After several attempts to enjoy this book, I decided to let it go. As a library employee, I enjoy reading many titles that I feel my customers would also like to have available to them. This is one of those that they will enjoy but wasn't for me. Christian fiction with a WWII background. Two young kids who fall in love and find each other as they age. While this is based off a true story, it feels like a story that we have read before of loveless marriages, hoping to find that lost love, dealing with war, continuing a legacy. It will be one added to our library and shared with our customers, but not one that I would find myself suggesting to my friends. Thanks for the free ALC of this title from NetGalley.

Wow! This is my first book by Kristy Cambron but it sure won't be my last! I quickly fell in love with Amos and Charlotte's story...both in 1914 and 1940. They went through so much but thankfully they had such a satisfying ending that made my heart happy.

I read/listened to The British Booksellers and Barrie Kreinik was perfect for this story!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 9 April 2024

Dueling booksellers, historical fiction, WWI and WWII, and Barrie Kreinik narrating. I just had to read it. It took me away to a different time. When they put aside their differences to assist their city during the Blitz, I was enthralled.

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron is a moving historical novel set against the backdrop of both World Wars. It tells the intertwined stories of Amos Darby, a war-scarred bookseller, and Charlotte Terrington, a widow clinging to the remnants of her past, as they navigate love, loss, and the challenges of survival during the Coventry Blitz.

Cambron excels at character development, particularly in the way Amos and Charlotte evolve across the decades. The dual timeline—spanning from the Great War to WWII—offers a compelling exploration of how war changes lives. Although the narrative’s timeline shifts can be confusing at first, the richly drawn characters and vivid historical details make the reading journey worthwhile. A powerful story of resilience, redemption, and the lasting solace found in books!

This was a unique story that weaves between WWI and WWII timelines with lovable characters that endure hard things. The forbidden romance was realistic and beautifully written and I was rooting for the characters. I loved the narrator, but was curious if I would love the physical book more. Only because I was confused at the constant switching of timelines. Overall, it was a great story and I enjoyed it.

Phewwww, I have to swipe the sweat from my forehead for a while.
This book looked live very long to me, though not necessarily uninteresting.
I wanted to like to book very much, I am a fan of anything British and bookish, let alone combined!
But it dragged for me and I have to admit that at times I lost focus on the book and it took me some time to gather the focus back, but then it happened all over once again.

A story of child hood love that returns later in life!
A tenant farmer’s son, Amos Darby and an earl’s daughter, Charlotte Terrington begin an unlikely friendship as children, one that they have to keep from everyone. They are drawn together with the love of books. Later in life they open what becomes rival bookstores and band together during the War. The one thing that was so amazing is how to whole "village" regardless of class came together during the war to help out.

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron and narrated by Barrie Kreinik was a wonderful novel that, while about WW2, it was a fresh story. One of the differences is that this is both an Historical Fiction and a Romance. The aspects that dealt with the war, taught me things I have not ever read before and I always appreciate that.
.
I loved the character development in this story! I lay in bed after finishing and pondered the incredible growth the two primary men in this story had achieved. There was so much honor and valor shown. There was hope and redemption. There was such a wonderful ending. I loved this book so much!
.
The audiobook was phenomenal! I honestly thought there were two narrators, one for the female characters and one for the male, but no, one person did all the voices and she must have incredible range! I was so glad I had a physical book to go along with the audio. This book jumps timelines and locations, frequently, and even within a chapter. Once I was about 1/3 of the way in, with an immersive read, I could keep the audio straight without the book. I still wanted the book nearby, because there were so many places I wanted to tab. This book was so riveting that I was delighted to have more chores to do so that I could keep listening!
.
I am so thrilled I bought this book because it needs to be on my forever shelf!
.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

This is a historical fiction about battling bookshops during both wars. It includes secret love, betrayal , booksellers and bombs.

