Handpicked Book Subscription

A monthly book subscription with books chosen personally for you.

When I opened The Book Stop, I wanted it to be more than just somewhere to buy books.

I wanted it to be the sort of bookshop where people linger. Where conversations begin with, “I’ve just finished…” or “Can you recommend something a bit different?” Where readers discover authors they’ve never heard of and leave with a book they never expected to buy.

I’ve spent most of my working life surrounded by books. I’ve been an English teacher, a school librarian, a book reviewer and now a bookseller. For years I’ve helped children, students and adults discover stories they might never have found on their own, and I’ve learned that the best recommendations rarely come from bestseller lists or algorithms. They come from conversations.

“I loved Lessons in Chemistry.”

“I’m looking for something uplifting.”

“I’ve read loads of crime. Surprise me.”

Those are my favourite conversations.

That’s why The Book Stop Handpicked Book Subscription is different.

Rather than sending everyone the same mystery book each month, I’ll get to know you. I’ll ask about the books you’ve loved, the authors you return to, the ones that didn’t quite hit the mark, and the genres you’ve never dared to try. Then, each month, I’ll choose a book especially for you.

Sometimes it’ll be exactly what you’re hoping for.

Sometimes I’ll gently encourage you to step outside your comfort zone.

Whatever arrives, it’ll be a book I’ve chosen because I genuinely believe you’ll enjoy it.

One of the greatest pleasures of bookselling is hearing someone say, “I’d never have picked that up myself, but I absolutely loved it.”

Whether you visit me in Brigg or our conversations happen through your monthly feedback, that’s exactly the relationship I hope we’ll build.

Simple, fair pricing

There are no additional subscription fees.

You’ll simply pay the normal retail price of the book I’ve chosen for you, plus postage.

If your book costs £10.99, that’s what you’ll pay.

If it costs £14.99, that’s what you’ll pay.

If I choose a book with a higher cover price, I’ll never charge you more than £19.99 for the book itself.

How it works

1. Tell me about your reading

When you subscribe, you’ll complete a short reading profile.

I’ll ask about your favourite books and authors, what you’ve enjoyed recently, books that haven’t worked for you, whether you’re happy to try something different, and any genres you’d rather avoid.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to write. Even a handful of favourite books will give me a wonderful place to start.

2. I’ll choose your book

This is where I get to do one of my favourite things.

Each month I’ll personally choose a book that I genuinely believe you’ll enjoy. Sometimes it’ll be exactly your sort of read. Sometimes it might surprise you in the very best way.

Every recommendation is chosen by me.

No algorithms.

No automated suggestions.

Just thoughtful bookselling, years of experience and a genuine love of matching readers with books.

As I get to know your reading tastes, my recommendations will become even more personal.

3. A little parcel through your letterbox

Your book will arrive beautifully wrapped, because opening a new book should always feel like a treat.

Inside you’ll find:

A brand-new book chosen especially for you.
A personal note explaining why I selected it.
From time to time, a bookmark or another little bookish surprise.

4. Tell me what you thought

The conversation doesn’t end when the book arrives.

I’d love to hear what you thought. Tell me what you loved, what didn’t quite work, or whether you’ve discovered a new favourite author.

The more feedback you give me, the better I’ll get to know your reading tastes, making each month’s recommendation even more personal.

My hope is that, before long, your subscription feels less like receiving a parcel in the post and more like having your own personal bookseller.

The practical bits

Your subscription renews automatically each month unless you choose to pause or cancel it.
Your first book will be dispatched during the first week of the month following your order. After that, your handpicked book will be sent during the first week of each month.
Most selections will be brand-new paperbacks, although from time to time I may surprise you with a hardback or special edition at no extra charge.
Every subscription is personalised, so subscribers won’t necessarily receive the same book.
If you’ve already read the book I’ve chosen, simply let me know before it’s dispatched and I’ll happily choose another.
You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.