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Mr Portobello's Morning Paper
Sophia has everything she thought she wanted – so she should be happy, right? From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes a heart-warming short story about new friends and missed connections.
Sophia Perkins gives up her job as a teacher to realise a life-long dream of owning a second-hand bookshop. Free from the wearying monotony of marking until the early hours and swallowing the disappointment of trying to educate disinterested young minds, she embraces her new life.
Still in the throes of grief, having recently lost both of her parents, Sophia is delighted by the daily visits of Mr Portobello, the shop’s former occupant, and their unexpected friendship blooms into something beautiful. In the process of learning about the eccentric eighty-year-old, Sophia learns as much – if not more – about herself. Mr Portobello makes her question her life, her choices and even how she grieves for those she has lost.
This new story with a warm vintage feel brings to mind the age-old saying: Be careful what you wish for…
Sophia Perkins gives up her job as a teacher to realise a life-long dream of owning a second-hand bookshop. Free from the wearying monotony of marking until the early hours and swallowing the disappointment of trying to educate disinterested young minds, she embraces her new life.
Still in the throes of grief, having recently lost both of her parents, Sophia is delighted by the daily visits of Mr Portobello, the shop’s former occupant, and their unexpected friendship blooms into something beautiful. In the process of learning about the eccentric eighty-year-old, Sophia learns as much – if not more – about herself. Mr Portobello makes her question her life, her choices and even how she grieves for those she has lost.
This new story with a warm vintage feel brings to mind the age-old saying: Be careful what you wish for…
- GenresFictionContemporary
Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2020
1356 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
87 books1,998 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 7, 2020
3.5\5 rounded up to 4
June 5, 2020
When you’re in the mood for a something a little more bite sized in your fiction then you must read Mr Portobellos Morning Paper in which Amanda Prowse delivers her usual trademark style but concentrated into a beautifully insightful novella.
Working in a school and also having a hankering for opening a bookshop, I connected with Sophia immediately. I understood her need to follow her dream as often bereavement leads people to reevaluate their lives and want to throw caution to the wind, searching for some kind of self fulfilment and comfort. So Sophia opens up her little bookshop after leaving her teaching job. But it isn’t as easy as she thought it would be and one of her highlights of her working day is when the previous occupant of the shop pops in to chat. Mr Portobello is a wonderful character and his morning visits come to mean far more to Sophia as his attitude leads her to make some very out of character decisions!
The themes of love and loss, of living life to your full potential and taking chances before it’s too late are all explored as Sophia forms a heartwarming friendship with the eccentric older gentleman. I became completely immersed in their lives but I wasn’t prepared for the direction the storyline took and the emotional response hit me hard. But it was perfect, just perfect! Amanda Prowse gets me every time and there were a few tears shed towards the end of Mr Portobellos Morning Paper. I loved every page of this wonderful short story and would highly recommend you pick up a copy!
Working in a school and also having a hankering for opening a bookshop, I connected with Sophia immediately. I understood her need to follow her dream as often bereavement leads people to reevaluate their lives and want to throw caution to the wind, searching for some kind of self fulfilment and comfort. So Sophia opens up her little bookshop after leaving her teaching job. But it isn’t as easy as she thought it would be and one of her highlights of her working day is when the previous occupant of the shop pops in to chat. Mr Portobello is a wonderful character and his morning visits come to mean far more to Sophia as his attitude leads her to make some very out of character decisions!
The themes of love and loss, of living life to your full potential and taking chances before it’s too late are all explored as Sophia forms a heartwarming friendship with the eccentric older gentleman. I became completely immersed in their lives but I wasn’t prepared for the direction the storyline took and the emotional response hit me hard. But it was perfect, just perfect! Amanda Prowse gets me every time and there were a few tears shed towards the end of Mr Portobellos Morning Paper. I loved every page of this wonderful short story and would highly recommend you pick up a copy!
May 27, 2020
It's no secret.
Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors, and when she announced her novella, Mr Portobello's Morning Paper, it sped its way onto my Kindle and raced to the top of my TBR pile. Her books always do. I'm not apologising!
Mr Portobello's Morning Paper was a beautifully crafted novella and it hit many notes for me for several reasons.
Sophie is my age. Sophia is (was) a teacher. Like me. Disillusioned with the way teaching is going - been there, done that. Sophia loves books. Yup, me again.
That's where the similarities end.
But the story. Oh, the story.
Sophia leaves her job to open a book emporium filled with the old books from her parents' house. She develops. friendship with the eighty-year-old Mr Portobello, who was the previous tenant of her shop.
He pops in at 10 am every morning, on his way to get his morning paper, and slowly they build a relationship that leaves Sophia beginning to think long and hard about how she's been living her life.
Mr Portobello's Morning Paper is a bittersweet story which will tug at your heartstrings.
Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors, and when she announced her novella, Mr Portobello's Morning Paper, it sped its way onto my Kindle and raced to the top of my TBR pile. Her books always do. I'm not apologising!
Mr Portobello's Morning Paper was a beautifully crafted novella and it hit many notes for me for several reasons.
Sophie is my age. Sophia is (was) a teacher. Like me. Disillusioned with the way teaching is going - been there, done that. Sophia loves books. Yup, me again.
That's where the similarities end.
But the story. Oh, the story.
Sophia leaves her job to open a book emporium filled with the old books from her parents' house. She develops. friendship with the eighty-year-old Mr Portobello, who was the previous tenant of her shop.
He pops in at 10 am every morning, on his way to get his morning paper, and slowly they build a relationship that leaves Sophia beginning to think long and hard about how she's been living her life.
Mr Portobello's Morning Paper is a bittersweet story which will tug at your heartstrings.
June 3, 2020
Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper is a lovely story. I saw it featured on Joanne’s blog and scooted off to Amazon straight away. It centres around Sophia Perkins. Still grieving the loss of her parents, as well as feeling disillusioned with trying to teach classes of seemingly indifferent children, she gives notice, leaves her job and fulfils a long held dream of owning her own second hand bookshop.
The previous tenant of the building, eccentric eighty year old Mr Portobello, takes to calling into the bookshop each morning for a chat as he walks past after collecting his morning paper, and the two build up a special friendship over several months. Then one morning Mr Portobello fails to arrive at his usual time, and for the rest of the week there’s no sign of him. Worried, Sophia decides to find his house and make sure he’s not ill. She discovers all is not as she believed.
[quote] She had seen Mr Portobello out and about — who hadn’t? He was, as the phrase went, a real character; someone who stood out, a man everyone recognised, but knew little about. He kept himself to himself, but was one of those people who was like the local war memorial, the fancy library steps or the Gothic fountain in front of St John’s, part of the fabric of the street, someone you expected to see, although usually didn’t look too closely. [end quote]
Amanda Prowse is an author whose books I enjoy very much and Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper is no exception. I loved the descriptions of the book emporium and the customers that found their way there. For all this is a novella Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper is quite a touching and insightful story, tinged with sadness, the characters brought to life beautifully. I could empathise with Sophia and enjoyed the friendship between her and the lovely Mr Portobello—he talked a lot of sense trying to make Sophia understand that life was for living and not to waste a moment living in the past, and also that happiness can be found in places you least expect.
The previous tenant of the building, eccentric eighty year old Mr Portobello, takes to calling into the bookshop each morning for a chat as he walks past after collecting his morning paper, and the two build up a special friendship over several months. Then one morning Mr Portobello fails to arrive at his usual time, and for the rest of the week there’s no sign of him. Worried, Sophia decides to find his house and make sure he’s not ill. She discovers all is not as she believed.
