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Borrow a Bookshop #1
The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday: A gorgeously uplifting read - booklovers will love this heart-warming romcom!
'A romantic book-filled treat' Heidi Swain, author of The Secret Seaside Escape
The Borrow-a-Bookshop Bookshop Café invites literature lovers to run their very own bookshop … for a fortnight.
Spend your days talking books with customers in your own charming bookshop and serving up delicious cream teas in the cosy café.
Bookworms, what are you waiting for? Your holiday is going to be LIT(erary).
Apply The Borrow-a-Bookshop Bookshop Café, Down-a-long, Clove Lore, Devon.
Jude Crawley should be on top of the world. She’s just graduated as a mature student, so can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack.
Until she sees Mack kissing another girl, and her dreams crumble. And worse, their dream holiday – running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore for two weeks – is non-refundable.
Throwing caution to the winds, Jude heads down to Devon, eager to immerse herself in literature and heal her broken heart.
But there’s one problem – six foot tall, brooding (but gorgeous) Elliot, who’s also reserved the bookshop holiday for two weeks…
As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside to run the bookshop, it seems that Jude might be falling in love with more than just words. Until she discovers what Elliot is running from – and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore.
Can Jude find her own happy ending in a tiny, tumbledown bookshop? Or is she about to find out that her bookish holiday might have an unexpected twist in the tale…
The perfect cosy, romantic read for any bookworm! Fans of Jenny Colgan, Cressida McLaughlin and Philippa Ashley will love this feelgood romcom.
Readers are loving their stay at The Borrow-A-Bookshop!
‘Every bookworm should read this book. It’s just delightful and my heart feels so happy!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘Pure escapism…I highly recommend this book to totally get lost in’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘I really loved this story and was thoroughly charmed…the characters were interesting and fabulous’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘Emotional, fun, charming and delightful… Iabsolutely loved this book’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘Such a heartwarming and humorous read…I thoroughly recommend this book if you need a pick me up!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘An enchanting and endearing story… Perfect romanticread!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘I absolutely loved this book…This was the perfect escapism’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘This book is total holiday goals! ...A heartwarming, cosy, feel good romcom.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘The perfect summer read that leaves you wanting to feel the sand beneath your toes’ Reader Review
‘
The Borrow-a-Bookshop Bookshop Café invites literature lovers to run their very own bookshop … for a fortnight.
Spend your days talking books with customers in your own charming bookshop and serving up delicious cream teas in the cosy café.
Bookworms, what are you waiting for? Your holiday is going to be LIT(erary).
Apply The Borrow-a-Bookshop Bookshop Café, Down-a-long, Clove Lore, Devon.
Jude Crawley should be on top of the world. She’s just graduated as a mature student, so can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack.
Until she sees Mack kissing another girl, and her dreams crumble. And worse, their dream holiday – running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore for two weeks – is non-refundable.
Throwing caution to the winds, Jude heads down to Devon, eager to immerse herself in literature and heal her broken heart.
But there’s one problem – six foot tall, brooding (but gorgeous) Elliot, who’s also reserved the bookshop holiday for two weeks…
As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside to run the bookshop, it seems that Jude might be falling in love with more than just words. Until she discovers what Elliot is running from – and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore.
Can Jude find her own happy ending in a tiny, tumbledown bookshop? Or is she about to find out that her bookish holiday might have an unexpected twist in the tale…
The perfect cosy, romantic read for any bookworm! Fans of Jenny Colgan, Cressida McLaughlin and Philippa Ashley will love this feelgood romcom.
Readers are loving their stay at The Borrow-A-Bookshop!
‘Every bookworm should read this book. It’s just delightful and my heart feels so happy!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘Pure escapism…I highly recommend this book to totally get lost in’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘I really loved this story and was thoroughly charmed…the characters were interesting and fabulous’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘Emotional, fun, charming and delightful… Iabsolutely loved this book’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘Such a heartwarming and humorous read…I thoroughly recommend this book if you need a pick me up!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘An enchanting and endearing story… Perfect romanticread!’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘I absolutely loved this book…This was the perfect escapism’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘This book is total holiday goals! ...A heartwarming, cosy, feel good romcom.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘The perfect summer read that leaves you wanting to feel the sand beneath your toes’ Reader Review
‘
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2021
354 people are currently reading
3047 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
May 11, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Mack looked legit, like a young Indiana Jones, only more anaemic and homely, you know? Who’d have thought under all that gabardine and paleness there’d beat the heart of a scumbag?
Just knowing he’s next to me helps me switch off my brain which has been delivering a long lecture with PowerPoint slides all evening, entitled, ‘An illustrated history of all the completely obvious ways gullible, naive Jude was manipulated by Dr Mack the snake’…
I’ve never been anywhere apart from here… Except for in books; I’ve been twice around the globe and halfway across the galaxy in books.
My Review:
This was a light and fun tale that was cast with a bevy of oddly enticing and eccentric small village characters that kept me grinning and fully engaged as I read their descriptions and interactions. This was only my second time reading this talented scribe and I easily fell into her words and enjoyed her storytelling, dialogs, and the endearing main character Jude’s inner musings. Oh, how I adored Jude!
The storylines and writing style were evocative, cleverly amusing, shrewdly paced, and easy to follow while laced with relevant real-world problems. The narrative was unpredictable and scrolled smoothly and believably and dealt with several rather serious issues while remaining unfailingly entertaining due to Ms. Dunbar’s adroit word skills. I will be chasing this author until the day I die for more of her clever arrangements of words.
And, score! I picked up a new entry to my Brit word list with cutpurse, which the omnipotent Mr. Google informed me, is a pickpocket.
Mack looked legit, like a young Indiana Jones, only more anaemic and homely, you know? Who’d have thought under all that gabardine and paleness there’d beat the heart of a scumbag?
Just knowing he’s next to me helps me switch off my brain which has been delivering a long lecture with PowerPoint slides all evening, entitled, ‘An illustrated history of all the completely obvious ways gullible, naive Jude was manipulated by Dr Mack the snake’…
I’ve never been anywhere apart from here… Except for in books; I’ve been twice around the globe and halfway across the galaxy in books.
My Review:
This was a light and fun tale that was cast with a bevy of oddly enticing and eccentric small village characters that kept me grinning and fully engaged as I read their descriptions and interactions. This was only my second time reading this talented scribe and I easily fell into her words and enjoyed her storytelling, dialogs, and the endearing main character Jude’s inner musings. Oh, how I adored Jude!
The storylines and writing style were evocative, cleverly amusing, shrewdly paced, and easy to follow while laced with relevant real-world problems. The narrative was unpredictable and scrolled smoothly and believably and dealt with several rather serious issues while remaining unfailingly entertaining due to Ms. Dunbar’s adroit word skills. I will be chasing this author until the day I die for more of her clever arrangements of words.
And, score! I picked up a new entry to my Brit word list with cutpurse, which the omnipotent Mr. Google informed me, is a pickpocket.
