BOOK REVIEW - The British Booksellers - Kristy Cambron - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
I always love Kristy Cambron's books and I think this one might be my new favourite! The pace is a bit slow for the first half but the storyline is so addictive that I. Must. Keep. Reading! Charlotte and Amos *sigh* I don't think I've rooted for a couple more! Put their heart wrenching story and love of books against the back drop of not one but two wars and you have one book that's hard to put down. Anything else I say about the storyline will giveaway spoilers so I'll just leave it there and you definitely need to find out the rest for yourself.

THE ROMANCE
This story incorporated all my favourite tropes - Second Chance, Beauty and the Beast/Grumpy-Sunshine, Forbidden Love (Rich vs Poor) and a little Enemies-to-Lovers. That alone should be enough to get you pick up the book if your a romance lover like me!

THE TRUTHS
The whole time I was reading this story I had the Jeremiah passage in my mind that says that God knows the plans He has for us and that they are good and full of hope. Life often doesn't turn out the way we planned so it can be easy to give up hope. Charlotte and Amos' life certainly didn't go as they initially planned but God had their futures in mind and brought the pieces of their lives back together in a beautiful way only He could've designed. Our lives might not look like how you envisioned but God knows what we really need in life and has designed our lives with our welfare in mind. So when our lives feel messy and we can't see how the pieces will fit together, don't give up hope, God has a beautiful future planned especially for you.

Kristy Cambron is one of my favourite writers and this moving and beautifully-written novel about the star-crossed love of Amos and Charlotte is one of her best.Before the Great War, Charlotte, a daughter of the aristocracy, and Amos, a poor servant, fall in love and share a passion for Dickens. But Charlotte is destined to marry Will and become a countess.

When World War Two arrives, Charlotte and Amos are fierce rivals because of their respective bookshops. When bombs start falling over Coventry and an American solicitor arrives to threaten Charlotte’s estate, old secrets are brought to light, and new heartfelt lessons must be learned.

A carefully-structured plot, well-rounded characters, a powerful story and meticulous research make this a must-read.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780785232247
PRICE $17.99 (USD)
PAGES 384

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I love history novels yet I rarely come across a unique story. The British Bookstore is actually unique and very well written. You can picture each character and I love it. The small details that manage not make the story drag, really make the novel.

Lady Charlotte and Amos, her childhood love, have a forbidden romance. She is an aristocrat, set to marry a gentleman, and he merely works the farm and land of her family's estate. They believe they can escape her forced engagement and be together, but WW1 breaks out the day before they are to elope, and instead of meeting her, Amos enlists. Years later, the widow Charlotte Holt and her daughter Eden own a bookstore in Coventry which has been a rival to Amos’ bookstore across the street since Eden can remember, and no one knows why.
Then, during the blitz in WWII, an American named Jacob appears for an unknown reason, other than it involves Holt manor and an inheritance. He is quickly swept up in the war efforts, as well as affection for the young lady Eden.
For fans of split time historical fiction that focuses primarily on tragedy romance. This book deals a lot with both world wars and their circumstances and also the plight of those living in the English country during WWII, but the novel mostly focuses on Charlotte and Amos and their tragic, almost romance, as well as the blooming romance between Eden and Jacob.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher; the review is my own.*

3.5 stars.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I struggled to love it and am not quite sure why. I suspect it's because the writing style kept me at bay a little and did not allow me to forget I was reading, if that makes sense. Although I wouldn't accuse it of being sterile or clinical, it failed to make me feel anything, almost as if it was just a debriefing or a recounting of events. I found myself having to read over certain sentences more than once because they were unclear. Dialogue was also confusing at times, without indication of which character was speaking. So there, I suppose I do know what prevented me from getting more into this book: it was case of the writing interfering with the story.

The book starts in 1908 and jumps back and forth between the present (1940) and the past (1911-1915), finally ending in 1948. Charlotte (born 1896) and Amos (born 1893) begin as good friends who later fall in love but cannot be together because of the difference in their stations; however, they do get a second chance, though this time they start as rivals/enemies rather than friends. I liked them both. Charlotte's quiet determination not to let Amos remain in his miserable solitude was especially endearing. Theirs is not the only romance in the book, though. Eden (born 1915) has been raised by a mother determined to give her more freedoms than she was permitted herself, though Charlotte still maintained propriety and raised her daughter to be dignified--Eden is just a bit feistier than her mother. Jacob (a few years older than Eden) started out as a problem, but he managed to turn himself into a solution as he proved his worth and character. I couldn't help liking him very early on. I did not like Will, though I found myself begrudgingly giving him a little bit of respect once I was able to see him outside of the Will/Charlotte/Amos situation. (FYI, no, there is not a love triangle.)

