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The Holiday Bookshop
One woman. One island. A bookshop in need of revival...
Jenny has never been a risk taker. But when her best friend takes off on an American road trip, Jenny finds herself saying yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of her own and accepts the role of a bookseller in the Maldives.
The island of Bounty Cove Cay is everything she'd hoped for: white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise waters and palm trees bursting with coconuts. But it's not all plain sailing...
The resort bookshop is far from thriving and, in an unexpected twist, management are threatening closure.
Can Jenny throw her rulebook to the wind and turn things around before it's too late? And might she find her own happy ending along the way?
____________________
Looking for your next beach read? Look no further! Escape with The Holiday Bookshop, perfect for fans of Jo Thomas, Phillipa Ashley and Jenny Colgan...
____________________
Praise for Lucy Dickens
'Funny, inspirational and so evocative' Cathy Bramley
'The ultimate armchair adventure' Heidi Swain
'Will leave you feeling inspired' Cressida McLaughin
'A journey full of laughs and drama ... A really brilliant read' Rosie Blake
Jenny has never been a risk taker. But when her best friend takes off on an American road trip, Jenny finds herself saying yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of her own and accepts the role of a bookseller in the Maldives.
The island of Bounty Cove Cay is everything she'd hoped for: white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise waters and palm trees bursting with coconuts. But it's not all plain sailing...
The resort bookshop is far from thriving and, in an unexpected twist, management are threatening closure.
Can Jenny throw her rulebook to the wind and turn things around before it's too late? And might she find her own happy ending along the way?
____________________
Looking for your next beach read? Look no further! Escape with The Holiday Bookshop, perfect for fans of Jo Thomas, Phillipa Ashley and Jenny Colgan...
____________________
Praise for Lucy Dickens
'Funny, inspirational and so evocative' Cathy Bramley
'The ultimate armchair adventure' Heidi Swain
'Will leave you feeling inspired' Cressida McLaughin
'A journey full of laughs and drama ... A really brilliant read' Rosie Blake
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2022
52 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
November 13, 2023
3.5 stars
I went in blind on this one The Holiday Bookshop by Lucy Dickens was an okay read it started off well but the characters were a bit immature & got on my nerves 😳.
Jenny & Marianne are business partners they opened up a book shop in North Cornwall called The Book Nook On The Beach 🏖️
Three years later Jenny has itchy feet she wants to get away from Cornwall so she sees an ad on the internet about a job at a resort in the 🇲🇻 Maldives on a private island for 3 months.
She interviews for it & gets it which she is looking forward to running the bookshop there, but Marianne her best friend as well as business partner go their own way Marianne to the USA while Marianne is sunning herself .
Suddenly words are said & they go their separate ways will they reconcile ?
Meanwhile Jenny has a huge crush on Evan Marianne’s brother ever since they were young so there are games to be played.
This was an okay read the setting of the Maldives pulled me in quickly the characters were a bit immature & annoying but I will read more by this author.
I went in blind on this one The Holiday Bookshop by Lucy Dickens was an okay read it started off well but the characters were a bit immature & got on my nerves 😳.
Jenny & Marianne are business partners they opened up a book shop in North Cornwall called The Book Nook On The Beach 🏖️
Three years later Jenny has itchy feet she wants to get away from Cornwall so she sees an ad on the internet about a job at a resort in the 🇲🇻 Maldives on a private island for 3 months.
She interviews for it & gets it which she is looking forward to running the bookshop there, but Marianne her best friend as well as business partner go their own way Marianne to the USA while Marianne is sunning herself .
Suddenly words are said & they go their separate ways will they reconcile ?
Meanwhile Jenny has a huge crush on Evan Marianne’s brother ever since they were young so there are games to be played.
This was an okay read the setting of the Maldives pulled me in quickly the characters were a bit immature & annoying but I will read more by this author.
August 19, 2022
I did not read the ebook but paperback but because of issues with Goodreads I cannot change it. Not even on the desk computer.
Goodreads have really made a mess with their changes. Very frustrating.
Three stars
With settings of the Maldives and a trip across the USA with time spent in Joshua Tree and Las Vegas this book had plenty going for it. I picked it up because I wanted a nice light read after a previously challenging book. The story involves best friends Jenny And Marianne who own and run The Book Nook in Cornwall. There is also Evan, Marianne's brother, who Jenny has had a crush on for years but it has never gone anywhere and the sudden blooming romance of well known author Drew and Marianne. But what happens when best friends start getting on each other’s nerves and words are said that fracture the friendship, so they both end up going their separate ways. Is there a way back to the friendship they once had?
