Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Octavias Bookshop Octavia's Bookshop in Cirencester ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/blog/) - [My Year in Books 2025 by Octavia](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2026/01/06/my-year-in-books-2025-by-octavia/) - Here is my year in books. Some I have reviewed, some I haven’t, most I loved but a few I didn’t but this is what I read throughout the year. Click here to read My Year in Books 2025 - [Just a Little Dinner](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2018/08/09/just-a-little-dinner/) - By Cecile Tlili, paperback £12.99, adult fiction (reviewed by Octavia) ‘Just a Little Dinner’ is a really elegant read. A dinner party in a Parisian Apartment, one very hot summers evening, where its guest’s desires and downfalls, feelings and fears are so vividly portrayed with such accomplished writing. It is also a beautifully produced little - [Us](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2025/08/09/us/) - By David Nicholls, paperback £9.99, adult fiction (reviewed by Octavia) I loved this book. It was very funny and has some cracking characters I really cared about. A seemingly happy couple, one a scientist, one an artist and their teenage son, embark on a tour of Europe. It could be the adventure they need or - [Wild Thing](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/01/10/chaos-and-flame/) - By Sue Prideaux, paperback £12.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Octavia) Paul Gauguin has always been my favourite artist. I loved studying him as part of my degree. Even though I mainly read fiction, I really enjoyed ‘Wild Thing’. Here he is bought to life once more but this time using new material and family archives - [The Wildest Dream Bookshop](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/01/22/a-nearly-normal-family/) - By Gracie Page, paperback £9.99, teen fiction (reviewed by Octavia) As a lover of Cornwall and of course independent bookshops, this was the perfect teen romance. A really sweet story set in a sleepy seaside town. London girl meets surfer boy and some other lovely local characters, whilst helping to save her aunt’s eccentric, yet - [The Crisp Sommelier: The Ultimate Guide to Crisp and Drink Pairings](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/02/22/the-paris-apartment/) - By Neil Ridley, hardback £12.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Clare) One of those genius ideas that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it before. Meticulously researched (with very specific brand suggestions), this creates flavour sensations by pairing drinks, both alcoholic and non, with the perfect crisp to bring out the best in both with - [What I Ate In One Year (and related thoughts)](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/03/22/daisy-jones-and-the-six/) - By Stanley Tucci, paperback £10.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Clare) Food, family, film stars: a glimpse into Stanley’s kitchen complete with the sort of delicious daily detail that delights anyone who’s even slightly nosy about other people’s lives (and what they eat for their tea). Featuring Harry Styles and Robert Downey Jr dropping round for - [Diary of a Big Bad Wolf](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/04/22/tess-of-the-durbervilles/) - By Ben Miller, hardback £12.99, 7-12 fiction (reviewed by Antony) Diary of a Big Bad Wolf is an energetic reinvention of a beloved character. Full of wit, empathy, and surprise it turns the “villain's” tale on its head and invites readers to root for Lawrence, the wolf, even as his plans hilariously unravel. With bold - [Twitch](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/05/13/team-review-no-9/) - By M.G. Leonard, paperback £7.99, 8-12 fiction (reviewed by Antony) Twitch follows 12-year-old Corvus “Twitch” Featherstone, a shy bird enthusiast who cares for pigeons, chickens, and swallows nesting in his bedroom. During the summer holidays, his birdwatching haven, Aves Wood, is disrupted by the presence of police searching for an escaped convict suspected of hiding - [The Wycherleys](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/06/13/team-review-no-8/) - By Annaliese Avery, paperback £9.99, teen fiction (reviewed by Emily) This book is the perfect mix of swoon-worthy balls, heart pounding mysteries and forbidden romance. Having cursed magic means Aurelia Wycherley has no hope of finding her perfect match to tether to by the end of this season. Matters are only made worse when witches - [The Lost Island of Tamarind](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/07/22/escape-room/) - By Nadia Aguiar, paperback £7.99, 8-12 fiction (reviewed by Emily) The first in a trilogy, I adored this book from start to finish. Tamarind is a place that will instantly capture your imagination, a magical world reminiscent of Narnia or Wonderland. Set in the Caribbean, the story follows three siblings: Maya who longs for more - [I want my Hat Back ](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/08/01/team-review-no-7/) - By Jon Klassen, board book £7.99, 1-5 years (reviewed by Polly) When I say that although this book is aimed at a younger audience it will entertain any age with ease I sincerely mean it. The gorgeous illustrations portray so much charisma and charm through simple facial expressions and endearing characters that they alone will - [The Rose Bargain ](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/09/22/team-review-no-6/) - By Sasha Peyton Smith, hardback £16.99, young adult fiction (reviewed by Polly) This fantasy romance book is not only beautiful looking but also beautifully written. It