The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan isn't really about a bookshop. It's mostly about Zoe, a single mom, and Hari, her four-year-old son, who hasn't started to speak yet. Escaping her dismal job in London, and her even more dismally expensive flat, Zoe heads to Scotland to be a nanny. Only once she's there she discovers that her three charges are the opposite of welcoming; their ramshackle estate isn't exactly comfortable or convenient; and Ramsey, their single father, is mostly absent. And Hari still isn't talking. Down but not defeated, Zoe presses on. After all, she can't exactly go back home. And soon everything around her starts to change for the better.
What I loved most about this book:
- It's set in beautiful Scotland.
- Nina and Lennox from The Bookshop on the Corner are both in it. (And Nina's pregnant!)
- Zoe is plucky, vulnerable, resilient, and witty; and her interactions with Shackleton, Mary and Patrick, the three hard-to-deal-with Urquart children, totally made me laugh.
- There's lots of talk about books and reading.
- Ramsey isn't your typical hunky hero, but in his own quiet and awkward way, he's hard to resist.
- It has a happy ending.
Happy Reading!
Sounds like a delightful read; and all the more better with talks about books and reading. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly! :)
DeleteI've seen this author's bookshop books around, but I haven't read one yet.
ReplyDeleteI've read this one and The Bookshop on the Corner and really enjoyed both! :)
DeleteI didn't know there was a series of "bookshop" books. I don't know why that surprises me, though, because it seems so logical if you just think about it. Bookstore books are very popular with the bookish folk, so the concept is really kind of brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI find them hard to resist. :D
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful read. I'll have to see if my library has a copy. :)
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed! This is a fun one. :)
DeleteI like the sound of this one! I love the melding of families, kids coming out of their shell, and a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteI think you'd like this one.
DeleteThis sounds pretty good and I can tell you enjoyed it. May have to look into it!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one for when you're in the mood for a light and happy read.
DeleteScotland, talk about books/reading, and a happy ending--I'm in!
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect combination, isn't it? :D
DeleteMy mother read The Bookshop on the Corner and recommended it to me. Both books sound like a lot of fun. And it is good to have a happy book on your TBR for when you need it!
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to have a happy book on your TBR. And both this one and The Bookshop on the Corner qualify. :)
DeleteLark, this sounds like such a fun read and perfect for this time of year :) I'm a fan of Colgan, so I think I'll definitely enjoy this one. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteShe's a fun author, isn't she? :)
DeleteI love it when characters from one book show up in another- that kind of shared universe sorta thing always makes me happy. Also- Scotland haha. Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteAnything set in Scotland, right? :D
DeleteThis sounds like such a wonderful pick me up!
ReplyDeleteIt's a book that leaves you feeling happy, that's for sure.
DeleteI love a Scotland setting. :-) I read another of Colgan's book a year or two ago and was really impressed. I hope I will be able to read this one as well.
ReplyDeleteThat Scotland setting always draws me in! :D
DeleteSold! You had me at lots of talk about books. Haha.. Sounds like a delightful, cozy read.
ReplyDeleteBooks about books are always a good thing! :D
DeleteI loved this one! I need to read more Jenny Colgan - her books just make me happy :) Glad you feel the same way!
ReplyDeleteThey are books that make you happy! :)
DeleteI read this book recently and loved it, too. Both the Bookshop on the Corner and this book made me so happy when I read them!
ReplyDelete