The settings were certainly colourful and interesting but it was the characters that got to me. To be honest, I never really connected with them all that much. They seemed immature and somewhat shallow. Now maybe I am just the wrong age group for this? Or it could be a case of bad timing and being too light after an engrossing book dealing with important social issues? Anyway, for whatever reason, it never quite grabbed me. Although I kept reading, there was quite a bit of skimming went on towards the end.
An okay read, I liked it but not all I had hoped. And I doubt the characters will stick in my memory. Maybe others will be more generous in their assessment of this book. So if you are after a light read of friendship, location and romance it may well appeal to you more.
Goodreads have really made a mess with their changes. Very frustrating.
Three stars
With settings of the Maldives and a trip across the USA with time spent in Joshua Tree and Las Vegas this book had plenty going for it. I picked it up because I wanted a nice light read after a previously challenging book. The story involves best friends Jenny And Marianne who own and run The Book Nook in Cornwall. There is also Evan, Marianne's brother, who Jenny has had a crush on for years but it has never gone anywhere and the sudden blooming romance of well known author Drew and Marianne. But what happens when best friends start getting on each other’s nerves and words are said that fracture the friendship, so they both end up going their separate ways. Is there a way back to the friendship they once had?
The settings were certainly colourful and interesting but it was the characters that got to me. To be honest, I never really connected with them all that much. They seemed immature and somewhat shallow. Now maybe I am just the wrong age group for this? Or it could be a case of bad timing and being too light after an engrossing book dealing with important social issues? Anyway, for whatever reason, it never quite grabbed me. Although I kept reading, there was quite a bit of skimming went on towards the end.
An okay read, I liked it but not all I had hoped. And I doubt the characters will stick in my memory. Maybe others will be more generous in their assessment of this book. So if you are after a light read of friendship, location and romance it may well appeal to you more.
February 5, 2024
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Fancy a trip to paradise with Jenn? She takes a punt by applying to be a bookshop owner in the Maldives, establishing a new book shop in a luxury resort. Sun, sea, sand… sounds idyllic, right? Well, if beaches are not for you, then follow Marianna as she heads for an unplanned road trip along the west coast of America. Expect the unexpected!
Fancy a trip to paradise with Jenn? She takes a punt by applying to be a bookshop owner in the Maldives, establishing a new book shop in a luxury resort. Sun, sea, sand… sounds idyllic, right? Well, if beaches are not for you, then follow Marianna as she heads for an unplanned road trip along the west coast of America. Expect the unexpected!
February 24, 2024
This book was like a roller-coaster. It started off high and enjoyable, then it dipped in the middle. Then finally up it went to the end. Not in my top ten of great reads a little disappointing.
April 1, 2022
I really struggled with a lot of things in this book and I think this all stems from the synopsis not actually fitting the actual story. It refers to a bookshop needing revival, essentially you can't revive a shop that was never open, to begin with. 'But when her best friend takes off on an American road trip, Jenny finds herself saying yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of her own and accepts the role of a bookseller in the Maldives.' this isn't accurate either as to what happens in the story.
The synopsis also suggests this could be a romance book and it actually isn't. This book is a book about friendship. Friendship trying to fit into a romance sized whole it has no business being in. I love the concept, of two best friends, come business partners, who fall out after forgetting what each other brings to the table. Leading one to take a spontaneous, unplanned road trip to the US with her bf and the other to take a temporary 3-month job in the Maldives, opening a book store.
How their unique experiences brings them to reflect on their friendship. But this book felt really scattered and confused about what it was supposed to be and I think missed it's mark. I almost DNF'd at multiple points but held out.
If the first 80% of the book was like the last 20% of the book in regards to pro's, direction and character interaction this would be a 4 start read. As it stands the first 80% was just off for me, I couldn't connect with either character, they didn't feel real but sort of rom-com cartoon-ish vibes.
Really enjoyed the last 20%, but didn't get on with the first 80% :(
The synopsis also suggests this could be a romance book and it actually isn't. This book is a book about friendship. Friendship trying to fit into a romance sized whole it has no business being in. I love the concept, of two best friends, come business partners, who fall out after forgetting what each other brings to the table. Leading one to take a spontaneous, unplanned road trip to the US with her bf and the other to take a temporary 3-month job in the Maldives, opening a book store.
How their unique experiences brings them to reflect on their friendship. But this book felt really scattered and confused about what it was supposed to be and I think missed it's mark. I almost DNF'd at multiple points but held out.
If the first 80% of the book was like the last 20% of the book in regards to pro's, direction and character interaction this would be a 4 start read. As it stands the first 80% was just off for me, I couldn't connect with either character, they didn't feel real but sort of rom-com cartoon-ish vibes.
Really enjoyed the last 20%, but didn't get on with the first 80% :(
July 19, 2022
This spoke to my inner armchair travel enthusiast, my inner booklover, my love of all things wonderfully escapist as it is a fantastic story that had perhaps a lot more going for it then you may first imagine.
