Wind, rain and plummeting temperatures didn’t dampen the warm welcome from Wardini Books staff when I arrived on 24 May for a Hawkes’ Bay launch of The Dark Quest of Countess X. As promised, I found my visit to the wonderful world of Wardini Books “an experience to remember.” The Napier branch with its unmissable red façade is near the fabled foreshore and a booklover’s delight. Thanks Nigel, Lou and Gareth for the chance to be launched in one of the premier independent bookstores in the country and meet some of your local readers.