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The Book Lovers #4
Scenes from a Country Bookshop
Love can sometimes be really complicated... Josh Nightingale has always been married to his books. Happy to run his bookshop in the small town of Castle Clare, he’s never really had time for romance and truly believes that he’s never going to fall in love. But, when April Channing opens a new shop opposite his, everything changes.Sweet and attentive one moment, abrupt and aloof the next, Josh really can’t understand April at all. What exactly is going on? Josh is pretty sure that the answer can’t be found in a book.Join the Nightingale family once again for this deliciously heartwarming novel in The Book Lovers series by the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and A Weekend with Mr Darcy . Praise for Victoria ‘I stayed up very late on two nights reading One Last Summer. I was very moved by it.’ Jilly Cooper ‘Great fun. A real page-turner.’ Andrew Davies, screenwriter of Pride and Prejudice ‘Sunshine on a rainy day. A charmingly written slice of warm-hearted escapism.’ Lisa Jewell ‘A lovely feel-good story.’ Katie Fforde ‘Fun, flirty fantasy from the gifted pen of Victoria Connelly. A magical story with a gorgeous setting and more than enough handsome men to go around! ’ Carole Matthews
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2019
157 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books510 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 10, 2020
I was so delighted when this landed on my kindle, that I pretty much had to start it instantly. It was a joy to be back in Castle Clare, amongst the Nightingale family.
Josh is the quietest member of his family, he's a bit of an introvert and loves his books and his bookshop and doesn't really do much else. However when he meets April who takes on the shop opposite his bookshop, his life suddenly exists in technicolor.
Yet nothing with April is quite as it seems, I twigged one of her secrets quite early on, but the rest I was on the same journey of discovery as Josh with.
She is s complex woman, and I loved her outlook on life, and also her unconventional family set up.
It was great seeing all of Josh's family again, and catching up with people that we have met in the previous books. This though easily stands alone, and the main focus is on Josh and April.
I also enjoyed one of the book club members opening up to Josh about his own first love, and his sibling relationship. It was good to for Josh to get an outsiders perspective on his own love life.
I would love to tell you more about this fledgling potential relationship, but I don't want to risk spoiling the bigger story lines, that are really interesting.
I also learnt a lot about the Bloomsbury Group from this book, not being someone who particularly reads classical literature I had no idea about the group that involved Virginia Woolf. At times I wasn't really sure about the references but I got the gist, and I suspect if you have heard of them and their philosophies those bits would make even more sense to you.
I couldn't get enough of this book, I found like I always tend to with Victoria Connelly books that it was an incredibly fast and enjoyable reading experience.
I have everything crossed that this won't be the last book in the series, I really do need more from this family of bookworms, book sellers, book addicts and all around book lovers!!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
Josh is the quietest member of his family, he's a bit of an introvert and loves his books and his bookshop and doesn't really do much else. However when he meets April who takes on the shop opposite his bookshop, his life suddenly exists in technicolor.
Yet nothing with April is quite as it seems, I twigged one of her secrets quite early on, but the rest I was on the same journey of discovery as Josh with.
She is s complex woman, and I loved her outlook on life, and also her unconventional family set up.
It was great seeing all of Josh's family again, and catching up with people that we have met in the previous books. This though easily stands alone, and the main focus is on Josh and April.
I also enjoyed one of the book club members opening up to Josh about his own first love, and his sibling relationship. It was good to for Josh to get an outsiders perspective on his own love life.
I would love to tell you more about this fledgling potential relationship, but I don't want to risk spoiling the bigger story lines, that are really interesting.
I also learnt a lot about the Bloomsbury Group from this book, not being someone who particularly reads classical literature I had no idea about the group that involved Virginia Woolf. At times I wasn't really sure about the references but I got the gist, and I suspect if you have heard of them and their philosophies those bits would make even more sense to you.
I couldn't get enough of this book, I found like I always tend to with Victoria Connelly books that it was an incredibly fast and enjoyable reading experience.