For I loved Marianne's storyline and adventure just as much as Jenny's. They are best friends and business partners, but recently not being getting along as well as normal.
When they go off in separate directions for a while, it is a real journey of self discovery for each of them as they realise more about themselves than they expected.
I loved the setting of the Maldives for Jenna's new role, and I discovering the atolls through her eyes.
I just couldn't get enough of this story, the various plot lines and as always top quality writing.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For I loved Marianne's storyline and adventure just as much as Jenny's. They are best friends and business partners, but recently not being getting along as well as normal.
When they go off in separate directions for a while, it is a real journey of self discovery for each of them as they realise more about themselves than they expected.
I loved the setting of the Maldives for Jenna's new role, and I discovering the atolls through her eyes.
I just couldn't get enough of this story, the various plot lines and as always top quality writing.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 14, 2022
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/07/14/book-re...
Thanks to the publishers for this copy for my honest review.
When looking for a book seller in a resort you should be very specific in what you are looking for. I knew from the beginning Jen would not be very successful for the most part of this novel. She just doesn’t have that creative spark. She has the organisation, just barely any creativity.
The best friend Marianne is a selfish cow that is used to being the centre of attention from what I have gathered. She is the one with the men and travelling so when her co-partner applied for a job in the Maldives she is of course jealous and annoyed – EVEN THOUGH she has been telling her friend to get away for a while. Then, as Jen pointed out, Marianne is travelling the world with her latest boyfriends for a long time: 3 months. You learn a lot about a person you live with even for a few days. It’s your tolerability level – if you are constantly telling yourself it will get better or you barely know him and so forth – you are wasting your time it won’t work. So why spend 3 months travelling all over and talking about marriage with this dude? It is utterly pathetic. But she is creative so she has that going for her.
It’s difficult for most. You are either Marianne or Jen. But for some you can be both in the one person.
Jen should know herself by this stage in life however she wastes her time in order to get a free holiday as she is failing in what the company has hired her to do. Before she left England she had a row with her best friend so you can just easily guess where this is going.
If you are looking for a read to make you feel good whilst sitting out in the sun where it isn’t too much thought for a plot whilst you are relaxing this is for you. The entire read from start to finish suits a relaxing read. However if you want more depth you will average like this novel just like I did. I really did enjoy the holiday vibes from Jen’s side however Marianne was very annoying and jealous of Jen. Women and their bitchiness to copy I cannot tolerate anymore just do your own thing and stop copying!
I did however wish I was by the Maldives Beaches enjoying the atmosphere with a drink and book at hand!
Great read for holiday vibes by the beach or in a tropical island.
Thanks to the publishers for this copy for my honest review.
When looking for a book seller in a resort you should be very specific in what you are looking for. I knew from the beginning Jen would not be very successful for the most part of this novel. She just doesn’t have that creative spark. She has the organisation, just barely any creativity.
The best friend Marianne is a selfish cow that is used to being the centre of attention from what I have gathered. She is the one with the men and travelling so when her co-partner applied for a job in the Maldives she is of course jealous and annoyed – EVEN THOUGH she has been telling her friend to get away for a while. Then, as Jen pointed out, Marianne is travelling the world with her latest boyfriends for a long time: 3 months. You learn a lot about a person you live with even for a few days. It’s your tolerability level – if you are constantly telling yourself it will get better or you barely know him and so forth – you are wasting your time it won’t work. So why spend 3 months travelling all over and talking about marriage with this dude? It is utterly pathetic. But she is creative so she has that going for her.
It’s difficult for most. You are either Marianne or Jen. But for some you can be both in the one person.
Jen should know herself by this stage in life however she wastes her time in order to get a free holiday as she is failing in what the company has hired her to do. Before she left England she had a row with her best friend so you can just easily guess where this is going.
If you are looking for a read to make you feel good whilst sitting out in the sun where it isn’t too much thought for a plot whilst you are relaxing this is for you. The entire read from start to finish suits a relaxing read. However if you want more depth you will average like this novel just like I did. I really did enjoy the holiday vibes from Jen’s side however Marianne was very annoying and jealous of Jen. Women and their bitchiness to copy I cannot tolerate anymore just do your own thing and stop copying!
I did however wish I was by the Maldives Beaches enjoying the atmosphere with a drink and book at hand!
Great read for holiday vibes by the beach or in a tropical island.
October 17, 2022
I lied- I still have 100 pages left but id legitimately rather eat this book then finish reading it 😮💨
July 31, 2022
This is a lovely lighthearted romantic read.
With fabulous settings it makes a perfect holiday read.
This is a really enjoyable feel good book.
With fabulous settings it makes a perfect holiday read.
This is a really enjoyable feel good book.
July 19, 2022
Two friends since childhood have set up a store
Where they sell books close to the seashore.
