We’re delighted to welcome Grace Olson for a return visit to the Book Tree! This is another chance to meet Grace for those who missed out the first time, but equally an opportunity to hear new real-life stories if you braved the December weather for her previous evening event in 2022. Since then she’s had four beautifully illustrated children’s books and a follow-up book for adults published, achieved multi-book bestselling success, appeared on The Yorkshire Vet several times, and has been interviewed across many magazines and radio shows, both locally and nationally.

At the event, we’ll be in conversation with Grace about her work helping people as a therapist, the calming power of nature, the unique personalities of her therapy animals and, of course, her books for children and adults. Towards the end of the evening we’ll open the floor to audience questions. Grace will then sign copies of her books which can also be a great time to chat and ask any follow-up questions you have. Grace talks with relatable honesty and warm humour which shines through in her books. This is sure to be an uplifting discussion and wonderful evening in the shop!

“As I am a therapist, I wanted my books to feel like a friend and show how it is possible to find inner-strength and self-healing even when we feel totally crap about ourselves. We all struggle with doubts and negative thoughts but ordinary people can live extraordinary lives and we can find mental and physical health benefits if we open up to the wonderful atmosphere of nature and the great outdoors.” You can read more about Grace and her stories on her website here.

The event will be held in the Book Tree’s atmospheric upstairs event space, and will start at 7.30pm — please arrive before this time so that you can find a seat before we start. Complementary wine and cordial will be available from doors opening at 7pm.

About the Books

Grace Olson has won us over with her hilarious and heartfelt books … seek out her work – it will, we guarantee, put a smile on your face — Mark Kebble, Absolutely Yorkshire

Grace is the author of two books for adults, which are both heartwarming Yorkshire stories to make you feel happy.

Her four books for children, each inspired by a different sheep from her flock, are beautifully illustrated fables to empower young minds.

About Grace’s first book for adults,The Yard:

From lockdown blog to a number one best-seller. The Yard is the phenomenally successful debut novel from Grace Olson

Depleted from her battle with post-natal depression, Grace longs for a life that is more than just work, child-care and endless laundry. A chance meeting with an aristocratic showjumper reignites her childhood dream of owning a pony. As fate leads her to a ramshackle livery yard, full of eccentric characters, she finds a young horse in need of training. With her complete lack of experience, life becomes a rollercoaster of challenging yet exhilarating adventures. Assistance appears in the form of a military-style riding instructor, a retired Gypsy Cob breeder and a wonderful, wise woman living on a remote mountain farm. By learning to listen to the silent language of the horse, Grace finds the healing for which she’s been yearning.

Inspirational, uplifting and deeply moving. This bestselling debut book has helped so many people find their way to happiness. Join Grace on her journey from despair to joy thanks to the healing power of horses, farm animals and many eccentric characters. Laugh-out-loud moments abound in this charismatic memoir that readers can’t put down.

About the Author

Grace Olson is an author, therapist and animal lover based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. She is the writer of best-selling, tragicomic memoirs The Yard and The Farm – books which bring joy and transformation for the reader. She has also penned a series of beautifully illustrated, sheep-themed children’s books to empower young minds – Merlin Finds His Magic, Galahad Finds His Voice, Berel Finds His Wings and Rhubarb Finds His Family. Grace and her flock of therapy sheep are regularly featured on Channel 5’s popular series The Yorkshire Vet.

“Helping others is the theme of my life. I have been a therapist for 30 years, helping people with a wide range of problems… My aim is to one day earn enough money from my books to use as an income so that I can provide my therapy work at no charge for people with terminal illness. My horses and my sheep are all part of my therapy team and the big goal is to own my own land where I can set up a ‘therapy farm’ helping people to find inner peace and happiness during the worst time of their lives.”

You can read more about Grace and her writing on her website, or follow her on Facebook or Instagram