I have everything crossed that this won't be the last book in the series, I really do need more from this family of bookworms, book sellers, book addicts and all around book lovers!!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
October 15, 2022
Lovely gentle read
April 20, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is the fourth book in the Book Lovers romantic series, all featuring the love trials and tribulations of the bookish Nightingale family. Each book in the series stands completely alone, but they also tie together nicely with references back and forward to each other, so I personally think they are best read in series order for the full character and plot development benefits.
Book four features Josh as the central character, with some lovely cameos from Callie, Sam, Polly, Jago, Archie, Bryony and Ben, not to mention the rest of the Nightingale clan. We also revisit the book club a couple of times, and get to delve more into the side character of Winston Kneller – his own romantic history and his troublesome relationship with his pill of a brother, Monty.
Going in to this book, I didn’t feel I knew Josh as well as the other Nightingale siblings – Polly, Sam and Bryony seem to feature quite heavily in each other’s love lives while Josh and Lara didn’t seem to get such a prominent role. With Lara that’s because she’s off at university, doing her student thing most of the time, but now I understand why Josh was more of a background character… he’s an introvert!
A genuine introvert, mind. Not anti-social or people-hating, but simply someone who is introspective and quiet and prefers his own company for the most part. It makes a lovely change to have a socially awkward main character who is quite happy with his personality and life as it is. Well, content, anyway! Because there is a new shopowner in County Clare who is going to shake things up a little bit for wallflower Josh, and bring some colour into his rather beige, bachelor life.
There are a couple of mysteries surrounding April Channing (one of which I found a little implausible!), which make for an exciting read as you try to figure out why she is acting so strangely and whether her secrets could bring heartache to Josh, just as he started opening his heart up a bit. I love April’s family background and how Josh is rather realistically confused about everything, but also open-minded and accepting of people and situations that are far beyond his own familiar comfort zone. I also loved that there was no easy fix-it solution to April’s worries – sad though it was, it made for compelling and realistic reading. I cried!
Victoria Connelly has created a wonderful, warm world in Castle Clare, that makes the reader long to visit the bookshops, scoff one of Colin’s pastries, stroke Delilah (with a nose-peg on), feed Flo’s chickens, and of course, go for a Sunday lunch with the Nightingale family en masse. Plus, the many references to books and reading make them a joy for any book-loving reader.
These are cosy, sweet romances, perfect for touching and then cheering the heart, and I hope there are more to come. We still have Lara Nightingale and Cousin Megan, at least, and I can’t leave Castle Clare for good without seeing Eleanor get another grandchild and Colin the Baker finally find his soulmate. These people are family, after all!
‘I’d just like to see you happy.’
Josh frowned. ‘But I am happy!’
‘I know. But you could be even happier.’ Sam came forward and play punched him on the arm and Josh watched as he left the shop. A blissful silence followed. It was just Josh and the books. He closed his eyes and inhaled the all-pervading smell of new books. Different, but just as engrossing as the scent of old books, it calmed Josh down, bringing him back to what was important in his life.
And, as he moved around the familiar domain of his shop, straightening a book here and swapping a book there, he knew that a pretty woman was all very well, but she could never hope to usurp the place which books held in his heart.
– Victoria Connelly, Scenes from a Country Bookshop
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is the fourth book in the Book Lovers romantic series, all featuring the love trials and tribulations of the bookish Nightingale family. Each book in the series stands completely alone, but they also tie together nicely with references back and forward to each other, so I personally think they are best read in series order for the full character and plot development benefits.
Book four features Josh as the central character, with some lovely cameos from Callie, Sam, Polly, Jago, Archie, Bryony and Ben, not to mention the rest of the Nightingale clan. We also revisit the book club a couple of times, and get to delve more into the side character of Winston Kneller – his own romantic history and his troublesome relationship with his pill of a brother, Monty.
Going in to this book, I didn’t feel I knew Josh as well as the other Nightingale siblings – Polly, Sam and Bryony seem to feature quite heavily in each other’s love lives while Josh and Lara didn’t seem to get such a prominent role. With Lara that’s because she’s off at university, doing her student thing most of the time, but now I understand why Josh was more of a background character… he’s an introvert!
