As a huge fan of Claire Allan’s gripping domestic noir thrillers, I was delighted when I heard that she was going to be writing contemporary women’s fiction as well and after reading The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn, I can confirm that as Freya Kennedy, she is just as adept at writing warm-hearted, poignant and charming tales which are perfect for curling up with and indulging in.

Libby Quinn has worked her fingers to the bone at a PR company – and it was all for nothing. After years spent slogging her guts out for next to no reward, the only thing Libby has to show for her hard years of service are stress, unemployment and a wonderful sense of freedom. Liberated from the shackles of a demanding and soul-destroying job, Libby decides that the time has come for her to make a dream she has had ever since she was a child a reality: opening up a bookshop. A lifelong reader who still remembers her beloved grandfather instilling in her a love of reading and good books, Libby is going to invest her life savings and blood, sweat and tears into making Once Upon a Book a thriving reality. But is she ready to jump into the unknown? Or is she
going to let her fears and insecurities hold her back?

Poor Libby certainly has a lot on her plate. Not only does she have to turn a ramshackle shop into a literary paradise, but her love life is not exactly storybook perfect and her friends seem to delight in making things a hundred times even more complicated for her. What is a girl with a dream to do? Is she going to throw all caution to the wind and stick to her guns and make Once Upon a Book the best book shop in the land? Or is she going to continue to hide in the shadows and let others walk away with her dream?

I adored this book. Freya Kennedy can write a charming, romantic and funny tale as easily as she can write a chilling and terrifying thriller as Claire Allan and The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is an absolute joy to read from beginning to end. Whimsical, witty, wise and a brilliant page-turner, The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is a brilliant tale of second chances, fresh starts and happy ever afters that will enchant and delight readers everywhere.

A talented writer who has the storyteller’s gift, Freya Kennedy’s The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is sure to delight fans of Jenny Colgan and Mhairi McFarlane.

This was a real treat; I devoured it in one day. I loved Libby (and her family) and her determination to follow her, and her Grandad's, dream of opening a bookshop. I loved all the description of setting it up – the furniture and building, the community of the lane, the marketing – I was fully absorbed in it. The slow burn romance was a winner too. So nice to have Claire Allan back to women's fiction as Freya Kennedy; I'm looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Libby is such a lovely character. I was cheering here on all the way through. This is a cute read that I enjoyed from start to finish - and what a reminder that we should all follow our dreams! Thanks to the author and the publisher for this book. I can’t wait for more.

Another beautiful read which kept me wildly entertained when Libby was made redundant and she put all her savings to open up a Bookshop.
My first book by this author, all the characters were super sweet and highly helpful. Emotions filled my heart as I turned the pages slowly. The book soothed me and made me forget the world. Friendship and family were the cornerstones of this book. Absolutely wonderful.

As a lover of books and bookshops this to me was pretty near perfect. The only thing missing was a bookshop cat to chase away the mice. I was also kind of hoping Libby would call the shop Great Expectations but what the hell I am still going to give it five stars.

I loved Libby as a character and felt a real kinship with her. She’s a complete people pleaser but is trying to follow her own dreams whilst also not neglecting those that matter and failing. Her bond with her late grandad shone from the pages whenever she thought of him and their shared love of books. Nothing beats having someone to share that with and I’m lucky to have a mum that does.

The other characters were just as delightful, supportive respected parents, best friend Jess, the wonderfully cheeky Harry and Jo. But then we have the romantic interests, after all this is a romance. Ant, the boyfriend, I’m sorry I thought he was a petulant child and come on man get your hands dirty the girls are putting you to shame. Then there is Noah (swoon alert) the landlord of the pub on Ivy Lane with his rescued dog Paddy.

This isn’t just a romance though, it’s a book about family, chasing your dreams, community pulling together and the connections we make.

So follow Libby from start to finish on turning a mouse infected, grime laden dump into a bookshop and a home. Make friends with the community and enjoy the will they won’t they.

