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The Story People
Bookstore owner Benjamin Palermo is ready to turn the page to the next chapter of his life, and every lady in town is eager to help by finding him a suitable wife! The subtle humor and gentle inspiration of The Story People will encourage readers to savor life's little snippets of joy.
364 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
8 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Heather Kaufman
6 books943 followersHeather Kaufman lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 3, 2022
About this book:
“When Ben Palermo inherited his uncle's bookstore in small-town New Holden, Indiana, it was like stepping back in time. The nostalgia, however, is tainted by a painful past, one that Ben would rather leave behind. Can he stay in this town and run the business that holds so many conflicting memories for him? Or will he finally sell?
When a group of well-meaning women make it their mission to keep him in town by finding him a wife, his life is about to get more interesting ... and complicated.
Rosemary is a children's author and illustrator with a painful history of her own. When she meets Ben, she is overwhelmed by his disarming charm . . . and familiarity. But when a series of events casts Ben in a suspicious light and a persistent friend makes claims on her heart, Rosemary must discover the truth in order to finally reconnect with her past.
The Story People is a celebration of the connection forged when a book is opened, loved, and shared and the vision and purpose found when letting God use you wherever you are.”
Series: As of now, no.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, remembered, & talked about; Many Prayers & Blessings over food; Praising & Thanking God; Church going & a sermon; Quite a few Talks about God, trusting Him, & gifts; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of Thanking God; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches, church going, hymns, services, sermons, studies, & pastors; Mentions of ministries; Mentions of youth group mission trips; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of Christians & faiths; A few mentions of religious books; A couple mentions of Vacation Bible Schools; A mention of praising God; A mention of a Christian singer;
*Note: Impersonating a ghost to make people think a place is haunted; Mentions of making a place haunted & impersonating a ghost; A few mentions of people thinking a dog’s name is Jesus Christ & therefore blasphemy (it’s actually named after Julius Caesar); A couple mentions of superstitions; A mention of supernatural beings; A mention of hot beverages being religiously consumed; A mention of religiously avoiding something.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘confounded’, a form of ‘drat’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘sucker’, two forms of ‘idiot’, and two forms of ‘stupid’; Some eye rolling; A bit of pain & falling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a car accident & deaths; Mentions of Rosemary’s parents (verbal) fighting and divorce & her father leaving; Mentions of breaking and entering; Mentions of pain & injuries; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of someone hitting a deer & injuries; A few mentions of a drunk’s addictions; A few mentions of (alcoholic) drinks; A couple mentions of drinking wine; A couple mentions of animal waste; A mention of bombs; A mention of a nightclub; A mention of cigarettes; A mention of vomit; A mention of jealousy;
*Note: A couple mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of Starbucks; A mention of (the dislike of) vampires; A mention of a TV show (Gilmore Girls).
Sexual Content- an almost (semi-detailed) kiss, a jaw kiss, a cheek kiss, two not-detailed kisses, and two border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Remembering an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss someone (up to semi-detailed); Flirting; Touches, Hand Holding, Embraces, Warmth, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Butterflies; Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Ben is clung to by a touchy girl; Mentions of an almost kiss, kisses, & kissing; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of a clingy, touchy girl towards Ben; Mentions of someone throwing themselves at others & thinking he’s a ladies’ man/player; Mentions of relationships, dating, asking someone out, dates, & boyfriends; Mentions of crushes & like liking someone; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of Rosemary’s mom being seventeen when she delivered her; A few mentions of a hand kiss; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of Rosemary’s dad who left their family & moved in with a woman he was seeing; A mention of friends who are boy-crazy; Love, falling in love, & the emotions (2x);
*Note: A few mentions of inappropriately low-cut tops & dips; A few mentions of butting into someone’s business; A mention of thinking someone was acting like a pedophile (he actually wasn’t); A mention of an effeminate looking man; A mention of a woman’s curvy figure; A mention of being braless; A mention of someone butting into a conversation; A mention of wanting to tell someone to butt out.
-Benjamin “Ben” Palermo, age 29
-Rosemary Berg, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them & a handful of others
364 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Five Stars
{Add ½ star for those who love bookstores and make-believe.}
What a gem I’ve found on my TBR shelf.
I found out about this book back in 2016 and it sat on my To-Be-Read shelf for over fourteen months before I would finally read it.
(I feel like I should mention that while the cover drew me in to wanting to know more about the plot, it was the actual back-cover that had be searching for this book. Hello, it’s set at a bookstore. Books set in bookstores with bookstore owners as our main characters is a plot avid readers will never tire of.)