[quote] She had seen Mr Portobello out and about — who hadn’t? He was, as the phrase went, a real character; someone who stood out, a man everyone recognised, but knew little about. He kept himself to himself, but was one of those people who was like the local war memorial, the fancy library steps or the Gothic fountain in front of St John’s, part of the fabric of the street, someone you expected to see, although usually didn’t look too closely. [end quote]
Amanda Prowse is an author whose books I enjoy very much and Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper is no exception. I loved the descriptions of the book emporium and the customers that found their way there. For all this is a novella Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper is quite a touching and insightful story, tinged with sadness, the characters brought to life beautifully. I could empathise with Sophia and enjoyed the friendship between her and the lovely Mr Portobello—he talked a lot of sense trying to make Sophia understand that life was for living and not to waste a moment living in the past, and also that happiness can be found in places you least expect.
January 9, 2021
Having read many lengthy books recently, I had totally forgotten what a novella feels like. This was beautiful.
August 2, 2020
This is the first book I have read by author Amanda Prowse and I look forward to reading all her writings. I fell in love with the story and the characters. Heartfelt tenderness and care are found in this great story. Mr. Portobello and Sophia have a very special bond. At times, tears trickled down my face while I was reading. Great story.
May 27, 2020
Love your life & live it to the full!
I loved this little novella, Amanda's books are always a delight to read (even if they do leave me feeling a little emotional).
I loved this little novella, Amanda's books are always a delight to read (even if they do leave me feeling a little emotional).
July 23, 2020
My first novella! A touching story of loss, friendship and discovery.
" life is not for the dead, it's for the living..."
I enjoyed this short read.
" life is not for the dead, it's for the living..."
I enjoyed this short read.
November 24, 2020
Utterly charming short story. Lovely section about the why of teaching and about finding life.
December 21, 2020
Awwww!
Such an adorable and endearing feel good book. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Detailed review coming soon.
Such an adorable and endearing feel good book. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Detailed review coming soon.
July 1, 2021
2 stars = 1 star for absolute rushed, trite predictability. 3 stars for one tiny aspect that was not predictable and almost sweet and a couple of worthwhile quotes.
June 4, 2020
Amanda Prowse write beautifully and this novella is no exception.
A wonderful story of life, love, loss and happiness. With the moral life is for living.
This book has given me a warm glow. Loved it
A wonderful story of life, love, loss and happiness. With the moral life is for living.
This book has given me a warm glow. Loved it
June 5, 2020
Another beautiful heartfelt story from the lovely Amanda Prowse. Only a short novella this time, but nevertheless just as emotional and touching and a welcome warm hug in a book, perfect for the present challenging times we are all experiencing.
"Sophia Perkins at 43, gives up her job as a teacher to free herself from the monotony of marking papers and trying to educate disinterested young minds, and finally admits to herself that she has lost her passion for teaching. Having lost both her parents, and having some financial security now, she embraces her new life-long dream of running a second-hand bookshop. As her mother, who collected hundreds of books over the years told her "One day you will be able to sit among these books as if they are your friends".
Sophie enjoys the daily 10.00 am visits from the shop's former occupant, Mr Portobello who, at 80, has lived a full life which he tells her about in snippets and makes her question her own limited life experiences and causes her to admit to herself that she is feeling unhappy and lonely. However, another visitor to the bookshop brings a welcome distraction and Simon Blandford slowly makes her feel alive again.
Sophie sounds like the perfect person to run a bookshop because she cares more about spending time with people and sharing her passion for books, than just making a sale. However, when she does sell some of her books, she is thrilled and realises that sharing books and knowledge with someone is what she craves most.
I loved Mr Portobello and the relationship he shares with Sophie is magical. I definitely felt as if not only did I know these two characters but that I was there in the bookshop with them. As usual Amanda seems to have written people into her book that we can all relate to and empathise with. Mr Portobello is an absolute diamond of a gentleman and is so very wise and shares his wisdom with Sophie and reminds her that life is precious and that she does have time to find happiness.
When Mr Portobello misses his morning visits for a whole week, Sophie goes looking for him and her whole world is turned upside down by what she discovers, and so was mine! So emotional i sobbed.
