The Printed Letter Bookshop - by Katherine Reay (Paperback)

“....Aren’t books pure joy?” Yes, yes they are! The Printed Letter Bookshop was cute and cozy but there were a couple things that bothered me. There was so much build up between a couple different relationships and then the book just ended. No explanation, no epilogue, no nothing. It almost felt like I went on this journey with the characters, felt a connection, and then BAM -see ya later! The bookshop setting was my favorite part, the whole town of Winsome really. It was so quaint, neighborly, and everyone seemed to have their part. This story is told from three different perspectives -Madeline’s, Janet’s, and Claire’s. These three women form an unlikely friendship and I really enjoyed seeing their different personalities at their best....and worse. Overall the book was enjoyable, especially if you like a small town bookshop setting!

"It felt sad, as if the shop itself had just realized that what lay ahead could never be better than what lay behind." Or could it? It certainly seems out of the realm of possibility. When Madeline Cullen's world is upended by a crushing disappointment in one career, she is subsequently thrust down a vocational path that she never wanted; how could the death of an aunt whom she would have loved to deem beloved, seem so painfully ironic? The Printed Letter Bookshop is an iconic landmark and gathering space in the small Winsome community; its two remaining employees suddenly heartbroken and downtrodden about the certain possibility that the shop will be sold after the death of its owner. Their own lives have become like pages in the books that surround them, constantly turning, hoping for a happy ending. They could never have imagined that their real life stories would end up being the best chapters of all. Synergy comes to mind as an appropriate descriptive of this quite lovely and thought provoking story; three women whom most would incorrectly assume had nothing in common, managing to forge friendships around the things they did have in common; life's messy details. "You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me."

“If I’ve learned anything in the past six weeks, it’s that simply not looking to the past is not the same as living in the present. I need not dwell there, but I do need to learn from it.” What a beautifully written book by a master storyteller! And Katherine Reay really knows how to use different points of view and verb tenses to bring the story and characters to full life. Reading this book is like sitting down to a rich, warm soup that is enticing at first bite and bursts into delectable fulfillment on a cold, bitter wintery day. If you enjoy contemporary women’s fiction/romance, you will love this well-crafted work of art that is sure to satisfy. The story is a life journey of three women - Madeline who is in her early thirties, Claire who is in her forties, and Janet who is in her fifties. All three women are so different in their personalities, gifts, and current walks in life but are held together by having known and loved Madeline’s aunt Maddie. They are drawn together to Aunt Maddie’s bookshop where they realize they’re actually quite similar in their struggle to find who they really are. Each of the women’s faith journey is amazing and heart-warming. The men in their lives - Chris, Brian, and Seth - are great characters who are definitely each swoon-worthy in different ways. Another home-run for Katherine Reay! I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

This is a book lover's book! Set in a bookstore, with book recommendations, references, and quotes throughout, it was wonderful! The story shows the depth a person's influence on others can have, as evidenced by Maddie, the original owner of the bookshop. Upon her death, those who were close to her must dig deep to discover or come back to the person each was meant to be. I loved reading about the bookshop community, and I wish that the Printed Letter Bookshop was a place that I could visit! The story moved forward by focusing on the three women who worked at the bookstore. After the stage was set and we got to know each character. we begin learning the secrets of their pasts. But as the story progressed, it was so beautiful to see Maddie's influence on their lives continue as they took steps to right the wrongs in their lives and move forward with grace. I recommend this contemporary read to those who appreciate women's fiction, and books! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

The Printed Letter Bookshop, by Katherine Reay, is an incredibly moving novel of friendship, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Told cogently through the unique perspectives of three very different women, Ms. Reay weaves a story that is an intricate tapestry of loss, learning, life, and love. A highlight of this novel is the superbly written characterization. Throughout the story, the characters are authentic and believable. Their motivations, desires, insecurities, mistakes, and actions are well-developed and resonate with vulnerability, truth, and emotion. As the characters contemplate their choices and persevere through the consequences that follow, they grow in wisdom and confidence. Their faith is also strengthened as they learn to trust in grace, forgiveness, and abiding love. The themes within this book are poignant and thought-provoking. As it explores rejection, ambition, and assumption, this novel gently and creatively offers opportunities for healing and restoration through compassion, hope, and humility. The bookshop setting of this story is also profoundly relevant and meaningful. This special shop is a haven that draws the characters together and unites them in a common purpose and a shared devotion. Ms. Reay is a truly talented author with an obvious love of literature and a considerable talent for storytelling. The Printed Letter Bookshop is a notably entertaining, edifying, and memorable novel, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. *I was given a copy of this novel through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is my favorite book that I have read by this author. It is one you want to devour but make last and savor at the same time. I loved the POV writing from Janet, Claire, and Madeleine’s perspectives. The chapters are titled as such so it was easy to know whose viewpoint you were reading. Each of the women are at different stages in life and are trying to sort through life while at the same time trying to save the bookshop they have grown to love for different reasons. The bookshop and quotes from books are an added bonus to the story. I love the inspirational thread that is woven in gently and how it especially affects Janet. It is a story of hope, Grace, Mercy, and forgiveness and also has a budding romance. My favorite character is Janet and how she learns to humble herself and to find those simple words that pack a powerful punch, I’m sorry. This book in my opinion is the complete package tied up with a beautiful red bow. This will go on my keeper shelf. I won a copy in an author chat. The honest review and opinions are own and were not required.