What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hometown Bookshop
Actress Charlotte has it a starring role in a West End show, a glittering social life and an equally high-flying boyfriend. But when her perfect existence abruptly falls apart, she retreats to her hometown on the North Yorkshire coast, finding a summer job in the local bookshop.
Greg, the grumpy, old-fashioned manager of Seaswept Books, is alarmed by Charlotte's attempts to revitalise the tired-looking bookshop. But when she discovers his secret passion for amateur dramatics, an unlikely friendship blossoms.
As Charlotte begins to question whether her showbiz life was really all that dreamy, and as Greg ventures beyond his comfort zone - with a little help from handsome librarian Nick - can both of them find the courage to start a new chapter?
Greg, the grumpy, old-fashioned manager of Seaswept Books, is alarmed by Charlotte's attempts to revitalise the tired-looking bookshop. But when she discovers his secret passion for amateur dramatics, an unlikely friendship blossoms.
As Charlotte begins to question whether her showbiz life was really all that dreamy, and as Greg ventures beyond his comfort zone - with a little help from handsome librarian Nick - can both of them find the courage to start a new chapter?
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2025
1 person is currently reading
45 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 10, 2025
Thank you to the very lovely people at Fairlight Books for my AD-GIFTED copy of Jenna Warren's second novel, The Hometown Bookshop, which us out on 21st August in paperback.
Actress Charlotte has it all: a starring role in a West End show, a glittering social life and an equally high-flying boyfriend. But when her perfect existence abruptly falls apart, she retreats to her hometown on the North Yorkshire coast, finding a summer job in the local bookshop.
Greg, the grumpy, old-fashioned manager of Seaswept Books, is alarmed by Charlotte's attempts to revitalise the tired-looking bookshop. But when she discovers his secret passion for amateur dramatics, an unlikely friendship blossoms.
As Charlotte begins to question whether her showbiz life was really all that dreamy, and as Greg ventures beyond his comfort zone - with a little help from handsome librarian Nick - can both of them find the courage to start a new chapter?
Novels featuring books, bookshops and libraries always have a big appeal for me, and this one is no exception. It's a really lovely read, and is simultaneously a loveletter to independent bookshops; a tribute to small, northern seaside towns; a story about loneliness, community, and connection; and a reminder of the importance of listening to your heart, and following your hopes and dreams.
It's a cosy, feel-good read, with strong LGBTQ representation, and Jenna Warren blends humour and poignancy in perfect measure, and with the lightest of touches.
Her main characters are well-drawn, sympathetic and appealing. Charlotte and Greg are absolute opposites personality-wise. Greg is shy, dour, grumpy, reserved, set in his ways and a bit of an old fogey even though he's only 42, whilst Charlotte is flamboyantly outgoing, confident and extremely sociable, but, as the grumpy-sunshine friendship trope plays out we see just how good they are for each other, helping each other fund a new and happier chapter in their lives.
Warm, humorous, uplifting and written with a tender, gentle hand, this really is a delightful read. Recommended.
Actress Charlotte has it all: a starring role in a West End show, a glittering social life and an equally high-flying boyfriend. But when her perfect existence abruptly falls apart, she retreats to her hometown on the North Yorkshire coast, finding a summer job in the local bookshop.
Greg, the grumpy, old-fashioned manager of Seaswept Books, is alarmed by Charlotte's attempts to revitalise the tired-looking bookshop. But when she discovers his secret passion for amateur dramatics, an unlikely friendship blossoms.
As Charlotte begins to question whether her showbiz life was really all that dreamy, and as Greg ventures beyond his comfort zone - with a little help from handsome librarian Nick - can both of them find the courage to start a new chapter?
Novels featuring books, bookshops and libraries always have a big appeal for me, and this one is no exception. It's a really lovely read, and is simultaneously a loveletter to independent bookshops; a tribute to small, northern seaside towns; a story about loneliness, community, and connection; and a reminder of the importance of listening to your heart, and following your hopes and dreams.
It's a cosy, feel-good read, with strong LGBTQ representation, and Jenna Warren blends humour and poignancy in perfect measure, and with the lightest of touches.
Her main characters are well-drawn, sympathetic and appealing. Charlotte and Greg are absolute opposites personality-wise. Greg is shy, dour, grumpy, reserved, set in his ways and a bit of an old fogey even though he's only 42, whilst Charlotte is flamboyantly outgoing, confident and extremely sociable, but, as the grumpy-sunshine friendship trope plays out we see just how good they are for each other, helping each other fund a new and happier chapter in their lives.