I, too, was reminded of a famous quote which goes something like this, with my own bits added... "The trouble is, you think you have time, but it is precious and should be used to the full. We should all spend time doing what we love, especially the simple things, because it can simply stop and it will all be too late".
This novella may be short, but it is oh so sweet and the ending is superb and brought me to tears. Thank you Mandy, always a joy to read and review your books.
"Sophia Perkins at 43, gives up her job as a teacher to free herself from the monotony of marking papers and trying to educate disinterested young minds, and finally admits to herself that she has lost her passion for teaching. Having lost both her parents, and having some financial security now, she embraces her new life-long dream of running a second-hand bookshop. As her mother, who collected hundreds of books over the years told her "One day you will be able to sit among these books as if they are your friends".
Sophie enjoys the daily 10.00 am visits from the shop's former occupant, Mr Portobello who, at 80, has lived a full life which he tells her about in snippets and makes her question her own limited life experiences and causes her to admit to herself that she is feeling unhappy and lonely. However, another visitor to the bookshop brings a welcome distraction and Simon Blandford slowly makes her feel alive again.
Sophie sounds like the perfect person to run a bookshop because she cares more about spending time with people and sharing her passion for books, than just making a sale. However, when she does sell some of her books, she is thrilled and realises that sharing books and knowledge with someone is what she craves most.
I loved Mr Portobello and the relationship he shares with Sophie is magical. I definitely felt as if not only did I know these two characters but that I was there in the bookshop with them. As usual Amanda seems to have written people into her book that we can all relate to and empathise with. Mr Portobello is an absolute diamond of a gentleman and is so very wise and shares his wisdom with Sophie and reminds her that life is precious and that she does have time to find happiness.
When Mr Portobello misses his morning visits for a whole week, Sophie goes looking for him and her whole world is turned upside down by what she discovers, and so was mine! So emotional i sobbed.
I, too, was reminded of a famous quote which goes something like this, with my own bits added... "The trouble is, you think you have time, but it is precious and should be used to the full. We should all spend time doing what we love, especially the simple things, because it can simply stop and it will all be too late".
This novella may be short, but it is oh so sweet and the ending is superb and brought me to tears. Thank you Mandy, always a joy to read and review your books.
February 2, 2023
Sophia Perkins gives up her job as a teacher to achieve her dream of opening a secondhand bookshop. Grieving the loss of her parents, Sophia is delighted by daily visits from the shop’s former occupant, Mr Portobello. A friendship forms between Sophia and the eccentric eighty-year-old, and as she learns more about him, she also learns more about herself in the process. Mr Portobello makes Sophia question her life, her choices and even how she grieves for those she has lost.
This was a very charming and heartwarming short story. I really loved both Sophia and Mr Portobello and the friendship which formed and grew between the two of them. It came across that they had really started to care for one another, and Mr Portobello taught Sophia that it’s okay to live life to the fullest. They were both very relatable as well. I also loved how books were mentioned a lot throughout this book. It was like a love letter to books, reading and literature, which I can definitely relate to, as I’m sure most bookworms will.
I don’t think there was anything that I didn’t love about this short story. It was charming, uplifting and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I do understand that this was meant to be short, but I think I would have liked to have seen more from these characters, so I don’t think this is something I can say that I didn’t like about it. Therefore, I give Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper 5 out of 5 stars!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys short stories, contemporary fiction, books about books, relatable friendships and characters, and a little bit of romance.
This was a very charming and heartwarming short story. I really loved both Sophia and Mr Portobello and the friendship which formed and grew between the two of them. It came across that they had really started to care for one another, and Mr Portobello taught Sophia that it’s okay to live life to the fullest. They were both very relatable as well. I also loved how books were mentioned a lot throughout this book. It was like a love letter to books, reading and literature, which I can definitely relate to, as I’m sure most bookworms will.
I don’t think there was anything that I didn’t love about this short story. It was charming, uplifting and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I do understand that this was meant to be short, but I think I would have liked to have seen more from these characters, so I don’t think this is something I can say that I didn’t like about it. Therefore, I give Mr Portobello’s Morning Paper 5 out of 5 stars!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys short stories, contemporary fiction, books about books, relatable friendships and characters, and a little bit of romance.
