The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown
Contemporary closed door romance.
Tired of city living, Libby O’Dell agrees to a six month temporary job in Sawmill, Texas, population 4. She has applicable experience from her grandmother’s antique store and has no qualms of organizing cabinets with dozens of years of documents and clearing out the plethora of spiders and small rodents.
Her new boss, Benny Taylor is a handsome charmer who travels with his three-legged dog to various sale and auction sites buying resalable furniture, dishes and other household items.
Surrogate grandmothers Minilee and Opal live across from the antique store and convince Libby to join their book club with homemade treats, gossip, and book talk. Their goal seems to be finding a wife for Benny but Libby doesn’t know where she is going to be in six months let alone with who. Plus unresolved anger at her grandmother is going to take a bit of work so she will commits to friendship but nothing else. But the longer they work together, the more she realizes how well they mesh. Maybe more would be ok?

There is a secondary story of Libby’s grandmother dying in deep debt and having lost all of Libby’s college funds. When the book starts, Libby is angry. This storyline takes an unexpected turn with more info and adds some angst but it stays surface level.

It’s a slow burn, charming romance. Two dogs add “cuteness” while a visiting female adds a villain element. Family, nightmares, desserts and a good friend add more sentimentality than I expected through the second half, improving my feelings for the story in whole. Happy tears will always improve my rating.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/51706125-2589-4248-bf1e-0e241bc75469

Libby O’Dell moves to Sawmill, Texas to take a temporary job putting an antique store in order. She has no plans to put down roots since the job is just for six months, but she really likes her boss Benny, and his three-legged dog named Elvis. Across the street, Benny's surrogate grandmothers Opal & Minilee have invited her to join their book club, and since she loves to read, she is happy to join in. She finds she loves the good food they have at each meeting, the friendly banter, and even the local gossip, which is plentiful. If she were being honest, Sawmill is growing on her......

This light read is equal parts fiction and romance. I am always a sucker for books that have anything to do with books, so I thought this would be right up my alley, but this actually had very little to do with books. Their book club was more of a "front" for them to get together to eat and gossip....they did actually read a book and discuss it each time, but it was such a brief mention, that it was barely worth a mention. The characters were all likeable except for Tatum, the girl who was after Benny, and she was a hot mess. Overall, if you enjoy light romance or fiction set in the south then you will enjoy this one.

I couldn't have loved this heartwarming book more! What a sweet, small town romance with loveable characters and a fun and interesting story line. It was a charming, light hearted, feel good read that was a sweet escape into an adventure in love. The fun later in life meddling characters just added more warmth to this amazing story. Full of good ole country vibes and uplifting moments makes this book hard to put down.

I enjoyed reading The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

.Overall I found this an enjoyable and charming story, but it did get a little repetitive. Libby has a traumatic past and negative memories of her grandmother and her antique store, but regardless of that she travels across country at the advice of an elderly neighbor to interview for a job at a little antique store in the small town of Sawmill Texas. She becomes friends with the owner, Benny, and his meddling surrogate grandmothers whose biggest goal is getting Benny married. But Benny isn't ready for a wife and Libby is only here temporarily.
This is a lighthearted and quick read and I loved the small town feel of the story. My favorite character was actually Elvis the dog 😆 but I enjoyed Benny and Libby as well.
Thanks to Montlake through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

When I have been reading too many books that deal with heavy or depressing issues, I can always count on a Carolyn Brown book for a pleasant change of pace. I especially enjoy the humor and life wisdom offered up by the more mature characters she is sure to include. The mix of different generations makes for a more interesting story. Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

Carolyn Brown is one of my favourite authors since binge reading her books during lockdown so I am always pleased to see a new one arrive and the sawmill book club is no exception. I’d love to have a book club like this to visit with. And the antiques theme made me want to go out shopping myself. Great characters, great story, pure escapism in a book. Thank you for another lovely story

The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown is exactly what this reader has come to expect from Brown. Libby is running away, it must be said, from the city to Sawmill where she finds a job working for an antique store owner who needs a bookkeeper. She signs a contract for six months and figures it will take that long to straighten out the mess she saw in his office. The store/barn is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 7 to 7, and she is expected to work those hours in the store. A few other hours daily should put the bookkeeping in order, she hopes. She is given a small apartment (free) in an old service station and is introduced to the two other inhabitants of the town: Minilee and Opal. They have adopted Benny, the antique store owner, and it is their fondest wish to see him married. Preferably to Minilee’s niece.

