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Borrow a Bookshop #3
Solsken över Semesterbokhandeln
Semesterbokhandeln håller på att återhämta sig från vinterns översvämning när den senaste tillfälliga bokhandlaren, Joy Foley, dyker upp i Clove Lore med sin femåriga dotter. Hon har stora planer på att förnya bokhandeln med sina teknikkunskaper. Men Joy har en hemlighet: Hon är på flykt från sin dotters pappa, och enda sättet att hålla sig i säkerhet är att ständigt vara i rörelse. Snart börjar hon knyta band till byn, särskilt till Monty, den före detta fiskaren som nu är kock på byns pub. Men kan hennes nya vänner och Monty övertala Joy att sluta fly och våga bygga ett nytt liv i Clove Lore?
Solsken över Semesterbokhandeln är en varm, romantisk berättelse som är perfekt för alla som älskar Jenny Colgan och Lucy Diamond.
KILEY DUNBAR är skotska och bor i England med sin man, två barn och bedlingtonterriern Amos. Hon skriver på fritiden, när hon inte arbetar som universitetsadjunkt i engelsk litteratur och kreativt skrivande.
Solsken över Semesterbokhandeln är en varm, romantisk berättelse som är perfekt för alla som älskar Jenny Colgan och Lucy Diamond.
KILEY DUNBAR är skotska och bor i England med sin man, två barn och bedlingtonterriern Amos. Hon skriver på fritiden, när hon inte arbetar som universitetsadjunkt i engelsk litteratur och kreativt skrivande.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2023
55 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 12, 2023
So cosy. Quite comforting. Just the exact dose of what you will need for a weekend to relax with.
This is the story of Joy, a mum of a five year old daughter, trying to find her place and have a peaceful life with her daughter. She’s a tech expert who would be working at the Borrow a Bookshop bookstore. Everything is new for her and her daughter at Clove Lore.
There she meets an ex fisherman, Monty, who she would get close to. It’s their story that’s so cute and comforting at the same time.
It is the story of a community and almost like a found family in the making.
Just get this book when it comes out. The perfect read for a cosy summer evening.
Thank you, Hera Books, for the advance reading copy.
This is the story of Joy, a mum of a five year old daughter, trying to find her place and have a peaceful life with her daughter. She’s a tech expert who would be working at the Borrow a Bookshop bookstore. Everything is new for her and her daughter at Clove Lore.
There she meets an ex fisherman, Monty, who she would get close to. It’s their story that’s so cute and comforting at the same time.
It is the story of a community and almost like a found family in the making.
Just get this book when it comes out. The perfect read for a cosy summer evening.
Thank you, Hera Books, for the advance reading copy.
February 13, 2023
Can you hear that?! It’s the call of the sea! Come escape to the magic of Clove Lore on the Cornish coast!
If you aren’t familiar with the premise of this series…the focal point is an Airbnb style bookshop in a quaint village where digital nomads can rent the space for a two-week holiday and run the bookshop. This is book 3 and it begins 7 months after a flood has destroyed all its stock and the bookshop has been renovated.
Jane Foley and her daughter Radia Pearl are the newest Borrowers, temporary booksellers, at Borrow-a-Bookshop in Clove Lore. Jane is a tech expert and part of her rental agreement is to update the store for the 21st century; a new website, security system, keyless entry and install a digital stock system. This is the perfect getaway for these two as unbeknownst to anyone, they’re running from Radia Pearl’s father. They’ve been living a life of itinerancy and restlessness since Radia was born.
The quirky community grows on these two and they discover that keeping their distance isn’t easy this time.
Author Kiley Dunbar explores what it’s like to escape coercive control, experience estrangement from family and feel let down by loved ones. She highlights the Japanese art of restoration in her examination of embracing imperfections and then lightens the tone of the story with twin mixups, quirky and eccentric villagers, wedding mishaps and storytime at the bookshop.
You’ll have to read about the handsome Montague David Bickleigh and his role in helping the latest renters settle in. He’s the bridge that Jane didn’t know she needed - the bridge to connecting with her old life so that she can move forward.
I loved Radia’s excitement at discovering the bookshop - it’s not something you see very much any more! I connected to Jane when I discovered she hates small talk with strangers and connected with Montague when he mentioned that a fisherman’s family doesn’t rest until the boats are tied up at the harbour. I only rest easy when everyone in the house is home for the night and my family has learned to put up with my anxiety. The best part? When Radia did some gardening! You’ll have to read to find out.
I think this is the best book of the series and I can’t wait to see what Dunbar has planned next.