May 27, 2020
Sophia is an English teacher who has recently resigned, having become disillusioned with the profession. She has always loved books and reading and following the sad loss of both her parents, has been able to fulfil a lifelong dream and open Perkins' Book Emporium. The previous owner of the shop was Mr Portobello, a well known, somewhat eccentric figure in the neighbourhood and he pops by for a daily visit. As they become friends, they learn more about each other and Mr Portobello encourages Sophia to live life to the full.
Well, for a relatively short book, there was so much packed into this story. I loved reading about Sophia and finding out about her hopes and dreams. It was so lovely to see how Mr Portobello gently (and sometimes not so gently) helped her to see that she needed to move on from the past and do what mattered to her. Mr Portobello himself is someone I took to heart and finding out about his favourite and most treasured book was just so poignant. As always, Amanda Prowse made me feel like I knew her characters inside out very quickly and therefore was very invested in their stories. She is so good at capturing the little things that make her characters feel so real and making their situations very relatable.
If you are needing an Amanda Prowse fix to keep you going until her next novel is out (The Day She Came Back which will be published in July) then get yourself copy of this lovely story today and enjoy.
Well, for a relatively short book, there was so much packed into this story. I loved reading about Sophia and finding out about her hopes and dreams. It was so lovely to see how Mr Portobello gently (and sometimes not so gently) helped her to see that she needed to move on from the past and do what mattered to her. Mr Portobello himself is someone I took to heart and finding out about his favourite and most treasured book was just so poignant. As always, Amanda Prowse made me feel like I knew her characters inside out very quickly and therefore was very invested in their stories. She is so good at capturing the little things that make her characters feel so real and making their situations very relatable.
If you are needing an Amanda Prowse fix to keep you going until her next novel is out (The Day She Came Back which will be published in July) then get yourself copy of this lovely story today and enjoy.
June 10, 2020
I have recently been reading 'Mr Portobello's Morning Paper' by Amanda Prowes.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction.
About the Author: Amanda is a truly inspiring and talented author. She is a faboulous person and has time for her fans.
Sophia is a overworked English Teacher. She has lost all euthasim for her once beloved career. Sophia loves books and her parents left a huge amount of novels upon their recent death. Sophia hastly leaves her employment and starts her own business as a second hand book shop. She believes this will be a new way of life for her or will this journey show her what she has been hiding from?
This is lovely novella and I was hooked from the first page. Beautifully written and set at a appropriate pace. A great balance of show and tell. Amanda provides thought provoking and delightful themes throughout. Such as, how unexpected people can point us in the right direction.
Uncle Vanya the cat is definitely one of my favourite characters!
I wish I could have known more about Sophia and Mr Portobello. This is a great novella and I feel this could have been a faboulous novel as well.
Triggers - Death of parents and Death of a friend.
I really enjoyed this novella and I look forward to reading more of Amanda's books. I highly recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys similar genres.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction.
About the Author: Amanda is a truly inspiring and talented author. She is a faboulous person and has time for her fans.
Sophia is a overworked English Teacher. She has lost all euthasim for her once beloved career. Sophia loves books and her parents left a huge amount of novels upon their recent death. Sophia hastly leaves her employment and starts her own business as a second hand book shop. She believes this will be a new way of life for her or will this journey show her what she has been hiding from?
This is lovely novella and I was hooked from the first page. Beautifully written and set at a appropriate pace. A great balance of show and tell. Amanda provides thought provoking and delightful themes throughout. Such as, how unexpected people can point us in the right direction.
Uncle Vanya the cat is definitely one of my favourite characters!
I wish I could have known more about Sophia and Mr Portobello. This is a great novella and I feel this could have been a faboulous novel as well.
Triggers - Death of parents and Death of a friend.
