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A Bookshop Summer
📚 PRE-ORDER A BOOKSHOP SUMMER - STEPHANIE'S CAPTIVATING NEW NOVEL, COMING IN EARLY 2026! 📚
An intriguing, twisting and heart-warming novel set in a bookshop that has an unexpected impact on people's lives. From the author of The Second Chance Book Club and Found in a Bookshop
When the Lost for Words bookshop in York hosts an event for a new reading project, four strangers' lives will change in ways they could never have expected . . .
Trixie is hosting the event. She loves her job at Lost for Words, and she's feeling grounded and calm - until a phone call from her ex throws everything off course.
Cherry only goes to the event because she needs to get out. Caring for her grandmother without any help is exhausting - and lonely. Maybe things will be different if her long-lost sister finally comes home.
Rhiannon and Guy really hit it off at the bookshop; it feels like the start of something special. And Guy is fantastic with Rhiannon's baby. But Rhiannon is keeping quite a big secret . . .
When you spend time with people who love books, you're sure to learn something about yourself - and maybe see a way to start in a different direction. As each of them is about to find out . . .
Readers love Stephanie Butland!
'One of the most thought-provoking books I have read in a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A beautiful story beautifully told. This is so readable, the characters come to life and stay in your heart' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I devoured this book in one day as I just couldn't put it down. Most definitely heart-warming and unforgettable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A heart-warming and uplifting story that explores family, love, friendship and, most of all, kindness' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A lovely read - deeply moving, life affirming' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An intriguing, twisting and heart-warming novel set in a bookshop that has an unexpected impact on people's lives. From the author of The Second Chance Book Club and Found in a Bookshop
When the Lost for Words bookshop in York hosts an event for a new reading project, four strangers' lives will change in ways they could never have expected . . .
Trixie is hosting the event. She loves her job at Lost for Words, and she's feeling grounded and calm - until a phone call from her ex throws everything off course.
Cherry only goes to the event because she needs to get out. Caring for her grandmother without any help is exhausting - and lonely. Maybe things will be different if her long-lost sister finally comes home.
Rhiannon and Guy really hit it off at the bookshop; it feels like the start of something special. And Guy is fantastic with Rhiannon's baby. But Rhiannon is keeping quite a big secret . . .
When you spend time with people who love books, you're sure to learn something about yourself - and maybe see a way to start in a different direction. As each of them is about to find out . . .
Readers love Stephanie Butland!
'One of the most thought-provoking books I have read in a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A beautiful story beautifully told. This is so readable, the characters come to life and stay in your heart' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I devoured this book in one day as I just couldn't put it down. Most definitely heart-warming and unforgettable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A heart-warming and uplifting story that explores family, love, friendship and, most of all, kindness' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A lovely read - deeply moving, life affirming' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
About the author
Stephanie Butland
19 books877 followersStephanie Butland is a writer, who is thriving after breast cancer. (She used to say she was a survivor, but that was a bit lacking in joie de vivre.)
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.
Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is a novelist.
Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.
She lives in Northumberland.
Although she’d never have chosen it, her dance with cancer has changed her life in many positive ways. Now she is happier, healthier, and more careful with her precious life and the precious people and things in it.
Her writing career began with her dance with cancer, and now she is a novelist.
Aside from writing, she works as a speaker and trainer, and she works with charities to help raise awareness and money in the hope that cancer will soon be about as scary as a wart.
She lives in Northumberland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 12, 2026
What a delight to return to the Lost for Words bookshop and meet up with some new readers as well as a few familiar faces. I absolutely adored Lost for Words – one of my favourite books ever – and although the owner Loveday isn’t around for much of this book, her beloved bookshop continues to be a beacon of light for the community.
Lost for Words, a second hand bookshop in York, has long had a tradition of encouraging its staff to set up something which will contribute to and benefit the local community. The owner Loveday has created libraries in women’s refuges, Nathan works with local school children on poetry workshops, Madison sponsors a local theatre group. In this book, Trixie sets up a Reading Aloud project and is joined by several people nervously wondering what it’s all about.
I really enjoyed getting to know the various characters who attend the group. There’s particular focus on Cherry who is a full-time carer to her grandmother, Rhiannon who has a toddler called Spike and Trixie herself who is reeling after a phone call from her ex. Stephanie Butland writes so beautifully and empathetically about all their situations and you can really understand the challenges they face in life and relate to their feelings.
Research shows that reading makes people more empathetic as they learn to see things from the perspective of the characters they read about. It helps us to understand different emotions, perspectives, and motivations. Further research shows that reading aloud increases happiness and helps people relax. As well as making difference in the lives of the people who attend the group, as they go out into the community, it makes a difference there too. For example, Trixie and Cherry visit a care home to read to a lady who is blind. They get requests to visit other care homes and a school with a lunchtime reading club.
I really liked something Rhiannon said about reading aloud: “I think being read to makes you feel – held. I mean, if you were read to as a child – that was such a lovely thing, wasn’t it?”. I think this is so true. Reading aloud to someone or just sitting reading in companionable silence seems to me to be an act of love. It’s like saying ‘I want to be with you and I want to share this with you.’
Be warned that your reading list may increase substantially when you read this book! A Bookshop Summer is a book full of books. There are the various books that the Reading Aloud group read in their sessions and when they go out into the community. Then there are the books which the group are reading personally and often discuss. Luckily, Stephanie Butland has created a handy list of all the books mentioned at the end and even throws in one of the tasty sounding recipes which Trixie bakes.
With themes of grief, love, community and moving forward, A Bookshop Summer is another thoughtful and compelling book about the life-changing power of reading.
