The Second Story Bookshop

I have read many of Denise Hunter's books and enjoyed most of them.  As with any author, some books resonate more than other books.  Just the way things are. When this book came up in the list of options, I chose to read it simply because it was all about books and a bookstore. 

Shelby's grandmother has passed away.  She had owned the bookstore in town, and Shelby thought she was going to inherit it, but Grandma threw a spanner into the works by giving 49% of the store to Grayson Briggs, the town's bad boy when he was in high school. Shelby had dated him in high school because he was the bad boy, but she saw something more, deeper.  

Grayson still has to overcome his past reputation that was largely unfounded.  His reputation was based on something his father did. Grayson still loved Shelby, but knew that he's broken her heart because of circumstances he felt he could not overcome. 

Shelby's strength lies in selling the books and interfacing with the customers.  Grayson's strength is the bookwork, and in going through the accounts, he finds the bookstore is on its last legs, bills are in arrears, and too many books are walking out without being paid for--either through soft-heartedness or charitable donations. 

I don't always like bouncing back and forth between past and present and this book was a bit confusing at first when it went into the dual timeline, but became clearer as the plot went on.  The ending was so satisfying that it made it worth the read. 

Four Stars.  

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

 

On a Midnight Clear

These are some of my favorite historical romance authors who have compiled an anthology of Christmas marriages. 

Each story in this collection is well thought out and the characters are believable.  The things I liked about the characters is that the ladies are not portrayed as conventional beauties, but each of them have winsome personalities that win over the husbands/beaux in the stories. These are enjoyable reads and will be great reads for the Christmas season when all the reader wants to do is curl up with a good book, a blanket, and a cup of tea.  

Four Strong Stars

Tracie Peterson

Misty Beller

Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

 

Once Upon a Christmas Carol

Carol hates Christmas and her birthday, which coincidentally are the same day.  She usually works for her birthday, but this year she planned a trip to the Bahamas.  Unfortunately she gets rerouted to Michigan.  As luck would have it, her aunt lives an hour away from the airport and she sends a friend to come get her  and bring her back.  The weather played havoc with her plans for tropical climes, her aunt fell and broke her arm, and things needed doing in this small community.  The friend her aunt sent to pick her up, Victor, is intrigued with Carol and finds ways to be in her company.  The only fly in his ointment is Victoria, who thinks she has an exclusive claim to his life. Once that conundrum is sorted, Carol and Victor make good headway. 

I enjoyed reading this book.  It has humorous parts and sweet parts.  The characters each have their own agendas, but when those agendas mesh, they mesh well.  The only problem with the book is that I don't believe there was enough of the story to make the love story realistic.  Overall it's a good read, but I was left feeling that the story wasn't finished.  I will still read Melody Carlson, she writes quality stuff.  (Don't tell her but Happy Camper is one of my favorites.)  Four Stars.

Revell Publishing provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.