In the Printed Letter Bookshop, we are introduced to four resilient women, three living and one recently passed. After Maddie dies, she leaves her beloved bookstore to her niece Madeline. Claire and Janet have been running the store and aren’t sure what to make of their new boss, who is an attorney and has no experience in the book world. Throughout the book, the three women find their rhythm and purpose; this is partially due to some soul searching facilitated by Maddie after her death. She leaves each one a book list (full list shared at the end of the book) to use as a guide for solving some of their respective problems.

Reay weaves a tale that shows people at multiple stages of life, dating, married and single, from teenager to retirement age. She addresses PTSD, terminal illness, employment problems and adultery -heavy topics for sure, in a way that make the story come together and provides context for the character’s choices and development. I am a little bit of a book nerd and like independent bookshops, so I enjoyed the many literary references, even if I didn’t know them all. I think readers will find the story alluring and the end satisfying.

Writing books about book lovers, for book lovers is a particular kind of challenge. It's so personal, and therefore, these books tend to be judged against a highly subjective standard. Reay, however, has been down this road before, and does a fine job weaving together a tale of three women in small Chicago suburb all on different paths in life, but united by a common bookshop. Alternating between three points of view, two of the perspectives are first person limited while the third is third person limited. It was jarring to me at first, but there is a reason for this that is actually explained in the text (for those who are picky about those kinds of things, you have been warned!) I enjoyed getting to know these women, though at times I wish the pace would have picked up or that a few secrets characters were keeping were revealed to the reader sooner because I had predicted them long before.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a copy of this book. Who wouldn't enjoy a story set in a bookshop? This was a charming and cozy read. Madeline was an intriguing, complex character. I enjoyed reading about the interactions between her and her employees. A story about second chances, this book is filled with hope! I will say that the storyline was a bit predictable but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. Lovely writing from Reay. I was sad for the story to end. I plan to recommend this to my book club!

This is the first book that I have read by Katherine Raey but it won't be the last. I found this story charming and pleasant to read.

Man, I love a book about books. This one hit me right in the feels. I loved the perspective from three different women in different areas of their lives, all working toward the same goal and grieving the same friend. Warm fuzzies everywhere after finishing this one!

The Printed Letter Bookshop is part philosophical view of human nature and part love letter to books and stories, all expressed on a journey of three unlikely friends steeped in grace. Katherine Reay is a reader and clearly knows her craft. The love of books is prominent in all of her stories, coupled with a storytelling style that reveals just enough of a complex situation and each character’s plight bit by bit, drawing the reader in to their stories and hearts.

With The Printed Letter Bookshop, three lives intersect because of the legacy of another woman. This legacy impacts them in unforeseen ways, all living through and learning the about life’s challenges, the pain that sometimes accompanies love, how to grow and forgive, and even the joys and laughter found in unlikely kinship.

One of the best parts of this story is the slowly unfurling love story that’s magnetic and unlike anything from Reay thus far. The romance is less prominent in this than her typical style but still integral to the story. When Madeline and a certain someone are in the same scene, it sparkles. Along with the “new” romance of Madeline’s, I appreciate how Claire and Janet’s POVs explore different stages of romance, even complacency and loss, through a lens of relationship and love.

This is truly a book to lose yourself in and yet find the wonder of story again. With nods and references to countless stories (and a lovely reading list at the back!), I found myself adding to my to-be-read list every few chapters. If you’re a return Reay reader, you might spot a few references to her other fictional characters in the pages!

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary review copy. This is my honest review.

Loved it. I'm a sucker for books about bookshops. Throw a cat in the mix and I'm sold. What's a bookshop without a cat?? I loved getting to know Madeline, Claire and Janet. Threw them I got to know Maddie. She seemed like a wonderful woman. The book is about more than a struggling bookshop, it deals with love, friendship, forgiveness and family. I was drawn into the story from the very first age and felt like I was right there with them in the bookshop. I wasn't expecting what happened to the shop after Valentine's Day. It was quite a shock, especially when the truth is finally revealed. I was glad when Madeline finally learned what happened between her aunt and her father. She got to see how much her aunt truly loved her. I wouldn't mind having a Printed Letter Bookshop near me, but then i would go broke with all the books that I would buy!!!

Simply, it's a beautiful story. Definitely recommend the book. I loved the story, characters and writing style. I was sad to see it end. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I loved the cover of the book, it was perfect.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson--FICTION through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a wonderful book about books, about families, about secrets, hopes and surprises.

