The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron is a historical fiction novel about second chances and romance. It is a duel timeline story, taking place in Coventry in 1914 and 1940.

The story is about Amos and Charlotte, the dreams they had of a future together and how they were torn apart by class differences and WWI. Move to 1940 and both of them own rival bookshops and are at odds with each other. Will they be able to overcome and find a second chance or will they be torn further apart.

It's a beautifully written novel that probes at the meaning of community, humanity, forgiveness and true love. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advance copy of this book.

“Perhaps days like this are exactly why we have books in the world. To remember that not all is lost, even if we find ourselves in the unknown. I like to think we provide a haven for the wanderer. And help him remember he has a place to call home.”

From the very opening pages this story swept me away and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a beautifully crafted historical romance, with a dual timeline.

Amos and Charlotte had dreams of a future together, but were torn apart by class differences and WWI.

Twenty five years later, they’re rival bookshop owners. Amos is a recluse who is physically and emotionally scarred. Charlotte is a war widow, taking care of her estate and running her bookstore with her daughter, Eden.

As WWII looms and blitz bombings affect their community, Amos and Charlotte are drawn together again and may get a second chance at love.

I loved Amos. Underneath that hard exterior, he had such a heart of gold, and never stopped loving Charlotte. Charlotte’s character was also wonderful. She was strong, resilient, and kindhearted. I adored their relationship and romance!

There’s a second storyline with Eden and Jacob, a lawyer from America who is there to contest his father’s will that mysteriously names Eden as a beneficiary.

Both storylines were excellent and resolved in such a beautiful and touching way.

I loved the themes of the beauty and solace of books, the beauty of music, and the strength,courage, and resilience of people during wartime. Honestly, I loved everything about this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It was outstanding!

I received a copy from NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and Austenprose PR. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The British Booksellers felt like it was a constant uphill battle with a satisfying ending once we reached the summit. It took a bit to get my bearings as I didn’t start reading this novel at the most opportune time, but once I had my footing, I really enjoyed the premise.

This dual timeline takes place in both present and past as we discover the truth behind the dueling bookshops of Coventry and their owners, two lonely souls who seem to be just trying to get by while also battling the ghosts of their pasts. At the heart, there is a forbidden love that is a slow burn but given the circumstances it needed to be, and just goes to show that timing means everything, even if you believe with all of your heart that it’s meant to be.

Amos and Charlotte are both wonderfully fleshed out characters with flaws and likability. I enjoyed witnessing how their past and present were so intricately interwoven and seeing the full progression of their relationship. Eden was also a great character, but one part I really enjoyed were the side characters, especially the Land Girls and their moxie. They added a little bit of oomph to an otherwise seemingly ordinary experience from the war years and more than once I found a smile gracing my face as their positive outlook and fresh perspectives help boost not only the characters themselves but me as a reader.

I also appreciated the historical nuggets that were sprinkled about, getting a first-person perspective of the battle during the First World War and the hometown ramifications of the Second World War. This author is one of my favorites, a trust artist of her craft. She is able to weave such an intricate story so effortlessly and I truly enjoyed this novel so much.

This book was a must-read for me because of my love of books, historical fiction, and interest in WWII because of my father’s service in England then. The resilience of love and hope is brought home through this novel taking place in the lives of Amos and Charlotte during the horrors of WWI and WWII. Childhood best friends, whose friendship grows into love, are split apart by the separation of class, Charlotte coming from a life of privilege and Amos a tenant farmer’s son. War further rips them apart and they end up hardly speaking to each other, each suffering from their own secrets and pain, owning competing bookstores on the same street, until the next war gives them a second chance at love. The romance drew me in, telling not only their story, but including Charlotte’s daughter’s love story as well, while the mystery involving the American solicitor added to the intrigue! I also enjoyed the sense of community in Coventry with everyone pulling together during difficult times with the secondary characters of the Land Girls, who added humor and spunk, and the twists and surprises from Frank and Will. Gripping, beautifully written, thought provoking, and inspirational! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The British Booksellers was an interesting WWII novel. I liked the contrasting social stations comparison. And what a great story of a friendship surviving the test of time. There is a good combination of romance and mystery. I felt the book moved slowly. And I got confused by the switch between timelines. However, this book does cover lesser known facts from WWII. So it might be a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction. I received a copy of British Booksellers . All opinions expressed are my own.

