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bookly68's review against another edition
5.0
Such a cute, comfortable read. I loved how she matched books with people and changed things for the better in this small town in Scotland! I also enjoyed her descriptions of how beautiful it was there. I’ve heard many positive things about the Scotland country side. I had a friend who toured several countries and said her favorite was definitely Scotland. I’ve always wanted to go. I even have a book friend who lives in Scotland! This book made me want to go there even more!! Also, I think a book bus is an AWESOME idea!!!
marimbagirl22's review against another edition
4.0
Good read, quick ending
Book was good for the main character except for the last handful of chapters. Things happened very quickly without a ton of build up which is surprising compared to the rest of the book.
Book was good for the main character except for the last handful of chapters. Things happened very quickly without a ton of build up which is surprising compared to the rest of the book.
jorkal22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
thaurisil's review against another edition
3.0
Nina, a librarian in a Birmingham library that is closing down, after a series of coincidences and decisions, steps out of her comfort zone to move to Scotland and set up a mobile bookshop in a large van. The bookshop becomes wildly successful as Nina seeks to find a book suitable for everyone. Along the way she has a romantic adventure with Marek, a Latvian train driver with a sweet soul, but breaks it off after realising he has a family back home. She then finally gets together with her completely unromantic farmer landlord Lennox.
I liked the first half of the book. It's one of those feel-good stories, where you know Nina will be brave, will step out of her comfort zone, will succeed in her business, and will find happiness. It's a joy reading the simple story, celebrating Nina's achievements and thinking, "Could I be as brave as her? Could I make a positive change? Could I impact a community?" Even the love affair with Marek is simple, romantic, and book-filled, fitting in nicely with the atmosphere of the story.
But then we get to the latter half, and Marek, in a somewhat racist twist, is discovered to be having an affair with Nina. The love triangle then intensifies as Nina then quickly falls for another man, a completely different man from Marek, and they develop a relationship that seems to be all about making out with each other. It gave a rather dirty taste, especially as Lennox was still technically a married man. Was the romance really necessary?
I liked the first half of the book. It's one of those feel-good stories, where you know Nina will be brave, will step out of her comfort zone, will succeed in her business, and will find happiness. It's a joy reading the simple story, celebrating Nina's achievements and thinking, "Could I be as brave as her? Could I make a positive change? Could I impact a community?" Even the love affair with Marek is simple, romantic, and book-filled, fitting in nicely with the atmosphere of the story.
But then we get to the latter half, and Marek, in a somewhat racist twist, is discovered to be having an affair with Nina. The love triangle then intensifies as Nina then quickly falls for another man, a completely different man from Marek, and they develop a relationship that seems to be all about making out with each other. It gave a rather dirty taste, especially as Lennox was still technically a married man. Was the romance really necessary?
lizziemarie01's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mysteriesofmar's review against another edition
3.0
not the "i'm not like other girls" getting the hot grumpy farmer guy...
carincornelia's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
emmabeckman's review against another edition
4.0
I'd give this book between a 3.5 and a 4 star rating (pretty much, I agree with the average rating). I felt like there was a LOT of set up and it put me off a little bit. I absolutely loved the premise and the setting (even if it was a little bit over-the-top at times) and I was a big fan of the romantic element (even though it felt a bit rushed at the end). But it felt like there was a LOT of different plot lines going through but they weren't all treated equally. I wish we had been able to delve a little deeper into Surinder and Ainslee. I guess it just felt so centered on Nina. But it was fine. It was definitely a sweet and heartwarming read, just what I was in the mood for!
bonniehikes's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this on audiobook and it was amazing! The narrator is great with the voices... I felt like I was in Scotland!