This is a historically accurate romance that focuses on the First and Second World Wars. The story is told during both wars and from the perspectives of Charlotte and Amos, the main love interests and Charlottes’s daughter Eden.

I don’t know what it was specifically about this book, maybe it was the writing style, the many different perspectives and time stamps, or maybe it was the narration but the threshold to get into the story felt a bit higher than I am used to. Listening to the audiobook, rather than reading the story helped me to get over that threshold quickly though.
Charlotte and Amo’s love story is described as ‘enemies to lovers’ in the blurb. I don’t think they were ever real enemies but had their reasons for staying away from each other so if you are looking for a real ‘enemies-to-lovers’ romance, you might be disappointed here. I would rather categorize their story as a second-chance romance.

There is a subplot concerning an inheritance and I did not understand how it was connected to Eden’s family at all. The blurb even says that it is a lawsuit that may threaten their estate, but it is not connected to their estate at all, but about a watchmaker’s business in the States, so how could extra money coming in threaten their estate? And then the coincidence (?) that Amo has a watch that belonged to one of the founders of the company. (If someone could explain this to me in a comment, I would appreciate it.) The whole subplot just confused me and I believe the book would have been better had Jacob another reason to come to the estate. It was also not so believable to me that Jacob would come to England at the risk of dying during one of the bombings.

As someone who studied both world wars from a European perspective, I did not necessarily learn anything new, I appreciated the commitment to accurately portray history and the author’s note, nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review.

I’ve never read a book where the split timeline was WWI and WWII, and while it took me a little bit to get used to it, remembering pertinent details from each era, it was a unique and effective way to tell this story.

I enjoyed following the stories of Charlotte and Amos and what each went through.

As their story was slowly revealed, it illustrated so well how one single decision can truly change so much about the future.

I enjoyed reading about the land girls and how everyone pulled together to help each other, even putting aside old grievances for a common goal.

Finding out that this was based on actual events made this story even more interesting.

I enjoy Kristy Cambron’s writing so much and love how she weaves life lessons into her stories that transcend whatever time period she is writing in.

I will listen to anything Barrie Kreinik narrates. This book was wonderfully brought to life with her talent for voices and ability to bring out emotions in the reader.

Thank you to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the ALC. All views are my honest opinion.

I don’t often read books set during WWI or WWII, but some do still cut through and capture my interest. The British Booksellers is one such novel. Set in two timelines, 1914 and 1940, it depicts how an unlikely love was torn apart by war and how it would take another to potentially reunite them. It’s a long-overdue second chance at love, as well as an ode to appreciating literature and music.

Charlotte and Amos were never meant to be together back in the early 1910s. He was the son of a farmer, and she the daughter of an earl. She was meant to marry someone of her station, and Amos would never have been approved of by her family. Could they have made it work? They never got to find out then: Charlotte went on to marry an earl named Will, just as their families intended. But when Will and Amos went to the frontlines to fight in the Great War, only Amos would return home. And with Charlotte now a widow and mother, and with so much between them, she and Amos never rekindled what they once had.

Fast forward 25 years, and war is upon them again. Charlotte has raised her daughter Eden to be a strong young woman. They run their own bookshop, competing with the bookshop Amos runs. Indeed, he’s little more than a rival to them now, and Eden knows nothing of her mother’s background with him.

While Eden forms a tentative bond with an American solicitor who just arrived in town, Charlotte and Amos are thrown together for the first time in decades. There is so much to overcome, including secrets they’ve each kept about all that happened those many years ago.

One aspect I loved in The British Booksellers is the focus on literature. Both Amos and Charlotte are passionate readers with their own favorite authors and a desire to share books with those around them. I also enjoyed Charlotte’s love for music, specifically playing the cello. Her choice to play—or not play—is a significant theme in her relationships with both Will and Amos.

I also love how strong Charlotte and Eden are here. They are no shrinking wallflowers! They each speak their mind and make important decisions, often taking on leadership roles. The men here, conversely, get a bit more of their emotions on display. I especially appreciate how Amos’s PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and alcoholism are treated here.

Unlike in 1914, when the men made all the decisions and did all the fighting, in 1940, the women in England are shining for their vital contributions to the war effort. Charlotte and Eden do their part, and the men in their lives dutifully follow their lead and instructions. This flipped dynamic is part of how they overcome the regrets of their past.

Audiobook
The narrator here does a wonderful job of capturing the tone of The British Booksellers. She also makes it easy to distinguish between the various characters, delivering their dialogue in their own different accents - from upper and lower classes of English to an American to a German soldier. Her narration style is pleasing to listen to and keeps the listener's interest throughout.

