Veronica's Bookstore

by Iva Beranek

Matthew is 8 years old when he receives a mysterious gift. As the mystery unveils, he introduces his family and a few close friends to the Secret Chambers that are hidden in the library Archives. “Veronica’s Bookstore” by Iva Beranek will ignite the imagination and captivate children with mystery, suspense, and wisdom. It is a book about friendship, a grandmother’s influence and a key that unlocks the door to forgotten dreams.

108 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2021

About the author

Iva Beranek is an author, a speaker and a spiritual director. She was born in Croatia, where her family inspired her love of storytelling. As a teenager, Iva had a great desire to move to Ireland, but she had to wait a number of years for this dream to be fulfilled. Now she lives in Dublin, Ireland, where she completed a doctoral degree in Christian Spirituality.

Iva enjoys spending time in nature. She loves slow mornings drinking coffee, deep reflection about life and heart-to-heart conversations with her friends.

Reviews

[Ivana Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica’s bookstore is one of those books that you don’t want to put down until you finish reading it. The story moves slowly and gently, and that's how it draws you into the plot, with a constant sense of excitement about what will happen next.
The theme of faith extends throughout the book even in the relationship of the deceased grandmother and grandchild. We are reminded of the communion of saints; we on Earth are connected with the faithful in Heaven in spiritual unity. A sense of magic is present here, which would instantly attract my boys.
I loved it too, but what is more Iva has a wonderful way of intertwining true values with the story. She bravely spoke about the topics of discrimination that are current, yet it was done in a dignified, instructive way that children can understand.
I was especially won over by the late grandmother’s advice on how to preserve a child’s innocence. This is something we forget growing up. Interesting how this came from the pen of an adult woman, who obviously still sees the world through childlike eyes, a virtue we all too often neglect. In this book every child would get the inspiration to build self-esteem and will be encouraged to play big, live big and dream big.

[Brian Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is easy to read and suitable for young people. It sparks your curiosity, especially if you are interested in books! It emphasises the importance of books, and of family unity/history, and of prayer, which is a good thing these days. I liked the mystery of the Secret Chambers! It has a true Christmas theme, with simple biblical references. It gives you a sense of the joy of reading good material. It is exciting, and illustrates the good life which young people can lead, with stories and dreams. It helps young people prepare for life too.

[Cassie Herrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! “Veronica’s Bookstore” is a sweet tale of pursuing adventure, embracing family ties, and learning lots of wisdom along the way!

The Catholic faith is so beautifully woven throughout the story in both subtle and profound ways. Your child will deepen their faith without even realizing it!

Upon finishing this great story, you’ll want to start it all over again and further enjoy the intricacies found in the narrative.

[Antonia]

This is a great first novel from a prolific writer who is undoubtedly destined to produce many more. Her imagination is unmistakably inspired by the careful and enamored reading of the most prominent British fiction writers of the 20th century, like the great C. S. Lewis, and one can clearly identify similar themes in this captivating and charming story about family bonds throughout several generations.
My nine year old wanted to read it too and would get up early in the morning before school to dive in. What follows is his review: “I would recommend this book for readers young and old. It is very well written and I could visualize all the locations described, and well as characters. The characters are very well designed. Is there going to be a sequel?”

[Tatiana]

Veronica´s bookstore is a wonderful story which gives you the understanding of what it means to have a childlike heart. You may find yourselves questioning whether it really was a good idea to put your childhood dreams aside yet on the other hand the story shows that it is never too late to start dreaming again. This book leaves you with the continuous sense of wonder about what will happen next thus you may find it hard to stop reading it. It is incredibly enriching reading for children and for adults it may be extremely relaxing kind of escape after a hard day´s work. I would highly recommend this book not only to children but to all age groups.

[Rebecca Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! Iva Beranek has created characters that are authentic, believable and likeable - characters that feel like they could be part of your family – characters you wish were part of your family! I found myself reading slowly because I did not want it to finish. I was right there with Matthew and his friends as they explored the gift left by his grandmother – I revelled in their world of wonder and simplicity and didn’t want to leave. This book is easy to read with lovely life lessons along the way and is suitable for both adults and children.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read for kids and adults alike! It really captures the wonder of childhood and takes you to a cosy happy place as you read. My favorite aspect is how the story overflows with wisdom about life, innocence, growth and family - yet without ever preaching. The story and characters just overflow with truth. I look forward to more from Iva Beranek!

[ssea 78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica's Bookstore takes the reader on a special journey through mystery, family legacy, and a young boy's experience. The author, Iva Beranek, has a gift for awakening our childlike curiosity and spirit. She invites us to ponder on meaningful life lessons wrapped in a heartwarming story made for both children and adults.

[knjige_za_dusu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Znaš ono kad te knjiga nečim privuče...ova me vukla otkad sam je ugledala na profilu autorice @ivadublin Pa sam na darivanju osvojila bojanku s ilustracijama iz knjige i vidjela da je glavni lik dječak Matthew i da se spominju Kronike iz Narnije. Imam sina Mateja i vooolim Narniju. To je bilo to! 😊❤️ Naručila sam je, iako nisam od srednje čitala nešto na engleskom, osim pokojeg članka.

