“‘Books are an escape that beckons the reader from the heavy burdens of this world.’ Isn’t that what you told me once? They can challenge as well as comfort. Entertain and educate. Even save us in ways we’d never expect.”

Two rival bookstores located across the street from one another in 1940 Coventry, England are not only brimming with books, but drama, secrets, and lost love. This book really covers a ton of bookish territory spanning from WWI to WWII with a bevy of literary nods throughout. The chapters alternate timelines and perspectives, bringing everything together as secrets are revealed and characters reconnect. The characters are well-developed and endearing. Over the decades we see their growth and lessons learned from the decisions they make and the burdens of this world.

The historical details are rich in this novel. It’s clear that Cambron spent time researching the time period to provide an authentic and engaging story.

I highly recommend this book for readers who love historical fiction. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Austenprose for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kristy Cambron, in The British Booksellers, has once again shown me why she is one of my "must read" authors. Centered around the 1940 bombing of Coventry, this story goes back and forth between World War I, including the hierarchy of landed gentry versus the working class, and World War II. Charlotte, Amos, and Will are caught in a love triangle with Amos being among the working class. This love has caused ripple effects still evident in 1940. When Jacob, and American, comes on the scene with a lawsuit against the estate, stories from a generation back start to come together. Through it all, there is woven the characters' favorite books and the impact those books had on their lives.

Unrequited love, battle scars, guilt, forgiveness, courage, self sacrifice... It's all here. It was a great read!

Kristy Cambron is one of my favorite WWII historical fiction authors. In "The British Booksellers" she writes about Coventry, England and alternates in the main character Charlotte's life just before and during WWI and then flashes to 1940's WWII and events that take place there. There is romance in the book as the book centers on the owners of two rival bookshops in the town near Charlotte's estate, Charlotte being one of those booksellers. There is also a bit of mystery woven throughout the story surrounding a young man that shows up at the beginning of the book talking about an inheritance for her grown daughter Eden.

This book to me moved more slowly than some of Cambron's other WWII fiction. It didn't pick up for me until about halfway through the story but by the end I was engrossed in it and didn't want to put it down. There is a lot of detail packed into this novel about the happenings during the Coventry Blitz, WWI war scenes, Anderson shelters, the land girls program, blackouts during WWII and the factories surrounding Coventry.

Overall I recommend this book to fans of WWII fiction. This is the first one I've read about the Coventry Blitz and I found rich historical detail woven throughout.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I adore Kristy Cambron's books and The British Booksellers consumed a full day while I read through meals and into the wee smalls. No one does dual timeline stories better, and here, we find ourselves gripped by the tale of Charlotte, an Earl's daughter, and Amos, a farmer's son, during WWI and WWII, including the deadly Coventry bombings during the blitz. A compelling must read as only Cambron can write!

"The British Booksellers" draws inspiration from actual events during the Forgotten Blitz bombings, shedding light on the courage of individuals whose lives were irrevocably transformed by war. The novel unfolds against the historical backdrop of both World War I and World War II, intertwining the narratives of two characters: Amos Darby, the son of a tenant farmer, and Charlotte Terrington, an earl's daughter. Their unlikely friendship centers around their shared passion for books, but as they mature, the harsh realities of war steer their destinies.
This poignant tale celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Author Cambron's meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling combine to create an unforgettable reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend "The British Booksellers" to historical fiction enthusiasts and anyone seeking a moving exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of literature.

Horrible Hitler!!! This was not an easy read. There was so much detail and so much going on. I had to find a quiet place to devour the story. Neglecting housework was so worth it.

The British Booksellers is a dual (although I consider it a triple) time line. Amos, the son of a tenant farmer, and Lady Charlotte are definitely from different economic backgrounds. That doesn't stop them from being best friends before World War One. You can't help who you fall in love with, but stepping out from society's traditions is impossible. Amos and Charlotte learn the hard way.


Amos and Charlotte find themselves in very difficult situations. Going to war is just one of them. Amos says a last goodbye to his friend, his lost love as he goes off to war. Charlotte is left to oversee the manor while her husband is fighting for Britain's safety.

Amos soon finds himself under the command of Charlotte's husband, a man that has done much to destroy Amos in the past. The reader is transported to the battlefield of WW1 where horses were the main transport. I was able to picture the struggles of a war I know little about. That will change. Action, drama and tragedy fill the pages. My mind exploded with what might have actually be possible.

The story parallels life before WW1, during WW1 and the beginning of WW2 in Coventry. Amos survived the war but has changed. His lives life as a hermit, working his bookshop. His business competition just across the street, Eden Books owned by Charlotte and her daughter. Time has not healed old wounds. Tensions are tight across the road. My emotions were just as twisted as Charlotte and Amos's actions.

War is a funny thing. People can put a lot aside in order to survive and protect others. The reader learns so much about the past and the present. Secrets are revealed and Charlotte's handling of the discovery was touching. Watching emotional walls crumble was thrilling. The collapse of building and loss of life was heart wrenching.

