Bookish

by Bernadette Marie

Emma Reynolds has spent her life lost in the pages of other people’s love stories. As the owner of The Reading Nook in the charming town of Pine Haven, Colorado, she sells happily-ever-afters by the dozen—she’s just never had her own. In her fifties, she’s convinced love isn’t in the cards for her, and her dreams of publishing a romance novel are tucked away like forgotten bookmarks.

Enter Noah broody, bestselling suspense author and reluctant literary royalty. Still mourning the loss of his wife, Noah arrives in Pine Haven for his publisher’s lavish literary event, determined to keep to himself and avoid the whispers of fame. What he doesn’t expect is Emma—the witty, passionate bookseller who challenges everything he thought he knew about second chances.

When two worlds—one quiet and book-filled, the other loud and full of expectations—collide, sparks fly. But with Noah's life rooted in New York and Emma's heart tied to her small-town sanctuary, can they write a new chapter together?

Genres: Contemporary

296 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie writes contemporary romances and believes in Happily Ever After. The married mother of five believes in love at first sight, quick love, and second chances. An avid martial artist, Bernadette Marie is a certified instructor and holds a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. She loves Tai Chi, traveling to Disney parks, and having lunch with friends. When not writing, or running her own publishing house, Bernadette is probably immersed in a Rom Com, from which she will often quote one liners.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Bookish by Bernadette Marie is a delightfully fun and sweet small-town contemporary romance. The story features a second-chance romance, unexpected love, and an overall feel-good narrative.

The charming characters are well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and flaws. They are more mature in this book, which adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship, making it feel more believable as they bring life experience into play. They thought love had passed them by, but they were simply looking in all the wrong places.

I enjoyed the effortless interactions between the characters. This story has everything that makes it a rewarding and enjoyable read, including passion, humour, hope, and love.

Leona adores her bookstore and the friendships she has formed, but she also loves playing matchmaker. If only she could find success in her own love life!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! I loved both main characters and the charming characters that were intertwined into their lives.

Emma is a bookshop owner with a 30 year old dream of a novel saved on her computer. Noah is a best selling author in town for a literary event and using her store as his work space. They instantly connect, as both connect the dots of a past interaction.

Emma and Noah are older, mature, having both lived a journey they felt comfortable enough to open up to one another about, quickly. I loved their story and the overall message of this book. It gave me a unique sense of hope and a satisfying feeling of really understanding the characters and their emotions in the short timeline.

[Erin Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the first book of Bernadette's that I have had the pleasure of reading- it definitely will NOT be the last!

Emma Reynolds is my idol.

Life goals: Own a book store in a beautiful mountain town in Colorado ✅️

Write a romance novel ✅️

Fall in love with a famous horror/thriller author (who just so happens to be a broody golden retriever) ✅️

I loved this book- the characters- their relationships. Lily is the best friend that I wish I had.

One thing I enjoyed most- these characters were not the typical twenty-something year olds- in college. They were real, relatable characters in their fifties. They had lived and experienced difficult times in their lives but those experiences brought them together.



View all my reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Reynolds has a slight history with famous author Noah Broody, they never met face to face but did exchange some emails. Hosting a literary fair is a dream come true for Emma, but having Noah using her bookshop to write is another bonus. Emma doesn't expect to enjoy his company so much. Both have a past they are moving forward from and find something special with one another. Can they both let go of their past in order to have a future.

Wonderful read, if you are a book lover this is the book for you. Loved every moment of this one. Some very funny laugh out loud moments in this story. Every character is amazing, so much fun to read.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie 

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

I Loved this book and each of the characters and so many twists to this storyline!


The one thing I have to say was that some chapters were a bit drawn out and slow in some parts.



This is my 1st book by this author Bernadette Marie. 

This was a joy to read, and I can't wait to read another one! 

This story is about a cute book store owner Emma Reynolds who lives in small town Pine Haven, Colorado who meets NYC author Thriller writer Noah Carter for a literary event in her small town. Side note- They had a brief email exchange in the past that was not very friendly,  fast forward 8 years.

 A broody author Noah rents Emma's office space,  he needs to start writing his new book since he is on a deadline, Katie the firm's event coordinator for Noah's publishing company in NYC  and Emma starts planning for the big literary book signings that is in 3 weeks.  Emma's best friends Lily and Julia who work with her in her bookstore love the idea of Noah renting a space at the Reading nook. Julia thinks he's dreamy. Lily says live a little and enjoy it while he's in town. 