A dual timeline story centered around WWI and WWII, their impact on social mores and the Coventry blitz. Charlotte and Amos are from two different social classes, but they form a bond which will be broken by her engagement to Will, the future Earl of Harcourt, and Amos’ entry into the war. From 1914, the reader moves to 1940, where Amos is now an owner of a bookstore and a recluse for all practical purposes. Charlotte and her daughter Eden own a bookstore situated opposite Amos’, seemingly at war with each other. As the war brings bombings and hardships, will the past tear them apart or bring them together? Add in Land Girls, books, and you have an interesting and absorbing book. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

You’ve Got Mail meets Downton Abbey in this heart-achingly lovely dual time period historical romance from Kristy Cambron. Taking place mainly in 1914 and 1940, this book took me on a page turning journey as childhood friends Amos & Charlie (Lady Charlotte) share their love of books and more through war, heartbreak, rivalry, and second chance love.

I absolutely loved Amos, the grumpy, wounded farmer’s son with a heart of gold, and Charlotte, the resilient, kind hearted, cello playing heiress. Torn apart by class differences and WWI, they’re now rival bookshop owning enemies. I loved finding out what happened in 1914 and WWI to make their relationship what is was in 1940.

I also loved Eden and Jacob! Eden is Charlotte’s daughter who’s doing everything she can to keep their estate running amidst the Coventry Blitz. Jacob’s an American lawyer who’s come to present her with papers naming her in a contested will. They start off as enemies, but as they work together to help the Coventry community, they begin to grow closer.

Both time periods were so compelling and I couldn’t wait to unravel the mystery in each one. Each storyline comes together for a stunning, touching, heroic ending that left me in tears. War brings out the best and worst in people and I loved seeing the best for once. I enjoyed learning about the Forgotten Blitz and the Land Girls through this amazing story.

Full of romance, intrigue, heroism, and love of music & the written word, The British Booksellers is a new favorite book by Kristy Cambron. Highly recommend to historical romance fans! Definitely add this love letter to books & second chances to your must read list! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

This is my first book by this author, and I really felt captivated and engrossed in this storyline and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The British Booksellers is a dual timeline novel that alternates between WWI and WWII and tells the story of two childhood friends, Charlotte, and Amos, who bond over books. This heartfelt historical novel begins in 1914 during World War 1. Amos Darby is the son of a tenant farmer, and Charlotte Terrington is the daughter of an earl. Coming from two different “worlds”, these two characters have had a secret friendship since childhood. As the story progresses the timeline leads us into World War 2 and Hitler’s reign of terror.
As Charloette and Amos grow older, they have covert chats about marriage until the Earl of Harcourt determines Charloette will be his bride. Charloette's parents are fine with this match because it has a good reputation. During World War II, which begins in the 1940s, Charolette becomes a widow and has an 18-year-old daughter named Eden who is determined to continue her father's legacy. During the conflict, an unexpected lawyer from the United States arrives with a lawsuit that threatens to destroy everything Charlotte and Eden have worked so hard to preserve.
Between the close of WWI and the start of WWII, Amos and Charlette had competing bookshops on the same street, almost across from each other. Even though they hadn't communicated in years, they never lost their love of books or the importance they hold in their lives.
This fascinating tale has various relevant facts and insights regarding the eras in which it takes place. I appreciated all the details and descriptions of life during the two wars. There is a diverse group of intriguing and appealing personalities. This is a fast-paced story with plenty of twists and secrets.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson. All thoughts and comments are of my own making, and I look forward to reading another book by this author.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I’m so happy to be a part of the AustenProse PR book tour for this book published by Thomas Nelson. It’s out now, so check your favorite bookstores for a copy.