The opening chapter completely pulled me into this small town in Indiana, but it was the writing that really hooked me. I am not able to tell y’all how much I was fawning over the writing style of this novel. I honestly adore it so very much. The writing style is almost poetic, but also so sweet and crisp.
I have no idea if that made sense or if it sounds like I just described a York peppermint patty, but let it be known just how much I admire the winsome writing.
For the cast of characters, I truly respected Rosemary and found Ben to be quite funny. Not so much in a ha-ha-ha funny kind of way, but that he reminded me of a baby giraffe. He’s so awkward. Our three grandmother-type trio [Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Baumgartner, & Mrs. Frank] were absolutely great as well with their shenanigans. Oh, the misunderstandings are hilarious.
(You know those split POV books where you like everyone, so even while you don’t want to leave this one character, the next one is just as special, and you can’t pick who you like better? That was me with all the characters in this novel.)
Content wise opinion: There was lighter spiritual content until the middle where there’s a good discussion that lasts a few pages and then carries through the rest of the book. It really was refreshing to see both main characters having a faith and go to church often on the pages. The romance was also very light (our grandmother-like trio also does some matchmaking and one of them also falls in love). The last couple of pages did have a few kisses back-to-back and a few touches, but nothing over the top and I think it was still much cleaner than a typical romance book I have reviewed in the past.
My final opinion? This novel was filled with childhood wonders of The Story People, it had that childhood fantasy of make-believing feel to it. I would definitely recommend this one to those who may have grown-up, but still have that longing of past childlike wonders. I’m sure I’ll be re-reading this one day and meanwhile, will be watching the author for what else she’ll write.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“When Ben Palermo inherited his uncle's bookstore in small-town New Holden, Indiana, it was like stepping back in time. The nostalgia, however, is tainted by a painful past, one that Ben would rather leave behind. Can he stay in this town and run the business that holds so many conflicting memories for him? Or will he finally sell?
When a group of well-meaning women make it their mission to keep him in town by finding him a wife, his life is about to get more interesting ... and complicated.
Rosemary is a children's author and illustrator with a painful history of her own. When she meets Ben, she is overwhelmed by his disarming charm . . . and familiarity. But when a series of events casts Ben in a suspicious light and a persistent friend makes claims on her heart, Rosemary must discover the truth in order to finally reconnect with her past.
The Story People is a celebration of the connection forged when a book is opened, loved, and shared and the vision and purpose found when letting God use you wherever you are.”
Series: As of now, no.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, remembered, & talked about; Many Prayers & Blessings over food; Praising & Thanking God; Church going & a sermon; Quite a few Talks about God, trusting Him, & gifts; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of Thanking God; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches, church going, hymns, services, sermons, studies, & pastors; Mentions of ministries; Mentions of youth group mission trips; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of Christians & faiths; A few mentions of religious books; A couple mentions of Vacation Bible Schools; A mention of praising God; A mention of a Christian singer;
*Note: Impersonating a ghost to make people think a place is haunted; Mentions of making a place haunted & impersonating a ghost; A few mentions of people thinking a dog’s name is Jesus Christ & therefore blasphemy (it’s actually named after Julius Caesar); A couple mentions of superstitions; A mention of supernatural beings; A mention of hot beverages being religiously consumed; A mention of religiously avoiding something.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘confounded’, a form of ‘drat’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘sucker’, two forms of ‘idiot’, and two forms of ‘stupid’; Some eye rolling; A bit of pain & falling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a car accident & deaths; Mentions of Rosemary’s parents (verbal) fighting and divorce & her father leaving; Mentions of breaking and entering; Mentions of pain & injuries; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of someone hitting a deer & injuries; A few mentions of a drunk’s addictions; A few mentions of (alcoholic) drinks; A couple mentions of drinking wine; A couple mentions of animal waste; A mention of bombs; A mention of a nightclub; A mention of cigarettes; A mention of vomit; A mention of jealousy;
*Note: A couple mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of Starbucks; A mention of (the dislike of) vampires; A mention of a TV show (Gilmore Girls).
Sexual Content- an almost (semi-detailed) kiss, a jaw kiss, a cheek kiss, two not-detailed kisses, and two border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Remembering an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss someone (up to semi-detailed); Flirting; Touches, Hand Holding, Embraces, Warmth, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Butterflies; Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Ben is clung to by a touchy girl; Mentions of an almost kiss, kisses, & kissing; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of a clingy, touchy girl towards Ben; Mentions of someone throwing themselves at others & thinking he’s a ladies’ man/player; Mentions of relationships, dating, asking someone out, dates, & boyfriends; Mentions of crushes & like liking someone; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of Rosemary’s mom being seventeen when she delivered her; A few mentions of a hand kiss; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of Rosemary’s dad who left their family & moved in with a woman he was seeing; A mention of friends who are boy-crazy; Love, falling in love, & the emotions (2x);
*Note: A few mentions of inappropriately low-cut tops & dips; A few mentions of butting into someone’s business; A mention of thinking someone was acting like a pedophile (he actually wasn’t); A mention of an effeminate looking man; A mention of a woman’s curvy figure; A mention of being braless; A mention of someone butting into a conversation; A mention of wanting to tell someone to butt out.
