Member Reviews
Imagine being able to borrow a bookshop for two weeks. To live, breathe and work in one. Jude Crowley does just that, having booked a stay at The Borrow-a-Bookshop Café in the harbor village of Clove Lore, a dream vacation for her and her boyfriend, philosophy professor Mack. Only, Mack turns out to be a liar and a cheater. Jude take as chance and decides to go alone to heal her broken heart. It turns out she won’t be alone, however. Evidently the mysterious and brooding Elliott has booked a stay there too. Jude wonders if anything else could go wrong.
Jude has always played it safe. She lives with her parents, just graduated from college, and takes care of her grandmother. But with her grandmother moving into an active residential home and her parents moving away and selling their business, her life is up in the air. She’s quick to jump to conclusions, which I did not always think was fair. Elliott, on the other hand, seems to be hiding something—and from someone. A veterinarian by trade, Elliott gets on Jude’s every last nerve—in the beginning.
The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday was a charming and fun read. I especially liked getting to know the townspeople and the village itself. I would love to visit a place like that. Jude and Elliott seem an odd match at first but I was happy to see them come together—they both deserve happiness.
This is the first time that I have had the delight of reading Kiley’s books & I became immersed as I found myself travelling to Devon with Jude. Following a break up Jude headed off as planned to run a bookshop and cafe for 2 weeks. Much to Jude’s horror a stranger called Elliot arrives unexpectedly! They agree to run the book shop and cafe together for the two weeks. As I turned the pages I found myself sifting through the books in the bookshop in the quaint seaside location. I could almost smell the baked cakes! Jude’s character is delightful throughout. Will Jude warm to Elliot who is clearly hiding a secret. As you turn the pages I swear you will not be able to put this book down, pure escapism. I look forward to reading more of Kiley’s books.
This is a lovely love story . It made me what to go somewhere like this bookshop. The story about Jude who goes to Devon for holiday but it's not ordinary holiday. Jude stays at bookshop for two weeks and runs all on her own until unexpected guest turns up called Elliot. Jude is loss at life she's just finished her degree, her nanny she looked after goes to live in old people house and her parents sell the baker shop every one in her life starting a new . Jude does not know what to do until her bookshop holiday. It was easy story to get into and you warmed to the characters straight away. Thank you netgalley for letting me read this book.
Oh my goodness, what a lovely, romantic book. I read this so quickly, it was so fun to read and a gorgeous cosy romance story. Will definitely be seeking out more by this author.
This was yet another perfect read from Kiley, I absolutely loved the concept and seriously wish this was an option in real life, count me in! It was the perfect escapism for any book lover and the romance that came with it is just the cherry on top!
I LOVED the idea behind this book... a holiday which gives you a chance to run your own bookshop and cafe for a fortnight in a quaint seaside town? Yes please!!! I am all for it! This is exactly the kind of holiday I can see myself looking forward to! Thank you Kiley Dunbar for creating such a lovely premise/scenario which I am sure a lot of book lovers like myself would love to see become a reality. If such a holiday does really exist anywhere in the world I am all willing to sign up for it!
The perfect escapist novel for all dream filled book lovers... a beautiful borrow a book shop retreat by the sea in Devon, a grumpy mutt, a handsome stranger, a couple of nutty locals has some secrets to uncover. What are you waiting for? Book your ticket now and head on down to Clove Lore, I hear there’s quite a waiting list 😍
I truly enjoyed this book, overall. It took me a little bit to get into the book at the beginning, but once the adventure began I was pulled in fully. I loved the detail, and the character development. My only disappointments were involving how the original boyfriend just kind of dropped away so easily (never to be seen again throughout the book), and how the last quarter of the book or so felt like it was dedicated to a list of agendas. It even ended with our happily ever after couple simply "moving in together" because they wanted to be together forever. I won't get into details with this, as any reader will understand when they read the book on what I mean by "agendas". It is definitely written with a progressive outlook, and for some this is probably a welcome direction.
I do recommend this book, as it is very well written and creative. I loved the "borrow a bookstore" concept! I could imagine such an experience, and could see myself truly loving such an adventure! I would especially love doing this in an area with an entirely different culture and surroundings than I am used to. So, happy reading, and enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hera Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday starts of with a lovely dedication to all book lovers and readers and what an amazing way to celebrate readers everywhere.
I fell in love with Clove Lore the setting for this amazing story. As I was reading, the setting felt familiar to me and it wasn’t until I had finished reading the book and was reading Kiley’s letter, to her reader that I realised that it was based on Clovelly in Devon. I have been on holiday there a few years ago and found it just as magical as Kiley has portrayed in this book. When Jude arrives and goes in search of the bookshop with her luggage, my legs were aching just thinking of that steep hill in Clovelly! Kiley has chosen the perfect setting for this story to play out.
Jude Crawley is one of those characters that you really feel for. She is a little lost in life, which has been made harder with a recent break up. Jude thought her life was finally where she wanted it to be. She thought she was happy. A shocking discovering changed all that! Yet, little did Jude know that she had already set in motion the key to solving all her worries.
The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday was something that Jude had decided would be an ideal holiday for her and her ex and having replied to the advertisement was on the long waiting list. Just when things seemed to be hitting rock-bottom for Jude, the reply she had been waiting for arrived.
The idea for the plot for this story is one that no book lover cannot want to read. A stunning setting awaits Jude once she arrives in Devon, as well as a six foot handsome vet called Elliot! Separately they have life issues of their own and both find that having to run the book shop together challenging. It was meant to be Jude’s dream holiday and a way to get her life back on track. For Elliot all he wanted was a little quiet time for himself.