Just another extra point I also loved that some of the chapters were book titles.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley, and Boldwood Books for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Books like this really remind me of the kind of life that I live, meaning that I wish that I could just drop everything that I’m doing right now and just change directions and live the dreams that I want to live. I don’t think that I have the bravery or the finances to do so, and I probably would never do it, but getting to see characters in novels find their stride and take that plunge gets me feeling really happy for them. Libby Quinn is another one of those characters that I was so happy for because she finally got to leave her mediocre life and live out a dream that she’s had for a while.

I totally get what Libby feels about being sensible. Sometimes it’s so frustrating having to be an adult and being sensible all the time, that sense of being responsible and not taking leaps of faith. When you’re in a position where you have to make sure that you’re stable, meaning you need to make sure that whatever happens next month you still have a roof over your head, food on the table, clothes on your back – you know, the adult stuff that we need in order to take care of ourselves – then it’s very rare that you make decisions that could change that balance. Even if you have savings in the bank, even if you have PTO/Leave saved up, even if you have all of your processes in place, the idea of leaving even for just a little bit is enough to put you on edge because that means you have to come back to a pile of catch up work. It’s enough to cause stress for anyone, even if it means not getting the opportunity to take that much needed break.

So I was just so proud of Libby when she just said “screw it!” and made that leap and began to make her dream a reality. Opening up a bookshop takes so much more work than just “here you go! here’s my bookshop” and yet she did it. Well… she jumped at least, and started to do it. But of course there were obstacles in front of her because all dreams come with them. But some of the best dreams do, and especially since this one was so near and dear to her heart – opening up a bookstore in honor of her grandfather, the one that instilled a love of reading in her from a very early age – it only makes sense that this would be a dream that she would refuse to let go of, no matter the trials.

I think Libby’s story was heartwarming and inspiring and truly one that has touched my heart.

This story was the perfect escape from reality. The ending was incredibly cheesy, in the best way possible.

After years of waiting and saving, Libby Quinn is finally realising her dream: opening her very own bookshop, inspired by her grandfather who made her fall in love with reading and books. But getting the shop ready takes away a lot of time from her friends and her love life. Can Libby really have it all, or will she have to make sacrifices to accomplish her dream?

This was the ultimate feel-good story, with every character ending in a good place by the end of the book. I had my doubts for a second or two, but this book managed to keep the mood light. There are a few darker moments, a few scenes or turns that might seem sad, but luckily everything always ends up just fine.

If you're looking for a heart-warming story about a young woman making her dreams come true, look no further.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Libby Quinn grew up listening to her beloved grandfathers stories. Once he began with ‘Once upon a time...’ she was so excited to hear where this story would take her. Her love of books had begun. Her grandfather always told her how amazing it would be to own a book shop.

After her grandfather dies, Libby decides she must follow her heart and open up her own bookshop in memory of her grandfather. She finds a run down, rat infested shop for sale on Ivy Street and decides this is the one. After she picks up the keys she finds it is in a worse condition than she initially thought.

Her boyfriend, Ant, is reluctant to get his hands dirty to help her and she has doubts about their relationship. Especially when she gets to know Noah, who runs the pub across the street.

Will she meet her target of 10 weeks to opening?

This is a lovely feel good book. Who doesn’t dream of owning their own bookshop?!

I would recommend this for fans of Lucy Diamond, and anyone who wants an uplifting read.

This book began with the most beautiful prologue of a little girl being transported to another place by her lovely grandfather. I was absolutely swept up by the beauty of the scene and settled in.

I’m always a fan of any book that has a bookshop as its centrepiece and I happily followed Libby’s story, loving the fact that each chapter was named after a famous book.

I’ll admit the descriptiveness, or maybe the telling of the story meant that I was reading as opposed to being ‘in’ the story if you know what I mean, but it was a lovely cosy read, with a nice sprinkle of sparkle that I enjoyed.

