This month I read two very different books, but both utterly charming. If you’re a fan of feel-good fiction, these reads are sure to capture your heart.
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The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan
The Bookshop Ladies is set in the idyllic coastal town of Ballycove, Ireland. The story follows Joy Blackwood, a widow seeking answers after her late husband, Yves, reveals a shocking secret on his deathbed.
Yves leaves a valuable painting to a woman named Robyn Tessier in Ballycove. Stricken by Yves’ passing and still shaken by his confession, Joy travels to Ireland to uncover the truth.
When she arrives, Joy discovers that Robyn is running a struggling bookshop. Robyn is shy and in desperate need of help to rejuvenate her failing business. Joy steps in to help and immerses herself in Robyn’s world. As the bond between the two women deepens, Joy realises she must come clean about her reasons for visiting Ballycove. When she finally does, it’s clear that Yves wasn’t the only one keeping secrets.
The Bookshop Ladies is a beautiful book that captures the essence of small-town life and the transformative power of friendship.
Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than The Movies is a nostalgic young-adult romantic comedy. It tells the story of Liz Buxbaum, a hopeless romantic who dreams about finding her own perfect love story. When Michael, her childhood crush, moves back to town, Liz is convinced that this is her moment. There’s just one problem – Michael barely notices her.
Enter Wes Bennett, Liz’s infuriating next-door neighbour and longtime nemesis. Despite their constant bickering, Liz suspects Wes might be the key to capturing Michael’s attention. She persuades him to help orchestrate the perfect meet ups with Michael. But as they spend more time together, Liz realises that there’s more to the boy next door than she initially thought.
Better Than The Movies is a joyful read that captures the magic of young love. I read this with my high school aged daughter, and she adored it. The witty banter between Liz and Wes is entertaining, and the numerous rom-com movie references made me smile.