns in 1954–55 resonate down the decades – Hutton’s team included Denis Compton, Frank Tyson, Brian Statham, Trevor Bailey, Godfrey Evans, Peter May and Colin Cowdrey. Among their Australian opponents were Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Neil Harvey and Richie Benaud. In the 1950s, these players were not just elite sportsmen, they were household names.
An Ashes series for the ages is brought thrillingly to life in this momentous slice of sporting and social history.
Richard Whitehead worked in newspapers for nearly 40 years, spending 21 of them in a variety of senior roles at The Times, including spells in the sport, books and obituaries sections. He has been writing obituaries for Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack since 2012. His previous books include The Cup: a Pictorial Celebration of the World’s Greatest Football Tournament, The Times on the Ashes and Warne in Wisden.
Monday 14th July 6.30pm
Tickets £5 (refundable on the purchase of the book)
‘Elegant and evocative … the definitive word on England’s most astonishing Ashes tour ever’ – Matthew Engel
‘A wonderfully full-bodied account, alert to every human and social as well as cricketing nuance’ – David Kynaston
‘A masterpiece of research and narrative skill’ – Leo McKinstry
‘An outstanding addition to cricket’s literature … Richard Whitehead marvellously recreates one of the great tours of the 20th century’ – Duncan Hamilton

'THE LAST GREAT EVENT' Book Launch
2025-08-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
The 1970 Festival was a record-breaking event. It spanned five days and nights with an audience widely reported to have reached 600,000. For the first time, Ray Foulk delves into contemporary reports, revealing the arguments that raged at both local and national level. His inside story concludes with the parliamentary battle to stop the Island event and the attempt to ban all open air festivals nationwide.
“If you were one of the half a million music fans who made their way like raggle-taggle gypsies to the Isle of Wight 1970 then you will absolutely love this backstage look at a great moment in rock history.” Ray Connolly, Daily Mail

An Evening With Larry Lamb (at Island Sailing Club)
2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RE, United Kingdom
London, Thursday 8th May 2025: Larry Lamb has today announced a UK book tour that sees him travel from Billericay in Essex to Barry Island in South Wales, in support of his debut novel, All Wrapped Up.
The extensive tour itinerary gives a nod to Larry’s much-loved alter-ego, Mick Shipman, from acclaimed sitcom Gavin & Stacey, and will include festival appearances, book signings and ‘audience with’ events across the UK.
Larry’s novel, All Wrapped Up is set amidst political turmoil on a Caribbean island. It follows the story of Killian Wilde, the first assistant director, who is determined to see his film through – if the chaos doesn’t consume them first. Between managing an impossible lead actor, navigating power struggles on and off set, and a crew member vanishing under mysterious circumstances, the production is at risk of falling apart.
Blending sharp dialogue, rich behind-the-scenes detail, and the grit of a top-notch crew, All Wrapped Up is a compelling portrait of a non-blockbuster filmmaking under fire – where the real battle isn’t just on screen.
Informed by his years of experience in film and television, Larry Lamb gives an inside look at the industry; the trials, tribulations, and hard-won successes of producing a piece of cinema.
Larry Lamb said: “For the past 17 years, it’s been such an honour to play the ever-popular Mick Shipman,
Gavin’s dad. Fans of the show often ask me what it’s like to work on a TV or film set – and I hope that my novel gives them a glimpse into that world.”
Larry Lamb is a storyteller like no other. Some of my fondest memories of being on theset of Gavin and Stacey were listening to Larry tell incredible stories.” – James Corden
“Hooray, at last, an insight into the unsung hero, at the helm of making filming magic. This intriguing story illuminates the tightrope day-to-day tasks of a 1st assistant director and the crew, on and off a film set – that has never been touched on before. Mr Lamb pulls no punches. It is speedy, sexy and amusingly truthful. I loved it.” – Celia Imrie

'RUST' Book Launch with Paul Littler
2025-10-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
It’s the year 1100.
Lord Rust is a vampire. He’s bad tempered and distracted having killed the King of England. His problems have only just begun. Honore, a vampire queen, learns of an approaching danger. When you have ambitions, it’s an opportunity too good to miss. With the help of an undead archbishop, a cryptic prophecy and a village of revolting peasants. Rust and Honore must join forces or witness the destruction of their kind.

