From Bargain Hunt to Badasses in Bodices
Visitors to this Saturday’s Market Harborough Book Extravaganza at The Three Swans Hotel, will have the chance to meet a writer whose career journey has been anything but ordinary. Kate Bateman, bestselling historical romance author and familiar face to daytime television viewers, will be appearing at the event, bringing with her tales that range from antiques auctions to adventurous Regency romances.
Many will recognise Kate from her appearances as a fine art and antiques auctioneering expert on television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It!. Before becoming a full-time author, she spent many years immersed in the world of antiques.
But the leap to historical romance began with something rather more light-hearted: a bet.
“Before I started writing historical romance, I spent fifteen years as a fine art & antiques appraiser, running my own auction house (Batemans in Stamford), and a not-so-secret double life as a TV antiques expert on several antiques TV shows,” Bateman explains.
“I’ve always loved reading historical romance, but I wrote my own first historical in response to a £1 bet with my husband, who foolishly said I'd never finish the thing. I was delighted to prove him wrong and even happier when that book led to a contract with one of the ‘big five’ New York publishing houses!”
That £1 wager proved to be a remarkably good investment. Ten years later, Bateman has written more than twenty novels and has been published by major houses including Penguin Random House and Macmillan / St Martin’s Press, alongside a range of independent projects that allow her the creative freedom to explore new stories and ideas.
Her books have become known for their bold heroines, sharp wit and irresistible romantic tension, stories she jokingly describes as featuring “badasses in bodices.”
Kate's latest releases continue that spirited tradition. ‘Road Trip With A Rogue’ is a Regency-era enemies-to-lovers romance that pairs a determined female investigator with the cynical duke who once broke her heart as they are forced to work together to solve a case. Meanwhile, ‘My January Duke’ delivers another dose of sparkling dialogue, intrigue and Regency charm for fans of historical romance.
Kate will be among a diverse line-up of creators appearing at the Market Harborough Book Extravaganza, an event that celebrates the many corners of the literary world. Visitors can expect everything from independent publishers and emerging authors to comic creators, artists, book merch and second-hand booksellers; offering a treasure trove for readers of all tastes and ages.
Whether you’re hunting for rare books, discovering new writers, or simply enjoying the company of fellow book lovers, the FREE event promises a lively atmosphere where stories and the people who create them take centre stage.
And if you happen to meet Kate Bateman, you might remember that behind every bestselling author there could be something as simple as a £1 bet and a determination to prove someone wrong.
Saturday 21st March
The Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough
10:30 - 16:00
FREE ENTRY