The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a free copy.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship.

Review:

You guys, this book stole my heart. I kept telling people the phrase coming to mind as I read it was “this book feels like a cozy blanket”. And I stand by that sentiment. It was everything I didn’t realize I needed in my reading life at exactly the right moment.

So let’s start with the obvious: it’s a book about a bookshop and books. And what book lover doesn’t start to drool like Pavlov’s dogs at the mention of such a synopsis? And the cover. Oh, the cover. I mean, do I even need to break it down as to why it’s so appealing? Didn’t think so.

And finally: the story itself. As you can tell from the synopsis, all of the main characters are dealing with some hard life “things”. Everyone’s feeling at a bit of a crossroads, and they’re trying to pick their next fork in the road. So that right there is a perfect women’s fiction setup for me. I adore reading this kind of story – women working their way through everyday life and coming out on the other side stronger for the choices they’ve made. Then we add to the mix the bookshop itself, and things start to get complicated, but in a good way. It’s the kind of struggle that draws you in so completely, causing you to lose yourself in the story only to realize you’ve lost all track of time.

I don’t know what else to say at this point because thinking about this book makes me want to hug people. And obviously I can’t hug you. This book is a “punch to the feels” kind of read, and one that really reinforces the value and strength of women’s relationships. And it’s also a love letter to reading and books. I’ve already got a list of people who are going to be receiving this book for upcoming special occasions, and I can’t wait for them to lose themselves in Eagle Valley.

Highly recommend. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

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Book stats: paperback, 336 pages, Thomas Nelson, May 14, 2019

Thanks to TLC Book Tours for organizing this tour. You can follow the rest of the tour stops Here.