 There's a coffee shop next door, an older lady, Mrs Packer, who has a door attached to the book shop so customers can shop for books and coffee .She's a hoot. She makes special brownies and edibles for friends when requested and her special blend coffee ski bum is extra caffeinated and is perfect for Noah since he doesn't sleep much. 

 When Emma has her romance book club in her store on Wednesdays. He signs his name on the sheet along with some other ladies who will be very surprised when he shows up.  
Noah and Emma are working in close quarters since he is using her small office while they prepare for the big literary event. She thought he would be a bit more grumpy but he is witty and surprisingly nice.

They get to know each other while grabbing lunch each day. Noah is a widow since his wife passed away 8 years ago and Emma is divorced. Her husband scorned her and she is very slow to trust anyone now.

 He asks Emma to go out to dinner so they go to a quiet Italian restaurant and they talk about their families and discuss books, and the town which he is amazed at how beautiful it is at night with the big sky and stars. They enjoy spending time talking,taking walks around the quaint town.


Emma has been trying to write a novel for years and Noah has been working on her computer and sees her book on her computer screen, he is trying to help give her some pointers and gives her name to a book agent Rachel Anderson, which Emma didn't know anything about, they have dinner and Noah's late wife's family come to support him and surprises him its awkward and upsetting and he doesn't know how to introduce Emma since they have been getting a bit more romantically involved and enjoying each other's company.

I liked how they entwined his late wife Abby's family into this story as well. 

 

 This book has all the Feels and keeps you wanting more and it doesn't disappoint and you won't want to put it down there are a lot of twists and turns that I don't want to spoil the ending so enjoy this page turner.  Definitely recommend this book!

[Amanda Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The author has outdone themselves on Bookish. It’s actually like my dream come true. I would love to own a bookstore and fall in love with someone like Noah. I kind of envy Emma in the story as she gets her story with Noah. Like Noah, Stephen King is one of my favorite authors and I live about an hour from Estes Park where the Stanley Hotel is located and I can say that Noah and I share the same thrill of visiting. Though I am also like Emma and would have to run out half way through said tour just to read.

Emma is in her 50’s and living life to the fullest. Living her best life owning a bookstore where she can get advanced copies of books for her store. Reading whenever she can is the dream. Hosting authors when she can is also the dream, but so is being an author herself. When a huge event comes to her town and her bookstore she is over the moon. Then the author himself is supposed to be doing a signing from her store, the same one from long ago, there in her store. How do you think she should feel? She thinks this to herself and it’s what I chose as my quote: “I don’t usually have to admit when I’m wrong. I live alone, no children or a man to answer to. I own my own business, so everyone answers to me. But, when I thought I wouldn’t like Noah by the time we were done working on my book, I was wrong. I like him even more. In fact, I respect him in an entirely different way. There is a reason he’s as successful as he is.”.

Noah Carter is someone who should be living life to the fullest. Not someone who would be hiding out in their apartment, doing nothing. Going to signing events or something like that was the only thing he’s done. He even skipped out on an event once, but he did have a good excuse. His wife at the time had just undergone her first surgery and it wasn’t good news so he took it out on someone who didn’t deserve it. He gets to meet her in person some years later and it changes how he acted. He tells this to Emma: “Honey, in this industry, no matter how excited they are about a project, they’re going to tell you to fix everything. I’ll be there with you. And, I promise that you can dig your nails into my thigh under the table if you need to.”

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet romance is hilarious. Some of the side characters, like Mrs. Packer and Dorothy, are absolutely fabulous. What Dorothy said and does when that Sylvia is out of this world great!! This was such a fun book. I enjoyed it more than I expected to.

Emma has owned and operated her book store for 12 years. It was her dream after working in her aunt’s book store as a kid and divorcing her cheating jerk of an ex-husband. The store has become her world. The store and town are hosting a literary fair soon. Emma is ecstatic. Not only is her store being used for several authors’ book signings, they plan to hold some fan events there as well.

Noah is a grumpy, reclusive suspense author. He hasn’t interacted much with the public since his wife died 8 years ago. And he plans to keep it that way. He plans to go to this literary fair in Emma’s town. So he requests a space, an office, a place that he can use to write during his time there. Emma doesn’t really want to give it to him, but she will.