The British Booksellers is a tender dual-timeline story with two romances, strong characters, and an emphasis on the real and forgotten parts of our recent history. If you want a book that offers a new perspective on the two World Wars, this is an excellent novel to pick up.

I am a sucker for a good dual timeline and this second chance romance between childhood friends Amos and Charlotte did not disappoint. Once I started this novel it consumed my entire day and I could not put it down. I was fully invested in how it was all going to play out. If you were a fan of Downton Abbey you will love this book! This is my first Kristy Cameron book, but it’s definitely not going to be my last.

I really enjoyed the narrators reading of this book. They did a great job of conveying the emotions and feelings of the words on the page. Once I started the book I didn’t want to take the headphones off. I was trying to get chores done, but I found myself just sitting there listening.

If there is one book I urge you to read in 2024, it is this one. Set across dual timelines of WW1 and WW2, the story revolves around Amos and Charlotte's forbidden love that was nipped at the bud. In a twist of events, written so beautifully by the author, Charlie is now a war widow, who owns a bookshop in Coventry with her headstrong daughter. Amos is a rival bookseller, reclusive and drowning his PTSD in alcohol. In the midst of air attacks by the Luftwaffe, Charlie and Amos, along with the residents of Coventry come together in mutual support, mysterious secrets are uncovered, new love is founded and old loves are reforged.

The prose and dialogues are very time appropriate, Charlie and her daughter Eden are such headstrong women, that it makes this a wonderful read.

"The British Booksellers" by Kristy Cambron is a historical fiction with two time periods set in both WW1 and WW2.

Childhood best friends, Charlotte Terrington, an earl's daughter, and Amos Darby, a farmer's son, are separated due to family status. Later, Amos enlists in the military to help the war effort, as does Charlotte's new husband, Will Holt. We hear what happens in the trenches in December 1914.

Twenty-five years later, World War 2 has begun (1940). The German blitzes are terrorizing all of England, including Coventry, where Charlotte and Amos have competing bookstores across the street from one another. Amos is a curmudgeonly hermit with war wounds. Lady Charlotte is Lady of the Holt Manor. To tell you more would spoil too much.

Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5 (Barrie Kreinick)
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 3.5/5 rounded up to 4.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and author Kristy Cambron for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

For Amos Darby, son of a tenant farmer, and Charlotte Terrington, daughter of an earl, childhood friendship turns into more as they grow up. However, Charlotte’s parents arrange for her to marry the future Earl of Harcourt, and shortly after they wed, both Amos and Will, Charlotte’s husband, are sent to fight in the Great War. Twenty-five years later, war widow Charlotte, with her grown daughter Eden, and Amos run competing bookstores in Coventry. Eden is determined to preserve the legacy of the father she never met, but when American solicitor Jacob arrives with news of a lawsuit against her, she worries it will destroy everything they have worked to preserve. As Hitler’s Luftwaffe blitz the area, Charlotte, Amos, Eden and Jacob must put aside their differences to save Coventry.

I’m a fan of dual timeline stories, and I liked that these timelines were close enough together that we got to see the two main characters in both of them. The story is published by a Christian company, but the faith is there only as a background entity. It would not put off non-Christian readers. My main confusion with the plot is that <spoiler>I never understood why or how the lawsuit Jacob’s family was bringing against Eden would have ruined the Holt estate. It was money that Eden wasn’t expecting, so it’s not like she had been counting on it to keep the estate running. This plot point didn’t add much to the story and honestly could have been left out without losing much.</spoiler> My favorite part of this novel was the author’s note at the end that described the real-life Coventry blitz during World War II. This book would be best for those who like historical fiction with a dash of clean romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron is evocative and gripping. Amos is a commoner who has grown up next to Charlotte, the earl’s daughter. Childhood dreams and fancies grown into real adult feelings that defy societal expectations. Then the Great War comes calling and all plans are pushed aside as duty calls. A dual timeline story that looks back on the histories of Charlotte and Amos in 1914 and how those stories impact Eden, Charlotte’s daughter, and Job, the American solicitor who arrives to deliver notice of a lawsuit against Eden in 1940. Charlotte becomes a wartime widow who devotes her attention to raising her daughter and running her bookshop. Despite the deep love between Charlotte and Amos before the war, they do not reconnect when he returns home. In fact, they become competitor bookshop owners.
The slow build lays the foundation for the gripping tale that unfolds. The last half was impossible for me to put down. The writing is so well done and kept me immersed in whichever timeline was being told. I learned about the complete destruction of Coventry from the perspective of those living the events as well as the loyalty and tenacity of those who survived. The romance is poignant, captivating, and emotional in a way that only Cambron can elicit.
In addition to reading, I had the additional privilege of hearing the story come to life via audiobook narrated by Barrie Kreinik.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Stunning…but my heart hurts. So, the kind of emotional read that twists your innards into pretzels and pummels your heart into a misshapen lump…to start off anyway.

