It's so surreal to see my book in The Next Chapter bookstore says Preston teaching assistant turned author

Mary Brown, who has been a teaching assistant at Moor Nook Community Primary School for 17 years, recently published her first ever book, ‘Mrs Brown and Friends The Morning Rush’ and has been blown away by its reception so far.

Penned during lockdown, the story - about all the ‘garden residents’ that visit the mum of three’s garden in Ribbleton - grew into a book after one of her classes at Moor Nook “wanted more and more” out of the snippets she would share.

At last Mary self-published the book on January 31 and she has been “chuffed” with how well it has been received - over 300 copies have been sold so far and she’s constantly receiving messages from families sharing their love for the story.

Whilst the books sales have been growing due to word of mouth, this week a huge milestone was hit as ‘Mrs Brown and Friends The Morning Rush’ has officially been stocked at its first bookstore.

From this week, the teaching assistant’s book can be bought at The Next Chapter on Berry Lane in Longridge, which only opened at the end of last month.

Officially arriving in store on Tuesday, Mary headed down for a proud photo with The Next Chapter owner Victoria Price and her beloved book.

Mary, 54, told the Post: "Standing there, handing over my book and seeing it welcomed into a bookshop felt so surreal. Not so long ago, this was just an idea—something I dreamed up, inspired by my garden and the little moments in everyday life. And now it’s here, being shared with others. A really special moment, and one I’m so grateful for.

"I actually cried when I left the shop with happy tears because having someone else validate your book, myself as an author, and say that they're excited to work with and stock my product was what I have been working towards. To say my book is in a bookshop as an author is the best feeling."

Officially opened on March 28, The Next Chapter is based on the ground floor of a converted church and is run by Victoria and her daughter Millie.

The store is open 9:00am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Friday and 9:00am to 4:30pm on Saturdays.

If you are interested in purchasing Mrs Brown and Friends The Morning Rush but cannot get down To the Next Chapter you can contact Mary on her social media page here.

Mary is also holding a book event at Lytham Assembly rooms on Saturday, Aprill 11; Grimsargh Farmers Market on Saturday, April 18; The Next Chapter on Saturday, May 2; Mellor Village Hall on Sunday, May 3 and Barton Village Hall on Saturday, June 20.

You can read more about Mary’s journey getting the book published in our earlier story here.