May 10, 2021
The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday
By Kiley Dunbar
Any reader and book lover must have had a dream of owning their own bookstore and serving up desserts with a cup of espresso or specialty teas. Oh, you have too? We I think we all have, and I am googling places to spend a couple of weeks in such a place that would offer up a dream come true. Well, not in this pandemic unfortunately. The amazing thing is, books do take you to adventures and vacations without leaving your cozy nook. Thank you to author Kiley Dunbar for this wonderful reading experience I absolutely adored and definitely needed.
The Borrow-A-Bookshop Holiday By Kiley Dunbar is a heartwarming story about Jude Crawley who is on top of the world ready for a holiday with her beau Mack in a dream location in Devon by the seaside running a bookshop. Of course everything came tumbling down when Mack turned out to be a creep. She ends up going alone and bumping into Elliot who is also doing the holiday in the bookshop and despite the rocky start, there certainly is chemistry there. I love reading about the friendships, the small seaside town, the bookshop and of course the chemistry between them was just marvelous.
This is a wonderful book I loved and enjoyed for the beautiful writing, the characters, the enjoyable storyline, the gorgeous setting, all in a heartwarming and swoon worthy read. Love Love Love!
By Kiley Dunbar
Any reader and book lover must have had a dream of owning their own bookstore and serving up desserts with a cup of espresso or specialty teas. Oh, you have too? We I think we all have, and I am googling places to spend a couple of weeks in such a place that would offer up a dream come true. Well, not in this pandemic unfortunately. The amazing thing is, books do take you to adventures and vacations without leaving your cozy nook. Thank you to author Kiley Dunbar for this wonderful reading experience I absolutely adored and definitely needed.
The Borrow-A-Bookshop Holiday By Kiley Dunbar is a heartwarming story about Jude Crawley who is on top of the world ready for a holiday with her beau Mack in a dream location in Devon by the seaside running a bookshop. Of course everything came tumbling down when Mack turned out to be a creep. She ends up going alone and bumping into Elliot who is also doing the holiday in the bookshop and despite the rocky start, there certainly is chemistry there. I love reading about the friendships, the small seaside town, the bookshop and of course the chemistry between them was just marvelous.
This is a wonderful book I loved and enjoyed for the beautiful writing, the characters, the enjoyable storyline, the gorgeous setting, all in a heartwarming and swoon worthy read. Love Love Love!
May 17, 2021
Oooh, what a lovely thing to be able to do: run a bookshop and café for a fortnight! I’m sure many book lovers would agree that this would be a dream come true, and who would complain with the fresh sea air and a hunky fellow-book lover to accompany you in the process?! In this book, Dunbar has created a scenario that will have many drooling with the idea of taking time out to indulge in a hobby.
I really loved the premise of this story and have subsequently made a mental note to see if such a holiday does exist! With the beautiful Devon coast as a backdrop, this bookshop seems to have it all. Set in a such a lovely community, there are supportive locals, a great pub and book club, and a resident dog who is in a state of perpetual mourning. For Jude, coming to the bookshop is just what she needs as her life seems to have stalled to a halt. Despite recently graduating, Jude senses that her prospects are considerably limited.
Having spent many years caring for her grandmother, life at home has suddenly changed. Mum and Dad are selling the family bakery and moving out of Jude’s family home; Nan has found a new lease of life and wants to go it alone, no longer feeling she needs Jude to care for her. For Jude, it is as if life has passed her by and this fuels her determination to use her two weeks at the bookshop as a chance to recharge and regroup her plans.
However, she was never anticipating having to share this reprieve with a stranger. Even if he is considerably hunky! The tale follows Jude and Elliot gradually getting to know one another in between running the bookshop and café. It soon becomes clear, however, that Elliot is hiding many personal things and, before you know it, Jude has reached many conclusions that she does not like. This was my main criticism of the book.
I tried my hardest, but I could not grow to like Jude as a character. Her relationship fails at the start of the novel annoyed me because I thought it was so obvious that this was a romance that was destined to fail. Furthermore, I thought Jude used her family to hide behind her sense of ambition and responsibility. She does not seem to have a drive to do anything, but wafts through her degree as more like something to do, rather than exploring her passion for literature. Jude’s behaviour at the bookshop continued to grate on me because I thought she reached irrational conclusions regarding Elliot and his background. Even though she does not know everything about him, I thought her evaluations were way off the mark. Also, I could not understand why she did not pick up her phone and do a cheeky Google of the man in case she could find out what he is hiding?
Therefore, when Jude and Elliot inevitably draw closer, I felt frustrated because I did not find their relationship very convincing. Instead, I yearned for more bookish references and insights into running the establishment. For example, the scenes where Jude receives rather obscure requests for books, without being given the title or author, were really fun and entertaining. I had great enjoyment trying to guess the title of the book being requested!
This is a lovely story but I don’t think it was as ground-breaking as I had hoped. Girl seeks escape from life, meets boy and they have a connection. Something happens to push them apart and, after a big reveal, there is a happy ever after. It’s been done a lot before and I had hoped the bookshop setting would make this novel stand out from the rest. Alas, I do not think that Dunbar has quite achieved it with this narrative.
However, if you are a book lover and wish to escape the mundane, routine way of life, then certainly give this book a go! I loved romanticising about the opportunities of running my own bookshop-café and I think that Dunbar generally captures this quite well.
With thanks to Hera books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the premise of this story and have subsequently made a mental note to see if such a holiday does exist! With the beautiful Devon coast as a backdrop, this bookshop seems to have it all. Set in a such a lovely community, there are supportive locals, a great pub and book club, and a resident dog who is in a state of perpetual mourning. For Jude, coming to the bookshop is just what she needs as her life seems to have stalled to a halt. Despite recently graduating, Jude senses that her prospects are considerably limited.
Having spent many years caring for her grandmother, life at home has suddenly changed. Mum and Dad are selling the family bakery and moving out of Jude’s family home; Nan has found a new lease of life and wants to go it alone, no longer feeling she needs Jude to care for her. For Jude, it is as if life has passed her by and this fuels her determination to use her two weeks at the bookshop as a chance to recharge and regroup her plans.
However, she was never anticipating having to share this reprieve with a stranger. Even if he is considerably hunky! The tale follows Jude and Elliot gradually getting to know one another in between running the bookshop and café. It soon becomes clear, however, that Elliot is hiding many personal things and, before you know it, Jude has reached many conclusions that she does not like. This was my main criticism of the book.
I tried my hardest, but I could not grow to like Jude as a character. Her relationship fails at the start of the novel annoyed me because I thought it was so obvious that this was a romance that was destined to fail. Furthermore, I thought Jude used her family to hide behind her sense of ambition and responsibility. She does not seem to have a drive to do anything, but wafts through her degree as more like something to do, rather than exploring her passion for literature. Jude’s behaviour at the bookshop continued to grate on me because I thought she reached irrational conclusions regarding Elliot and his background. Even though she does not know everything about him, I thought her evaluations were way off the mark. Also, I could not understand why she did not pick up her phone and do a cheeky Google of the man in case she could find out what he is hiding?
Therefore, when Jude and Elliot inevitably draw closer, I felt frustrated because I did not find their relationship very convincing. Instead, I yearned for more bookish references and insights into running the establishment. For example, the scenes where Jude receives rather obscure requests for books, without being given the title or author, were really fun and entertaining. I had great enjoyment trying to guess the title of the book being requested!
