Bookends of the Heart

by Eliza Ester

In the small town of Maplewood Grove, Lila runs Barton and Sinclair’s, a bookstore she started with her late husband, Ben. Still grieving two years after his death, she's comforted by the familiar surroundings of her store.

When James, a retired history teacher, moves to Maplewood Grove looking for a quiet place to settle, he's drawn to the bookstore and its owner. As they both prepare for the annual Green Festival, a celebration that meant a lot to Ben, James finds himself increasingly involved in the community—and with Lila.

As the festival nears, Lila must decide if she's ready to let someone new into her life, while James looks for a new purpose. "Bookends of the Heart" explores love, loss, and the possibility of second chances in a close-knit community.

Unknown Binding

Published July 12, 2024

About the author

Eliza’s a BIG believer in love. She writes sweet romances that make you swoon, laugh and believe in love again.

A mother of two children, Eliza and her husband of twenty-five years live in NH. She enjoys spending time with them and taking care of her many pets. When she isn’t working on her next book, you can find her at the local nursery looking for the next hybrid tea rose to add to her garden.

Join Eliza’s newsletter for updates on new releases and more at ElizaEster.com

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Hearts of Maplewood Grove series and it is Lila and James story. Lila and Ben opened The Bookstore in Maplewood Grove together as it had been their dream when they got married but after Ben died two years ago Lila now runs it on her own with the help of staff while she still grieves for the loss of the most important person in her life and she is still having trouble moving forward even with the help of some great friends and the town. James was a history teacher but decided to retire and move to Maplewood Grove so that he could live a slower pace in his life but he still loved books and history in general. When Lila and James are asked to work together and help prepare for the Annual Green Festival that Ben spent a lot of time on when he was alive but even though Lila wanted to say no because it meant so much to Ben she found herself giving in and that is when she met James and the more time that they spent together the more that they found that they got on so well but Lila will have to decide if she is really ready to move forward and let James into her life even though they have a strong connection and take a chance of finding happiness again with someone else. This is a really beautiful story of love, loss, hope, second chances, great characters and being able to move forward with life. This book will pull you in and keep your attention throughout and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Bookends of the Heart' was heartfelt. Its moving plot was filled with nostalgia, more than a century's love story mirroring a current day's chronicle, past adversity, moving on, committee meetings, delving into and appreciating historical memorabilia, looking forward to the Green Festival and planting trees, settling in, developing feelings, writing letters to a deceased loved one, an eye-opener, an interrupted apology, a not so pleasant blast from the past, a big misunderstanding, a meeting with a publisher, a memory garden, and confessions of love.
Furthermore, Lila and James, the protagonists, worked through some baggage to try to achieve their HEA. I kept rooting for them. Additionally, I liked the author's vivid descriptions which created a serene tone. Overall, although some chapters dragged a bit, I liked the emotional narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were more than a few things that kept me interested while reading this book. First, the main characters were of a mature age and had experiences in life that rang truer than many fiction HEA stories. Secondly, there was a historical aspect that drew Lila and James together that made the story that much more interesting. Finally, the supporting characters in the book brought elements to James and Lila’s story, brining additional depth. A great summer read for me!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila and James’s story links them to the past of Maplewood Grove and their future together. He is looking for a new beginning after his retirement as historian teacher. She is stuck in her past and losing her husband two years ago. But looking into another love story from the past will show them their future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Lila and James story. It is a sweet romance. She lost her husband and still runs their bookstore. James has move to town for retirement. They meet and sparks are there, but can Lila accept a new life with someone else?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of hope, second chances and the healing power of love. A wonderful story with so much emotion. I love later in life characters and the magic of small towns. This was a sweet, fun to read romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lila and James' story. This unexpected pair are great together and I loved their story to love. The story was so interesting because they mirrored a historic story for Maplewood Grove. Such an interesting, great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story that is full of emotions. It hooked me on the first page and keep me reading until the end. This book was a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful romantic story set in a small town and like the bookstore as a backdrop for the story. Great characters to follow along as they weave their way through finding romance and love again. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the future you planned for is lost, are you left with only a past?

Is there a chance for a new and different future?

Life and love twists.