I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
If you aren’t familiar with the premise of this series…the focal point is an Airbnb style bookshop in a quaint village where digital nomads can rent the space for a two-week holiday and run the bookshop. This is book 3 and it begins 7 months after a flood has destroyed all its stock and the bookshop has been renovated.
Jane Foley and her daughter Radia Pearl are the newest Borrowers, temporary booksellers, at Borrow-a-Bookshop in Clove Lore. Jane is a tech expert and part of her rental agreement is to update the store for the 21st century; a new website, security system, keyless entry and install a digital stock system. This is the perfect getaway for these two as unbeknownst to anyone, they’re running from Radia Pearl’s father. They’ve been living a life of itinerancy and restlessness since Radia was born.
The quirky community grows on these two and they discover that keeping their distance isn’t easy this time.
Author Kiley Dunbar explores what it’s like to escape coercive control, experience estrangement from family and feel let down by loved ones. She highlights the Japanese art of restoration in her examination of embracing imperfections and then lightens the tone of the story with twin mixups, quirky and eccentric villagers, wedding mishaps and storytime at the bookshop.
You’ll have to read about the handsome Montague David Bickleigh and his role in helping the latest renters settle in. He’s the bridge that Jane didn’t know she needed - the bridge to connecting with her old life so that she can move forward.
I loved Radia’s excitement at discovering the bookshop - it’s not something you see very much any more! I connected to Jane when I discovered she hates small talk with strangers and connected with Montague when he mentioned that a fisherman’s family doesn’t rest until the boats are tied up at the harbour. I only rest easy when everyone in the house is home for the night and my family has learned to put up with my anxiety. The best part? When Radia did some gardening! You’ll have to read to find out.
I think this is the best book of the series and I can’t wait to see what Dunbar has planned next.
I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 7, 2023
The borrow a bookshop sees sparks fly again. Joy comes with her daughter Radia to work on the bookshops computer system and website. She is a digital nomad to be on the run from her ex.
I really liked Monty in this book because he is just so easy going. He was so patient with all of Joy's past baggage. Radia brought the fun and was always very blunt about everything. The "petting zoo" stag party was a hoot.
I loved the welcoming hometown feel of this book, but sometimes Joy was freaking out jumping at shadows a bit too much. It all calmed down and wrapped up nicely in the end. I want another bookshop romance, who next?
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
I really liked Monty in this book because he is just so easy going. He was so patient with all of Joy's past baggage. Radia brought the fun and was always very blunt about everything. The "petting zoo" stag party was a hoot.
I loved the welcoming hometown feel of this book, but sometimes Joy was freaking out jumping at shadows a bit too much. It all calmed down and wrapped up nicely in the end. I want another bookshop romance, who next?
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
April 26, 2023
Joy was a hard character for me to bond with. I felt like her reasons for her actions and reactions were over the top and extreme but it did come together beautifully in the end with forgiveness and apologies.
June 9, 2025
It has been a long time since I was last at Clove Lore and I found it was like returning to visit old friends. The steep hill, the smell of the bookshop and the heart-warming characters meant it was like I had never been away. And if you are a first timer to the Bookshop then never fear: this is definitely a book you can read on its own.
I enjoyed this book because it had so many layers to the plot. Not only do readers witness how the Bookshop is getting back on its feet after terrible flooding (see book two), but this is as much about the characters as it is about the charming shop. It is Joy’s turn as resident bookseller and she has been contracted in to install the new technology needed for the bookshop. Security cameras, digital cataloguing and a new website, Joy finds herself enjoying this isolated role with her young daughter by her side. However, it is evident that Joy has elements to her past that she wishes to keep hidden and there are reasons for her digital nomadic lifestyle where she is constantly on the move and never feels like she can fully relax. In other words, unlike her name, she struggles to find Joy in her life and is always looking over her shoulder.
Therefore, Joy is an interesting character and I really sympathised with her anxieties. I enjoyed how the writer gradually reveals more about Joy’s personality and I admired her strength as a single mother, home educator and career woman – so many balls to juggle! Joy is conscious of all her decisions regarding her daughter’s upbringing and felt the recognisable “mum guilt” that she could have always done better. Joy: I hear you.
Outside of the Bookshop, there are some lighter parts of the plot combined with further emotional intensity. I enjoyed the characters of Minty and Mrs Crocombe, feeling eventually sorry for both of them when things don’t exactly go to plan. On the other hand, Monty (slightly confusing!) and Elliot have backgrounds that reflect sacrifices for family. Indeed, I could really understand Elliot’s anguish and was pleased to see him have a happy ending with his wedding.