-Benjamin “Ben” Palermo, age 29
-Rosemary Berg, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them & a handful of others
364 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Five Stars
{Add ½ star for those who love bookstores and make-believe.}
What a gem I’ve found on my TBR shelf.
I found out about this book back in 2016 and it sat on my To-Be-Read shelf for over fourteen months before I would finally read it.
(I feel like I should mention that while the cover drew me in to wanting to know more about the plot, it was the actual back-cover that had be searching for this book. Hello, it’s set at a bookstore. Books set in bookstores with bookstore owners as our main characters is a plot avid readers will never tire of.)
The opening chapter completely pulled me into this small town in Indiana, but it was the writing that really hooked me. I am not able to tell y’all how much I was fawning over the writing style of this novel. I honestly adore it so very much. The writing style is almost poetic, but also so sweet and crisp.
I have no idea if that made sense or if it sounds like I just described a York peppermint patty, but let it be known just how much I admire the winsome writing.
For the cast of characters, I truly respected Rosemary and found Ben to be quite funny. Not so much in a ha-ha-ha funny kind of way, but that he reminded me of a baby giraffe. He’s so awkward. Our three grandmother-type trio [Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Baumgartner, & Mrs. Frank] were absolutely great as well with their shenanigans. Oh, the misunderstandings are hilarious.
(You know those split POV books where you like everyone, so even while you don’t want to leave this one character, the next one is just as special, and you can’t pick who you like better? That was me with all the characters in this novel.)
Content wise opinion: There was lighter spiritual content until the middle where there’s a good discussion that lasts a few pages and then carries through the rest of the book. It really was refreshing to see both main characters having a faith and go to church often on the pages. The romance was also very light (our grandmother-like trio also does some matchmaking and one of them also falls in love). The last couple of pages did have a few kisses back-to-back and a few touches, but nothing over the top and I think it was still much cleaner than a typical romance book I have reviewed in the past.
My final opinion? This novel was filled with childhood wonders of The Story People, it had that childhood fantasy of make-believing feel to it. I would definitely recommend this one to those who may have grown-up, but still have that longing of past childlike wonders. I’m sure I’ll be re-reading this one day and meanwhile, will be watching the author for what else she’ll write.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 25, 2023
“After all, a room is just a room until it is made alive by imagination. And a book is just a book until it is opened and loved.
This something the Story People know well.”
To every book lover out there who hasn’t read this book, please do. It’s worth every moment of your time. The novel is a beautiful story of stories. Our characters exist to live out their dreams and learn God’s plan, but they also learn the God has plans for friendships, family, and other relationships.
This story was beautifully written, and every page speaks out and has life. To form words to decipher this book and my love for it is near to impossible. When one finds a book so well written, so dear to my heart, so inspiring-there are no ways to communicate that feeling than write what meager words I can. This review isn’t perfect and cannot convey my full emotions, but it will say this: read it.
Rosemary was so relatable as a character and so very human.
Ben was a sweetheart who was respecting and understanding.
I adored the grandmother figures as they were sweet and hilarious.
Professor Jenson was an absolute kick!
What more can I write to convince you to read this? It’ll be your best choice.
This something the Story People know well.”
To every book lover out there who hasn’t read this book, please do. It’s worth every moment of your time. The novel is a beautiful story of stories. Our characters exist to live out their dreams and learn God’s plan, but they also learn the God has plans for friendships, family, and other relationships.
This story was beautifully written, and every page speaks out and has life. To form words to decipher this book and my love for it is near to impossible. When one finds a book so well written, so dear to my heart, so inspiring-there are no ways to communicate that feeling than write what meager words I can. This review isn’t perfect and cannot convey my full emotions, but it will say this: read it.
Rosemary was so relatable as a character and so very human.
Ben was a sweetheart who was respecting and understanding.
I adored the grandmother figures as they were sweet and hilarious.
Professor Jenson was an absolute kick!
What more can I write to convince you to read this? It’ll be your best choice.
January 1, 2017
I expected this book to be a love story between a man and a woman. It was—and more.
I expected it to be a love story between God ad His people. It was—and more.
