The Little Bookshop by the Sea: Micklewick Bay, Book 1

Micklewick Bay #1

by Eliza J. Scott, Melanie Crawley (Narrator)

The Happy Hartes Bookshop has been a part of bookworm Florrie Appleton’s life as far back as she can remember. From the evocative smell of the books to working alongside her beloved Mr. H and his black Labrador, Gerty, there’s no wonder she calls it her happy place. Living in a town she loves with her family and group of close-knit friends around her, life is sweet.

Until one dreadful Monday morning, when everything is turned upside down and things are changed forever. Devastated, Florrie finds herself thrown into an unexpected situation with handsome stranger Ed Harte, owner of a pair of twinkly navy-blue eyes and a smile that has the knack of making mischief with her insides.

Despite herself, Florrie quickly finds herself falling for him, but she’s torn, reluctant to give her heart to someone who seems intent on not sticking around. While her heart’s doing battle with her head, Florrie soon finds herself privy to a secret with Ed involving a heart-wrenching twist they could never have imagined. Will love find a way to bring them together, or are they destined to go their separate ways?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Books About Books, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Eliza writes heartwarming romance stories with happy endings.

She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.

You can find out more or get in touch here:

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected: I was hoping for a read that would fill me with a warm glow. However, I thought that the story was a bit predictable and something I have seen too many times in past reads.

Florrie’s job at the local bookshop seems like a piece of heaven. Loving books, she has a strong relationship with the owner, who she treats like a grandad. Yet, his unexpected death turns Florrie’s world upside down and suddenly she finds her job in jeopardy. Having to work with Mr Harte’s grandson, Ed, Florrie cannot be certain that he shares her love of books and fears that he will want to sell up and move on. For Florrie, this is a horrific scenario, especially as she can’t help but be drawn to this handsome grandson.

There is an added mystery to the story with the appearance of an unusual gentleman around Micklewick. Florrie is certain she recognises this person but cannot quite identify them. This creates a sub-plot to the story that Florrie is drawn into, not only effecting her closest friends, but also the future of the bookshop.

All in all, this had all the elements of a successful story. But, I never felt truly connected to the story and felt like it was missing a spark throughout. For me, I needed a bit more sunshine, more sand and more seaside. Having the story set on the Yorkshire coast does not mean it has to be constantly dull and dreary. Yes, it may be a cliché that books by the sea always happen to have good weather, but I think this is what I was hoping for. It certainly would have added a bit more glitter to the setting.

Florrie is a lovely character but just seems a bit one dimensional. Her friends are ok but quite forgettable and I don’t think they were inserted into the plot as much as they could have been. Furthermore, Florrie’s connection with Ed felt prolonged and predictable: I could foresee the intervention from Graham and felt a bit frustrated that it took so long to be resolved.

I enjoyed this book because of the bookshop setting but don’t think I ever got the chance to fully fall in love. There were some elements that I don’t think the writer fully explored and I hope, should the next novel in the series stay with the bookshop, these will be developed more extensively.

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Bookshop by the Sea was a lovely and very enjoyable read, I smiled a lot but I also shed some tears.
It's set in Micklewick Bay, with its evocative coastal landscape, its picturesque cottages, and a diverse group of residents.

We follow Florrie Appleton journey from Happy Hartes Bookshop employee to part owner of the shop.
I've empatized with her, I could feel her devastation and her fear of the unpredictable future, and in the end I was so proud of her for becoming even stronger.

Eliza J Scott writing is certainty, it's a pleasure to read it and to visit Yorkshire through her stories.

I highly recommend to read this story, the bookshop seems a paradise for bookworms, I was so curious to go in to see all the books on the shelves.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book which features a bookshop in a little seaside town must be a winner, and that’s before I’ve even turned the pages! The little town of Micklewick Bay sounds delightful and the Happy Hartes Bookshop certainly sounds like it could be my happy place! Florrie Appleton has been a part of the bookshop for as long as she can remember – buying books there as a child and then working there as an adult. Florrie and the owner, Mr H have a lovely relationship, with Florrie being treated as an honorary grandchild, but when Mr H suddenly dies, she finds herself running the bookshop with stranger Ed Harte.

I love Florrie’s character, she’s so lovely and genuine. She has a good close group of friends - Jasmine, Lark, Maggie and Stella - who all look after each other, and I laughed my way through their pub meet-ups in The Jolly Sailor! Ed Harte is a newcomer to the town and whilst he’s devilishly handsome, he obviously is carrying some baggage. Ed and Florrie’s storylines both together and separately are heart-warming and emotional, but with added light-hearted fun throughout!