However, following their dreams comes at a cost
And aspects of their friendship they seem to have lost.
So when Jenny spots an ad for a temporary job she'd adore
She jokingly fills in the application, not expecting to hear more.
However, Marianne has planned to be away for a month or two
Exploring the US with her author boyfriend, too.
Get ready for a fall out and dreams to follow through,
New places to visit and new friendships, too.
There are challenges ahead for both of these friends,
Let's hope they'll be friends again before the story ends!
A great read that takes you to places far away,
Giving a taste of living there, if only for a day!
Nothing is plain sailing for either of these two
They'll have plenty of upsets before the story is through.
A story that shows that following your dreams
Finding leaving behind everyone special isn't what it means.
Learning to listen to what others want, too,
Can help you make your own dreams come true.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Where they sell books close to the seashore.
However, following their dreams comes at a cost
And aspects of their friendship they seem to have lost.
So when Jenny spots an ad for a temporary job she'd adore
She jokingly fills in the application, not expecting to hear more.
However, Marianne has planned to be away for a month or two
Exploring the US with her author boyfriend, too.
Get ready for a fall out and dreams to follow through,
New places to visit and new friendships, too.
There are challenges ahead for both of these friends,
Let's hope they'll be friends again before the story ends!
A great read that takes you to places far away,
Giving a taste of living there, if only for a day!
Nothing is plain sailing for either of these two
They'll have plenty of upsets before the story is through.
A story that shows that following your dreams
Finding leaving behind everyone special isn't what it means.
Learning to listen to what others want, too,
Can help you make your own dreams come true.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
June 9, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley, Penguin Random House UK and Lucy Dickens for the E ARC of this book.
We meet Jenny who runs a bookshop in her home town with her best friend Marianne. Jenny is not a risk taker but one night she fills in an application form for a job in the Maldives, to revamp the bookshop in an inclusive resort for 3 months. Low and behold she gets the job and finds herself on this wonderful island, leaning new skills, making friends and doing her upmost to make the bookshop a success.
Her time is not all sandy beaches and sun, she has to overcome some hostility for staff members, work out how to get more people using the bookshop before management decide to close it. Add to this the fact that she is not talking to her best friend. Can Jenny reach out before it is too late?
I enjoyed this book, good characters and plot line. I liked that you got not only Jenny’s story but Marianne’s as well. Both of them grow in the book and you see that they are great friends who may be needed time apart to appreciate what each other brings to not only their friendship but their business as well.
If you are looking for a good summer read, pick this one up.
We meet Jenny who runs a bookshop in her home town with her best friend Marianne. Jenny is not a risk taker but one night she fills in an application form for a job in the Maldives, to revamp the bookshop in an inclusive resort for 3 months. Low and behold she gets the job and finds herself on this wonderful island, leaning new skills, making friends and doing her upmost to make the bookshop a success.
Her time is not all sandy beaches and sun, she has to overcome some hostility for staff members, work out how to get more people using the bookshop before management decide to close it. Add to this the fact that she is not talking to her best friend. Can Jenny reach out before it is too late?
I enjoyed this book, good characters and plot line. I liked that you got not only Jenny’s story but Marianne’s as well. Both of them grow in the book and you see that they are great friends who may be needed time apart to appreciate what each other brings to not only their friendship but their business as well.
If you are looking for a good summer read, pick this one up.
December 3, 2022
A fun summer read about friendships, romances and bookshops set across England, the Maldives and the USA.
May 1, 2022
0This is a totally unassuming book. You might look at this and think it's another cutesy, kitsch romance book but it's so much more than that. I absolutely adored this book.
The story starts with our two protagonists, Jennie and Marianne. We see the two best friends launching their new bookshop in their hometown but then we fast forward three years... We see their friendship has taken a bit of a dip what with running a successful business together and the fact that these two are completely different people. Marianne lives live in the moment and is pretty spontaneous whereas Jennie is much more responsible and guarded however, Jennie has ambitions that will surprise not only her best friend but also, herself.
I absolutely loved this book and I felt like I was away on holiday reading it - the descriptions of far flung destinations and food was pure perfection and it the cheapest "holiday" that I ever took! This book is pure escapism and although there wasn't anything huge in the plot it was nicely paced and held my attention.
The characters were sweet and nothing was too far fetched. This is the perfect summer read, if you're looking for a book to get lost in and to feel like you're on holiday, this is ideal. Luck Dickens has a new fan!
**I received a copy as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The story starts with our two protagonists, Jennie and Marianne. We see the two best friends launching their new bookshop in their hometown but then we fast forward three years... We see their friendship has taken a bit of a dip what with running a successful business together and the fact that these two are completely different people. Marianne lives live in the moment and is pretty spontaneous whereas Jennie is much more responsible and guarded however, Jennie has ambitions that will surprise not only her best friend but also, herself.
