I've read and enjoyed several of Kirsty Cameron's previous books so was looking forward to reading The British Booksellers. Despite the obvious appeal of rival booksellers in World War II Coventry, a city famous for being destroyed by the Nazis, it is my least favourite Kirsty Cameron title.

It's a dual-timeline story, flipping between World War I and II. I usually love dual timeline stories, but this one almost lost me the second time we went back to 1914. This is probably because the story started in 1908, which gave me the mistaken impression that was the first timeline.

It should be a compelling story, but it missed the mark for me. There were too many 1915 secrets that should have come out earlier, and the story took too long to get to the point: we were at 29% of the story before Jacob revealed why he was in Coventry. I had to force myself to read that far: if I’d downloaded the Kindle sample instead of a free review copy, I wouldn’t have persevered.

There was what should have been a "Sophie's Choice" moment in the middle, where Amos decides not to marry Lady Charlotte at Gretna Green. Instead, the moment was buried in obfuscation, and I had to read the passage more than once to work out what happened, and still didn't understand.

It turned out the reason Amos didn't approach Charlotte was because Will was there as well and persuaded Amos not to marry Charlotte. Showing that scene would have cemented Will as the bad guy, explained why Amos continued to avoid Charlotte even after he didn't need to, and provided some much-needed tension as the reader waited for Charlotte (and perhaps Eden) to discover the truth.

It was nice to see Charlotte and Amos finally get together, even if it was twenty years too late. I was less sure about Eden and Jacob. Their relationship seemed underdeveloped. I get this is historical fiction, not historical romance, but the romance still needs to feel romantic. As it was, it almost felt like the logical conclusion given why Jacob was in England (what better way to get to keep the half-share in the company than marry the woman who inherited it?).

Will was my favourite character. I suspect the intent was to show Will as the bad guy, the man who kept Amos and Charlotte apart. But Will appeared to genuinely love Charlotte (even his reason for persuading Amos to marry Charlotte could be read as centering on her, not on his own selfishness). Yes, Will and Charlotte's families both expected them to marry, but Will seems to have been in the happy position of liking the obvious choice. And Will marries Charlotte even while knowing she's in love with Amos, which has to be a special kind of pain. It reminded me of Joseph marrying Mary even while she was pregnant with what everyone around thought was another man's baby.


I thought the mystery of the watches and why Eden had inherited the half share was cleverly done, although Jacob should have done more obvious investigating and explaining in the 1940 timeline. Again, this would have increased the tension. The mystery of the watch and the inheritance was the only reason I kept reading (and a little skimming) given I wasn't particularly interested in the characters.

There were also a few too many Americanisms which annoyed me (although they might have annoyed me less if I had been enjoying the story more). I’m commenting here from the perspective of a non-American who grew with English parents and grandparents and a steady diet of English children’s fiction, and who believes that using the correct vocabulary is necessary to enable the suspension of disbelief: that these characters on the page are actually real English people.

For example:

Alex refers to a tiara as a "diamond-studded crown thing". If he's read all the classics of British literature, he'd know the correct term.

The English didn't measure distance in kilometres in 1914 or 1940, and they still don't. Like most of the USA, they use miles.

Tardy is an American term. I see it in America novels but have never heard spoken aloud.

It would be Lady Eden or Miss Holt - Ms. didn't make an appearance in England until well after the war (for example, the 1973 edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary has Mr and Mrs, but no Ms, although my 1986 Collins English Dictionary does have Ms).

Chores is also an American term.

The English have cellars (and perhaps wine cellars) but not root cellars.

The English offer condolences. "I'm sorry for your loss" is something I first heard on American crime dramas or read in American novels.

In my view, there's nothing icky about suet (not compared to, say, Rocky Mountain oysters, blood pudding, or haggis).

I'd never heard of Godcakes before, so well done to the author for pulling out that bit of research (although the real ingredients would have been difficult to acquire legally, and the chances of having even substitute ingredients available during rationing would have been close to zero).

Faucet is an American term - the English use taps.