Emma had a previous interaction with Noah that was not pleasant for either of them. She finds out after she starts to get to know him that it started a very bad time in his life. Emma chooses to let it go and not hold it against Noah anymore. During his time in Emma’s store, Noah and Emma get very close. They find out so much about each other. They start falling for each other. But both have serious baggage. They try to work through their history. Things get said. Things happen. They fight. They make-up. Things are getting better but Noah is only in town for a few weeks. This is a big sticking point.

Okay, no spoilers here but the ending is wonderful and sweet and so happy. This was a fun, funny read!! I hope you enjoy it!

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What epic start to my new reading year ! 📚❣️

This author is new to me but I’ve a feeling in my bones she’s going to become a firm favourite 😉❣️

So Emma helped her sing in her bookstore and she loved being in her works of books and as much as she’d love to own a romance only bookstore her love for her community has het stocking something to cater for all tastes 🥰

“ The Reading Nook” is the heart of Pine Haven and they’re getting ready for a big literary event and one of the authors is a thorn in her side from years back 😂🙈 Noah Carter and with release day coming up which coincides with event their paths cross and there’s a little animosity at first but Emma gets to spend time with Noah and gets to know the man behind g the one and I mean he did apologise and he held onto that regret for years ! I wouldn’t be to hard on Noah 🤗

Noah and his agent arrive and he seems so grumpy but there’s many layers to this beautiful man , yes I called him beautiful , how can he not be when he’s an author first off but the big thing is his character and heart , no wonder Emma had a hard time resisting him 😉🥰

I loved spending time in the bookshop , not just with the books , the employees, the patrons and what not even the neighbour with her special back shop brownies and special coffee ☕️ 😂climbed into my heart and I was tempted to put in an order for those discuss baked goods 😂

This is one of those reads you literally want to climb in and become part of ❣️📚 I think it’s safe to say it’s going to be on my top 10 list 😉

[Nancy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Bookish, and honestly, I'm surprised I took this long to read it. The first chapter completely charmed me and I am now wrapped in cozy-reading atmosphere, with that warm emotional storytelling, which Bernadette Marie does cope very nicely.

For me, what stood out was that 'the characters were relatable and felt very real'. Their reading obsession didn't seem quirky as such; books were part of her identity, which felt authentic and comforting, especially when readers consider books as their haven. I was nodding and smiling along cooing and sometimes clutching my book to my chest because same. It was peaceful and opening human development-the romance toward a natural pace comfortable in tender moments of emotional richness, the adequate tension to keep me turning pages late into the night.

The writing was smooth and captured the reader's attention and emotions. Humor, vulnerability, and a strong sense of connection with a bark between the characters and the characters are not only between readers but also with the story. Personally, I liked how that book talks about learning to know oneself and having the courage to open one's heart when the plan doesn't exactly work.

The end left me with a bittersweet feel I have known when finishing a story I didn't want to leave behind. Bookish feels like warming up a cup of tea, settling into a quiet library corner, and basking in sweet words meant for all readers, wrapped in one. Must be read by people who love heartfully romantic, bookish vibes, and characters which strike one as friends.
💖📚

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing quick read. I fell in love with the characters right at the beginning. This book is a slow burn but what makes it stand out amongst others in this genre is that the characters are a bit older. They are in their 50's and I absolutely loved that. I like thinking that there can be love no matter the age. The setting for this book is a cute little bookstore that Emma owns. Noah is a famous author and their meet cute is adorable. Well, the email exchange is not so nice but when they actually meet in person things change. Noah is still struggling with grief over his wife who passed away. Emma has never been luck in love. It just sets the stage for an amazing slow build and burn romance between the two characters. They aren't in their right state of mind to get something started right away even though the attraction is there. There is huge personal growth with the characters in the book and that is letting their guards down and taking a chance. Sometimes, the older we get the harder it is to take a chance because we are used to things being the way they have always been. Having a book showcase that no matter what your age is there is great reward in taking risks is amazing. This book practically turned its own pages and was so well written and cleverly thought trough to make sure that no matter what age the reader is they can find a connection to the characters and fall in love with them. I highly recommend reading this book and if you're like me, you will then find some more books from this author because this one was that good.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma lives in a small town and runs a bookstore which is a hub within the community and like most places is warm and inviting, although she is happy selling the idea of love and loves reading the romances but has never really had it herself and she is now in fifties she comes to terms with the fact that she may never find him.