I knew going in (from the synopsis) that there would be a doomed love scenario, I just wasn’t prepared for how bereaved I would be. Kudos to Cambron for creating such engaging characters. Easy to love and root for even though you know it’s a train wreck waiting to happen. And then it’s twenty-five years later.

And my heart still hurt.

The dual timeline is written so artfully and the way the author feeds us bits of pertinent information gradually is delightfully frustrating. I wanted to know everything NOW but at the same time enjoyed the anticipation. So, well plotted and beautifully written.

And my heart stopped hurting…though it still aches a little.

Two wars. Two love stories. The miracle of finding faith and basking in hope in the midst of the horror of war. Breathtakingly beautiful prose. Deeply emotional. So easy to live and breathe in every detail right along with the characters. A story to savour and hold on to even after you reach the end.

I really enjoyed the audio edition narrated by Barrie Kreinik. Well performed and easy to listen to. Her performance enhanced my appreciation of these characters and their story.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron is a delightful work of WWII historical fiction. This book was a 5 star read for me! I have never read any books by this author before, and after reading this I will definitely go read some of her other books. The plot was well paced, the characters were well developed, and I love the dual time lines. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was also great. If you are a fan to historical fiction I can’t recommend this book enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely LOVED this dual timeline, second chance romance between two childhood friends, Charlotte and Amos who find themselves cruelly separated by circumstances before they can run off to get married on the eve of WWI.

Fast forward twenty-five years and the two find themselves as rival Coventry booksellers on the verge of another war. Charlotte is now a war widow with a full grown daughter in charge of a failing estate and Amos is her grumpy long lost love.

Full of yearning, mutual pining and incredible acts of bravery both during the First and Second World Wars as the two make an agreement to work together in order to endure the Blitz bombings in their beloved town. Great on audio narrated by Barrie Kreinik, this is a must read by a favorite author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

In a world overshadowed by conflict and uncertainty, the audio experience offers a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with the complexities of human emotion and endurance. Through an immersive journey, listeners are transported into the hearts and minds of individuals navigating the tumultuous landscapes of war-torn lives.

The storytelling delicately weaves together the threads of sorrow, hope, and resilience, painting a vivid portrait of the human spirit amidst adversity. Each character's voice is imbued with authenticity, drawing listeners into their experiences with raw emotion and profound empathy.

What truly stands out is the portrayal of the enduring power of compassion and solidarity in the face of turmoil. Despite the chaos and despair, the characters' unwavering commitment to justice and dignity shines through, serving as a beacon of hope amidst darkness.

As I listened, I was deeply moved by the portrayal of individuals coming together in solidarity, offering support and solace to one another. It serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent goodness that resides within humanity, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

This audio experience is not just a narrative; it's a testament to the transformative power of storytelling to inspire empathy, provoke introspection, and advocate for change. Through its compelling narrative, it reminds us of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the midst of adversity.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins for providing me with a copy of this audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

The British Booksellers is a historical fiction/romance novel set in Coventry, England. The novel spans across two timelines, set around WW I and WW II. This story follows Charlotte and Amos, who have loved each other since childhood but their very different stations in life have not allow them to be together. Then their lives and duties are turned upside down by the wars.

I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written, and very well narrated in the audio format. While there were dual timelines and dual POVs, it was easy to follow and very engaging. I thought the story was heartfelt, emotional, and thought provoking. I would highly recommend for any lovers of historical fiction and war time novels!

This book was rich with history and the tragedies of both World Wars. I enjoyed the dual timelines though I had to listen very carefully as the timelines switched back and forth. Amos is a haunted man and the mystery of why he felt this way as well as the mystery of the issues with the Holt Estate were very well written. I couldn’t put it down until I learned all the facts. I loved how all of the relationships played out in the end. There is sadness but also redemption and self-sacrificing love woven into the story. I usually shy away from World War era stories because they tend to be so sad but this one was well done and I enjoyed it.

I listened to this book on audio and also enjoyed the narrator. She did a great job with all of the voices and emotion that needed to be presented.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Kisses

A sad, yet beautiful story based off true events. I was honored to have an arc of the audiobook. The book had a couple parts that it seemed slow for me. Honestly I think some books are meant to physically read, and this is one I plan to pick up a physical copy for. I know if I can read it myself, sitting in a cozy place that I will rate this book 5 ⭐️.

