So lovely to be back at the Borrow a Bookshop with a new borrower.
I enjoyed reading this book, revisiting other characters we have got to know in the previous books and meeting new ones.
Once again a twin storyline following developing friendships & romance between two couples. This does feature an LGBTQ storyline, which isn’t necessarily something I would normally choose to read in this genre, but representation is important and it in no way detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Likeable characters & a storyline that held my interest from beginning to end.

Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop is the fourth in this lovely series by Kiley Dunbar. As with many series though, you can read this as a standalone as each book focusses on a different ‘borrower’ and what happens over their two weeks in charge of the bookshop. If you have read any of the other books in the series (which I recommend of course), then you will be pleased to meet up with familiar faces such as Mrs Crocombe, Jowan, Minty and young Radia who is such a wonderful character.

First of all, how perfect is Austen as a name for a bookseller? How could she not like books, bookshops and writing with a name like that? Austen is trying to distract herself from her past as she has recently lost her job working for a best-selling author. Other new arrivals to beautiful Clove Lore, Jaspar and his mother Estee, have also experienced something of an upheaval and turnaround in their fortunes in their lives and Clove Lore has become a refuge for them.

As always seems to be the case in Clove Lore, love is in the air and is given a helping hand of course by Mrs Crocombe! There are several nicely done romances which develop over the course of the novel although I’ll leave you to discover just for whom yourself. Austen’s romance is of course the main focus and I liked that hers was a perhaps less traditional than other love stories. Clove Lore seems to cast a magical spell over anyone who visits and they often never want to leave. I think new housing will be needed before long! I can see why though as it sounds like such a beautiful place. I love the sense of the tight-knit community, a welcoming place where everyone knows what everyone else is doing (maybe not always a good thing!) and there are always people around to offer support if needed.

Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop is another gentle, touching story from Kiley Dunbar. With a wonderful setting and heart-warming romances, it’s a novel for anyone who loves books, bookshops, reading and happy endings. I look forward to a return visit to Clove Lore before too long.

I have never wanted a dreamy town to be more real in my life!!!

I love that this bookstore allows outsiders to come and run a bookstore and the things they find in that bookstore is what every bookish girl’s dreams are made of.

The main character, Austen, is an aspiring poet with severe writer's block and filled with self-doubt. But what she finds is what sets her free.

I have several book destinations that I would love to visit, and Clove Lore is certainly one of them. I just love the residents and the way newcomers seem to dissolve into the very essence of the place as though they were always there.
In a nutshell, this Devonshire village plays host to the Borrow a Bookshop, a place where bibliophiles can move in for two weeks and immerse themselves in the joys of running a bookshop. There have been some fabulous predecessors, and I was more than ready to read about Austen’s story and discover how she would fare with the quirky community.
If you’re familiar with the previous book, you may have already picked up a clue about Austen just from the synopsis. Of course, there’s more to this story than a simple girl-meets-girl, as there is the added intrigue of a romantic figure working in a Parisienne bookshop and all the romantic elements that come as part of that package.
Of course, there are other stories happening in the background my favourite one was the gentle romance finding its way into the heart of Mrs Crocombe, Clove Lore’s very own matchmaking ice cream lady. There was also the gossip mill that surrounded the new arrivals at The Big House and the new residents now living in one of the newly opened apartments. Jasper and Estee bring some intrigue into the mix and a real emotional conflict for Sam, who is juggling multiple jobs including the family laundry service, which is becoming onerous as she fights to protect her Mum’s business.
As usual, my review is spoiler-free, but I can promise that this is a wonderful book which I absolutely loved. The characters are so beautifully drawn that I could actually picture each of them making their way up and down the steep streets around the village. I cannot recommend this book more and truly hope you will enjoy it even half as much as I did. Easily a 10-star read, although I’m restricted to 5.

Happy publication day to Kiley Dunbar‘s latest instalment in the Borrow a Bookshop series. I‘ve become very fond of this series and this book didn’t disappoint. I liked the character dynamics and just the vibe of the community. Definitely recommend this for a rainy spring afternoon.

“You are enough as you are, you can drop your mask, let yourself live and love just as you want to. It gets easier with time and with the right people around you.”