Lost for Words, a second hand bookshop in York, has long had a tradition of encouraging its staff to set up something which will contribute to and benefit the local community. The owner Loveday has created libraries in women’s refuges, Nathan works with local school children on poetry workshops, Madison sponsors a local theatre group. In this book, Trixie sets up a Reading Aloud project and is joined by several people nervously wondering what it’s all about.
I really enjoyed getting to know the various characters who attend the group. There’s particular focus on Cherry who is a full-time carer to her grandmother, Rhiannon who has a toddler called Spike and Trixie herself who is reeling after a phone call from her ex. Stephanie Butland writes so beautifully and empathetically about all their situations and you can really understand the challenges they face in life and relate to their feelings.
Research shows that reading makes people more empathetic as they learn to see things from the perspective of the characters they read about. It helps us to understand different emotions, perspectives, and motivations. Further research shows that reading aloud increases happiness and helps people relax. As well as making difference in the lives of the people who attend the group, as they go out into the community, it makes a difference there too. For example, Trixie and Cherry visit a care home to read to a lady who is blind. They get requests to visit other care homes and a school with a lunchtime reading club.
I really liked something Rhiannon said about reading aloud: “I think being read to makes you feel – held. I mean, if you were read to as a child – that was such a lovely thing, wasn’t it?”. I think this is so true. Reading aloud to someone or just sitting reading in companionable silence seems to me to be an act of love. It’s like saying ‘I want to be with you and I want to share this with you.’
Be warned that your reading list may increase substantially when you read this book! A Bookshop Summer is a book full of books. There are the various books that the Reading Aloud group read in their sessions and when they go out into the community. Then there are the books which the group are reading personally and often discuss. Luckily, Stephanie Butland has created a handy list of all the books mentioned at the end and even throws in one of the tasty sounding recipes which Trixie bakes.
With themes of grief, love, community and moving forward, A Bookshop Summer is another thoughtful and compelling book about the life-changing power of reading.
April 29, 2026
⭐️ 4.0 ⭐️
Ik vond het boek een beetje chaotisch en sommige characters net niet helemaal geloofwaardig; ze handelde iig heel anders dan ik zou doen qua communicatie. Maar ondanks dat waren de verhalen wel echt mooi en zaten er veel verschillende boodschappen in die elk een goed plekje kregen.
Ik vond het boek een beetje chaotisch en sommige characters net niet helemaal geloofwaardig; ze handelde iig heel anders dan ik zou doen qua communicatie. Maar ondanks dat waren de verhalen wel echt mooi en zaten er veel verschillende boodschappen in die elk een goed plekje kregen.
January 25, 2026
I absolutely loved returning to the Lost for Words bookshop in York. Although this novel features some familiar characters from the previous book, it can easily be read as a standalone, which I appreciated. It felt like stepping back into a cosy, welcoming space, but with fresh stories to discover.
The focus this time on connections created through reading aloud was such a lovely idea and added real heart to the story. Where the first book centred around book prescriptions during Covid, this one explores how shared stories can bring people together in unexpected ways. It was touching without being overly sentimental.
I especially enjoyed following the different characters and how their lives slowly intertwined. Cherry’s situation caring for her grandmother was both realistic and moving, and I found myself really rooting for her. The most poignant storyline for me, though, was Rhiannon and Guy’s.
One of the highlights was seeing some familiar faces alongside new characters. It made the world feel richer and more real, almost like catching up with old friends while meeting new ones at the same time.
Overall, this was a heart-warming, engaging read that left me feeling uplifted. The multiple storylines were handled really well, and I found myself invested in all of them. A lovely book about community, second chances, and the power of stories — an easy 9/10 for me.
The focus this time on connections created through reading aloud was such a lovely idea and added real heart to the story. Where the first book centred around book prescriptions during Covid, this one explores how shared stories can bring people together in unexpected ways. It was touching without being overly sentimental.
I especially enjoyed following the different characters and how their lives slowly intertwined. Cherry’s situation caring for her grandmother was both realistic and moving, and I found myself really rooting for her. The most poignant storyline for me, though, was Rhiannon and Guy’s.
One of the highlights was seeing some familiar faces alongside new characters. It made the world feel richer and more real, almost like catching up with old friends while meeting new ones at the same time.
Overall, this was a heart-warming, engaging read that left me feeling uplifted. The multiple storylines were handled really well, and I found myself invested in all of them. A lovely book about community, second chances, and the power of stories — an easy 9/10 for me.
May 11, 2026
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked the Reading Aloud Project angle and the benefits it highlighted, and it genuinely made me think about how rewarding it would be to be involved in something similar. I also appreciated the exploration of refugees as part of Peaches’s journey.
The book touches on a wide range of themes, including grief, identity, reading, aid relief, refugees, love, and loss. Some of the individual storylines added depth to the novel more than others, and there were a few that held my interest less. I particularly enjoyed Guy’s connection to trees and the natural world.
At times, some of the characters’ situations felt fairly predictable, especially Rhiannon’s storyline. Overall, though, this was a comforting and easy read with plenty of thoughtful moments, even if it didn’t always fully hold my attention, but that’s just my personal opinion. I also appreciated the book lists included at the end.
The book touches on a wide range of themes, including grief, identity, reading, aid relief, refugees, love, and loss. Some of the individual storylines added depth to the novel more than others, and there were a few that held my interest less. I particularly enjoyed Guy’s connection to trees and the natural world.