I enjoyed this book immensely and thought it was another great return to a Bookshop that all booklovers would want to experience! The books continue to be different to one another and it is lovely to see the community of Clove Lore expanding. I am looking forward to see who will be the next person at the Bookshop and how their life will change.
With thanks to Hera books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book because it had so many layers to the plot. Not only do readers witness how the Bookshop is getting back on its feet after terrible flooding (see book two), but this is as much about the characters as it is about the charming shop. It is Joy’s turn as resident bookseller and she has been contracted in to install the new technology needed for the bookshop. Security cameras, digital cataloguing and a new website, Joy finds herself enjoying this isolated role with her young daughter by her side. However, it is evident that Joy has elements to her past that she wishes to keep hidden and there are reasons for her digital nomadic lifestyle where she is constantly on the move and never feels like she can fully relax. In other words, unlike her name, she struggles to find Joy in her life and is always looking over her shoulder.
Therefore, Joy is an interesting character and I really sympathised with her anxieties. I enjoyed how the writer gradually reveals more about Joy’s personality and I admired her strength as a single mother, home educator and career woman – so many balls to juggle! Joy is conscious of all her decisions regarding her daughter’s upbringing and felt the recognisable “mum guilt” that she could have always done better. Joy: I hear you.
Outside of the Bookshop, there are some lighter parts of the plot combined with further emotional intensity. I enjoyed the characters of Minty and Mrs Crocombe, feeling eventually sorry for both of them when things don’t exactly go to plan. On the other hand, Monty (slightly confusing!) and Elliot have backgrounds that reflect sacrifices for family. Indeed, I could really understand Elliot’s anguish and was pleased to see him have a happy ending with his wedding.
I enjoyed this book immensely and thought it was another great return to a Bookshop that all booklovers would want to experience! The books continue to be different to one another and it is lovely to see the community of Clove Lore expanding. I am looking forward to see who will be the next person at the Bookshop and how their life will change.
With thanks to Hera books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
This was just what I expected and needed. A cute mother daughter pair with some good subplots.
Not what I would call breezy. Dunbar had crafted a heartwarming, emotional novel which is a quick read for a holiday.
Joy is a single mother travelling job to job with her bubbly toddler, while carrying her ghosts from the past. I instantly took a liking to Joy and you can't help but sympathise with her, but be proud of her at the same time. And her daughter Radia is a pure delight. Talkitive, extroverted, understanding, and childish, I found myself whiching for such a companion. Other characters are well written too, notably Patti, Monty and Mrs C.
If you're looking for beautiful scenery, a sweet romance, HEA, single parent, lovely kid, this is a great pick. Just to add, I think this books reads pretty well as a standalone, so you needn't read the entire series.
This was my first book by Kiley Dunbar, but I am in love with her writing style and ideas. I hundred percent recommend Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop and can't wait to read more by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not what I would call breezy. Dunbar had crafted a heartwarming, emotional novel which is a quick read for a holiday.
Joy is a single mother travelling job to job with her bubbly toddler, while carrying her ghosts from the past. I instantly took a liking to Joy and you can't help but sympathise with her, but be proud of her at the same time. And her daughter Radia is a pure delight. Talkitive, extroverted, understanding, and childish, I found myself whiching for such a companion. Other characters are well written too, notably Patti, Monty and Mrs C.
If you're looking for beautiful scenery, a sweet romance, HEA, single parent, lovely kid, this is a great pick. Just to add, I think this books reads pretty well as a standalone, so you needn't read the entire series.
This was my first book by Kiley Dunbar, but I am in love with her writing style and ideas. I hundred percent recommend Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop and can't wait to read more by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2023
What an awesome vacation idea! You get to stay in a small charming village bookshop/coffee shop and run it while staying in rooms above it in a beautiful seaside location. In the case of our main characters, a mother and young daughter, it is actually a working stay as she has been hired to update the technology systems of the property for the future visitors to use. This is a wonderful story of being on the move while trying to raise your daughter and finding that place that you belong. Great plot, fun characters, wonderful setting all make this a fun read that is just what you need to read! A clean read without graphic steam so enjoy taking a visit to a new location and immerse yourself in the people.
July 9, 2025
Inte riktigt lika bra som de andra två men nästan! Jag skulle också gärna vilja åka dit, men tills dess får jag väl istället hoppas att nästa del kommer på svenska inom en väldigt snar framtid!
