Member Reviews
This series is just the gentle hug you need when the world around you is yuck. I very much enjoyed my trip back to Clove Lore and to meet the latest borrower, Austen, as well as revisit some of the characters from the village and the village itself. It’s like going home again after a long day.
Austen was an assistant to a famous author and needs to have a break from that life so she’s happy to have her time at the Bookshop. She’s ready to make some changes and go on her own, oblivious to the fact that the local wedding planner Patti, has feelings for her. A famous actress and her son move in to the Big House, trying to find some anonymity after her career has gone down and her husband has left her for someone else and she’s near penniless.
I love the growth of the borrowers and would so love to be one! I love how the stories of the new borrowers intertwine with the residents and they make them feel like part of the village. It’s so heartwarming to see them welcome them in and offer comfort and support when needed and this book was no different. There were several different love stories that took place as well, with a diverse range of couples. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Loved it!! "Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop" is a wonderful addition to the Borrow a Bookshop series. Even though it's the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Once again, I found myself wishing Clove Lore was a real place so I could live there! This installment features LGBTQ+ romance and an enemies-to-lovers subplot that adds depth to the story. The main character, Austen, is an aspiring poet with severe writer's block and filled with self-doubt. However, her time in Clove Lore brings new friends, new love, breaks through her writing block, and helps her gain confidence while putting her past behind her. I enjoyed meeting Jasper and his mom Esteé, who are new to Clove Lore and facing financial struggles. Watching them find support and rebuild their lives was heartwarming. While I was initially annoyed by Austen's obsession with her phone and online friend, it was part of her character growth. I really love how charming this story is. Can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you NetGalley, Hera Books and Kiley Dunbar for the ARC!
The new Borrow a Bookshop story features Austen Archer. She’s been on the waiting list for a while to run a bookshop during her break from work. This works well for a long running romance series as we gradually build a community of those who meet through the shop and settle in Clove Lore. There’s lots of lovely detail and it’s really all about learning to trust your instincts and feelings as Austen grows closer to wedding planner Patti. It’s sweet and fairly innocent and good to see that
If that’s not enough we have a subplot definitely influenced by Schitt’s Creek and with its own little meet-cute. Fish out of water, Jasper, has the hideous problem of being cut out of his father’s money. He has to look after his mother who is failing to deal with the problem. It’s by turns hilarious and sad but this is a romance novel so don’t despair.
There is plenty to be going along with and a detailed obsession with cake; this always helps my enjoyment of a book. The series has been entertaining so far and maybe one day there really will be a bookshop you can borrow for a working holiday.
If there was a romance channel these books would be a daily series and would always be shown when the kettle was on and the scones just warm from the oven.
I love this series and was so happy to receive this book from NetGalley. It was great to be back at Clove Lore and meet the latest Borrower, Austen.
I loved not only Austen and Patti‘s story but the other side stories of some of our favourite characters from the village and new inhabitants. They all feel like old friends now.
Austen Archer embarks on her dream solo adventure working as the new 'borrower' at the Borrow-A-Bookshop in Devon's Clove Lore. Despite her love for poetry, Austen's creative spark has dimmed since her dismissal by her former boss, bestselling author Callista Flyte, a year ago. Distracting herself with her duties at the bookshop and engaging in flirtatious online exchanges with an anonymous Parisian bookseller, Austen remains oblivious to wedding planner Patti's growing affection for her. Meanwhile, Patti struggles to confess her feelings due to fear of rejection. As Patti and Austen's bond deepens, leading to a magical day at a wildflower meadow, the enchanting aura of Clove Lore works its charm.
The book appealed to me, although at certain points, I felt that it could have worked really well as two separate books because, even though it's about Austen and Patti, there's mention of another very sweet couple, Sam and Jasper (although Sam was introduced in the previous book). I like how it's simply shown what it would be like for a "borrower" to work in a bookshop, various events, and how much effort they would need to put in for that vacation to be both useful and enjoyable. Austen comes across as a very intriguing character, trying to find herself after basing her self-perception on what someone else told her for so long. I like how the book portrays how it actually takes a lot to get to know oneself, that there are many ups and downs, and also that it's important to make an effort with the people you care about, to sometimes show it. I would definitely recommend this book if you want something light, without drama, without too many twists. The book is quite slow-paced, you can easily envision the setting, it's just beautifully depicted.