Warm, humorous, uplifting and written with a tender, gentle hand, this really is a delightful read. Recommended.
August 29, 2025
3,5 for this one as I did find it "a bit above average" - mainly because of the refreshing case of the two main characters NOT being love interest! The story is told through the two main characters, with an alternating pov. But the two are not and will not become involved in the romantic sense, and this was a very welcome change as most "such books" (a him and a her, intertwined plots, alternating pov, feel-good vibes, small town etc) have a coming romance at the centre.
I have a weakness for the "returning home" trope and that's what this is. Charlotte is an actress who's been employed at a theatre in London for over a decade. She returns home to help out in her sisters bookshop for the summer. And there she has to get along with the guy who runs the shop. They are very different people, but with a shared interest in theatre and acting. As the summer evolves, so do their lives and they both have some changes coming that their interactions help make clear and possible.
some key words for this one:
- Self discovery
- Returning home to childhood town
- Bookshops
- Theatre
- Acting
- Reconciliation and confrontation with a part of the past that's been shoved aside
- Following your dreams and "it's never to late"
(My only negative complaint is that the male main character seemed very immature at times, making it hard to sympathise with him. Yes, difficult experience do affect us - how we think, feel and act - but with age and some maturity, most of us are able to at least adapt a little, to behave ourselves rationally... I just couldn't connect with him.)
I have a weakness for the "returning home" trope and that's what this is. Charlotte is an actress who's been employed at a theatre in London for over a decade. She returns home to help out in her sisters bookshop for the summer. And there she has to get along with the guy who runs the shop. They are very different people, but with a shared interest in theatre and acting. As the summer evolves, so do their lives and they both have some changes coming that their interactions help make clear and possible.
some key words for this one:
- Self discovery
- Returning home to childhood town
- Bookshops
- Theatre
- Acting
- Reconciliation and confrontation with a part of the past that's been shoved aside
- Following your dreams and "it's never to late"
(My only negative complaint is that the male main character seemed very immature at times, making it hard to sympathise with him. Yes, difficult experience do affect us - how we think, feel and act - but with age and some maturity, most of us are able to at least adapt a little, to behave ourselves rationally... I just couldn't connect with him.)
August 21, 2025
The Hometown Bookshop is such a charming, uplifting read that had me smiling throughout. Alternating between Charlotte and Greg’s POVs, it offers a wonderful insight into both characters’ thoughts and emotions.
Charlotte’s retreat from her hectic West End life to her hometown Shellcliff is both heartfelt and refreshing. Greg, the grumpy but loveable bookshop manager, balances her energy perfectly, and the dynamic between them is delightful. I loved seeing their unlikely friendship blossom, especially as secrets, passions, and small-town quirks come to light.
The amateur dramatic subplots add energy and drama to the story, and there’s a great mix of characters throughout.
What really resonated with me was how the story explores loneliness and the courage it takes to step out of your shell.
Cosy, warm, and beautifully written, with just the right touch of romance and humour, this book is a perfect escape for anyone who enjoys stories about second chances, self-discovery, and, of course, bookshops.
Charlotte’s retreat from her hectic West End life to her hometown Shellcliff is both heartfelt and refreshing. Greg, the grumpy but loveable bookshop manager, balances her energy perfectly, and the dynamic between them is delightful. I loved seeing their unlikely friendship blossom, especially as secrets, passions, and small-town quirks come to light.
The amateur dramatic subplots add energy and drama to the story, and there’s a great mix of characters throughout.
What really resonated with me was how the story explores loneliness and the courage it takes to step out of your shell.
Cosy, warm, and beautifully written, with just the right touch of romance and humour, this book is a perfect escape for anyone who enjoys stories about second chances, self-discovery, and, of course, bookshops.
August 26, 2025
It goes without saying that I love a bookshop setting for a novel and Seaswept Book was perfect. We follow two characters - actress Charlotte who arrives to help run the well established bookshop her sister has just bought and Greg, the long time manager who is a little bit grumpy and set in his ways.