February 11, 2023
I think this was my favourite in the Borrow the Bookshop series so far. I loved coming back to Clove Lore and meeting all the old friends again and getting to know Joy and Radia was just wonderful. I love how the series mixes the lives of the bookshop borrowers with the residents of Clove Lore and you learn so much about everyone in every new instalment.
In this instalment we meet Joy the digital nomad who has been tasked with cataloguing all the books after the big flood of the second book Joy brings along Radia who is just a ball of sunshine and talks to everyone about everything under the sun. Joy meets Monty a fisherman turned chef at the local pub they hit it off from the start but is Joy ready for a new man in her life?
I loved the setting and the found family trope a lot. I hope we visit Clove Lore again someday.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Kiley Dunbar for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
In this instalment we meet Joy the digital nomad who has been tasked with cataloguing all the books after the big flood of the second book Joy brings along Radia who is just a ball of sunshine and talks to everyone about everything under the sun. Joy meets Monty a fisherman turned chef at the local pub they hit it off from the start but is Joy ready for a new man in her life?
I loved the setting and the found family trope a lot. I hope we visit Clove Lore again someday.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Kiley Dunbar for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 29, 2023
If you love books about bookshops, Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar is engaging women’s fiction with a side of romance.
Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop is #3 in the Borrow a Bookshop Series but can be read as a stand alone. The premise for the series is based on a real life bookstore (see below) where bookworms can stay at the bookshop for two weeks and run it as their own.
It’s been seven months since the quaint coastal village of Clove Lore suffered a devastating flood. In the opening pages of the story, Joy (and her young daughter) arrives in the village to install new technology at the bookshop. While it takes Joy some time to open up to the quirky community, her daughter quickly makes friends. What the community doesn’t know is that Joy is running from something in her life and never stays in one place long enough for her past to catch up with her. Complications arise when she meets Monty and finds herself being drawn into the community. Can Joy stop running and make a new life in Clove Lore?
The Borrow a Bookshop Series is an interesting story because this “borrow a bookshop” concept is real! There is a bookstore in Wigtown, Scotland where book lovers wait on a list for years for their opportunity to run a bookshop for two weeks. So, part of the fun of the book is knowing that this idea is based in reality. Would you consider the opportunity?
If I were shelving this story, I wouldn’t shelf it as a romance, although slow-burn romance is certainly an element of the story. Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop is more accurately shelved as women’s fiction in my opinion. A great deal of the story focuses on Joy’s journey of running from her past, her sense of safety, taking risks, and making the right decisions for her young daughter. When I think of the romance genre, I think of a story whose central focus is the romance. This story is multilayered and romance is one layer. That being said, the story provides an HEA and a lovely, feel-good ending which is expected in the romance genre. It’s certainly understandable that many readers will consider this a romance. As usual, I’m overthinking it! LOL
I love quirky characters, and in Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop, we have a full cast of colorful characters! If you enjoy a small town atmosphere and supportive community, there’s lots to love here.
One thoughtful theme is definitely “supportive community.” The colorful cast of characters in this quaint seaside village rounds out the story. Other themes include helping others, the courage to carry on, supporting friends during their worst times, problem-solving, feeling safe, second chances, slow-burn romance, and hope for a brighter future.
Does the title attract your attention?! I fall hard for bookshop settings! I’m enthusiastically recommending this heartfelt story for fans of women’s fiction with substantial themes, for readers who appreciate happy endings and books about books, and for book clubs. I need to note that this book is the third in a series but it can be read as a stand-alone (I haven’t read the first one). This is a series I look forward to continuing!
Thanks #NetGalley @HeraBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #SomethingNewAtTheBorrowABookshop upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop is #3 in the Borrow a Bookshop Series but can be read as a stand alone. The premise for the series is based on a real life bookstore (see below) where bookworms can stay at the bookshop for two weeks and run it as their own.
It’s been seven months since the quaint coastal village of Clove Lore suffered a devastating flood. In the opening pages of the story, Joy (and her young daughter) arrives in the village to install new technology at the bookshop. While it takes Joy some time to open up to the quirky community, her daughter quickly makes friends. What the community doesn’t know is that Joy is running from something in her life and never stays in one place long enough for her past to catch up with her. Complications arise when she meets Monty and finds herself being drawn into the community. Can Joy stop running and make a new life in Clove Lore?
The Borrow a Bookshop Series is an interesting story because this “borrow a bookshop” concept is real! There is a bookstore in Wigtown, Scotland where book lovers wait on a list for years for their opportunity to run a bookshop for two weeks. So, part of the fun of the book is knowing that this idea is based in reality. Would you consider the opportunity?