Thanks so much to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour.

Rating: 4/5

This is simply a feel-good book perfect for reading for the pure sake of enjoyment.

Libby is a likeable character but, of course, I didn’t know that would be the case from the first few pages. What it was that initially drew me to her was her love of books. I also admired her for following her dream and opening a book shop. Something my sister and I also dream about, though I’m not sure we will ever make it.

But opening a book shop was not just Libby’s dream; it was the dream of her late grandfather too. What a beautiful relationship those two shared. Her stories of them together were touching. Also touching was the people of Ivy Lane. What an amazing. community! I really want to live there.

Admittedly, at times the story was a bit predictable. However, if you enjoy a slow-burn romance that will leave you with a fuzzy feeling, The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is the right book for you.

The hopes and dreams of Libby Quinn was a truly beautiful heart wrenching read that had me weeping in parts - but mainly it had me filled with Joy.



We meet Libby just as she is starting an exciting adventure, she has finally purchased a shop and plans to turn it into the bookshop of her grandads dreams. After always been sensible, shes got this one chance to make her dreams and that of her late grandads true. Opening Once Upon A Book would complete that, but with limited time and funds - its not going to be the easiest task.



What i did discover about Libby is she is determined, she wants to get her own happy ending and is putting her soul into this shop, however by doing so it does limit the time she has for her best friend and boyfriend, but well things with Ant have always been a little bit casual and Jess will understand.

Things are not as clear cut though and things start to cause a bit of tension between Libby and her life, but then we also meet the new neighbours on Ivy Lane and it is all is a bit hectic. Especially when one of the neighbours is a charming barman named Noah...

" 'Books will always be your friend, Libby' he'd said. 'They will transport you to a thousand different worlds. Different times. Mythical creatures, magical monsters, good and evil, scary and funny".

This book was lovely, i liked the fact the chapters were book titles, the pure joy of books was mentioned throughout and really appealed to the true reader in me. I loved the characters throughout, especially Harry who runs the local shop and has a soft spot for Libby, he was just a delight.



The relationships between all the characters were well constructed and all had a meaning to them, even if some were more longer lasting than others, it doesn't mean that they were not important. I also adored the fact Libbys grandad was remembered throughout the book, so despite not been there he was the heart of the story and the mentions of him had tears weeping out of my eyes.



I honestly loved this book. Its for readers with a dream - and it really does warm the heart.

There's a ramshackle building on Ivy Lane that Libby and her grandfather imagined as a bookshop every time they were near it.

Years later, her beloved grandfather has passed away, but Libby still holds tight to the dream of buying the building and converting it into a "creative space" for readers, bookworms and writers to enjoy at their leisure complete with a coffee area.

She never lets go of her vision, and is propelled to find a way to get her hands on the building. After having worked in PR it seems like a dream come true. Circumstances and those close to her conspire to help her and I was glad she had her family and friend Jess to help out.

She has a boyfriend (Ant) who she seems besotted with but then when she ends up in the pub she gradually seems to have feelings for a guy there.....

Ant was kind and thoughtful and I thought his modern coastal home was amazing yet Libby's mind was on her project, the bookshop. I was not surprised that this caused the occasional tense scene between them and even felt sorry for Ant. I felt she took advantage of his hospitality a little when she first arrived and I was wishing she'd stayed longer.

Libby is a strong character but she also seemed wrapped up in her dream of having the bookshop as she wanted it and intent on seeing her project through as a tribute to her dear grandfather.

Both of these traits were good ones but at times I wanted to say "Libby, go careful. Think things through well or you'll lose or hurt those you love most. " Libby to me was a lot of things: sensitive towards her parents and her friend Jess and grateful to have them by her side. She's driven, determined and passionate.

I liked how Jess and she complimented each other. Where Libby was laser-focused on soending the hours in the shop that were needed to get it looking like she had dreamed, Jess had her doctor's logic and calmness that meant Libby could just stop and take a break (or that forced her to). Jess was also fun and spontaneous (I loved the picnic scene) .