A genuine introvert, mind. Not anti-social or people-hating, but simply someone who is introspective and quiet and prefers his own company for the most part. It makes a lovely change to have a socially awkward main character who is quite happy with his personality and life as it is. Well, content, anyway! Because there is a new shopowner in County Clare who is going to shake things up a little bit for wallflower Josh, and bring some colour into his rather beige, bachelor life.
There are a couple of mysteries surrounding April Channing (one of which I found a little implausible!), which make for an exciting read as you try to figure out why she is acting so strangely and whether her secrets could bring heartache to Josh, just as he started opening his heart up a bit. I love April’s family background and how Josh is rather realistically confused about everything, but also open-minded and accepting of people and situations that are far beyond his own familiar comfort zone. I also loved that there was no easy fix-it solution to April’s worries – sad though it was, it made for compelling and realistic reading. I cried!
Victoria Connelly has created a wonderful, warm world in Castle Clare, that makes the reader long to visit the bookshops, scoff one of Colin’s pastries, stroke Delilah (with a nose-peg on), feed Flo’s chickens, and of course, go for a Sunday lunch with the Nightingale family en masse. Plus, the many references to books and reading make them a joy for any book-loving reader.
These are cosy, sweet romances, perfect for touching and then cheering the heart, and I hope there are more to come. We still have Lara Nightingale and Cousin Megan, at least, and I can’t leave Castle Clare for good without seeing Eleanor get another grandchild and Colin the Baker finally find his soulmate. These people are family, after all!
‘I’d just like to see you happy.’
Josh frowned. ‘But I am happy!’
‘I know. But you could be even happier.’ Sam came forward and play punched him on the arm and Josh watched as he left the shop. A blissful silence followed. It was just Josh and the books. He closed his eyes and inhaled the all-pervading smell of new books. Different, but just as engrossing as the scent of old books, it calmed Josh down, bringing him back to what was important in his life.
And, as he moved around the familiar domain of his shop, straightening a book here and swapping a book there, he knew that a pretty woman was all very well, but she could never hope to usurp the place which books held in his heart.
– Victoria Connelly, Scenes from a Country Bookshop
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
April 30, 2020
Well this is the final book in The Book Lovers series, although I’m told there is a novella entitled Christmas with The Book Lovers, which I’ll definitely be on the lookout for! But this is the last one in the blog tour series.
Once again, we return to the Suffolk village of Castle Clare and this time we focus on Josh Nightingale, the middle child of the family. He’s a confirmed bachelor, decidedly unperturbed by all of his siblings finding the loves of their lives … and Sunday lunches at their parents’ home becoming larger and noisier! Josh is happy with his books – they’re his first and only love and he’s quite content to remain in the quiet confines of his bookshop, surrounded by the reliability that they promise … until a new shop opens up across the street and he spots its owner, April Channing!
The path of true love is not as smooth as we’d like it to be, and Josh is confused by the conflicting messages he receives from April. She seems friendly and welcoming to his obvious attraction to her, but then she’ll suddenly withdraw, becoming cool and aloof. It’s all very perplexing to someone like Josh who really isn’t used to dealing with women and the whole dating game. He decides that he probably should seek advice from someone who might know a bit about it, and so he consults with the elderly Winston (owner of Delilah, his dog who goes everywhere with him, including the village book club).
All of the previous books have had a predominant theme of family running through them, and although we learn about all the characters and their family situations, it is the Nightingale family and their strong bonds that prevail throughout. In this book, however, I found that the family theme is even stronger and focuses on the different types of family structures that exist, and how they all have their advantages and their place in the grand scheme of things. What works for one family might look strange to others, but who’s to say what’s normal? Who defines what ‘normal’ is?
The story also examines different familial relationships: the relationship between Winston and his brother, and the way in which their memories of their past differs, and how this has affected the path of their relationship. I’ve seen this happen often with people who I know today when they discuss their past with their siblings and they often remember things so differently. It’s fascinating.
So once again, I absolutely loved this story. The book-loving theme that runs as a backdrop throughout the series is comforting and all-embracing, and reading the books in order and getting to know the characters ensures that as you progress through the series, you feel like you’re returning to good friends each time.
