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marius_legan's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
nell_wedgwood's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lubleu's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Following a slightly boozy chat with her cousin, Hannah becomes captivated by the thought of moving her family from busy Manchester to the quaint village of Little Maudley and running its local shop. It would be ideal for removing her teenage son from undesirable influences and perhaps grounding her workaholic husband in family life. She's slowly embraced by the village, especially by the private ex-footballer who's renovated the grand estate, but it's hard to build a new life when your old one is still crumbling.
If anyone was after a modern-day Catherine Cookson, Lucas is a strong candidate. Her writing is smooth, jumping between key events and sinking into characters. They all have depth and individual motives that they explore together, usually with a lot of wine.
As with the previous book, the title is rather a misnomer, as, while the bookshop is something the characters embark upon, it is always simply a plot point, something milling along in the background. I did wonder why the village that has welcomed a local library would be so quick to install a bookshop, but it is well-incorporated and logically done.
However, we all need to collectively agree that the romance is delightfully sweet, so much so that we can overlook the unlikelihood of such a character as Jake. He's fun, though.
If anyone was after a modern-day Catherine Cookson, Lucas is a strong candidate. Her writing is smooth, jumping between key events and sinking into characters. They all have depth and individual motives that they explore together, usually with a lot of wine.
As with the previous book, the title is rather a misnomer, as, while the bookshop is something the characters embark upon, it is always simply a plot point, something milling along in the background. I did wonder why the village that has welcomed a local library would be so quick to install a bookshop, but it is well-incorporated and logically done.
However, we all need to collectively agree that the romance is delightfully sweet, so much so that we can overlook the unlikelihood of such a character as Jake. He's fun, though.
helsbelles's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
amotisse's review against another edition
3.0
Chick lit is wonderfully comforting and reliable, we kind-of know what to expect but can be surprised at any moment.
This one has big changes, dreams becoming reality, out with the old and in with new horizons! Lovely.
This one has big changes, dreams becoming reality, out with the old and in with new horizons! Lovely.
jeybey's review against another edition
3.0
I discovered the book on my mother’s “reading stack” because of the playful cover that fits the story. I find the cover very appealing. It looks playful, romantic and is well drawn and designed. It is a pleasure to look at and discover the cover. “The little bookstore in the old post office” is a feel-good novel, warm and romantic. Simply for carefree reading hours for cozy evenings or on vacation. Even if the book addresses more serious topics (content note: domestic violence, cancer, unfulfilled desire to have children, loss), there is no great drama, just a little healthy world to drop. And invites you to feel good. The writing style is relaxed and cheerful, the pleasant length of the chapters makes the book entertaining and entertaining. In addition to the feelings, the humor is not neglected. Thanks to the pictorial descriptions, I literally had the landscape in mind and could imagine a picture of what life is like in the Cotswolds.
The main characters are authentic and sympathetic, but the plot and also characters remain superficial. The story is predictable and very straightforward. The many supporting characters are rather marginal work and not properly integrated into the plot, which is a pity, as some have a lot of potential to make the story more interesting. Who knows maybe you can learn more about them in a third volume?
In the last third, the story picks up speed and it gets exciting. You are feverish and hope for a happy ending, which is unfortunately dealt with too quickly. I find the end too abrupt and would have liked to have been a little more detailed.
In my opinion, the author has not fully exhausted the possibilities. There were some entanglements, but there was a lack of atmosphere and more surprising twists that are not so predictable. It is a soulful feel-good novel that is about self-discovery, love, family and friendship, but lacks tension and unexpected actions/descendants. In retrospect, I would have preferred to read it in English, because English humor is often lost in the German translation. Maybe I would have given 4 stars. Nevertheless, I give a reading recommendation for all those who simply want to fall into the book and feel good.
The main characters are authentic and sympathetic, but the plot and also characters remain superficial. The story is predictable and very straightforward. The many supporting characters are rather marginal work and not properly integrated into the plot, which is a pity, as some have a lot of potential to make the story more interesting. Who knows maybe you can learn more about them in a third volume?