I loved how Charlotte found a sense of community in her old hometown - the local amateur dramatics group welcomes her and she soon finds she loves the bookshop. Greg has lots of barriers up but eventually warms to Charlotte and starts to get to know handsome librarian Nick,
A lovely story with characters you can’t help but root for, I enjoyed this especially because of the lovely bookshop setting and middle aged characters. A very enjoyable and uplifting read.
I loved how Charlotte found a sense of community in her old hometown - the local amateur dramatics group welcomes her and she soon finds she loves the bookshop. Greg has lots of barriers up but eventually warms to Charlotte and starts to get to know handsome librarian Nick,
A lovely story with characters you can’t help but root for, I enjoyed this especially because of the lovely bookshop setting and middle aged characters. A very enjoyable and uplifting read.
August 7, 2025
I loved this and absolutely inhaled it over the course of 2 days! Who am I 🫣
We’re following 48-year-old Charlotte Smith, better known as Charlotte de la Mer, a renowned West End actress. When the theatre production she’s been starring in for 10 years comes to an abrupt end, and her lawyer-turned-business owner buys yet another small business - this time their little hometown bookshop, Charlotte decides to joins her in her venture whilst she figures out what to do next. She leaves behind Alex, her co-star and boyfriend of 10 years, and meets Greg, the dusty bookshop manager in Shellcliff and local theatre director, who slowly opens up to all her extravagant bookshop reno and am-dram ideas.
This really is THE book for theatre lovers or anyone looking for a light, quick read set in a Yorkshire seaside town 🥹 and I’ve just booked a trip to York (what are the odds) so this was such a vibe! It really made me think of Jill Mansell’s book in terms of style and plot, and it reminded me of The Storied Life of A.J Fikry as well with the loveable, middle aged, grumpy bookshop owners ☺️ it was full of drama (literally lol), great lgbt representation, and an aspect of found family with Charlotte reconnecting with childhood friends and uncovering long buried truths.
I also have to say that I’d been in a bit of a reading slump for the past month or so, so the fact that I finished this in 2 days really speaks volumes. Overall, would recommend you pick it up once it comes out on August 21st, and it gets 4 ⭐️ from me!
🎁 Thank you to Fairlight Books for sending me an advance copy!
We’re following 48-year-old Charlotte Smith, better known as Charlotte de la Mer, a renowned West End actress. When the theatre production she’s been starring in for 10 years comes to an abrupt end, and her lawyer-turned-business owner buys yet another small business - this time their little hometown bookshop, Charlotte decides to joins her in her venture whilst she figures out what to do next. She leaves behind Alex, her co-star and boyfriend of 10 years, and meets Greg, the dusty bookshop manager in Shellcliff and local theatre director, who slowly opens up to all her extravagant bookshop reno and am-dram ideas.
This really is THE book for theatre lovers or anyone looking for a light, quick read set in a Yorkshire seaside town 🥹 and I’ve just booked a trip to York (what are the odds) so this was such a vibe! It really made me think of Jill Mansell’s book in terms of style and plot, and it reminded me of The Storied Life of A.J Fikry as well with the loveable, middle aged, grumpy bookshop owners ☺️ it was full of drama (literally lol), great lgbt representation, and an aspect of found family with Charlotte reconnecting with childhood friends and uncovering long buried truths.
I also have to say that I’d been in a bit of a reading slump for the past month or so, so the fact that I finished this in 2 days really speaks volumes. Overall, would recommend you pick it up once it comes out on August 21st, and it gets 4 ⭐️ from me!
🎁 Thank you to Fairlight Books for sending me an advance copy!
August 21, 2025
This was such a beautiful, heartwarming read that I loved from start to finish.
Charlotte de la Mer has been acting in the same West End theatre show for the past decade and is devastated when she learns that it is ending.
Meanwhile, Charlotte's sister Sarah has just bought over a bookshop in their seaside hometown of Shellcliff and alongside the purchase of the bookshop comes it's manager, Greg.
Charlotte, unsure what to do next, accepts her sister's offer to help turn the bookshop around. Whilst back in Shellcliff, she starts to integrate herself into society there, realising who she is as Charlotte Smith, not just glamourous London theatre actress 'Charlotte de la Mer'.
Greg and Charlotte form an unexpected bond when she realises that Greg is similar to her in a way. He is a bit of a secret actor himself and runs an amateur dramatics group. Greg thinks that everyone sees him as the dull, set in his ways, middle-aged bookshop manager who spends his time either in the shop or in the flat upstairs. Charlotte really helps him come out of his shell, socialising with the rest of the amdram group and gets him finally embarking on a romantic connection with Nick who works at the library.