Libby and Benny are both likable characters. Both have left the city for slower lives. Benny inherited the property and his love for antiques from his uncle. On the days the store is closed and Libby is working in the office, Benny travels to sales, antique warehouses, and stops anywhere else that a sign catches his eye. His inventory is varied, from furniture to glassware. Benny and Libby become friends, as do Libby, Minilee, and Opal. It is a quiet life and not an unpleasant one. They work hard and live quietly. The ladies clean the store, at their leisure. They also garden and cook, both to Libby’s benefit. It was a good book. Libby teaching Benny how to slow down, the ladies teaching Libby. Very much a happily ever after. Thanks Ms Brown for always coming through.

I was invited to read The Sawmill Book Club by Montlake. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Montlake #CarolynBrown #TheSawmillBookClub

This was a heartwarming book that shows it’s never too late to make a change for a better life,
Classic Carolyn Brown, in a tiny Texas town she brings people together to support one another and make a family from the supportive community. I only wished this book would’ve been longer so we could see what happens even further in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

It’s so easy to burrow into a brand new CB book.
Libby moves to nowheresville Texas to start over. Haunted by her past, she now has a 3 legged Elvis, 2 well meaning old ladies. and a very rich antique dealer to see everyday.
Libby and Benny both have their own relationship issues but they grow closer they may just find forever in each other.
Brown always writes the most delightful characters whether they’re nice or not.
She’s been one of my favorite authors for several years and an automatic read no matter what she writes,
You can count on meaningful context and a very good ending with each story.

The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown was sweet, entertaining and so much fun!
I’m a big time fan of Brown and her stories never disappoints!
Country charm and small town romance that is wonderfully written!
I loved being in the small town of Sawmill, Texas with Libby.
Brown writes the best southern, wholesome, and lighthearted books.

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I look forward to books by Carolyn Brown because they are easy to read and eventually there is a happy ending. This book was no different and I was ready for an easy and comforting read.

Libby leaves the big city, following a lead for a job at an antique shop. Libby has sworn never to be involved with another one, since her grandmother had forced her to work in the one she owned. After being laid off from a job she didn't even like, she decides to hit the road and take a chance on this new job, never expecting to last even a week.

Benny, leaving a corporate job that gave him no satisfaction, is the proprietor of the antique store in Sawmill. He also has a fortune, but likes to play that down. Desperately needing 1. A bookkeeper and 2. Someone who knows antiques, he hires Libby on the spot, settles her in the house across the street that use to be a Gas Station, and introduces her to his unofficial meddling grandmothers.

What transpires is exactly what you'd expect from a Carolyn Brown book. Attraction, friends, love, a bit of angst, and a happy ending. If you're looking for a light, fun, and quick book, this one is for you.

Libby goes back to Sawmill where she grew up with her grandmother. She takes a job in the local antique shop owned by Benny. She's asked to organise the books and paperwork and also help with the antiques as she used to do all that with her grandmother. She didn't have the best of childhoods and keeps getting nightmares

It follows Libby, a young woman who takes a job at Benny's antique store to find herself. Benny, having inherited the store from his grandfather, aims to revitalize the business. Libby bonds with two widows, Benny’s surrogate grandmothers, who form the Sawmill Book Club, which is more about gossip than books. While the title drew interest, the book club aspect is minor. The story is somewhat repetitive with a predictable ending and lacks plot twists, but Brown’s warm writing captures small-town life with humor and heart. "The Sawmill Book Club" by Carolyn Brown is a cozy, feel-good novel set in the small town of Sawmill, Texas.

