While this book started slow for me, it definitely picked up the pace and drew me in. I found Madeline's character relatable and compelling, Claire familiar, and Janet frustrating but lovable. The book was a mix of the predictable and unpredictable. Even when I thought I saw something coming, there was just enough of a twist that it felt new and exciting. I fell in love with the characters, the town, and, of course, the Printed Letter Bookshop. There's plenty for everyone here: family drama, comedy, relatable characters, and unexpected twists. The book never felt like it was dragging. As cheesy as it sounds, this book was a warm hug for my soul.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for my ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

While this book doesn’t have a lot of allusions to a certain book or author, like many of Reay’s other books, it highlights the importance of books in general and the role they can play in our lives. Three women are drawn together at a bookshop and their lives are changed as their friendship grows and as a dead woman’s legacy speaks to them through books. It made me want to go out and visit a bookshop and just linger there. It also made me sad when I think of how many bookshops are closing. These are places to meet and mingle over a shared love for the written word. The story drew me in and I loved seeing how the women grew and overcame some of the struggles in their lives.
I fell more deeply in love with books as I read this one. It was a delight. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary e-copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Printed Letter Bookshop has a promising premise - who doesn't love a book about inherited small town bookshops? Unfortunately, I feel like I have read other iterations of this story (for instance, How to Find Love in a Bookshop), that were a little more successful.

I can't quite put my finger on what didn't really work for me in this one. The constant changing between perspectives left me consistently disoriented and flipping around trying to figure out who was speaking. This made it hard to connect or get invested in any one particular character. The main romance of the book was quite contrived, and was almost all "told" instead of "shown." We didn't get to see many interactions or opportunities for growth of feeling - I guess we were just supposed to take it for granted that they liked each other? The only reason they weren't together to begin with is because they were dating other people and also they "disliked" each other(? again, I never saw any actual evidence to support this). Also, it was pretty unbelievable to me that 20 years worth of estrangement with her aunt went unquestioned and unchallenged by Madeline because of strong loyalty to her dad, who she doesn't even really seem to like that much?? Again, pretty much everything that happened in this book was told instead of shown - I felt like I was reading a summary of events instead of watching them unfold in real time.

Also, this isn't a negative point necessarily but something worth noting - I guess I missed the fact that this was published by Thomas Nelson (of Harper Collins Christian Publishing), but it took me 100% by surprise that this was a Christian fiction book. I enjoy some Christian fiction and didn't find it offensive, but I was very surprised that it was unmentioned in any of the promotional materials. I have read two previous books by this author - Lizzy and Jane and Dear Mr. Knightley and while both of those books were "clean," I would say this one has gone much further in the Christian fiction direction.

What worked in this book was the interesting person and plot of Janet's character - I liked that she had really messed up, but had played her life as a victim, until she realized she had to make a change, stop blaming others for her problems, and try to salvage what she had broken. That is some real life stuff there, and I appreciated this storyline, as it is not often one we see in a character we are supposed to like.

All in all, I can't say that I really recommend this book, although I know this book has already received positive reviews from other readers who enjoyed the simple storyline and sweet plot.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This took me a LONG time to get into/through. Part of it was even for an ARC, the formatting was a complete mess. Like sentences out of order/in different fonts, etc.

Besides that, this passed the time just fine. I loved the setting and the complexities of each character. Janet surprised me the most - as I’m sure she will for most everyone that’ll read this. I related most to both Madeline and Claire. I think a lot of women will find characteristics in each that they can relate to themselves and their own life. However, beware that character background and development is pretty disjointed/under-developed.

Loved all the book references and the general home base of the bookshop. I’ve always wanted to live in a small town with a neighborhood bookstore like this one, so I found it particularly dreamy.

I loved this story! The characters are all well written and from three different stages of life, making this an excellent read for women of all ages. I love the setting and their journeys of discovery.

This is the first book I have read by Katherine Reay and it won’t be my last. I was drawn into the story as soon as I started reading and couldn’t put it down.

The story revolves around 3 women — Madeline, Claire, and Janet — and a bookshop. The story is told from each of their points of view, each chapter presented from a different voice. Madeline inherits a bookshop from her Aunt Maddie. In the midst of professional upheaval, she takes a hiatus from her job as a lawyer, intending to get the bookshop in order and sell it. Claire and Janet, the employees at the shop, disagree. The 3 women — different ages, stages, and personalities — slowly forge a connection through their love for the previous owner, Maddie, and their efforts to save her beloved store. Each faces her own personal battles and grows over the course of the story.