Another 5-star read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Once again, we return to the Suffolk village of Castle Clare and this time we focus on Josh Nightingale, the middle child of the family. He’s a confirmed bachelor, decidedly unperturbed by all of his siblings finding the loves of their lives … and Sunday lunches at their parents’ home becoming larger and noisier! Josh is happy with his books – they’re his first and only love and he’s quite content to remain in the quiet confines of his bookshop, surrounded by the reliability that they promise … until a new shop opens up across the street and he spots its owner, April Channing!
The path of true love is not as smooth as we’d like it to be, and Josh is confused by the conflicting messages he receives from April. She seems friendly and welcoming to his obvious attraction to her, but then she’ll suddenly withdraw, becoming cool and aloof. It’s all very perplexing to someone like Josh who really isn’t used to dealing with women and the whole dating game. He decides that he probably should seek advice from someone who might know a bit about it, and so he consults with the elderly Winston (owner of Delilah, his dog who goes everywhere with him, including the village book club).
All of the previous books have had a predominant theme of family running through them, and although we learn about all the characters and their family situations, it is the Nightingale family and their strong bonds that prevail throughout. In this book, however, I found that the family theme is even stronger and focuses on the different types of family structures that exist, and how they all have their advantages and their place in the grand scheme of things. What works for one family might look strange to others, but who’s to say what’s normal? Who defines what ‘normal’ is?
The story also examines different familial relationships: the relationship between Winston and his brother, and the way in which their memories of their past differs, and how this has affected the path of their relationship. I’ve seen this happen often with people who I know today when they discuss their past with their siblings and they often remember things so differently. It’s fascinating.
So once again, I absolutely loved this story. The book-loving theme that runs as a backdrop throughout the series is comforting and all-embracing, and reading the books in order and getting to know the characters ensures that as you progress through the series, you feel like you’re returning to good friends each time.
Another 5-star read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
May 2, 2020
A beautiful ending for the Nightingale Saga!
Josh Nightingale is running his bookshop, and books are truly his one and only love. He never had time to find a woman to love, and is sure that he will remain single. That is until April Channing opens her shop right opposite his…
He instantly likes her, as they have a lot in common and she is just sweet! But sometimes April behaves differently, she is distant, even rude. Josh is confused, but as he likes the good side of April, he is determined to find out what is going on.
Will April allow him to get closer? And is she ready to share her secret(s)?
Oh oh oh… I was soooo curious to know how Josh would fall in love! Previously we got to know him, and he was a workaholic, as he loves running his bookshop and spending time reading book. So you know when he would fall in love, it had to be an amazing woman!
And when he falls for April, I sensed immediately there were some things she was keeping from him. April is not ready to share all her secrets, but when she explain her odd behaviour I was nearly screaming ‘I KNEW IT!!!!’
The love story of Josh and April is different, because April grew up in a different way than the ‘standard’ way. And here we learn that different is not always wrong. It’s not because something that is different from our vision, isn’t normal for the people living that way. Initially I was a bit confused, just like Josh. But through April’s eyes Victoria explains how with a change of vision, it’s just another random family. And that it’s normal to have questions about it, but it’s not something abominable. It opens your perspective.
Victoria isn’t afraid to talk about subjects that aren’t often present in love stories. But thanks to her evolution of characters I understood that love can be enough to conquer it all. And the evolution of Josh is amazing… he says it himself in the book. He never cared much about colours, but since he met April, he wants more colours in his life. He transforms from a dull beige (once you’ve read the book, you’ll understand my beige reference ☺️) to a spectacle of colours.
We also get to know Winston better, who we got to know earlier. In the previous parts he seemed like a vagabond. But when he and Josh start talking, we get to learn him better and let’s say that there is more than meets the eye. And when his brother invites himself in staying at Winston’s house, we get to know him so much better. My vision of him changed rapidly as he is just a kind man, but left with a broken heart. His story was a real surprise and I was glad how his story changed during the book.
This love story shows you that meeting the right person opens your horizon. I was sad when I read the last page , because I loved the whole Nightingale family! I felt like I was part of their great family and I am still not ready to let go of them! So deep down, I hope there will be another story laying around for Lara! And for now, well, I’m glad I can catch up some sleep! 😂
Josh Nightingale is running his bookshop, and books are truly his one and only love. He never had time to find a woman to love, and is sure that he will remain single. That is until April Channing opens her shop right opposite his…
He instantly likes her, as they have a lot in common and she is just sweet! But sometimes April behaves differently, she is distant, even rude. Josh is confused, but as he likes the good side of April, he is determined to find out what is going on.