The quirky characters create such a fun atmosphere around the serious worries that life has for Jude and Elliot. I adore Daniel, Jude’s best friend and the way they really get each other and are there to support one another. One of my favourite scenes that Kiley expertly brings to life with her writing, is when Jude and Daniel go for a walk along the beach and find the waterfall, it really highlights the strong friendship and love they have for each other.
The outcome of this story was all I hoped it would be and more. A dream idea for a story The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday is a beautiful read full of community sprite, friendship and romance with the added magic of being surrounded by books.
I loved this so much, my idea of heaven so I had to read this when I saw the title, never mind the description. This was such a gorgeous read, . I adored the relationship Jude has with her gran, it’s full of a great supporting cast of characters and is a wonderful, uplifting read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Who doesn't want to run a bookshop for a week? I loved the premise, but ultimately did not finish. I plan on picking it up again, but for now it didn't keep my attention.
A sweet fun tale with lovable main characters and quirky secondary ones. Reading a book by author Kiley Dunbar after a long time, I liked the sweetness in it. The author knew how to pull her readers by the power of her words
Both Jude and Mike were well developed over the pages, but it was to Jude that my eyes were drawn to. I liked how easily I could connect with her. The writing was clear and easy to read, there was humor and friendship interspersed with real life. That made them genuine.
I adored the way the book captured my heart and gave me a few hours of solace. The pandemic had seen me drift to gentler reads. The book had powerful imagery to pull me deep into its locales. Overall a heartwarming read. I would gladly read every one of this author’s books had I been a romantic reader.
If only it was possible to rent a bookshop for a couple of weeks, I'd be there in a shot. Not so sure about the cafe bit, though... Anyway, I digress - the premise for the story was fab and the idea drew me in immediately.
I did feel sorry for Jude; I realise her parents had a bakery to run, but for them to leave the caring of an elderly relative to a mere girl was grossly unfair of them, and I was so relieved that she managed to escape and build a life for herself. They sounded a right heartless and selfish pair.
That besides, the romance was a reluctant one, brought about by circumstances, and I really did feel cross for Jude when Elliott appeared to be doing all the taking and not much giving. All is revealed though...
A sweet read with a lovely community vibe.
I had read a Christmas themed book by this author previously which I enjoyed so already knew I would like the writing. But I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of this book, plots which have books as a centre point are always some of my favourite and this did not disappoint.
Great summer romantic read. Will definitely read more from this author as I liked the writing style and characters. A good quick and enjoyable read.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jude and her boyfriend Mack unexpectedly break up. Devastated, she heads out on what would have been their vacation together - to run a remote bookshop.
When Jude arrives, she has an unexpected surprise. Someone else has booked the same holiday - but he's tall dark and handsome Elliot.
Will Jude mend her broken heart? and does Elliot have a past he's running from?
Jude Crawley has just graduated and she’s ready to go on a vacation with Mack, her philosophy professor, well now they can actually tell everyone about their relationship. That is until she catches him kissing another student.
Not only is her love life imploding but it seems her whole world is changing. Her parents are about to sell their bakery and her gran, who she’s taken care of for years is thinking of moving into a retirement home. She finally decides, w its the help of her friend, Daniel, that what she needs to do is go ahead and go on the bookshop holiday she had intended to on and take some time to decide what to do next with her life.
When Jude arrives at Clove Lore, the charming coastal town, she finds the type of bookshop all book lovers would love to visit. Teetering stacks of books, a cafe and even a resident mutt (although he doesn’t seem to want any pets). She’s sure that she’s going to enjoy having the upstairs apartment and running the bookshop even if she does have a problem with her math skills. There is one thing though, why does the owner mention another visitor?
As Jude is getting settled she is surprised by the arrival of Elliot, a handsome stranger who also rented the bookshop for a fortnight. Jude figures this is Mack’s payback at her for dumping him but no matter she’s going to enjoy her holiday, even if she’s going to have hard time getting rid of Elliot.
The two end up establishing some rules for how they’ll deal with running the bookshop and try not to get in their way but sometimes fate and, or the local residents, have a way of bringing them together at all times. Maybe it’s time that Jude will start living outside of the book pages and start living her life.
This was such a charming story. Not only did I love the relationship that Jude has with her grandmother, but in general she had a great support system who was just waiting for her to realize what would make her happy. If you a bibliophile and also love a romantic story, then pick this one up.
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC of The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar.
I loved the premise of this book – renting a bookshop for 2 weeks and playing bookseller and café runner. Jude is struggling in her life, and she feels stuck and unmoored. After several unexpected changes she finds herself unmoored and unsure what to do with her life. Luck strikes when she is able to go to Clove Lore and run a little bookshop for 2 weeks. She does not think about this too much. She packs the car and goes. Things do not go as planned as a second person joins her unexpectedly and ruins what she thought would be 2 weeks of finding herself. The other person is six foot tall, brooding (but gorgeous) Elliot with a big mystery surrounding him. After a frosty start, their relationship takes a turn and Jude must make some unexpected choices.
I very much enjoyed this book, the characters, and the plot. Very engrossing and easy to read.
The Borrow A Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar
This story invites literature lovers too run their own bookshop for a fortnight - borrowed,of course.
Very enjoyable romantic cozy. Takes place in a quaint village with unique characters. Spectacular and vacation packed.
Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.
A very uplifting read. Super cozy and quick I liked the characters and how the relationships changed and grew throughout the book.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.