I hoped it would be a love story about brothers and sisters in Christ caring for one another. It was—and more.
I should have known it would also be a love story between people and books. It was—and more.
Heather Kaufman lovingly crafts her words to paint a charming portrait of a small town and the love the people of New Holden have for one another. Even more, she carefully fashions the narrative and voice in unique ways to add to one of her main points of the book. “Everyone, famous or not, is telling a story with their lives. There’s something powerful about sharing in another’s story” (p. 40). I’m not always a fan of “love stories” because they are so often trite, simplistic, and narrowly focused on only the two main characters. Kaufman avoids these pitfalls and provides something rich, real, and satisfying.
For those reasons and more, The Story People is and will remain one of my favorite stories about love.
I expected it to be a love story between God ad His people. It was—and more.
I hoped it would be a love story about brothers and sisters in Christ caring for one another. It was—and more.
I should have known it would also be a love story between people and books. It was—and more.
Heather Kaufman lovingly crafts her words to paint a charming portrait of a small town and the love the people of New Holden have for one another. Even more, she carefully fashions the narrative and voice in unique ways to add to one of her main points of the book. “Everyone, famous or not, is telling a story with their lives. There’s something powerful about sharing in another’s story” (p. 40). I’m not always a fan of “love stories” because they are so often trite, simplistic, and narrowly focused on only the two main characters. Kaufman avoids these pitfalls and provides something rich, real, and satisfying.
For those reasons and more, The Story People is and will remain one of my favorite stories about love.
June 15, 2023
This is by far the best book I've ever read!🥰 I HIGHLY RECOMMEND😁
February 26, 2023
I am serious when I say I could read this 100 times and it would not get old. I love this story so much, it definitely has a piece of my heart 🥰
I would recommend this to literally anyone it's such a good story 😊
I would recommend this to literally anyone it's such a good story 😊
December 10, 2018
Actual rating: 4.5, very close to 5 stars
Awwwww. This was a brilliantly beautiful read. All the characters were scrumptious. Really reminded me of a Katherine Reay book, in all the best ways.
Awwwww. This was a brilliantly beautiful read. All the characters were scrumptious. Really reminded me of a Katherine Reay book, in all the best ways.
December 30, 2018
This book is so stinkin' cute! Guys, at the beginning of each chapter there's a little snippet of another story and as the book progresses you get to see how those two stories intertwine. It's such a cool idea and totally made the book so much better. Also. People. At the beginning of each chapter they have the last line in the chapter. I don't know how to explain it better than that, but it was pretty much my favorite thing about the book and was SO COOL.
The story itself was cute and made me smile a lot. I've read books with characters like this that are set in the 1800s and they always annoyed me SO MUCH. You know the older ladies with crazy antics that so don't fit the time period? Well, apparently I do like those kinds of characters in contemporary books. Who would have known?
Most of the story was lighthearted and amusing, but it did touch on some deeper subjects and did a good job of balancing the two. And the characters were rather adorable.
The story itself was cute and made me smile a lot. I've read books with characters like this that are set in the 1800s and they always annoyed me SO MUCH. You know the older ladies with crazy antics that so don't fit the time period? Well, apparently I do like those kinds of characters in contemporary books. Who would have known?
Most of the story was lighthearted and amusing, but it did touch on some deeper subjects and did a good job of balancing the two. And the characters were rather adorable.
February 9, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book, definitely one of my favorite books so far. I already can't wait to reread it
June 7, 2023
I love this book so much!! 🥰A great novel, definitely recommend it to everybody. It’s just amazing ,and I hope y’all will read it to ,so y’all get what I mean!! Definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read!!!!❤️😁. The characters are great!! And make the book just amazing!!!
March 21, 2023
Y’all!!!!!! This is seriously my new favorite book 🥰I fell in love with the characters and loved every minute of reading it 🤩🤩I highly recommend this book 😆😍
November 12, 2016
If there is one thing I love about a good Christian novel, it is when reading about the life of a fictional character brings much-needed truth into my own life. That definitely happened while reading this novel. Heather Kaufman has managed to create such a vivid cast of characters that it is easy to get drawn into the quaint little town of New Holden and feel like you are a part of the community. Through the stories of each individual, she gives readers a chance to think through things from loneliness and the search for fellowship to vocation and how to figure out where you are meant to be. The author manages to weave in just enough theology and scripture to provide value without detracting from the flow of the story. This book is full of lighthearted humor, along with a good dose of sweet romance. It captures the whimsy of childhood imagination, while also dealing with the struggle of leaving that world of wonder for one of responsibility. Which begs the question... is a little imagination and wonder what all of us need in the midst of our adult lives? I think this story reminds us of not only the power of an authentic story, but also the importance of being willing to both listen and share as our lives are ever being woven together by the Author of all creation. This is such a charming book, and I hope to see another novel from Kaufman in the near future! [I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.]
