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.
I want to work in this bookshop. I loved the book. While the book was primarily about family relationships, there was a tiny bit of mystery, albeit easily figured out, and some romance. But it had a feel goodness about it. It took a while for the thee ladies to really like each other. And it was so exciting to see each other find themselves.
As far as faith elements of the book, the author references the Proverbs. She also allows Father Luke to counsel at least one of the ladies. She also cites some very famous Christian books including one about Corrie Ten Boon.
I received a copy of the book for reading and performing my review. The thoughts are my own.

Through personality clashes, obvious character flaws, family secrets, and a good deal of “searching” I would classify this as a novel of growth, with a dash of sweet romance. It was probably a pleasure to read because of the main feature – the charming little bookshop – a delight for readers who dream of an actual day-to-day connection with books (i.e. me…) just inhaling the scent and discovering new pieces of printed wonder. It’s a testament to the impact one individual can make. It’s a story of hope and new beginnings.

I’ve not read Katherine Reay before this NetGalley copy provided in exchange for my opinion, but I have most definitely added other titles to my to-read list. This was a delightful, easy-to-read, descriptive and endearing narrative on the struggles of life and treasures of friendship.

I can't think of a cozier setting than a bookshop! The Printed Letter Bookshop is a beloved community haven just outside Chicago, and the person who makes it that way, Aunt Maddie, has just died at the beginning of the book- it opens with her funeral. Even though she is not alive during the story, she is very much a presence and influence throughout, thanks to Claire, Janet, Madeline, and several others whose lives were touched by her. I always enjoy this author's lovely manner of using words as she brings her characters and setting to life, they are both grounding and lifting. The way the details of the lives of these three women- four, including Maddie- were slowly revealed peaked my curiosity and kept me interested in their struggles and successes, even though romance was not a main focus of the plot. It was more about the relationships they had with Maddie, each other, and themselves, becoming self-aware and changing as they realized the direction they want their lives to take. The literary references are fun and I wish the bookshop was a real place I could visit!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

I received an ARC through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. What a charming book!! This is my first book from author Katherine Reay and it will most certainly not be my last. I just did not want this book to end. Madeline finds herself inheriting her Aunt Maddie's bookshop and home. Maddie was loved by all and her loss is felt throughout her circle of friends and co workers Janet and Claire. Each women is struggling to settle their own secrets, regrets and personal losses. Maddie, while gone too soon, leaves each woman a letter with a list of books to see them through their hardships. Madeline, Claire and Janet are able to embrace the changes happening before them, heal from the loss of their beloved friend and mentor, and finding themselves as strong, independent woman facing the seasons of each one's life. The list of books at the end is just the cherry on top of this gem of a book. If you yearn for that local little bookshop to get lost in..this is a good one to choose. Escape to The Printed Letter Bookshop-- You will be so glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Received from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley.
Though the plot was predictable and slow-paced, the characters were realistic.This book is set in a struggling independent book store. The story follows a familiar path - much loved owner has passed away (opens at her funeral), and the extended family dynamics are fragmented. The loyal employees struggle to keep the store going; the town rallies. Niece realizes she had interpreted family history incorrectly; leaves high power law firm after being overlooked for partner; attempts to make a go of the store; love interest conflicts (surgeon healing from war); disaster strikes (extreme vandalism), and life smooths out in the end.
A tender story about struggling humans that leaves readers with hope they will resolve their issues and move forward in their lives. Several characters change their lives through faith steps.
Worth the read simply for all the book references.

This is as an enjoyable read. I loved all 3 female characters and how they developed. The story setting of a bookstore was wonderful! The plot was predictable and it was an easy read. I love how books connect everyone together.

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 falls apart, and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. Has she been too quick to dismiss her aunt’s beloved shop? And even if she has, the women’s best combined efforts may be too little, too late.

I was given a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say this was an extraordinary book. Once I started to read and got to know the three women who tell their stories I was hooked and finished the book in one sitting.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a story about relationships, identity and the difference between who you want to be and who you are meant to be. It is also about the power of words and the magic that books can weave.

The characters of Madeleine, Janet and Claire are believable and that makes this story all the more special.

A great read. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed this book immensely. Other reviewers mentioned not liking the characters, especially Janet. I found them all to be interesting and realistic and felt that the changes over the course of the book were also realistic. Apparently, the author is a Christian writer. This did not become evident until more than half-way through the book, and it was done fairly subtly. There was an odd device that the author used that I'm not sure worked well. There are three narrators (the three women who work together in the bookshop). Two of the characters spoke in the first person, while the last character (Claire)'s narrative was done in the third person. The reasoning for this is explained half-way through the book, but it didn't do much for me. All-in-all a thoroughly enjoyable, light read.

Yet another Katherine Reay novel I enjoyed! This one does not disappoint. It left me feeling overall happy and content by the end. I love the way she wove the lives of multiple characters together, as well as the word of God gently throughout. What a feel-good novel about love in all forms and improving on oneself.