Would I read another book by this author? Perhaps. She seems to have a decent following of loyal readers, and I appreciated the omission of certain content from the book. So we'll see.

Note: Nothing bad.

Kristy Cambron’s latest masterpiece, The British Booksellers, seamlessly weaves a tale with forgotten history and timeless themes of forgiveness, love, and resilience against the dual timeline of WWI and WWII. Through skillful narration and rich character development, Kristy Cambron brings to life the entwined stories of Charlotte Terrington, Amos Darby, Eden Holt, and Jacob Cole, revealing the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of hope even in the face of war.

“What defines the human capacity to love? To love meant to accept all—the grit and grief alongside beauty. To endure the harshness of life not with despair, but hope.” ~ Kristy Cambron

From the very first chapter, I was captivated by The British Booksellers’ depths and the characters’ authenticity. None of us are perfect, and true stories are far from fairytales, yet Kristy Cambron’s ability to portray the imperfections of her characters made their journey all the more relatable and poignant. Through pain, grief, and loss, beauty, hope, and love endure!

Currently living through war myself, reading about the strength and compassion displayed by each character toward their neighbors and enemies was encouraging. The British Booksellers is a testament to the triumph of forgiveness and understanding in a world where bitterness and hatred often prevail. Kristy Cambron masterfully entwines these themes with beautiful stories, reminding readers that falling in love is not without challenges but is rooted in integrity and grace.

“Some pain would never go away. Some choices never alter. But if they’d learned anything from the beauty and brokenness of this world together, it was that light always overshadowed the darkness. And home would always be the place she had with him.” ~ Kristy Cambron

Historical fiction lovers will thoroughly enjoy The British Booksellers. Kristy Cambron’s talent for captivating her audience with accurate historical events while imparting valuable lessons is unmatched, leaving readers both enlightened and deeply moved by the unforgettable stories she creates.

“Books are an escape that beckons the reader from the heavy burdens of this world. They can challenge as well as comfort. Entertain and educate. Even save us in ways we’d never expect.”~ Kristy Cambron

*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*

The British Booksellers is a historical novel told in two timelines. In 1914, the aristocratic Charlotte Terrington is in love with Amos Darby, a tenant farmer's son. World War I and an arranged marriage threaten their happiness. In 1940, Charlotte owns a bookstore in Coventry, England, across the street from Amos's bookshop. Her store is named Eden Books after her daughter. Charlotte and Amos have years of animosity, but they are asked to work together to help the World War II effort at home. Will this bring them closer together? And what will happen with Charlotte's daughter Eden and the mysterious young man who is visiting from America?

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction, and especially books set during World War II. I have read Kristy Cambron before and really enjoy her writing.

This book started slowly for me. There were a lot of characters and there was a lot of back and forth between the WWI and WWII time periods. (A cast of characters page would have been helpful!) But about 20% in I suddenly found myself engrossed in the world of this novel and absolutely could not put it down. What a lovely, sweeping story that takes place over so many years and several interwoven storylines!

I especially liked Charlotte and Amos's story. They were characters I really cared about. They both are brave and determined, and so truly well-suited, with their love of the land and especially their love of books.

This novel is a valentine to reading, with passages like:

"Why was it so easy for Charlotte to cross her arms over her front in mock defiance? 'It remains my opinion that there is a Jane Austen reference to fit nearly any situation in life. And Emma being the wittiest of the lot would have the most to say.'” (eBook location 2215)

I loved the passages about the warring booksellers, which reminded me a bit of You've Got Mail.

The historical references were also well done, including the Forgotten Blitz in Coventry, the Christmas Truce during WWI, and the Women's Land Army.

I highly recommend The British Booksellers for fans of historical fiction, and for anyone who loves World War II novels or stories about books and bookstores. Prepare to be swept away by this immersive book!

What truly sets this novel apart is its cast of characters. From the charming owner of the main bookstore to the eclectic mix of staff and customers, each character is beautifully crafted and utterly relatable! I found myself cheering for them as they navigated the challenges of running a bookstore in the digital age while also grappling with personal struggles and triumphs. "The British Booksellers" is a charming and uplifting read that left me with a warm glow in my heart and a renewed appreciation for the joy of books and community. Kristy Cambron has crafted a masterpiece that will resonate with readers of all ages and tastes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a cozy and delightful escape into the world of books! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much!