In a way, it’s a typical book about bookshops, where the new owner does not want to be the owner of the bookshop, since they have other dreams other goals, but faith and author have other ideas, so they have to go through thick and thin to find themselves, to find new love, new voice to talk with family or new ways to be closer to their loved ones.

This book is tripping with authors and books, and it also touches bibliotherapy and reading promotion. Wonderful book.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay is the most delightful contemporary novel about love and friendship and life. It is an exploration of what it means to be a woman as described in Proverbs 31.
Once in a while there comes along a life that touches everyone and leaves them smiling. “Maddie left her mark on the heart of everyone.” The reader never meets Maddie but we feel that we know her because we see her through the eyes of others.
The novel is about good hearts. Some good hearts are present at the start. Others are revealed layer by layer.
Following the death of the owner of the Printed Letter Bookshop three women’s lives intersect and interact. They are all unique with their needs and personalities but they have a common goal – to keep the bookshop open.
The bookshop stands at the heart of a community. It is so important that it takes on the role of a character in its own right. The bookshop is a place where people meet and lives are healed and hope is found.
God is important. We see the effect of knowing Him on the lives of the characters. “There was no fear, only warmth as I was drawn deeper.” We cannot second guess God. “Don’t assume God’s role or presume you understand His ways.” God’s ways are not our ways. We must let God be God and we will play our part in life as directed by Him. We see God at work in the lives of the characters.
There is the theme of forgiveness. Sometimes it is instant. At other times it is a process.
The woman in Proverbs 31 is the perfect woman. She is hard to live up to but we can work towards her qualities.
Although there are male characters, on the whole this is a book that celebrates and explores female relationships and dynamics. It is beautiful to witness friendships budding and blossoming.
Many actual novels are mentioned within the tale. These awaken individual memories for the reader as we remember where and when we read the books and how they made us feel. I was pleased to see the inclusion of a list of all the books mentioned at the back of the book.
The Printed Letter Bookshop was such a delightful and charming read. It warmed my heart and soul as I ‘lived’ through the action. Sometimes the legacy we leave behind is far more valuable than money and property it is a legacy of love. “She never took, she gave, all the way to the end.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I am, without question, a fan of Katherine Reay's works. She first came to my knowledge with the release of DEAR MR. KNIGHTLEY (combining two of my reading loves: Jean Webster and Jane Austen); I've now read everything she has had published.

Ms Reay's works are journey's of self-discovery and I'm always glad I take the trip.

A compelling story of friendship, faith, love and loss. There's many strands to this tale and it keeps you on your toes as it switches between perspectives. I do like a book shop setting and enjoyed the literary references.

Books about bookstores can’t possibly NOT be at least a little bit cheesy (how many double negatives was that??), but somehow, Katherine Reay manages to make the cheese as painless and adorable as possible. Think Hallmark movie meets bookshelf — so many literary references that are actually GOOD.

Of course it’s a love story... (remember, Hallmark), but it’s also a story of loss, heart, finding your calling, serving others, and growing up (even aging). It’s sweet and well-done. The high-powered, young attorney (Madeline) inherits her Aunt Maddie’s bookstore. She and the two older women who work there grow in their friendship and become closer while Madeleine learns what’s important and finds love... pretty classic with a nice little plot twist about the importance of having business insurance.

Definitely a feel-good heart-warmer, perfect for a summertime read! (Although there are several chapters devoted to the Christmas season/winter, so I was wishing for a fireplace and mug of hot cocoa to curl up with!)

(I received an advanced reader’s copy from #NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thanks Net Galley!!)

This book had a really interesting premise, but the delivery was a little confusing. I fell in love with the summary, but when I started it, I didn't know that it would have multiple perspectives and I was thrown by that. I was only really interested in Madeline's story so I found it hard to get into the other perspectives. I enjoyed how the characters learned and grew together, but it just really isn't the type of book I usually read. Because of that, I didn't enjoy it very much.

Loved this fun, light story about Maddie and her Printed Letter Bookshop (not bookstore). The story about the niece absolutely resonated with me since I am in the law field and I love books. I loved every chapter that dealt with being in the bookshop. Makes me just want to go to crawl up with a book in a bookshop all day. Definitely read and not just for book lovers.

Three women learned to forgive and love when all of them make mistakes, just like real humans. Madeline (Maddie), is a high power lawyer looking for love while working too much. Janet is still angry and her family will not forgive her for the divorce. Clair, at least to me, don't know how to stop and knock her kids down on the ground when they become teenagers and treat her badly. Some of the things her daughter does, I would have smack that child down. All three women work in the Printed Letter Bookshop and all three have, like most people, issues they must solve before they move forward. What I did truly enjoy was the style of writing of Ms. Reay. I cannot really describe it, but it goes up and down, flows left and right and in one minute you stop and think and the next minute, you are just happy. It is a beautiful book with a beautiful story. I just liked it a lot.

