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Bookends

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Her ex won't stop coming by, her family is always on her butt about her career, and the bookstore she works at just can't get people in the door like they used to. But that doesn't bother Silvia Wright too much when she has Daniel Cassidy's books to fall into, and his latest just came out.

Daniel Cassidy is the biggest (and still semi-controversial) name in romance fiction, as Silvia's celebrity crush. His words are the only she seeks comfort in, because what more do you need in life than a good book?

A good book and that celebrity crush to walk through your door, maybe.

Like something out of one of his books, Daniel steps into Silvia's life and their romance immediately blossoms. But the closer they get, the less Silvia's life seems to hold together, and now that he's a part of her life, to where can she now run from reality?

Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Ella M. Hayes

3 books4 followers

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5 stars
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9 (37%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Jenna Elizabeth  ×͜×.
48 reviews29 followers
April 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I know I won’t be the first person to say this but the concept of the interludes with the main character’s GoodReads entries is a really cute idea!! I wanted to rate this book higher but I had a hard time getting into this because of the way the main character’s internal thoughts and her conversations with others kind of blended without enough separation for clarity. Silvia’s internal dialogue was cute, if a little cringey. It did remind me of a little of the wattpad books I used to read in high school (ok sometimes I still read wattpad books but there are some really good ones ok? 😂) That twist involving Daniel was really unexpected. That being said, I think there is some nice character growth on both main character’s parts that ended up saving the story for me. I still really enjoyed this story and think it’s a nice quick read for someone who loves reading and wants to be in the mind of a fellow reader learning how to find themselves and love in a complex world.
Profile Image for Frankie D.
44 reviews
August 25, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.

This was an exceptionally cute and fun read. I was immediately hooked by the cute bookstore premise, the very casual and relatable main character, and the mysterious Mr. Daniel Cassidy. I went through this book quickly because it was engaging and easy to flip through the pages. There were times I thought the main character was a bit dramatic but I loved her for it because it was equally entertaining to watch her spirals, her impatience, her jumping to conclusions lol. This book had a good bit of a twist in it and overall, I highly recommend. Especially if you are looking for a refreshing and fun read. This book pairs well with a cup of tea, a comfy chair, and a free afternoon.
Profile Image for Paige Guzman.
11 reviews
August 23, 2024
I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an ARC! This book was such a good read! I loved the idea of a woman crossing paths with her favorite author and reading their love story! Something different! It was written so beautifully and it was one of the best books I’ve read in a while! The only reason I only gave it 4 stars is because I feel like it just ended I was left wanting more of their story! I literally read it in a day and a half because I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Brittany Coleman.
55 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2024
Let me start this with I am no usually a romance reader. They never tend to keep my attention- this was the exception! This was such a fun read! A book loving girl working in a cute bookstore who meets her favorite author in a chance encounter? That sounds like every book girls dream! It was such a fun cute read! The perfect book to cozy up with on a relaxing day! It flows well and keeps you turning the pages! Sil- or Sylvi depending on who says it haha!- is a very relatable FMC. Her tend for the dramatic side and worst case scenario brain was perfection to me! I am very happy I read this book and am excited to see more from this author!
Profile Image for Zaylan Flynn.
Author 3 books12 followers
October 9, 2024
This is not my normal go to read but I’m glad I had the pleasure to read this cute book! Soft, cute and fun perfect for the holiday escaping read. 💛
Profile Image for ✰ A L L I E ✰.
116 reviews18 followers
October 28, 2024
This book took me by surprise. The FMC is a book girlie (who is so relatable) that works in a bookstore and ends up meeting her favorite author, Daniel Cassidy. The romance in the book was borderline cheesy to me, but in a cute hallmark movie kind of way, so I still enjoyed it. The book includes interludes of the FMC’s Goodreads reviews which I wasn’t sure if I liked, but ended up LOVING because it made the book feel like I was reading a diary. If you need a fun, quick, and cute romance read, this is definitely it!
Profile Image for Selina Wells.
2 reviews
November 1, 2024
* I received this book as an ARC read
I really wanted to like this book. I really did but the writer in me just wouldn’t let go of the reins and let me be immersed in the story. I saw a review that said it read like a Hallmark holiday movie, and I can’t agree more. But for me, I see it as bad because I already do not like those types of movies. They are cheesy and they are sappy. And just not good. From the first chapter, I did not connect nor liked Slyvia. I hated she was the main character because she was so childish. I’m not even sure she had growth and if she did it was very minor.