'Jellyfish' by Robin Ford - BOOK LAUNCH
2025-11-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Ranging across three distinct sections, Robin Ford’s Jellyfish demonstrates a mastery of language in the service of deep emotions and the complex challenges of the way we live now. Acutely observed, the poems capture the essence of life on a small island, offering a perspective that can move from the satirical to the poignant, and focussing on the interplay of beauty and tragedy that surrounds us all. From the subtle nuances of daily life to profound reflections on human existence, the natural world and gender, Jellyfish is a collection that will resonate deeply as we story the lives we lead.

'Ukrainian Paws and Whiskers on the Island' Book Launch
2025-12-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Come join us for a cosy book launch at Medina Bookshop, Cowes, celebrating a heartwarming and funny children’s book about the adventures of four Ukrainian refugees — a cat, a dog, a guinea pig, and their owner Marusya — who arrive on the Isle of Wight to be hosted by the kind English couple, Mr and Mrs Watkins.
They soon discover that life on the island is full of surprises. Coming from a world where what’s supposed to be left turns out to be right, and what’s supposed to be right turns out to be left, the characters stumble into playful misunderstandings and funny discoveries at every turn. With charm, humor, and warmth, their story shows how even in the strangest situations, friendship, laughter, and kindness can help everyone feel at home in a new land.
This self-published book was created in collaboration with Odessa-born illustrator Yana Barabash, and together we hope to celebrate the growing friendship between two nations. Through humour and relatable cultural differences — just like in the story — we aim to help children and adults understand one another a little better.
The book also highlights and promotes the beautiful artwork of Yana Barabash, who arrived on the Island as a refugee. The original idea of Marusya and her pets coming to the Isle of Wight was hers, and we are delighted to share her talent with a wider audience.

BOOK LAUNCH 'Conscious Upgrade: Reprogram Your Subconscious, Activate Your Superconscious' with Jane Giles
2026-02-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Jane, who lives and works on the Isle of Wight, has spent more than 20 years supporting clients through anxiety, phobias, low mood, confidence issues and life transitions. Throughout her career, she has repeatedly heard clients say, “Why has no one ever explained this to me before?”
That question inspired her to write Conscious Upgrade – a practical, accessible manual designed to help people understand how their thinking works, and how to consciously use it to create lasting change.
Written in the same clear, everyday language Jane uses in her therapy sessions, Conscious Upgrade explains how the brain “uploads” the information we feed it, and how this shapes behaviour, emotions and outcomes.
Drawing on two decades of clinical experience, Jane shows readers how to retrain neural networks and reprogramme the subconscious into a version they consciously choose.
Jane says,
“This book is about empowerment.
“When people realise they are not at the mercy of their subconscious patterns, real change becomes possible.”
The book is structured as a practical manual, meaning readers can dip into the sections most relevant to them rather than reading cover to cover.
It addresses over 30 of the most common issues Jane has worked with: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, phobias, confidence, self-esteem, motivation, addiction, health anxiety, sleep issues, IBS, pain management, unwanted habits, fears (including flying, needles, spiders and dogs), relationship challenges, weight loss support, smoking cessation and performance improvement.
Each chapter is supported by free hypnotherapy audios available on YouTube, transforming the book from something to read into an immersive experience.
One client describes the impact of Jane’s work,
“Working with Jane completely changed my life. She helped me understand my anxiety in a way that finally made sense, and gave me tools I still use every day.
“Difficult relationships that once felt overwhelming are now easy to navigate. I feel calmer, more confident, and in control.”

'The Reds And The Greys' BOOK LAUNCH with Edmund Matyjaszek
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
On the Isle of Wight, for as long as anyone can remember, red squirrels have lived in peace and tranquillity UNTIL…a report came, their deadliest enemy, the grey squirrel had arrived! The animals of the island alone could not stop them. So the High Heron of Wootton, Guardian of the Isle, hatches a plan.
One night, he sends Red, the island squirrel, to the window of a lonely schoolboy who lives near the sea…..to start to marshal humans, animals, birds and horses to combine IN DEFENCE OF THE ISLE!
A published poet, author & playwright Edmund Matyjaszek has lived on the Isle of Wight for over 20 years and brought up his family there. He is a former Director and Trustee of the Poetry Society, and former Principal of Priory School of Our Lady of Walsingham. In addition to the professional stage, he has written and performed for schools, hospitals, charities and churches and frequently gives readings. Recent commissions include “Reporting from Jerusalem” and “The Passover Investigation” for Radio Maria England.