When I first started reading "The British Booksellers," it had a slow start, but as I gradually became attached to the characters, the story began to captivate my attention. I particularly appreciated the novel's setting during both the Great War and WWII. Comparing the characters during these two periods and their growth in the time between the wars was truly engrossing. I found myself absorbed in both timelines and intrigued by each character's journey, secrets, misunderstandings, decision-making, and promise-keeping.

Furthermore, the novel effectively revealed an event that had been hidden from people for years, specifically the devastating Coventry Blitz. The detailed description of this historical event added depth and significance to the story.

Overall, I found the novel to be a compelling read with well-developed characters and an engaging storyline. I am thankful to NetGalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this exceptional novel.

Title: The British Booksellers
By: Kristy Cambron

Genre:
Fiction, Historical, WWII, Christian

Summary/Review:
Amos is a boy raised on a farm, who goes away to war, and comes back a different man. World War I leaves Lady Charlotte a widowed mother responsible not only for her child, but now her late husband’s estate. Amos and Charlotte grew up close friends, until their family and station in life intervened. The two became rival booksellers in the midst of World War II and they find the walls must come down for survival.

This is a dual timeline novel held between 1910 and 1940, I found the transitions between timelines and character point of views, especially at the beginning of the novel to be confusing. I hoped for suspense, a tad more chemistry and overall depth.

Thank you Kristy Cambron, Harper’s Collins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#reluctantreaderreads
#Kristycambron
#thebritishbooksellers
#historicalfiction
#netgalley
#advanced reader editions
#Harperscollinschristianpublishing

This was my first time reading anything by Kristy Cambron. Novels with duel timelines are one of my favorite kinds of books to read. I usually have a hard time following them while listening to an audiobook, but this was done really well. I really liked the flow of this book once I got into it and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me the opportunity to listen to and review an ARC of this novel (audiobook).

Woe a phenomenal story of second chance romance set during the Nazi blitz.

Amos and Charlotte form an attachment that nevers see the light when the Great war looms and changes their life.

Now back from the war, deeply scarred both in and out, Amos and Charlotte own bookshops that are across from each other. When the Nazi airbombing starts, it brings them together with a common goal of protecting those in their small town.

Underlying all the heartache, mysteries and lives is the Earl of Harcourt and how his actions change the paths of those around him.

This book was so well read by Barry Kreinik, the poignant, emotions and romance were well done.

Simply amazing book, glad I change my mind and decided to listen to it.

"The British Booksellers" by Kristy Cambron, narrated by Barrie Kreinik, is a captivating tale that combines historical fiction, sweet romance, and mystery. Set against the backdrop of WWI and WWII, this novel weaves together multiple points of view to tell a story of courage and resilience in the face of war.

The characters in "The British Booksellers" are well-developed, authentic, and sympathetic. From Amos Darby's struggles as a war veteran to Charlotte Terrington's journey as a war widow turned bookshop owner, each character brings depth and emotion to the narrative. The relationships between the characters are intricately portrayed, adding layers of complexity to their interactions.

The story follows Amos Darby and Charlotte Terrington as they navigate love, loss, and the challenges brought on by war. As they come together to fight for their bookshops amidst the devastation of the Coventry Blitz during WWII, themes of perseverance, friendship, and sacrifice emerge. The blend of historical events with personal stories creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

Barrie Kreinik's narration adds another dimension to the storytelling with her versatile portrayal of various characters. Her ability to bring each character to life enhances the listener's experience and immerses them in the world created by Kristy Cambron.

"The British Booksellers" is a poignant tale that highlights the enduring power of love and literature in times of turmoil. Through its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, this novel offers readers a glimpse into lives forever changed by war—and ultimately celebrates the strength found in unity during challenging times.

This story was extremely immersive and engaging, and the narrator excellent. Cambron set the scene, wove the story elements together, and kept me guessing expertly from beginning to end. Amos, Charlotte, Eden, and Jacob - and their worlds of war and Coventry, England - will live on in my heart for a long time after I finish this story. Recommended especially for Anglophiles, bibliophiles, and lovers of hard situations with redemption.