captures a slight sense of dark romance mixed with bewitching settings and characters so easy to fall head over heels for. Without feeling too overwhelming or too out of reach - [NO 1 FOR CHILDREN](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-1-for-children-2/) - Turtle Moon by Hannah Gold, hardback, £14.99 (for ages 8-12 years) - [NO 2 FOR CHILDREN](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-2-for-children-2/) - My Dog by Olivia Wakeford, paperback, £7.99 (for ages 8-12 years) - [NO 3 FOR CHILDREN](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-3-for-children-2/) - I am Emily the Owl by Pam Ayres, hardback, £12.99 (for ages 1-5 years) - [NO 4 FOR CHILDREN](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-4-for-children-2/) - Fireborne by Rosaria Munda, paperback, £9.99 (for young adults) - [NO 5 FOR CHILDREN](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-5-for-children-2/) - The Wildest Dreams Bookshop by Gracie Page, paperback, £8.99 (for young adults) - [No 1 FOR GROWN-UPS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-1-for-grown-ups-2/) - The Glass Maker by Tracy Chevalier, paperback, £9.99 - [No 2 FOR GROWN-UPS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-2-for-grown-ups-2/) - The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey, paperback, £9.99 - [No 3 FOR GROWN-UPS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-3-for-grown-ups-2/) - The Penguin Lessons (Non-Fiction) by Tom Michell, paperback, £10.99 - [No 4 FOR GROWN-UPS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-4-for-grown-ups-2/) - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, paperback, £9.99 - [No 5 FOR GROWN-UPS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2020/10/26/no-5-for-grown-ups-2/) - The Impossible Journey (Non-Fiction) by Thor Pedersen, hardback, £25.00 - [11AM SATURDAY 4TH MAY – BOOK SIGNING AND FUN WITH JO EMPSON](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/04/23/11am-saturday-4th-may-book-signing-and-fun-with-jo-empson/) - Who will be crowned the most beautiful of all at the Jungle Jamboree? Lion, Leopard, Hippo, Bird or Zebra? The jungle creatures all try to change themselves in this beautiful book, bursting with wild splashes of colour and hilarious animal antics. But Fly has a surprise in store – soon the animals learn that they - [6-7 YEARS BOOK GROUP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/05/15/6-7-years-book-group/) - Notso Hotso by Anne Fine It was funny and weird. I loved the book. It was one of my favourite books. - [7-8 YEARS BOOK GROUP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/05/15/7-8-years-book-group/) - Elspeth Hart and the School for Show-offs by Sarah Forbes It was my favourite book ever! I read it on the day I got it. I really like the characters and I love the story. I can’t wait to read the next book. It was written fantastically and in a way that you can’t stop - [8-9 YEARS BOOK GROUP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/05/15/8-9-years-book-group/) - Kat Wolfe Investigates by Lauren St John One of the greatest mystery novels in the whole space of time! Kat Wolfe investigates opens a whole world of suspense and mystery with a great plot. - [10-12 YEARS BOOK GROUP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/05/15/10-12-years-book-group/) - School for Skylarks by Sam Angus Lyla Spence is not prepared for school. Mop doesn’t believe in school so why should she? But when one turns up on the doorstep she is made to join as they are her guests. Then when she thinks all is foggy, she meets a friend called cat and soon - [12-13 YEARS BOOK GROUP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/05/15/12-13-years-book-group/) - Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine Iris has never met her father and has grown up to believe that he abandoned her and didn’t care. But now he wants to meet her as he’s on his death bed. He has a priceless art collection that he wants to hand over to her, along with many - [TEEN BOOK GROUP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/05/15/teen-book-group/) - S.T.A.G.S by M.A. Bennett If you like mystery books, then this one is definitely for you. Nine students and a very deadly weekend can be more than anticipated as a deadly disaster. Join Greer on the hunt for acceptance. Will she be accepted by the Medievals? Maybe Henry? Huntin’ Shootin’ Killin’. Sometimes the answer lies - [Save the date for 2019 book week](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/02/08/save-the-date-for-2019-book-week/) - A host of special events in the Book Shop from Monday 29th July to Saturday 3rd August. More details to follow. - [Authors for Oceans](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/2019/02/08/authors-for-oceans/) - In support of some of our favourite authors; Lauren St John, Michael Morpurgo, Katherine Rundell and Piers Torday, to name just a few, we will NOT be giving plastic bags with books. AUTHORS4OCEANS, OCEANS ARE NOT RUBBISH launches today… please support them and this brilliant campaign to save the oceans! Authors4Oceans ## Pages - [Independent Bookshop in Cirencester](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/) - BOOK EVENTS Find out what's going on and when; book signings, events and more... Don't Miss It SCHOOL ACCOUNTS We offer a bespoke service for schools including recommendations for all ages with great help for reluctant readers MORE INFORMATION GREAT GIFT IDEAS We can recommend the perfect present for everyone. READ GIFT VOUCHERS The perfect - [Book Events](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/book-events/) - Please check back for upcoming events. - [GET IN