I love this genre, so hoping this is a good one.

I'm a sucker for this genre, and as a big reader, I thought those two things combined would make for a really compelling novel. Well, it was a GOOD book, but not a GREAT one.

The characters were likeable and realistic. Reading about the lives of the average Londoners who had to endure the bombings in the Blitz was heartbreaking. There seemed to be several factual bits thrown in (like the rationing, the requirement to carry gas masks, the sheltering in the Tube stations, the Anderson shelters in the back yard, etc.) which gave the novel an air of credibility and authenticity. Seeing ordinary citizens perform heroic efforts to save their friends, neighbors, and their city was probably one of the major lessons in the novel.

I think what I was hoping for, and what I felt the novel was missing, was a little bit more "ooomff" regarding how/why the bookshop became so integral for these people during this time. Yes, the bones of the reasons are there, but I wanted a bit more meat. Or, maybe it's just that it took so long to simmer, that it wasn't as impactful.

This is a perfectly lovely story, just not one of my favorites in this genre.

Sending to waterfalling as a RABCK. Enjoy!

Waiting patiently for my return to FL. Thanks so much for sending this on.

An enjoyable read. Somewhat predictable but good to spend some quiet afternoons with easy read.

Saw this on your wish list.

This book was waiting for me when I returned home from my vacation. Thanks for the RABCK.

This book is about the power of books. They can transport you to another place and bring a ray of light when you are in a dark place. A quote fom the book, "It is through books that we can find the greatest hope".

Added to the Around the World bookbox.

Received in the Around the World Bookbox.

I will keep this book to release elsewhere.

Released at the Little Free Library on High. Please enjoy!