This is a beautifully written book inspired by real accounts of the Coventry Blitz of WWII. It’s set in the early 1940’s but has flashbacks to before WWI and during WWI. Amos and Lady Charlotte were childhood friends that supported each other’s dreams. Amos loves books and yearns to further his education, but as the son of a farmer, he knows that will never happen. Charlotte loves playing the cello but her mother forbids her from playing, especially in front of other people. Each is in love with the other, but when they age Amos has more responsibilities on the farm and Charlotte is forced into a loveless marriage with the Earl of Harcourt. She has one daughter, Eden, who is fiery, outspoken, and fearless. An attorney from the U.S. visits the town and tells Eden he’s suing her, which brings up family issues.

It took me a long time to get a sense of Charlotte because despite her initial adventurous nature, she allows herself to be married off and live a life she didn’t want. Amos goes to war in WWI and is injured and scarred for life. He comes back, opens a bookstore, and becomes a recluse. He still looks after Charlotte, from afar, but will he finally take the steps to go after what he really wants?

Initially I was a bit confused with the jumping timelines because I didn’t expect it or realize what was going on, but then I settled into enjoying the story. We get a sense of the terror of living during the war and bombings and the thought of having to spend hours in a dark, dank bomb shelter makes me shiver. If you like a steady paced historical fiction romance this is the one for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, AustenProse PR, Thomas Nelson and the author. All opinions are my own.

Historical reading at its finest! Strong characters, interesting plot development and learning about this time period is always fascinating. Beautiful second chance romance story, too.

Kristy Cambron has penned another breathtaking novel. Unlike her last two novels that focused solely on World War 2, this one encompasses both World Wars 1 and 2. Thankfully, the flashbacks were a bit more linear than some of her previous novels, so I was able to follow them without keeping notes. The story follows Amos and Charlotte. They were childhood friends who fell in love, but while one war tore them apart, another brought them back together. The story also tells about the little-known destruction of Coventry, England during World War 2. We learn about the efforts of the British to defend their homeland from the Nazi attacks. Mrs. Cambron is a gifted author who can evoke such emotion with her writing. The tragic backstory between Amos and Charlotte broke my heart with every chapter I read about them. I think I cried for almost half of the book. Just a warning for those of you who might not enjoy that kind of thing. It will probably be a long time before I can read this story again. I definitely need a good romantic comedy to follow this up with. With that being said, this is a very well-written story that will make you think and feel and I definitely recommend reading it.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction book that was inspired by real accounts of the blitz bombings in Coventry, England.


Rich and titled Charlotte and tenant farmer's son Amos are meant to be together and I was rooting for them all the way through the book.


I liked that the story is told through multiple POVs, because it kept the plot moving; there is much to keep track of and learn. I also liked the idea of having competing bookstores, it added some interest to the second chance romance plot. I was completely invested in Amos and Charlotte’s story.


This book will tug at your heartstrings – in a good way.

I thought this was a fascinating story, heartbreaking, hopeful and dramatic. A second chance at love for Charlotte and possibly first love for her daughter Eden, set amidst the bombing of Coventry, England during WWII. There are alternating chapters with flashbacks to WWI and earlier that provide the backstory for Charlotte and Amos. They have a lot of history. Amos has scars that are both visible and invisible. The battling bookstores made this story unique and what reader wouldn’t love all of the literary references? I also loved how everyone pulled together during this crisis and served those in need. I thought the whole book was creatively done and a compelling read.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and NetGalley. A positive review was not required, all opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

This story, set in Covington, England during the 2nd World War, highlights the struggles of their stations in life, familial expectations, duty to their country and neighbors as well as the way a Great War silences childhood dreams between the two main characters. Amos and Charlotte’s unlikely friendship grabbed my attention for the start and held on to me tightly until the very last page.

While the characters and their stories are fiction, many components of this story are true, including the historical background of the Forgotten Blitz bombings on Coventry and the way the community rallied together in its wake. The incredible imagery used throughout the story transports you into the story itself. The story unraveled in a way that I could have never predicted.

Thank you @NetGalley & @ThomasNelson for this ARC. It’s available NOW so grab your copy! This is definitely one of my top 10 books this year!

“Everyone is something to someone. Remember that. The scars we bear should make us more worthy of understanding, not less.”