At times, some of the characters’ situations felt fairly predictable, especially Rhiannon’s storyline. Overall, though, this was a comforting and easy read with plenty of thoughtful moments, even if it didn’t always fully hold my attention, but that’s just my personal opinion. I also appreciated the book lists included at the end.
April 29, 2026
An enjoyable read set in Lost for Words Bookshop.
Trixie is hoping that a reading aloud group will be very successful. A small group meet and plan way6p that they can share their love of reading. The characters all have reasons for wanting to escape their lives for a while and i loved reading all about them.
Trixie is hoping that a reading aloud group will be very successful. A small group meet and plan way6p that they can share their love of reading. The characters all have reasons for wanting to escape their lives for a while and i loved reading all about them.
April 5, 2026
Reading = Healing
Enjoyable read while also showing how reading can be a tool for healing. Loved the characters and storyline. Kindness is essential.
Enjoyable read while also showing how reading can be a tool for healing. Loved the characters and storyline. Kindness is essential.
April 13, 2026
It was ok.....too much COVID.....I had enough of that years ago. Don't care to relive it
February 15, 2026
It was my first book from Stephanie Butland, and even if it’s a sequel to Lost for Words which I haven’t read, it didn’t matter. A Bookshop Summer can be read as a standalone. Thank you NetGalley and Headline for the opportunity to review this book before its release date!
A Bookshop Summer is a story that brings together different individuals around a reading aloud bookclub, each with their own personal stories and share of problems. We follow them for a few months, sharing their day to day lives, moments of happiness and hardships. They all loves books, and as Butland says “When you spend time with people who love books, you’re sure to learn something about yourself - and maybe see a way to start in a different direction.” This is the best way to describe this story, a journey for three very different people who are lost in their lives and who find themselves, helped by a group who share their love for books.
Trixie works at Lost for Words, content with her life. When she learns her ex is about to get married, something they always agreed they weren’t interested in when they were together, Trixie goes on a downward spirale and starts the slow process of making peace with it by focusing on her new bookclub: the reading aloud project.
Cherry is a 24 years old woman who takes care of her Grandmother. As a full time carer, she feels like she never had a choice and she is not sure who she is anymore. She is lonely and is starting to resent her life, without seeing a way out. When her twin sister comes back to visit after years of volunteering abroad, she finally starts to unpick what is wrong in her life and unpick their shared traumas, starting on a new journey to understand herself better.
Rhiannon is a young mother with a heavy secrets she hides behind false hapiness. When she meets Guy at the bookclub, something sparks between them and she’s having to face her choices and decisions in a way she hadn’t expected.
This story touches on a wide range of deep topics such as grief, love, loss, second-chances, where a bookshop brings everyone together and helps them finding their path to healing. This book is about kindness, connections, finding oneself and navigating life with resilience.
Whilst I feel like the book was a bit slow sometimes, it was still a really touching story.
A Bookshop Summer is a story that brings together different individuals around a reading aloud bookclub, each with their own personal stories and share of problems. We follow them for a few months, sharing their day to day lives, moments of happiness and hardships. They all loves books, and as Butland says “When you spend time with people who love books, you’re sure to learn something about yourself - and maybe see a way to start in a different direction.” This is the best way to describe this story, a journey for three very different people who are lost in their lives and who find themselves, helped by a group who share their love for books.
Trixie works at Lost for Words, content with her life. When she learns her ex is about to get married, something they always agreed they weren’t interested in when they were together, Trixie goes on a downward spirale and starts the slow process of making peace with it by focusing on her new bookclub: the reading aloud project.
Cherry is a 24 years old woman who takes care of her Grandmother. As a full time carer, she feels like she never had a choice and she is not sure who she is anymore. She is lonely and is starting to resent her life, without seeing a way out. When her twin sister comes back to visit after years of volunteering abroad, she finally starts to unpick what is wrong in her life and unpick their shared traumas, starting on a new journey to understand herself better.
Rhiannon is a young mother with a heavy secrets she hides behind false hapiness. When she meets Guy at the bookclub, something sparks between them and she’s having to face her choices and decisions in a way she hadn’t expected.
This story touches on a wide range of deep topics such as grief, love, loss, second-chances, where a bookshop brings everyone together and helps them finding their path to healing. This book is about kindness, connections, finding oneself and navigating life with resilience.
Whilst I feel like the book was a bit slow sometimes, it was still a really touching story.
April 15, 2026
4.5⭐️
Absolutely delightful, I love the way the author obviously loves books and understands the power of storytelling.
Absolutely delightful, I love the way the author obviously loves books and understands the power of storytelling.
May 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline Publishing Group, and Stephanie Butland for the opportunity to read this beautiful and heartfelt story.
A classic "bookish" tale that feels like a warm hug, A Bookshop Summer is exactly the kind of uplifting domestic fiction I find myself devouring between darker thrillers. As someone who spends a lot of time reviewing ARCs and listening to narrators who can truly nail emotional timing, I found Stephanie Butland’s latest novel to be a beautifully paced exploration of how literature mends broken hearts.
Reading A Bookshop Summer felt like stepping into a quiet corner of the world where people carry invisible loneliness, and books slowly help stitch them back together. From the very first pages, I was drawn into the comforting atmosphere of the Lost For Words bookshop and the lives of characters who felt incredibly real, flawed, and deeply human.
What I loved most about this novel was how beautifully Stephanie Butland captured ordinary lives and emotions. There are no dramatic, over-the-top twists here; instead, the story shines through its emotional honesty. Every character is carrying something heavy: grief, heartbreak, exhaustion, loneliness, regret, and watching them slowly connect through reading aloud was both heartwarming and emotional.
