Taking place between two world wars - WWI and the Coventry Blitz of WWII - The British Booksellers is ultimately a love story with first love, lost love, and second chances. My favorite part of the story was the WWI timeline as the WWII timeline fell flat for me.

It was hard to follow at times and in trying to tell the stories of so many people (Amos, Charlotte, Eden, Will, Jacob) I don’t think any of them were developed enough to really make me care. Additionally, I didn’t really feel any of the characters emotions - the supposed love/hate relationship between two characters and the developing romance between another two. Overall, it was just ok, especially given all the WWII books out there.

The British Booksellers is a story set in dual timelines 1914 and 1940. It tells the story of Amos and Charlotte who are secret friends in their childhood. Amos is a servant boy and Charlotte is the daughter of an Earl. Both care deeply for each other but she is set to marry the future Earl of Harcourt. Alas leading Amos and Charlottes love story to never have a happy ending in 1914. In 1940, both Amos and Charlotte end up opening bookstores across the street from each other. The books tells the story of their relationship, the impacts of war, and the mystery surrounding what happened to keep these two apart for so long! While I felt the story was intriguing, I had a hard time reading this book. I did not feel like the characters development was strong enough for me to care what happened to them. I also found myself getting confused with with the plot. I did love Amos as a character and of all the characters in the novel, I felt the most for him. I also felt the writing really capture what it was like to be in Coventry during the war.
Overall. I rated this book 3 stars. It was just okay for me but I also didn’t regret that I read it. So you could say this book falls in the category of middle of the road. Take it or leave it. If you want a book to scratch your historical fiction itch…then you very much could enjoy this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this novel set in Coventry, England. As a dual time story, readers will be transported back to WWI and WWII. Charlotte and Amos, both bookstore owners have known each other since childhood. Will this unlikely friendship be given a second chance? Very interesting storyline with a few surprises along the way. Loved the author's note.

"He'd already decided, deep down, if there ever was a boy who'd risk his neck for a girl more than once in his lifetime, over and over again, it would be him for her. All she had to do was ask."

Who doesn't love a story about characters who also love books? The British Booksellers was not at all what I expected. If you know me, you will be aware that I do not like to read the book blurb before reading the book. I prefer, especially when the book is wrtiten by an author I love - a category Kristy Cambron definitely falls under - to just discover the stroy as it unfolds. That being said, I incorrectly assumed these Bookselllers would be passing messages to resisitance fighters through their beloved book pages. A premise I have read before but was not opposed to reading again. This was not that book - it was even better!

It's a story spanning two World Wars, a story of forgiveness, sacrifice and bravely choosing to love your enemy. It's beautifully written and depicts life on the battlefield in the first world war as well as in Coventry in the weeks leading up to The Coventry Blitz, an airborne attack by Germany that loosed 30,000 bombs killing 600 and injuring nearly 1000 others. Otherwise known as, The Forgotten Blitz.

I loved the addition of the Women's Land Army and the bonds of found family the ladies created while serving their country. The story line set during the first World War will stick with me for a long time. It was both heart breaking and beautiful....you'll need to read it to find out what I mean. I also how Kristy tied everything together in the end. I would have enjoyed more development between Jacob and Eden - I wanted to read more! I miraculously pieced together the mystery thread before Kristy Cambron spelled it out for me. I'm becoming a super sleuth! The British Booksellers was a story I didn't want to end and would recommend to readers who love war time fiction and complex relationships.

Read if you like;
Second Chances
Sacrificial Love
England Setting
Split-time Dual POV
Sweet Romance

Thank you, Kristy Cambron, Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

As someone who has recently become interested in London, this book worked for me. I like learning about historical times through fictional characters. The book has some flaws (slow start, characters hard to get to the point of liking) but overall it's a good read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

I had a hard time finishing this book, unfortunately. I loved the concept as I ADORE a good bookstore in a story, a second chance at love, and dual times to bounce between. This one, sadly, was hard to follow and difficult to connect with the characters for me.

I am a huge fan of the author's previous work. This book takes place in an era of history that I'm not very familiar. It was a slow start for me but turns out to be a wonderful book.

I really enjoyed the story. The background, setting and characters all felt real and relatable. I enjoyed Kristy Cambron's writing and am interested in reading more that she has written.

Wow! This book was so very good! It’s so well written.
Two story lines that flip back and forth effortlessly.
I had a hard time putting this book down. There’s a few surprises at the end that surprised me. Definitely recommend.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I am still reeling with everything this book made me feel and think...

I have many Cambron books on my shelf, but I believe this is the first one I've actually read, and WOW 😍 This book is rich in historical details and just as rich in beautiful storytelling and strong characters!

With each chapter I found myself gaping over how perfectly she pulled off the storyline; the way details lined up and one thing led to another had me turning the page late into the night.

