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."

Interesting story told in two intertwining timeframes. One is when a girl and guy meet but are from different worlds, so they are separated, and she marries a wealthy man and has a daughter. The other is when the daughter is grown and runs a bookshop with her mother. It just so happens that the guy also runs a bookshop across the street.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review Kristy Cambron's "The British Booksellers", I am a big fan of dual timelines. Sometimes the timelines don't connect well, I had a difficult time putting this book down! I wanted to see if Charlotte and Amos would be able to reconnect, if Eden would understand her mother's past, who Jacob really was and why he came to Coventry. Filled with forgiveness, love, and the chance to learn from the past, this book was a wonderful read. I enjoyed learning about "The Forgotten Blitz" and the horror of two days of bombings. I appreciated the lack of profanity which sometimes is used in war time books.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an early read of the book in exchange for a fair review. I devoured this book - read it in 2 days! This is dual timeline book set primarily during the WW2 Coventry Blitz with brief sections set during WW1 to provide background. Lady Charlotte and former tenant farmer, Amos, put aside their differences and join forces to save their city, their country and their book stores. Truly, a good book - I could not put it down.

Kristy Cambron brings another part of history back to life in this wonderful story of war and love and the consequences both bring to life. The Forgotten Blitz bombings during WW II are revealed through the detailed research and amazing pen of Kristy Cambron. This dual timeline story tells of the courage of those who faced war and the way their lives were forever changed. And how one person's choice can have ripple effects on other lives for decades. A tenement farmer and Earl's daughter are world's apart, even if they fight to ignore it. When that difference forces them apart and war erupts, the future becomes murky and unclear. Fast forward to another erupting world war and the same two people have the choice to pull farther apart or join together for the good of their community, and maybe for each other as well. The Coventry countryside comes to life during the World Wars with stunning detail. The picture is painted and then the characters fill in the story. They leap off the pages and into a movie that brings history to life. They showcase the love and sacrifice made by so many during a time in history that formed and highlighted unbreakable bonds. Amos, Charlotte and Eden breath life into the amazing book. They felt like close friends that are sharing their stories over an intimate dinner. The struggle to keep a bookstore open during the outbreak of war and rationing. The air raid sirens that pulled everyone out of bed and into bunkers for protection. The men who monitored radios for information on locations of bombers. The people who stood on rooftops to watch for the Luftwaffe and to defend their communities. The people who ran through streets with bombs dropping to try and put out fires and pull neighbors and friends from the rubble. They draw the reader in, caring about the outcome of each decision and not wanting the story to end. It stayed with me long after the last page was read.
I loved learning about a part of both World Wars that I had not heard of before. It seems hard to believe Forgotten Blitz bombings happened, though the proof of them are brought to light through this powerful book. Kristy Cambron has such an amazing talent and I love that I get to enjoy it. I am already looking forward to the next book she writes. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*****Publishing April 9, 2024******
This duel timeline book alternates during 1913 and the Forgotten Blitz of WWII.

Lady Charlotte, an Earl’s daughter and a farmer’s son, Amos Darby, have had a friendship since they were teenagers that is secretive and forbidden. Amos worked in her family’s garden. As an escape to life, they would read together. But as life has it, Charlotte would get married and widowed due to the Great War and Amos had battle scars from The Great War. Little did they know they would have competing book stores as adults during the Forgotten Blitz. When an American solicitor visits Eden Bookstore with a lawsuit against Holt Manor, asking questions to Lady Charlotte, will this threaten its existence? Will their bookshops survive the Forgotten Blitz?

A fascinating read that takes you back to 1913 through WWII that showed what life was like for royalty vs commoners, having a forbidden relationship because of their class, the effects on both WWI and WWII and what it was like to own a bookstore during WWII. I love how Kristy Cambron included in her author notes a more detail account of the history that she wrote about in her book! If you enjoy a well written and researched book, then add this to your TBR list! Perfect for book clubs as there is lots to discuss!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson, I was provided an ARC of The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

ENDURING LOVE SURVIVES AGAINST ALL ODDS

Award-winning writer Kristy Cambron has gifted readers with an exquisite novel based on an enduring love that survives against all odds. Cambron is passionate about her research, as illustrated in the depth and richness of her writing. She has chosen the setting of Coventry and the period from the Great War through the Coventry Blitz of WWII for this novel.

Cambron has written a story that will touch your soul. Amos and Charlotte have been friends all of their lives, even though she was the daughter of an Earl and he was the son of a tenement farmer. They were best friends and planned to marry, but another man who wanted Charlotte for himself interrupted their plans. That one act would change the course of both their lives for many generations. Amos and Charlotte eventually become competitive booksellers but respect one another enough to “stay in their own lane.” War has a way of changing things, righting wrongs, and making people realize the truth that has been in front of their eyes the whole time. It opens your eyes to those who have been constant, loyal, and always ready to put their lives on the line for the other one. This is a beautifully moving story of an enduring love that survives against all odds!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

The British Booksellers was incredibly enjoyable. It kept me guessing & turning page after page. This was the story of two friends turned into seemingly enemies, and when drew them apart and then back together again. It was not overly "Christian fiction" but it was a clean and lovely book. It was the first I had read by Kristy Cambron & I know I will be looking forward to hers in the future.

Torn apart by a world at war, by misplaced blame, and by a society that would not allow them to be together, Charlotte and Amos each find solace in the books that fill their lives. Years later, as yet another war explodes around them, will they be able to put aside the past, and will they dare to claim the future they once dreamed of together?

Rich with history and beautifully written, this split-time, second-chance-at-romance tale highlights the power of forgiveness to heal and restore. Completely captivating!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron. This novel is about so much more than booksellers. It does have main characters who own and/or work at bookshops but the bookshops and selling books are not the main emphasis. There is certainly a love of books by the main characters which plays a part in a key relationship that we follow from pre-World War I into World War II. Overall, I believe what I loved most about this book were the all of the characters who the author brings to life with her excellent writing. If I were to try to describe the main emphasis if not about bookshops and selling books I would say that the novel shows how life changed from Downton Abbey style of strict class expectations to World War II requiring everyone - whether male or female - of every economic class - to do their part in the war effort in their part of Britain. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Looooooooooved! The more Kristy Cambron writes, the harder time I have picking a favorite of her books, but this one is definitely up there in the top tier. I loved this story of loss and love and hope. Fantastic setting, interesting history, as always, and characters that tuck themselves into your heart with ease. Absolutely loved this. I'm a Kristy Cambron fan for life!

"The British Booksellers" is a historical romance that follows two different timelines set in Coventry, England - one during World War I in 1910, and the other during World War II in 1940. At first, it was a bit confusing to keep up with the story due to the dual timeline, but eventually, I was able to understand the plot and follow it to the end. The author has done an excellent job of incorporating actual history into the story.

Charlie Holt and Amos Darby had been childhood friends who shared a love for books. However, they eventually became competing bookshop owners in a classic tale of unrequited romance where social barriers and class differences hindered them from expressing their love for each other. Charlotte, the love interest, was constantly pressured by her family to "marry well" instead of following her heart. The story takes us through the various struggles that they all faced, with Amos suffering more, both physically and mentally, in the aftermath of the war. Along the way, there were secondary characters who played vital roles in how Charlotte and Amos's story unfolded, some of whom were likable and others not so much.