Member Reviews

A great read - the stories of Madeline, Janet and Claire, who work in the bookshop together after Madelines Aunt passes away and leaves her the shop.

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<i>The Printed Letter Bookshop</i> by Katherine Reay tells the story of three women who meet and bond together over the death of a friend and estranged loved one. Madeline inherits the bookshop called The Printed Letter Bookshop from her aunt. Janet and Claire work at the bookstore, but were close friends with Maddie, Madeline’s deceased aunt. In this tale we see how these three strangers to each other become close friends and help each other through secret pasts, heartaches, and love.

This book is a sweet and satisfying read. There are no earth shaking acts or scary intrigue, but to me it was just a feel good story that made me happy to read. The characters are well developed, and I connected with all three of them. I liked seeing how they developed through the story. I really enjoyed the novel.

I actually chose this book because it was obviously about books and set in and around a bookstore. As an avid reader, I couldn’t pass that up. The cover also caught my attention. Kudos to the cover artist. I was glad I chose this book and can recommend it to anyone who loves a feel good story about friends and family.

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

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Reading a story about the power of books is so much fun. Madeline inherits her estranged aunt's failing bookshop. Janet and Claire are Aunt Maddie's loyal friends and employees. The three women attempt to overcome their grief, disappointments and heartaches to find common ground over their love of books and Maddie. Madeline find the shop to be so much more than a "just a bookstore". She learns how the community comes to together in the shop to support and nurture each other (oh, and maybe buy a book!). This story demonstrates how books can teach people so much about themselves and others in a moving and profound way.

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Maddie is the heart and soul of the Printed Letter Bookshop. She has touched so many lives in the twenty years her shop has existed. Now her death may change everything. It is up to her niece who is the reluctant new owner, and the two ladies employed at the shop to keep Maddie's legacy alive. The three have to work through grief, personal problems, and new challenges that could break anyone's spirit. I enjoyed following the stories of acceptance, healing, and friendship. I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions in this review are my own.

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Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me, I found it lacked something and it was quite boring. I ended up doing a lot of skim reading and was glad when I had got to the end.

I am sure a lot of people will enjoy this book but sadly it just wasn't for me.

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

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I can honestly say this book was enjoyable from start to finish, I've been reading some darker books recently and I was in serious need of something lighter. The title and setting was what drew me to it initially as I love bookshops - of course!

The Printed Letter Bookshop follows the story of three very different women, all grieving for someone very important to them - Maddie -  and this is what initially draws them together. However, once they meet, they find they have much more in common and find kindred spirits in each other.

Each character has their distinctive voice and storyline, but they all converge at different points. I didn't feel particularly invested in any of the characters but this isn't always necessary for me, as I still liked the story. The novel is very female centric and I think it's greatest strength is the portrayal of friendship and that family can be created, in the least likely places.

I also liked that there were a lot of literary references and quotes that are in the story and that the author provides a full list of all the books at the end. Little details like this are what makes this book have an intimate feel.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and sweet book, but I can't see myself re-reading it as it's a one time read in my opinion. It was a light read and it's perfect for when you're in the mood for an easy stand alone story.

I can only say I wish The Printed Letter Bookshop was a real place - it sounds like any bookworms haven. I'd recommend this to any reader who wants a lighthearted but sweet tale to curl up with with over a cosy afternoon or to take on holiday.

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I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for most opinion.

A sweet story of 3 women in different stages of life, all coming to terms with changes that occur after the death of a loved one.

I liked that the author gave us an insight to each woman’s life, and we got to make our own connection with each character.

Overall, a nice easy book to devour in an afternoon.

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This book is a dream for booklovers. It's the perfect recipe: a tribute to books, a touch of romance, redemption, and growth. Katherine Reay returns to the charm she created in "Dear Mr. Knightley" and cleverly adds in references to books that the reader will love. No character is beyond redemption, and this book offers the perfect touch of hopefulness. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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It took me a bit to get into this one, but once I did it was enjoyable. The focus was on friendships and individuals differing ways of dealing with struggles. The characters were mostly believable though their voices were not as distinct as they could have been. Overall a nice light read.

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I absolutely love bookstores so I was hopeful this book would become one of my new favorites. I was sadly disappointed. I struggled getting in to it and didn’t find it very interesting.

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A present-day, contemporary story, full of romance and intrigue that definitely appeals to any reader who loves books.

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Excellent! What reader doesn't love a good book about a bookstore? Topped off with well written characters that I could relate to and I was in heaven.

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The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay was just an okay book for me. I would give it three and a half stars.

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As an avid book lover, any story about a bookshop always catches my eye and this one did not disappoint. It's a lovely tale of 3 women in different stages of life, all coming to terms with changes that occur after the death of a loved one. Madeline seemed very cold and distant, but I quickly warmed up to her. Claire seemed a bit of a mousy doormat, but soon found her place. Janet was the odd one to me as she was very angry and rude in the beginning and her development seemed more sudden than the others. The three become friends over the course of the book in a way that felt more like siblings in a way and I loved the teasing and frank speech along with the encouragement. There were a few side plots involving each woman and I felt that Claire and Janet received more of the lion's share of detail here, but Madeline's story was fairly important to the entire plot of the book.

All in all, I started reading this at bedtime just to relax and ended up finishing it in one sitting. I love that the author is obviously an avid reader and graciously provides us a list of all the novels mentioned at the end! A must read for anyone who loves books and reading.


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

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As a book lover, I loved the idea of a book being set in a bookshop, and I was glad I gave it a chance. The story focuses on friendship, with sprinkling of romance. I loved the banter between the three women and became totally enthralled. First time I’ve read a book by this author and I will definitely be reading more. Would highly recommend

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A lovely book perfect book for book lovers .Centered on a bookstore in a small town the owner has recently passed away leaving it to her niece a young woman she hasn’t seen in years.The bookstore is a special place in town the women who work their the people who come in.This is a book of friendship life love& yes wonderful book recommendations.Highky recommend Katherine Reay is becoming one of my favorite authors. #netgalley #thomasnelsonbooks.

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