I absolutely loved this book. Kristy Cambron has written a new classic in historical fiction. This tale of war and love from both the Great War and World War II had me spellbound. Second chance romance, split time periods, mystery, wounded hero, and a strong heroine make this book a must-read. Add in a second romance with a satisfying ending, and it's a 5 star read for me.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.

The British Booksellers is the decades long story of Amos and Charlotte, who started as childhood friends from different classes and wound up as rival bookshop owners in WWII Coventry. As the threats of war draw ever nearer, will they be able to put the past behind them and collaborate when it matters most?
I love when a book takes me by surprise, and this one succeeded in doing just that. I don’t mean that there was some major twist at the end (though the ending was satisfying!), but moreso that the patience it took to get to the end paid off. I had trouble with the first half and found it a little slow, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. In the second half, the action picks up and the multiple storylines start to come together. This book really is a masterpiece and I’m so glad I read it. If you enjoy historical fiction and tales celebrating second chances, redemption, and sacrifice, don’t hesitate to pick this up.
An added bonus is that this book also covers a lesser known part of WWII, The Forgotten Blitz. Don’t miss the author’s note!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron is a beautiful, heartfelt, captivating second-chance romance set Coventry, England during WWII.

This is a duel timeline novel told between WWI & WWII. I loved the stories in both timelines and the historical detail. I highly recommend if you love to read historical fiction.

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a complimentary copy of this ARC, all opinions in this review are entirely my own.

** “Benevolence, compassion, and love — bombs will never silence them when we put those virtues into action. Ordinary people like us become extraordinary fighters when we first seek to serve, and love others.” **

Kristy Cambron delivers an incredible dual-timeline novel of fortitude, sacrifice and redemption with “The British Booksellers.”

The story follows the lives of Lady Charlotte Terrington Holt and Amos Darby, a tenant farmer’s son, during both world wars — starting in 1913 and 1940. The tale of two friends who can barely even be friends due to their positions in life, Charlotte and Amos must overcome trials and hurts — personal and literal wars — to find healing, grace and forgiveness.

As Charlotte and her daughter Eden work in 1940 to protect their home on Holt Estate, as well as protecting their community in Coventry, they reconnect with Amos, as well as a strange American bringing a lawsuit to their door. As the German air raids come closer and closer, they must work together to protect their homes, each other and their lives.

Kristy Cambron does an incredible job of researching a very real and devastating event in England, all while spanning the bridge between two generations and creating great characters the reader can’t but help to root for. She brilliantly weaves together their stories and their connections over several decades.

She also offers a number of great themes, like books offer freedom and life (“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”); having a dream; forgiveness over retribution; the importance of caring for others; and to love through the good and the bad (“To love meant to accept all — the grit and grief alongside beauty. To endure the harshness of life not with despair, but hope”).

A huge theme of the book is dealing with scars — literal, physical, mental, emotional — and the impact they can have on us (“The scars we bear should make us more worthy of understanding, not less”).

Fans of historical fiction, stories centered around the two world wars, and authors like Rachel McMillan, Katherine Reay and Kate Morton will love “The British Booksellers.”

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This was a definite miss for me. Drawn in by the book’s cover, I had hoped for an easy, relaxing read but found the text just did not flow. There was a mix of characters which in the early part of book seemed isolated in their own story and jumping between timelines was unsettling. I admit to struggling with this book as it did not hold my attention and gave up half way through. Sorry.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Thomas Nelson for this APC

While this book took a bit to pull me in, once it did, I was completely immersed. The book is a dual timeline story, with most of the same major characters in each timeline. The earlier timeline occurs leading up to and during the First World War, the second during the Second World War. Young Charlotte longs for freedom from society's expectations, including the right to marry outside of one's class. The more mature Charlotte has raised a strong, independent daughter who has many more freedoms and choices available to her. Young Amos Darby, a tenant farmer may not agree with class restrictions, but has more readily accepted them. He is a man who loves books and a man of integrity. The more mature Amos is a man both physically and mentally damaged by the experience of war, a man who seeks to anonymously look out for those he loves while dismissing his own needs and desires.

Please take time to read the Author's Note at the end of the book. As always Cambron has thoroughly researched her setting and its history. It is interesting to see how well she has woven facts into her fictional story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The British Booksellers from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.