I absolutely loved this book and I felt like I was away on holiday reading it - the descriptions of far flung destinations and food was pure perfection and it the cheapest "holiday" that I ever took! This book is pure escapism and although there wasn't anything huge in the plot it was nicely paced and held my attention.
The characters were sweet and nothing was too far fetched. This is the perfect summer read, if you're looking for a book to get lost in and to feel like you're on holiday, this is ideal. Luck Dickens has a new fan!
**I received a copy as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
May 4, 2022
OKAY APART FROM THE FACT THIS BOOK IS MY DREAM SCENARIO, if I got offered to run a bookshop ANYWHERE I would jump on that chance, a lot of what I did when reading this was just think about what I WOULD DO and disagree with their decisions lmao. It was a fun concept and I enjoyed the reality & challenges of friendship being shown, I did really enjoy the escapism the journey the characters went on was great to read, I enjoyed the setting being Maldives which makes it the perfect summer read, I don't think this is a must read book by any means, but it is a great enjoyable read if you want something easy to relax.
Thank you to Netgallery & publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgallery & publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 20, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ a cute, sweet summer read, with books and glorious sunshine vibes.
SYNOPSIS
"One woman. One island. A bookshop in need of revival...
Jenny has never been a risk taker. But when her best friend takes off on an American road trip, Jenny finds herself saying yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of her own and accepts the role of a bookseller in the Maldives.
The island of Bounty Cove Cay is everything she'd hoped for: white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise waters and palm trees bursting with coconuts. But it's not all plain sailing...
The resort bookshop is far from thriving and, in an unexpected twist, management are threatening closure.
Can Jenny throw her rulebook to the wind and turn things around before it's too late? And might she find her own happy ending along the way?"
WHAT I ENJOYED
☀️ Two POVs in sunny destinations - Jenny and Marianne - friends and bookstore owners, who take a break from running their bookstore and each other to go on their own adventures.
☀️ The sunshine settings within the book are just pure escapism: Marianne & Jenny's coastal bookstore, then when they head off on their own trips - Jenny in the Maldives, trying to launch a new bookstore and Marianne on her booky-themed trip to the U.S. with her new boyfriend.
☀️ The bookish themes - what bookworm doesn't love a book about books/bookshops?!
☀️ The book is more than a romance - that's kinda secondary to the story - it's more about the friendship and their ups and downs. Jenny as my fave, as at times I felt Marianne was very selfish in their relationship.
☀️ So, I loved Jenny's adventures the most, her temp job in the Maldives to launch a new book store in a resort was just cosy and fun to read - I felt like I was on the island.
☀️ Any of the romance was all closed-door which is just perfect for me.
A cosy, sweet, satisfying summer read, like eating ice cream on a sunny warm day.
**Thanks to NetGalley, RandomHouse UK, and Cornerstone publishing for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review***
SYNOPSIS
"One woman. One island. A bookshop in need of revival...
Jenny has never been a risk taker. But when her best friend takes off on an American road trip, Jenny finds herself saying yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of her own and accepts the role of a bookseller in the Maldives.
The island of Bounty Cove Cay is everything she'd hoped for: white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise waters and palm trees bursting with coconuts. But it's not all plain sailing...
The resort bookshop is far from thriving and, in an unexpected twist, management are threatening closure.
Can Jenny throw her rulebook to the wind and turn things around before it's too late? And might she find her own happy ending along the way?"
WHAT I ENJOYED
☀️ Two POVs in sunny destinations - Jenny and Marianne - friends and bookstore owners, who take a break from running their bookstore and each other to go on their own adventures.
☀️ The sunshine settings within the book are just pure escapism: Marianne & Jenny's coastal bookstore, then when they head off on their own trips - Jenny in the Maldives, trying to launch a new bookstore and Marianne on her booky-themed trip to the U.S. with her new boyfriend.
☀️ The bookish themes - what bookworm doesn't love a book about books/bookshops?!
☀️ The book is more than a romance - that's kinda secondary to the story - it's more about the friendship and their ups and downs. Jenny as my fave, as at times I felt Marianne was very selfish in their relationship.
☀️ So, I loved Jenny's adventures the most, her temp job in the Maldives to launch a new book store in a resort was just cosy and fun to read - I felt like I was on the island.
☀️ Any of the romance was all closed-door which is just perfect for me.
A cosy, sweet, satisfying summer read, like eating ice cream on a sunny warm day.
**Thanks to NetGalley, RandomHouse UK, and Cornerstone publishing for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review***
February 14, 2022
The perfect getaway in your favourite reading spot.