Noah Carter comes to Pine Haven on a book tour, being a author he is forever stuck in his world but at the moment that's were he wants to be after the lost of his wife he does not seem to want to do anything but when he meets Emma things start to change.

This book is a book of second chances with Emma who is looking for love and thinks it has by-passed her and with Noah trying to carry on with life since his wife died it is beautiful to read the interactions between these two characters and watch the chemistry and build with there shared scars.

I feel this book opens the conversations with the dialogue regarding insecurities and vulnerability, looking for love late in life and the questions each of them ask them selves in the story. The story has a great pace and is a lovely easy read when you are curled up in front of the fire. The characters are well developed and that they complete each other with the different energies they bring to the relationship in the end.

I can't wait to read more books by Bernadette Marie in the future.

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming later-in-life contemporary romance set in the cozy town of Pine Haven, Colorado. It delivers a story that balances the quiet charm of a small-town bookstore with the high-stakes pressure of the publishing industry. The story follows Emma Reynolds, the fifty-something owner of The Reading Nook, who has spent her life selling other people's happily-ever-afters while keeping her own dreams of becoming an author locked away. Her life is disrupted when Noah Carter, a broody, bestselling suspense novelist mourning the loss of his wife, arrives in town for a lavish literary event. When the bookish world of Emma meets the celebrity world of Noah, their chemistry is immediate but complicated by their differing lifestyles—Noah is rooted in the fast-paced energy of New York, while Emma’s heart belongs to her quiet sanctuary in Pine Haven. Unlike many romances centered on twenty-somethings, Marie gives us a refreshing look at love in your fifties. Emma is witty and independent, and Noah’s grief is handled with significant emotional depth. The descriptions of the small town, The Reading Nook and the inner workings of a publisher’s event make this an immersive reading experience. This is a sweet, low-angst, and deeply satisfying read. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope and stories that prove it is never too late for a new chapter in life.

[Anya Davies-schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish is a sweet, book-lover’s romance that feels cozy, relatable, and easy to sink into. Emma is a bookstore owner who dreams of being a writer. She gets a great opportunity to hold a big book event with author signings, which will put her bookstore on the map. One of the authors is Noah Carter, a mystery writer. He actually invades her space to try to finish his new book, prior to the event. Most describe him as grumpy, but you see his walls start to come down in this small town, and he starts to surprise some people. Emma also starts to understand him better and opens up to new opportunities as well, due to him.
I really enjoyed the way the story centers around a love of books while still giving us real emotions and character growth. The main character is someone many readers will see themselves in—awkward, passionate, and trying to figure out both love and life at the same time. I also enjoy that these characters are of a mature age; you don’t often get that in romance books. Due to that circumstance, the romance unfolds at a comfortable pace and themes of self-confidence and embracing who you are. While a few parts felt a little predictable, the overall warmth of the story and the obvious love for reading made up for it.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish is the book if you love romances that feel like curling up in your favorite reading nook; it delivers exactly that comfort-reading energy. Following Emma Reynolds, who owns a bookstore in the charming small town of Pine Haven, where her life is steady, cozy, and built around stories. Then Noah Carter enters her life. The broody, bestselling suspense author and reluctant “literary royalty” comes to her store for a publisher event, and all hell breaks loose. Their connection builds in that satisfying way, with opposites colliding, all the heat and humor. Both our characters are later in life, with Emma in her fifties and Noah grieving the loss of his late wife. I enjoyed that both of our characters had lived full lives and were now finding love.
What worked best for me was the tender love without the over-the-top romance, while being funny in a way that was both honest and over the top, which kept me coming back from beginning to end. There were some points in the story that it felt a bit too neatly packed up, but this didn’t happen enough to detract from the story and my overall enjoyment of the read. If you are looking for a meet-cute romance, with grumpy-sunshine and second-chance romance vibes, then this is the book for you.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this author a few times and I feel like Bookish may be my favorite book so far. A story of two people in their 50s finding something they never thought they’d have again, with some animosity thrown in.
Emma knows Noah is going to bring trouble, that is if he doesn’t cancel. However the book launch is going to bring so much business to her little mom and pop book store how could she say no. She just has a history of Noah canceling on her before. Though this time not only does he come but he comes weeks in advance.
When Noah and Emma get to talking he remembers her. How could he forget? One of the worst times in his life coincides with why he knows Emma prior to now in the first place. He feels after all these years he owes her an apology but once Emma finds out why, she feels awful for holding a grudge. As they get to know one another sparks fly but it can’t be permanent, she lives in Colorado and him in New York or can it?
This story navigates their journey as they discover what they’ve both been missing and the aftermath of what that does to them and the decisions that need to be made.
If you like a sweet romance with some quirks and laughs thrown in, this book is for you!!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie. Oh my lanta, I loved this book. This author has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors so I never hesitate to pick up her books. This one was no exception and the fact that the main characters were in their 50's made my heart happy. I'm in this age group and we hardly ever get romances for our age group! This is the story of Emma who lives in the small town of Pine Haven and owns a book store. She has never really had a relationship work out so her life is pretty much her book store, The Reading Nook. Noah is a famous suspense author that is still grieving his wife that passed and he is not in the mood to be attending a book signing event in this small town at a bookstore called The Reading Nook. He has to go and he rents a office space from Emma to get started on his latest novel because he is way behind. Their first meeting was a not so nice email exchange between the two and now he seems nice and funny. They seem to have major chemistry and Emma thinks she might really like this guy. Noah is taken aback by all of this and is worried he will be untrue to his late wife if he acts on these feelings. This is such a great book about all the fun things, authors, book stores and romance.

