The Book Charmer is a truly charming book! I was initially intrigued by the idea that a librarian’s books talked to her and told her which books are for who, but this book is so much more! The characters are sweet and endearing, I actually cared about them. I felt like the story was relevant and sweet and just magical enough, (but not over the top), to keep me thinking about the characters and miss the book when I wasn’t reading it. I’m excited that it’s book one in a series that takes place in this town. I can’t wait to tune in for further adventures!

Dove Pond is a very special place, or so it seems to Sarah the librarian. But Grace, newly arrived with her foster mother and niece, will have none of it. She is determined to leave after one year, only having come here to help Mama G, her foster mother, with her memory problems. Sarah thinks otherwise. After all, the book has been telling her Grace is The One.

Grace is dealing with a lot in her life right now. She feels abandoned by a sister who just left her baby for their foster mother to raise and then goes and dies. That changes Grace’s role from doting aunt to mother figure, something Daisy, the niece, has zero interest in. Then, Mama G’s steadily progressing Alzheimer’s is not easy for either of them to deal with. Author Hawkins has an especially fine way of making us aware of this decline and showing us how family can work with their loved one. It is not easy!

Hawkins has written a warm and charming story that will appeal to those who love a bit of mystery with their romance. Grace and Sarah are both strong characters, Sarah being the quirky one and Grace the more straightforward. At first they rub each other the wrong way, but friendship wins out, especially when there is a challenge for each!

The Book Charmer is a charming read. Sarah is the book whisperer in the town of Dove Pond. A woman named Grace comes to town. Grace has many personal problems to deal with, and she's unaware that she will play an important part in the town, but Sarah knows. With a little magic and a little luck, things might turn out fine for both women. Or not? It's a delightful touching story that will cause laughter and tears. I recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet and easy to read. Something I needed right now.

From the title I really thought this story would focus more on Sarah and her story but it's definitely misleading in that aspect. Although we see a lot of her the main focus is Grace and her trying to navigate her new life as a mom to her niece, caregiver to her foster mom and the new town clerk to a town on the brink of financial destruction.

All the characters in this book help drive the story and this is something I really enjoyed. The residents of Dove Pond are charming and I think I could see myself reading many more stories from this town.

Grace drove me a bit crazy at times with her anger and aloofness toward her new town but I also understood it so it didn't really take away from the story. By the end of the story we saw a different person and that's what women's fiction is all about. The small amount of romance was a perfect touch.

This arc did have quite a few typos, wrong words, etc that at times were distracting but all in all it was a solid story and I can see myself watching out for the next book.

I love a good small-town setting. Add in warm, somewhat quirky characters and you’ve got enough for a series. According to Goodreads, The Book Charmer is book one in the Dove Pond series. We have Sarah, a lifelong resident and librarian. Books have spoken (really!) to Sarah for a long time. They tell her who needs to read a particular book and she does her best to put that book in the right hands.

New to Dove Pond is Grace. She describes her life this way “I haven’t had time [for a serious relationship]. I worked my way through college and then had a full-time, seventy-hour-a-week job after that. And then my sister died and I became a parent, and then Mama G [Grace’s foster mother] got sick – it’s been a whirlwind of relationship nonstarters. I’m the poster girl for the woman you don’t want to date.” It’s clear that Grace has learned to rely on herself – only herself. What will happen if she learns to allow herself a friend or two?

The Book Charmer is about finding family, friendship, community and ultimately a home. I loved it all and look forward to reading more in the Dove Pond series.

This book reminded me of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in that it made me wish for small towns where everyone knows everyone, and cares for each other in a deep and meaningful way. I wish more communities were like this.
While the book's title refers to a specific character, the story is not only about her, but another woman who is new to town and carries a lot of emotional baggage, while trying to support her niece and her foster mother who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We read from three different characters' points of view in the book, Sarah, Grace, and Trav, and while Grace aggravated me the most with her stubbornness and refusal to accept help for so long, I also understood where she was coming from. It was part of the fun to see the town throw everything they had at her to get her interested enough to partake in events, and Trav's point of view was my favorite as he thawed towards the prickly woman. This book made me cry in joy and sorrow, but oh is it relevant. You never know what someone might be going through, or what happened in his or her life previously to cause them to be the way they are now. There is also a lightheartedness to the book as well, though, despite the characters' struggles, with the help of some magic that lets Sarah know what book everyone needs. I wish there was a little more at the end though; there were some loose threads I'd love to see tugged and written about. I don't know if there are any more books in the works set in the town of Dove Pond, but I would LOVE that! I need more Dove Pond antics and romance and friendships and books and tea!