From a writers group POV, all I could hear in the back of my head was, “who cares?” I know there are individuals who like stories that barely have a story. I will say it did feel like the main character was telling me in person how this all went down but I hate that. Slyvia was like a teenager when she was a 26 year old woman and I don’t even remember the ML age. There was too much information dump and inner monologue that I started skipping paragraphs because none of it truly moved the story a long.

I gave it 2 stars because I wanted to like it, but I just didn’t and I can see the potential. So for the concept I give it 2 stars but really I would say it can be 1.5
I did find many typos and potential editing errors and that constantly threw me out when I should have been drawn in. I will say after finishing the book just made me angry and wish it had a different element than romance I almost wished it became a horror like Misery but backwards because that’s what I interpreted it or at least wished something interesting happened because this just wasn’t it. But if you like those types of movies and reads you will enjoy it. If you don’t you will just be pissed and put it on your DNF pile. I really didn’t want to finish it but I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yasmin.
40 reviews
October 2, 2024
Wow where do I even begin with my review. This book had me hooked from the beginning! I could not put it down once I started reading. It was so well written and so very different from any of the books I've read. Different in the sense that the author allowed us a look inside the literary works of Daniel Cassidy who we know is Silvia's favorite romance novelist. She did so in the form of interludes. This allowed us the opportunity to read Silvia's reviews for Daniel Cassidy's books. Through her reviews we are able to understand why she loves this author so much and what truly made her a fan in the first place. This gave their relationship as author and reader context from the very beginning. That way when we were introduced to Daniel Cassidy we were able to understand the references to his books and what they were about. Overall, I give this book a 5/5. It is definitely a book that I will recommend to friends and family. It is a perfect read for this upcoming holiday season. If you are debating on where or not to read this book, this is your sign to pick it up and read it. You will not be disappointed.

I would also like to add how much I appreciated the playlist that was included. Playlists are always a sweet touch to books because they allow us readers to feel a part of the world that's being created. I definitely came out of this read as a Wolf Alice fan. I look forward to this author's next books!
Profile Image for Emma.
83 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2024
Wow I will start by saying I don’t read 100% romance often and I adored this book!

I loved the writing style how the FMC regurgitates her thoughts to page like calm down (i’m being sarcastic i loved her so much) I loved that the books broken up with the FMC Goodreads reviews for Daniel Cassidy’s book, I’ve never read anything like that before and found it really engaging to know an insight into why she is obsessed with the author.

I loved that it reads a bit like a fanfic at the start but I mean that in the best possible way, it just really worked and fit with what happens later on.

I also really enjoyed how the book ended, as well as the extracts from various Daniel Cassidy books at the end! I thought that was a cool added touch and shows how diverse Ella Hayes can be in her writing to be able to write short stories completely separate to the actual book written but included in the universe.

I can’t wait for the next book which will be based around a different character mentioned in this book, an interconnected book if you will.

Look at my review on Instagram for my usual photos from when I read the book - link in my profile.

Overview:
Silvia works in Bookends, an independent secondhand book store. Her favourite author is Daniel Cassidy a romance author who had just released a new book.