For Jenny and her best friend, life has always been the same, Marianne is wild, carefree and adventurous whilst Jenny plans ahead and keeps things structured. Perfect partners in business and life. These best friends experience a rather big shakeup as they embark on their separate journeys. Leaving their little bookstore behind in Cornwall, Jenny adventures out to the Maldives while Marianne road trips across the USA with a newfound love. Whilst away these women experience some much needed perspective altering and lessons that may very well put them in each other’s shoes and ultimately teach them lessons they may not have learned had they not left their little corner of the world. What a book! It’s not often I sit down with something so cozy and really feel so immersed. I could all but feel the sand between my toes and the beautiful blue water that Jenny got to look out at and the fantastical fun that Marianne had on her roar trip was absolutely delightful to read. I love that it is character driven and excellent in its descriptions of places, food and minor details as well. The underlying lessons about the way friendships can evolve and change as we grow up we’re really well written and the romantic elements weren’t cringe worthy, making this a great recommendation for romance and adventure. The important details for me were the moments of perspective and growth that both ladies had during their time away from home. Realisations and reclaiming parts of themselves they hadn’t realised were missing and ultimately rounding out this book so sweetly you can’t help but be sad to have reached the end. A true delight and a must have getaway read, simply fantastic. I cannot wait to read more of Dickens work.
For Jenny and her best friend, life has always been the same, Marianne is wild, carefree and adventurous whilst Jenny plans ahead and keeps things structured. Perfect partners in business and life. These best friends experience a rather big shakeup as they embark on their separate journeys. Leaving their little bookstore behind in Cornwall, Jenny adventures out to the Maldives while Marianne road trips across the USA with a newfound love. Whilst away these women experience some much needed perspective altering and lessons that may very well put them in each other’s shoes and ultimately teach them lessons they may not have learned had they not left their little corner of the world. What a book! It’s not often I sit down with something so cozy and really feel so immersed. I could all but feel the sand between my toes and the beautiful blue water that Jenny got to look out at and the fantastical fun that Marianne had on her roar trip was absolutely delightful to read. I love that it is character driven and excellent in its descriptions of places, food and minor details as well. The underlying lessons about the way friendships can evolve and change as we grow up we’re really well written and the romantic elements weren’t cringe worthy, making this a great recommendation for romance and adventure. The important details for me were the moments of perspective and growth that both ladies had during their time away from home. Realisations and reclaiming parts of themselves they hadn’t realised were missing and ultimately rounding out this book so sweetly you can’t help but be sad to have reached the end. A true delight and a must have getaway read, simply fantastic. I cannot wait to read more of Dickens work.
March 19, 2023
I love it when you stand at the shelf, be it in the bookshop or library as you scan the titles, are swayed by the cover art and then are drawn into the story through the blurb awaiting you on the back cover. It becomes a bit like, '. . .the wand chooses the wizard . . .' in that moment.
We all have favourite elements that entice us, one of mine is bookshops and libraries within the storyline, I just can't pass them and I am so thrilled I found the shelf with this bookshop book sitting on it.
I love when you pick up a book that fits and sits with you at that perfect moment in your life. This is one such book.
From the cover to the last full stop, it let me reminisce and explore my life adventures from the past, present and future, as well as the people who shared them, all at once, alongside the character's own, then unfurled island life and epic road trips in distant places. They instantly became characters I wanted to see both succeed, embrace life and live on.
This was exactly what I was looking for during this particular moment and it has left me stepping onwards with hope, warmth and calmness. That's a great way to move on.
And now it is back to the shelf to see what reveals itself as next to be read and I cannot wait.
We all have favourite elements that entice us, one of mine is bookshops and libraries within the storyline, I just can't pass them and I am so thrilled I found the shelf with this bookshop book sitting on it.
I love when you pick up a book that fits and sits with you at that perfect moment in your life. This is one such book.
From the cover to the last full stop, it let me reminisce and explore my life adventures from the past, present and future, as well as the people who shared them, all at once, alongside the character's own, then unfurled island life and epic road trips in distant places. They instantly became characters I wanted to see both succeed, embrace life and live on.
This was exactly what I was looking for during this particular moment and it has left me stepping onwards with hope, warmth and calmness. That's a great way to move on.
And now it is back to the shelf to see what reveals itself as next to be read and I cannot wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
This book gave me all the sunny flavour in this dreary UK weather.
This was a dual POV book which by now I’m sure you know I love. As soon as I read the first chapter I knew this was a book I would enjoy.
Jenny and Mariannes relationship at the beginning was strained but as the book developed you could see how much they needed each other and wanted them to rebuild their relationship.
The chapters were set in either USA or the Maldives. The first few chapters set the Maldives perfectly and you felt all the summer vibes. The USA chapters were also interesting as you felt present. I haven’t been to either of these places so it was interesting.
I loved the character development both friendships and partner relationships. Overall, It was a cute little summer read set in stunning scenery.