The storyline flows along nicely, taking in the sights of Micklewick Bay as it goes. I love the Happy Hartes Bookshop and could completely understand why Florrie had such an emotional attachment to it. This was such an enjoyable read, and once I started it, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down until I’d finished it. Florrie and Ed’s “will they-won’t they” storyline had me hooked and throughout the book you just hope that they both get their happy ever after! It’s filled with lots of love and friendships which will make you smile and bring tears to your eyes. Would recommend!

[Sam Metcalfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little story about loss, love, and a bookshop!

[Emma Freddura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read if you are looking for a heartwarming story. Just wish Micklewick Bay was a real place as it does sound lovely and homely.

[Amelia Spillane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because it was free on prime reading, didn’t even read the blurb, I quite literally judged the book by its cover, and I needed something to get me out of the slump that was 1984.

Would I recommend to a friend? Fuck no

There’s corny and then there’s this, I want a formal investigation into every single person who rated this higher than 2⭐️

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why, but there's something special about books that are about books/bookshops, wouldn't you agree?

Such a beautiful story, well written and absolutely delightful.

The settings for the story, Micklewick Bay in Yorkshire sounds divine, it reminded me of York. The shops name 'The Happy Hartes Bookshop' just screams Quaint, whimsical and Olde Worlde at me, why do the best sounding places only exist in paper?

As well as books, we have a romance, which I loved watching unfold throughout the pages.

The characters are all lovable, well crafted and feel so familiar.

A fantastic piece of heartwarming, feelgood fiction.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t what I was expecting. 🙃

I feel bamboozled because it started off very cozy and then something bad happens. And then it just kind of goes all over the place midway. The romance was severely lacking to the point I don’t understand how they got together in the end. IT MAKES NO SENSE.

Honestly giving it 2 stars for the vibes and hoping the next book is better.

[Liz Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a few pages I realised I had read this book before. When I bought it it said it was released on 1st May 2024. I checked my Goodreads and I had already read it in July 2022. This was a bit disappointing I then realised it was the same book but with different covers. I wouldn’t have bought it if I’d known. I gave it five stars as I liked it.

[Renee Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually pick up books that are so unheard of (26 ratings at time of review) but this was such a great book! So wholesome and I honestly have no complaints!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ a cozy romance 🥰 There were slower moments, but overall it was enjoyable.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book, with a reasonably interesting story line, though I didn't particularly like the characters. Florrie is too emotionally immature for my tastes, and her friend group seems caricatures. I had to keep telling myself Florrie could very well react as she did, even though I find it ludicrous. As many women's fiction stories, the plot and outcome are patently obvious. Still, I don't have to like the characters to recognize a good example of its genre.

I was disappointed that a voracious reader and her family and friends would so consistently misuse the nominative case, and the severe disregard for parentheses was disconcerting.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book really hard going, there was pages and pages of thoughts and description, I ended up reading only what was being "spoken", I have now taken a dislike to the word "lasses", I only kept reading until I found out the big secret and it wasn't worth the effort. The MFC was not very dimensional and to not ask a question because it "could spoil the day" was a bit strange really, as this happened more than once, I would not rush to read another in this series.

I didn't read the first book but I don't think it had a missive impact on reading this one

[Gerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

[Shannon Faulkner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an easy read! I was expecting a little more from it at times a little predictable bit still enjoyable

[KB · Rating 3 out of 5]

My comfort reads are always this: Bookstore by the sea, British, quirky characters in a small town or village. This one has it all.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice for a rainy day!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was delightful and just what I needed.
Take me to Micklewick Bay!
Totally going to read all in the series.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely feel-good novel.

[Mackenzie]

DNF at 41%

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story, set in Yorkshire in a family run bookshop.

The Hartes have owned the bookshop for years, now old Mr Harte is on his own with local town resident Florrie working with him, she's worked in the bookshop since she was a teenager.

Mr H is estranged from his Son, but hopes to be reunited with his Grandson, Edward. Unfortunately, events conspire against that happening, and the end result is something Florrie wouldn't have dreamed of in a million years.

Can she make it work?

I loved this book and am glad there will be others coming in the series. There are some great characters in the book which I hope will appear in future books. I'm going to read other books by this author now.

[Gina Earnst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story. A nice light romance read

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. Plenty of up and downs as Florrie deals with inheriting half of Harte's bookstore together with Ed, Mr H's long lost grandson. Another 'found family' story is also added into the mix with all the feels. I actually read books 2 and 3 first. Book 4 is coming out in Oct '24 and is also about the bookstore so I figured I should finally read this one about how it all started. The series is really good and although there are recurring characters as well as the core friend group, these stories can be read as standalones

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just lovely

I really enjoyed reading this book, part of the story was very sad for Florrie but she came in too at the end.

[Maureen Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story.

[Emma's Things to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who could resist this book! The blurb sounds like a perfect some read including a small seaside town, a bookshop and a romance, and the cover is gorgeous. And it lives up to expectations.