I loved this book celebrating both female relationships and books. I have recently enjoyed other bookstore-themed stories, e.g., How to Find Love in a Book Shop by Veronica Henry. The Printed Letter Bookshop will go on my shelves as one of my favorites.

I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This book will appeal greatly to someone who is looking for a variety of aged heroines in their books. I always love how Katherine weaves a redemptive story in for her characters. While I didn't connect with the older characters, I can see that other readers will. It took me a little while to get into the story but I appreciated how the three storylines all intertwined, and how the characters each had their own growth arc as well.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by author Katherine Reay is due to be released May 14, 2019, but can be preordered now. I highly recommend it! Reay is a talented writer, whose books I have enjoyed enormously in the past, and she has written another uplifting and engrossing book with this novel.

Here is the publisher’s synopsis of the book:
“One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened her heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.
While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.
The Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship.”

Here is an excerpt to give you just a small taste of this book’s writing and characterization. It is an example of how the author ties books into the characters lives. Claire is the mother of a high school senior—Brittany. And this section of the book explores a moment when Claire finds about about some trouble Brittany has gotten into:
““Were you all drinking?”
Brittany remained silent.
“Was the driver drinking?”
Brittany shook her head.
“How many were in the car?”
“There were six of us.” She blew her nose again. “Are you going to tell Dad?”
Claire stifled a laugh. Are you going to tell Dad?
It was every child’s greatest worry.
Unbidden, a line floated to Claire. How often it is a small, almost unconscious event that marks a turning point. Claire let the sentence fill her. It had come from a book on Maddie’s list. She had devoured it, page and after page, letting Corrie ten Boom’s life and experience fill her senses and imagination. She marveled at how Corrie’s strength grew as Corrie’s faith and love grew ahead of it, ahead of her.
But could Claire do it? Could she take that next step? It was her daughter, her beloved baby girl.”

Of course, the book Claire is thinking of is the magnificent autobiography of Corrie ten Boom published in 1971–The Hiding Place. An amazing book—especially the portions that describe her home country of the Netherlands under Nazi occupation in World War II. Her family helped Jews to escape during that dark time. The book is an amazing read as an autobiography, but also as an inspirational work about ten Boom’s faith in God.

Is the book peopled with characters and plots that the reader quickly becomes interested in? Yes. So much so that the book kept my interest on every single page. Was the bookstore a wonderful setting? Yes! One it was a delight to wander into through the pages of this book.

I’d like to share just one more quote. This time from Madeline the niece:
“I remember Aunt Maddie saying you could lose yourself in a book and, paradoxically, find yourself as well.”

Those words could be said of this novel as well.

Is there a bibliography at the end of the myriad of books mentioned in the book? Of course!

I highly recommend this book and thank the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel and for allowing me to review it.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I want to kick myself for waiting so long to read this! It's like comfort food, fuzzy socks, a roaring fire, and an amazing hug all rolled into one amazing package. The characters are incredible, the setting is lovely (made me a bit homesick for that small-town life), and it moves at exactly the right pace. Everything is really well done.

It's told from three different women's points of view and at first, it annoyed the crap out of me. Not because it was being told by three different characters but because two were in first person and one was in third. It was weird. But I kept going because I couldn't resist and my annoyance faded away. The description was so rich I could see the scenes playing out before me. It's like I was there and I haven't felt that magic in a while.

I don't love the cover. It almost cheapens the story, I think. It's part of why I put it off for so long. I thought it was going to be a lot more chintzy and a quick surface read. But with the way I was drawn into the story, the depth of it all, it deserved something more in kind. Though I suppose the cover is very Maggie, so I can't entirely hate it.

Thank you, Katherine Reay for your lovely work!

I'd happily recommend this book to anyone who:
- needs a good hug
- loves books
- needs a reminder to slow down
- is breathing, really

One of Madeline Cullen's happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline's heart toward her once-treasured aunt-and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter's two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline's professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt's beloved shop-provided the women's best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

This book made me want to own my own book shop even more! I also loved that the characters spread over generations with different backgrounds and situations. I enjoyed this one a lot. If you like books about bookish stuff you'll probably enjoy this one.