I really enjoyed this novella and I look forward to reading more of Amanda's books. I highly recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys similar genres.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
February 7, 2021
Miss Sophia Perkins , a middle aged single woman resigns as an English teacher in a school & starts a second hand bookstore with numerous books that were left behind by her dead parents. This mansion like bookstore is leased out to her by Mr Portobello, an eighty year old man.
Sophia's reading quirks are very much relatable & her untold hate & inexplicable pity towards non readers definitely brings a smile on us while reading.
Mr Portobello is a dapper in maintainence & a less spoken gentle man. He daily visits the bookstore for daily newspaper & eventually his bond with Sophia grows thicker. When Sophia's life is at crossroads of disappointed past & awaiting second chance , he becomes a silent navigator of her life showing apt path to tread on. When she is lost like a lone yacht swaying in the middle of a sea, Portsobello becomes a rudder to hold on & a jib blowing towards a right direction.
I liked their conversations on love, loss & life.
Amanda Powse's descriptive writing is so good. Though the plot is quite predictable, I was impressed with the way she has treated it. The only thing I felt could have been better is the book could be per se 20-30 pages longer establishing much more stronger relationship between the characters with a bit deep character built up. Nevertheless , this feel good novella brings up one's low held spirits exuding it's warmth prolifically.
Sophia's reading quirks are very much relatable & her untold hate & inexplicable pity towards non readers definitely brings a smile on us while reading.
Mr Portobello is a dapper in maintainence & a less spoken gentle man. He daily visits the bookstore for daily newspaper & eventually his bond with Sophia grows thicker. When Sophia's life is at crossroads of disappointed past & awaiting second chance , he becomes a silent navigator of her life showing apt path to tread on. When she is lost like a lone yacht swaying in the middle of a sea, Portsobello becomes a rudder to hold on & a jib blowing towards a right direction.
I liked their conversations on love, loss & life.
Amanda Powse's descriptive writing is so good. Though the plot is quite predictable, I was impressed with the way she has treated it. The only thing I felt could have been better is the book could be per se 20-30 pages longer establishing much more stronger relationship between the characters with a bit deep character built up. Nevertheless , this feel good novella brings up one's low held spirits exuding it's warmth prolifically.
June 15, 2020
When Sophia Perkins' parents die, she feels adrift. Her teaching job in a local school has become monotonous, and she longs for escape. Her fiancé had died years before and she felt very alone. When one of her pupils tells her that he hasn't read her set book, only watched part of the film, she feels this is the last straw and resigns. Her parents have left her boxes and boxes of books so she decides to open a second hand bookshop.
The bookshop is ticking over, and every day at 10am she receives a visit from the previous inhabitant of the store, Mr Portobello, who is almost twice her age. They chat, become friends, and he gives her advice.
However sometimes things are not always what they seem, and sometimes the most important things are right under your nose.
I absolutely loved this short story, and devoured it in one sitting. It's a quick read which packs a punch and the characters stay with you a long while. Working in a school there were many truths, eloquently captured. I absolutely loved it.
The bookshop is ticking over, and every day at 10am she receives a visit from the previous inhabitant of the store, Mr Portobello, who is almost twice her age. They chat, become friends, and he gives her advice.
However sometimes things are not always what they seem, and sometimes the most important things are right under your nose.
I absolutely loved this short story, and devoured it in one sitting. It's a quick read which packs a punch and the characters stay with you a long while. Working in a school there were many truths, eloquently captured. I absolutely loved it.
September 12, 2020
This wonderful short story really did warm my heart. When Sophia gives up her career as an English teacher to open a bookshop, she meets former tenant, Mr Portobello who calls by every morning on his way home from buying his morning paper. Their friendship quickly grows, and Sophia loves to hear his stories of the rich and wonderful life he has led, the amazing house in which he lives, and the words of wisdom he imparts to Sophia. Then, Sophia's life changes when her former boss and Head of the school where she worked calls into the bookshop one morning, leading to a turn of events which send Sophia into a spin. Amanda Prowse really is a beautiful writer, and her descriptions of scenes in this book transported me to a place of peace and happiness. I just love the way she writes and the colours she brings to the words and characters within her books.
