The cover and the title is what caught my eye and caused me to see what this book was all about. While I’ve always been a fan of historical fiction, this is my first book of Louise Fein’s so thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC of this novel. I cannot recommend this book enough, the rest of this year’s reads have a lot to live up to.

The London Bookshop Affair - is a novel that skillfully intertwines the stories of Celia Duchesne and Anya Moreau an undercover agent. As the store unfolds it paints a vivid picture of a society on the verge of war, drawing inspiration from true events and figures of the Cold War era. With twists and turns throughout, the strength of women facing adversity during that time is portrayed so vividly. As a reader, you’ll be hooked until the end. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

The London Bookshop Affair brings together two fascinating historical times. WWII is tied into the storyline, but details of the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis are brought to light through these characters whose journeys take twists as you read. Can't resist a bookshop setting, but this is so much more.

The London Bookshop Affair
By: Louise Fein
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
-I love the time jumps between World War 2 and the Cold War.

-There are so many amazing layers and plot twists to this story, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!

-This book has everything. A little bit of history, a little bit of romance, a little bit of spy thriller.

-I really enjoyed how this story all came together at the end.

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The London Bookshop Affair was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and William Morrow. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 1/16/24

The London Bookshop Affair is a really engaging story. I loved learning about Celia, who wants to do more in her life, and Anya, a spy who is betrayed during World War 2.

As the story evolves, we see curious behavior from other characters, all set on the backdrop of the fear of Nuclear War.

I loved trying to puzzle out who was who in this story. It was definitely a fun and engaging read, and a different take on a historical fiction novel.

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

In recent years I have read several enjoyable books set during the early days of the Cold War and this one belongs on the list. There is also a storyline set during the last days of World War II, which will appeal to readers interested in that time period as well. Celia and Jeannie are both bright, resourceful young women, living in tumultuous times and trying to live a decent life and find happiness, personal fulfillment and maybe even love. Run, don’t walk, to your favorite bookstore or library and look for this splendid title, perfect for the new year!

Cold War spy historical fiction in London, 1962. Celia, 19, works at a bookstore, but no one is who they seem. Tragedy in WWII is revealed to have ties to her years later. She has questions and as she searches for answers, she gets involved with dangerous foreign agents. Hard to say much without spoilers, but I love a good spy story and this one was captivating.

The novel takes place in both 1962 during the Cold War and 1944 during World War II. I'd suggest reading the Author's Notes first as she explains which characters are based on people from history. As I was reading, I kept wondering how much was fiction and how much was fact and I think I would have appreciated it more if I'd known.

The story is very relevant as it shows the impact that one person can have if they get involved and take action for what they believe is best. That also involves being willing to listen and to forgive.

Set during the 1960s, Cecilia feels like her life is quite ordinary. After finding out a family secret that happened during WW2, she takes risks that could impact the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although there were a few predictable outcomes, most of the story is filled with surprises, love, and the chance to become more than ordinary, I enjoyed learning more about those who made great sacrifices for the freedoms I have.

Celia works in a pen antiquarian bookshop in the London of the 1960’s. While working for the American woman who takes over ownership, Celia begins to suspect that some of the characters visiting the bookshop have nefarious pasts. There are also chapters about Jeannie, a member of the British SOE who is airlifted into France to help the Resistance. The majority of the story focuses on Celia and her desire to be a truly independent woman of the ‘60’s, which is fast tracked as finding out about her true past brings her into the realities of the Cold War. Nuclear threats, Russian spies and more make this work of historical fiction an exciting read. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

It was a great book, but took me a while to get started. Once I got started did not want to put it down. I’m very excited about this new book by Louise Fein . This book caught my eye, because I love to read stories about bookshops, and I never been to London, so I used my imagination to really in the story.

1962, London: Celia works in a bookshop, longing for a career. She meets an American and is pulled into a budding romance. A secret draws her into the world of espionage.
1943, France: Anya aids the resistance by using wireless transmitter to send messages from behind enemy lines back home to London. When she is betrayed, her life greatly changes.

THE LONDON BOOKSHOP AFFAIR was inspired by true events of the Cold War. The dual timeline was interesting and aided in the suspense surrounding Celia and Anya’s connection. Though there were some areas that felt predictable, my attention held throughout as I found the story gripping overall. Celia and Anya were both great characters.