Will April allow him to get closer? And is she ready to share her secret(s)?
Oh oh oh… I was soooo curious to know how Josh would fall in love! Previously we got to know him, and he was a workaholic, as he loves running his bookshop and spending time reading book. So you know when he would fall in love, it had to be an amazing woman!
And when he falls for April, I sensed immediately there were some things she was keeping from him. April is not ready to share all her secrets, but when she explain her odd behaviour I was nearly screaming ‘I KNEW IT!!!!’
The love story of Josh and April is different, because April grew up in a different way than the ‘standard’ way. And here we learn that different is not always wrong. It’s not because something that is different from our vision, isn’t normal for the people living that way. Initially I was a bit confused, just like Josh. But through April’s eyes Victoria explains how with a change of vision, it’s just another random family. And that it’s normal to have questions about it, but it’s not something abominable. It opens your perspective.
Victoria isn’t afraid to talk about subjects that aren’t often present in love stories. But thanks to her evolution of characters I understood that love can be enough to conquer it all. And the evolution of Josh is amazing… he says it himself in the book. He never cared much about colours, but since he met April, he wants more colours in his life. He transforms from a dull beige (once you’ve read the book, you’ll understand my beige reference ☺️) to a spectacle of colours.
We also get to know Winston better, who we got to know earlier. In the previous parts he seemed like a vagabond. But when he and Josh start talking, we get to learn him better and let’s say that there is more than meets the eye. And when his brother invites himself in staying at Winston’s house, we get to know him so much better. My vision of him changed rapidly as he is just a kind man, but left with a broken heart. His story was a real surprise and I was glad how his story changed during the book.
This love story shows you that meeting the right person opens your horizon. I was sad when I read the last page , because I loved the whole Nightingale family! I felt like I was part of their great family and I am still not ready to let go of them! So deep down, I hope there will be another story laying around for Lara! And for now, well, I’m glad I can catch up some sleep! 😂
April 19, 2020
“Scenes from a Country Bookshop” is the forth book in the series and I must say I immediately read it after the third one, I just couldn't wait to go go back to Castle Clare and follow Victoria Connelly’s amazing world, as well as, of course, the amazing Nightingale family.
This story is about Josh Nightingale and April Channing. Quite an interesting couple that ended up complementing each other well. They were both complex and intriguing characters that I enjoyed knowing more about. Plus, going on the journey to learn all April's secrets was exciting as well.
It was fun reading about this family and I'm quite sad that there are no other books to enjoy. As many people may know, if they have read previous reviews, I have a big family, lot's of cousins and uncles/aunts. Every time I read about the Nightingale family I felt as if I was catching up with my own family. All because I felt connected to them.
Overall, loved it as much as the other novels. It was as unique as the previous ones, it made fascinating with all the revelations and all the little details in the relationships, the characters interactions and the plot.
I do hope it's not the end of this series, because I would definitely love to go back to this small town and have fun with the Nightingale family again. So, if the synopsis and genre intrigues you, then I have to say to go for it and read the entire series.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Victoria Connelly for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
This story is about Josh Nightingale and April Channing. Quite an interesting couple that ended up complementing each other well. They were both complex and intriguing characters that I enjoyed knowing more about. Plus, going on the journey to learn all April's secrets was exciting as well.
It was fun reading about this family and I'm quite sad that there are no other books to enjoy. As many people may know, if they have read previous reviews, I have a big family, lot's of cousins and uncles/aunts. Every time I read about the Nightingale family I felt as if I was catching up with my own family. All because I felt connected to them.
Overall, loved it as much as the other novels. It was as unique as the previous ones, it made fascinating with all the revelations and all the little details in the relationships, the characters interactions and the plot.
