- Winter is Coming!by Chandra Clarke
Next week the temperatures are set to plunge. Some websites are saying windchills that will make it feel like minus 40. If you are anything like me, you’re already shivering.
We have very different winters in Chatham-Kent, we’re often referred to as the “banana belt” because we don’t often experience cold winters. But I can vividly recall a winter when my children were younger where it was so cold they cancelled school. I was absolutely flabbergasted to read that same winter that a zoo had decided to bring PENGUINS inside because it was so cold. And these were penguins that were designed to handle cold. I had friends who lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota that had their toilet tanks explode because the water in them froze. But on the other hand, I had friends living in Florida who would talk about how hot it was.
I am already prepared for the weather. I have many fuzzy sweaters and many more fuzzy socks. I have an electric blanket that could probably cook an egg on it’s highest setting and I also have several other fuzzy blankets. I was not built for the cold. I am the one who is wearing a sweater when it’s 85 degrees outside because I am still cold. I huddle under blankets when the air con is on.
Turns and Tales has you covered for all things activity wise if you plan to hibernate during the cold snap. We have puzzles, games, lots of mini-models to build, and of course our book store has everything you need to spend the weekend reading. From Romance to Historical Fiction to Romantasy we have you covered. If you are looking for an activity for the family you can pop into our Boardgame Cafe. We have lots of snacks, warm drinks, and a huge library of games for you to play.
Our calendar of events is full of lots of fun things to do too. We have our Midnight Release Party for the third book in the Empyrean series, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Our 80’s movie trivia is January 24th at 6:30. Our Romance Bookclub is January 23rd from 7-9. If you would like to sign up for our events please call 519-354-2233
If you are interested in ordering books or need questions answered about a certain book please call the bookstore at 351-2665.
Stay warm, dress warm, and we hope to see you sometime soon!
- Happy New Year From Turns and Talesby Carla Cummins
It’s New Year’s Eve. Is it just me or did 2024 fly by? It seems like we were just celebrating the beginning of 2024 a few minutes ago.
The New Year represents new beginnings, or maybe even old beginnings. Some of us may make resolutions to read more books, or learn to sing (thankfully that is not one of mine) or maybe to learn to play an instrument. Others may be looking forward to a trip, or a visit with family they haven’t seen in a while. Or still others may be looking for a way to unwind because life has become so busy.
This year saw some amazing books released. Kristin Hannah’s the Women continues to burn up the charts. Brandon Sanderson’s whopping 1835 page long Wind and Truth is an instant best seller on the New York Times best sellers list. James by Percival Everett has also reached Number 1 on several best selling lists. And the perennial Fourth Wing and Iron Flame is enjoying their 76th week and 59th week respectively on best seller lists.
My most anticipated book was Wind and Truth. I have been a Sanderson fan for a while and even have a Sandershelf. I love the prose in his books and the world building is amazing. I am always ready to talk Sanderson so come on in to chat all things Sanderson and beyond. Did you have an anticipated release either book, game, or television show?
Turns and Tales had some pretty fun things happening this year. Our Cards Against Humanity tournaments are always fun. Our book clubs bring together members of the community who love books. Or just want an outing to socialize with friends. Come and join us, we have two book clubs currently. Carla’s which is held every second Thursday of the Month and Rachel’s is every third Thursday . If you’d like to join us, you can RSVP to the store, or just pop in.
We’re always happy to order books or recommend some of our favourite reads as well. If you’d like recommendations or to just chat all things book while munching on yummy treats and/or playing games. We’re always happy to see you.
Have a wonderful New Year and thank you for shopping local!
- Happy Holidays from Turns and Talesby Carla Cummins
It’s almost Christmas! Have you started shopping? Christmas is always a flurry (see what I did there?) of activity for so many people. But, it can also be a time to unwind, to connect with relatives that you only talk to over the phone because of busy schedules and for kids to take a learning break.
This year my oldest child has a new place of her own and has decorated it with trees and tinsel. She has also offered to host her sister, Dad and I for a Christmas celebration. I still managed to keep a secret from her. So I can say for me, Christmas happiness is my oldest child, texting me in all caps about the musical lights I managed to find and then hide in a package I dropped off the other day for her.
We have lots of fun things happening at Turns and Tales for the next few weeks. Our Work In Progress Wednesdays brings together members of our community who might be working on something, be it a book project, a crafty project, or something similar. Feel free to drop in on Wednesdays to connect with others who are working on their items.
Thursdays are our Euchre nights. Drop in to play Euchre or to learn to play Euchre.
Our book clubs also happen every second Thursday of each month. This month Carla’s book club is reading Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. If you enjoyed the Princess Bride, this book will definitely hit all the right spots.
On December 6th we have our Broadway Musical Trivia
For these and any other inquires call us at 519-351-2665
Finally, here are some of our newest releases.
The Shadowed Land Signe Pike
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, The Lost Queen and the Forgotten Kingdom immensely. Given my love of both historical fiction and fantasy, it's not hard to see why I devoured both books.
This is also why I believe there should be a category in Fantasy that's similar to what we called Romantasy. Fantahist. (sounds like a drink you mix with Fanta) Histafant (that sounds like an antihistamine you'd give an elephant) There are several books that could be classified as Historical Fantasy. Babel is another which is also a brilliant book that should be on your radar if you're looking for an unputdownable book.