The realism has left an impression on my heart and in my thoughts. I felt as if I was there, watching and learning. I will not soon forget the suffering endured by the residents of Coventry. Not all have a happily ever after in these types of books. I was happy to close this book with a big smile.

The British Booksellers is a dual timeline story, alternating between the times of WWI and WWII, sharing the story of two childhood friends that had bonded over books--- Charlotte and Amos. For me, dual timelines can get to be a little confusing, trying to keep it all straight. This one was definitely like that for me--- I think because we're dealing with the same primary characters, it just made it harder for me to keep the timelines separate. This is definitely more of a me issue than anything about the book itself though. Still, because of that, I found it did take me awhile to really get into the book as much as I would have liked. By the end, I was absolutely hooked, it just took a bit to get there.

The author's writing style is great, and you can certainly tell this was well researched, really drawing you into these points in history and these places. That always makes me appreciate historical reads so much. The love of books is also something that I always appreciate in a story too. More than anything, I really appreciated that second chance of love and found that I really enjoyed these characters and their story.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

A well done dual time line novel that spans both WWI and WWII. The characters are nicely complex, the settings atmospheric and the storytelling is good. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Cambron's fans- and others- will enjoy this.

I give this book a solid 4 stars

I liked this story (two stories in one, actually) quite a bit. The prose was beautifully written, but I found the pacing to be a bit slow for my taste. The characters were likable, but I didn't feel that I knew them as fully as I would have liked. A sequel with some of the secondary characters in this book would be most welcome!

It was evident that the author thoroughly researched the major WWII event that takes place in this story. I consider myself somewhat well-versed in WWII history and was not familiar with this event at all and enjoyed learning about it.

The story was light on faith elements. I don't consider that to be a negative, but would also have been happy with more displays of sincere faith by the main characters.

This was my first book by the author, but I doubt it will be my last.

I appreciate receiving an advance reader copy of this book from Net Galley.

An engrossing dual timeline novel that weaves together the lives of two characters against the backdrop of war. The plot addresses class disparity and unbreakable bonds forged through love.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

#TheBritishBooksellers #NetGalley

A story told in two time periods-1914 and 1940, and two World Wars. Kristy Cambron became a favorite when I read her book The Butterfly and the Viloin. Her research on WWII and the way she writes drew me into this story set in Coventry England and is known as The Lost Blitz.
Two friends who are from two different worlds, a poor farmer and an earl's daughter have no business being connected to each other in any way. When Amos Darby rescues Charlotte's cello after her mother sold it, to keep her from playing, saying it wasn't respectful for an earl's daughter. When war hits and Amos joins the war, he finds himself in Charlotte's husband Will Hart, Earl of Harcourt's regimen. When the war ends and sends Amos back to Coventry broken and hollow. Charlotte is also facing a world alone with her daughter Eden as heiress to the Harcourt estate. Twenty-five years Charlotte as a widow is trying to hold together a declining estate and her dream of running her own bookstore fulfilled and teaching her daughter how to best run a failing estate. 1Can secrets tear everything apart in the time of war, or can hearts be healed?

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers.

The British Booksellers is historical fiction perfect for those who enjoy Kristin Harmel, Sarah Sundin, Madeline Martin and Beatriz Williams. The loves and fortunes of two families are intertwined throughout the Great War and World War II. I enjoyed this life-affirming and tender story.

Another amazing book from Kristy Cambron!

The British Booksellers tells the story of Charlotte and Amos. As WWI begins, they are young and in love and dream of owning a bookshop together, despite their different social statuses. They're torn apart, and years later still haven't resolved their past. Not only do they have their personal differences, but they also own rival bookshops. Now WWII is upon their town of Coventry, and they come together to help save their community and each other.

I loved how well this story showed how much people were affected by living through the two wars. I also had never heard of the bombing of Coventry, and it sent me on an internet search to learn more information (isn't that the mark of a great historical fiction novel?).

While the wars played a major part in the story, at its heart is a story of community, forgiveness, and healing. I definitely recommend this to historical fiction readers!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristy Cambron, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

“The British Booksellers” is a well written story of British life before WWI and during WWII. The reader learns the past friendship of Charlotte and Amos, and then learns the current life happenings of the two friends with flashbacks to earlier life events. I appreciated the way the author told the story and then flashed back to events of the past for each character. It was well written and well thought out and answered the questions I had right after I had the question or drew my curiosity out in the best way possible to answer my curiosity a little later. Charlotte and Amos faced big challenges and hurdles - society expectations, family obligations, financial and social status differences, national security concerns, etc. Each of them suffered heartbreak and overcame heavy challenges. I was deeply touched by the resolution of the various conflicts from earlier in their lives and from their current lives in the story. I loved the multiple layers of story that the author included in this plot. I highly recommend this book to any reader of fiction, but especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. The author includes a wonderful section verifying history and clarifying details of the historical content at the end of the book that is insightful and educational.