August 13, 2024
《five stars 》
⭒˚.⋆ ❝ after all, a room is just a room until it is made alive by imagination, and a book is just a book until it is opened and loved ❞ ⋆.˚⭒
Can a comfort movie be a book? If so, then The Story People is my new favorite comfort movie.
Written in a charming, almost poetical style and filled with bookstores, childhood wonder, authors, grandmotherly shenanigans, misunderstandings, sweet (but not too sweet or fluffy!) romances, a gruff-but-secretly-a-softie professor, and a delightful small-town feel, I loved just about everything in this book. Especially Ben and Rosemary. <3
If you're looking for a clean contemporary romance that's actually good, do yourself a favor and pick this book up, please. 😊
⭒˚.⋆ ❝ after all, a room is just a room until it is made alive by imagination, and a book is just a book until it is opened and loved ❞ ⋆.˚⭒
Can a comfort movie be a book? If so, then The Story People is my new favorite comfort movie.
Written in a charming, almost poetical style and filled with bookstores, childhood wonder, authors, grandmotherly shenanigans, misunderstandings, sweet (but not too sweet or fluffy!) romances, a gruff-but-secretly-a-softie professor, and a delightful small-town feel, I loved just about everything in this book. Especially Ben and Rosemary. <3
If you're looking for a clean contemporary romance that's actually good, do yourself a favor and pick this book up, please. 😊
July 4, 2020
An enjoyable read! If you liked You’ve Got Mail you’ll like this book.
February 9, 2023
Absolutely LOVED it!!❤️Definitely a 5⭐️
September 22, 2025
OMGOSH THIS WAS SO CUTE!! Everything about it reminded me of the hallmark movies I used to watch with my Great Grandma.❤🥲 (Just a warning, this takes place in modern times! Not the olden days.😅😭)
୨୧ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 ୨୧
Violence: None that I remember.🤔
Language: None
Faith/Christian: Praying, asking God for guidance, Praising, Going to church, reading bibles
Romance: One kiss, An almost kiss, a couple cheek kisses, a few hugs, hand holding🥰, some flirting, The mc's are crushing on each other pretty much the whole book.🤭
Drugs/Alcohol: A few mentions of a father with an alcohol addiction
Totally recommend! READ IT!🤭
୨୧ 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 ୨୧
Violence: None that I remember.🤔
Language: None
Faith/Christian: Praying, asking God for guidance, Praising, Going to church, reading bibles
Romance: One kiss, An almost kiss, a couple cheek kisses, a few hugs, hand holding🥰, some flirting, The mc's are crushing on each other pretty much the whole book.🤭
Drugs/Alcohol: A few mentions of a father with an alcohol addiction
Totally recommend! READ IT!🤭
February 25, 2024
Love this book
March 1, 2024
Simply darling!
December 2, 2016
Step into Heather Kaufman’s debut novel, The Story People and experience the power of a good book. Friendships are formed, imaginations are stretched and grown, troubles disappear.
Ben Palermo is discontent with his life. His original plan of taking care of his late uncle’s bookstore for a year before selling it has now become three years. While the people of the town are a draw, he has no direction for his future.
When Rosemary enters his store, Ben’s more engaged than he’s been in a long time. There’s something different about this woman, something familiar. But when three well-meaning busybodies decide they want to keep Ben in town, hilarity ensues. As do the misunderstanding between Rosemary and Ben.
Kaufman doesn’t shy away from real-life issues that are painful. Instead, she approaches them with care and compassion while giving the readers a chance to recover with a pump of humor. It took me a few chapters to get completely engaged in the book but after five or six chapters, I came to care about each of the characters and wanted to continue on this journey with them. Some of my favorite scenes were chapter beginnings with the boy and girl as they created the story people in their secret place.
And this would definitely be one of those books the story people spent a lot of time with.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Ben Palermo is discontent with his life. His original plan of taking care of his late uncle’s bookstore for a year before selling it has now become three years. While the people of the town are a draw, he has no direction for his future.
When Rosemary enters his store, Ben’s more engaged than he’s been in a long time. There’s something different about this woman, something familiar. But when three well-meaning busybodies decide they want to keep Ben in town, hilarity ensues. As do the misunderstanding between Rosemary and Ben.