Micklewick Bay is a picture perfect town with dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches. The Happy Hartes Bookshop has been at the centre of the community for generations and is also at the centre of Florrie’s life. She loves the shop and it has become a place where she feels safe. Working in the shop for years, Florrie is like a grand-daughter to the elderly owner Mr H.

Mr Harte is estranged from his own son and daughter-in-law who would rather travel the world then settle down in Yorkshire, but he has recently connected with his grandson Ed.

Ed is dyslexic and does not share Florrie’s passion for books. However, he is searching for a place where he belongs and Micklewick Bay may just work his magic.

There is an instant spark between Ed and Florrie, but both have just come of relationships. Ed’s ex-girlfriend was volatile and aggressive; Florrie was bored and had no spark with Graham. But with newly shared business interests to contend with Ed and Florrie have got a lot going on.

This is a lovely read. Florrie has a fantastic group of friends that support each other through heartbreak and fun. Both Florrie and Ed have to work out what it is they are looking for and there are a few obstacles along the way.

The writer has created a whole world in Micklewick Bay that is cosy and familiar. This is feel-good fiction that will leave you feeling satisfied. I’m looking forward to seeing where in Micklewick Bay we visit next.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Happy Hartes Bookshop and how it got its name was enchanting. I could easily imagine the shop front with eye-catching displays and Gerty, the black Labrador, laying in the sunshine. Florrie is a lovely character and I took to her immediately. Her kindness may have seemed like nothing, to her, but the impact was clearly huge. I certainly wasn’t surprised by the unexpected situation that is mentioned in the synopsis and welcomed the developments that followed.
Ed takes the role of romantic lead, but he is flawed. His parents have not shown him the love and security that children deserve to receive; choosing to follow a more nomadic lifestyle that has impacted his ability to both settle and receive affection. While I understood that he had commitment issues, I was frustrated by his actions and inability to see what the Happy Hartes Bookshop had to offer, on many different levels.
For me, the story that develops as a result of the visiting poet was perfect. I hadn’t foreseen the connection that he would have to Mr and Mrs H, or to their friend, Miss Davenport, and loved every part of it.
I am convinced that this will be a wonderful new series and already love Florrie’s friends and the atmosphere in the Jolly Sailors. Even Ando Taylor has a softer side which may develop more as the next instalments are published.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨My Thoughts✨

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All three of the books in this series are being released on the same day 01/05/24 and they’re all available on Kindle Unlimited.

I’ve read a few books by this author that I enjoyed so much, so I knew that I had to read this one.

Florrie is living her best life in the picturesque Micklewick Bay which is on the North Yorkshire Coast, working at The Happy Hartes Bookshop.

Florrie’s boss Mr Bernard Harte is an elderly gentleman and he’s more like family now not just a boss and Florrie has been part of his life and the bookshop for decades.

Unfortunately a tragedy happens and Florrie is faced with loosing everything she holds dear, can the mystery man she met one morning outside the bookshop hold the key to solving everything?.

The author invokes such a vivid picture of Micklewick Bay and all its places right from the very first page, it’s definitely a place I’d like to live myself after reading this story.

My heart was broken and then mended by this story, it had everything from long held secrets to goodbyes and then new beginnings.

It really is a special story with a whole host of special characters, that I hope to see more of in the other books in the series.

Take my advice and read this cosy, heartfelt book and then the series.

[Frances Wilkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

I came across this book by chance and thought it would be a fun, lighthearted read.
I found it a struggle to be honest, while I didn’t dislike the main characters I didn’t particularly feel drawn to them. I thought that the dialogue was stilted and a bit dated. I don’t know anyone these days who says cool your jets or calls their friends flower, petal or chick but I may be out of touch. It may be common practise in rural North Yorkshire, I don’t know, but as someone who is married to a Yorkshireman, he has never called me any of those names.
I think Florrie was a nice woman, but she was indecisive and prone to overthinking every thing and that became tedious. Ed had a similar personality, he was prone to introspection and not asking questions at the right time, he just assumed that his impressions were correct, rather than asking and clearing the air.
The highlight for me were the descriptions of the town of Micklewick and the beach, they were delightful, they made the place sound very appealing.
I did finish the book but for me it wasn’t a heartwarming page turner.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book... It was just so enjoyable!

Florrie has been working at the Happy Hartes Bookshop for a long time. So long that Mr. H, the owner, feels like family.

When things take a turn, Florrie finds herself in a tailspin of grief and shock. And Mr. H's grandson, Ed, is in the picture and all kinds of feelings pop up.

This story was a slow-burn, sweet and somewhat-predictable tale of Florrie--who has an amazing story arc throughout this book.

I find myself wishing I could spend some time at Happy Hartes Bookshop in Micklewick Bay.