Libby’s life is in a rut so she takes a chance on a job at an antique store I a small town. Libby’s has issues she needs to face and the book addresses her coming to terms with her past. This is a comfort read, perfect for a quiet afternoon. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This is the story of a young woman who moves 300 miles to start a new job working in an antique shop and falls in love with the owner.

Sadly, none of the characters appeared very realistic. Libby packs up everything she owns and drives 300 miles for an interview, based on the recommendation of her elderly neighbour. There was no guarantee she would like the place or even get the job.

Then there’s the two elderly neighbours. I get being friendly and welcoming but they practically live in each other’s pockets.

Throw into the mix the handsome, wealthy antique store owner and you have the recipe for a predictable romance. There wasn’t so much as a misunderstanding between them or any “will they, won’t they”.

Libby has had a traumatic past but she manages to get over that pretty easily with a bit of advice from the neighbours and two other members of their regular book club, helped in part by her life mirroring that of the characters in the books they read. A good, inspirational quote seems to turn up just when it’s needed.

The conversation at times felt forced and on one occasion I laughed out loud at how contrived the dialogue was in order to move the story on. Maybe folks do have conversations like that in parts of the USA, but if they do, I have no desire to visit there.

All in all, an inoffensive but uninspiring story.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My review.
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

This book releases on july 9th 2024.

Women's/ Fiction romances Of the best kind.
Carolyn Brown Books are the absolute best.
small town stories are where it's at.
You get to know your characters. You feel like you're right at home with each and every One.

Just another phenomenal story.
Miss brown writes the best. You get the best Of both worlds in her books.

Absolutely. Love this one as I have with every book i've read of hers.

Two worlds brought together, Similar past they didn't know about. Everything wraps up perfectly. Two lost souls. And of course let's not forget dogs 🐕 Anytime a book has the dogs in it It's an awesome story.
Dogs make a book more wonderful.
Elvis was a bonus..🐾

I highly recommend it because well, it's an amazing story.

I was in need of a quick and easy read with a feel-good story. The Sawmill Book Club fit the bill completely. I just fell into this story with the charming characters each with a story to tell.

Libby grew up at her grandmother's antique store and she was not very nice to Libby. Libby sworn she did not want to work in an antique shop ever again. After getting laid off from her job Libby up and leaves Austin and moves to Sawmill, Texas to take a job in an antique shop. She just needs some change in her life to reflect. When she arrives at her job interview, she meets Benny. Benny was an attorney but he had enough of the corporate world and moved to run his grandfather’s antique shop. Benny knows that Libby is everything he needs to run the shop successfully. Life at the antique shop is very hard work, but Libby loves everything about it. Her and Benny work together great and become friends and then she meets the sweet old ladies, Opal and Minilee that live across the street. You will not regret reading this sweet small town romance.

This was an absolute gem of a story, and the authors gifted us with the sweetest epilogue.

Life and love in a small town. Libby is trying to reset and so takes a job working for Benny in Sawmill Texas. She bonds with his dog Elvis first and then with the older women who comprise the book club (which by the way, isn't as prominent in the plot as the title would lead you to believe). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a gentle love story that won't surprise you but sometimes that's just the thing you need.

This is a heartwarming story about a young woman making a fresh start in her life. It’s wonderful!
Libby a single woman, decides to be brave and make a new life for herself. After working ten years in a soulless job, she is urged on by her friends to take a job far away in the back of beyond in Texas. She decides to go back to a job she did in her grandmother’s antique store. Her friend Dolly, while on a trip with friends, sees a sign asking for a book keeper/shop assistant to work in a large antique store in a secluded area. After enquiring about the job, she finds out that accommodation goes with the job. Perfect for Libby. The fact the owner is good looking is an added bonus!
So Libby goes for her interview, finds she wants the job and after signing the contract finds herself excited about the future. Something she hasn’t been excited about for a long time.
I really really loved the characters, the doggies and the country way of looking after people. Poor Libby has a lot to contend with after having a rocky childhood with a difficult grandmother, but she wants a better life. She’ll definitely have a good chance of making that happen!!
Many thanks to Montlake for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #MontlakeRomance, #CarolineBrownBooks.