Kaufman doesn’t shy away from real-life issues that are painful. Instead, she approaches them with care and compassion while giving the readers a chance to recover with a pump of humor. It took me a few chapters to get completely engaged in the book but after five or six chapters, I came to care about each of the characters and wanted to continue on this journey with them. Some of my favorite scenes were chapter beginnings with the boy and girl as they created the story people in their secret place.
And this would definitely be one of those books the story people spent a lot of time with.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 19, 2017
Heather Kaufman is a talented writer and I can see why CPH published this book. It was very pleasant and better than your average book. I would even go so far as to say better than 95% of specifically Christian novels I've read.
It was a delightful story, tying together past with the present and working with the tensions we all carry about pasts, presents, and futures. It had practically no objectionable qualities. I happily loaned it to my mother, excitedly even, so she could read it, too. (She also whipped through it in a day and generally enjoyed it. "Charming!" just may have been exchanged.)
The only reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five is because CPH exists to serve in the proclamation of the Gospel. The book missed the mark on that. It may call the local congregation Lutheran—it may even name a Lutheran artist or two—but leaps of faith can, well, overextend past where God has put you.
Heather, you did a great job. I think your fine work will bring in good profits for you and CPH, and, CPH, I totally see why you published it—it's a good book. But even some slight tweaking would have brought out the Gospel and God's work over our own.
It was a delightful story, tying together past with the present and working with the tensions we all carry about pasts, presents, and futures. It had practically no objectionable qualities. I happily loaned it to my mother, excitedly even, so she could read it, too. (She also whipped through it in a day and generally enjoyed it. "Charming!" just may have been exchanged.)
The only reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five is because CPH exists to serve in the proclamation of the Gospel. The book missed the mark on that. It may call the local congregation Lutheran—it may even name a Lutheran artist or two—but leaps of faith can, well, overextend past where God has put you.
Heather, you did a great job. I think your fine work will bring in good profits for you and CPH, and, CPH, I totally see why you published it—it's a good book. But even some slight tweaking would have brought out the Gospel and God's work over our own.
October 10, 2016
Ben Palermo is a young man who has inherited a bookstore and is struggling under a weight of obligation. Rosemary Berg has her own struggles as well, with self-doubt and insecurity. When she finds herself spending a summer in small town New Holden, Indiana, the last thing she expects to find is a handsome, young bookshop owner. But she’s not the only one with her eye on Ben. The town’s meddlesome busybodies have made Ben their project and have taken up matchmaking by throwing several very poorly chosen women into Ben’s path. Their efforts threaten to derail Ben and Rosemary’s happiness and could conclude in the town’s beloved Palermo Book Store going up for sale.
Love, if it is ever to be found, will require Ben and Rosemary to become vulnerable in ways that are uncomfortable and frightening. Kaufman’s writing is humorous and evocative. She creates characters that are charming and likeable. The Story People is part comedy, part fairy tale, and part romance. It is a reminder that each of us has our own story to tell. Once you pick it up, it is hard to put down.
Love, if it is ever to be found, will require Ben and Rosemary to become vulnerable in ways that are uncomfortable and frightening. Kaufman’s writing is humorous and evocative. She creates characters that are charming and likeable. The Story People is part comedy, part fairy tale, and part romance. It is a reminder that each of us has our own story to tell. Once you pick it up, it is hard to put down.
Read
November 29, 2016Ben was succeessful, had great friends and a good life. Then his uncle dies leaving Ben his bookstore. Ben takes year away from his life to deal with his inheritance. Sadly, the bookstore leaves Ben confused and soon a year turns into another. As time goes by the store brings mixed emotions for he young man. Then, he meets Rosemary.
Rosemary has moved to town to care for her grandmother who is recovering from an illness. For Rosemary the man in the bookstore brings emotions she is not prepared. As a successful children's book author, she is searching for her next inspiration. As she visits the book store, she recalls the young boy she met there and the story people.
As Ben and Rosemary try to navigate their new lives, the story of a young boy and girl emerge.
The story within the story caught my attention. Soon I was ready to read abut the story people.The vividness of Rosemary's books made me want to immediately uy the books. The story of Ben and Rosemary is adorable and humnorous.
Rosemary has moved to town to care for her grandmother who is recovering from an illness. For Rosemary the man in the bookstore brings emotions she is not prepared. As a successful children's book author, she is searching for her next inspiration. As she visits the book store, she recalls the young boy she met there and the story people.
As Ben and Rosemary try to navigate their new lives, the story of a young boy and girl emerge.
The story within the story caught my attention. Soon I was ready to read abut the story people.The vividness of Rosemary's books made me want to immediately uy the books. The story of Ben and Rosemary is adorable and humnorous.