Love Letters at the Burrow a Bookshop was a soothing RomCom. It’s the 4th book in a series but I read it as a stand alone without problem (though I now want to read the others books).
I felt so good in this story that I took my time to read it, making it last and savor every sentence. The author’s words took me by the hand from the first page and made me travel to Devon. I loved the descriptions, how they made me feel calm, lulled by the waves with a breeze on my face. Thanks to the immersive and beautiful writing, I was there, spending my holidays with my nose buried in the scent of old books. I loved that supportive village, how they are a true community that relies more on helping each other than money, and, well, how they meddle in each other's lives but without judgment…
I liked Sam and Jasper's story, especially how we realize that what makes us close or different goes way beyond money or social status and that we are before all humans.
But what kept me reading was Austen and Pattie: their cute and meaningful dates/interaction (I could quote them all), how Pattie shows her support to Austen and helps her to grow. Austen’s character was so easy to identify and I loved how she works on her insecurities, and how it’s linked to her writing, how she messes up with absolutely everyone, to begin with herself. How Austen talks about poetry, about books and inclusion was some of my favourite moments (that might have generated a few tears), and he mystery about her “secret correspondent” and how it was solved added some tension and meaning to the story, even if the whole remained a cozy one, perfect for a sweet escape.

Thank you NetGalley, Kiley Dunbar and Hera for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

It’s not the best start for poet Austen when she arrives at the Borrow-A-Bookshop to find a prominent display of the books of Callista Flyte – and discovers they’re going to be discussing her latest book at the next meeting of the book club. Her time there was meant to be an escape – instead it makes her remember why she’s there alone, to relive her time as the author’s assistant, and the (perhaps) misjudged moment that saw her lose her job. And that was something that damaged her self-esteem so badly that she’s since been unable to put pen to paper.

But her days at the bookshop, along with the many willing helpers who visit in support, see her through – and there’s also a lovely distraction through her flirty online correspondence with a Parisian bookseller she’s long admired. But there’s a potential love interest far closer to home – she’s particularly attracted to Patti, but neither of them is sure whether they might be misreading the signs. Until a particularly magical evening in the wild cornflower meadow at the Big House – and although there are slips and misunderstandings along the way, it begins to look as if there might be a possibility of a happy ending.

As always, there’s a multiplicity of storylines involving others – some of them very familiar – in the quite wonderfully drawn “Most Instagrammable Village in Devon” (and, what’s more, a three time winner!). One of them even competes as the main story – Sam, helping out with her mother’s laundry business, and her sparky relationship with posh boy Jasper, who’s just moved into an apartment at the Big House with his ailing (and rather mysterious) mother. It was a lovely counterpoint to Austen and Patti’s sometimes rather more emotional story – perhaps an unlikely romance, but one I rather enjoyed as the characters involved gradually became infinitely more likeable, although there are equally a few false starts before it begins to head towards its own happy ending.

The whole community, as always, plays a large part in the story – individuals we’ve met before when they became “clingers-on”, spending time at the bookshop and deciding they’d rather not leave, and the gloriously quirky villagers adding colour and humour and providing the warmest of welcomes for their newest arrival. It’s a book filled with special moments – the scene in the cornflower meadow is really beautiful (and brought a tear to my eye…), but I also particularly enjoyed the children’s book night with the contentious hat, bossy little Radia (the loveliest child – and that’s not something I say very often!) and the wonderful author of “Panda in a Puddle”. And I certainly very much enjoyed every step of Austen’s personal journey – opening up to others, learning to love herself again, and slowly blossoming.

The author is the most wonderful storyteller – and the whole book is so perfectly paced, with the moments of angst or poignancy beautifully balanced by others that bring laughter. If I was ever lucky enough to be a borrower, I don’t think I’d ever want to leave either – and I certainly felt a sense of loss when I turned the final page and our time together was over. But, I’m delighted to see, there will be more – and that’s something I’ll really be looking forward to. The loveliest read, everything I wanted it to be, and a book I’m happy to recommend without reservation.

This book is the 4th the in series, although it can be read as a standalone novel. I reccomend reading the previous books first though as it's a fantastic series.
This book is set several months after the previous books and there have been a few changes in the town of Clove Lore. There are new residents and a new borrower.
There is more than one budding romance and a few dramas too. This is a very enjoyable read.
I love reading this series and would love to be a borrower myself. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Yet another great book by Kiley. Beautifully written book with lovely, friendly characters and setting. This one ticks all the boxes for me and didn't disappoint.

We find ourselves back in Clove Lore for the fourth time on Love Letters at Borrow a Bookshop. I really enjoyed Austen and Patti's story. They were both such likeable characters. Austen wasn't without her flaws but as her character evolved and healed throughout the book, it was a joy to witness. I do feel like there could have been a bit more closure as regards Callista and Delphine though. There's such a strong sense of community spirit in these books and the supporting characters will keep you coming back for more with this lovely series. I cannot wait until the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher.

I really enjoyed this cosy, seaside town story. Austen was a relatable character and I loved following along with her getting to know the locals while she ran the bookshop.

You get a backstory of the other characters too, which kept me interested!