The story has a lot of depth, heart, and humor. I enjoyed the back story, and how the author painted a picture for us with the MMC and FMC. Knowing this story is based off true events made me feel the heart felt moments, but also pulled at my emotions with the tense, sad, tender, and relatable ones.

I rate this audiobook 4⭐️. It’s a must read, and don’t forget the tissues.

This was a truly a great story set during both the Great War and WW2.
I love to read/listen to books about books, so I was thrilled to get this audio. The story was fantastic, telling about two unlikely childhood friends. Charlotte is an earl’s daughter whereas Amos is the tenant farmer’s son. Their dreams shatter with the start of the Great War.
This book was filled with suspense, drama and love. Based on true events of the Coventry Blitz during WW2, we see how people, even once enemies, come together to help their neighbors.
The audio was absolutely awesome. Well-made and a delight to listen to.

This is a beautiful story of love, friendship, and loyalty set in a dual timeline format that encapsulates both world wars. There are lots of ups and downs for Amos and Charlotte as they weather the Great War and the aftermath in Coventry, England. In the early days of the next war they are thrown together again during the “Forgotten Blitz” (which I was very interested to learn about through this well-researched book). These characters are vividly drawn and the shift between their lives in both wars is intriguing. Barrie Kreinik is one of my favorite narrators and I loved the way that she told this story. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended for lovers of WWI or WWII historical fiction set in England.

The British Booksellers is a sweeping work of historical fiction encompassing two world wars and concluding with the utter devastation wrought by the Coventry Blitz of WWII. I found this book extremely well written and historically accurate. It begins with two childhood friends, Lady Charlotte Terrington and her secret friendship with a local farmers son Amos Darby. They are from two different worlds and are not supposed to be friends at all. As they grow up together they fall in love but Charlotte is promised to William Harcourt and so their love cannot be realized. Both William and Amos enlist during WWI and end up serving together. After the war Amos returns home and William does not. Amos is a shadow of his former self, haunted by nightmares of the war. And even though Charlotte is now a widow she and Amos do not reunite. Charlotte is busy raising her daughter Eden and running her estate and a quaint bookshop. Amos opens a competing bookshop and they spend their years ignoring each other. When World War II begins the two former friends realize the should pool their resources to help their community survive the war and become friendly again. So much happens in this novel, it is full of excitement with the battle scenes and repeated bombings of Coventry. I really learned quite a bit about what people had to live with to survive a war in their own country. Some of it is quite harrowing. I enjoyed the authors anecdotes at the end of the novel very much, very informative. This book is perfect for fans of historical fiction, especially WWI and WWII. Highly Recommended.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for a chance to listen to an ARC audiobook of this novel.

I had seen this book and was drawn to the beautiful cover. My actual reading time is limited, so I skipped buying the book since I am not drawn to WWII, or really any war, books.

Then a couple months later, I saw the audio was available and I changed my mind. I didn't read the blurb again. I just started listening. I was captivated.

I am not one to read wartime books because I don't like the looming possibility of someone dying. And I don't love reading books with flashbacks, because of the angst/anxiety it gives me while reading. I usually love them afterwards though. And such was the case here.

I just loved these Amos and Charlotte. Discovering about their lives, past and present, was captivating. I listened to this book in a day and a half. I didn't want to stop.

I learned a lot about little known historical events and activities. I really was glad to see that the author's notes were included in the audiobook. I wish all publishers would include them. They added to the overall experience for me.

The one issue I had with the audiobook was that it is harder for me to stay in the current time line. I have to be sure to catch the date as it's being read. And with this one I particular, I sometimes confused 1914 and 1940. The narrator's accent and perhaps my listening speed did cause slight confusion a time or two. That is a very small detail, but one I did want to mention.

I wish to thank Thomas Nelson, Zondervan fiction and Netgalley for the audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A big thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of the audio book!

Wow! I was blown away by how much I liked this book!

When I was reading the description, I thought this book would be full of drama and be a little annoying, but It was nothing like that.

The flow of the story is very enjoyable. The main characters are childhood friends turned lovers that were not allowed to be together because of their class levels. It starts off with you only knowing the basics, they like one another when they were young then the WW1 breaks out, some time passes and some how they both ended up back in the same town with rivaling book stores on the verge of WW2. You, as the reader, learn through flashbacks what happened between them and how the first war affected their lives.

Their love is tender and beautiful, and we got a secondary love story developing at the same time. I loved that in the end all main characters were connected to one another.

I do have to admit that I am a WW2 story lover, so I would understand if this book is not a cup of tea for a lot of people.
BUT I would urge romance readers to try this book because Amos and Charlotte's stories deserve to be heard.