I’ve never heard of gum shoes, only gumboots. The Oxford English Dictionary says gumboot is a dated term for a long rubber boot, and gumshoe is an American term for detective, based on the fact they wore soft-soled shoes for stealth.

Yes, a Sergeant is a non-commissioned officer (NCO), but he's still an enlisted man. To be an officer, one has to have a commission—a lieutenant is a junior officer. I have a friend who was a British Army sergeant-major, and he always refers to “the officers” but doesn’t consider himself part of that group.

I won’t be sharing my review online. Even assuming the Americanisms are corrected before publication, the story didn’t engage me enough.

Another good historical story by Mrs. Kristy! A little bit of mystery, and some romance are added in. :) Even though it's set in the wars (WWI & II), it's not too depressing. It also has some great characters! Try it I think you'll like it!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Kristy Cambron takes you on an emotional and heartbreakingly beautiful journey in the British Booksellers. With the perfect transitions and balance between two different timelines, I was captivated by our main characters stories and life changes especially through times of war. I was blown away by Kristy Cambrons ability to weave the past with their present so flawlessly and unravel the twists and the turns in such a bittersweet way. The character growth in this book was some of the best I’ve ever read, especially the redemption story of one particular character. You see different types of love portrayed throughout the book and the strength it can give in times of weakness. You will find themes of forgiveness, redemption, courage and faith all woven together to tell the story so beautifully, and it all begins with a boy and a book and a girl and her cello and the friendship between them.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

The British Booksellers follows the story of Charlotte, Amos, and Will. It has two timelines, the first starting in 1908 when Charlotte and Amos are childhood friends, and in 1940 forward, the setting is mainly around Coventry in the U.K., with some scenes set in France during WWI. This book was an immersive read, and this book is rich in the history of German attacks on and around Coventry. This author writes very likable characters, and I enjoyed this book and the author.

I just reviewed The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron. #TheBritishBooksellers #NetGalley
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Another powerful dual timeline by Kristy Cambron. This novel encompasses both WWI and WWII. The central theme is the impact of different events on our lives and how we deal with them, how they shape us into who we are, but also the choices we can (but might not) make. Ms. Cambron tackles this topic through the pain, struggles and growth in the lives of Charlotte, Amos and Will. The setting is mainly around Coventry in the U.K. with some scenes set in France during WWI. Besides the huge life lessons, the reader learns a lot about history, in particular the German attacks on and around Coventry. As always, the research is impeccable, in-depth and beautifully woven into the story. Very likable main characters, and a bad guy with a hidden surprise side which comes to light after many years. The author brings in many different aspects and some other unexpected elements that are super interesting and keeps one reading as if there’s no tomorrow. She’s an excellent writer and you feel part of the scenes. When there’s a piece that needs to have a number of facts summed up, she does it in such a gracious way that you don’t even notice that she just packed a bunch of information in half a page. Ms. Cambron has very much mastered the art of showing versus telling. Favorite lines “Books are an escape that beckons the reader from the heavy burdens of this world”, …”that tall dreamboat over there…”, “When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way no other reading in your whole life does…” I once read “Number the Stars” (about WWII in Denmark) with a class. Fifteen years later, one of my former students visited me (he had moved to Europe and so had I) and said, “My love of history started with that book.” To all you history lovers, the British Booksellers is another one you do not want to miss!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This complex and compelling book covers both World Wars in dual timelines. Some of the characters are affected by both wars, along with other players in each period. I laughed. I cried. I stayed up late reading. Cambron describes the affects of the war on the area around Coventry in heart-breaking detail, and makes it come alive because I cared about the people it affected.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #TheBritishBooksellers #NetGalley