I requested a copy of this book for review and the thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

I'm so grateful to authors who research and study and learn about a moment or more in history and share that with us in beautiful and powerful stories! Kristy Cambron is one author that I automatically read. I love when I see that she has a new book coming out and I can't wait to dive in and experience the emotions of it all. Because let me tell you, there are so many emotions in her books. This one is one you'll want some tissues for. Especially at the author's note when she discusses some of the historical dates and facts that she based her book on. I was in tears. My heart went out to those who experience and lived through these moments. The strength they had and the resilience as they had to pick up and rebuild all while mourning and grieving and trying to process so much loss—family members, homes, belongings, friends, communities. So many emotions!

This story was so touching! Two childhood friends and their experiences as life and the people around them make decisions and cause problems that affect their friendship and relationship. The story goes between 1914 & 1940. And if you're looking at those dates and recognize what was happening you'd be correct. World War I and World War II.

Kristy Cambron weaves together a story of family and friends and community over many years. The hope and joy mixed with heartache and sorrow, loss and love. It was so beautiful! There's so much within these pages. Another story is woven in that is so touching as well. I love how everything was connected together and how the further you read into the story, the more you see and understand and will be in awe.

I listened to the audiobook of this one and loved the narrator. She did a fantastic job. The emotions she shared through her voice were touching and brought more depth to the story. As I was listening I felt like I was transported to where these characters were and to their story. I highly recommend you pick up this book, whether it is the audio or paperback or kindle version. A definite Must Read for any lovers of Historical Fiction!

Content: Clean. This book does deal with war so there is death and loss and bombing and guns. But the author did a great job being sensitive to the subject and was not overly graphic. There are some kisses but nothing further. This is a Christian Fiction book but I felt it was not overpowering with the messages but very natural for the time period and characters. Beautifully done.

I received a digital ebook copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Amos, a tenant farmer’s son, once dreamed of a future with earl’s daughter Charlotte. The Great War shattered their hopes. Scarred by the trenches, Amos returns home to open a bookshop. Now a war widow, Charlotte runs a rival bookstore. When an American solicitor threatens their future, they must set aside their differences to preserve their legacies amidst the looming danger of war and the local blitz.

I loved this book! It’s part romance, part mystery, part family saga against the backdrop of WWII. The characters are endearing, and the story engrossing. It’s fast-paced and complex, uplifting and deeply emotional.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved this book…whole-heartedly.

Spanning from WWI to the beginnings of WWII and the Coventry Forgotten Blitz bombings, this dual-timeline story details the life and loves of the local elite family of Coventry headed by the matriarch Charlotte Terrington. As a child and daughter of an earl, she secretly shared a friendship with and ultimately fell in love with a tenant farmer’s son, Amos Darby. As she was promised to the future Earl of Harcourt through basically an arranged marriage, things are left in limbo with Amos as she marries the earl before both men leave to serve in the Great War. She gives birth to a daughter Eden and shortly thereafter her husband is killed. When Amos returns home, scarred both mentally and physically, he and Charlotte set up rival bookstores across the street from each other, a childhood dream that they had hoped to fulfill together. They go for decades barely speaking, especially not of the past and the heartbreak of a broken promise. However, as Charlotte’s declining estate is threatened by a mysterious lawsuit for ownership and Coventry is besieged by the Luftwaffe’s local blitz, they must put their animosity aside and work together for the good of their beloved community.

This was such a wonderful, heartfelt story of sweet childhood friendship/love, bravery, loyalty and just plain goodness. I loved everything about it…the writing, the rich development of the characters, the historical insights. And the dual timeline worked so well and seamlessly here that I did not find myself favoring one over the other as I sometimes do. Both stories were entertaining and thrilling and exposed different sides/emotions from the various characters. There were also some surprise twists/revelations that I was not expecting but were lovely to unearth.

I totally recommend this one.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing the free early arc of The British Booksellers for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

This is a book that is set in the UK and is a time slip between the two different World Wars. The story is a unique telling of a historical event we all have learned of, but rarely seem to truly bring to life. Cambron weaves a tale that takes young love, already strained at the seams due to societal and family expectations, and thrusts it directly into the middle of a war. You will love, hate, and want to strangle and hug these characters all at the same time as they bumble their way through a journey and love that is anything but easy. So well written and a book you will not want to set down.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bookstores…booksellers…war time…love…friendship…family…all ingredients for a real page turner, written by this talented author. A cannot put down novel…realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. They come alive on the pages. The war time setting added to the intrigue. Historical fiction at its best. Thanks Netgalley.

A gripping novel that focuses on the Coventry Blitz of 1940. I loved all the main characters—Charlotte, Amos, Eden, and Jacob. I even eventually appreciated Will. The core story revolves around British society’s expectations—both in 1914/15 and in 1939/40. The novel was researched well and by the end I felt invested in the four main characters. Excellent story. 4 stars

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