I mean, I do not blame Libby for wanting to spend many hours on her new project, the bookshop. It's her baby, her lifelong dream. But I did not want it to spoil the relationships she had with thise around her.

Ivy Lane is just one street but it is also much more than that: a close-knit community. The corner shop and pub complement the bookshop well and the close proximity of the buildings make the sense of community even stronger.

I love the characters and the fact that despite the small cast, I felt I knew each and every one well. Everyone brings something to the novel.

Being half-Irish, I loved the setting and little bits of Irish culture sprinkled throughout the book. The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is an escapist treat thst made me smile, laugh and even get emotional. It is packed with positivity too which helps at a hard time like this. The structure of the book was unique with each chapter named after a well-known book. The prologue was so tender it bought a tear to my eye, which is good- the entire book is an emotional rollercoaster, but highly entertaining too.

Thanks to Freya Kennedy and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars. I'm honoured to be taking part in the blog tour too.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A beautiful funny and sensitive read by Freya Kennedy. I really enjoyed The Hope's and Dreams of Libby Quinn. A very likeable main character who is embarking on a new adventure in her life. Investigating ina run down shop, she is transforming into a book store in honour of her beloved grandfather. Libby's life is about to change in every way. Is her boyfriend Ant the love of her life or is that another change coming.

I absolutely loved this debut from author Freya Kennedy....
Such a gorgeous, light and heartwarming read..
We meet Libby Quinn in this story and you take to her immediately.
Libby is grieving for her grandfather Ernie who has passed away leaving behind so any beautiful memories for her to cherish.
Their shared love of books is what always bonded them.
The stories he told her, the characters he created made Libby's childhood magical.
His dream was to open a bookstore and when a property comes up for sale on Ivy Lane, Libby jumps at the chance to create his dream.
She uses the money he left her to open "Once Upon a Book".
Oh she encounters trials and tribulations along the way. Whoever said opening a bookstore was easy. But with the help of her family, friends and new community she is moving into, she finally realises her grandfather's dream.
Add a little romance to the story and you couldn't ask for more...
Freya created such wonderful characters and in telling Libby's story gave us readers such a fabulous insight into realising the dreams of one day owning a bookstore.
Isn't that what every reader wants. I know I certainly do....
A fabulous debut so very much worth your time..

For a lovely heart-warming and uplifting read, look no further. This romantic comedy has all the ingredients. Not only are the main characters thoroughly likeable and relatable, there is also a great cast of secondary ones who could all carry their own story. Family and friendship is put under the microscope and the central theme of Ivy Lane, of looking out for its inhabitants, gives the whole story an inclusive and friendly feel.

Libby's desire to open her bookshop is a great testament to her late grandfather but she shows some strong attributes of loyalty, determination and creativity. She has to find the courage to follow through with her ideas but also has to work out how to leave room in her life for other things. I can see that there is potential in this community for subsequent books and I hope to visit Ivy Lane again to see how Once Upon a Book is getting on.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.

This is a sweet, warm story about making your dream rise phoenix like from the ashes that unfortunate circumstances have turned your life into.
In Libby’s case she’s lost her job, which she worked hard at, and she’s recently been bereaved too. She achieves two things when she throws her energies and efforts into establishing a bookshop in the village: she fulfils hers and her grandfather’s wish, and she proves to herself that she’s stroner than she thinks. When life throws curveballs it always knocks your confidence, and Libby is no exception.
There’s a strong sense of community in the book, but it’s not overdone to mawkish extremes as can be the case. Libby isn’t above treading on a few toes, and there’s a bit of resentment here and there.
She rubs shoulders with a fascinating host of characters who are a delight for us to meet. We see a lot of the good in people, which is uplifting and affirmative.
In summary, an entertaining, escapist read.