I didn't finish after about 75 pages as I could not get interested. Not my usual read really. Writing was good and character development had potential, I just couldn't see where the story was going.

I adored this book! It starts strong and remains strong to the very end. This is magical realism in a small southern town in the vein of Sarah Addison Allen but with a charm all its own. Sarah Dove is the seventh daughter of the Dove family, an old family in town whose daughters all have magic. Sarah's magic is that books talk to her, telling her which person in town needs to read them. As the town librarian, she makes sure that book gets to the right person. Such a lovely idea! Sadly, her beloved small town of Dove Pond is failing. The population is dwindling, they have no jobs for the young people, and most of the downtown storefronts are vacant. People are worried. Luckily, the town lore is that whenever the Dove family has seven daughters something good happens for the town. As a seventh daughter, Sarah has always thought she would save the town but she has no idea how to do that. Then Grace Wheeler, broke and with crushing family responsibilities, comes to town and Sarah realizes that it is her job to befriend Grace and help Grace save the town. This is a lovely novel of friendship, family, belonging and finding home. Highly recommended.

I have decided to put this book down. I am not a 100% sure I will not pick it back up. Right now, it is not a good fit for me. I am very much a character driven reader and the characters are not keeping me motivated to keep reading. The writing is not poor...just a bit unimaginative.
I stand by the fact that this book has a wonderful premise and the cover is absolutely stunning. At this time, it is not a good fit for me.

A perfect book for readers who enjoy the magical experience of reading books. The hint of magic throughout the book really adds to this story. The characters are relatable and likeable, even the lazy mayor. I like the way the story is told through the eyes of the characters. I like that foster care is presented in a positive way through Mama G. Each Dove sister has a special place in this delightful town. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommended!

Magic and family are two words I would use to describe this book. Be prepared because it is such a good read you will not want to put it down. It will speak to you the way books speak to one of the main characters.

In the midst of all the craziness in the world, this book gives hope with a touch of magical realism. The town of Dove Pond is in trouble, and Sarah knows that the newly arrived Grace will be able to help. Grace is coping with her foster mother’s Alzheimer’s, as well as the loss of her sister and the added responsibility of her niece Daisy. The relationships that develop between Sarah and Grace, Grace and Trav, and other characters will lift you up. I loved it.

** Book Review ** ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to @netgalley and @gallerybooks for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review. #partner

What a sweet beginning for a heartwarming series for author Karen Hawkins.

I loved the blooming friendship between Grace and Sarah. Their differences seemed to complement one another. And having the special gift of choosing the perfect book that "speak" to her for each person that needs it the most, Sarah was able to help Grace find her true purpose for being in the town.

I also loved the developing romance between Trav and Grace and the gentle way he interacts with Grace's foster mom, Mama Giano.

All made for a heartwarming read!! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!

This book reminded me a lot of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. It had a small town, a family with a special magic to them (specific to sisters!), and cute romance. (It didn't have a haunting, though the ending lends us to believe that may happen in the next book.)

I'm not sure if I'll continue this series as nothing that exciting happened to hold my interest until the next book comes out, but if I come across this series again in the future and feel like a slower-paced, cute story, I'll probably pick it back up.

This ARC has been provided by Netgalley and Gallery books in exchange for an honest review.  My thanks!

  Financial analyst Grace Wheeler will do anything to protect the remaining members of her family.  With the death of her sister, Hannah, and her foster mother's descent into Dementia she is now caretaker to the only woman who ever truly cared for her and the angry little girl that she loves more than anything but doesn't know how to reach.  On a friend's advice she leaves her high paying job in Charlotte to take Mama G back to Dove Pond where she grew up. 

         Sarah Dove, the town librarian, is special.  Not only does she take care of the books, but she talks to them.  They tell her who needs to read them, and what she needs to do.  That's her talent- all Doves have one.  Unfortunately, she always thought hers was supposed to help her save her beloved town that's on a financial decline and she doesn't know how- for once, the books aren't talking.  When she meet's Grace, though, it clicks.  They're supposed to work together- Grace is going to save the city.  Unfortunately, Grace is far from willing.  She's only staying for one year.  She doesn't have time for friends, or to plan town outings.  The more time she spends here, though, the more she believes the town might be special, and worth saving... but can they do it?

I have read Hawkins' historical romances before and I really loved them- the characters, plot lines, dialogue.  You know when you see her name you're going to have a pretty good time- even when dealing with heavy subjects like the ones in this book.  This.  Book.  Delivers.  Charming descriptions, fabulous character interactions and growth, a town that you just don't want to leave.  I am buying this book when it comes out, and I am salivating over the idea of more to come.  Will we get more of Sarah's story?  Or another Dove sister?  Hell, I would take a story about the neighborhood cat, Killer.  Obviously, I loved this book.  Five stars, all the way!