I do hope it's not the end of this series, because I would definitely love to go back to this small town and have fun with the Nightingale family again. So, if the synopsis and genre intrigues you, then I have to say to go for it and read the entire series.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Victoria Connelly for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
April 28, 2020
I really enjoyed returning back to The Book Lovers series and reading Scenes from a Country Bookshop, I intend to read the other two books I haven’t yet read in the series before the summer is out.
There were moments of idyllic delight whilst reading Scenes from a Country Bookshop that had you all wistful for a life surrounded by books and art but then the author changes the scene and your emotions become heightened with the unfairness of life. A truly beautiful story that I devoured.
Josh Nightingale loves his job running the bookshop in Castle Clane he’s happily committed to his bookshop and relationships have never been in his game plan. However, when the vacant shop across the road is opened the new owner catches his eye. Josh is endearingly shy and his gentleman ways are so refreshing to read about.
April Channing has just moved to the area and is so excited about her new venture opening up her shop. April has an air of bohemia about her and her style of dress is unique but reminiscent to the artists of The Bloomsbury Group. When she meets Josh she is delighted to find a mutual interest in the love of arts and literature and a friendship soon blossoms. However, April is holding back a few secrets in her life that she is fearful of revealing and having her heart broken.
Scenes from a Country Bookshop is such a lovely read. I enjoyed the interactions within the family group and with the older members of the community. Josh has a wonderful friendship with an elderly customer and I enjoyed this partnership as much as the other character interactions. Victoria Connelly has cleverly woven a story within a story and I found myself captivated and touched by both.
Delightful, poignant and beautifully romantic.
There were moments of idyllic delight whilst reading Scenes from a Country Bookshop that had you all wistful for a life surrounded by books and art but then the author changes the scene and your emotions become heightened with the unfairness of life. A truly beautiful story that I devoured.
Josh Nightingale loves his job running the bookshop in Castle Clane he’s happily committed to his bookshop and relationships have never been in his game plan. However, when the vacant shop across the road is opened the new owner catches his eye. Josh is endearingly shy and his gentleman ways are so refreshing to read about.
April Channing has just moved to the area and is so excited about her new venture opening up her shop. April has an air of bohemia about her and her style of dress is unique but reminiscent to the artists of The Bloomsbury Group. When she meets Josh she is delighted to find a mutual interest in the love of arts and literature and a friendship soon blossoms. However, April is holding back a few secrets in her life that she is fearful of revealing and having her heart broken.
Scenes from a Country Bookshop is such a lovely read. I enjoyed the interactions within the family group and with the older members of the community. Josh has a wonderful friendship with an elderly customer and I enjoyed this partnership as much as the other character interactions. Victoria Connelly has cleverly woven a story within a story and I found myself captivated and touched by both.
Delightful, poignant and beautifully romantic.
April 21, 2020
As expected, this is the one where Josh gets to take centre stage and to shine although you also meet up with his siblings and see how they are getting on. His friendship with a certain shopkeeper takes him by surprise and he has to face some difficult facts about her life. I enjoyed the contrast between the Nightingales' family life and that of April's family who much more unconventional. However, both families show real family love.
Winston, who has featured in previous books, usually at Sam's book club meetings also has a part to play in Josh's story and you get to find out some surprising facts about his earlier life and his relationship with his brother. In all, a lovely series, which is eminently readable and inviting.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
Winston, who has featured in previous books, usually at Sam's book club meetings also has a part to play in Josh's story and you get to find out some surprising facts about his earlier life and his relationship with his brother. In all, a lovely series, which is eminently readable and inviting.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
April 30, 2020
💗
Throughout the series we built up a small picture of the youngest brother Josh, but I never thought he’d have his own love journey as he never came across as interested.
But how very wonderful that he does and it’s not what I would have expected, as with the other stories this has its twists and turns it’s not an easy ride but it’s so touching and enlightening.
💗
A great, easy to read love story that makes you feel warm and light but at moments has you on the edge of your seat wondering what decisions will be made.
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I have really enjoyed this series of light hearted romance, book clubs and strong family relationships and I have absolutely loved jumping from one to another it gave me a real sense of belonging with the family.