Libby Quinn has lost her job in PR. Her love to everything bookish and to reading has been instilled by her late grandfather who not only was a brilliant story - teller, but also used to buy Libby a book every month to start her own library. Libby is sure that if not now, when then will be the time to follow her dream and to honour the memory of her beloved grandfather? So she buys an old draper's shop on an auction - even without seeing it she's certain that it's going to be THE place to open her own bookshop. However, the reality is a bit harsher and there is a lot of work waiting for Libby before she'll be able to open the shop. As luck would have it, she has found the place on one of the most friendliest street in her Irish village, with neighbours supporting each other - and it's going to be very important to Libby, because her relationship with her best friend Jess and her boyfriend Ant are going to face really hard times.

I liked Libby. She was funny and quirky and she didn't carry a grudge around for long. It was lovely to see her re - evaluating and re - defining her life and plucking out the courage to make some steps that for sure were not easy to do. She was determined and there was so much passion in her, and she was also friendly and loyal. She also didn't run away from problems and was not afraid of confrontations, which is not the easiest task, I think we can easily admit it. I was not so sure about her friendship with Jess, to be honest, there were moments that made me think that Libby invests much more in this relationship and I thought that Jess was simply unfair, and the way she has treated her, even though she also messed things up, was not the nicest possible. But to each their own, right?
The bunch of the great neighbours from Ivy Street truly lighten the book. Jo, Harry, Mrs Doherty to name the few were all so unselfish and always ready to help without being too pushy, and it worked really well in this book. And of course we can't forget Noah, mmmm, with his own sad story and wanting to give something back, he was simply lovely, but not too perfect, and that is also important - the author has found here the perfect balance to create a great, swoony but not too lovey - dovey hero.

The community plays a huge role in this book and I think that the author has wonderfully managed to capture the feeling of belonging somewhere. Freya Kennedy has a way with words, and her descriptions are vivid and colourful and there is hope in her words, hope that everything is going to be okay, and I really liked this feeling.

Of course there wouldn't be a story without a bit of romance there. It was sweet and charming, the blossoming relationship was slow - burning and it felt real and genuine, without this feeling of being forced. Really well written and well - rounded, with ups and downs and embarrassing moments, just like it should be.

The book ticked all the boxes, and probably this is why it didn't wow me so much, reading it I felt like I was reading the same book to many other ones, so most likely it's my fault that I stopped to enjoy it as much as I did at the beginning. Because when I started it I really, truly liked it, hoped for it to be something new and refreshing, and then, well, then the boxes started. A heroine with a loving granddad that died and she wants to do something to honour him? Tick. A handsome boyfriend? Tick. Troubles in paradise? Tick. Lovely community? Tick. Pub across the street with a potential love story? Tick. Tick, tick, tick. And Libby mentions her grandfather on almost every single page. Gah. Too much is simply too much. But please don't get me wrong, it must be the old cynic in me talking, and if you are looking for a light - hearted, easy and charming romance simply go for this book.

"The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn" is an uplifting and feel - good story about family and friendship, about finding the courage to follow your dreams, about self - esteem and determination, and pointing out how important it is to have a network of people supporting you and having your back when you need them. Recommended!

Simply gorgeous. Libby harbours heartwarming memories from her childhood of sitting on her grandad's lap sharing many much loved classics.
Two years after her beloved grandfather dies Libby pursues their shared dream of setting up a book shop on the magnificent Ivy Lane.
Ivy Lane is where the magic happens, there is something so special about its inhabitants.

Books will always be your friend, Libby,” he’d said. “They will transport you to a thousand different worlds. Different times. Mythical creatures, magical monsters, good and evil, scary and funny. There’s no situation so bad that a book can’t help you feel better, even if just for a little while.

Grandad Ernie
These are the words which stole my heart. This is a story about all things books combined with a wholesome dose of family and relationship complications.

The novel opens with Libby about to collect the keys to a decrepit building, which she intends to turn into her dream bookshop with writer’s nooks and a cafe.