This split time novel is set during WWI and WWII in Coventry, England. In the past, Charlotte must learn how to do what is expected of her even though she has different wants and desires for her life than others have for her. In more recent times, Charlotte must help keep her family's name, especially as a solicitor from America comes and threatens a lawsuit against them. Will Charlotte be able to put her past with Amos aside and join forces with him to help their neighbors stay safe? The characters in this book are so beautifully written and the story is perfectly woven between the two times. I couldn't have predicted the connection between the two stories. Highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction.

A poignant story about two people denied their fate over the span of two world wars.
I liked the straddling of timelines between WWI and WWII. It’s been done before but Cambron writes it with ease.
Amos and Charlotte are meant to be but alas they must wait.
It’s a tortured wait for the reader to see if the lovers will reunite after all that befalls them.
The heart of the story is the sustenance of books and how they feed our minds not just in times of great trial but also in moment of tremendous joy too.

Histoitical fiction that will keep you engaged. Duel timelines, friendship, booksellers and wartime.. A great read for anyone who enjoys a great story line and enthralling characters and how life circumstances define us.

This is such a heart touching story. Lady Charlotte Terrington, "Charlie," has had a wonderful friend, Amos Darby, since childhood. He supports her interests to the point that he helps her reclaim a beloved item her mother got rid of. The problem, she is of nobility. He is not. This means nothing to children but is everything in society for young adults during the early 1900's.
It is hard for me to find words to honor the beauty of this story. I received this e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion. Kristy Cambron brings us a dual timeline with intense characters and plot. I love it.
The World War One story has information that I didn't know much about. I've read a lot on World War Two which is also a featured timeline for these characters and more. The writer switches smoothly back and forth between the two plot lines to give the reader the entire story of an enduring friendship that led to a deep and genuine love. This is an intense story of devotion, sacrifice and loss.
The addition of a set of characters which taught me about the "Land Girls" who kept the country going and fed is interesting to me. Women had a very important mission during the two wars as they not only assumed duties that men were expected to perform but they also began to break down the 'class system' in my opinion.
I'd rate this book a five plus out of five.
PTSD, War, Trauma, Land Girls

3.5 stars.

There's definitely a lot to love about this story. It's about booksellers, and books, and the written word--and I love how much of the read shares all the love for those! Add in name-dropping of some of my favorite authors (and authors I want to read), and I'm in.

Cambron obviously did her research, and brings to light (and life) lesser-known elements of both world wars. As ever with her books, she excels in this arena and creates a compelling read for the history alone. I also geeked out hard at the author's note at the end; I'd spent the entire book channeling "You've Got Mail" with Eden Books--turns out that, along with other book elements, was a legit nod to the movie! YAYYY.

The story sometimes struggled with the multiple timelines and narrators (two narrators during WWI, and three during WWII), but I got used to it as the book progressed.

I did feel the inheritance thread wasn't fleshed out enough--why did Jacob feel his inheritance was threatened to begin with, such that he needed to sue the Holts? That's still confusing to me (and I feel better that per other reviews, I wasn't the only one). And the "enemies to lovers" trope was a bit over-promised and under-delivered; we see from the get-go that the two characters in question still obviously have feelings for each other, and the "enemies" bit really was more just poor or minimal communication due to past events, rather than antagonism per se.

My last beef was a couple uses of "my truth"/"your truth"; obviously, truth-relativism has been around for eons under a variety of names/guises, but I was disappointed to read it here--trendy 21st-century phrasing in a historical setting (among other things).

BUT, that aside, still a very interesting and satisfying read. I always look forward to Cambron's books, and am already eager to see what's down the pike for her!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was a historical fiction based on real accounts. There is a dual timeline set during WWI and WWII. Amos and Charlotte are from two different classes of life but that doesn't stop them from their friendship and falling in love. Unfortunately, society and circumstances have other plans. The present timeline is twenty-five years later showing the two have lived a different life than what was originally planned. Their shared dream of owning a bookstore together turned into separate businesses instead of the one. And they are no longer friends but instead "enemies." I enjoyed both the present and past timelines as I anxiously tried to fill in the gaps of how the two ended up where they are in the current day.

There is a second chance romance as well as a new romance. The war gives an intense foreboding on the pages as well as a glimmer of hope that everything will turn out right. There is great character development even from the "bad guy" who eventually has a redemptive arc and forgiveness given (though the tragedy of the lost years is still devastating!)

4 stars

Shifting between the changing dynamics in class at the outset of WWI and the drama of the Coventry Blitz in WWII is a love story that endures across time. Charlotte and Amos are star crossed lovers who can’t bridge the difference in class. And are thwarted by war and society. Decades later, as Charlottes daughter Eden grapples with responsibilities and the appearance of a stranger amidst the nightly air raids. Can their love sustain them as they deal with betrayal, secrets, and the bombings.