This is a lovely story but I don’t think it was as ground-breaking as I had hoped. Girl seeks escape from life, meets boy and they have a connection. Something happens to push them apart and, after a big reveal, there is a happy ever after. It’s been done a lot before and I had hoped the bookshop setting would make this novel stand out from the rest. Alas, I do not think that Dunbar has quite achieved it with this narrative.
However, if you are a book lover and wish to escape the mundane, routine way of life, then certainly give this book a go! I loved romanticising about the opportunities of running my own bookshop-café and I think that Dunbar generally captures this quite well.
With thanks to Hera books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
I LOVED the idea behind this book... a holiday which gives you a chance to run your own bookshop and cafe for a fortnight in a quaint seaside town? Yes please!!! I am all for it! This is exactly the kind of holiday I can see myself looking forward to! Thank you Kiley Dunbar for creating such a lovely premise/scenario which I am sure a lot of book lovers like myself would love to see become a reality. If such a holiday does really exist anywhere in the world I am all willing to sign up for it!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Hera Books and the author for the e-Arc of the book! I enjoyed it ❤️✨!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Hera Books and the author for the e-Arc of the book! I enjoyed it ❤️✨!
May 18, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
Imagine you’re given the chance to run your own bookshop for a fortnight. Then imagine said bookshop comes with a little cafe where you can (must) bake delicious treats. Then imagine you have to run them both along a dreamy hunk. Books, baking and a hot guy. Is that the perfect job or what? Certainly it is in my book! With such a premise I knew I had to read it and it did not let down.
The setting was absolutely gorgeous. I could feel myself walking around Clove Lore and, after learning it was loosely based on a real village I’ve added it to my bucket list of places to visit once life goes back to normal.
At the beginning Jude was a bit naive so it was hard to believe she was almost 30. She has led a very sheltered life so all the sudden changes in her life will force her to wake up. I loved her relationship with her best friend Daniel and Gran was another great character I would have like to see more of.
Elliot sounded like a dream so I can perfectly understand Jude falling for him so quickly, but he did something I usually hate in books, the “no, I can’t tell you my secret because you wouldn’t understand” thing. Try me! I thought it was gonna be endless pages of “tell me your secret”, “no, I can’t tell you my secret”, but second half took an interesting detour and when finally all was revealed I was glad I could not foresee that at all.
Can we talk about Aldous for a minute? OMG! What is it with me and dogs in books that I always fall in love with them?! When Jude learnt about the dog’s story I swear some tears fell down my face.
All the people in Clove Lore were charming and I was glad to find some LGBTQIA+ representation. Their story was so sweet too!
A super cute read that will make all of us bookworms wish to be in Jude’s shoes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine you’re given the chance to run your own bookshop for a fortnight. Then imagine said bookshop comes with a little cafe where you can (must) bake delicious treats. Then imagine you have to run them both along a dreamy hunk. Books, baking and a hot guy. Is that the perfect job or what? Certainly it is in my book! With such a premise I knew I had to read it and it did not let down.
The setting was absolutely gorgeous. I could feel myself walking around Clove Lore and, after learning it was loosely based on a real village I’ve added it to my bucket list of places to visit once life goes back to normal.
At the beginning Jude was a bit naive so it was hard to believe she was almost 30. She has led a very sheltered life so all the sudden changes in her life will force her to wake up. I loved her relationship with her best friend Daniel and Gran was another great character I would have like to see more of.
Elliot sounded like a dream so I can perfectly understand Jude falling for him so quickly, but he did something I usually hate in books, the “no, I can’t tell you my secret because you wouldn’t understand” thing. Try me! I thought it was gonna be endless pages of “tell me your secret”, “no, I can’t tell you my secret”, but second half took an interesting detour and when finally all was revealed I was glad I could not foresee that at all.
Can we talk about Aldous for a minute? OMG! What is it with me and dogs in books that I always fall in love with them?! When Jude learnt about the dog’s story I swear some tears fell down my face.
All the people in Clove Lore were charming and I was glad to find some LGBTQIA+ representation. Their story was so sweet too!
A super cute read that will make all of us bookworms wish to be in Jude’s shoes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Hera Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
I definitely enjoyed the story, the setting and most definitely the whole concept of a bookshop that you can borrow, for a holiday. If something like that existed and I could afford it, I would definitely make a reservation right away. As for the plot, for me it wasn't anything special, but it was very enjoyable. I definitely wanted to find out what was up with Elliot. As for Jude, the main character, I wasn't that much of a fan. I didn't like her attitude most of the time and she was very quick to jump to conclusions.
I definitely enjoyed the story, the setting and most definitely the whole concept of a bookshop that you can borrow, for a holiday. If something like that existed and I could afford it, I would definitely make a reservation right away. As for the plot, for me it wasn't anything special, but it was very enjoyable. I definitely wanted to find out what was up with Elliot. As for Jude, the main character, I wasn't that much of a fan. I didn't like her attitude most of the time and she was very quick to jump to conclusions.
April 20, 2021
Cute little story about a woman whose trying to find herself after life throws her a few curveballs. She takes a vacation at the seashore where you run a bookstore cafe for two weeks-sounds like heaven to me! She meets the people in town and the other person that is sharing the bookstore with her for 2 weeks and of course they fall in love. The setting sounded brilliant-I dream of going there! And the supporting characters of neighbors in the little town of Clove Lore grew on me as they took Jude under their wings and made her feel at home.
Thanks to Hera books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Thanks to Hera books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
March 31, 2021
I have to say that I loved this book so much, I mean it features a small community in Devon, a bookshop that you can run as your own for a two week holiday, a gorgeous man, character growth, baking, and a rather unusual dog.
I mean what's not to love! This was a story that captured my imagination from the moment I saw the title and blurb and the cover is just stunning too. You can't help but feel sorry for and empathise with Jude from the start, and I was rooting for her the whole way through, even when her confidence was floundering .
Her friendship with the boy next door Daniel is wonderful, and I'd love a Daniel in my own life. Then again I'd quite like an Elliot too!
And Jude is a massive booklover, she is rather caring but has lived a rather sheltered life and has no idea what direction her life should take next. So is hoping the two weeks on this bookshop holiday will help her come up with some ideas.
I just really enjoyed everything about this book, Clove Lore sounds like a lovely place to live, and the fledgling connection between Jude and Elliot is good to see grow- even if you are pretty positive Elliot is hiding things. And well I must say I wouldn't have guessed the truth behind Elliot.
And we slowly get to know the locals of Clove Lore, and their own stories are all so interesting too, I would have happily read even more about all the characters. And I loved Jude's gran too, she doesn't feature much but you get great feelings from her whenever she does appear.
It's just another really lovely book, which is what I have come to expect from Kiley Dunbar.
Thank you to Hera Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I mean what's not to love! This was a story that captured my imagination from the moment I saw the title and blurb and the cover is just stunning too. You can't help but feel sorry for and empathise with Jude from the start, and I was rooting for her the whole way through, even when her confidence was floundering .
Her friendship with the boy next door Daniel is wonderful, and I'd love a Daniel in my own life. Then again I'd quite like an Elliot too!
