The British Booksellers

I've read several of Kristy Cambron's books and found in them something worth reading.  The ones I have read have a depth to them that is missing in most of what I read for enjoyment.  Sometimes I just choose fluff over substance. While this book has more substance, it does not quite reach the depths of her other books.  There are a few lighter moments in this one than in some of her other books.  That's not a bad thing, it just is the way it is.  

The book begins with the three main players:  Will, Charlotte, and Amos.  There is a parallel plot that is included in the narrative of the book as it plays out for the reader.  The parallel is World War I and World War II.  For the World War II line, one character is missing, while another two major players and several minor players have entered the scene.  The major ones being Jacob and Eden entering in and Will is missing in this plot line.  

Amos has been in love with Charlotte forever, but he gave her up the first time for Will because Will is titled and carries more power than Amos does.  When both Will and Amos enlist during World War I, Will becomes Amos's commanding officer. They are able to put their animosity behind them to fight a common enemy. 

As the plot moves through both World Wars, more of Amos's and Charlotte's history is revealed, including the love they had and still have for each other, in spite of them having bookstores across from each other. When the blitz hits Charlotte's store, Charlotte and Amos have to make some pretty hard decisions for their futures.  

On a side plot, Eden, Charlotte's daughter, is the subject of a lawsuit in the United States.  She has been willed half of an estate that could mean a whole lot to her own estate.  Jacob Cole comes from Detroit to serve her with the lawsuit papers. Jacob stays on instead of going straight back home.  The longer Jacob stays, the more attached he becomes to Eden.  

The writing in this book is tight enough to keep the reader engaged and looking forward to what will happen next.  The plots are easy to follow and still keep up.  The setting is one of my favorite kinds of settings--book stores!  The characters are well-developed, and easily likable in spite of them holding on to secrets.  I give this book four strong stars.  

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.