The story centers on the "Lost For Words" bookshop in York, where assistant manager Trixie starts a "reading aloud" group. It brings together four strangers, each carrying their own quiet burdens:
Trixie: A bookseller still reeling from a year-old breakup with her ex, Caz, who suddenly calls with news that threatens Trixie’s hard-won peace.
Cherry: A full-time carer for her grandmother, who is desperate for a moment of adult company and a break from the relentless cycle of caregiving.
Rhiannon: A mother to a toddler named Spike, who is grappling with a secret about her husband that she’s not yet ready to share.
Guy: A quiet, self-employed man who finds solace in audiobooks and trees, but struggles with the "chit-chat" of social interaction.
Cherry’s storyline affected me the most. Her role as a caregiver for her grandmother felt painfully realistic and emotionally raw. The way she quietly sacrifices her youth, dreams, and independence while still trying to hold herself together broke my heart more than once. Her loneliness felt so genuine that I found myself rooting for her happiness throughout the entire book.
I also really loved Trixie and how her heartbreak was portrayed with such tenderness and realism. The scenes involving her ex were subtle yet devastating, and I appreciated how the author showed that healing is not always linear. Rhiannon’s storyline brought warmth and softness to the novel, especially through her interactions with Spike, while Guy added a quiet calmness that balanced the group perfectly.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its atmosphere. The bookshop itself almost feels like another character, cozy, welcoming, comforting, and full of hope. Stephanie Butland writes in such a gentle and compassionate way that even the quieter moments feel meaningful. The reading group scenes were some of my favorites because they showed how stories can connect strangers and create unexpected friendships.
I also loved how naturally books and literature were woven into the story without it ever feeling pretentious. The discussions around reading aloud, the comfort found in stories, and the idea that books can help people heal emotionally made this such a beautiful read for book lovers.
The pacing is soft and reflective rather than fast-moving, which personally worked for me because it allowed me to fully connect with the characters and their emotional journeys. This is the kind of book that feels comforting even while dealing with difficult topics like grief, caregiving, isolation, and lost dreams.
Overall, A Bookshop Summer is a tender, uplifting, and emotionally rich novel about human connection, second chances, and the healing power of books. It reminded me that sometimes the smallest moments, sharing stories, being listened to, or simply being seen, can completely change a person’s life. I would highly recommend this to readers who love character-driven stories, cozy bookshop settings, and heartfelt contemporary fiction filled with warmth and hope.
My Verdict: A captivating, heartwarming read that reminds us why we fall in love with bookshops in the first place. It’s a solid addition to any summer TBR, especially for those who enjoy the "small-town vibes" of a close-knit community.
A classic "bookish" tale that feels like a warm hug, A Bookshop Summer is exactly the kind of uplifting domestic fiction I find myself devouring between darker thrillers. As someone who spends a lot of time reviewing ARCs and listening to narrators who can truly nail emotional timing, I found Stephanie Butland’s latest novel to be a beautifully paced exploration of how literature mends broken hearts.
Reading A Bookshop Summer felt like stepping into a quiet corner of the world where people carry invisible loneliness, and books slowly help stitch them back together. From the very first pages, I was drawn into the comforting atmosphere of the Lost For Words bookshop and the lives of characters who felt incredibly real, flawed, and deeply human.
What I loved most about this novel was how beautifully Stephanie Butland captured ordinary lives and emotions. There are no dramatic, over-the-top twists here; instead, the story shines through its emotional honesty. Every character is carrying something heavy: grief, heartbreak, exhaustion, loneliness, regret, and watching them slowly connect through reading aloud was both heartwarming and emotional.
The story centers on the "Lost For Words" bookshop in York, where assistant manager Trixie starts a "reading aloud" group. It brings together four strangers, each carrying their own quiet burdens:
Trixie: A bookseller still reeling from a year-old breakup with her ex, Caz, who suddenly calls with news that threatens Trixie’s hard-won peace.
Cherry: A full-time carer for her grandmother, who is desperate for a moment of adult company and a break from the relentless cycle of caregiving.
Rhiannon: A mother to a toddler named Spike, who is grappling with a secret about her husband that she’s not yet ready to share.
Guy: A quiet, self-employed man who finds solace in audiobooks and trees, but struggles with the "chit-chat" of social interaction.
Cherry’s storyline affected me the most. Her role as a caregiver for her grandmother felt painfully realistic and emotionally raw. The way she quietly sacrifices her youth, dreams, and independence while still trying to hold herself together broke my heart more than once. Her loneliness felt so genuine that I found myself rooting for her happiness throughout the entire book.
I also really loved Trixie and how her heartbreak was portrayed with such tenderness and realism. The scenes involving her ex were subtle yet devastating, and I appreciated how the author showed that healing is not always linear. Rhiannon’s storyline brought warmth and softness to the novel, especially through her interactions with Spike, while Guy added a quiet calmness that balanced the group perfectly.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its atmosphere. The bookshop itself almost feels like another character, cozy, welcoming, comforting, and full of hope. Stephanie Butland writes in such a gentle and compassionate way that even the quieter moments feel meaningful. The reading group scenes were some of my favorites because they showed how stories can connect strangers and create unexpected friendships.
I also loved how naturally books and literature were woven into the story without it ever feeling pretentious. The discussions around reading aloud, the comfort found in stories, and the idea that books can help people heal emotionally made this such a beautiful read for book lovers.
The pacing is soft and reflective rather than fast-moving, which personally worked for me because it allowed me to fully connect with the characters and their emotional journeys. This is the kind of book that feels comforting even while dealing with difficult topics like grief, caregiving, isolation, and lost dreams.