‘Claire wove her way around ... so much life and literature packed into such a small space. A sanctuary. A haven. A bookshop.’

Katherine Reay has written some wonderful books that I have read and in The Printed Letter Bookshop, she continues her literary theme, if in a somewhat different approach. This is a wonderful book for people who love books - YOU! There is no denying Katherine is a very good writer and this story, overall, engages the reader through a selection of interesting characters.

“As I said, don’t give up.”

Chris brushed my cheek with his fingers.

“Let’s simply trust we’re where we need to be.”

This is a tale of three women brought together through ‘The Printed Letter Bookshop’, their trials and tribulations and the bonds of friendship that form through it all. As the shop transforms, so do the lives of these three women. This is not an intricate plot driven tale, rather, more character orientated. Each character being on their own journey, yet drawn together through their love of books and Maddie who left the shop in their care after her death. Throughout, Katherine shines the spotlight on some serious social issues - divorce and teen issues for example, yet all brushed with understanding and forgiveness.

‘... something had cracked inside me. I thought, at first, it was the end—my security wrenched away piece by piece. But rather than break me, the cracks opened spaces that had never existed before.’

As a lover of books, there is so much to enjoy here concerning the power of a good book - how each story can be a lesson, teaching the reader about themselves and how to apply learnings to their own life. There are plentiful quotes and bookish references sprinkled throughout to delight any avid reader - all of which are considerately listed by the author at the conclusion. Let yourself loose in this bookstore ... who knows, a new title may speak to you.

‘I looked around my own apartment. Despite all the work I’d put into it, it felt like the home of someone I expected to be rather than someone I was. Or maybe it reflected someone I’d never become. Maddie’s home had been warm, inviting, and lovely—it wasn’t the quality of the pieces within it, but how they reflected her...’

Katherine Reay’s writing is a definite highlight here. There is much to be considered though both character and book references, but still presented in a light and easy way to consume. With strong themes of friendships and second chances, it encourages you to let go of the past or preconceived ideas of how your life should be, and instead, embrace the uncertainty. Some sections/characters work better than others and after a slow start, I ultimately delighted in The Printed Letter Bookshop and highly recommend it to all book lovers and those interested in female tales from a range of ages.

‘Aunt Maddie and her book list. Every title led me here . . . How had she known? And had she meant for me to read them in order? If she had, if she’d thought that far ahead and listed them with purpose, she could not have chosen better. Each story gently propelled me to question my own.’


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

The Printed Letter Bookshop tells the story of 3 very different women and the struggling bookshop left behind by Maddie. Madeline, Maddie's niece, a lawyer and heir of the shop, must decide her future as a lawyer and the shop's future. Claire has to grapple with her teenage daughter and worth as a wife. And, Janet must cope with the past and estrangement with her children.

I adored this novel. It's set in a bookshop, so what isn't there to love? But, the story was interesting, the characters were diverse. I could not put it down.

Although I enjoyed this book overall, as a feel-good fiction that I could pick up at any point, I did feel the story was a little lengthy without enough substance. The characters were good, and the idea behind the running and acquiring of the shop. However I felt the plot was too predictable. Liked it (set in a bookshop- who wouldn't!) but would not recommend.

This novel, told in three different voices, follows the life of a bookshop and it’s people after a death leaves everyone shaken.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I feel as if I grew alongside the characters. I actually started off greatly disliking one specific character, but by the end she was one of my favorites! It’s a classic bookshop tale, but stands out because it’s so relatable. Ultimately, everyone has wrenches thrown into their life plans. This novel shows the reader how these three women take control of their lives and their problems to better themselves and their community. I would highly recommend this book.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is filled with strong women facing real life decisions. I loved the bookshop setting. This is my first book to read by Katherine Reay. She is a clever writer that quickly captivated me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a lovely step into the relationships that we have as children and how they grow as we become adults. The happiness that childhood usually brings can change into a bitterness as we become adults. The author takes us on a journey into a young woman's life and how as the years have passed her life changes into something that isn't what she expected. A place she once held dear turns into something she can't wait to get rid of. The Printed Letter Shop was owned by Madeline's Aunt but now that she has passed is left in the hands of Madeline. An albatross around her neck she can't wait to get rid of the shop and move forward with her life. When her life unexpectedly changes she starts looking for a life line to grab hold. As life grabs her and pushes her toward a different road she begins to wonder if the shop and owning it is such a bad thing after all. I loved the emotions that the author pulled from me as I turned from page to page. This was a fantastic read that showed the good and bad side that relationships can bring and that dealing with them is never easy but in the end we can find peace by letting things go.

I've read and enjoyed several other books by the author. This is another delightful story about family, friendship, loss and love. It doesn't hurt that a quaint bookshop is also a character. In my opinion, books with an element of books or bookshops are always worth reading.

While it didn't WOW me- it was a very easy, comforting read- nothing that required a ton of concentration on my part. It does have an element of faith woven throughout- but not the "hit you on the head" kind.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. These are my opinions and are in no way influenced by the fact I got the ARC for free.

