Tina
Tina is the manager/Chief Ravenista of Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books. She started out as an actor, but bookselling is her true calling. Frome born and bred, Tina’s dream came true when the role of manager came up in 2018. She has a deep love for all things Frome and for all things ‘bookish’!
“I was that child who had their nose constantly buried in a book, so I know the power of escape that reading brings. But not everyone comes to reading as a child, so it’s important to me that Hunting Raven is welcoming to all. When you find the right book, the whole world can open up. There’s truly nothing like the joy of matching the right book to the right person”
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Abi
Abi became a bookseller straight out of university whilst training as a children's fiction editor. Despite having a passion for both, bookselling is where her heart truly lay and she rejoined the Hunting Raven team in 2020. Now Deputy Manager, Abi works closely with local schools to bring wonderful authors and books to the children of Frome.
“An avid reader as a child, I've always been passionate about how important stories are for children's creativity and empathy. I like to think I'm more open to new genres than I was as a tiddler, but you'll still find me favouring fantasy (or perhaps a contemporary novel with a dash of romance, comedy and/or crime)”. -
Iona
Iona has worked at Hunting Raven for many years, as her children have grown up. She really enjoys the life of the bookshop - meeting and helping enthusiasts of all ages and on all subjects. She finds that it generates a lot of energy, and sparks many interesting conversations and cross connections. Whether it's books on British moths, sea shanties, cocktails, punk music, or polar exploration - Iona can find it!
“As a child I was often found curled up in various corners with a book. I spent my teens and twenties reading 19th century novels, and classic literature remains a major love of mine. However, working in a bookshop opens your horizons and I will happily read across genres. There is so much good science fiction and crime writing. I also love funny books, which are so often underrated. Fiction is our way of understanding ourselves and others”.
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Rowan
Rowan is the newest member of the Ravens. They joined the team in late 2023, and were drawn to the amazing community created by the readers of Frome. Rowan runs the Bring Your Own Book group to hold a space for other young people in the area to meet and connect. Their favourite thing to do is give and receive recommendations for weird and creepy fiction!
“Books bridge the gaps created by space and experience, and allow for empathetic understanding. I love weird fiction and sci-fi for the immense insight you can glean into the author and their understanding of the world. I believe books are the key to healing our fractured society, and it is a privilege to be able to share them”.