This book had me at the title and only got better from then on. As a lover of reading, libraries (and bookshops) as well as being a sucker for scenes set in England, I was fully prepared to love this novel. But it gave me so much more to enjoy in the person of Loveday, the nose-ringed and raspberry-haired young woman escaping from a traumatic time in her childhood that left her reclusive and withdrawn. The other characters, good guys and bad, are also boldly drawn. Archie, the former spy now used book shop owner is someone you want to meet. He is the antithesis of Loveday, being outgoing and a friend to all but particularly to this young woman.. You may fall in love with Nathan and hiss at Rob, but your heart goes out to this solitary reclusive bookworm herself.

There's enough suspense and action to keep you turning pages, and some tearful moving moments too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Dunne books for the opportunity to read, enjoy and review this book.

3.5 A quick and pleasant read. I had trouble relating to the main character, Loveday, as she seemed just as closed off to me, the reader, as she did to the other characters in the book.

Even though I liked this book, there were a few elements that were off to me. I wished for a more suspenseful build up around the ex boyfriend, Rob. I found myself puzzling over Loveday’s choices and reasoning behind her choices. She was a very puzzling character. I assume she had C-PTSD, but the symptoms were glossed over which disappointed me. There were a lot of missed chances at character development. I wanted to know them better.

My favorite character was Archie, and he brightened every scene he was in. He brought more life to this book than any of the other character’s in it, though Nathan’s Doc Martins were a close second best.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an unbiased review.

A book lovers dream book! A story about a used bookshop and it's unusual cast of characters. I love Loveday Cardew. She's a lovely blend of quirky and charm. A protagonist that is deep, intelligent, marches to her own (tattoos and piercings included!) and just this side of different that you wonder what she'll say or do next. Add to the story a wonderful, quirky in his own right, bookshop owner (Archie) and an intriguing poet/magician (Nathan Avebury. Fabulous "day" job, BTW) and you get a hard to put down story that draws you in, and won't let go.

This book was a beautiful blend of fun and sadness. It was so much more than a "cozy" or chick lit.

I admit that I had a difficult time putting it down and when I finished it, was sad that it ended. It was that good.

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*