We get an in-depth look into just what it takes to bring such a dream to fruition and I don’t just mean all the electrical, carpentering, plumbing, and other work that’s required. Libby also leaves behind some relationships in the process and builds new ones. Her friendship with her best friend takes on a new perspective. She also realizes the value of familial ties and community support.

I found Libby’s dedication to her shared dream with her grandfather impressive, so much so that she’s willing to leave her boyfriend and her best friend behind. Grandad Ernie delivers some astute wisdom in the form of pithy quotes that come as flashbacks to Libby whenever she’s in a situation of some sort and needs help.

I am inclined towards all things bookish, so many of the quotes in the story and the entire process of getting the bookshop ready was most enjoyable.

Harry’s predilection towards offloading out-of-date foodstuffs on Libby made for some chuckle-inducing moments.

My only grouse is that I felt the romance angle was underdeveloped and had an abrupt end. I would have liked some more substance around the newly emerging relationship.

I think there is a great skill in writing an uplifting book, and we’ve never in our lifetimes been in more need of some literary sunshine in our lives. What does that have to do with Freya Kennedy? Well, just as I really needed it, I was able to sit in the garden with this lovely book, mix myself a PImms and let all my cares drift away.
Our heroine is Libby Quinn, resident of Derry, avid reader and dealing with grief following the death of her beloved grandfather. Her love of reading is entirely based in her relationship with her grandad and the many children’s books they enjoyed together. At huge risk, Libby has decided to pool her money and open a bookshop in Ivy Lane. The shop itself is up for auction, and in a state of disrepair. It’s a huge project and Libby has some trepidation, but it’s also lifelong dream that her grandfather was never able to fulfil and she would love to fulfil that dream in his memory. This is something I’ve daydreamed about for many years and I fell in love with Libby’s vision of vintage shop fittings, writer’s nooks, cake and coffee, and shelves full of books. Once she secures the Ivy Lane shop it will take weeks of hard work, help and support from family and friends to get the shop and her flat above up and running. She’s made the sacrifice of selling her house and moving back in with her parents temporarily and with a Dad in the building trade she will have lots of expertise at hand. Libby knows she will have to focus and that means even less time with best friend Jess and fewer cosy weekends with boyfriend Ant in his big house by the sea. How will she fit in with the Ivy Lane community and how will those closest to her cope with her dedication to her dream?
I liked Libby immediately and could understand where she was coming from. I have a similar supportive family, who are always eager to help me with new ventures. It was clear that Libby knows where she’s from and is grounded. Apart from normal concerns such as stinking after a damp day shifting rubbish in the shop, she isn’t focused on how she looks and this was refreshing to see. She is described as a ‘ray of sunshine’ coming to the street and I genuinely think she is. She’s kind, friendly, thoughtful and generous. Plus she loves reading, so I could easily imagine us grabbing a coffee and chatting about favourites. She soon makes friends on the street. Locking herself out of the shop means she has to make her way across to the Ivy Inn and ask to use their phone so Jess can bring the spare key. Here she meets Jo and Noah who run the pub and live together above the pub. Then there’s Harry, the elderly gentleman from the corner shop. I loved how these residents looked out for each other with a pack of biscuits here, a free lunch there and I could imagine Libby reciprocating with a book or a coffee. It was just the sort of neighbourhood it would be lovely to live in right now.
The author keeps the tone light throughout, but still kept my interest all day. Yes, I read this in a day. It lifted my spirits and made me smile, a rare thing at the moment. Towards the end I was desperately hoping for a certain outcome so I had to keep reading. I loved the vivid descriptions of the shop and the way it took shape. It was almost like watching my own dream come to life, which was very inspiring. It made me want to book a reading nook and fulfil my dream of writing a novel. This novel was emotionally intelligent, full of warm, quirky characters, and like opening a box of sunshine. Chick Lit or not I will definitely be checking out this author’s other novels.

This will feature on my blog this month.