February 7, 2017
The Story People is an enchanting tale of the power of sharing stories with each other. Seamlessly weaving between past and present, we enter the world of Palermo's Books. Each character is relatable in his or her own way: those who struggle with loneliness, vocation, being misunderstood, and the well-meant efforts of the town busybodies. Readers are entertained with misunderstandings, well-intentioned setups, and the camaraderie of small town life, all encompassed by God's grace and forgiveness.
Kaufman's novel brings us back to the wonder of our own childhoods, finding companionship in books and the tales they mirrored in our own lives. Readers will enjoy a sweet, funny story with a healthy dose of solid theology that proclaims a timeless truth: when we reach out and share our stories with others, we realize we are never truly alone. Highly recommended! #thestorypeople
This review is of the advance reader's copy.
Kaufman's novel brings us back to the wonder of our own childhoods, finding companionship in books and the tales they mirrored in our own lives. Readers will enjoy a sweet, funny story with a healthy dose of solid theology that proclaims a timeless truth: when we reach out and share our stories with others, we realize we are never truly alone. Highly recommended! #thestorypeople
This review is of the advance reader's copy.
October 23, 2018
It was really cute y'all! It's a romance, which was disappointing for me as I try to avoid romances unless specifically seeking then. However, this was so detailed it wasn't cliche, so sweet and clean, and so lovely in all.
The characters are interesting, but I never like Liam enough. Rosemary is adorable, only I keep seeing her as a dark haired version of Taylor Swift, who played the character Rosemary in the movie version of The Giver.
Ben was adorable.
All in all, I recommend this to girls 18 and up because it's a romance, but by content it's clean for 13 and up.
I loved all the different elements of imagination that were introduced and taken into play. The story people themselves were so interesting because they weren't cute. But they weren't scary. And just those little clips before ever chapter were so fun.
It's worth looking into reading as a 4 star. Read it some day for sure. :D
The characters are interesting, but I never like Liam enough. Rosemary is adorable, only I keep seeing her as a dark haired version of Taylor Swift, who played the character Rosemary in the movie version of The Giver.
Ben was adorable.
All in all, I recommend this to girls 18 and up because it's a romance, but by content it's clean for 13 and up.
I loved all the different elements of imagination that were introduced and taken into play. The story people themselves were so interesting because they weren't cute. But they weren't scary. And just those little clips before ever chapter were so fun.
It's worth looking into reading as a 4 star. Read it some day for sure. :D
February 6, 2017
The Story People is all a story needs. It has the romance, the struggles and dreams of real people, embedded in a sweet story. The characters have to cope with being lonely, too busy, misunderstood but it wasn't a miserable story at all. I think the Story People has the potential to give you hope in times of stuggle with the funny and entertaining story that will lead you into the world of
Palermo's Books. It was an easy and fast read i can recommend everyone who wants to read an endearing love story - and everything else a great book has to offer.
Palermo's Books. It was an easy and fast read i can recommend everyone who wants to read an endearing love story - and everything else a great book has to offer.
December 20, 2017
"The Story People" weaves together many stories. The main focus is on Rosemary, a writer/illustrator, and Ben, a bookstore owner. They knew each other as kids, but don't realize this when they meet again as adults. The story of them as kids is interwoven into this story of them as adults, which was just a beautiful writing device -- I loved it. In fact, I loved this book as a whole.
There's also a sweet secondary romance going on between two retirees that warmed my heart :-)
Also, I have a great fondness for stories about people who love books. And stories about writers.
There's also a sweet secondary romance going on between two retirees that warmed my heart :-)
Also, I have a great fondness for stories about people who love books. And stories about writers.
October 29, 2016
I just finished my advance reader's copy of The Story People and it is one of the most delightful stories I have read in a long time. Absolutely endearing and hits so many sweet spots (romantic comedy, hijinks, and subtle, well-placed theological points.) I look forward to handing this one to my girls, 16 & 20. I know they will be swept up into the book as well. Highly Recommended! #thestorypeople
December 9, 2016
I was given a promo copy of this book. As far as novels go, it was not a bad read. The premise was imaginative and there were some truly lovely passages. I particularly enjoyed Mrs. Gardner's character arc.
However, I thought the book was not as strong theologically as other titles from this publisher.
1) This novel comes from a Lutheran publisher, is affirmatively marketed as Christian, and does NOT contain the message that Jesus Christ died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. I am mystified. Why would you leave that out? The Story People's own pastor points out, “how we humans love to tamper and play with the clarity God has given!” (Location 2005.)
