A Love Letter to Bibliophiles: A Review of Nina George's "The Little Paris Bookshop"

   Nina George’s newest novel, “The Little Paris Bookshop,” is an ode to the healing power of books.

   Jean Perdu has a way of finding the perfect book for every person. (Pippi Longstockings for pessimism and fear of miracles, 1984 to reduce apathy and gullibility.)

“Books are more than doctors, of course. Some novels are loving, lifelong companions; some give you a clip around the ear; others are friends who wrap you in warm towels when you've got those autumn blues. And some...well, some are pink candy floss that tingles in your brain for three seconds and leaves a blissful voice. Like a short, torrid love affair.”

    However Monsieur Perdu has never found the book to cure himself. Perdu has closed himself off after a failed love affair twenty years before. When an old letter reignites long forgotten emotions, Perdu takes his Literary Apothecary, a book barge, on a trip down the rivers of France in an effort to find forgiveness and move on from grief. Along the way he meets a ragtag group of friends, and begins to learn to live again.

   This book was absolutely charming, and I fell in love with is instantly. I definitely recommend it to any book lover.

Paula Brackston's "Lamp Black, Wolf Grey"

    Is there anyone who describes Wales better than Paula Brackston? Brackston excels in describing the wild Welsh setting, and infuses her home with a sense of rugged beauty and hidden magic.
 

Take me there please!

    “Lamb Black, Wolf Grey” tells dual stories in different times, both featuring the Legendary Merlin. Laura, a painter, and her husband Dan move to the Welsh countryside to make a fresh start after years of infertility. Interspersed throughout Laura’s story is the story of Megan, a servant in the house of a wicked lord, and her romance with the magician Merlin. Laura is a complex and likable heroine, with very relatable weaknesses. While the mythical Merlin remains enigmatic and mysterious. I adore historical fiction, so it surprised me that I found myself rushing through the historical parts to return to the compelling contemporary plot line.
    Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable, magical read. Though you should be warned, it might make you want to take a trip to the Welsh countryside.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grown Up, Gothic Fairy Tale: A Review of Naomi Novik's "Uprooted"

    This book is enchanting, and you should absolutely read it. I can not emphasize that enough. Novik has created an incredible world, that she easily pulls you into. “Uprooted” reads like a grown up fairy tale, with all the charm and magic you remember of books from your childhood. Captivating from the first page, I was completely unable to put it down. Our hero, Agnieszka, has what the Dragon calls “an unequaled gift for disaster.” Always dirty, often clumsy, she worms her way into your heart with her stubborn determination and awkward charm. Aside from the adventure, there's a simple and endearing love story at the heart of the story.
    Although this novel is a complete story, I find myself longing to revisit the world of Polnya again. I cannot wait to reread this book, and slip into this world all over again!

"Overseas" by Beatriz Williams

3.5/5 Stars

Having loved William's A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant, I started Overseas with an extreme level of excitement, to be left slightly underwhelmed. While I would strongly recommend William's other books I would give this book a solid "meh." (Although I will say that Julian has moments of intense yummyness.)