And Jude is a massive booklover, she is rather caring but has lived a rather sheltered life and has no idea what direction her life should take next. So is hoping the two weeks on this bookshop holiday will help her come up with some ideas.
I just really enjoyed everything about this book, Clove Lore sounds like a lovely place to live, and the fledgling connection between Jude and Elliot is good to see grow- even if you are pretty positive Elliot is hiding things. And well I must say I wouldn't have guessed the truth behind Elliot.
And we slowly get to know the locals of Clove Lore, and their own stories are all so interesting too, I would have happily read even more about all the characters. And I loved Jude's gran too, she doesn't feature much but you get great feelings from her whenever she does appear.
It's just another really lovely book, which is what I have come to expect from Kiley Dunbar.
Thank you to Hera Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 25, 2021
This was a lovely book to read. Set in Devon in a sweet little village and a bookshop run by volunteers. My kind heaven all those new editions. I do hope there is more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
2.5 stars
ARC provided by Kiley Dunbar, Hera Books, and Netgalley.
I'll keep the review short and crisp.
Let's talk about pros first, shall we?
1. The idea. Oh, my Goodness! This. Is. Every. Reader's. Dream. Talking about my favourite book with random people and acquainting them over books, a cup of coffee, and a plate of cookies. I'd do anything right now to go on this venture, away from this tedious and gloomy year-long lockdown.
2. Eliot. Oh! He is such a kind hearted, sweet, even swoon-worthy. I really liked him for who he is.
3. The secret. Something I haven't read in a long while and sure as hell, it was heartwarming.
Now, cons:
1. Ooh, Jude! She is delusional and mostly an arrogant bitch. I couldn't care for her less. Sometimes, she would crawl into my skin and I had to put down the book for a good amount of time.
2. Spilling the ends of some books in not so subtly way. Even if the entire world has read 1984 , I haven't, and I don't want anyone else to spoil the book for me. And, there are more books talked with their spoilers in the flow, I chose to ignore a major part of the novel whenever there was a book mentioned. Whether or not, I wish to read them.
3. The initial quarter or so of the book could easily be crammed down into a few chapters, they felt like a drag to me. I was on the verge of DNFing it, if not for the theme of the novel. I was desperate to know how the shop functions but it felt only flat later.
All in all, I read it for the sake of reading of the book and enjoyed the journey. But, I can't deny the setting or the idea of borrowing a bookshop for a fortnight and running it as my own, I loved it. I think the execution could've been better and maybe, the book wasn't entirely for me.
ARC provided by Kiley Dunbar, Hera Books, and Netgalley.
I'll keep the review short and crisp.
I don’t just mean the stories inside books, I mean the books themselves and the unfathomable loveliness of holding them in your hands , poring over the handwritten inscriptions and pretty bookplates, sniffing the pages and wondering who owned them before you. If I wasn’t needed at home – and if I had endless money, as opposed to next to no money – I’d do nothing but tour the world’s bookstores and treat myself to treasured first editions and scruffy, well-thumbed, neglected paperbacks from years gone by.
Let's talk about pros first, shall we?
1. The idea. Oh, my Goodness! This. Is. Every. Reader's. Dream. Talking about my favourite book with random people and acquainting them over books, a cup of coffee, and a plate of cookies. I'd do anything right now to go on this venture, away from this tedious and gloomy year-long lockdown.
2. Eliot. Oh! He is such a kind hearted, sweet, even swoon-worthy. I really liked him for who he is.
3. The secret. Something I haven't read in a long while and sure as hell, it was heartwarming.
Now, cons:
1. Ooh, Jude! She is delusional and mostly an arrogant bitch. I couldn't care for her less. Sometimes, she would crawl into my skin and I had to put down the book for a good amount of time.
2. Spilling the ends of some books in not so subtly way. Even if the entire world has read 1984 , I haven't, and I don't want anyone else to spoil the book for me. And, there are more books talked with their spoilers in the flow, I chose to ignore a major part of the novel whenever there was a book mentioned. Whether or not, I wish to read them.
3. The initial quarter or so of the book could easily be crammed down into a few chapters, they felt like a drag to me. I was on the verge of DNFing it, if not for the theme of the novel. I was desperate to know how the shop functions but it felt only flat later.
All in all, I read it for the sake of reading of the book and enjoyed the journey. But, I can't deny the setting or the idea of borrowing a bookshop for a fortnight and running it as my own, I loved it. I think the execution could've been better and maybe, the book wasn't entirely for me.
May 22, 2021
This was just a wonderful book. The story is every bookworms dream.
Hiring a bookshop & cafe to run for 2 weeks.
I so need to do this xx
Hiring a bookshop & cafe to run for 2 weeks.
I so need to do this xx
maybe
April 29, 2021So, it seems that I forgot to download this particular book, and it archived on 22 April. It's 29th April. It's not my fault if there was no archive date the last time I checked Netgalley in my paranoia, which was just a week back!?!
I've written to Netgalley, who knows what will happen now.
WHY DOES NETGALLEY KEEP APPROVING ME Can't wait to start!
I've written to Netgalley, who knows what will happen now.
April 4, 2021
The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday
by Kiley Dunbar
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I thought it would be a light fun read (and it was!) but it was much more than that too. Emotional, fun, charming and delightful.
Jude Crawley just graduated from university, an accomplishment she’s especially proud of since she had to care for her gran for several years before starting back to school. At her graduation she discovers her “secret” boyfriend, philosophy professor Mack kissing a young freshman, abruptly ending her plans to move their relationship out in the open.
Jude and Mack won an opportunity to run a bookshop in Devon for two weeks, a dream they shared. Jude refuses to go with Mack after his betrayal, and she insists on going alone.
When she arrives at the quirky bookshop, she learns that the owner of the shop replaced Mack with Elliott, a single veterinarian, with a secret. As they learn to run the bookshop together, and immerse themselves in the local community, they find themselves falling for each other.
As I said before, I absolutely loved this book. For me, it’s the perfect read, a quirky heroine, a kindhearted, but secretive hero, and a cast of eccentric supporting characters in an idyllic setting. There is enough mystery with the hero to make me want to turn each page to see what was coming next.
The writing is beautiful, and I was sucked into this story from the very first page.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, and I will be finding the author’s backlist and reading those too.
by Kiley Dunbar
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I thought it would be a light fun read (and it was!) but it was much more than that too. Emotional, fun, charming and delightful.
Jude Crawley just graduated from university, an accomplishment she’s especially proud of since she had to care for her gran for several years before starting back to school. At her graduation she discovers her “secret” boyfriend, philosophy professor Mack kissing a young freshman, abruptly ending her plans to move their relationship out in the open.
Jude and Mack won an opportunity to run a bookshop in Devon for two weeks, a dream they shared. Jude refuses to go with Mack after his betrayal, and she insists on going alone.
When she arrives at the quirky bookshop, she learns that the owner of the shop replaced Mack with Elliott, a single veterinarian, with a secret. As they learn to run the bookshop together, and immerse themselves in the local community, they find themselves falling for each other.