I do love this series, the characters are so funny and interesting. The idea of different people running a seaside bookshop is really appealing. Plus, there always seems to be a happy ending and it leaves you wanting more. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
I adore the Borrow a Bookshop series, and though this was a slow start for me, I really ended up enjoying it. It paints a really interesting picture of how careful you need to be in the social sphere without the story needing to have dire consequences. I would have loved maybe a bit more story for our secondary couple, Sam and Jasper, but overall a really sweet story. I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy two female lead characters, but found that was a bias I needed to get over and honestly loved Patti and Austen’s story. Oh and little Radia’s appearances were perfect!
a sweet cozy read perfect for Spring and Summer! i love this so much it gives me pure joy when i read the book. i've thought about this book a couple of times to the point where i was just in dire need of more books that has the same vibes as this one! the author definitely took their time writing this because i can feel the love in every page. this is absolutely perfect for readers who are lovers of those sappy, fun, and cute romance books <3 definitely take your time reading this because it is worth every second !
thank you so much to the author for this wonderful read and thank you as well to NetGalley for this ARC <3
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought I had found a bookworms dream. I mean what kind of book lover, would not love to go and run a little bookshop, with its own cafe for a few weeks. It sounds like bliss to me.
What I have since realised when finishing the book is that the author Kiley Dunbar has a few other books set in the fictional setting of Clove Lore. Obviously I haven't read any of these so not sure if I have missed anything critical but still really enjoyed the story and the quirky local residents.
Austen Archer is on her dream solo bookselling holiday, the new ‘borrower’ at the Borrow-A-Bookshop in Devon’s Clove Lore. This has been her dream for some time and she has had her name on the list for a couple of years and is so excited to finally arrive. The shop is everything she hopes it would be and she sets about making the place hers if only for a few weeks. With the help of various local characters who all help with the behind the scenes running of the shop she cant quite believe her luck. Austen is a quiet character, and is still reeling from loosing her high flying job as an assistant to a famous author after she misread a situation. And it just so happens that the book is currently being read by the resident bookclub.
This is a really lovely book and the way the characters rally around to make a wonderful community, makes Clove Lore a place you want to return to time and time again. I have really enjoyed the series and would read the previous books to get some background on the other characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
I love reading the books in this series.
In this book we meet Austen, who is the new occupant at the bookshop.
We also get to know more about Pattie as well as two other characters who arrive in Clove Lore.
We get to know what the characters we’ve met in previous books are doing.
It was lovely to see Austen get her confidence back and flourish whilst she stayed at the bookshop.
I highly recommend this book.
Kiley Dunbar's pen is so delicate!
I read the first three intallments in The Borrow a Bookshop series, and loved them all.
The author is so good at describing the small village of Clove Lore that you want to get lost in its streets, trying not to hurtle down the cobblestones to the port.
This time, there are two romances in one: that of Austen (what a wonderful first name for a budding poet!) and of... (you'll have to read it to find out ;)) and that of Sam, whom we met in the previous book.
This second romance, which is not the main one, would undoubtedly have deserved to be treated with more length (15 days is still quick for Jasper to become what he is at the end when he comes from such a different world).
While each installment follows one or two "borrowers" on their bookish vacation at the bookstore, and we kind of expect a pattern (events, cooking...), there are all one a kind.
Kiley Dunbar manages to take us on a journey to Devon. Over the course of the series, we get used to all these inhabitants of whom we almost feel like we are part of and I can't wait for the next volume to come out in 2025.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hero for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t you just want to grab this, switch off the phone and curl up on the sofa
By far one of my favourite books I've read this year… I loved every minute…
Thank you NetGalley, Hera books and Kiley Dunbar for the opportunity to read this early.This could be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading in order .I enjoyed this book as I have the others in this series.
I was so excited when I was accepted to become an ARC reader for Book 4 of The Borrow a Bookshop series by @kileydunbarauthor, and this book did not disappoint!
Straight away, I was transported back to the beautiful village of Clove Lore in Devon with its big house at the top of the hill and its pub and stunning harbour at the bottom, and hidden away perfectly in the middle is it's bookshop available to "borrow" for 2 weeks where you get to run it as if it were your own as well as the adjoining Café (a booklovers dream!)