[Brittany Shugart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal from the beginning. I was hooked from the first page. I love that the characters were slightly older in age and not in their 20-30's, but had some life experiences under their belts. The author did a fantastic job making the characters relatable and like they live in your small town.

Emma Reynolds has her own little book store and now has the opportunity to host a book signing for several authors. Noah Carter is the main attraction at this book signing event, but he doesn't know that he's about to walk into a book store with a lady who despises his guts after a not so nice previous encounter.

Noah is stuck in grief from the loss of his wife who he madly adored. Emma has been short on luck in her love life. It is the perfect stage for a slow-burn romance. When Emma realizes he isn't the same grumpy man from the emails they've exchanged, her heart opens slightly. Noah seems like the kind of person who wants to take life by the horns and uncovers a secret that Emma has been hiding. While he sneaks off in attempt to make her dreams come true, she may or may not be open to letting that secret out.

The writing was very smooth and the story flowed excellently. I feel like it kept the readers attention with humor, vulnerability.

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that I’ve read by this same author. As I jumped into this book, it reminded me of how well Marie captures her readers in her characters’ world. The characters in this story center on a love story that unfolds among older adults. It is great to see an evolving love story among older adults, as some experience young love or heartache and feel as though true love was not meant for them. Sometimes it takes time to find your right match. Emma is a small-town book store owner in a small Colorado town. She takes great pride in her store and loves connecting with those within her small community. A big-time literacy event is taking place in her town, featuring authors for meetings with customers at her store. As excitement draws in, a past experience with a famous thriller author comes to mind, and a lucky second-time encounter comes about with Noah. What Emma thinks is a disaster waiting to happen turns out to be a rare connection with Noah. Allow genuine connection and life experiences to guide your conversations toward a deeper emotional foundation. This made for a quick read in the fluidity of the words and falling in love with the story and characters themselves.

[Rochelle Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie

A bookish, small town read. Bookish takes place in a small town in Colorado during a book event. The main character, Emma, is a 50-something divorcee who owns the shop where the event is happening. A famous thriller other, Noah, emails her and asks if he can come early to use her space to write his next best seller.

I love the concept of this book. A book shop owner falling in love with a famous writer feels like the perfect story line and in the beginning it was just that. It felt perfect and I was so excited to read it. However, as the story went on it felt like it fell apart. One moment Emma talks how strong of a woman she is and then the next moment she’s yelling at Noah about how they will never make it. The back and forth was just a little too much for me and I had a hard time sticking to the story on those moments. When they were happy and falling in love it was so sweet. Noah was a heart broken widow and Emma was dumped by her narcissistic husband so I felt like they needed their happy ever after. The emotions were just too much tor a romance for me. So I ended up giving this 3 stars out of 5.