As I said before, I absolutely loved this book. For me, it’s the perfect read, a quirky heroine, a kindhearted, but secretive hero, and a cast of eccentric supporting characters in an idyllic setting. There is enough mystery with the hero to make me want to turn each page to see what was coming next.
The writing is beautiful, and I was sucked into this story from the very first page.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, and I will be finding the author’s backlist and reading those too.
June 11, 2021
Imagine going on vacation to WORK! And paying for this "pleasure", too! Well, if this means working in your "own" bookshop I would even consider it myself. For Jude it is a dream come true when she gets picked from the long waiting-list and can go to a little seaside town in Devon to run a second-hand-bookshop there. But there is also a café attached to it, which is a full-time job in itself, with all the cooking to be done and then the rest of the day spent selling the goodies and some tea or coffee to go with it. Thank God another tenant turns up who's rented the place for the same fortnight.
While Jude is not inclined to share her small bedroom with a total stranger (I wouldn't either!) she sure can need the help around the shop.
I found the idea of the rented bookshop very lovely. But then Kiley Dunbar doesn't tell us so much of what Jude actually does all day long in her bookshop (apart from Izaaks cryptic requests). We don't really get to experience the 'working in a bookshop-dream', which is a pity I think. I also found Elliots secret a bit strange, and he never really grew on me throughout the book (whereas Jude and also even Daniel did). At the end of the book Jude lists how much she will miss every person in this little town, even if she has only met them once! I didn't get the feeling that she really explored the town and the people living there and became part of the community, there weren't enough scenes for that.
It is a nice read, especially for any book lover. But it's got some flaws, at least for me.
While Jude is not inclined to share her small bedroom with a total stranger (I wouldn't either!) she sure can need the help around the shop.
I found the idea of the rented bookshop very lovely. But then Kiley Dunbar doesn't tell us so much of what Jude actually does all day long in her bookshop (apart from Izaaks cryptic requests). We don't really get to experience the 'working in a bookshop-dream', which is a pity I think. I also found Elliots secret a bit strange, and he never really grew on me throughout the book (whereas Jude and also even Daniel did). At the end of the book Jude lists how much she will miss every person in this little town, even if she has only met them once! I didn't get the feeling that she really explored the town and the people living there and became part of the community, there weren't enough scenes for that.
It is a nice read, especially for any book lover. But it's got some flaws, at least for me.
May 6, 2021
Do you ever get the impression that an author has written their book just for you? That, as they have sat writing at their desk, they are thinking, ‘I wonder what Julie would like to read next? I know!’ and then they immediately start banging away on their laptop, summoning up the words for your perfect book. That’s how I feel when I read Kiley Dunbar’s books – it’s like she has been rummaging around in my brain, picking through all the things I like the most and then pulling out a bunch of stuff and piecing it together to make the perfect novel for me. This is definitely what has happened with The Borrow A Bookshop Holiday. Let’s examine the evidence, shall we?
Well firstly, the main character is called Jude. That’s almost my name, she’s just cleverly tweaked a couple of letters to avoid any pesky libel problems, clearly. Kiley’s description of Jude – short, curvy, unconcerned with her appearance – makes me think she has been stalking Facebook pictures of me from the early nineties. She’s got my love of books down to a tee (I am absolutely a person who would take a bagful of their own favourite books to a holiday in a bookshop), and my ideal holiday would be running a bookshop by the sea. I would absolutely love to own a bookshop, it is my dream job, the minute I win the lottery I am going to open one. I have its name, logo, colour of the bags… everything already picked out for when it happens. I can’t think of anything I’d love more than having a practice run (sadly, I don’t have a man who shares the same passion to take with me.)
And whilst we are on the subject of men, let’s talk about Elliot for a minute. Earlier this year I did a Facebook Live with a couple of other bloggers for the RNA (an organisation to which Kiley belongs), during which I clearly described my ideal romantic hero as someone who sounds ALMOST EXACTLY LIKE ELLIOT, right down to the tattoos. Coincidence? I think not. She’s flung everything into this book to tailor it precisely to my tastes, the crafty minx.
Joking aside, whatever your tastes in romantic fiction and literary heroes, you’d be quite hard pushed not to enjoy this gorgeous book. It’s got everything you could possibly want in a summery romance. Relatable heroine? Check. Gorgeous location? Absolutely. I so want Clove Lore to be real and to pay it a visit immediately. It made me think a little bit of St. Ives, one of my favourite places to visit in the UK and the real life location that Kiley has used as a basis for the village is now firmly on my radar for my next visit to that part of the world. Great plot hook? Definitely, let’s refer back to the dream of running your own little bookshop for a couple of weeks, what book lover could resist? Fun and engaging supporting cast? There is a matchmaking ice cream seller, pub-owning double act, twin fishermen, supportive best friend and a cute dog, what more can you ask. And then there is the love interest, who is going to give any hot-blooded soul palpitations.
On top of this, Kiley just has such a warm and engaging writing style, that I always feel like her books are embracing me in a warm hug of love and happiness. She clearly loves her characters and is fully invested in their story and giving them the best outcome. On top of this, I can just tell that she is having a ball writing the story, and this shines through in the finished article. The best writing comes from passion, and Kiley’s passion for this book beams from every page to wash over the reader and include them in the joy. If you don’t come away from this book happy and with a big smile on your face, I’ll eat Aldous’ ratty old jumper.
Well firstly, the main character is called Jude. That’s almost my name, she’s just cleverly tweaked a couple of letters to avoid any pesky libel problems, clearly. Kiley’s description of Jude – short, curvy, unconcerned with her appearance – makes me think she has been stalking Facebook pictures of me from the early nineties. She’s got my love of books down to a tee (I am absolutely a person who would take a bagful of their own favourite books to a holiday in a bookshop), and my ideal holiday would be running a bookshop by the sea. I would absolutely love to own a bookshop, it is my dream job, the minute I win the lottery I am going to open one. I have its name, logo, colour of the bags… everything already picked out for when it happens. I can’t think of anything I’d love more than having a practice run (sadly, I don’t have a man who shares the same passion to take with me.)
And whilst we are on the subject of men, let’s talk about Elliot for a minute. Earlier this year I did a Facebook Live with a couple of other bloggers for the RNA (an organisation to which Kiley belongs), during which I clearly described my ideal romantic hero as someone who sounds ALMOST EXACTLY LIKE ELLIOT, right down to the tattoos. Coincidence? I think not. She’s flung everything into this book to tailor it precisely to my tastes, the crafty minx.
Joking aside, whatever your tastes in romantic fiction and literary heroes, you’d be quite hard pushed not to enjoy this gorgeous book. It’s got everything you could possibly want in a summery romance. Relatable heroine? Check. Gorgeous location? Absolutely. I so want Clove Lore to be real and to pay it a visit immediately. It made me think a little bit of St. Ives, one of my favourite places to visit in the UK and the real life location that Kiley has used as a basis for the village is now firmly on my radar for my next visit to that part of the world. Great plot hook? Definitely, let’s refer back to the dream of running your own little bookshop for a couple of weeks, what book lover could resist? Fun and engaging supporting cast? There is a matchmaking ice cream seller, pub-owning double act, twin fishermen, supportive best friend and a cute dog, what more can you ask. And then there is the love interest, who is going to give any hot-blooded soul palpitations.
