Review: Battle of the Bookstores

 

Josie and Ryan each manage a bookstore. Josie manages a literary bookstore and Ryan manages a romance bookstore. In between, the two stores, there's a coffee shop. Ther person who owns the stores sits them both down. He shares that they will be merging the three stores under one manager. 

Josie and Ryan will spend the next few months competing to save their jobs. As they talk, both Josie and Ryan bring out the worst in each other. Each believe the other looks down upon their work. Through series of miscommunication, they become each other's enemies. Each time they talk, they become more irritated and frustrated with each other. Could they just need a little flip?

My Thoughts: This book was so much fun, I didn't want to put it down. There's a lot going on here.

1. I loved the bookstore bits. I love that the genres were swapped here with expectations - I would have assumed the romance bookstore would have been managed by a woman. That was opposite here. I loved the conversations about books. The bater between Josie and Ryan was on point. 
2. I loved the You've Got Mail spin on this story - the messages between the two bookstores were charming. 
3. The story between the sisters was sweet

This was my first Ali Brady book, but it won't be my last.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Why I Read: This was on a list of epistolary novels, which it isn't. But there are lots of tests. But bookstores.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance section

Picture Book Wednesday: Dear Bookstore

One day, a girl wanders into a bookstore. Immediately, she feels at home. She's cozy in the bookstore. The books make her feel. Everything is magical and it stays that way as she grows up.

This is a heartwarming read about a girl who grow up and is still comforted by books in her favorite bookstore. I have many fond memories of spending time in bookstores and libraries. 

* The way this character feels about the bookstore, is the way I feel about libraries.

Do you have a place that comforts you like this?

Cozy Review: A Colorful Scheme

 

* Book 4 in the Pen and Ink series *

Coloring-book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion. But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.

Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex–FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.

When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects . . . Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I love books about libraries and bookstores. I love the cast of characters in this charming series. I enjoyed reading about the different authors, their writing tips, and their interactions with fans. Lots of secrets, lots of drama, lots of funny moments, and lots of mysteries uncovered. I loved that Max and Jacquie tied the knot again. I hope we learn what happened to their daughter. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for your cozy mystery section.

Review: Much Ado About You

 

When someone stands Evie up on a date, it's the last straw. And when she's passed over for a promotion at work, she doesn't need to think twice. She quits on the spot.

Fate throws her a bone when she spots a vacation running a bookshop in England. Without much though, she packs her bags.

She travels to a small English town where she falls in love with the town and the people. It's going to be hard to go back home - especially after she falls in love with the town's most eligible bachelor and his dog.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. Of course it made me want to travel to England. I loved the small town and the townspeople. I love how Evie fit right in as if she's been there forever. I loved the new friendship formed - especially the females ones.  I loved Shadow; he's the biggest sweetheart. Just a really fun read.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance section.

Holiday Book Review: Recommended For You

 

For Shoshanna, the bookstore is her happy place. She works at Once Upon and it's her own away from home. With the holidays approaching, things have gotten very busy in the indie book store. When she's asked to show a new employee around, she can't help but be disappointed that he's not a reader. How is he going to recommend books to shoppers?

When her boss announces a  competition between all the staff to see who can generate the most sales, Shoshanna knows she's a shoo-in to win. Her reader's advisory skills are off the charts. But she wasn't expecting Jake, the new guy. to give her a run for her money. 

The bonus that comes with winning the competition will help her fix her run down car and solve her transportation problems.  But the more time she spends with Jake, the more she begins to understand him. Maybe she was too quick to judge him...

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about two Jewish teens working in an indie bookstore over the holidays. I loved the banter between Shoshanna and Jake. And how they took time to warm up to each other but did become friends. Of course I loved the mentions of books and the reader's advisory scenes. I felt bad for Shoshanna as she struggled with doing the right thing (which rarely happened) with her friends and her family. I loved all the moms in this story. A heartwarming read that soothed my bookish soul.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A fun romance story with books! Highly Recommended for your school and public library collections. 

Top Ten Review: The Good Ones

A romance bookstore owner finds her own happily ever after with a single dad in a new romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Dog Has His Day. - from the publisher

I flipping loved this book so hard.

Here are the Top Ten Reasons why:

1. Romance Bookstore

2. Chatting about Romance books

3. Taking a chance on your dreams

4. Friendships

5. Perry

6. Prince George

7. Spreading Kindness

8. Turrets

9. Banter between Maisy and Ryder

10. Secret Rooms

If you're a romance reader, grab this one. It's super good! I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Library Read

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collections