I have read a few of Kiley Dunbar’s books now and this one doesn’t disappoint! Perfect to cosy up and read in an afternoon.

It started off as a cosy and promising read, but midway, my interest plateaued, and I found myself trying to re-engage with the characters. There were moments when the characters reached out and sustained my interest, but that tapered off again. I wish I liked this book more.

Ask a book fanatic what their dream vacation looks like and they're bound to bring up something literary-focused. It's part of why Kiley Dunbar's Borrow a Bookshop series has a certain amount of built-in charm. In Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop, the fourth standalone title, Austen Archer, on the heels of being fired by her famous writer boss, heads off on holiday at the titular shop. For a modest fee, she'll take control of the store in the idyllic Clove Lore for two weeks—hawking books, stocking the café, and coordinating author visits with volunteers all while sleeping in the cute flat upstairs. Dreamy, right?

With the quaint setting alone, I was already fully invested in Dunbar's portrayal of a bookworm's writerly heaven—which apparently has some basis in reality. However, Austen's frenzied running of the shop (which is often both entertaining and mildly anxiety-inducing for anyone who's worked retail) provides only a fraction of this book's appeal.

Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop is a romance, and that arc takes up the bulk of the action. Soon after her arrival, Austen meets Patti, a 'fun aunt' and wedding planner. Sparks fly (not near the books; don't worry), and Dunbar practically revels in the awkward is-she-interested, is-she-not back-and-forth the two women play at each other. It's incredibly sweet, cut only by Austen's mountain of self-doubt she's still carrying thanks to her old job and a subplot involving a social media entanglement. These both provide plenty of readable drama, but its Dunbar's exploration of how Austen and Patti react and evolve to these moments that kept me turning pages.

Meanwhile, a fading actress and her son, Jasper, have also moved into town, bringing plenty of fireworks (again, the books are fine) of their own. Though Jasper's a bit snobbish (realistically so), being strapped for cash leads him to approach Sam, someone he's previously had a negative run-in with, looking for a job. Their connection is deliciously fraught with tension, and, while I usually find dual romances to be lopsided, Dunbar, by exploring such drastically different circumstances, has found a way to make both potential couples equally compelling.

With the perfect locale for any book lover, plenty of carefully plotted spectacle, and two highly engaging romances, Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop is a bookish joy.

I have loved the other books in this series so was really looking forward to this one. In it we get 2 romances, one a LGBTQ+ and one an enemies to lovers and I loved them both.

Austen was quiet and I felt quite niave but I understand how she had been hurt. Unfortunately I had mixed feelings about her but was pleased with her character development especially when It came to Patti. I did feel for Patti at times because of the way Austen treated her. I also liked the storyline with the French bookseller and the reminder of the potential pitfalls with social media.

I loved catching up with the other locals and hope the newbies from this book will feature in forthcoming books. I feel Minty and Estee could be and interesting duo.

Thank you Netgalley and Hera Books for my ARC. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

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

I have read an enjoyed the other books in this series, but this was my favorite of them all. I enjoyed it a lot!

An enjoyable read even though I did not read any of the other books in the borrow bookshop series. It was nice to have a sapphic romance set in a small town, and having another romance included was a nice touch and added to the depth of the story!

It’s a quick but satisfying read.

Even thought this is Book 4 in the series, it was my first Borrow-A-Bookshop book and certainly not my last. I actually own the first three books in the series as well. I love the entire concept around the Borrower and how they get to run the bookshop for 2 weeks. Loved Patti and Austen’s story though I was surprised at how the Delphine arc was resolved. I also loved the supporting cast of characters and the subplot of Jasper and Sam’s love story. I can’t wait to go back and read the other 3 books so I can learn more about some of the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Hera for the ARC!

Having read & reviewed previous Borrow a Bookshop titles, it was no surprise that I enjoyed Love Letters. As we’ve come to expect from Kiley Dunbar, Clove Lore is described in loving detail, so that the village with its steep streets and diverse cast of characters feels both real and familiar. The ‘Borrower’ arriving for a fortnight’s residency at The Borrow-a-Bookshop is not the only new face in Clove Lore… so expect a few ruffled feathers as they settle in. Another fun read in this series - looking forward to the next Borrower already!

Another great addition to this series! Two more successful love stories that I was cheering for throughout the entire story. I also enjoyed reading about past characters and how they connected to the town’s newcomers.

This is the fourth book in the borrow a bookshop series from Kiley.
As always this was a lovely book, very well written with super characters. I especially loved Austen, Patti, Sam and Jasper. I liked the book didn't just centre around the main couple. There was a lot more to this book other than the main storyline. I loved all the poetry references too. Thank you Netgalley and Kiley for this early copy.