     On the adult content scale, there's some language, sexual innuendo, and talk of substance abuse.  I give it a three.

The Book Charmer is a story about a quirky Southern borough filled with eccentric characters and bizarre happenstance which the locals label magic. Fans of droll small town stories will find a lot to love here.

Our tale begins in 2001, when Sarah Dove discovers books can talk. She isn’t completely surprised;  after all, she still believes in Santa and the Easter Bunny and she loves books, so why wouldn’t they speak to her? Also, as the seventh daughter of the magical Dove family, she’s been expecting to discover a special talent since birth. “Every chance their mom got, she proudly pointed out that when the Doves had seven daughters, as they did now, good things happened to their hometown of Dove Pond.” Sarah’s not sure just how her gift will help the community but she knows that someday her magic will bless the people and city she loves.

While Sarah is busy discovering magic, Grace Wheeler is discovering the art of heartache. Being a foster kid hasn’t worked out very well for her. The “red frost” that drifts above her head means she never has good control of her temper and the end result is that she and her sister have been bounced from foster home to foster home. She’s given one last chance to let the system work and be placed in a family situation with her sibling before she’s sent to a group home. Fortunately, she winds up with Mama G, a lady who sees “the cold mist that followed her” and promises to help dispel it.

Fast forward eighteen years and Grace finds herself back in a difficult situation. After excelling at college and making an excellent living as a financial analyst, she’s had to quit her job to become a full time parent to her niece Daisy and part time care-giver to Mama G, who has Alzhemier’s. Moving to the small town of Dove Pond is a temporary solution to her long term problem. Once she has enough money saved, she intends to take everyone back to Charlotte with her and then get her life back on track.

Fate has other plans, though. The books at the library where she works assure Sarah that Grace is the answer to the dying town’s fiscal difficulties, which is all Sarah needs to spur her to make a friend of the new town clerk. With a bit of coaxing and cajoling Sarah is able to convince Grace to rescue their community.  Which actually proves to be the salvation of Grace, for as she struggles to heal her family and preserve her new home town, she discovers the power of friendship, love and the magic that can only be found in a really good book.

The Book Charmer is primarily about Grace’s character growth and how she discovers the joy and charm of small town living. Initially, Grace is your classic fictional career woman - driven, focused, materialistic and somewhat clueless about the humans around her. She loves Mama G and Daisy but doesn’t really know how to talk or interact with them. The denizens of the town, especially Sarah and the other ladies of The Dove Pond Social Club, give her homespun advice, soothing (magical) teas, and emotional support, which - along with a copy of Little Women - slowly help her to realize that all she really wants is “a close family, friends, a simple but full life.” Once she realizes that, her pesky plans to go back to a high pressure job in the city fall by the wayside.

Another person who helps Grace understand her life goals will never be met anywhere but Dove Pond is Travis Parker. He lives next door to her, and initially this serves as a concern. He’s a motorcycle riding, gruff mechanic who looks like Khal Drogo and hardly seems the kind of man who would be a good neighbor for a heartbroken little girl and a confused elderly woman. Fortunately, appearances prove to be very deceiving here, since Travis had been the caretaker for his father, who suffered from dementia in his last years. Travis’ experience with mental  illness proves to be a boon as he helps Mama G through several Alzehmeir’s fugues and his brusque demeanor actually seems to be a balm to Daisy’s wounded soul. Towards the very end of the novel, he and Grace begin dating, something which thrills their friends and family who have believed they’d be perfect for each other all along.

Daisy and Mama G are both pretty stock characters for this type of story. Daisy, whose mother left her to be raised by Mama G since infancy, is at first belligerent and angry. She misses her mom but doesn’t really understand why, since her mom was never around. The stress as a result of Mama G’s illness and not understanding exactly what it is cause her to lash out a bit at Grace. Grace had always been a visitor in her life, never before a caretaker, so her fear that Grace will also abandon her makes a lot of sense. As the story progresses, the Dove Pond community works its charm on Daisy and she is able to make friends, and accept that Grace is there to stay.

Mama G is, in her lucid moments, the wise old woman of the tale. She gives Grace sage advice and serves as a catalyst in her relationship with Travis. Mama G’s illness is depicted extremely well and watching her struggles with it are the most realistic and touching elements of the story.