September 11, 2021
Not sure what I was expecting
It wasn't this.
This was far better than what I may have expected.
I was a teacher before I became a nurse (loans, fiscal needs, surpluses & shortages of that era). I can relate to the teacher in the story to some extent. It's not easy, & Simon's explanations hit very close to my own experiences.
I've always loved books and reading but also going and doing, having followed my husband to any duty station to which he could bring me. I wouldn't trade the hassles of the moves we underwent for the wonderful experiences we had - or even the challenging ones.
Mr. Portobello is quite the catalyst, a linchpin sent to set a few things right.
It's a short story. Take some time to give it your attention and enjoy the evolution- quite a bit for such a small tale!
It wasn't this.
This was far better than what I may have expected.
I was a teacher before I became a nurse (loans, fiscal needs, surpluses & shortages of that era). I can relate to the teacher in the story to some extent. It's not easy, & Simon's explanations hit very close to my own experiences.
I've always loved books and reading but also going and doing, having followed my husband to any duty station to which he could bring me. I wouldn't trade the hassles of the moves we underwent for the wonderful experiences we had - or even the challenging ones.
Mr. Portobello is quite the catalyst, a linchpin sent to set a few things right.
It's a short story. Take some time to give it your attention and enjoy the evolution- quite a bit for such a small tale!
June 17, 2020
A friendly cwtch
We all read for different reasons. We all pick up a certain book and read it, in the hope it fills a gap, sometimes one that you never knew you had.
I picked up this book not knowing what to expect, I didn't read the summary first, I just wanted to read it as the author is one of my most favourites.
This book seemed to find me when I most needed it. I'm suffering with awful depression and life stresses at the moment and this book was like a literature version of an arm around my shoulders reassuring me that happiness can be felt and found if you let go of whatever is holding you back. Take a leap, have some faith. Read this book and you'll know what I mean.
We all read for different reasons. We all pick up a certain book and read it, in the hope it fills a gap, sometimes one that you never knew you had.
I picked up this book not knowing what to expect, I didn't read the summary first, I just wanted to read it as the author is one of my most favourites.
This book seemed to find me when I most needed it. I'm suffering with awful depression and life stresses at the moment and this book was like a literature version of an arm around my shoulders reassuring me that happiness can be felt and found if you let go of whatever is holding you back. Take a leap, have some faith. Read this book and you'll know what I mean.
May 28, 2020
I love a short story and I was excited to pick this one up as it's by one of my favourite authors.
A story about hope and finding happiness in the most unexpected of places which is such an important message and one that gets forgotten sometimes in the mayhem that is life.
I loved the bookshop and the great descriptions which made it easy to visualise both the bookshop and sweet peas and wisteria which helped connect me to the characters from the outset.
A lovely story that left me smiling and with my spirits uplifted.
A story about hope and finding happiness in the most unexpected of places which is such an important message and one that gets forgotten sometimes in the mayhem that is life.
I loved the bookshop and the great descriptions which made it easy to visualise both the bookshop and sweet peas and wisteria which helped connect me to the characters from the outset.
A lovely story that left me smiling and with my spirits uplifted.
March 21, 2021
A Pleasant Surprisingly Satisfying Read
If truth be told, I am not really sure why I picked this book to read, but so glad I did. What a pleasant surprise this reader experienced. The rich descriptions and simple but intriguing and fulfilling storyline should not be missed. A story of loss and grief, a story of friendship and love, and a story of overcoming and discovery. One cannot help but fall in love with the quirky characters as well as empathize with their situations. I certainly hope to read more by this author.
If truth be told, I am not really sure why I picked this book to read, but so glad I did. What a pleasant surprise this reader experienced. The rich descriptions and simple but intriguing and fulfilling storyline should not be missed. A story of loss and grief, a story of friendship and love, and a story of overcoming and discovery. One cannot help but fall in love with the quirky characters as well as empathize with their situations. I certainly hope to read more by this author.
