“Florrie’s first memory of the shop was a Christmastime when she was four-years-old. She could still recall so clearly the feeling of wonder that glowed inside her that frosty December afternoon. Her little mittened fingers pressed to the glass as she gazed up at the window display. A gaggle of snowmen were grinning happily back at her against a backdrop of midnight-blue satin and glittering paper snowflakes suspended on invisible thread that wafted around each time the door was opened. Children’s books with brightly coloured covers were set out on the cotton-wool snow and were sprinkled with glitter that twinkled in the light. It was a magical memory that still triggered a rash of happy goosebumps whenever she thought of it.”
The Little Bookshop by the Sea is a heartfelt and charming romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Welcome to the Happy Hartes Bookshop in Micklewick Bay on the beautiful North Yorkshire Coast!
The Happy Hartes Bookshop has been a part of bookworm Florrie Appleton’s life as far back as she can remember. From the evocative smell of the books, to working alongside her beloved Mr H and his black Labrador, Gerty, there’s no wonder she calls it her happy place.
Living in a town she loves, with her family and group of close-knit friends around her, life is sweet. Until one dreadful Monday morning, when everything is turned upside down and things are changed forever.
Devastated, Florrie finds herself thrown into an unexpected situation with handsome stranger, Ed Harte, owner of a pair of twinkly navy-blue eyes and a smile that has the knack of making mischief with her insides.
Despite herself, Florrie quickly finds herself falling for him, but she’s torn, reluctant to give her heart to someone who seems intent on not sticking around.
While her heart’s doing battle with her head, Florrie soon finds herself privy to a secret with Ed involving a heart-wrenching twist they could never have imagined.
Will love find a way to bring them together, or are they destined to go their separate ways?
Y’all know by now that I adore books that take place in a bookstore, and an added bonus when that bookstore is located in a small town in England. So, when I heard about The Little Bookshop by the Sea, I knew I needed to read it, and I am so glad I did. It was as heartwarming and charming as I hoped it would be. This book has a nice, soft pace that is perfect for those feel-good, charming romances. There are a few emotional twists and turns that will tug at those heartstrings or may have your heart fluttering (in a good way, of course). Eliza captured that small-town charm perfectly. That sense of community and belonging leaps from the pages, and of course, you have some fabulous quirky characters that you cannot help but love.
Eliza captures the magic and heart that often exists when you step into a bookstore. I felt like I was transported to The Happy Hartes Bookshop, and I wish I could spend countless hours browsing for books there. I liked Florrie; she is a likeable character for whom you cannot help but root. Her love and passion for The Happy Hartes Bookshop is contagious, and you cannot help but get excited about her ideas for the shop.
This is a great romance for readers who don’t want to read something overly romantic. There is plenty going on in this story that will capture your interest and keep you entertained. The romance plotline isn’t often front and center in the story. I enjoyed the romantic elements in the story. It had everything I was hoping for: charm, heart, and those sweet moments that are sure to put a smile on your face.
The Little Bookshop by the Sea is the perfect book for those bookworms looking to escape into a charming bookshop romance.
Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