Overall, A Bookshop Summer is a tender, uplifting, and emotionally rich novel about human connection, second chances, and the healing power of books. It reminded me that sometimes the smallest moments, sharing stories, being listened to, or simply being seen, can completely change a person’s life. I would highly recommend this to readers who love character-driven stories, cozy bookshop settings, and heartfelt contemporary fiction filled with warmth and hope.
My Verdict: A captivating, heartwarming read that reminds us why we fall in love with bookshops in the first place. It’s a solid addition to any summer TBR, especially for those who enjoy the "small-town vibes" of a close-knit community.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Bookshop Summer is the kind of quiet, comforting story that feels like sitting in a cozy bookshop while rain taps softly against the windows and someone nearby reads aloud from a favorite novel. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply human, this book beautifully captures the way stories can bring people together when life feels overwhelming.
Even though this is connected to the Lost for Words series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. Stephanie Butland does such a lovely job introducing the characters and the atmosphere of the bookshop that I immediately felt welcomed into their world.
What I loved most about this story was the reading aloud group and the way it slowly connected people who were all carrying different forms of loneliness, grief, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. Every character felt realistic and layered in their own way, and I enjoyed seeing their lives intertwine through their shared love of books.
Cherry’s storyline especially stayed with me. Her struggles as a full-time caregiver felt incredibly honest and emotional, and I appreciated how the book explored the quiet isolation and resentment that can come from constantly putting someone else’s needs before your own. Rhiannon and Guy also brought a softer, hopeful energy to the story, while Trixie’s personal journey added another emotional thread about change, heartbreak, and finding direction again.
The real magic of this book is in its gentleness. It doesn’t rely on huge dramatic moments. Instead, it focuses on human connection, healing, second chances, and the comfort people can find in stories and community. Stephanie Butland writes with so much warmth and compassion that even the heavier themes never felt hopeless.
The pacing was a little slow for me at times, which is the main reason this wasn’t a full five-star read, but honestly, the cozy atmosphere and emotional depth made it easy to stay invested throughout.
If you love:
📚 cozy bookshop settings
📚 found family and community
📚 character-driven stories
📚 multiple intertwining storylines
📚 emotional but hopeful reads
📚 books about the healing power of stories
…then this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Bookshop Summer is the kind of quiet, comforting story that feels like sitting in a cozy bookshop while rain taps softly against the windows and someone nearby reads aloud from a favorite novel. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply human, this book beautifully captures the way stories can bring people together when life feels overwhelming.
Even though this is connected to the Lost for Words series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. Stephanie Butland does such a lovely job introducing the characters and the atmosphere of the bookshop that I immediately felt welcomed into their world.
What I loved most about this story was the reading aloud group and the way it slowly connected people who were all carrying different forms of loneliness, grief, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. Every character felt realistic and layered in their own way, and I enjoyed seeing their lives intertwine through their shared love of books.
Cherry’s storyline especially stayed with me. Her struggles as a full-time caregiver felt incredibly honest and emotional, and I appreciated how the book explored the quiet isolation and resentment that can come from constantly putting someone else’s needs before your own. Rhiannon and Guy also brought a softer, hopeful energy to the story, while Trixie’s personal journey added another emotional thread about change, heartbreak, and finding direction again.
The real magic of this book is in its gentleness. It doesn’t rely on huge dramatic moments. Instead, it focuses on human connection, healing, second chances, and the comfort people can find in stories and community. Stephanie Butland writes with so much warmth and compassion that even the heavier themes never felt hopeless.
The pacing was a little slow for me at times, which is the main reason this wasn’t a full five-star read, but honestly, the cozy atmosphere and emotional depth made it easy to stay invested throughout.
If you love:
📚 cozy bookshop settings
📚 found family and community
📚 character-driven stories
📚 multiple intertwining storylines
📚 emotional but hopeful reads
📚 books about the healing power of stories
…then this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Review for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is my third of Stephanie's books - after Found In a Bookshop and The Second Chance Book Club - and I love them. They're like sunshine in a book. This does follow on from the other books but it's just as enjoyable as a standalone. It has enough reminders for those who haven't read the others, but it doesn't feel repetitive for the reader who has.
What I love about her books, this one included, is how important books are; books, bookshops, stories, the sense of bookshops being vital to a community. And we don't get that much in reality now, so it's warming to read about.
She has also explored the idea of a carer so beautifully. No-one wants to care for their loved one, not truly. You do it and you're happy to do it. But you'd rather they didn't need caring for. I get that. My Mum is my carer and I wish she didn't have to. And it can be a sensitive subject to talk about, but Stephanie has faced it head on and not shied away from the difficulties of it but she's done it with such empathy.
Yes it is fun and uplifting and witty, but it doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as loss, grief, loneliness, unpaid carers, romance difficulties, health woes etc. but it never feels too morose.
I loved all the characters. I didn't take to Trixie or Madison (who work at the bookshop) at first. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with them, but they just annoyed me slightly, but they soon won me round. Cherry is the perfect protagonist - and I love that her twin is called Peaches, it just screams joy. She's very normal and relatable. She really cares but she's a bit resentful and she's grieving the life she could have had.
There are quite a lot of characters - some from the previous books and some new. I did worry at first if there were too many, because I do have a tendency to forget names, but you very quickly become used to it and you love reading about their individual stories and the story that keeps them all together.
I read it in one afternoon it was so easy to read, I just got lost in it and I wish I could visit this bookish community.
And I love a book that comes with a list of other books to read - although my to-be-read pile doesn't.