On top of this, Kiley just has such a warm and engaging writing style, that I always feel like her books are embracing me in a warm hug of love and happiness. She clearly loves her characters and is fully invested in their story and giving them the best outcome. On top of this, I can just tell that she is having a ball writing the story, and this shines through in the finished article. The best writing comes from passion, and Kiley’s passion for this book beams from every page to wash over the reader and include them in the joy. If you don’t come away from this book happy and with a big smile on your face, I’ll eat Aldous’ ratty old jumper.
February 3, 2022
This book was pretty decent. i like the concept of it. being able to run a book store in a small town is something i think every reader has thought about. i loved the scenery and the overall description of Clove Lore and all of the quirks that seem to lurk within the town and i love Jude’s overall passion for literature.
a few things i didn’t like is it’s kind of messy, there’s a lot going on and it can be kinda annoying in a way i guess. i didn’t really find the romance piece of this novel all that appealing and to me and it seems rather kiddish. at times i was super bored and found myself not wanting to read this. also the chapters were treacherously long at some points which i also didn’t like. all of these being the reasons i rated it 3 stars.
i also found the story behind Elliot’s past kind of.. questionable to say the least. to get to the point the point it didn’t have an effect on me as most books do. This novel isn’t the most popular and if you think you’d like the things i didn’t like well maybe you should give it a read!
a few things i didn’t like is it’s kind of messy, there’s a lot going on and it can be kinda annoying in a way i guess. i didn’t really find the romance piece of this novel all that appealing and to me and it seems rather kiddish. at times i was super bored and found myself not wanting to read this. also the chapters were treacherously long at some points which i also didn’t like. all of these being the reasons i rated it 3 stars.
i also found the story behind Elliot’s past kind of.. questionable to say the least. to get to the point the point it didn’t have an effect on me as most books do. This novel isn’t the most popular and if you think you’d like the things i didn’t like well maybe you should give it a read!
September 5, 2021
A sweet fun tale with lovable main characters and quirky secondary ones. Reading a book by author Kiley Dunbar after a long time, I liked the sweetness in it. The author knew how to pull her readers by the power of her words
Both Jude and Mike were well developed over the pages, but it was to Jude that my eyes were drawn to. I liked how easily I could connect with her. The writing was clear and easy to read, there was humor and friendship interspersed with real life. That made them genuine.
I adored the way the book captured my heart and gave me a few hours of solace. The pandemic had seen me drift to gentler reads. The book had powerful imagery to pull me deep into its locales. Overall a heartwarming read. I would gladly read every one of this author’s books had I been a romantic reader.
Both Jude and Mike were well developed over the pages, but it was to Jude that my eyes were drawn to. I liked how easily I could connect with her. The writing was clear and easy to read, there was humor and friendship interspersed with real life. That made them genuine.
I adored the way the book captured my heart and gave me a few hours of solace. The pandemic had seen me drift to gentler reads. The book had powerful imagery to pull me deep into its locales. Overall a heartwarming read. I would gladly read every one of this author’s books had I been a romantic reader.
May 5, 2021
3.5 stars rounded down to 3
I was so looking forward to this - our heroine takes up the offer of a holiday that includes running a cute little bookshop in a village on the Cornish coast. What's not to like?
It started well and I was getting a huge amount of vicarious pleasure from the whole situation, until the romance storyline kicked in. Unfortunately, it hinged on a trope I heartily dislike - the big, strong, silent man with a deep, dark secret that means he cannot commit to a relationship, but which somehow doesn't stop him from starting one anyway, hurting our already romantically-bruised heroine for no good reason. I simply could not like the man after that, especially when the secret turned out to be quite unbelievable too. And a romance where you don't want the two main characters to get together in the end is bound to be a disappointment, isn't it?
Such a shame, because the writing itself is very good.
I received a free copy of this book from #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so looking forward to this - our heroine takes up the offer of a holiday that includes running a cute little bookshop in a village on the Cornish coast. What's not to like?
It started well and I was getting a huge amount of vicarious pleasure from the whole situation, until the romance storyline kicked in. Unfortunately, it hinged on a trope I heartily dislike - the big, strong, silent man with a deep, dark secret that means he cannot commit to a relationship, but which somehow doesn't stop him from starting one anyway, hurting our already romantically-bruised heroine for no good reason. I simply could not like the man after that, especially when the secret turned out to be quite unbelievable too. And a romance where you don't want the two main characters to get together in the end is bound to be a disappointment, isn't it?
Such a shame, because the writing itself is very good.
I received a free copy of this book from #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2021
Great setting that was for me woefully underused. I love loved the idea of running a bookshop for 2 weeks and getting into the village life but it wasn't enough of a focus imo.
Jude wavered between ok and annoying and I did not enjoy the insta love.
The ending with all the secrets coming out certainly was unexpected but still a bit weird. So much secrecy and it was all kind of pointless...I don't know, maybe I'm the wrong audience for this.
Jude wavered between ok and annoying and I did not enjoy the insta love.
The ending with all the secrets coming out certainly was unexpected but still a bit weird. So much secrecy and it was all kind of pointless...I don't know, maybe I'm the wrong audience for this.
July 29, 2021
What a wonderful premise for a story. To run a bookshop and cafe and live in a beautiful little village for two weeks….if only! I realised immediately Clove Lore was based on Clovelly, a beautiful place on the Devon coast with it’s steep cobbled main street, lovely cottages and harbour, just as it’s described in the book.
Mature student, Jude Crawley, has just graduated and anticipates that her clandestine relationship with Mack, professor of Philosophy, can now be made public. That is until she sees him kissing another student. Heartbroken at Mack’s duplicity, and made worse by the fact they had booked two weeks in Devon, running a little bookshop in a picturesque harbour village…and it was non-refundable.
After bouts of indecision, talking things over with her best friend, Daniel, and taking into consideration the changes within her family, Jude decides to go it alone not realising Mack had thrown another spanner in the works.
It was good to see Jude blossom as she and Elliot deal with the situation they find themselves in and get to grips with running the bookshop and cafe, while becoming aquainted with the locals. Her life had, up until now, consisted of working in her parents’ bakery and looking after her nan. Since their circumstances had changed, with Jude’s parents retiring and selling the bakery and her nan moving to a retirement community, she was forced to carve out a life for herself. Two weeks in Devon was giving her some breathing space to adjust and decide how to move forward.
Jude narrates her story, so we’re privy to her innermost emotions and soul searching. She’s a little immature for her age and lacking in confidence, but as time goes on the changes are evident. The bookshop is delightful and comes with a resident scruffy mutt, Aldous, who has his own sad story.
Learning that she had to share the bookshop with Elliot is a blow initially but Jude is determined to rise to the challenge, then sparks begin to fly. But it seems Elliot has a secret. One he isn’t about to share.
The setting is fabulous and Clove Lore is filled with quirky characters you can’t help but like. Stories with a great sense of community are always a draw and Kiley Dunbar has a lovely, easy to read and descriptive writing style to add to the reading pleasure.