TOUCH](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/find-us/) - Octavia’s Bookshop24 Black Jack StreetCirencesterGL7 2AA Tel: 01285 650677Email: info@octaviasbookshop.co.uk Opening times:Monday to Friday 10:00am till 5:00pmSaturday 9:00am till 5:00pmSunday 10:00am till 4:00pm WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL! You can also find us on social media - [Top 10 Gifts for Christmas](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/top-10-gifts/) - Top Five Gifts for Children 1. The Complete Chronicles of Narnia (illustrated anniversary edition) by C.S Lewis, hardback, £40.00 2. A Visit to Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem, hardback, £14.99 3. The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold, hardback, £14.99 4. The Rose Field: The Book of Dust Volume 3 by Philip Pullman, hardback, £25.00 5. - [GREAT GIFT IDEAS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/great-gift-ideas/) - Please also take a look at our Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas The Moomins by my Mum, £48.00 (for all ages) Book-Tails Bookmarks £8.99 The Really Tiny Booklights £8.99 The Electronic Dictionary Bookmarks £24.99 Poo Bingo £18.99 and Usborne Jigsaws £9.99 Lots of lovely book character toys We also have...Our Own Beautiful Bookshop Bags! £8.00 - [WE ALSO DO](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/we-also-do/) - Octavia’s Bookshop Loyalty CardMake sure you ask for a loyalty card the first time you visit us – for every nine books you buy, you get one free! So, start collecting the stamps. Octavia’s Bookshop Gift VouchersA great gift for everyone – in £5 denominations. We even sell greetings cards to put them in! National - [Book Vouchers](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/book-spa-vouchers/) - Octavia’s Bookshop Gift Vouchers A great gift for everyone – in £5 denominations. We even sell greetings cards to put them in! - [Rehome a Moomin](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/rehome-a-moomin/) - The Moomins and My Mum We have also become well known for our original, bespoke, beautiful Moomins. They make our window displays such fun but also sell like hotcakes to both children and grown-ups due to their retro appeal but also endearing faces, plump forms and beautifully hand-made outfits. Which leads me to introduce you - [Meet the Team](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/meet-the-team/) - Anthony Anthony has been in bookselling for even longer than me. He began at Ottakar’s, which became Waterstones, and is now continuing his passion for books by working here. Anthony has two young sons who he loves reading to, and teaching to read. He himself has always loved reading children’s books and enjoys sharing recommendations - [OUR TOP 10](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/our-top-10/) - Here are some of our current favourites, but do come and visit us for our personalised choices for you. Top 5 books for Children Top 5 books for Grown-Up's - [ME & MY SHOP](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/me-my-shop/) - WELCOME TO MY BOOKSHOP! The Bookseller Best Independent Children’s Bookseller 2013 We opened our doors in March 2011 on a truly memorable day with Lauren St John cutting the purple and gold ribbons! And what fun we’ve been having ever since. I have always been passionate about children’s literature and learnt about the book business - [OCTAVIA'S FAVE LINKS](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/octavias-fave-links/) - For Book Week 2019 we raised awareness for Authors4Oceans: www.authors4oceans.org/ Delighted to be supporting Read for Good – a wonderful organisation getting books and storytelling into hospital for children. Their website is www.readforgood.org And also Timmy’s Trust – a fantastic local charity supporting children with cancer and Leukemia in the UK. www.timmystrust.org/ These are the websites of some - [Reviews](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/reviews/) - Reviews from our bookgroups Reviews from our team - [Achievements](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/achievements/) - We are really proud to have been shortlisted and won both National and local bookshop awards on numerous occasions. 2019 Awarded BEST SHOP in the Cotswolds 2019 thanks to the Cotswolds Awards by Cotswolds Concierge in partnership with Cotswolds Tourism - [PHOTO GALLERY](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/photo-gallery/) - Check out our lovely gallery of photos from our many events. Thanks to all the wonderful authors and friends that join us to make it all worthwhile. Book Week Book Signings Moomins Seasonal Our Team - [Schools](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/schools/) - Octavia’s Bookshop offers a bespoke service for schools including recommendations for all ages with great help for reluctant readers, stock picks and 10% discount with account facilities. Ask Octavia for more information. ## Categories - [News](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/category/news/) - [Bookgroup Reviews](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/category/reviews/) - [Octavia's Top 10](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/category/octavias-top-10/) - [Top 5 books for children](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/category/octavias-top-10/top5_books_for_children/) - [Top 5 books for grown-ups](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/category/octavias-top-10/top5_books_for_grown-ups/) - [Reviews from the team](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/category/our-reviews/) ## Tags - [Book week](https://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/tag/book-week/)