In the last third, the story picks up speed and it gets exciting. You are feverish and hope for a happy ending, which is unfortunately dealt with too quickly. I find the end too abrupt and would have liked to have been a little more detailed.
In my opinion, the author has not fully exhausted the possibilities. There were some entanglements, but there was a lack of atmosphere and more surprising twists that are not so predictable. It is a soulful feel-good novel that is about self-discovery, love, family and friendship, but lacks tension and unexpected actions/descendants. In retrospect, I would have preferred to read it in English, because English humor is often lost in the German translation. Maybe I would have given 4 stars. Nevertheless, I give a reading recommendation for all those who simply want to fall into the book and feel good.
jo_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Hannah is fed up with being a wife and a mother, what is she doing with her life other than those two things?
When a chance to take over from her cousin in the village shop a little Cotswold Village she jumps at the opportunity to take control and do something to help her son, Ben who has fallen in with the wrong sort and perhaps restart her marriage with her husband.
Trouble is her husband seems reluctant but when her son recognises one of the residents as ex footballer Jake Lovatt, also a newcomer and that he is also coaching the local side, he can’t see that much wrong with this village where nothing goes on. Her husband will follow them both later.
But of course with any village story, there is lots going on. Resident stalwart Helen, self appointed head of everything to do with the village welcomes Hannah and likes the idea of expanding the shop to include a bookshop for all of the residents. Nicola is desperate for a baby and becomes friends with Hannah, as she encourages her to help with the new bookshop to take her mind off things.
Hannah and Jake are the main protagonists in this story and it is clear to see that there is a spark between them, but Hannah is married and Jake appears to have been seen with a mystery woman in his new home. Of course nothing is as it seems to both of these people and when events take a turn they find themselves thrown together and look to each other for support.
This is a story of starting again and realising that perhaps you never have really stated living because you made one choice and accepted it. This book deals with some tough subjects, the coercive controlling relationship, troublesome teenagers, dealing with being famous and marriage problems. Of course there is a happy ever after, but that is what you wanted in this delightful book set in such a picturesque place and where I want to browse the shelves of the Village Green Bookshop at my leisure.
If you are a fan of Rachael Lucas, you will recognise the setting and some of the characters as they feature in a previous novel, The Telephone Box Library but this book can be read quite easily as a standalone. My one hope is that I get to go back to this village again as I am sure it has more stories to tell.
When a chance to take over from her cousin in the village shop a little Cotswold Village she jumps at the opportunity to take control and do something to help her son, Ben who has fallen in with the wrong sort and perhaps restart her marriage with her husband.
Trouble is her husband seems reluctant but when her son recognises one of the residents as ex footballer Jake Lovatt, also a newcomer and that he is also coaching the local side, he can’t see that much wrong with this village where nothing goes on. Her husband will follow them both later.
But of course with any village story, there is lots going on. Resident stalwart Helen, self appointed head of everything to do with the village welcomes Hannah and likes the idea of expanding the shop to include a bookshop for all of the residents. Nicola is desperate for a baby and becomes friends with Hannah, as she encourages her to help with the new bookshop to take her mind off things.
Hannah and Jake are the main protagonists in this story and it is clear to see that there is a spark between them, but Hannah is married and Jake appears to have been seen with a mystery woman in his new home. Of course nothing is as it seems to both of these people and when events take a turn they find themselves thrown together and look to each other for support.
This is a story of starting again and realising that perhaps you never have really stated living because you made one choice and accepted it. This book deals with some tough subjects, the coercive controlling relationship, troublesome teenagers, dealing with being famous and marriage problems. Of course there is a happy ever after, but that is what you wanted in this delightful book set in such a picturesque place and where I want to browse the shelves of the Village Green Bookshop at my leisure.
If you are a fan of Rachael Lucas, you will recognise the setting and some of the characters as they feature in a previous novel, The Telephone Box Library but this book can be read quite easily as a standalone. My one hope is that I get to go back to this village again as I am sure it has more stories to tell.
dennasus's review against another edition
2.0
This was kind of nice, but sadly often felt a bit full of clichйs, plot and character wise. And there are homeware companies other than "Cath Kidston", right?
sarah70's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25