Mature student, Jude Crawley, has just graduated and anticipates that her clandestine relationship with Mack, professor of Philosophy, can now be made public. That is until she sees him kissing another student. Heartbroken at Mack’s duplicity, and made worse by the fact they had booked two weeks in Devon, running a little bookshop in a picturesque harbour village…and it was non-refundable.
After bouts of indecision, talking things over with her best friend, Daniel, and taking into consideration the changes within her family, Jude decides to go it alone not realising Mack had thrown another spanner in the works.
It was good to see Jude blossom as she and Elliot deal with the situation they find themselves in and get to grips with running the bookshop and cafe, while becoming aquainted with the locals. Her life had, up until now, consisted of working in her parents’ bakery and looking after her nan. Since their circumstances had changed, with Jude’s parents retiring and selling the bakery and her nan moving to a retirement community, she was forced to carve out a life for herself. Two weeks in Devon was giving her some breathing space to adjust and decide how to move forward.
Jude narrates her story, so we’re privy to her innermost emotions and soul searching. She’s a little immature for her age and lacking in confidence, but as time goes on the changes are evident. The bookshop is delightful and comes with a resident scruffy mutt, Aldous, who has his own sad story.
Learning that she had to share the bookshop with Elliot is a blow initially but Jude is determined to rise to the challenge, then sparks begin to fly. But it seems Elliot has a secret. One he isn’t about to share.
The setting is fabulous and Clove Lore is filled with quirky characters you can’t help but like. Stories with a great sense of community are always a draw and Kiley Dunbar has a lovely, easy to read and descriptive writing style to add to the reading pleasure.
April 11, 2021
Jude, at twenty-nine, is about to get her life started. She has missed out on pretty much everything because of circumstances at home. She lives with her parents and grandmother and her best friend Daniel, lives next door. When her love life goes awry she is cast adrift and so embarks on, what was to be a couple's holiday, alone. The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday seems heaven for a bookworm like her.
The beginning of the book was slow and drawn out. Jude really irritated me. She was incredibly naive. Her 'boyfriend' was a toerag and she couldn't see through him. She was miserable and lamenting her fate all the time and Daniel was an absolute saint to put up with her. Her grandmother, in contrast, was a fun loving get up and go type.
Once she got to Devon and the bookshop, things picked up. The setting for the town of Clove Lore was wonderfully depicted and I want to live there!!! There were some marvelous characters and the bookshop itself was every readers dream.
Elliot arrives and once again Jude acts like an idiot and it was hard to take her serious.
However, from here the story gets better. There are secrets and mysteries and lots of small town activities.
A dog called Aldous has his own heart warming story and I loved it.
I'm giving it four stars because of the descriptive writing and I had to keep reading to see how it all panned out. I will also be checking out this author's other books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the chance to read an advance copy of this book.
The beginning of the book was slow and drawn out. Jude really irritated me. She was incredibly naive. Her 'boyfriend' was a toerag and she couldn't see through him. She was miserable and lamenting her fate all the time and Daniel was an absolute saint to put up with her. Her grandmother, in contrast, was a fun loving get up and go type.
Once she got to Devon and the bookshop, things picked up. The setting for the town of Clove Lore was wonderfully depicted and I want to live there!!! There were some marvelous characters and the bookshop itself was every readers dream.
Elliot arrives and once again Jude acts like an idiot and it was hard to take her serious.
However, from here the story gets better. There are secrets and mysteries and lots of small town activities.
A dog called Aldous has his own heart warming story and I loved it.
I'm giving it four stars because of the descriptive writing and I had to keep reading to see how it all panned out. I will also be checking out this author's other books.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the chance to read an advance copy of this book.
March 5, 2023
I liked the premise of this book, to go on holiday and run your own bookshop is most bookworm’s idea of heaven but it took until a third of the way to get to the actual bookshop part! From then, the story picks up and there’s a couple of twists to keep you wondering what going to happen at the end.
May 7, 2021
Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Devon, I loved the inspiration behind this story and getting to know the lovely Jude and Elliot.
I am a massive bookshop lover so the idea of renting a bookshop straight away appealed to me, I love being surrounded by the scent of books new and old and would love to spend a couple of weeks running one.
Jude is a character who has spent most of her adult life caring for her Nan and when life starts to change direction she is scared as she had never thought beyond helping her Nan and parents. I liked how her thoughts and feelings were relayed and found her a character that was really easy to get to know, even if at times her lack of belief frustrated me.
I'm a go get them type of person, so I was rooting for Jude throughout this story and loved watching her confidence slowly start to appear as she commenced her 2 week stay in the bookshop and gets to meet the mysterious Eliot.
A wonderful story that made me smile all the way through, it was a story that made me want to keep reading to see where life would take Jude next and left me feeling happy as I neared the end. The perfect book to pack in your case and enjoy whilst having a few days break from reality.
I am a massive bookshop lover so the idea of renting a bookshop straight away appealed to me, I love being surrounded by the scent of books new and old and would love to spend a couple of weeks running one.
Jude is a character who has spent most of her adult life caring for her Nan and when life starts to change direction she is scared as she had never thought beyond helping her Nan and parents. I liked how her thoughts and feelings were relayed and found her a character that was really easy to get to know, even if at times her lack of belief frustrated me.
I'm a go get them type of person, so I was rooting for Jude throughout this story and loved watching her confidence slowly start to appear as she commenced her 2 week stay in the bookshop and gets to meet the mysterious Eliot.
A wonderful story that made me smile all the way through, it was a story that made me want to keep reading to see where life would take Jude next and left me feeling happy as I neared the end. The perfect book to pack in your case and enjoy whilst having a few days break from reality.
December 27, 2021
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved the premise of this, I mean what booklover wouldn’t want to be the owner of a bookshop (even if it’s for a couple of weeks!
Jude Crawly should be on top of the world, she’s just graduated as a mature student and can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack.
Until she sees him kissing another student at her graduation and her dream crumbles. What’s even worse—their two week dream holiday of running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore—is non-refundable.
Throwing caution to the wind,Jude heads down to Devon (and her dream bookshop) in hopes of curing her broken heart with the help of her greatest passion—books!
The only problem is, she’s not alone. Broodingly handsome, six foot tall Elliot has also reserved the bookshop for the next two weeks...
As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside, it seems Jude just might be falling for more than just the bookshop. Until Jude discovers what Elliot’s running from—and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore.
Can Jude find her own happily ever after in this charmingly tiny bookshop or will her bookish holiday have an unexpected twist in the tale...
This was such a charmingly perfect and altogether adorable Rom-Com, I absolutely loved it!
Jude was a humorous and relatable character that I couldn’t help but love both her and Elliot (their chemistry together was simply off the charts.) I also really enjoyed the small village community and the various (and eclectic) characters we meet throughout the book, a particular favourite was Mrs. Crocombe—the notebook toting, village matchmaker.
The romance was very well written and I loved that it was more of a slowburn romance (even though the timeframe was two weeks) as opposed to an insta love type story.
The misunderstanding between Jude and Elliot having to share the bookshop also perfectly sets the enemies to lovers trope in motion and as anyone who’s read my reviews knows, I’m a sucker when it comes to the enemies to lovers trope.