This is a beautiful story focusing on friendship, combating loneliness and going for what you want without letting anything hold you back.
Charlotte de la Mer has been acting in the same West End theatre show for the past decade and is devastated when she learns that it is ending.
Meanwhile, Charlotte's sister Sarah has just bought over a bookshop in their seaside hometown of Shellcliff and alongside the purchase of the bookshop comes it's manager, Greg.
Charlotte, unsure what to do next, accepts her sister's offer to help turn the bookshop around. Whilst back in Shellcliff, she starts to integrate herself into society there, realising who she is as Charlotte Smith, not just glamourous London theatre actress 'Charlotte de la Mer'.
Greg and Charlotte form an unexpected bond when she realises that Greg is similar to her in a way. He is a bit of a secret actor himself and runs an amateur dramatics group. Greg thinks that everyone sees him as the dull, set in his ways, middle-aged bookshop manager who spends his time either in the shop or in the flat upstairs. Charlotte really helps him come out of his shell, socialising with the rest of the amdram group and gets him finally embarking on a romantic connection with Nick who works at the library.
This is a beautiful story focusing on friendship, combating loneliness and going for what you want without letting anything hold you back.
August 18, 2025
The story of The Hometown Bookshop is told in alternate chapters by Charlotte and Greg. Greg is the manager of Seaswept Books in the seaside town of Shellcliff on the North Yorkshire coast. The shop isn't exactly thriving and when it's bought by Sarah, she brings her sister Charlotte on board to help revive it.
It wasn't exactly in Charlotte's plans to go back to her home town. After ten years in a West End play she thought she was well set up in the acting business. Strangely, as time goes on, she starts to enjoy being back in Shellcliff and the challenge of making the bookshop work, not to mention the local amateur dramatics group production.
I absolutely loved this delightful book. The bookshop/seaside setting was utter perfection for me and I particularly enjoyed the chapters set there and all the ideas Charlotte had to update the place, despite Greg's horrified face! I had a real soft spot for Greg, stuck in his ways and a bit lost, and I grew to like Charlotte too who found a new direction that she didn't even know she needed.
The Hometown Bookshop is a gorgeous, joyful and uplifting read. It's light-hearted yet has emotional depth of feeling as past woes threaten both Greg and Charlotte's futures. I was completely enamoured by it, an ideal summer read about life, love, friendship, reinvention and books.
It wasn't exactly in Charlotte's plans to go back to her home town. After ten years in a West End play she thought she was well set up in the acting business. Strangely, as time goes on, she starts to enjoy being back in Shellcliff and the challenge of making the bookshop work, not to mention the local amateur dramatics group production.
I absolutely loved this delightful book. The bookshop/seaside setting was utter perfection for me and I particularly enjoyed the chapters set there and all the ideas Charlotte had to update the place, despite Greg's horrified face! I had a real soft spot for Greg, stuck in his ways and a bit lost, and I grew to like Charlotte too who found a new direction that she didn't even know she needed.
The Hometown Bookshop is a gorgeous, joyful and uplifting read. It's light-hearted yet has emotional depth of feeling as past woes threaten both Greg and Charlotte's futures. I was completely enamoured by it, an ideal summer read about life, love, friendship, reinvention and books.
August 25, 2025
The Hometown Bookshop is a life-affirming, and charming story about friendship, second chances, happiness and books!
I loved reading this, it’s such a comfort read. Set in a small town on the Yorkshire coast, there is a bookshop with a grumpy bookseller in need of some love (both shop and seller). Actress Charlotte, who grew up in this small town, comes back to help her sister when she buys the bookshop and tries to improve it. Much to her surprise she seems to enjoy the slower pace of life which makes a big change to London.
This is a story of loneliness, missed opportunities, buried grief as well as hope, new beginnings, friendship and love, the characters have depth and there is plenty of humour in the writing. Lots of things made me smile; any bookstagrammer could connect with some of the themes mentioned in here (book hoarding being one 😂). It also made me think how much I’d love to own a bookshop with a little café attached to it.
There were a couple of small things I felt were a bit too “convenient”/coincidental just to move the story along but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. It’s just a really enjoyable, uplifting read that I highly recommend!