This was a dual POV book which by now I’m sure you know I love. As soon as I read the first chapter I knew this was a book I would enjoy.
Jenny and Mariannes relationship at the beginning was strained but as the book developed you could see how much they needed each other and wanted them to rebuild their relationship.
The chapters were set in either USA or the Maldives. The first few chapters set the Maldives perfectly and you felt all the summer vibes. The USA chapters were also interesting as you felt present. I haven’t been to either of these places so it was interesting.
I loved the character development both friendships and partner relationships. Overall, It was a cute little summer read set in stunning scenery.
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August 23, 2022After a slightly rocky start I fell head over heels for this book. The scene setting at the start of the book portrayed a couple of annoying women - however I guess that’s the point - but they got good! Fantastic storylines for both women. The scenery is just amazing! Really makes you feel like you are there. Entertaining and heart warming, really enjoyable! I devoted this in about two days!
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
October 10, 2022
If you want a bit of escapism then this is the book for you. After running her own bookshop, on a whim Jenny decided to apply for a temporary bookseller role in the Maldives. I loved the friendship dynamic of Jenny and Marianne but particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Maldives (which I know want to visit) and places from the featured American road trip. I just couldn't decide which trip I'd more enjoy! This would be a perfect holiday read!
September 24, 2022
At the core of the story is two different personalities who find and rely on each other for complimenting qualities of character, how they grow apart, understand the need for the other and organically feel more closer. It was a delightful read because of all the travel happening and ideas and creativity of doing things differently, being a planner, having discipline and how each personality trait grows to embraces the other and the self!
May 10, 2022
Just a lovely easy summer read ❤️
November 19, 2022
The Holiday Bookshop is a cute and fun story full of laughter drama and adventure. With characters you come to love and a lovely story. It's a very nice read.
January 9, 2023
Enjoyed it fine, but didn’t feel enough sympathy for anyone hahaha
May 18, 2024
3.5 stars. Started with promise but dragged on and the characters/plot were a bit unbelievable/silly really. Still, I’ll give it the 4 stars as a good amount of effort went into writing it.
July 11, 2022
A book about bookshops?! What's not to love!! And this was the perfect Summer read following the story of Jenny who has turned her dreams into reality and opened a bookshop in Cornwall with her friend Marianne. And they make it work despite being very different personalities. Jenny is all about the work and being focus, Marianne is always living life on the edge and happy to take risks. That does cause a bit of resentment as Jenny always has to pick up the pieces, and that friendship is put to the test when Jenny decides to throw caution to the wind and apply for a temporary position at a bookshop in the Maldives!! Not a bad spot for a bookshop!!
So with Jenny in the Maldives, Marianne is also away in America with her new author boyfriend, and they're taking each day as it comes and having tons of adventures on the spur of the moment. And things for Jenny get off to the great start as it's a wonderful setting to be and she starts to see the positive sides to living life a bit dangerously and getting out of her comfort zone. She faces an uphill struggle with turning the fortunes of the hotel bookshop around though, but makes a few friends along the way to help her - and some enemies too!
This is a book all about being more spontaneous and doing what you love! There's no doubt that it makes both women look at their lives a little differently and see what they've been missing and what is important to them, and I loved that the time apart allowed them the space to realise what's important in life!
Loved it!!
So with Jenny in the Maldives, Marianne is also away in America with her new author boyfriend, and they're taking each day as it comes and having tons of adventures on the spur of the moment. And things for Jenny get off to the great start as it's a wonderful setting to be and she starts to see the positive sides to living life a bit dangerously and getting out of her comfort zone. She faces an uphill struggle with turning the fortunes of the hotel bookshop around though, but makes a few friends along the way to help her - and some enemies too!
This is a book all about being more spontaneous and doing what you love! There's no doubt that it makes both women look at their lives a little differently and see what they've been missing and what is important to them, and I loved that the time apart allowed them the space to realise what's important in life!
Loved it!!
November 5, 2023
Ah take me back to the Maldives please… this book has given me serious holiday blues of when we went to the Maldives for our honeymoon a couple of years ago so of course I had to share a few photos…
This was an impromptu buddy read with @reading_with_wine but I really enjoyed it and we both read at quite a quick pace as it had such a good flow and the pages seemed to just fall away. I think we both saw elements of how it was going to finish but this didn’t take away from the magical holiday feeling that it delivered.
The whole premise of the book is really good and something that we need more off personally - I’m always seeking out the book exchange shelves that seem to be popping up more nowadays but overall this just gave me massive holiday blues (and yes I know I’ve only just got back off holiday)
If you saw my recent review for Book Rivals then this has a similar bookshop on holiday vibe, Bookshop Holiday has a more varied approach though and an American holiday to experience alongside…
This was an impromptu buddy read with @reading_with_wine but I really enjoyed it and we both read at quite a quick pace as it had such a good flow and the pages seemed to just fall away. I think we both saw elements of how it was going to finish but this didn’t take away from the magical holiday feeling that it delivered.