Overall, an incrediblely charming and undeniably heartwarming contemporary romance that I’d definitely recommend to romance fans as well as aficionados of the enemies to lovers trope.
I absolutely loved the premise of this, I mean what booklover wouldn’t want to be the owner of a bookshop (even if it’s for a couple of weeks!
Jude Crawly should be on top of the world, she’s just graduated as a mature student and can finally go public about her relationship with Philosophy professor, Mack.
Until she sees him kissing another student at her graduation and her dream crumbles. What’s even worse—their two week dream holiday of running a tiny bookshop in the harbour village of Clove Lore—is non-refundable.
Throwing caution to the wind,Jude heads down to Devon (and her dream bookshop) in hopes of curing her broken heart with the help of her greatest passion—books!
The only problem is, she’s not alone. Broodingly handsome, six foot tall Elliot has also reserved the bookshop for the next two weeks...
As Jude and Elliot put their differences aside, it seems Jude just might be falling for more than just the bookshop. Until Jude discovers what Elliot’s running from—and why he’s hiding out in Clove Lore.
Can Jude find her own happily ever after in this charmingly tiny bookshop or will her bookish holiday have an unexpected twist in the tale...
This was such a charmingly perfect and altogether adorable Rom-Com, I absolutely loved it!
Jude was a humorous and relatable character that I couldn’t help but love both her and Elliot (their chemistry together was simply off the charts.) I also really enjoyed the small village community and the various (and eclectic) characters we meet throughout the book, a particular favourite was Mrs. Crocombe—the notebook toting, village matchmaker.
The romance was very well written and I loved that it was more of a slowburn romance (even though the timeframe was two weeks) as opposed to an insta love type story.
The misunderstanding between Jude and Elliot having to share the bookshop also perfectly sets the enemies to lovers trope in motion and as anyone who’s read my reviews knows, I’m a sucker when it comes to the enemies to lovers trope.
Overall, an incrediblely charming and undeniably heartwarming contemporary romance that I’d definitely recommend to romance fans as well as aficionados of the enemies to lovers trope.
September 23, 2023
2.5 This was not for me. The connections in this book did not feel particularly genuine. I didn’t connect with any of these characters or their stories. The romance felt forced and I’m not sure the FMC even liked herself. Would’ve loved to see a lot more character development for her before she jumped into a relationship and moved her life for a man. Idk. Maybe my romance ticker is broken.🤷🏽♀️
April 6, 2021
A cute story involving books, a bookshop, and a small village by the sea,
Following a relationship disappointment, Jude (Judith) goes to Devon to fulfill her holiday booking of running a bookshop and café for two weeks. She was supposed to go with her ex, but upon arriving, she finds out she's splitting the booking with Elliot, whom she didn't know about.
Jude is a bit naïve about relationships, and she's not used to following her dreams. Leaving on vacation by herself is all new to her. She wants to make the most of running the bookshop and café, and she's not sure she wants to do it with Elliot, but soon they become friends and establish a good system to run both.
The problem is Elliot is keeping secrets and Jude wants to know what's going on.
I really like the setting and the village, and how everyone takes care of each other and the resident dog, and I especially liked to see how Jude and Elliot become a part of the fabric.
Very cute read and will look for more from this author.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Following a relationship disappointment, Jude (Judith) goes to Devon to fulfill her holiday booking of running a bookshop and café for two weeks. She was supposed to go with her ex, but upon arriving, she finds out she's splitting the booking with Elliot, whom she didn't know about.
Jude is a bit naïve about relationships, and she's not used to following her dreams. Leaving on vacation by herself is all new to her. She wants to make the most of running the bookshop and café, and she's not sure she wants to do it with Elliot, but soon they become friends and establish a good system to run both.
The problem is Elliot is keeping secrets and Jude wants to know what's going on.
I really like the setting and the village, and how everyone takes care of each other and the resident dog, and I especially liked to see how Jude and Elliot become a part of the fabric.
Very cute read and will look for more from this author.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
May 14, 2021
What book lover wouldn’t fantasize about running a bookshop in a lovely seaside village? That’s the premise of this fun romance novel, The Borrow A Bookshop Holiday. For a fee (of course), you can spend your vacation/holiday running an old bookstore in Devon, England. There’s a long waiting list, so you have to be patient!
Kiley Dunbar has written a delightful story, with an enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to lovers sort of theme. Jude has been badly used by a young professor at her university, discovering his true character on her graduation day. So the opportunity to spend two weeks at this bookshop comes at a perfect time, with her grandmother, for whom she has been the main caregiver, moving into a new retirement community and her parents selling their family’s bakery business to redevelopers. What Jude finds in the small town of Clove Lore forms the bulk of the book. I fell in love with some of the townspeople and as has often been the case during these pandemic times, I found myself hankering to travel to Devon and especially to the real town the author based this book on!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Kiley Dunbar has written a delightful story, with an enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to lovers sort of theme. Jude has been badly used by a young professor at her university, discovering his true character on her graduation day. So the opportunity to spend two weeks at this bookshop comes at a perfect time, with her grandmother, for whom she has been the main caregiver, moving into a new retirement community and her parents selling their family’s bakery business to redevelopers. What Jude finds in the small town of Clove Lore forms the bulk of the book. I fell in love with some of the townspeople and as has often been the case during these pandemic times, I found myself hankering to travel to Devon and especially to the real town the author based this book on!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2021
OMG! I loved everything about this book! This was perfection from the first page to the last. Made me a little jealous of Jude. I’d love to experience everything in this book. What more could I want? A little get away, a bookshop, a hot man, cute village, family, a bestfriend and a dog. Perfect.
I fell in love with it all. The setting, the sea, the characters and the dog ofcourse. This is such a feel good, uplifting and happy read for me. Couldn’t stop smiling reading it. I honestly enjoyed it all. Devoured it. I did wonder about this mysterious stranger Elliot. But the love story that emerged was brilliant! The ending utterly gorgeous. I felt at home reading this. Such a cosy, welcoming read. Not a bad word to say about this other than it ended. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars from me. Also did I mention a dog 🐕.
I fell in love with it all. The setting, the sea, the characters and the dog ofcourse. This is such a feel good, uplifting and happy read for me. Couldn’t stop smiling reading it. I honestly enjoyed it all. Devoured it. I did wonder about this mysterious stranger Elliot. But the love story that emerged was brilliant! The ending utterly gorgeous. I felt at home reading this. Such a cosy, welcoming read. Not a bad word to say about this other than it ended. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars from me. Also did I mention a dog 🐕.
September 27, 2021
A book about running a bookshop and cafe in a Devonshire village for two weeks- the DREAM😍 This book was a cosy read and makes you escape real life.
I found the main character slightly irritating (I found the dog a better character) but it’s not bad for an easy read x
It was good to find out at the end that there’s actually a bookshop you can run in real life in Scotland- it’s called ‘The Open Book’ if you want to have a Google 🤩
I found the main character slightly irritating (I found the dog a better character) but it’s not bad for an easy read x
It was good to find out at the end that there’s actually a bookshop you can run in real life in Scotland- it’s called ‘The Open Book’ if you want to have a Google 🤩
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