This particular journey to Clove Lore was following the new borrower Austen, who was recently fired by her last boss and in turn has lost her joy and words to create poetry until she meets the gorgeous Patti, but with constantly doubting herself and being happier locked away talking to a Parisian bookseller will she miss out on what's right in front of her?
I loved all the characters within this book, but my favourite couple to read about was Sam and Jasper, and I would love to have seen more of them both. Radia (Patti's niece) stole the show again with her confidence and just pure adorability. She will be an amazing, strong woman when she's older!
I always love reading a series of books where the previous characters are still mentioned and have a storyline running alongside the main one, and this one is the perfect balance.
So if you want a cosy romance in a beautiful setting, then I 100% recommend this book
"Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop" offers a charming installment in "The Borrow a Bookshop" series, focusing on Austen's transformative journey during her two-week stay. The narrative beautifully explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, as Austen evolves from a character lacking confidence to one with a newfound sense of self.
One of the book's standout qualities is its commendable inclusivity, seamlessly weaving diverse representations into its portrayal of relationships, characters, and the literary world. While earning a solid three stars, it shines in its ability to engage readers with relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling, making it a delightful addition to the series.
|Another visit to Devon and Clover Lane amd the bookshop. This is a lovely series and each one could be read as a standalone but to get the full impact I would say read each book in order. Love this series and the different lives of the people not just the locals but the people who borrow the bookshop. This is a must read book and I give it 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC
4,25 stars⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for the e-arc of this book for an honest review. This book was so lovely and adorable! The setting of this book was so magical as well. I love the characters in this especially little Radia
“Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop” sees a welcome return to Clove Lore, the magic of it’s bookshop and eclectic community.
This time three newcomers with their secrets and burdens arrive and we await the results that books, understanding and the kindness of strangers will inevitably bring to resolve some of their issues.
Austen, is the new borrower at the bookshop. She arrives hoping to hide away from her previous high flying role as an assistant to a famous author. Not an easy thing to do, particularly when the newly published book, that she knows intimately because she helped the author write it, is being studied by the Clove Lore book club. Meanwhile, a famous actress and her playboy styled son, move the apartments at the Big House, complete with a mansion’s worth of boxes, clothing and decor after being thrown out by the ex husband / father. Eager not to be noticed they all soon discover that Clove Lore is not a place to be if you want to remain alone. It is a place where you become entwined with the stories of others, where you find your true self and in many cases true love.
I very much looked forward to reading this book as each bookshop book has whisked me away to a beautiful place where books, comfort and love are paramount. This was no different. The way that the stories of each resident both new and old are entwined and problems resolved neatly but with a sense that there is more to tell, making the characters seem so real. The book tells several love stories and it is refreshing to see a diverse range of couples.
This is such a heartwarming book series reading this, has left me wanting more once again. I look forward to the next borrower arriving and reading their story.
The Borrow A Bookshop has magical happy powers I’m sure of it. I love all the lost souls that come to holiday at it and leave patched up and happier. Austen was a great character, she was struggling with understanding herself and having confidence in herself. Patti blows in all bright colours, in your face and confidant and she’s such a tonic for Austen. I loved watching them dance around each other and Patti supporting and encouraging her from the sidelines. She brought Austen’s best self out.
I also really enjoyed the sub story of Sam and Seth. I really liked how that played out. Seth the fallen rich boy but with so much love for her mother it was touching how he looked after her. Sam is independent and a hard worker, but she’s over stretched and needs help. Reluctantly Seth helps and their friendship blossoms. She gives him the stability he craves and shows him was true friendship and loving support are. I really hope we get to see these two again. They have a great dynamic.
Another great addition to this series. And it was great to catch up with old friends from previous books.
I love this series about people who ‘borrow’ a bookshop in a seaside town. This newest instalment follows Austen, a shy young woman nursing a broken heart. Will she find her happy ever after whilst ‘borrowing’ the bookshop?
I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as the previous novels in the series. I’m sure many will be pleased to see a same sex love story as the main story arc and I think that’s good for representation. However, I found the main character a little naive at times, which grated on me. I did like the side stories about the lesser characters though. And I really love the community feel these books conjure up.
I will always read these books. I am a big fan of the series and the author. I hope there’s many more to come. I highly recommend this series to fans of sweet romance novels. I recommend reading them in publication author.
Many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.