2) Speaking of the pastor, I did not agree with how he interpreted Jesus walking on the water. He took a story about Jesus being God and powerful to save, and made it about Peter cooperating in his...sanctification? All I know is, it better not have been salvation that Peter was participating in, because that's heresy - officially so for the last 1,500 years. I actually ended up asking my pastor about this (there's a first time for everything), and I would encourage you to bring it up with yours, too, if you're wondering about it. Also, the protagonist applied this confusing interpretation in a narcissistic fashion as a plot device. I did not think that set a helpful example.
3) The way friends and family members speak to each other is often not edifying or kind, and the book does not make it clear that this is sinful. Side characters are casually and overwhelmingly waspish, small-minded, self-centered, and mean to each other in their words and actions. Outside of the most obvious and plot-centric instances of such behavior, there is little, if anything, calling out such actions as harmful, or pointing to redemption in Christ.
4) The only memorable instance of a character attempting to share Christian doctrine of substance in a meaningful way is the pastor. Other characters do not discuss their faith with each other. This perpetuates a dangerous, yet common, misconception that rightly knowing and sharing sound theology is pastor stuff, it's too lofty for “normal” people, and we laity are excused from bothering with it in daily life.
5) Finally, statements of bedrock Christian belief are glaringly absent. Zero mention of Baptism, the Lord's Supper, Absolution, the Creeds, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the liturgy, hymnody, bearing one's cross, etc. (there is a promising discussion on vocation, but it frustratingly veers into synergism territory). In a book produced by a Lutheran publishing house, the lack of a clear confession is dismaying.
However, I thought the book was not as strong theologically as other titles from this publisher.
1) This novel comes from a Lutheran publisher, is affirmatively marketed as Christian, and does NOT contain the message that Jesus Christ died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. I am mystified. Why would you leave that out? The Story People's own pastor points out, “how we humans love to tamper and play with the clarity God has given!” (Location 2005.)
2) Speaking of the pastor, I did not agree with how he interpreted Jesus walking on the water. He took a story about Jesus being God and powerful to save, and made it about Peter cooperating in his...sanctification? All I know is, it better not have been salvation that Peter was participating in, because that's heresy - officially so for the last 1,500 years. I actually ended up asking my pastor about this (there's a first time for everything), and I would encourage you to bring it up with yours, too, if you're wondering about it. Also, the protagonist applied this confusing interpretation in a narcissistic fashion as a plot device. I did not think that set a helpful example.
3) The way friends and family members speak to each other is often not edifying or kind, and the book does not make it clear that this is sinful. Side characters are casually and overwhelmingly waspish, small-minded, self-centered, and mean to each other in their words and actions. Outside of the most obvious and plot-centric instances of such behavior, there is little, if anything, calling out such actions as harmful, or pointing to redemption in Christ.
4) The only memorable instance of a character attempting to share Christian doctrine of substance in a meaningful way is the pastor. Other characters do not discuss their faith with each other. This perpetuates a dangerous, yet common, misconception that rightly knowing and sharing sound theology is pastor stuff, it's too lofty for “normal” people, and we laity are excused from bothering with it in daily life.
5) Finally, statements of bedrock Christian belief are glaringly absent. Zero mention of Baptism, the Lord's Supper, Absolution, the Creeds, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the liturgy, hymnody, bearing one's cross, etc. (there is a promising discussion on vocation, but it frustratingly veers into synergism territory). In a book produced by a Lutheran publishing house, the lack of a clear confession is dismaying.
November 4, 2016
This is a story of reconnection with people - how Ben and Rosemary find each other, but because of the town's busy bodies trying to match make him to death, they always seem to miss each other. They are shy, lonely and misunderstood. I found a little humor for me because of the well intentioned set ups by the busy bodies of the town people and the misunderstandings. This is such an enjoyable book that you really have to read to enjoy in totality. With all of this they are encompassed by God's Grace and love, and how much more could anyone ask? I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2017
I loved this book! It has all the best kinds of dilemmas, friendship lost and found, people trying to help in the worst way, friendship found but lost due to "help" getting in the way. I laughed out loud at many of the situations.
The story takes place mostly in a town's book store. There are two stories that run simultaneously, one from the past, one in the present. I don't want to give away the story, so I'll stop here.
The story takes place mostly in a town's book store. There are two stories that run simultaneously, one from the past, one in the present. I don't want to give away the story, so I'll stop here.
November 3, 2022
This was such a delightful story. It could have been written 50 years ago...it is nice, and can be read by any age. I love stories that are about libraries, bookstores and books. This has it all. The friendship between Ben and Rosemary is very touching and plausible. The supporting characters are well thought out, funny, human! This was an enjoyable read for me...as I am always looking for upbeat stories.
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