4.5 stars
I loved reading this, it’s such a comfort read. Set in a small town on the Yorkshire coast, there is a bookshop with a grumpy bookseller in need of some love (both shop and seller). Actress Charlotte, who grew up in this small town, comes back to help her sister when she buys the bookshop and tries to improve it. Much to her surprise she seems to enjoy the slower pace of life which makes a big change to London.
This is a story of loneliness, missed opportunities, buried grief as well as hope, new beginnings, friendship and love, the characters have depth and there is plenty of humour in the writing. Lots of things made me smile; any bookstagrammer could connect with some of the themes mentioned in here (book hoarding being one 😂). It also made me think how much I’d love to own a bookshop with a little café attached to it.
There were a couple of small things I felt were a bit too “convenient”/coincidental just to move the story along but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. It’s just a really enjoyable, uplifting read that I highly recommend!
4.5 stars
July 25, 2025
My Bookish Thoughts 💬
I’m a sucker for any book with 'bookshop' in the title and a cosy shop on the cover—and The Hometown Bookshop did not disappoint.
Unlike some “bookshop” books that barely feature the shop, this one offers plenty of behind-the-scenes detail—perfect for a wannabe bookseller like me!
The amateur dramatics subplot adds brilliant energy, and the mix of personalities had me giggling, sighing, and forming very strong opinions (the best kind of reading experience!). I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Charlotte’s return to her hometown, and the way her past relationships slowly unfold, was really satisfying. And Nick the librarian? Adorable. We all deserve a Nick.
🥰 A warm, witty escape with heart, humour, and a hero you’ll fall a little in love with. If you love community-led stories, bookish settings, and second chances, this one’s for you.
💛 Huge thanks to @fairlightbooks and @jenna.warren.author for this heartwarming read.
I’m a sucker for any book with 'bookshop' in the title and a cosy shop on the cover—and The Hometown Bookshop did not disappoint.
Unlike some “bookshop” books that barely feature the shop, this one offers plenty of behind-the-scenes detail—perfect for a wannabe bookseller like me!
The amateur dramatics subplot adds brilliant energy, and the mix of personalities had me giggling, sighing, and forming very strong opinions (the best kind of reading experience!). I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Charlotte’s return to her hometown, and the way her past relationships slowly unfold, was really satisfying. And Nick the librarian? Adorable. We all deserve a Nick.
🥰 A warm, witty escape with heart, humour, and a hero you’ll fall a little in love with. If you love community-led stories, bookish settings, and second chances, this one’s for you.
💛 Huge thanks to @fairlightbooks and @jenna.warren.author for this heartwarming read.
July 10, 2025
I fell easily into the lives of Charlotte and Greg and found The Hometown Bookshop to be a cosy companion that I couldn’t put down!
The main characters have their own POV and I love how the story unravels the backstories of the characters as West End star Charlotte returns to her small, seaside hometown. I kind of expected a bookstore romance but was excited to discover the slow burn gay romance between bookshop manager Greg and librarian Nick.
This book is a tribute to independent bookshops and anyone who has ever felt not good enough to follow their dreams. It’s a relatable, feel good read and I’m sad it’s finished. Brilliant writing by Jenna Warren.
Dedicated to “the booksellers” I was delighted to receive an early copy from Farlight Books. Thank you so much for introducing me to Seaswept Books. I’d love to visit again!
The main characters have their own POV and I love how the story unravels the backstories of the characters as West End star Charlotte returns to her small, seaside hometown. I kind of expected a bookstore romance but was excited to discover the slow burn gay romance between bookshop manager Greg and librarian Nick.
This book is a tribute to independent bookshops and anyone who has ever felt not good enough to follow their dreams. It’s a relatable, feel good read and I’m sad it’s finished. Brilliant writing by Jenna Warren.
Dedicated to “the booksellers” I was delighted to receive an early copy from Farlight Books. Thank you so much for introducing me to Seaswept Books. I’d love to visit again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
This was a really nice little rom com read which is exactly what I was looking for.
I just really wish there was a little mire depth to the characters and that it didn't feel quite ao rushed.
I would definitely still recommend this book though.
I just really wish there was a little mire depth to the characters and that it didn't feel quite ao rushed.
I would definitely still recommend this book though.
August 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ - such a cute wholesome book 📚
October 25, 2025
Light hearted and quick read. Picked it up when visiting a refreshing bookstore in Alnwick. Wanted to support the store and this sounded like an appropriate book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews