SUNDAY Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin is launching her new novel in Southampton at two free book signing events in aid of the charity Communicare next Tuesday (September 5, 2023).
The acclaimed novelist whose debut book ‘A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting’ reached number three in The Sunday Times Bestsellers list will be joined at the events by Southampton-based crime writer Sam Holland.
Sophie says: “I’m delighted to be hosting these two free book signings in aid of Communicare on Tuesday, September 5 in Southampton. I’ll be at Woolston Library from 2.30-3.30pm and then at the Central Library from 7.30-8.30pm.
“The release of my new book ‘A Lady’s Guide to Scandal’ will be on the same day as ‘A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting’ paperback edition is published, so I will have both books at these two events, which will be a bit special for anyone who comes along, as it’ll be a bit of a first!
“At both book signings, I will be in conversation with Sam Holland, who is also published by HarperCollins. She’s a brilliant local author, who writes crime novels all set in and around Southampton, so a little bit different to my work, but it should be great fun chatting together and giving the audiences an insight into what it’s like being an author. You can find out all about Sam via her website.
“Both events are free to attend, but booking is essential and can be made online via Communicare’s website or by calling the libraries direct.
“I hope lots of people come along. There will be a fundraising raffle at both events to win a hamper of goodies and we’ll have ‘blind date with a book’ lucky dip style runners up prizes too. Attendees will have the opportunity to chat to me about my books and ask any questions they might have. I’m sure Sam would be delighted to answers questions as well.
“I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to October Books for supplying the books for both events. We’ll also be collecting donations at both libraries and we hope people will be able to spare a little something for Communicare, which is such a great charity working to eradicate loneliness and isolation in Southampton.”
October Books will be supplying books for both events, both hardback and paperback editions, and people will be able to purchase them on the day to be signed.
‘A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting’ follows the adventures of unconventional heroine, Kitty Talbot, who throws herself into the London season to find a wealthy husband. But the last thing she expects is to find love…
Sophie grew up in Dorset before moving to south London. She has spent years immersed in studying historical fiction, from a dissertation on how Georgette Heyer helped win World War Two, to time spent in dusty stacks and old tomes losing herself in Regency London researching this book.
Having always been fascinated with the dark and macabre, Sam Holland studied psychology at university then spent the next few years working in HR, before quitting for a full-time career in writing.
A self-confessed serial killer nerd, her debut novel, ‘The Echo Man’, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past. ‘The Twenty’ is her second novel.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at Communicare, said: “We’re so pleased that Sophie has agreed to host these two book signings to help raise money for us and that we’ll also be joined by Sam, who is donating her time for these events too.
“Sophie has written a fantastic debut book and we are really looking forward to hearing about it and having the chance to find out about and buy, her second book too. The money raised on the day will go towards the work we do helping the vulnerable and lonely in Southampton.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighborhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton.
Its services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting around 600 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
Both of Sophie’s book signing events are free to attend but booking is essential and can be made online via Communicare’s website or by calling the libraries direct via 023 8083 3007. When calling, please ask for Central or Woolston library and book a place with the staff at that branch.
To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk or call 023 8250 0050.
