Valentine's Day, a day to show your love and appreciation to your loved ones, is just around the corner. But a day earlier than that, and we land on an unofficial, yet endearing day, Galantines Day!

But what is Galentine's Day you ask? Well, let us tell you...

Galantine's Day is still very much about love, but it's about showing our appreciation to the people that have been with us through thick and thin, our friends. Galantine's Day gives you the opportunity to thank your friends for their love and support, and even better, gives you that chance to spend some time with them! We thought of some things that you can do to spend your time wisely with your besties:

- Go for a meal, you all deserve it!

- A nice walk through the countryside, which gives you time to wind down, and focus on the important things.

- Go adventure-seeking, try something together you haven't tried before! 

Whatever you do, we are sure that your friends appreciate you! In the meantime, we have some fantastic books about friends, sure to put a smile on your face!

Precious Gems

Sue Brady

£8.99

Pearl and Ruby - two precious gems - are friends for life.

For eighty years, from the very first day they are put together in school, Pearl and Ruby are firm friends, through all the weddings, children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

The world around them may change but their friendship remains strong.

We first meet them, aged nearly ninety, dealing with all that old age brings. Through flashbacks, we find out about their long, mainly happy, lives, how they met their husbands and the joy of children.

Their children grow up together and are firm friends. They take great delight in each other's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and have many happy memories to share, as well as the sadness for those who have already left this world.

But how do you deal with the knowledge that your own life is probably coming to an end, even if it is after ninety years?

Get yourself a copy, here!

Marty and Jonnie

Douglas Stewart

£8.99

Jonny and Marty are different; different enough to be picked on and bullied. Too tall and too short, they have never fitted in at school.

They are also bright, determined and resourceful, with big plans. But is that enough for them to take charge of the future and turn difference into success? And will they be able to recognise and seize opportunity when it presents itself?

Buy your own copy, here!

Puddles and Pals

Marion L Stapleton Harley

£6.99

It all begins with a box of duck eggs... and so too does this collection of tales of everyday rural life: in a restored sixteenth century country cottage, the joys of duck rearing and ownership, the mischievous antics of the resident Jack Russells, and a cockerel literally ruling the roost. This engaging and gentle memoir takes readers on a humorous journey through the rural idyll. Purchased in 1991 in the Herefordshire countryside, the cottage, previously unoccupied for four years, presents its own challenges to Marion and her husband as they work to create their perfect rural retreat. As if that wasn't enough, Marion steadily builds a menagerie around her: Cadfael and Cider are loyal canine companions, Russet the rooster a force to be reckoned with, and Moby Duck leads his entourage of feathered friends through endearing anecdotes. Puddles and Pals won't fail to make you smile.

Interested? Pick up a copy, here!

Why not let us know how you will be celebrating Galentine's Day, and who you will be celebrating it with?

Give them a shoutout on our socials with the hashtag #MyGalantine's