She walks home and bumps into a stranger who turns out the be the one and only, what will happen and who exactly is Daniel Cassidy .
Profile Image for Kelly Sweet (Adirondack SBC).
6 reviews
October 22, 2024
Loved this book for so many reasons. Partly because I have been on a journey to start reading like I did years ago. This book showed me I can do that. Partly because the print format made it easy on my eyes. Mostly because it was a wonderful story with so many drawing aspects. I was drawn in by the fact that I could recognize the local setting, of course, only because I am from the area. Ella wrote her character in such a way that I could understand and feel for them. I completely related to Sylvia. I was partially rooting for Harry! I wish I had Arias attitude.
At first, the book review interludes were annoying, but by the 3rd one, I appreciate them. I just wish they were real books! I hope Ella has more in her. She is an author to look out for.
Profile Image for Cara.
37 reviews
August 31, 2024
This book reads like a diary entry. It puts you in the mind of a book girl who meets and falls in love with her favorite author. Most of the book just reads as a love story with no major plot other than their love blooming but near the end a plot emerges. I chose to rate this book as a 4 star because the ending is so abrupt that I had to go back a second time to make sure I didn't skip a page. I wanted a little more closure from the characters. Hopefully this implies a second book coming out and if this is the case, I'll be eagerly waiting!
Profile Image for Rutuja.
145 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2024
Bookends by Ella M. Hayes is a sweet, light-hearted story set in a cozy little bookstore, perfect for a holiday read. Silvia’s mix of romance, relatable challenges, and her love for books make it easy to get lost in. The charming setting adds warmth to the story, creating a fun escape with a bit of drama but plenty of heart. A delightful choice if you're looking for a comforting, easy-going romance.
Profile Image for J.T. McGee.
Author 2 books5 followers
October 8, 2024
Caught up, charming and at times alarming a whirlwind of emotions
Profile Image for Chris.
22 reviews
August 31, 2024
Where To Read: available October 8, 2024; pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3YV5RM8

RAVING REVIEW: In the charming town of Saratoga Springs lies a quaint bookstore, the setting of the fascinating novel BOOKENDS. Our literary protagonist, Silvia Wright, keeps her love for books alive amid the aggressive commercial pressures from a nearby retail giant. Despite the sanctuary she finds in the rustle of pages, her life is far from serene. Silvia battles personal disruptions, from her ex-boyfriend Harry's unwelcome advances to her family's views on her career path. The bookstore mirrors Silvia's internal conflicts, struggling to draw the crowd it once did.

The plot thickens when a man resembling her favorite author, Daniel Cassidy, enters Silvia's life, turning her world into a mix of romance and the unexpected. This doppelgänger not only shakes the foundations of her life but also pushes her into a deep self-exploratory journey right within the walls of her beloved shop.

BOOKENDS navigates the trials of balancing personal aspirations with the harsh demands of reality. The bookstore transcends its role as merely a setting, emerging as a haven from the impersonal, profit-driven world lurking just outside its doors. Silvia's turbulent personal life, especially her unresolved issues with Harry, spills over into her professional life, reflecting chaos.

The arrival of the Cassidy lookalike marks a crucial turning point, stirring both romantic intrigue and profound self-reflection. This juncture forces Silvia to evaluate her feelings—whether they lie with the man before her or with the idealized image of the author, she’s only known from afar. As she confronts these realities, BOOKENDS explores the complexities of authenticity, revealing how our roles in our own stories can mask our true selves.

The narrative does more than just tell a story; it showcases the transformative power of literature in our lives. Silvia’s role in the independent bookstore highlights small businesses' broader challenges, balancing passion with the pressing need to stay afloat in a competitive market.

The novel also probes the emotional landscape of a community bonded by literature. As Silvia interacts with various eclectic patrons, BOOKENDS paints a picture of a single bookstore's impacts on a tight-knit community. This dynamic enriches the story, providing a broader context to the personal transformations within its walls.

BOOKENDS wrestles with the universal plight of personal fulfillment versus commercial success. The novel highlights the difficult choices and sacrifices necessary to sustain a passion-driven business, particularly in the challenging terrain of independent retail.

As Silvia navigates her evolving relationship, she is compelled to reexamine her notions of love and success, questioning the viability of maintaining one's ideals in a conformist world driven by material gain. This narrative enriches the story, transforming it from a mere romance into a poignant critique of contemporary life and the importance of staying true to one's values.

BOOKENDS is a tribute to the romance genre and a candid exploration of the trials of upholding one's essence in an ever-changing society. Crafted with charm and depth by Ella M. Hayes, the novel is a compelling invitation to anyone at the crossroads of following their heart or conforming to societal expectations.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