I enjoyed THE LONDON BOOKSHOP AFFAIR and would recommend it to historical fiction fans. This is the first book I’ve read by Louise Fein. I am interested in checking out her other books.

Thank you to William Morrow for the giveaway ARC. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the gifted DRC.

I really enjoyed Louise Fein's other books, so I was excited to read this. It fell a little flat for me, was hard to get into and feel connected with any of the characters. I'll be purchasing this book for our library and I appreciate the ARC

Louise Fein has a way of writing books with complex, multilayered plots and this book is no exception. Celia is a 19 year old woman who is set on bettering herself working at a bookshop and taking typing classes. When her friend finds a file, it unleashes a chain of events that changes her life forever. For me, I cpuld have done without septimus's POV and more of Jeanine's as I was far more invested in Celia's journey to find out more about Anya and who betrayed her than I was with Septimus. It does,however, have a satisfying ending with an awesome epilouge.

In The London Bookshop Affair Celia Duchesne, shopgirl in a London bookstore, longs for a bit of excitement. She becomes involved with the ban the bomb movement in 1962. After uncovering a family secret she seeks answers but finds the world of espionage. The novel takes a while to get to the second story. Celia is a likable character, but seems unlikely to teeter into the spying world. The book reaches an exciting climax, truths are revealed, and Celia finds an exciting new life.

Wowsers. This story packs a punch. Celia is struggling with adulting in 1962. She is working in a bookshop but wants so much more. When a new owner takes over, Celia is given an opportunity she didn't expect.

Celia's life is turned upside down when her friend brings a legal file to her attention. Celia had a sister she knew nothing about. Her parents had never said a thing. She can't remain silent no matter what the results. She needs to know about her sister.

What I learned as she discovered the truth blew me away. This little glimpse I was shown left me speechless. I learned of bravery, traitors and great loss. No wonder people remained silent. I gained a new understanding for my own relatives that have never talked about the war.

The London Bookshop Affair is a dramatic, shocking story. The world building created a suspenseful read as Celia learned about her past. When Celia stumbles across a spy network I was shocked to realize how anyone could have been exposed during the 1960's. I was thought of the time as love and peace until I read this story. World War 2 may have ended but evil continued and a lack of trust grew.

The deeper the story went into the different time periods, the more addicted I became. I couldn't wait to read what happened next. What happened next brought tears that did not want to stop. I cried for the characters. I cried with the characters. The London Bookshop Affair is another reminder that we must not let history repeat.

Fein weaves a beautifully written story that will draw readers in and captivate the soul. A world of espionage and intrigue, danger and heartbreak. With the multiple POV the reader is able to really get to know the characters and be drawn into the story.

This is a must read!!

I just reviewed The London Bookshop Affair by Louise Fein. #TheLondonBookshopAffair #NetGalley

I love historical fiction and the use of dual timelines to paint a broader picture and show how interwoven the past and present are. The story being told from multiple POVs was also interesting and added another layer to the storytelling.

I've read a lot of WWI and WWII historical fiction so a book more rooted in the Cold War was a nice change of pace. The London Bookshop affair had many twists and turns, romance and mystery, espionage and subterfuge, and family secrets. But also focused on

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance copy.

I really liked this book! The writing made me feel like I was back in those times. The two main characters were well developed and likeable. The dual time periods were cleverly interwoven. Overall, I enjoyed really enjoyed this book.

I found this an interesting and bittersweet read. I appreciated the growth of Celia's character. She began as an overprotected, sheltered, somewhat naive young woman with hopes and dreams of doing more with her life. Throughout the story she was searching for her identity and for a way for her life to have purpose.

I also enjoyed the setting. I hadn't read much about London in the 60's, so it was interesting to see the climate/attitudes/concerns that were prevalent at the time.

This book also explored ideas like the life we're given. How is it shaped by the decisions of others? How much control do we have to make it our own? It was bittersweet, and it will stick with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the BookClub Girls for the early read.

Inspired by true events and figures of the Cold War, this historical fiction brings 1962 London to life as well as 1942 France. Celia works in a bookshop and seeks excitement beyond the books. In walks an American with a possible connection to espionage. Then there's Anya dropped behind enemy lines in 1942 to help the resistance and send messages back to England. As Celia learns more about Anya's story even more secrets unfold.
Sure to be popular among historical fiction readers and bookgroups intrigued by fictional accounts of real events.

Enjoyed learning more about England and London during the Cold War through a work of fiction. You can learn even through fiction.