[Meghan Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie was a complete delight, and it easily became one of those rare reads that felt like coming home after a long day. From the first few pages, the small-town setting and cozy bookshop atmosphere pulled this reader in so completely that it felt less like reading a story and more like spending time with friends. Emma’s love for books, her routines, and even her hesitations felt so relatable that it was impossible not to root for her happiness every step of the way.
​

What truly made this a five-star experience was how emotionally invested it made this reader in the relationship between Emma and the author who upends her well-ordered life. Their slow-burn romance had just the right mix of tension, vulnerability, and sweetness, and there were several moments that prompted both laughter and a genuine lump in the throat. By the final page, there was that wonderful bittersweet feeling of not wanting the story to end while also feeling completely satisfied with where the characters landed, making Bookish a story this reader will be thinking about—and recommending to other book lovers—for a long time.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy their creative writing style and details that make the characters pop off the pages and into your heart. They are characters that will keep you coming back for more and written with a lot of heart and soul. This story is no different. A story about a second chance at romance and an unexpected romance all in one. Emma owns The Reading Nook. She has dreams of romance but has not found it. Noah, who is a suspense author, is coming to The Reading Nook for a book event. Still moving past losing his wife, he finds something at The Reading Nook that he never expected. As their two worlds collide, will they find a happily ever after? What these two bring to their story is something you don’t want to miss. Their story is easy and entertaining to read. They are strong, heart-felt characters that I had no problems connecting with. I enjoyed their chemistry and growth together that made their story hard to put down. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is a great story from beginning to end. I highly recommend this story.

[Sarah Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are first impressions always right?

A small town bookstore owner, Emma, with a 30 year novel in the works agrees to host a literary event. This event brings a broody thriller writer, Noah, back into her life. With preparations for the event on going, Emma gets thrown for a loop when Noah wants to come to town early to work on his next novel. He needs a space and without many options her office at the book shop is the spot. When he offers to fix a squeaky door, she wonders if he is the same person who blew off the signing years ago. Over the days, her eyes begin to see that he is not all what she thought or what the rumors had said.

Noah needs a change to unblock his writing for his novel. The upcoming book tour in a small town is the perfect local to get out of the big city. Without many options, he is renting a space in a bookshop. When he meets the owner, his body sparks to life and longs to spend time with her. Is it possible to find another who can mend his heart?

With the characters being a bit more experienced, the blossoming relationship is quite believable. A cozy small-town romance that ropes in the reader for a happily ever after.

[Heather Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie was my first experience reading this author, and it turned out to be a pleasant and enjoyable introduction to her work. The novel is warm and comforting, celebrating the love of books and the meaningful connections they create between people.

Set in a cozy bookstore, the story follows characters who are easy to relate to and feel genuine. Each one faces personal challenges, and their journeys unfold in a natural and engaging way. The main character’s growth stands out, focusing on themes of self-discovery, belonging, and the importance of friendship.

Marie’s writing style is simple and inviting, making the book easy to read and relaxing. The bookstore setting adds charm and creates a welcoming atmosphere that book lovers will especially appreciate. The story moves at a calm pace, allowing readers to enjoy the characters and their experiences without feeling rushed.

Overall, Bookish is a feel-good novel that makes a strong first impression. As a first-time reader of Bernadette Marie, I found the book enjoyable and satisfying, and it left me interested in exploring more of her work in the future.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful small town romance. It is full of feelings and emotions and the characters are so well developed and relatable. Both of the characters are dealing with issues from their past and they are both surprised when they find love when they least expect it.

Emma loves her bookshop. He favourite genre is romance and she loves getting lost in other people's happy ever afters. But since her marriage ended she has stopped looking for her own. By staying in her bookshop and living through the characters in books she is able to keep her heart safe.

Noah is an author who is coming for a signing in Emma's store. When Noah lost his wife he closed himself off from the world giving off the impression of being grumpy and unapproachable.

When they meet they can deny how easy their chemistry is and the closer they get and the more they learn about each other the sparks start to fly.

But could this ever work. With Noah tied to his life in New York and Emma loving her small town can they find a way to build on the start of their story or will it end before it has a chance to even begin?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie.
4 of 5 Stars
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Emma owns The Reading Nook, a bookshop in the small but charming town of Pine Haven, Colorado. In her fifties, Emma is convinced love is not on the cards for her, and has also forgotten her dream of publishing her own romance novel. Bestselling suspense author and literary royalty Noah Carter, is still mourning the loss of his wife when he arrives in Pine Haven. He’s reluctantly there for his publisher’s lavish literary event but is determined to keep in the background. Then Noah meets passionate bookseller Emma, and neither of them can ignore their instant chemistry. However, Noah’s life is in New York and Emma’s in Pine Haven, so they don’t see how can they make a relationship work. I was hooked throughout by this second chance romance, and I love the fact that the main female character and love interest is in her fifties. Both Emma and Noah are realistic and relatable characters whose chemistry definitely came through in the narrative. The small town feel of Pine Haven really set the scene and I was fully immersed in the storyline.