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Profile Image for Allison Jones.
33 reviews
September 8, 2024
First off, I want to acknowledge that I was very lucky to have received this book as an ARC, and I wanted to thank the publisher for allowing me this opportunity!
Now, onto the book itself:
I was very pleasantly surprised with this book overall. I didn't fully know what to expect going in, but all expectations I did have were met.
The biggest thing that stuck out to me about this book is how approachable the prose is. As I have seen some other reviews saying, it reads like a journal. I really love how throughout, we see Silvia's thoughts fully, even if they aren't always the greatest ones to be having. It makes her more of a realistic character, and I love characters that have flaws. I also love how Silvia recognizes that she does have flaws, because it added a slight element of internal criticism that I wasn't expecting.
In terms of the setting, I loved the atmosphere of Bookends, and I love that it seemed like a realistic book shop. I especially love being able to go in and browse small indie bookstores like Bookends, but unlike some of these customers in this book, I always leave with at least one purchase, if only to make the owners feel like I didn't waste their time. The setting of Bookends also adds an overall sense of history to the book and it's characters, especially when you can tell that the owner has a lot of care for Silvia, and definitely only purchases Daniel's books wholesale because of the love she has for her.
The romance itself... I think was a tad too whirlwind, and would definitely be something out of a Hallmark movie, like I saw another reviewer say, but it doesn't seem too cheesy either. I think a lot of this is because of the way that the author, Ella, wrote Daniel's character, and from about halfway through, I could definitely tell that something was slightly off. I think that it was written into his demeanor more than anything, and after reading as many books as I have, I caught onto it a little too easily.
(SMALL SPOILERS HERE) That being said, even though I caught on, I was not disappointed in the reveal, and I definitely thought that the real secret was much worse. But seeing that the whole "deception"-if you want to call it that-was actually trying to live up to already received notions, I feel kind of bad for Daniel. I can't imagine what it would feel like to fall for someone and want so desperately to be honest with them, but having to live up to expectations that they have.
Also, as a small aside: I think my favorite parts of the book were actually the interludes, because it was unique, and it also catered to my love of Goodreads. I loved the fact that the interludes even considered little things like the dates read category, and you could definitely tell which books were Silvias favorites based off of the number of times that she had read them. It definitely itched the spot in my brain for my extreme book loving tendencies. I think those bits were brilliant.
Overall, this book was a really enjoyable, relatively quick read, and I appreciate that I had the opportunity to read it. I would love to have the chance to potentially read more from this author in the future, and I look forward to whatever she decides to write next.
Profile Image for Yasmin.
40 reviews
October 2, 2024
Wow where do I even begin with my review. This book had me hooked from the beginning! I could not put it down once I started reading. It was so well written and so very different from any of the books I've read. Different in the sense that the author allowed us a look inside the literary works of Daniel Cassidy who we know is Silvia's favorite romance novelist. She did so in the form of interludes. This allowed us the opportunity to read Silvia's reviews for Daniel Cassidy's books. Through her reviews we are able to understand why she loves this author so much and what truly made her a fan in the first place. This gave their relationship as author and reader context from the very beginning. That way when we were introduced to Daniel Cassidy we were able to understand the references to his books and what they were about. Overall, I give this book a 5/5. It is definitely a book that I will recommend to friends and family. It is a perfect read for this upcoming holiday season. If you are debating on whether or not to read this book, this is your sign to pick it up and read it. You will not be disappointed.

I would also like to add how much I appreciated the playlist that was included. Playlists are always a sweet touch to books because they allow us readers to feel a part of the world that's being created. I definitely came out of this read as a Wolf Alice fan. I look forward to this author's next books!
Profile Image for Myranda.
199 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2024
While my rating is actually a 4.5. I rounded down because I struggled hard to get into this one. This book is only 130 pages and it took me a week to read it. I felt like the way Silvia thinks/talks is way too similar to me. She is an overthinker and a person who thinks the what ifs. I like to read to escape from my brain and reality but it took a couple days to get passed that and really get into the meat of the story. This did leave me with one question that I would love to know the answer to about the painting (I won't say more because I don't do spoilers). When you read it, you'll understand!

I had the privilege of read this prior to the relaunch of this book.

Full review on my website on 9.10.24.
www.mommodeloading.com
Profile Image for Jaclyn Novak.
2 reviews
August 30, 2024
I’ll try to do this without any spoilers!
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC and I’m SO glad I had the opportunity to read it! It was such a cute and quick read with a relatable (although sometimes a bit over dramatic) main character! It reminded me of a Hallmark movie in book form. I read this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down and had to see where the story took me!
5 reviews
October 26, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this cutesie secret celeb romance. The small town bookstore, and celeb writer vibe really stole the show. Found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for them to fall for each other!! Have recommended to a few friends and will continue to in the future🥰
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