This book is a great retelling of a love story told in two different perspectives. The story was somewhat hard to follow via audio because it jumped between characters and times (some past, some present). I think this book would be better read and then listened to. The overall story and historical fiction is really good, taking place during WWII. The characters are well developed. The narrator was very pleasant to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me the opportunity to listen to and review an ARC of this novel (audiobook). All of the thoughts and the opinions expressed are my own.

Amos was a tenant farmer. Charlotte was a lady. As children they were inseparable. Then circumstances and Will Holt (the husband to be of Charlotte) would drive them apart. Then WWI comes. Will and Amos enlist. Fast forward to WWII and Amos and Charlotte own competing bookstores. These bookstores are at odds. Charlotte and her daughter Eden are trying to keep up the estate and the bookstore and survive the war. These characters must reconcile the past to survive the present.

This book is a look at the devastation of the World Wars and the people who survived to tell the story. The dual timeline of this book made it a bit hard to follow. I don’t always struggle with dual timelines, but this one was hard for me. This could be due to the fact that both timelines involve a world at war. There were many loose threads that were kind of thrown together at the end. It was an enjoyable read, but not one I would pick up again.

There was no real faith content in this book. Characters did have to overcome their pasts, but God was not really figured into the equation. I feel opportunities were missed. I really don’t see how this could be labeled as Christian Fiction.

The audiobook was well done. The narrator was easy to follow even with the British accent. I do think that this book might be one better read than listened to because of the dual timeline. The one downside was the dates; for some reason when the narrator said 1914 and 1940 it sounded alike.

I would recommend this book to people looking for clean, historical fiction with a touch of romance. I would not recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a book that truly spreads the message of Christ.

Amidst the backdrop of social disparity and the haunting aftermath of the Great War, Amos Darby's improbable bond with Charlotte Terrington defies societal norms. Yet, as the harsh realities of war shatter their youthful aspirations, their paths diverge, leaving Amos to grapple with the scars of battle and the shattered dreams of his past.

The narrative, however, suffers from the proliferation of multiple points of view, diluting the clarity of the plot. Streamlining the perspectives to focus on the two main characters would have allowed for deeper exploration of their inner worlds. Regrettably, the characters remain largely undeveloped, failing to evoke the intended depth of emotion.

Despite being marketed as an "enemies to lovers" tale, the emotional intensity expected from such a premise is noticeably absent. Instead, the dynamic between the protagonists lacks the requisite animosity, resulting in a narrative that falls short of its potential.

Gratitude to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the opportunity to engage with this work.

I was excited to preview this title. I really loved the description. It did not disappoint. It took me a little bit to get into the book, but by about 1/4 of the way into the book, I was hooked. I thought this was a fascinating story, heartbreaking, hopeful and dramatic. A second chance at love for Charlotte and possibly first love for her daughter Eden, set amidst the bombing of Coventry, England during WWII. There are alternating chapters with flashbacks to WWI and earlier that provide the backstory for Charlotte and Amos. They have a lot of history. Amos has scars that are both visible and invisible. The battling bookstores made this story unique, and what reader wouldn’t love all of the literary references? I also loved how everyone pulled together during this crisis and served those in need. I thought the whole book was creatively done and a compelling read. I really loved the way that Amos's story was revealed with his motivations. It really kept me wanting to know more about their past stories and how they got to where they were now.
The characters were strong, and it was a great plot. The author delves into the background connections of Charlotte and Amos to give us the differences between classes and how that perspective changed during wartime. It was an excellent story, and I felt it brought in a new prospective that I haven't seen before in a WWII story.
I enjoyed this book and could definitely recommend it to high school students and adults alike. The audiobook was good, and I enjoyed the story through the narrators voice, but it would be an excellent addition in book form to our library as well.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the arc audiobook preview.

This story weaves in the lives of the characters through both WWI and WWII. The depth of the characters provided a rich reading experience. I enjoyed being able to see their growth and development throughout. Definitely a wonderful read.