This is my third of Stephanie's books - after Found In a Bookshop and The Second Chance Book Club - and I love them. They're like sunshine in a book. This does follow on from the other books but it's just as enjoyable as a standalone. It has enough reminders for those who haven't read the others, but it doesn't feel repetitive for the reader who has.
What I love about her books, this one included, is how important books are; books, bookshops, stories, the sense of bookshops being vital to a community. And we don't get that much in reality now, so it's warming to read about.
She has also explored the idea of a carer so beautifully. No-one wants to care for their loved one, not truly. You do it and you're happy to do it. But you'd rather they didn't need caring for. I get that. My Mum is my carer and I wish she didn't have to. And it can be a sensitive subject to talk about, but Stephanie has faced it head on and not shied away from the difficulties of it but she's done it with such empathy.
Yes it is fun and uplifting and witty, but it doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as loss, grief, loneliness, unpaid carers, romance difficulties, health woes etc. but it never feels too morose.
I loved all the characters. I didn't take to Trixie or Madison (who work at the bookshop) at first. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with them, but they just annoyed me slightly, but they soon won me round. Cherry is the perfect protagonist - and I love that her twin is called Peaches, it just screams joy. She's very normal and relatable. She really cares but she's a bit resentful and she's grieving the life she could have had.
There are quite a lot of characters - some from the previous books and some new. I did worry at first if there were too many, because I do have a tendency to forget names, but you very quickly become used to it and you love reading about their individual stories and the story that keeps them all together.
I read it in one afternoon it was so easy to read, I just got lost in it and I wish I could visit this bookish community.
And I love a book that comes with a list of other books to read - although my to-be-read pile doesn't.
December 1, 2025
Stephanie Butland has a gift for capturing the quiet magic of bookshops and the way stories can change lives. The Bookshop Summer is set in York’s beloved Lost for Words bookshop, where one event brings together four strangers whose paths intertwine in unexpected, heart-stirring ways.
Trixie, steady and content in her role, suddenly finds her calm shaken by a call from her past. Cherry, exhausted from caring for her grandmother, longs for connection and the return of her sister. Rhiannon and Guy spark something tender and hopeful, though secrets threaten to unravel their fragile beginning. Each character arrives with their own burdens, yet within the bookshop’s walls, they discover not only stories but the possibility of change.
Butland’s writing is warm, thoughtful, and deeply human. She threads together themes of love, loss, and second chances with a gentle touch, reminding us that bookshops are more than places to buy books—they are sanctuaries where people find themselves, and sometimes each other. The novel twists and turns with intrigue, but at its heart it is about kindness, resilience, and the courage to start anew.
It’s the kind of story you want to curl up with on a quiet afternoon, letting the characters settle into your heart. Fans of The Second Chance Book Club and Found in a Bookshop will feel right at home, but this tale stands beautifully on its own.
With thanks to Stephanie Butland, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Trixie, steady and content in her role, suddenly finds her calm shaken by a call from her past. Cherry, exhausted from caring for her grandmother, longs for connection and the return of her sister. Rhiannon and Guy spark something tender and hopeful, though secrets threaten to unravel their fragile beginning. Each character arrives with their own burdens, yet within the bookshop’s walls, they discover not only stories but the possibility of change.
Butland’s writing is warm, thoughtful, and deeply human. She threads together themes of love, loss, and second chances with a gentle touch, reminding us that bookshops are more than places to buy books—they are sanctuaries where people find themselves, and sometimes each other. The novel twists and turns with intrigue, but at its heart it is about kindness, resilience, and the courage to start anew.
It’s the kind of story you want to curl up with on a quiet afternoon, letting the characters settle into your heart. Fans of The Second Chance Book Club and Found in a Bookshop will feel right at home, but this tale stands beautifully on its own.
With thanks to Stephanie Butland, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 24, 2026
A Bookshop Summer focuses on a Reading Aloud group in York and the multiple characters who attend and get to know eachother through books. One character, Rhiannon, describes being read aloud to as feeling held and that is the exact feeling Stephanie’s books give me.
I recently read Second Chance Book Club which I enjoyed so much that I ran to request this immediately! All of Stephanie’s books are interconnected standalones which I didnt realise before reading this but it was a delight to see some familiar characters.
There are multiple pov’s in this story, primarily following Cherry, a young caregiver missing her twin, Rhiannon, a widowed mum of baby Spike and Trixie who sets up the reading group. All of these characters are feeling lost and having a bit of an identity crisis for different reasons and Stephanie is brilliant at really making you feel their stories (I think I spent most of my time reading this book crying). My only negative to this is how much the pov’s jump around during scenes, sometimes I found this quite jarring and hard to follow.
For me what stood out was the exploration of grief in its many forms, discovering who you want to be when life doesnt go to plan and kindness, how can we make a difference to the world in big ways and small.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review ❤️
I recently read Second Chance Book Club which I enjoyed so much that I ran to request this immediately! All of Stephanie’s books are interconnected standalones which I didnt realise before reading this but it was a delight to see some familiar characters.
There are multiple pov’s in this story, primarily following Cherry, a young caregiver missing her twin, Rhiannon, a widowed mum of baby Spike and Trixie who sets up the reading group. All of these characters are feeling lost and having a bit of an identity crisis for different reasons and Stephanie is brilliant at really making you feel their stories (I think I spent most of my time reading this book crying). My only negative to this is how much the pov’s jump around during scenes, sometimes I found this quite jarring and hard to follow.