April 28, 2020
I appreciated the perspective change from previous books in the series. In the other 3, you saw both sides of the couple. This time around, you saw only Josh's perspective while April's was clouded in mystery. It was an interesting choice to use to the second narrative to flesh out Winston's character. It was a fun way to expand the Castle Clare world. I could see a sequel/parallel story of sorts that runs concurrent showing April and her family's story. It would be intriguing to know more of her and her family's side of what happened and more of her backstory.
April 6, 2020
The first two installments of this series were beloved reads for me. The last two, not so much. I found them both to be a little immature and silly. I found the relationship between Josh and April to be forced. It was weird and immature for her twin to pretend to be her. Hiding her illness and pushing Josh away were pretty obvious plot choices, but I didn't feel for either of them because of the lack of chemistry between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Book Lovers series and they are all very easy to read and quite sweet. This one is about Josh and how he finds love across the road from his bookshop and as always is cleverly told with a twist in it. The cynic in me wonders how one village can support three bookshops but you just have to suspend your imagination. Still plenty more to read from this particular author which is good.
September 6, 2021
Most real
Josh was real, April was too; I felt all of their actions were fairly relatable and realistic (not always true in the romance genre. This series has made me want to read the books mentioned… I did try watching the darling buds of may, but I’m sure the book is better. All in all a thoughtful addition to the book lovers series.
Josh was real, April was too; I felt all of their actions were fairly relatable and realistic (not always true in the romance genre. This series has made me want to read the books mentioned… I did try watching the darling buds of may, but I’m sure the book is better. All in all a thoughtful addition to the book lovers series.
January 19, 2022
Very Sweet Story
Lovely, easy read. A nice distraction and cozy escape from daily stress. I enjoy reading books that ate about book people. It is as though we have much in common. This is a charming series. I highly recommend the entire series. Do read in order, although the Author fills you in nicely on previous history. I think you'll find the series more enjoyable in order.
Lovely, easy read. A nice distraction and cozy escape from daily stress. I enjoy reading books that ate about book people. It is as though we have much in common. This is a charming series. I highly recommend the entire series. Do read in order, although the Author fills you in nicely on previous history. I think you'll find the series more enjoyable in order.
June 12, 2020
I don't know why but I didn't connect to this book like I did the previous 3 in the series.
June 16, 2020
Another brilliant novel from Victoria
Focussing on Josh Nightingale the confirmed bachelor of the family.
When he meets April who opens a shop opposite things are about to change for him.
Focussing on Josh Nightingale the confirmed bachelor of the family.
When he meets April who opens a shop opposite things are about to change for him.
April 14, 2021
Always interesting
I have enjoyed this series as with the Austen addicts series all are very readable, not too long but deeper in content than the cover might suggest.
I have enjoyed this series as with the Austen addicts series all are very readable, not too long but deeper in content than the cover might suggest.
June 28, 2021
Brilliant
Another great one in the series. Its lovely to meet all the family again and the great
characters like Winston. I really couldn"t put it down and was sorry when it ended.
Another great one in the series. Its lovely to meet all the family again and the great
characters like Winston. I really couldn"t put it down and was sorry when it ended.
February 16, 2020
I love Victoria Connelly but this one stretched my love ...
I enjoyed meeting all the characters from the rest of the series, I enjoyed the subplot involving the book group, but I found the idea that a twin would substitute her sister in a date with somone she liked was ludicrous. I found Josh"s reaction quite odd too.
However I quite liked the Bloomsbury group references and the unusual family set up, and I loved Josh and April"s days out.
Overall I found lots to like but I didnt feel it was up to the standard of the rest of the series.
I enjoyed meeting all the characters from the rest of the series, I enjoyed the subplot involving the book group, but I found the idea that a twin would substitute her sister in a date with somone she liked was ludicrous. I found Josh"s reaction quite odd too.
However I quite liked the Bloomsbury group references and the unusual family set up, and I loved Josh and April"s days out.
