Naomi has been clocking up years behind bookshop counters since 2009. She loves to read crime novels and anything historical (fact or fiction!) Her favourite author is Jean Rhys, followed closely by Martin Cruz Smith. She thinks the next best thing to reading books is talking about them, so expect to find her in the shop recommending books left, right and centre. When not reading, Naomi runs (slowly), sews and walks her little dog.

Natalie is a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi novels, with her favourites being the urban fantasy stylings of Leigh Bardugo, Roshani Chokshi and Holly Black. She is also somewhat of a foodie, when not at work she can be found haunting Manchester’s bakeries, taprooms and restaurants. She has a degree in film studies and journalism resulting in a love for theatre!

Lauren likes to read anything sapphic and bordering on the gothic. Her favourite authors include Julie Armfield, Carmen Maria Machado and Eva Baltasar. She has just completed her Masters in Gender, Sexuality and Culture and loves a feminist debate. When she is not reading, Lauren can be found outside. She loves swimming anywhere and everywhere, and spends a lot of her free time in a lake, the sea or the regular swimming pool.

Brooke’s love of books began with the likes of Lemony Snicket and Anthony Horrowitz, ever since she has cherished a love for YA fiction and the glittering worlds it offers. Most recently she has discovered a keen interest in illustration, inspired by Oliver Jeffers latest book tour. Brooke has completed an MA in Publishing with the hope of pursuing a career in children’s book publicity. Originally from a town by the sea, Brooke loves to spend her spare time wild swimming or collecting sea glass – when she’s not curled up with a coffee and a book that is!

Heather is interested in political fiction and non fiction, with authors such as Arundhati Roy, Eric Vuillard, James Baldwin to name a few of her favourites. She loves a well researched novel that gives a grounded factual account of a period/movement, while also bringing a very human side to the story; putting you in the shoes of individuals who lived through the time, those in positions of power, and those who lived with the consequences of their actions. When she’s not in the shop Heather works as an artist. She also enjoys cycling when the rain stops, and the company of friends.

Jenny loves reading books that will help her grow as a person and develop new creative skills. She has a weakness for collecting children’s picture books and could easily spend a day in a cosy cafe, eating pastries and getting lost in beautifully illustrated pages. Besides books, Jenny is a stationery lover who enjoys travelling and exploring places. For the love of creativity, meaningful conversations and making new friends, Jenny runs a sketch club that encapsulates all her passions in life.

Jessica loves to read a variety of genres including: horror, historical fiction, crime, fantasy, and adventure. Trying to choose a favourite novel is really difficult for her, but if forced she might say Jamaica Inn or Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Jessica has a background in languages and literacy and teaches ESOL English classes to asylum seekers and refugees, and tutors other students online. When not working, she is usually curled up with a book or notebook – reading or writing, and enjoy spending time in nature at a local park or lido with family and friends.

Leah returns to House of Books and Friends after four months of traveling! With a love of translated fiction, she has started a book club in her free time. She is also passionate about feminist and LGBT+ non-fiction, memoirs, and will never turn down a dystopian fiction – she likes to imagine how she would fair at the end of the world (spoiler: not great!)

Lily is a mood reader, choosing books that serve to expand on emotion or to comfort. As a result, her taste ranges from lit fiction to nature writing and beyond. With an undergrad in English and Creative writing Lily is a keen writer of essays, short stories and has even had her own poetry published. When not reading or writing Lily can be found hiking, outdoor swimming or curled up with a blanket and a good cup of coffee.

Lydia loves experimental and weird fiction of the Kathy Acker, Nicholson Baker, Missouri Williams variety. She also likes the occasional doorstopper–her favourite book as a child having been Les Miserables–and has recently gotten into crime and sci-fi. She is finishing up a PhD in twentieth century women’s writing, but in her spare time she can be found in the cinema (or at home, trying to relearn the piano).