For me what stood out was the exploration of grief in its many forms, discovering who you want to be when life doesnt go to plan and kindness, how can we make a difference to the world in big ways and small.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review ❤️
April 29, 2026
Having previously enjoyed Lost For Words by this author, I was happy to return to the popular bookshop in York, though the story makes perfect sense even if you haven’t read the other books in the series. Trixie has been left in charge while Loveday and Nathan are on their honeymoon, and takes the opportunity to launch her ‘reading aloud’ project, which brings together Cherry, Rhiannon and Guy. For various reasons, they are all looking to connect with others in a meaningful way.
I always seek out stories set in the world of books, bookshops and libraries and A Bookshop Summer is one of the better ones. The characters are realistic and I enjoyed reading about them all, but especially Rhiannon and Guy. While there is romance in this book, it is about so much more.
The story explores fairly serious subjects like grief, loneliness, social isolation and the stress of being a sole carer with great sensitivity. It emphasises the power of books and storytelling to bring solace to everyone. The characters at the reading group in A Bookshop Summer are all stuck in different ways, and reading aloud helps them find a way forward. All the books chosen are listed at the end so that the reader can explore in their own time.
April 25, 2026
This series of three books is just perfect for bookaholics, being set in a bookshop with characters who adore reading as well as many references to books that the reader may, or may not have read so lots of good tips in there. I enjoyed this warm, lovely story with kind people who have various issues in their lives but who find great comfort and friendship with others in the book club. Issues include bereavement, loneliness, caring for an elderly grandparent and partnership break ups but there is joy and good humour as well. I really struggle with multiple characters and this book includes some from previous books as well as new ones so I did have to concentrate hard to recall who was who. I think it helped that I had read the two previous books and this one can be standalone unless you are like me with a dreadful memory when it comes to recalling past characters and events. All in all I did enjoy this story and recommend it to anyone who loves books and the sharing of such a passion with like minded people. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre release copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 22, 2026
An uplifting and emotional read
This was a thought provoking and thoughtful read. I love that it follows the characters introduced in earlier books by Stephanie Butland and adds new characters that I, as the reader, became just as attached to as I read. That said, you don’t need to have read any of the previous books to find this book enlightening and enjoyable. I love reading books about reading and books and I love all the great reading suggestions that it offers. The relationships that are developed in this book are both realistic and engaging. I thought that the author did a remarkable job of handling grief in many of its stages and of people trying to find their purpose and happiness in life. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the Lost for Words family.
This was a thought provoking and thoughtful read. I love that it follows the characters introduced in earlier books by Stephanie Butland and adds new characters that I, as the reader, became just as attached to as I read. That said, you don’t need to have read any of the previous books to find this book enlightening and enjoyable. I love reading books about reading and books and I love all the great reading suggestions that it offers. The relationships that are developed in this book are both realistic and engaging. I thought that the author did a remarkable job of handling grief in many of its stages and of people trying to find their purpose and happiness in life. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the Lost for Words family.
May 21, 2026
Book Lovers Dream
A Bookshop Summer was a refreshing combination of difficult (caring for elderly family members, raising a child almost singlehandedly, heartbreak) and joyful topics (making new friends, family, BOOKS).
I loved that so many actual books were included in the novel (and piqued my interest about many). The premise was also unique - strangers coming together to read aloud as a way for an independent bookshop to build community.
I like the character development - they were all unique - though I would have liked to learn more in depth about Madison, Damien & Guy.
Quick read, highly recommend! And I'll have to check out the other Bookshop novels by Stephanie Butland.
A Bookshop Summer was a refreshing combination of difficult (caring for elderly family members, raising a child almost singlehandedly, heartbreak) and joyful topics (making new friends, family, BOOKS).
I loved that so many actual books were included in the novel (and piqued my interest about many). The premise was also unique - strangers coming together to read aloud as a way for an independent bookshop to build community.
I like the character development - they were all unique - though I would have liked to learn more in depth about Madison, Damien & Guy.
Quick read, highly recommend! And I'll have to check out the other Bookshop novels by Stephanie Butland.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Stephanie Butland for letting me read and review this book before it is released.
I've never read any of Butland's books before, but this certainly won't be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
This book was full of situations and life events that I could relate to, it made me happy and sad throughout. It certainly pulled at my heartstrings. (love, loss, grieving, career changes, family changes etc).
I also loved the last couple of pages- the list of books and poems etc. I'll definitely look a few of those up that I'm not already familiar with. Also the cake recipe.
I've never read any of Butland's books before, but this certainly won't be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
This book was full of situations and life events that I could relate to, it made me happy and sad throughout. It certainly pulled at my heartstrings. (love, loss, grieving, career changes, family changes etc).
I also loved the last couple of pages- the list of books and poems etc. I'll definitely look a few of those up that I'm not already familiar with. Also the cake recipe.
May 3, 2026
What a great and moving story. I loved getting to know all the characters and watching them all overcome the issues they had. To everyone else they looked like they had it all figured out and lived the happy life that they desperately sought, but below the surface each person had issues, they just masked them. This book was amazing in showing how one small brave act can really make a difference. Cherry deciding to attend the book club, set off a chain reaction, her and her twin Peaches really show the true power of unconditional love.
A great read, with lots of great literary moments and new books and authors for me to check out.
A great read, with lots of great literary moments and new books and authors for me to check out.
May 16, 2026
In A Bookshop Summer by Stephanie Butland, Trixie, a bookstore manager advertises for new members of a book club at the Loss for Words bookstore in York,. People such as Cherry, Madison, Guy, Damion and Rhiannon join and each comes for different reasons. Some are lonely and looking for a connection while others are new to the area. Each has a unique set of private battles and the reader gets a peek inside of their personal lives. As the book club evolves from discussing books to more oral readings around the community, the activity acts as a healing agent.And,. the readers get a subtle, but hefty list of books to explore in the future. A fun read!