[Kristi McChurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books feel like a warm cup of coffee and a knowing smile—and Bookish is exactly that.
As a reader who truly loves stories about readers, I was instantly drawn in. This book celebrates the magic of books, the comfort they bring, and the way they quietly stitch people together when life feels a little messy. It’s relatable, cozy, and heartfelt without trying too hard to be anything it’s not.
The characters feel real—flawed, hopeful, and deeply human. I loved how the story leaned into emotional connection rather than rushing the romance. There’s a sweetness here that feels earned, not forced, and moments that made me smile because they felt so familiar as a book lover.
Bookish is a love letter to readers—the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. It’s comforting, charming, and leaves you feeling a little lighter than when you started.
If you adore books about books, characters who find themselves through stories, and romances that grow gently but meaningfully, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

[Emma Samways · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love a good romance and this didn't disappoint! It had everything I wanted in a romance novel. It was set in a beautiful location called Pine Haven, Colorado, it was funny in places and had a few sizzling scenes.
Emma and Noah have met over emails in the distant past and Emma's impression of him isn't a good one; so when he arrives early for his book signing and takes up her office space Emma is more than a little put out. But as she gets to know him and sees the man beneath the brash exterior she starts to fall for him and vice versa; they really hit it off. He's still healing after his wife died and she's trying to heal after her ex left her so it's a wonderful tale of healing and self discovery and they both find themselves again because of each other. But he's a famous author with a life in New York with deadlines and constant meetings and she's from a rural mountainous town. Can it ever work long distance? And can they trust each other to be faithful while away from each other?

[Ashley Hasting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookish by Bernadette Marie is an absolute delight for anyone who truly loves books, bookstores, and the magic of stories. From the very first page, this novel feels like a warm hug wrapped in paperbacks, coffee, and heartfelt emotion.
Bernadette Marie has a beautiful way of bringing her characters to life. They feel real, relatable, and wonderfully flawed, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys. The story blends romance, self-discovery, and the comfort of books in a way that feels both cozy and meaningful.
What I loved most was how deeply Bookish celebrates the power of reading and how stories connect people, heal hearts, and inspire courage. The pacing is smooth, the writing is engaging, and the emotional moments land perfectly without feeling forced.
If you enjoy book-centered stories, heartfelt romance, and characters you’ll miss long after you turn the last page, Bookish is a must-read. I would happily recommend this to fellow book lovers and will absolutely be picking up more from Bernadette Marie.

[Helen Sucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bookish” by Bernadette Marie is set in a lovely little bookshop called “The Reading Nook”, run by Emma Reynolds. Now in her fifties and with only failed relationships behind her, Emma has decided that the only “happy-ever-after” she will get is in between the covers of one of the books in her romance section.

When a prestigious book-signing event decides to run in her hometown of Pine Haven, and make her bookstore it’s hub, Emma meets Noah Carter, a broody suspense author who she knows by reputation only to be troublesome and abrupt. Noah is still quietly grieving the loss of his wife and doesn’t know what he is in for when he meets the initially hostile Emma.
Emma and Noah’s worlds couldn’t be more different, yet somehow when they meet in person, a sense of connection is immediate.

Where will this big-city author and small-town bookish store owner end up? So many good twists and turns – literally could not put it down!!

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookish was a fun romance by Bernadette Marie about a grumpy author and a bookstore owner who's sworn off love. Emma met Noah online years ago when he cancelled last minute for a book signing at her aunt's bookstore. After his last-minute cancellation, there were several unpleasant emails between the two, and until now, she hadn't seen or heard from Noah. As Emma prepares for a book signing event in her community at her own bookstore, she realizes that one of the authors coming is none other than Noah, the author she had exchanged unpleasant emails with previously. Throughout this story, Noah and Emma learn to accommodate one another and work to put their past experiences behind them to move forward with the book signing event. Unexpectedly, after a night of sharing a special brownie from the bakery next door, their relationship takes a complete turnaround. This was a fantastic romance that had me cheering for a happily ever after.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2025