If I were shelving this story, I wouldn’t shelf it as a romance, although slow-burn romance is certainly an element of the story. Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop is more accurately shelved as women’s fiction in my opinion. A great deal of the story focuses on Joy’s journey of running from her past, her sense of safety, taking risks, and making the right decisions for her young daughter. When I think of the romance genre, I think of a story whose central focus is the romance. This story is multilayered and romance is one layer. That being said, the story provides an HEA and a lovely, feel-good ending which is expected in the romance genre. It’s certainly understandable that many readers will consider this a romance. As usual, I’m overthinking it! LOL
I love quirky characters, and in Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop, we have a full cast of colorful characters! If you enjoy a small town atmosphere and supportive community, there’s lots to love here.
One thoughtful theme is definitely “supportive community.” The colorful cast of characters in this quaint seaside village rounds out the story. Other themes include helping others, the courage to carry on, supporting friends during their worst times, problem-solving, feeling safe, second chances, slow-burn romance, and hope for a brighter future.
Does the title attract your attention?! I fall hard for bookshop settings! I’m enthusiastically recommending this heartfelt story for fans of women’s fiction with substantial themes, for readers who appreciate happy endings and books about books, and for book clubs. I need to note that this book is the third in a series but it can be read as a stand-alone (I haven’t read the first one). This is a series I look forward to continuing!
Thanks #NetGalley @HeraBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #SomethingNewAtTheBorrowABookshop upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
February 19, 2023
I received a digital advance reader copy of this book from Netgalley for review purposes. Thanks!
I adore this series, so, so much! I read them much too fast because they are so darn cute, and then I have to wait an eternity for the next installment! Two weeks running a bookshop/cafe in a charming seaside town sounds just about perfect, sign me up!
I adore this series, so, so much! I read them much too fast because they are so darn cute, and then I have to wait an eternity for the next installment! Two weeks running a bookshop/cafe in a charming seaside town sounds just about perfect, sign me up!
February 14, 2023
I'm already a firm fan of the Borrow a Bookshop series and couldn't wait to dive into the third instalment, wanting to find out what happened next.
Having said that, it is quite easy to read each book as a standalone. What happens in previous books is helpful to know but not essential. It just adds an extra layer of understanding and emotional connection to the returning characters that you meet in this book.
Joy and her five-year-old daughter, Radia, are the newest borrowers for the length of this book. Joy is known as a digital nomad, travelling around the globe from contract to contract with her daughter in tow. She is tasked with helping to set up a new technical system for the bookshop, as well as new digital locks, and designing a new website for the Borrow A Bookshop in the revamp that takes place after a devastating flood in the village of Clove Lore.
She's also running away from something else, which prevents her from settling anywhere with her daughter. However, regrets are running through her mind constantly as she sees how much Radia needs stability and normality, too.
The residents of this friendly town are eager to help her settle in, and slowly her wall of emotional security is broken down, with Radia helping to ensure her mother opens up more to others,
And what would a romance book be without that spark of attraction?
Enter Monty, one of the fishing twins, who has had to give up his passion for being on the family boat with his brother to work in the local pub as a chef, dreaming up wonderful seafood recipes while having to serve up pies and sausage and mash to the pub food expectant holiday guests.
You can sense the chemistry between these two from the moment they meet, and I loved the slow-burn build-up of their connection.
I also loved the little side story romance involving the local ice cream seller, who loves keeping a book on the new borrowers and taking bets on who might pair up with someone local. This time, she has her own little love story, which was just precious!
A wonderful read which made me feel warm and gooey inside. Perfect for a pick-me-up, and I warn you, if you haven't already, you'll want to read the first two, too, to see what happened previously!
Now, I wait impatiently to find out if another book in the series will be coming our way!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.
Having said that, it is quite easy to read each book as a standalone. What happens in previous books is helpful to know but not essential. It just adds an extra layer of understanding and emotional connection to the returning characters that you meet in this book.
Joy and her five-year-old daughter, Radia, are the newest borrowers for the length of this book. Joy is known as a digital nomad, travelling around the globe from contract to contract with her daughter in tow. She is tasked with helping to set up a new technical system for the bookshop, as well as new digital locks, and designing a new website for the Borrow A Bookshop in the revamp that takes place after a devastating flood in the village of Clove Lore.
She's also running away from something else, which prevents her from settling anywhere with her daughter. However, regrets are running through her mind constantly as she sees how much Radia needs stability and normality, too.