May 22, 2026
We return to the Lost For Words bookshop world, this time with different main characters as Loveday, the owner, is on her honeymoon. I have really enjoyed the books in this series and how reading, or in this case, reading aloud, helps people. Lovely books are read from, with a bibliography included at the end of all the books. The main characters, Trixie, Cherry and Rhiannon, all have personal issues to work through, and this unfolds as the story moves on. Both the characters and their evolution were appealing to me. This felt like a nice gentle read, even though serious issues, like grief from the death of a loved one, were depicted. I hope the author will write more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great read, a book which I found difficult to put down... including reading until just before midnight on New Year's Eve!
The book is set in York, Trixie works at the Lost for Words bookshop. The bookshop has community projects and Trixie sets up a Reading aloud group.
The book follows members of the group - Cherry who at 24 is a carer for her grandmother and misses her twin Peaches
Rhiannon, a young mother with a secret
Damien - a model
Guy - an introvert who prefers wood!
The book shows how relationships and friendships are formed and the ability to work together .
The book is set in York, Trixie works at the Lost for Words bookshop. The bookshop has community projects and Trixie sets up a Reading aloud group.
The book follows members of the group - Cherry who at 24 is a carer for her grandmother and misses her twin Peaches
Rhiannon, a young mother with a secret
Damien - a model
Guy - an introvert who prefers wood!
The book shows how relationships and friendships are formed and the ability to work together .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just didn't love this one. It felt really didactic, as if the characters weren't fully fleshed people, but avatars, each for their own cause and agenda. I wanted to love it because I like The Second Chance Book Club, but this was hard to get through. It did pick up after the first half, and I felt like I cared what happened. I might have followed it better if I'd read Found in a Bookshop first. I did appreciate Second Chance Book Club Easter eggs. There were some good ideas here; it just stuttered a bit.
Many thanks to NetGalley for an ebook to review.
Many thanks to NetGalley for an ebook to review.
April 30, 2026
I loved this story!!!!!
Note: Editors NEED to learn the proper use of commas!!! Also, NEVER put a comma between the subject and predicate.
What a heartwarming story about reading aloud and friendship. I was brought out of a dark time and into the light by reading this book. THANK YOU to the author!!
Loneliness, boredom...there are other reasons that brought these strangers to this bookstore to form a special group. I'd like to join them! They become friends, love blooms, and magic happens.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to you!!
Note: Editors NEED to learn the proper use of commas!!! Also, NEVER put a comma between the subject and predicate.
What a heartwarming story about reading aloud and friendship. I was brought out of a dark time and into the light by reading this book. THANK YOU to the author!!
Loneliness, boredom...there are other reasons that brought these strangers to this bookstore to form a special group. I'd like to join them! They become friends, love blooms, and magic happens.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to you!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a lovely story. We follow individuals who join a read aloud group at a local used bookstore looking to help build community. Each character is wonderful and going through some sort of grief , but the story is overwhelmingly positive in feel. I especially loved Cherry as she navigates her life and purpose.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2026
Feels like being part of the Read Aloud book group
Well written, engaging and I couldn't put it down. The writer and characters draw you in, the best reading is when you feel immersed, as if being in the same room as the reading group, waiting for a turn to read aloud. I was happy with the character arc of Cherry and Trixie. Thank you you for a wonderful Saturday! Highly recommend. If you haven't read Found in a Bookshop - you may want to read it first.
Well written, engaging and I couldn't put it down. The writer and characters draw you in, the best reading is when you feel immersed, as if being in the same room as the reading group, waiting for a turn to read aloud. I was happy with the character arc of Cherry and Trixie. Thank you you for a wonderful Saturday! Highly recommend. If you haven't read Found in a Bookshop - you may want to read it first.
May 17, 2026
3.5✨
What a lovely heartwarming read about the power of reading. It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day under a blanket! I love books about books and the Reading Aloud project was a fantastic concept. Even with four character storylines, it never felt confusing, and Stephanie did a beautiful job of weaving grief, loneliness and the weight of caring for others into the story. It showed how books and the community can hold you even when life gets heavy.
What a lovely heartwarming read about the power of reading. It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day under a blanket! I love books about books and the Reading Aloud project was a fantastic concept. Even with four character storylines, it never felt confusing, and Stephanie did a beautiful job of weaving grief, loneliness and the weight of caring for others into the story. It showed how books and the community can hold you even when life gets heavy.
May 17, 2026
I love Stephanie Butland’s books. The world she built in York at Lost For Words bookstore is one I would like to visit!
Trixie (store mgr) starts her community outreach program, the Reading Project Group, for adults to read aloud to others. As always, store customers and employees are part of the action. Cherry Fox and her sister Peaches play a big part in this book.
I love books about books, book groups, bookstores… this does not disappoint!
Trixie (store mgr) starts her community outreach program, the Reading Project Group, for adults to read aloud to others. As always, store customers and employees are part of the action. Cherry Fox and her sister Peaches play a big part in this book.
I love books about books, book groups, bookstores… this does not disappoint!
April 29, 2026
This book was meant to be savored, not rushed through. It shows how the joy of reading can connect others, create a sense of community, and help get through life’s toughest moments. This isn’t a book that’s meant to keep you on edge the whole time, which was a nice break for my nervous system. The characters each brought their own personality and layer to the plot; I felt connected to all of them by the end of the book. Very much enjoyed this read :)
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