Gododdin 580 AD. The Battle of the Caledonian Wood. Queen Languoreth, her daughter Angharad and brother Lailoken are all reunited after an absence of some time. Hoping to lead peaceful lives, they are each pulled back into their own paths by that sneaky little item named fate. Another of their party, Artur mac Aedan receives a summons that appears to be from his father. Artur must answer that summons and travels to Dalriada. Languoreth and Lailoken travel to Strathclyde with a passenger who is both dangerous and a former Bishop. All are determined to keep the peace of the kingdom intact as fragile as it is.
Meanwhile, Angharad must travel her own path where she hopes to become the initiate of the Briochan who was a druid who knew how to summon weather which was an ancient Celtic art.
Each follows their destinies and each must decide if heroism is the path they want or the path they're forced to take.
*the story of Languoreth and Lailoken is true. Lailoken is thought to be the inspiration for Merlin (the wizard from Arthurian Mythology). Languoreth was a member of the former Strathclyde Kingdom, no one really knows much about her early but she first appears in historical accounts as the wife of ALT CLUT'S monarch Rydderch Hael.
Her story is fascinating
QuickSilver by Callie Hart
Do not touch the Sword nor turn the key nor open the gate (which hopefully makes a creaking sound if you do)
In the desert there's not much someone wouldn't do to quench their thirst with a glass of water.
24 year old Saeris Fane is an excellent secret keeper. She has kept her magical powers secret, she has kept the fact that she's picked a peck of pockets secret (wouldn't yelling hey, I just picked your pocket nanner nanner, defeat the purpose?) and she's kept the secret that she's been stealing from the Queen.
But, like an itch you can't ignore, her secrets will eventually come to light.
One day, Saeris comes face to face with Death and she then opens a gate between her realm and the realm of ice and snow. There, she discovers that Fae who have always been myth and legend are actually real. And her luck has landed her right in the middle of a feud of epic proportions. This feud just might be the demise of our heroine.
Saeris soon discovers that Death has a name, it's Kingfisher.
Kingfisher is rude, his past is cloudy and his attitude is less than stellar.
And, he is Saeris' only way home.
house of Pounding Hearts by Olivia Wildenstein
I meant to capture the Prince's heart but, I ended up with the King's.
I desired the throne more than anything. So, I did what anyone would do who wanted something, I summoned an ancient deity. But not just any deity. A winged monarch. It was supposed to be my friend, but, that friend told me a lie and then, to make matters worse, that friend imprisoned me. (some friend, hopefully they don't want any favours in the future)
He claims that I am being held captive for my own safety. But he also says that I belong to him, so, that negates the safety part I think. Being asleep for five hundred years sure does give someone delusions of self-importance.
Unfortunately, we share a mind link but we also have our own destinies to consider. I am hoping mine steer me away from this place and this person.
I am soon to find out that this will be harder to achieve than I think it is.
If you are into spicy Romantasy, this is definitely one you will want to pick up.
For these and any other inquires call us at 519-351-2665
- Looking For Your Newest Best Read?by Carla Cummins
- What’s New at Turns & Tales!by Chandra Clarke
What a strange September! We’re ready for the cozy season, but summer has decided to stick around for a while. This means more time to sit outside with an ice cold drink and get to reading!
First this week, we have our very own Chandra Clarke’s new book “Let’s Fix This", with a meet and greet with the author coming soon!
The book breaks down the issues we face and provides practical, step-by-step specific and practical guidance on what you can do to help. The book can be read all in one sitting, or section by section. You can pick what you choose to start with, and what order you do things in. You'll learn:
How to best to push for change at the local, regional, and national levels of your government
What you can do on the job
How to reduce your social media doom-scrolling anxiety
What to do beyond simple boycotts to push corporations to change
How to systematically reduce your personal footprint
220+ pages of step-by-step easy to follow advice
Next on our Newest of the New Releases list is the highly anticipated Dungeons & Dragons Player Handbook!
This week is just jam packed with so many amazing titles including the new Sophie Lark, Brom’s latest release (which looks epic!!)and so much more.
Keep in mind, CK’s own CrowFest is on this week!! Check out all the amazing activities going on downtown!
For links to all our upcoming events, check out www.turnsandtales.com or https://www.opentable.ca/restaurant/profile/1147093 to sign up for trivias, workshops and more!
Winter is Coming!
Next week the temperatures are set to plunge. Some websites are saying windchills that will make it feel like minus 40. If you are anything like me, you’re already shivering. We have very different winters in Chatham-Kent, we’re often referred to as the “banana belt” because we don’t often experience cold winters. But I can
Happy New Year From Turns and Tales
It’s New Year’s Eve. Is it just me or did 2024 fly by? It seems like we were just celebrating the beginning of 2024 a few minutes ago. The New Year represents new beginnings, or maybe even old beginnings. Some of us may make resolutions to read more books, or learn to sing (thankfully that
Happy Holidays from Turns and Tales
It’s almost Christmas! Have you started shopping? Christmas is always a flurry (see what I did there?) of activity for so many people. But, it can also be a time to unwind, to connect with relatives that you only talk to over the phone because of busy schedules and for kids to take a learning

What’s New at Turns & Tales!
What a strange September! We’re ready for the cozy season, but summer has decided to stick around for a while. This means more time to sit outside with an ice cold drink and get to reading! First this week, we have our very own Chandra Clarke’s new book “Let’s Fix This”, with a meet and

Fall Vibes are Here!
Fall is in the air, leaves are turning and the air is crisp.Get ready for the cozy season folks. We’ve got delicious soups, sandwiches and of course, Pumpkin Spice! This week we have our new Fall menu starting, which includes Mac and Cheese and our amazing Chai Hot Chocolate! Add Bacon to me for a