3 stars for this simple, typical story with 3 primary characters.

The story started at the funeral of Madeline's aunt (Madeline is the main character). Madeline was a top notch lawyer , who inherited all that her aunt owned. She met 3 people who were very close to her aunt and these 3 had changed her point of view and goal in life.

At first I was a little confused as to who is who. The author broke down the events based on the 3 main characters . I was a little sad for Madeline at first as she seem to lose a lot of important things as well as being led to a place and live a life she didn't want to be in. Though there were a lot of problems and money was tight, Madeline learned to strive, be open, happy and content. Of course there was a happy ending but it seems to come abruptly. Am not sure how she resolved completely all the financial issues (she seems to be close to being bankrupt).

One thing that kept my interest is the love story,I really wanted to know what will happen to them, thus I kept reading. A little disappointed with this love story , as it seems short and appears one-sided. (Spoiler: Did he just love or want to be with her because of his devotion to Maddie?) Though it may have been stated, I wish there was a definite proposal and acceptance. (I was hoping the proposal will ardently show his love for her ;)

A captivating story of three women and how a bookshop and the deceased owner changes their lives. For any avid reader, this beautiful story is interwoven with book titles, lines, and even old testament biblical passages which will really make one realize what is important in life. It is so cleverly written, The bookshop in a wonderful town outside of Chicago is so warm and inviting. An absolutely wonderful read. Recommend it highly,

This book took me awhile to get into, and I didn't love parts of it, but it won me over by the end. I'm no stranger to bookshops as settings in books these days; it is a very popular theme lately. While this one wasn't my favourite of these types of books, I did begin to really feel for the characters and root for their success by the end of the book. I just didn't emotionally connect with the characters as I maybe thought I could have.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is my very first read of a Katherine Reay novel and I am blown away, so much so I bawled in my kitchen like a baby when I read the final word on the last page. This novel was the cathartic read I didn’t even know I needed. The characters in The Printed Letter Bookshop are wonderfully crafted. This is a story about dynamic women living life as honestly and honorably as they can. I also appreciate the real-life issues tackled in this story. Reay does so in an honorable and truthful manner that forces the reader to look into her own heart. There’s no sugar-coating or sweeping things under the rug in this story, which I found to be so refreshing. Truly, The Printed Letter Bookshop is a phenomenal novel.

In this story, Claire (one of three main characters) is a married woman and mother to two teenagers. She has reached what I like to call the “beige period” in her life. Her marriage isn’t bad, but it’s not really a marriage. It’s more like two people living together. Her teenaged kids don’t really need her, but they sure love to take advantage of her cooking and laundry skills. Add a sudden change in her daughter’s behavior, and Claire isn’t sure she knows who her kids are anymore. And, with all the moving her husband’s job has forced on them throughout the years, Claire doesn’t feel like she can fit into a community. Why make friends and set roots when you’re likely to leave? Oh, and she’s soundly hit middle age where gravity has taken her body and emotions down. “Beige period” describes Claire perfectly. The problem is how does Claire get out of this “blah” time in her life?

The answer to Claire’s problems is she needs to act out LOVE. Instead of waiting for life to make decisions for her, Claire needs to ACT in LOVE. At one point in the novel, Claire ruminates on a quote from The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky: Love in action is a hard and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams. What a fantastic truth! Love is hard work. Love is NOT the stuff of dreams. Claire had a dream of love and life and then waited for the world to give that dream to her. She got the husband, but why is their relationship so cool? She got the kids, but why are they so self-centered, rude, and hard to reach? She’s surrounded by community, but why doesn’t anyone want to be her best friend? Because Claire loved the idea of love but didn’t realize the amount of work love takes. I dreamed of fairy-tale love but had absolutely no idea I would have to die-to-self daily once I got it. Let me give you one example. When I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, I made a plan — a birth plan, a sound discipline plan, and a solid sleep schedule for my daughter. I swear I believed I would have my kid potty trained at 18 months. I WAS SO DUMB!!! You see, my “plans” were not born out of love. They were born out of selfishness. I made these plans not to better my daughter’s life, but to better my own. My plans were the stuff of dreams. I would set my plan into action and love would naturally follow. What I learned with the birth of my daughter is that love, real love, takes real action every single second of every single day. Claire realizes this too in the novel. If she wants her marriage to be solid, she needs to work. If she wants a close relationship with her children, she needs to work. Claire wants a better body, she needs to work. And if she wants a best friend, she needs to work. Love for others and for herself requires action every single day! This is my favorite lesson in The Printed Letter Bookshop — a lesson I needed to hear again.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a beautiful story that touched my heart deeply. I loved and appreciated the sense of female solidarity that permeates the narrative, I enjoyed heartily the ability to participate in the unique journeys of three amazing women, and am grateful for the reminder that love is an action verb. The Printed Letter Bookshop is a story I will not soon forget, and one I highly recommend.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.