SHOULDER TO LEAN ON

'Carol Graham is a born storyteller. Her forays into the history, folklore and natural environment of Weardale are equally as engaging as the joyous, often hilarious accounts of the people and creatures in her life.' In her deeply personal voyage, these years have brought a global pandemic, ferocious storm, isolation and ill health, but for Carol her special place really did become as the title suggests that 'shoulder to lean on' in times of trauma, a place of hope and spiritual regeneration. So writes Chris Powell in his Foreword. John and Carol Graham have been loyal customers and fans of Bibliophile for many years and she kindly wrote to our Annie on 26th June with a view to stocking her book. Well just weeks later it was all organised, all the books SIGNED and we are delighted to be presenting stock to our other customers for the first time. Having reached the age of 70 and a turning point in life, Carol and John retired from opening the house as Bed & Breakfast accommodation to guests who came from all over the world and all walks of life. Their own children were set on their own paths and had completed their own families and were growing up alarmingly fast. 'We no longer bred from our little flock of sheep, which had now dwindled to only four pensioners. The house, the garden, the upkeep of outbuildings and fences had become our - very contented! - daily lot. John spent most days in his large workshop mending things, renovating things for other people or creating lovely things out of wood...I cooked and baked in my lovely warm kitchen and did other things with wool in my Hemmel.' Carol is the gadabout, enjoying weekly yoga classes, choir rehearsals, keep fit activities and social visits to friends and regular 500-mile round trips to see the family in Wales. Then Covid-19 struck. Written with great truth and humour, we are privileged to share their lives in this beautiful part of the world. With colour photos, 366 page paperback, other photos and line art as well. All copies SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR.