Libby needs to make changes in her life, and on the advice of her elderly neighbor, she accepts a job in a town a distance away from her previous life. Libby has been a loner for most of her life, and a new location seems to be just what she needs to start again. Her new boss, Benny is not quite what Libby imagined, but she settles in to the new life and new challenges. The characters in the story are fun and interesting, They are also determined to find Benny a wife, and decide Libby, although a good person, is not who Benny needs, which suits Libby fine since she is not interested in marriage.

It's a lovely restful book. Perfect for a summer read that doesn't contain harsh language, or severe plot twists and turns.

Carolyn Brown does it again with a cozy romance that hits all the right notes. It’s an easy, quick read - perfect for summer.

After being laid off, a woman decides to look at a job offer at a country antique shop that takes her right back to the past she determinedly left behind. Finding solace, friendship and a little something more was like finding a rare treasure tucked back on the shelf. Carolyn Brown delivers once again with another heart-felt woman’s fiction featuring healing, friendship, and a dollop of romance.

The Sawmill Book Club is a standalone women’s fiction that introduces Libby, who starts out with a hard crust about her and a need to shift for herself. Slowly her dismal childhood is revealed, but at first, one learns she’s averse to anything having to do with antique shops or the region of Texas she once called home. Yet, here she has to contemplate returning to that old part of Texas for a really good job offer that she has a unique skill-set for at an antique shop whose owner also needs someone to keep the books.

The Sawmill Antique shop was once a sawmill and now it’s a small community of three, four if you count Benny’s old police dog with three legs. Libby has been a loner, but she doesn’t resist very hard when Benny, his dog, old widows Minilee and Opal draw her in with friendship and kind interest. They can all see she’s had something in her past to make her reserved, but give her the space to unbend to them slowly.

Meanwhile, meals with the others, book club with four old feisty gals, working the busy weekends selling antiques, straightening up Benny’s disaster of an office, hunting up antiques to sell, and fending off a would-be gold digger after Benny with a nice winding, running path along the river and a private apartment at the back of the old gas station provide the catharsis Libby needs to open up to life’s enjoyments, friendships, and a spot of romance with handsome sweet Benny.

As Libby’s story came out, my heart broke for the little girl who had her basic needs met by the grandmother who raised her, but often was left alone to fend for herself even developing night terrors and never shown an ounce of tender care or love. Her grandmother cared more for gambling with her friends and I was wary of finally finding out why the woman was so cold to her son’s child. Libby had a box that was sent her after her grandmother’s death and she wouldn’t open it for the longest time. Yes, part of me was curious if there would be an explanation, but part of me dreaded what it would be and how it would affect Libby’s new-found joy.

The backdrop elements of a book club with fun discussions and antiquing activities, mentions of the delicious meals, and even a fun farmer’s market were a fun and fascinating addition to the charming characters and the gently-paced plot.

The Sawmill Book Club was another comfy, satisfying read, full of simple life, friendship, down earth humor, and love that is Carolyn Brown’s specialty.

The cover and the title were what forst drew me to read this book. Unfortunately the book club part is very minimal in the story.

I liked the idea of following Libby on her journey of discovering where she fits in the world by moving to a small town and I initially loved the characters that she meets but it quickly became rather slow and at times a little bit boring.

Opal and Minilee are cute and exactly the grandmas you would expect from a small town but I found them quite a bit one dimensional after a while. They seemed to be there just to fill some gaps in the story. Same thing could be said for the dogs, but I enjoyed their little appearances.

Benny is a nice character but I would have loved to explore more of him and his personality. Libby is driving the story with her insecurities and fears but also her willingness to move on from the past. I liked their relationship but I expected more. They went from acquaintances to friends to lovers quite quickly. I’m used to other kind of romances so I was expecting some obstacles or plot twists that I never got.

Overall cute story, very slow in the first half and bit better in the second one. No spice so if that’s your vibe this could be for you. You have a bit of found family and for sure a lot of small town vibe. I really liked the antique store background for almost anyone in the books. I would recommend it if you’re into all of the above.

EXCERPT: The next sign she saw told her that she was traveling on a dead-end road. That was the gospel truth, she decided with a nod. Angels walking on a barbed wire fence and singing her favorite song couldn't make her work in an antique store for the rest of her life - especially not in this godforsaken place. At best, this was simply a stopover until she figured out exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She had lived thirty years in two ruts - one in Jefferson, Texas, until she was eighteen; the other in Austin, where she had worked at a boring job in a little cubicle for eight hours a day because it was secure.
'I am a stick-in-the mud,' she whispered. 'No wonder I can't hold on to a relationship. I'm as boring as yesterday's news.'

ABOUT 'THE SAWMILL BOOK CLUB': A restless woman discovers the comforts of small-town Texas—and more—in a bighearted novel about the next chapters in life by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.

Unsure of the future but ready for risks, Libby O’Dell trades big-city life for whatever the back roads hold. In this case it’s the small community of Sawmill, Texas, where Libby’s taken a temporary job putting an antique store in order. Her new boss, Benny Taylor, a handsome charmer with a three-legged dog named Elvis, isn’t a bad change of scenery, either.

Across the street Benny’s surrogate grandmothers—the widows Minilee and Opal—are ready with homemade corn bread, sweet tea, and an invitation for Libby to join their book club. Even if it is mostly a gathering for local gossip and meddling. The ladies’ main agenda: find Benny a wife. Except Benny’s not looking, and Libby’s only passing through until she decides what direction she’s headed next.

Truth is, Sawmill is starting to feel pretty nice. Benny, even nicer. Time will tell if this meantime job in a stopover town is just what Libby’s been looking for—and where she belongs.

MY THOUGHTS: I always get a warm feeling when I pick up a Carolyn Brown book - they are written with warmth, good sense and humor. What else could I want?

I have never lived in a town as small as four people and a three-legged dog, but I have sure driven through a few that fit that bill and wondered who on earth lived there and why. Carolyn Brown has given me my answer. And a beautiful, fun-filled answer it is.

One handsome owner of an antique store and a three-legged dog called Elvis, two well-intentioned, meddling old women and the blow-in, Libby. Luckily there are another couple of people from a nearby small town who come to book club, where it's not just the books that get discussed - it's a hotbed of gossip! The main topic of discussion is Benny and how to get him hooked up with Sally's granddaughter Tatum. Libby is warned off any romantic thoughts towards Benny very early on. He IS going to marry Tatum, whether he likes it or not!

Yes, I knew where this was going, but the journey to get there is wonderful. There is an abundance of beautiful moments to treasure, a few sparks flying, great food and the occasional giggle to round out an entertaining reading experience.

My favorite quote from this book: Forgive, forget, learn the lesson and move on with no regrets.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#TheSawmillBookClub #NetGalley.

THE AUTHOR: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Sawmill Book Club for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

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.