The whole premise of the book is really good and something that we need more off personally - I’m always seeking out the book exchange shelves that seem to be popping up more nowadays but overall this just gave me massive holiday blues (and yes I know I’ve only just got back off holiday)
If you saw my recent review for Book Rivals then this has a similar bookshop on holiday vibe, Bookshop Holiday has a more varied approach though and an American holiday to experience alongside…
July 20, 2022
A great mix of a beautiful tropical island and a bookshop- what more could a girl ask for?
I loved seeing how Jenny developed as a character - taking more chances on her own and being brave enough to just go for it was wonderful to see. Her new found relationships with Layla and Rish were great and definitely aided with finding her courage.
I really enjoyed the way each chapter was written from either Jenny’s or Marianne’s view point - whether in the Maldives or travelling across America- I felt it really showed the characters of both the women and who they were together and apart.
A great holiday read.
I loved seeing how Jenny developed as a character - taking more chances on her own and being brave enough to just go for it was wonderful to see. Her new found relationships with Layla and Rish were great and definitely aided with finding her courage.
I really enjoyed the way each chapter was written from either Jenny’s or Marianne’s view point - whether in the Maldives or travelling across America- I felt it really showed the characters of both the women and who they were together and apart.
A great holiday read.
May 3, 2022
If you are offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to run a bookshop in the Maldives, many of us would jump at the chance. And Jenny did! Jenny and Marianne, best friends, both run a bookshop together on the Cornish sea front. With the Cornish weather, the position of the bookshop on the Seafront had its problems – it was great in the Summer, but not so great in the Winter. Owning a bookshop with a friend, has its benefits but for Jenny and Marianne there was also disadvantages and there was not a fair distribution in the workload which made their friendship challenging.
Marianne has a boyfriend Drew and she loves her holidays and has a life outside the bookshop. Jenny is single, lives in a flat above the bookshop with Marianne's brother, and works so hard and lives and breathes the bookshop. Jenny is very very organised and is a perfectionist. But things needed to change and they both announced at the same time that they were off on a trip - two very different trips! Marianne and Drew were off on a road trip to the USA and Jenny was off to setup and run a bookshop in a luxurious resort in the Maldives for three months! Neither of them had discussed their plans with each other but they were both wanted to go. So, who was going to run the bookshop? In steps Marianne's 'hot' brother Evan! He is going to run the bookshop while they are both away. There are definitely sparks between Jenny and Evan and a kiss before she departs for the Maldives leaves them both wondering ....
I loved all the detailed descriptions of the Maldives and the USA trip. You could actually imagine yourself in the car with Marianne and Drew and in Bounty Cove with Jenny, drinking from a coconut! The book made me laugh and smile - Marianne and Drew certainly got up to some fun! It felt very chaotic at times! But I liked Drew and he definitely helped Marianne with the loss of her Mother. I was very pleased with the ending for Jenny!
I felt the Maldives bookshop element to the book was not centred on enough at the start, it was more about Jenny settling in to the resort, getting to know everyone and the area. But I thought the book ended brilliantly - it is the perfect Summer read and will take you to places that you may never ever go but will have felt like you have! A big 5 stars!
Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Marianne has a boyfriend Drew and she loves her holidays and has a life outside the bookshop. Jenny is single, lives in a flat above the bookshop with Marianne's brother, and works so hard and lives and breathes the bookshop. Jenny is very very organised and is a perfectionist. But things needed to change and they both announced at the same time that they were off on a trip - two very different trips! Marianne and Drew were off on a road trip to the USA and Jenny was off to setup and run a bookshop in a luxurious resort in the Maldives for three months! Neither of them had discussed their plans with each other but they were both wanted to go. So, who was going to run the bookshop? In steps Marianne's 'hot' brother Evan! He is going to run the bookshop while they are both away. There are definitely sparks between Jenny and Evan and a kiss before she departs for the Maldives leaves them both wondering ....
I loved all the detailed descriptions of the Maldives and the USA trip. You could actually imagine yourself in the car with Marianne and Drew and in Bounty Cove with Jenny, drinking from a coconut! The book made me laugh and smile - Marianne and Drew certainly got up to some fun! It felt very chaotic at times! But I liked Drew and he definitely helped Marianne with the loss of her Mother. I was very pleased with the ending for Jenny!
I felt the Maldives bookshop element to the book was not centred on enough at the start, it was more about Jenny settling in to the resort, getting to know everyone and the area. But I thought the book ended brilliantly - it is the perfect Summer read and will take you to places that you may never ever go but will have felt like you have! A big 5 stars!
Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
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