May 28, 2020
Fabulous short story that I'm sure many can relate to. Sophia is the smart but disillusioned English teacher who, following her parents death, decides to open a book shop. She welcomes an elderly gent on her first day who then visits daily and they chat until one day he doesn't visit. Their chats are about every day life and Sophia feels close and misses Mr Portobello when he doesn't show. She goes investigating........and finds love unexpectedly
May 29, 2020
This is the story of Sophie who leaves her teaching job to start up a second hand book shop.
She develops a beautiful friendship with Mr Portobello who is the eighty year old previous tenant of the shop who pops in every morning on his way to get his morning paper.
Their friendship gets Sophie thinking of her own life, her future and her past.
Amanda has such a beautiful writing style she makes me feel like I know her characters personally. Another winner from her it was just beautiful.
She develops a beautiful friendship with Mr Portobello who is the eighty year old previous tenant of the shop who pops in every morning on his way to get his morning paper.
Their friendship gets Sophie thinking of her own life, her future and her past.
Amanda has such a beautiful writing style she makes me feel like I know her characters personally. Another winner from her it was just beautiful.
May 29, 2020
As a fan of Amanda Prowse’s work, I was overjoyed to load this novella to my kindle. It certainly did not disappoint.
It is a touching story of love and loss and the moral of the story is ‘Life is for Living’. Sophia is disillusioned with her teaching job and, following the loss of her parents, resigns and opens a book shop - Perkins’ Book Emporium’. The descriptions of the shop and the visitors to it drew me in to the story and I loved every word.
Beautiful, just beautiful!
It is a touching story of love and loss and the moral of the story is ‘Life is for Living’. Sophia is disillusioned with her teaching job and, following the loss of her parents, resigns and opens a book shop - Perkins’ Book Emporium’. The descriptions of the shop and the visitors to it drew me in to the story and I loved every word.
Beautiful, just beautiful!
July 16, 2020
What an absolutely beautiful novella.
Amanda writes her stories with so much love and detail that I almost feel part of the story as I imagined the beautiful surroundings of Sophia’s book emporium and characters within this book.
This is a book centred around loss and finding friendships and happiness when you least expect it. It’s also about the “small things in life, actually being the very big things” and it really makes you see that life is worth living 🙂
Amanda writes her stories with so much love and detail that I almost feel part of the story as I imagined the beautiful surroundings of Sophia’s book emporium and characters within this book.
This is a book centred around loss and finding friendships and happiness when you least expect it. It’s also about the “small things in life, actually being the very big things” and it really makes you see that life is worth living 🙂
February 10, 2021
A charming little novella that I would maybe buy for my grandma. The main character is a little too one dimensional and the dialogue is extremely grandiose, which would be perhaps understandable for one really erudite character, but it's literally every character. If you can suspend judgment on that little bit of inauthenticity, this is a sweet little story about friendship and the boundary between being a bookworm and embracing life.
April 17, 2021
3.5/5
This one was a delightful, pleasant read. I don't usually read novellas but there was something about the premise of a woman opening a quaint bookstore that got to me. I guess I'd have loved for the story line to have been longer, and a chance to get to know the characters better. Or maybe I'm just used to reading novels. Found some lovely life lessons tucked in between the lines as well!
This one was a delightful, pleasant read. I don't usually read novellas but there was something about the premise of a woman opening a quaint bookstore that got to me. I guess I'd have loved for the story line to have been longer, and a chance to get to know the characters better. Or maybe I'm just used to reading novels. Found some lovely life lessons tucked in between the lines as well!
May 29, 2020
A touching short story for book lovers everywhere. Sophia changes her life after her much-loved parents die, hoping that running a bookshop will bring her more satisfaction than teaching. Will she miss her old job? Will anyone from school miss her? A heart-warming read, written with Amanda Prowse's usual eloquence and humour. Devour it in one sitting!
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