I adore historical fiction books ... especially if they are focused on WWII. This one actually covers WWI and WWII. The dual timeline was so well done and the characters richly developed. You will fall in love with Amos Darby and Lady Charlotte Holt. And getting to know second characters, Jacob and Eden adds to the story. You will experience multiple points of view and timelines and a wide variety of characters. That sometimes made it difficult for me to keep focused. But the end result is worth the effort. Traveling through the pages and the experiences of both World Wars will have you flipping the pages and devouring the story. While presented as Christian fiction, this is not in-your-face. The characters attend church and have Christian morals. However, I do not think it would offend someone who is not a fan of Christian fiction.

A story of hope, social hierarchy, betrayal, resilience, death, hope, loss, and redemption, you will find this a tale that you will appreciate. A different view from most WWII historical fiction books that I read, this will demonstrate the endurance and dedication of those caught in the crossfires of war.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

"The British Booksellers" is the first book I've read by Kristy Cambron. I was drawn into the historical setting, which evokes a "Downton Abbey" vibe, with Charlotte being the daughter of a Lord and Amos being a farmer's son. I like the dynamic sparks between Amos and Charlotte. Will becomes the third character, and I can sense the wedge between Amos and Charlotte forming. It was a slow burn getting into the story itself, especially the dual timelines of 1913 and 1940s. I will say this: Cambron did well in keeping track of the events unfolding between the characters, and the drama became interesting. Ultimately, I had the last 175 pages left to read and devoured it in two days. I don't know what else to say if that doesn't show how gripping the story becomes. Please read the Author's Notes. Her story led me to read about "The Forgotten Blitz," and it was indeed an eye-opener in revealing the purpose of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me the opportunity to read this story.

Amidst the bombing raids in Coventry during WWII, secrets long buried are beginning to emerge from the rubble. It starts with a cello and a deep and abiding love of books and ends with a romance not meant to be before the outbreak of WWI.
The story is told in different points of view and timelines, effectively moving back and forth between the wars. Lady Charlotte loves the music of the cello, but it’s not a very ladylike instrument, and her path is already laid out for her. She shares a love of books with Amos, who works on her family’s estate, and they daydream about owning a bookshop together one day.
In the story’s present, there are two bookstores across the street from one another. The young shopkeepers are fiercely loyal to Lady Charlotte and want to protect her from the dastardly bookseller across the road. Scarred and grumpy Amos is about to close his shop for the night when a stranger walks in. His presence stirs the pot and everything changes—as the bombs fall around them, the past catches up with the present.
Highly recommended emotional historical fiction, so well researched reading feels like inhabiting the place and time.

I’m torn about this book. I love WW2 books and have read many of them. I enjoyed parts of this story. It was a bit slow at times and other times really rushed. I’m not a huge fan of split timeline books, so that’s may be why I didn’t enjoy this book as much. I did like that Amos and Charlie got their second chance, but the reasoning as to why they weren’t together in the first place didn’t make sense. Charlie ignored her parent’s wishes for most of the book and then didn’t fight them on her marriage to Will. It didn’t align with the character we had gotten to know. I did like seeing Will and Amos during the war, but again, Will’s sudden selflessness was a shock and didn’t make sense for his character. He was willing to have Will arrested so he could marry Charlie, but then was willing to take a bullet for Amos so he could return to Charlie. Maybe the war gave him perspective, but it wasn’t shown. The reason why Eden was left the inheritance from Jacob’s father was never made clear. It was alluded to, a bit, but I was still confused by that.

A historical fiction page-turner is just what I needed. Having never read a Kristy Cambron novel, I wasn't sure what to expect, but when you throw in a bookshop in war time, I'm all in. The British Booksellers is set in Coventry, England, during the Great War and WWII. A tenant farmer's son (Amos) and the earl's daughter (Charlotte) strike up an unlikely friendship around music and books. They vow to have a bookstore together when they grow up, but societal pressures and trauma from the Great War thwart those plans. Instead, they have competing bookstores on opposing sides of the street (with Charlotte running hers with her daughter Eden). With WWII in full swing, can they put aside their differences to help their community?

The British Booksellers is everything I look for in a war novel. There is history, romance, and conflict. I connected with Amos, Charlotte, and the Great War timeline more than Eden storyline, but it was still worth reading all the parts because the two timelines are woven together masterfully. Just be sure you have big chunks of time! I really wasn't planning on reading the last 100 pages in one sitting, but I couldn't put it down!

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