The residents of this friendly town are eager to help her settle in, and slowly her wall of emotional security is broken down, with Radia helping to ensure her mother opens up more to others,
And what would a romance book be without that spark of attraction?
Enter Monty, one of the fishing twins, who has had to give up his passion for being on the family boat with his brother to work in the local pub as a chef, dreaming up wonderful seafood recipes while having to serve up pies and sausage and mash to the pub food expectant holiday guests.
You can sense the chemistry between these two from the moment they meet, and I loved the slow-burn build-up of their connection.
I also loved the little side story romance involving the local ice cream seller, who loves keeping a book on the new borrowers and taking bets on who might pair up with someone local. This time, she has her own little love story, which was just precious!
A wonderful read which made me feel warm and gooey inside. Perfect for a pick-me-up, and I warn you, if you haven't already, you'll want to read the first two, too, to see what happened previously!
Now, I wait impatiently to find out if another book in the series will be coming our way!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.
December 1, 2024
Three books into her Borrow a Bookshop series and this third entry is a firm favourite of mine. Kiley Dunbar sets a surprisingly dark and serious story amongst the cozy settings of Clove Lore. This time, Joy Foley has arrived at the bookshop with her 5-year-old daughter to bring her tech expertise to bringing the shop into the 21st century. Joy who has travelled for her work constantly with her young daughter, Radia Pearl, wonders if it is time to return home after being away for so long. The dark past that Joy carries with her threatens her intended plans for the future and a budding romance with local chef and fisherman, Monty Bickleigh.
Dunbar deals with the subject of psychological and emotional abuse with empathy and gets right inside Joy’s head to show how it continues to impact her. The narrative flits between what Joy experience in the past and looks at the estrangement her former partner caused between her family and Joy as well as how she can feel her own self confidence crumbling away. Joy has not returned home for a long time as she is fearful that her ex-partner will track them down and due to this it deeply impacts the decisions she makes for her family.
Yet there is so much to celebrate in Clove Lore as well for Joy and Radia who are embraced by the local community. The two of them enjoy just living in the present moment and Radia enjoys the kinship she feels with others and yearns for a more settled life with other kids and school. Monty is also integral to how he slowly helps to bring some of Joy’s walls down and help her to see what is in front of her but also to understand what a safe relationship can look like.
Of the three books in this series so far, this one did leave me with a genuine smile for its sweet ending. Roll on book 4 for the next occupants of the bookshop.
Dunbar deals with the subject of psychological and emotional abuse with empathy and gets right inside Joy’s head to show how it continues to impact her. The narrative flits between what Joy experience in the past and looks at the estrangement her former partner caused between her family and Joy as well as how she can feel her own self confidence crumbling away. Joy has not returned home for a long time as she is fearful that her ex-partner will track them down and due to this it deeply impacts the decisions she makes for her family.
Yet there is so much to celebrate in Clove Lore as well for Joy and Radia who are embraced by the local community. The two of them enjoy just living in the present moment and Radia enjoys the kinship she feels with others and yearns for a more settled life with other kids and school. Monty is also integral to how he slowly helps to bring some of Joy’s walls down and help her to see what is in front of her but also to understand what a safe relationship can look like.
Of the three books in this series so far, this one did leave me with a genuine smile for its sweet ending. Roll on book 4 for the next occupants of the bookshop.
February 27, 2023
What a treat to revisit Clove Lore and its residents and meet its newest one, Joy and her daughter. Joy has come to catalog and modernize the bookshop. She is a digital nomad who goes from assignment to assignment updating and implementing computer systems. She gets to bring her daughter, Radia, with her all around the world on these assignments, which is one of the things she likes best about her job. She has a troubled past and so she likes not being settled in one place for long. Until the friendly people of Clove Lore show her what it’s like to settle down and stop running, especially the hunky sailor, Monty, who Joy has instant chemistry with. But is she ready for a new chapter in her life? Can she stay in one place finally?
Thanks to publishers, author and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Thanks to publishers, author and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
March 17, 2023
A nice, romantic read. I was hoping that Monty would get his own story as he seemed like such a sweet character in the previous books. I was interested in Joy's backstory and when it all came to light it was pretty horric. There were some real laugh out loud moments throughout (Minty is an absolute character) ans some real heart warming ones too...not to give too much away but a particular reunion had me welling up a bit. Overall, a really sweet read, no more than I expect from Kiley.
Thanks to Hera and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
Thanks to Hera and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
March 11, 2023
Joy and her daughter Radia go to a small village to set up new technology at a bookshop. The bookshop isn't your normal shop but one that people use for short periods of time to be book owner's.