Sarah, Grace’s best friend and an important inhabitant of Dove Pond, was the most difficult part of the story for me. Her magic seems to be more of a deux ex machina than a real ability, and the citizenry of her community are far too accepting of the Dove’s family special-ness to be anywhere near realistic. I’m a big fan of fantasy, urban fantasy and magical realism, but the magical elements of the tale detract from it rather than add to it. They just aren’t written with any acknowledgment of what life would be like for a person who actually possessed magical abilities. Additionally, Sarah’s interactions with Blake, the town sheriff and her future love interest, are infantile and I lost what little interest I had in her as a character after a particularly painful moment when he was asking her about his role in an important festival she was helping to chair and all she could do was swoon and imagine kissing him while he was trying to get the information he needed.

The Book Charmer is one of those books written for a very particular audience. For fans of small town stories and women’s fiction tales that concentrate on the heroine’s growth arc it will be a very enjoyable read.

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A cozy town. A bit of magic. The scent of old books. And a newcomer with a troubled past and an uncertain future.

If you crave small town stories that will tug at your heart, or you crave a book that can absorb you into a life touched with magic. This is both and more.

The perfect summer read. Or maybe when the season starts to turn toward autumn. Pick this up. My only gripe is that I got an advanced ecopy of this, which means there definitely isn't another one to inhale right after I finished. Oh, actually, two complaints: I'm on the keto diet and this book made me crave pastries and creamy coffee something fierce.

4.5 magical ⭐️S!

Sarah Dove is the librarian of Dove Pond, but she is no ordinary librarian. Books are more than just objects to her: they live, breathe, and sometimes they even speak. Her gift is to place each book in the hands of the correct reader. But, recently they have been whispering about the arrival of Grace Wheeler. If the books are right, (and they haven’t been wrong yet!) Grace, the new town clerk will be the savior of this financially strapped, dying town.

But, Grace only plans to stay one year, and she doesn’t have room on her plate for any more demands on her time. She has arrived with her foster mom, Mamma G, who is suffering from dementia, and her niece, Daisy, who has just lost her own mom, and is now being raised by her Aunt Grace.

The book opens with a prologue, one chapter introducing you to Sarah Dove and her gift-(all the Dove Sisters have one) and one chapter introducing you to how Grace and her sister Hannah, come to live with Mamma G.

The story then alternates between the point of views of Grace, (who is the actual main character of this book), Sarah, (my favorite chapters!) and Trav, the next door neighbor who suffers from PTSD, and needs some healing of his own.

You know the kind of book that makes you sad when it ends, because you don’t want to say goodbye to the characters? This is one of those books.

The kind that makes you wish you lived in this town, and were blessed to have these people in your life.

I wanted to know more about how Mamma G broke through to Grace and Hannah when they came to live with her. I want more of Sarah Dove. And, I want to know what happens in the next chapters of all of their lives!

Fortunately, this is just book one in the Dove Pond series, so this isn’t Goodbye...it’s just goodbye for now!

Favorite quote: “Love can’t cure a broken heart, but it can hold the two sides together while they heal” ❤️

Hurry up and write the next installment, Ms. Hawkins! I am watching for its release!

Recommended for you if you love books with quaint towns, and charming characters who make you smile and cry-this installment will be available to read on July 30, 2019!

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of The Book Charmer! The title says it all about this book! It was charming! I found that this book is the perfect summer contemporary with magical realism. I absolutely loved this book, and it surprised me how much I loved it. It deals with many topics like friendship, grief, love and family matters. It also has a small town setting, which I adore, and magical books that talk! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light, fast paced, magical read!

There is warm-hearted magic in the small town of Dove Pond and it is all because of the Dove family. The current custodian of the town is librarian Sarah Dove, who lets books talk to her, tell her who needs them and what she should do, cryptically, of course. Who know what will happen when Sarah follows their orders, but it is always for the good of the town and especially the people who live there.

Lately the books have talked about a stranger coming to town, Grace Wheeler, who has her hands full with her orphaned niece and elderly mother who suffers from worsening dementia. For Grace, Dove Pond is just a temporary stopover, a place to re-group and get her bearings, but the books say otherwise…and Sarah knows the books are never wrong.

THE BOOK CHARMER by Karen Hawkins is a delightfully charming and quirky tale of finding inner peace, a place to grow roots and learning to stop and smell the roses. Fun, heartwarming, heartbreaking and sweetly romantic, this read will fit into your beach bag perfectly as the unusual citizens of Dove Pond worm their way into Grace’s heart, as well as any reader who wants a little sunshine in their lives!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gallery Books!

Series: Dove Pond - Book 1
Publisher: Gallery Books (July 30, 2019)
Publication Date: July 30, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy/Fantasy
Print Length: 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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