I’m always up for reading a book about books, especially when there’s a little romance involved.

Sometimes overly dramatic plot lines give me a case of the eye rolls. In this case after my initial annoyance, I loved how the book sat with the characters at rock bottom and worked through somewhat realistic options for moving forward.

There is also a tinge of Christian verse dropping, which I wasn’t anticipating. Since everyone seems to have a different interpretation of scripture, I sometimes skim over those parts that feel like forced lectures on faith. Since I was already empathizing with characters, I pondered a little on how the scriptures may impact them. In my experience, spiritual epiphanies don’t usually translate well from person enlightened to another. Everyone is on their own curriculum and timeline. For me, the inserted verses accentuated the plot a little and didn’t detract.

I went into this book knowing I would probably like it. It featured a bookshop/books. that is what drew me to this book in the first place. However, I did not know just how much I would really enjoy this book.

All three ladies were lovely. I can not choose a favorite as each one had a different unique story that connected with me. First off, if it had not been for Janet and Claire, I don't know if Madeline would have stayed. These ladies were not only good co-workers but friends as well.

I got "lost" in this book (in a good way). Once, I started reading, there was not a lot that could distract me from the book. Author, Katherine Reay writes a lovely story of friendship, love, second chances, and books. The Printed Letter Bookshop is like receiving a hug from your grandma.

Printed Letter Bookshop is written a little differently than other books. For the most part it is focused on about 3 main characters--each chapter is labelled with a characters name who is the main focus. But at any time during the chapter it would randomly jump to another character. Sometimes even to a character not previously mentioned or in the spotlight. That did annoy me.

If the chapter title is Madeline, then I expect it to be Madeline as the main person. Not just half on Madeline and then jumping to someone else.

That being said, I thought the premise of the book was well done. I liked getting the feel for each character. And I'd LOVE a bookshop like that! <3

I really felt for Claire at her climatic moment. She was all about what being a mom and trying to "do it all" was all about. Especially having a 17 yearold of my own.

Joyce is definitely a favorite! <3

I'd give this one a definite 4 stars. I was engaged with it and I loved peeling the onion back on each character as the book continued. I look forward to reading book 2 in this series.

Katherine Reay's books are popular in the Christian fiction circle. I had only read one book by her years ago, so I thought it was time to give her latest book a chance.

I thought this was a sweet, emotional book. It reminded me in a lot of ways of a Hallmark movie. It centers on 3 women, who are trying to figure out what to do with their life, while also trying to ignite or rekindle romance (doesn't that sound just like a hallmark movie?!?).

Though I like Hallmark movies, I didn't like this book, at first. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters, since they are all older than me and in very different seasons of life than I am currently in. Thankfully as the book went on and as I got to know their stories, I started to feel more of an attachment to Madeline, Claire, and Janet.
Their struggles, desires, and fears were realistic ones, that I could have seen myself facing if I were in their shoes.

There were two things that kept me from giving this book a higher rating. The first reason I didn't was because I don't think this book was meant for me. I think this book was written to speak to women in 30s, 40s, and 50s. Not being in those age ranges, I felt like I didn't get everything out of it that I would have had I been. Of course you can read any book, regardless of what age the target audience of the book is.

The second reason I didn't give this book a higher rating was the romance. Though it was a while ago, I remember not liking the romance in the other Katherine Reay book I read. I liked Chris, Madeline's love interest, but he felt two dimensional. I wish there had been more scenes that showed his personality and his chemistry with Madeline. Because there weren't many of those scenes, I felt like the romance between him and Madeline was rushed. This is just my own opinion, of course.

I wish I had liked this book more. Despite only giving it 3 stars, I do think I would recommend it to women in the age range of the characters.

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Books about books are one of my favourite themes!
This is a journey of loss, love, forgiveness and growth...in no particular order.
A group of women (re)discovering who they were/are and what they really want in life. Heartfelt and just plain nice.

It was an okay read, a little heavy with moral lessons. Save the Bookstore books are everywhere it seems, and this is just another.

I really liked the setting of this story... the quaint independent bookstore in a small town. The plot is bit predictable and it started off slow and got a little confusing switching between the 3 main characters POV, it felt like as soon as you got into a plot it would jump to something else. Also, while not insufferable, the Christian fiction label is there for a reason.

It’s o k a y

I feel a bit bad because I just started to really not like aunt maddie

What a difference a year makes!

I originally started this book in 2019, at a time when my attention was elsewhere. Here's what I wrote about it: DNF at 26%. Such a slow start. Nothing is happening. And two of the main characters so far seem interchangeable. I can't find a reason to keep going.

And now? I read the book, and found it charming! It's a lovely story about friendship, life's changes, finding new meaning when least expected... and books!

I'm so glad I gave this book another chance! My full review is up at Bookshelf Fantasies.

Make your favorite beverage, pull up a chair, take a seat, and get comfy: this book will give you all the warm and fuzzy feel good feels.

If this book was a dessert it would be Strawberry Shortcake – the one with the homemade biscuit and whipped cream – my favorite dessert that is underrated and needs to be served at more restaurants for me to enjoy. Hello restaurants! You taking note here?! XO, Saturday Nite Sweet Tooth

This book is just as good as that smooth red velvet cake or decadent molten lava cake: it doesn’t need the fancy frills to keep you yearning for the next bite. Its simple ingredients are still packed with that addictive sugar…you see what I’m doing here

About the book: Young gun lawyer, Madeline is aiming for a partnership at her firm. Work pressure alone is stifling, but now let’s add in the fact that she is the sole inheritor of her recently deceased aunt’s estate; which includes a home and bookshop that are underwater. Madeline doesn’t want it, but becoming a bookshop owner will lead her on a path of self-discovery whether she is looking for herself or not.

On top of the bookshop, she inherits its motley crew staff: Claire and Janet. Both Claire and Janet are lonely in their own ways so Madeline fits right in. And, right under her nose is a fella named Chris (who wouldn’t want their own Chris is all I am going to say).

The story had a slow build but once I was deeply wrapped in these three women’s stories I could not stop turning the pages. I needed to know they would all be alright.

My 2¢: it would certainly translate well into a Hallmark movie. You’re welcome Hallmark.

It’s a lovely read for any book club, happy reading!

P.S. I haven’t read Christian Fiction before and wasn’t sure what to expect. Had I not been told, I wouldn’t have thought to characterize it as such. There were a few references to lines of proverbs and God, but to me I didn’t think it was the overall theme of the book.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book as part of my participation in a blog tour with TLC Book Tours. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it.

To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com