Joy is trying to hide out from her abusive husband and she is weary of people in the small village.
This is certainly a sweet story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Hera Books.
Joy is trying to hide out from her abusive husband and she is weary of people in the small village.
This is certainly a sweet story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Hera Books.
April 18, 2023
This book,..oh this book!
This book satisfied my craving for a charming, fresh start romance by the sea!
And with a bookshop!
There is no suspense, but it’s not predictable either.
Just a lovely tale.
I enjoy author Kiley Dunbar’s descriptive writing style.
This is my first books of hers and I will check out her others. Especially the others in this series.
Thankyou to author Kiley Dunbar, Netgalley and
Hera Books for the opportunity to read this!
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
This book satisfied my craving for a charming, fresh start romance by the sea!
And with a bookshop!
There is no suspense, but it’s not predictable either.
Just a lovely tale.
I enjoy author Kiley Dunbar’s descriptive writing style.
This is my first books of hers and I will check out her others. Especially the others in this series.
Thankyou to author Kiley Dunbar, Netgalley and
Hera Books for the opportunity to read this!
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
March 7, 2023
This is a cute little rom com. I enjoyed this little community and it’s residents. It follows a woman and her daughter who is running but falls for a local . I will definitely read more by this author.
March 29, 2023
Somewhere I missed the second one in this installment, but it didn’t hurt or hinder this one! I love the idea of the Borrowers Bookshop - what a great idea! Second, I’ve grown quite fond of the people of this town by the sea. These books are great cozy, heartwarming reads.
September 1, 2023
Third in the series, and I’m hoping there will be more. I just love this idea of borrowing a bookshop and the romantic in me enjoys the romantic antics as the lives of characters reveal themselves. Cosy, comforting, easy. Gotta keep that small rural school going!
June 1, 2025
Another sweet story in this series. I do enjoy these books as it's such a clever idea. Who wouldn't want to borrow a bookshop for awhile. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
A lovely romantic novel. Well I thought so anyway.
March 26, 2023
Heart warming and easy to read.
March 30, 2023
I have loved this series and the community of Clove Lore. The new “ borrowers” are Joy a digital nomad and her 5 year old daughter Radia who have arrived to bring the bookshop up to date. Joy travels from job to job to keep them safe from her past. Monty is a fisherman turned chef working at the local pub. Radia has an engaging personality and befriends everyone she meets. It was lovely to catch up with everyone and hear how they were faring. A beautiful book set in an idyllic location with fascinating characters, some drama and a happy ending.
April 5, 2023
Absolutely adored returning to the borrow a bookshop.
February 14, 2023
I didn’t know until the very end that this is the third book in Borrow-a-Bookshop series but I really liked this as a standalone! It was so charming and cozy, and I fell deeply in love with the characters. Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for allowing me to read this early copy, I enjoyed it immensely!
April 8, 2023
I discovered Kiley Dunbar about a year ago and have devoured all of her books very quickly. I was so lucky to get an ARC of this new story and loved every second of the read. Joy and her daughter Radia head to Borrow a bookshop to upgrade the store’s tech and fall in love with more than just the experience of staying in the store. It will definitely make you cry, but it’s also got that warm hug feeling when you are done. Both male and female leads make you want to scream a couple of times, but in general I loved them and their story. The little bits of Radia Pearl’s young perspective give this story a sweet take as well. Kiley has done it again with great writing and a story that makes you want a small town, cozy life!
April 19, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, easy to read women's fiction/romance book.
Joy Foley and her daughter Radia Pearl arrive in Clove Lore to rent the Borrow-a-Bookshop, and help it recover from the winter flood. Monty Bickleigh helps Joy to settle in, and they get on well together, forming a friendship, and perhaps a bit more.
This is a lovely, uplifting read, and I loved the settings, the characters, and the bookshop, as well as the beautiful cover. This is book 3 in a series, all of which are wonderful, and highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Joy Foley and her daughter Radia Pearl arrive in Clove Lore to rent the Borrow-a-Bookshop, and help it recover from the winter flood. Monty Bickleigh helps Joy to settle in, and they get on well together, forming a friendship, and perhaps a bit more.