Overall I found lots to like but I didnt feel it was up to the standard of the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
This novel is all about colour. Josh lives his life in books as his home testifies this with his boring beige walls. He is happy living in a fantasy world which is a trait I can understand. April is the opposite and is a colour magpie, like myself. I related to her appreciation of colour and bohemian ways. This is an aspect I love about this series, I relate to many of the characters which adds an extra layer of enjoyment and involvement in the story. It makes you turn the page. The new characters introduced in this book are adorable and I would love to meet them in real life. It is difficult to say more about the novel without giving away any spoilers but I enjoyed the twists and unexpected events.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes, it is a lovely addition to the Book Lovers series. Overall, this series highlights an author with deep characterisation and observational skills making her novels a delight to read and love. The words bring the Nightgale family and Castle Clare alive giving the reader a chance to escape and enjoy. My TBR list has grown with the recommendations of the fictional book club and they have encouraged me to explore different music and appreciate things a little bit more.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Yes, it is a lovely addition to the Book Lovers series. Overall, this series highlights an author with deep characterisation and observational skills making her novels a delight to read and love. The words bring the Nightgale family and Castle Clare alive giving the reader a chance to escape and enjoy. My TBR list has grown with the recommendations of the fictional book club and they have encouraged me to explore different music and appreciate things a little bit more.
August 8, 2020
Will Josh find love ?
I was hoping Josh would find love and live happily ever after, but sadly his was to be a complicated romance, I started off really enjoying this book , then it started to go silly with the two Daddies, why not call one Dad and the other by his first name ? I'm not sure how old the twins are supposed to be but not obviously that young ...I got my head round the Bloomsbury Group way of thinking I think, then there was April turning Josh and his flat into a rainbow of colours, lastly her medical illness. At one time reading this I actually forgot and thought I was reading another author. This was so unlike the previous books format.
I was hoping Josh would find love and live happily ever after, but sadly his was to be a complicated romance, I started off really enjoying this book , then it started to go silly with the two Daddies, why not call one Dad and the other by his first name ? I'm not sure how old the twins are supposed to be but not obviously that young ...I got my head round the Bloomsbury Group way of thinking I think, then there was April turning Josh and his flat into a rainbow of colours, lastly her medical illness. At one time reading this I actually forgot and thought I was reading another author. This was so unlike the previous books format.
December 31, 2019
Book 117 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019
A wonderful addition to the Book Lovers Series
Being a Book Lover myself this series has been a real treat. It has been great getting to know the Nightingale 's and their partners and friends. The books have always inspired me to read outside my comfort zone and has urged me into further research. I must admit all the talk about the Bloomsbury Group did have me rather confused hence the 4star rating. But at least it has got me doing a little more reading and research.
A wonderful addition to the Book Lovers Series
Being a Book Lover myself this series has been a real treat. It has been great getting to know the Nightingale 's and their partners and friends. The books have always inspired me to read outside my comfort zone and has urged me into further research. I must admit all the talk about the Bloomsbury Group did have me rather confused hence the 4star rating. But at least it has got me doing a little more reading and research.
January 13, 2020
This is how it's done. Books, bookshops, writing, art, gardening, family, woven together for an interesting, engaging, refreshing story about relationships. One of the best parts is the books and places mentioned, artists and writers mentioned are real, and I followed some interesting rabbit trails in search of more info. I'd write more but I'm anxious to find my own copy of one of the books mentioned. I'm a fan of this series Victoria Connelly!
January 22, 2020
The Look of Love
When Josh first sets eyes on April, he knows he doesn't ever want to be without her. But April has a secret which her over-protective twin sister, May, keeps alluding to. But sometimes you just know, and no matter what, you can't stop loving someone.
When Josh first sets eyes on April, he knows he doesn't ever want to be without her. But April has a secret which her over-protective twin sister, May, keeps alluding to. But sometimes you just know, and no matter what, you can't stop loving someone.
November 9, 2019
Thought provoking book.
Can’t say much without spoiling the story, so will just say, as usual, lovely tale with other stories running through!
Can’t say much without spoiling the story, so will just say, as usual, lovely tale with other stories running through!
November 24, 2019
Usual reliable fare from this author - I love the British chic lit feel.
November 28, 2019
Such a sweet series. I can't wait for the next one!
December 29, 2019
I found this latest in the BookLovers series to be not quite as good as the others I have read. That said, however, it was still very good and very enjoyable.
January 14, 2020
The last 1/5 of the book falls apart a little, but a strong start helps you want to finish it.
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