Review: The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

June 13, 2019

Title: The Printed Letter Bookshop
Author: Katherine Reay
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 324
ISBN: 9780785222002
Publication Date: May 14th, 2019

About the Book:
Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship. 
My Thoughts:
Katherine Reay is one of my favorite contemporary writers. I was first introduced to to her in her debut, Dear Mr. Knightley....it was fabulous! I then kept reading her lovelies and was just hooked with Lizzy & Jane. All of her stories focus on people who are so real, you can either relate to them personally, or you know someone like that person. There are broken people in need of healing, there are people who want to help, but don't know how, and other who offer their support anyway they can. They are touching stories that really grab a hold and don't let you go. They bring you in.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is no different. There is sadness in the loss of a loved one, but there is also hope. Like real life, what we have dreamed for ourselves, may not be the best thing for us. That comes through in The Printed Letter Bookshop.

This story follows three very different women, who all have 2 things in common; Maddie and the Bookshop. Each of these women fight a personal battle, whether it is with the memories of divorce, a distant family, or the loss of a coveted job.

There is a lot of hopeless felt in these women, but there is joy found, after a while with each other. I could relate to these women so much in different ways. The writing just brought this story to life.

Janet was one who I felt like I bounded with. Her slurry attitude was one I could connect with and understand. She had gone through a lot was trying to protect herself. Claire was a sweet woman, but with the move and new town and her kids getting older, she felt her family pulling away and alone. Madeline, named after her aunt, worked tirelessly for a partnership she wanted. She put so much aside for this. But, it was taken from her. She is a strong character. She knew what she wanted and wanted to fight for it. She had a backbone which was fabulous.

I will say, I held off on posting my review for little bit. I had to wait till the audio-book downloaded to listen to it as well. Audio has become a big part of my reading life. I have to say, the audio was fabulous with this story. The performer really brought these characters thoughts and voices forward and gave them a great distinction.  She also offered a a great performance, and allowed to show the emotion of the characters as well.

This was a story I thoroughly enjoyed and one I can see myself re-reading over and over again.

5 out of 5

About the Author:
Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and isa wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL.

You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com;
Facebook: KatherineReayBook Twitter: @katherine_reay  Instagram: @katherinereay.



Thank you to the Author, I received a copy of the book for free in exchange for an honest review.


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