*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from "The Printed Letter Bookshop". Novels with any words suggesting reading in their title always get my attention, so I thought I'd give it a go. I found this to be a very gentle novel, somewhat predictable, but enjoyable and entertaining nonetheless. A young solicitor is left a bookshop and house by the aunt she has not had much contact with in recent years, along with a list of books to read. As she reads, she begins to understand herself and her place in the world, particularly to those around her. Highly recommended.

I loved the setting of this story in the quaint bookstore in a small town. The fact that the townsmen loved Maddie supported her was endearing. The three women running the bookshop had so little in common that it was surprising that they could bond. This was a slow read that was very predictable. To me, the storyline didn't ring true.

Absolutely LOVED this book! I just discovered Katherine Reay this year and have read through all of her books sequentially and waiting on pins and needles for this last one. I wasn’t disappointed. Each of her books are new and fresh and she weaves such a beautiful tapestry of story.
As i have said in other reviews of her books....her characters are real, flaws and all. Her story lines deal with the flaws, keeping the characters authentic.
I believe i could walk into any small town bookshop and there i would find Claire, Janet, and Madeline ... and through them, discover Maddie.
I have definitely found a new favorite author!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the advance copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Katherine Reay has an amazing literary style that keeps me coming back for more. I love all the witty references to so many well loved books. Her characters are real and living out believable hardships. I love that she does not sugar coat any of the hard times and paints beautiful pictures of forgiveness, restoration and new beginnings. A delight from start to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What an incredible story. Katherine has such an ability for making a setting come to life. I was taken to a delightful bookstore, that I still can see in my mines eye. Raising our girls outside of the Chicago area, it took me right back there. At the beginning I wasn't sure if I cared for some of the main characters of the story, but by the end I couldn't chose a favorite. The dynamics between Janet, Claire and Madeline was very heart warming. I also loved the way Aunt Maddie continued to be present throughout the story. I would love for people to remember me with such love and affection when I am gone. This story is quite different from Katherine's prior novels. If you have read her previous works, you are in for a wonderful surprise. I love her way of writing, but I found this to be outstanding.
I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.

There was a lot going on in this one. It centers around 3 women (and one in absentia...and may I just say, everyone needs an Aunt Maddie!) and is told in alternating chapters between them. The bookshop itself becomes its own character as they live and learn through the wisdom from beloved books, their past mistakes and their friendship. I enjoyed that this book really celebrates female friendships and how very important they are. And for a fun bonus for bibliophiles, there are 70 books alluded to throughout the book. 😊 Enjoyable read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Out 5/14

This...is not a book for me. I found the poor writing to be a detriment to my ability to even make it past the first few chapters of this book. It was stuttering and halting, and I could not find a point of access to empathize with the characters or engage with any of the plot. It might be a personal preference and others might greatly enjoy the writing techniques used in the book, however it is not something that I enjoy, nor is it something that I would recommend even for a summer beach read.

This book was a tough read for me right now due to the emotional topics within it. I adore bookshops, I mean who that would volunteer to do NG reviews doesn't? But, with a funeral and wills and the taking over of the deceased business.....it was all a bit much given that I am dealing with a lot of that in my real life at the moment. I'm not sure I want my reading life to reflect the same.
WIth that being said, I think the author handles these topics well and my mindset is certainly no knock on her ability. This was a solid book, but probably would have been more enjoyable to me at a different point. I may need to give it another try in a couple of years.
#ThePrintedLetterBookshop #NetGalley

A very interesting book! I love it because it seems so real, so relatable. The problems that the characters faced felt to me like the problems a friend might face. I didn't feel the disconnect of character from reality. Rather, I could truly imagine the character's pain and struggles as though they were a friend telling me the trials in their life.

I believe this was a harder read than other books by Ms. Reay, simply because the subject matter contained topics such as divorce (heart-wrenching topic) and death (another heart-wrencher). I did not feel as though the topics were approached casually though, but reverently as one would in the work-a-day "real" world. I also loved the aspect of the characters' having direction and movement. It wasn't them struggling and struggling (extremely hard to read books like that and also rather uninspiring), but them striving and striving. They were always moving toward something. Maybe not always toward the right thing, but still always moving.

Thank you for the enjoyable book! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper (more heart-wrenching) though inspiring read!

A funeral, a will read, a bookshop, and a lost job. Three women come together to try and save the Printed Letter Bookshop. Madeline is a lawyer working her way up the ladder, when her aunt dies, she is the one left to run her bookshp. A story about finding yoursef and learning to forgive, when things don't turn out the way you thought they would.