This is a lovely, uplifting read, and I loved the settings, the characters, and the bookshop, as well as the beautiful cover. This is book 3 in a series, all of which are wonderful, and highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Read
July 22, 2023ماقدرت أكمله بسبب أسلوب الكتابة… غريب وغير مفهوم، ماكنت عارفة عن مين الراوي قاعد يتكلم ولا ايش قاعد يصير للشخصيات أو وين هم قاعدين… الكتابة سيئة بس ليه ما اعرف؟ أول مرة يواجهني هالنوع من الكتابة
March 25, 2023
The first thing to say is that you don’t need to have read either of the previous books in the series to enjoy this one. The wonderful setting of the community of Clove Lore and the bookshop is the same and if you’ve read previous books, you’ll enjoy spotting familiar characters. However, this book focuses on a new set of characters and can be read as a standalone novel. This time, the bookshop borrowers are Joy and her young daughter Radia. The bookshop has been closed for some months following a flood and Joy’s job is to get a new IT system up and running so it can open again.
Joy was perhaps not as immediately likeable as some of the other characters. She’s rather prickly and closed off, keeps people at arms length and shuts herself off from the possibility of friendships let alone romantic relationship. Despite herself, she becomes attracted to lovely, kind Monty, the overworked and disillusioned chef at the local pub. As I started to find out more about why Joy was the way she was though, I had a lot of sympathy for her even if I wouldn’t necessarily have reacted the way she did. However, as a previous borrower Jude says, there’s no such thing as secrets at Clove Lore and gradually Joy’s secrets come to light.
Radia was a lovely character to read about. She’s a friendly wee girl and has travelled extensively with her mother all over the world. She’s had some amazing experiences for such a young child and has a sharp mind. With her mother being so protective of her though, for reasons which I did come to understand, she hasn’t had the chance just to be a little girl, to make friends, spend time with her family, even to go to school. She is desperate to have these kind of experiences and live a more normal life even if she doesn’t really understand what a normal life is. I felt so sorry for her but loved watching how she quickly settled into Clove Lore and craftily yet innocently made such a difference in her mother’s life.
There’s the added fun of Minty trying to get her wedding planning business up and running and using an upcoming local wedding to try to showcase what she could offer. It was so funny reading about all the ideas she had whether the happy couple wanted them of not. Never mind Bridezilla, I’m sure all her wedding suppliers dreaded seeing Minty’s name popping up on their phone screens! And in the end, all that mattered was that the happy couple were able to share their day with their friends and family.
I really enjoyed this return visit to the Borrow a Bookshop and Clove Lore. It was definitely something new and a bit different for the bookshop. There are a few characters I’d love to read more about such as Monty’s twin Tom and the inimitable Mrs C! Perhaps they will feature again in future books. With drama, laughter and romance, Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop is another delightful read from Kiley Dunbar. It’s a heart-warming, uplifting read perfect for booklovers.
Joy was perhaps not as immediately likeable as some of the other characters. She’s rather prickly and closed off, keeps people at arms length and shuts herself off from the possibility of friendships let alone romantic relationship. Despite herself, she becomes attracted to lovely, kind Monty, the overworked and disillusioned chef at the local pub. As I started to find out more about why Joy was the way she was though, I had a lot of sympathy for her even if I wouldn’t necessarily have reacted the way she did. However, as a previous borrower Jude says, there’s no such thing as secrets at Clove Lore and gradually Joy’s secrets come to light.
Radia was a lovely character to read about. She’s a friendly wee girl and has travelled extensively with her mother all over the world. She’s had some amazing experiences for such a young child and has a sharp mind. With her mother being so protective of her though, for reasons which I did come to understand, she hasn’t had the chance just to be a little girl, to make friends, spend time with her family, even to go to school. She is desperate to have these kind of experiences and live a more normal life even if she doesn’t really understand what a normal life is. I felt so sorry for her but loved watching how she quickly settled into Clove Lore and craftily yet innocently made such a difference in her mother’s life.
There’s the added fun of Minty trying to get her wedding planning business up and running and using an upcoming local wedding to try to showcase what she could offer. It was so funny reading about all the ideas she had whether the happy couple wanted them of not. Never mind Bridezilla, I’m sure all her wedding suppliers dreaded seeing Minty’s name popping up on their phone screens! And in the end, all that mattered was that the happy couple were able to share their day with their friends and family.
I really enjoyed this return visit to the Borrow a Bookshop and Clove Lore. It was definitely something new and a bit different for the bookshop. There are a few characters I’d love to read more about such as Monty’s twin Tom and the inimitable Mrs C! Perhaps they will feature again in future books. With drama, laughter and romance, Something New at the Borrow a Bookshop is another delightful read from Kiley Dunbar. It’s a heart-warming, uplifting read perfect for booklovers.
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