This is a beautiful, heartfelt story that begins in 1914 through 1915, when WWI, known as the Great War, is happening. Amos Darby, the son of a tenant farmer, and Charlotte Terrington, the daughter of an earl, have secretly been best of friends since childhood. The story unfolds during the challenges and hardships of the Great War and is expertly woven into the time of the 1940s when WWII, Hitler and more devastation is imminent.
As they Amos and Charlotte grow older, a true affection develops between them. They even discuss marriage. However, the Earl of Harcourt chooses Charlotte to be his wife. Her parents are in favor of the match, and Charlotte feels she is destined to a loveless marriage.
During the saga of the second war, in the 1940s, Charlotte is a widow, and has an 18-year-old daughter, Eden, who is determined to preserve the legacy of the father she never knew. Unexpectedly a lawyer from the United States shows up during the war, with a lawsuit that could end everything Charlotte and Eden have worked hard to save.
Over the many years between the end of WWI and the beginning of WWII, Amos, and Charlette both own competing bookshops on the same street, nearly across the street from each other. Although they have never spoken to one another in many years, they never lost their love of books or the value they play in life.
This captivating story has many interesting facts and details of the eras in which it takes place. I loved all the details and descriptions of life during the challenge of living through two wars. There is a large cast of intriguing, delightful characters. This is a fast-paced story with numerous surprises and secrets.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed and remarks are totally mine.

A compelling historical novel, full of rich period detail and vivid descriptions, “The British Booksellers”, by Kristy Cambron, is about family, friendship, love, sacrifice and duty.
Set against de backdrop of the 20th Century World Wars, the story follows Amos and Charlotte as their close, sweet friendship evolves into unfulfilled love and their lives become interwoven even when they’re separated.
Their youth friendship and affection is so natural and deep. The years apart and the feud because of class distinction dissipate when circumstances bring them together again.
I liked how the wounded recluse slowly became more involved with the community and new and old people somehow interfere in his loneliness and bring him out of it, among the tragedy and utter destruction of bombings and war.
The apparent decades-long indifference was just a façade.
It is relevant the role Eden and Jacob had in Amos awakening to society and life.
I enjoyed watching the younger couple getting attached; they’re great characters, too.
The mother/daughter relationship is tight and deep.
The secrets binding the characters are wonderfully narrated, and kept me guessing with curiosity.
I also liked the setting – Coventry, England – the way the author described the period events, the rigid class distinctions and customs, and the camaraderie and affection between people from different stations in society despite all the barriers.

Another great read from one of my favorite authors. I loved reading the story from multiple perspectives and was so happy that the book had a happy ending.. The mystery was a great benefit too. It was a fantastic read and I could hardly put it down.

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron is a great dual timeline historical fiction that I really enjoyed.

I have read several books by Ms. Cambron, and I have enjoyed every one of them. This is a great addition.

There is history, mystery, suspense, emotion, forgiveness, heart, and it really kept my interest throughout. The author always does a great job at weaving together fiction and fact. The pacing also was just perfect and kept me engaged as we followed along to the satisfying end. A memorable read.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/9/24.

Kristy Cambron, yes please! Have I read all of her books? Yes, that's a yes. Did I enjoy this book? Yep. Was it exactly what I wanted it to be? Another yes there. I love historical fiction, and I appreciate the wholesomeness in Kristy's books. She is an author that I can always recommend to anyone because I know that it will be a great read, but also clean.

This is the story of class differences, a boy, a girl and war - and books. For large portions of the early stages of the book I was straining to keep track of who was who and what was actually going on. I am still unclear as to the cause of the major conflict; the reason given seemed just too simplistic but perhaps I was hoping for more and missed the point.

The chapters flip between 1914 and 1940. The 1940s chapters highlighted the Coventry Blitz and the story was woven around this real life event. Characters Charlotte, Amos, and Will were the focal points but I enjoyed the German soldier who liked horses and how his role played out at the end.

I do appreciate the early opportunity to read and review; thank you NetGalley.

Everything I have ever read by Kristy Cambron is always a treat and of the highest quality, and this book was no different. What sets her apart is her breathtaking prose, her excellent characterization, and the quality of her historical accuracy. Combine that with books, lost love, and redemption during WWII Blitz and you are swept away yet glued to your seat! Absolutely wonderful! I recommend all her books, but I believe this one is my favorite and her best yet! TEN STARS!
In short, this was a fantastic WWII novel that is unputdownable. Authentic details and superb writing raise this book above the rest. I really enjoyed it and will read anything this author decides to write!