Što reći? Divna, predivna je!! 😍
Priča je to o ljubavi prema knjigama i čitanju, o dubokim obiteljskim vezama i međusobnoj ljubavi, o sklapanju prijateljstva, o dječjoj nevinosti i iskrenosti, o vrednotama života, o poštivanju starijih i njihove mudrosti... Topla priča puna nade, radosti, nadahnuća, poticaja da ne odustajemo od naših snova.
Dječak Matthew ima 8 godina i iako nikad nije upoznao svoju baku Veronicu, čuo je o njoj puno priča, a i Veronica's bookstore svjedoči o njenoj velikoj ljubavi prema knjigama i čitanju. Jednog Božića nenadano dobiva pismo i poklon od bake, koji je dugo godina čuvao obiteljski prijatelj. Poklon je jedna knjiga, a očekuje ga još veće iznenađenje u mjesnoj knjižnici.
Uživala sam čitajući, u svakom slobodnom trenutku bila mi je u rukama. Tko voli knjige, čitanje, knjižnice, knjižare, od srca preporučam ovu divoticu, a iskreno se nadam da ćemo je jednog dana ugledati i na hrvatskom jeziku. 🥰

"Life is a beautiful adventure if you let it be. Try not to lose your childhood innocence."

"Reading develops your imagination and helps you grow in gratitude about life."

"The second rule to keep your childhood innocence is to laugh a lot. There is always something funny in life, but you have to learn to look at life that way."

"You will encounter cynicism in the world around you. People will tell you to forget your dreams. Don't let them fool you. No matter what you hear from the outside, know that your heart stores treasures and dreams."

[MKR · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Veronica's Bookstore' is a wholesome tale infused with wisdom for all ages. Eloquently reminding us to keep the candle lit in our hearts to innocence and imagination. Sweet-like-honey to read and equally as nourishing, Dr. Beranek guides us through the story of a family celebrating their past while investing in the future, their community and connection. Braided in are allusions to other, beloved literary classics. Each sentence steeped in appreciation for this beautiful life. I look forward to what is on the horizon for this family, and in particular the son, Matthew (the story's protagonist). A great book to read as a family or simply on your own. I was very impressed by all the invaluable lessons kids (and adult kids) can glean from this book.

[Darko Kanjuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....
After reading "Veronica's bookstore" I am amazed... I have immersed myself into a state of deep reflection.

Just enjoying this beautiful, easy going style of writing and delivering a story with such deep spiritual and human message with which we can identify.... It draws you into the story that is a little bit nostalgic, but full of light and light-illuminated depth of bright emotions... It has a depth of memories and a beauty of a childhood...

Strongly recommend, read it! You will get the sense of fullfilment.

[Katarina Giertlova]

Veronica’s bookstore is an amazing story about loving family.
The book came across to me at the perfect time when my very good friend’s Mam Veronica passed away. I knew as soon as I finished the book that I have to get one for her.
She found a great comfort in reading it.
I enjoyed the book Veronica’s bookstore myself and I hope that at some stage my kids will be able to read it too.
Wishing all the best to the author of the book, Iva Beranek, who kindly and very prompt responded to all my wishes.

[Svjetlana Mraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book! Such a warm story, seemingly simple yet so profound—full of powerful messages that invite reflection. I'm amazed at how Iva managed to capture everything she is and what matters to her in just one story. The entire narrative radiates a love for literature, reflecting favorite authors and their works, but also Iva's faith—personal, deep, authentically Catholic, and strongly influenced by ecumenism. The story has it all, and there's even more left for a sequel. I can't wait!

[Kay Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and captivating story.

What a wonderful book. It is entertaining and captivating, holding my interest as an adult as I turned the pages. Written with a natural story telling ability that weaves a story of suspense, wisdom and values and creates a yearning to go back to find the source of your dreams and follow them.

[Austin Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and found it easy to read. I slowed down near the end to savour the reading experience, I didn't want it to end! Iva has a beautiful story-telling style with strong characters and strong family values. Great teaching and wisdom throughout the book. Particularly good to read to or with your child.

[AMANDA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica's Bookstore is a delightful read to be pondered on as it contains so much wisdom. It very much focuses on 'relationship' - values to be treasured in relationships. Would recommend for children or adults as it could support adults in reconnecting with a childhood sense of wonder. An enjoyable read that will touch the heart of the reader.

[Ivona Vuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how easy it was to read this book. I swallowed it and before I knew, it was over. So I hope this is just first in begining of Matthew's adventures and that we will read more in the future.

[Mary Cezaroğluları · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book with a gentle message about grief and hope. It is so inspiring to see a book for children and young people that shares a Christian message. The illustrations are also beautiful.

[Rachel Ruvarac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful magical adventure!

[Jennifer Brophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book - allows both children and adults alike to sneak away for a few hours into their imagination and discover a delightful world.

[Anna Mauerhofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story that encouraged me to see the world with the sense of wonder from childhood. Looking forward to reading the sequel!

[Petra Abramovic]

I liked this book. I have read it a few times and inspired me every time.