I had a little difficulty getting through this book, it was long, rather slow and at first, I had an issue with working out who was who. It just wasn't for me,

I've read a few books by Katherine Reay and I've always found them to be fascinating and somewhat griping. In the Printed Letters Bookshop, Katherine brings together a group of ladies of disparate ages and situations. What they have in common is the bookshop.

When Madeline's Aunt Maddie dies, she finds out that she has inherited Maddie's house and the bookshop, . . . and the debt Maddie had left on both of them. At the same time, Madeline loses her high profile job at a law firm. She has to come north of Chicago to where the book store was. She had to sell her car, sell off her furniture, and eventually sell her condo, all to save Maddie's house and store.

Janet was divorced and had estranged children, but she was a creative genius in decorating the store for various holidays and seasons.

Claire was married, but her teenage daughter was giving her grief and hiding out, while her son was just his same self and unaware of what was going on in their family. Her role in the store was keeping the ledgers up to date and keeping track of the money.

The three of them become friends and live and work through the store and its events. And the three of them have to band together to save the store.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a book by your favorite author.

I wish to thank NetGalley.com and Thomas Nelson for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

As this is one of my favorite authors, I was excited several months ago to get an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley. I eagerly began to read but I discovered in the plot several women in similar life settings going through some major and debilitating mid-life crises, and it became very difficult to keep reading it. (I have a tendency to stop reading when I don't want something to happen, silly, I know.) It wasn't that it wasn't interesting, (as substantiated by my continuing to read small sections now and then for several months,) but I had a hard time voluntarily going through their drama. As a consequence, I sometimes had a hard time keeping side characters straight. But the book was still good enough that I wanted to know where it went. About a week or so ago the denouement began with things coming to a head, and resolutions beginning to develop. Then suddenly I needed to keep reading (although my life was such that I couldn't do it in one sitting!) And she's still one of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading this again sometime! So the beginning, (based on my bias) I'd give three stars...but I must give it four stars for the beautiful conclusion, for each main character separately, as well as the way they supported one another, and there was even a subtle inclusion of turning to God for answers. Another beautiful piece of work, Katherine Reay! I'm a fan!
#NetGalley #ThePrintedLetterBookshop

Is there every anything better than a book about a bookshop? If there is I haven't figured it out yet!

This book was such a heart-felt and delightful book. When Madeline discovers that her Aunt has left her everything she owns after suddenly passing away she is in shock. Shock that she has been left a house and a bookstore. She has no idea how she is going to manage her push to make partner at the law firm where she works as well as deal with all of her Aunt's affairs. Well, as things start to unravel Madeline finds hope in her Aunt's favorite place The Printed Letter Bookstore. This is a beautiful story that will leave you wanting more.

A perfect read for a day of porch sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet! Such a wonderful read!

Many thanks to BookSparks for my copy of The Printed Letter Bookshop for the Read Around Town Challenge and Netgalley for my e-galley.

What a cozy read this was! It was the perfect book to take with me on vacation, allowing me to easily imagine the quaint bookshop this story features. I wish I could take an evening stroll to it and chat with Madeline, Janet, and Claire. Any bibliophile would be hard pressed not to enjoy this literary-themed story!

I was a huge fan of the differing ages of the book’s main characters. It was a breath of fresh air to read about characters facing the varying challenges each age a woman’s life brings and how the characters coped, all while remaining friends and finding common ground. I appreciated how the characters were able to come together despite their differences and the obstacles that came with them. For me, the standout theme of this novel was impacted by those friendships and the forgiveness that came in the end. I also enjoyed the very subtle influence of a Christian worldview in the characters’ actions. In fact, I would love to read more books like this one. It didn’t have the normal cheesiness of Christian fiction and is something that would certainly appeal to a secular audience as well.

My only hangups with this novel related to the dialogue. I don’t think every conversation was clear cut, and sometimes with the changing perspectives, it was tough to figure out who was speaking and what the characters were talking about. It seems as if I had a missed important parts of the conversation by jumping into the middle of a discussion, rather than being a participant in the story myself. This factor made it a much slower read than I expected or hoped for, even making the story tedious through certain sections.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the characters, the growth they showed, and the different stages of life at play, all while taking place in a homey setting. The added romantic tension in Madeline’s life made reading about her all the more enjoyable. I would definitely read more of Katherine Reay’s work in the future!