I'll be pulling those other books off my shelf within the next couple weeks if this story is anything to go by!

I love stories about libraries and bookstores. Add a little history to the mix to make it a dream book for me.

A long time rivalry between bookstores comes to end end when bombs take them out.

A wonderful love story told in a dual timeline which brings all characters together in the end.
A love torn apart by war and an untold story for a young man seeking answers.

“The British Booksellers” by Kristy Cambron is a dual timeline novel set during both WW1 and WW2. Amos and Charlotte have a long history, but come from different worlds. Despite planning to open a book star in their early life, Charlotte is set to marry Will and become a titled Lady while Amos is a farmer.

Surrounding the Coventry Blitz, a devastating attack on England during WW2, provides some additional insight into WW2. The dual timeline, while interesting and integral to the plot lines, caused the pacing to seem a little slow to begin with while establishing the settings and connections. But sped up to a good pace about a quarter of the way through. The book had both historical facts combines with great character development within the story line making it a joy to read. Overall an interesting read that highlights a part of the war that is not usually discussed wrapped in a good story.

With the backdrop of Coventry and the terrible bombings they endured during WW2, this story highlights the resilience of the British people and the kindness of strangers.
It was slow to start, not gripping me at all. I am so glad I persisted as the story evolved and grew to become a wonderful tale of enduring love. The dual timeline was seamless and clever with which moments to reveal. The story line that really hits is Amos and Will in the trenches of WW1. I love small moments of empathy and kindness in the midst of horror and anger. They resonate so strongly with the reader. Those sections are what I will remember about this book. You will need to read it to find out what they were!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Kristy is a truly remarkable writer who brings distinct historical moments to life with vivid imagery, captivating characters and truly lovely prose. She is unmatched in historical fiction storytelling!

I knew I wanted to read this story as soon as I heard Kristy was writing it. A book set in WWII in England about a pair of booksellers? Yes, please. And this novel lived up to my lofty expectations.

The characters are complex and offer compelling new aspects of themselves as we get to know them through the story. Getting to know Charlotte and Amos through the years was a privilege. I loved experiencing their journeys both separate and together. They come from different social classes at a time in history when class was shifting. I enjoyed their childhood friendship and bonding over books. I enjoyed their “war” as adults who have experienced both the joys and deep hardships of life. I loved when they opened up to each other and realized how much they mean together each other even years later. They are surrounded by a lovely cast of characters that I became deeply invested in. From Eden Holt, Charlottes independent and strong daughter determined to save their estate. To Jacob, the American who comes asking questions and keeping secrets. To Will Holt who is a surprising mix of respect, force and loyalty. And the girls who come to work in Coventry. The Eden Books staff and even an appearance from King George VI. These characters shape this beautiful story.

I love the story is told in multiple timelines. We piece together Charlotte and Amos’ history through experiences over many years and two world wars. They start as innocent children. And then war changes everything. Their road is not straight. They hurt each other. They take risks and make mistakes. They falter and deal with grief, loss, addiction and pain. But I love the forgiveness, healing and redemption woven throughout this story. I really appreciated the insights into life during WWI both in the at times horrific trenches and at home. The Christmas truce and Amos’ experiences with the Germans were so vividly described and I appreciated the many details of that time. That contrasts with his experiences at home during WWII and how he and his fellow townspeople band together during the Coventry Blitz.

As usual, Kristy offers a compelling story during a lesser known pocket in history. Certainly WWII is well documented in history books and fiction. But this particular time in Coventry was new to me. The way these people had to endure bombings just as fatal and intense as in London astounded me. I couldn’t believe how much destruction and death occurred in this one city. The details about hiding RAF planes and the tea lines after bombings were such beautiful examples of the resilience and hope of people who endured this war. I was impressed to learn how much of those details are based on historical facts. Kristy always includes helpful notes about her research and how she weaves history into her stories (which she does so well!)

A truly beautiful story about the power of love, hope and healing in the face of war and loss. One of my favorites from Kristy!

“‘Books are an escape that beckons the reader from the heavy burdens of this world.’ Isn’t that what you told me once? They can challenge as well as comfort. Entertain and educate. Even save us in ways we’d never expect.”

Two rival bookstores located across the street from one another in 1940 Coventry, England are not only brimming with books, but drama, secrets, and lost love. This book really covers a ton of bookish territory spanning from WWI to WWII with a bevy of literary nods throughout. The chapters alternate timelines and perspectives, bringing everything together as secrets are revealed and characters reconnect. The characters are well-developed and endearing. Over the decades we see their growth and lessons learned from the decisions they make and the burdens of this world.

The historical details are rich in this novel. It’s clear that Cambron spent time researching the time period to provide an authentic and engaging story.

I highly recommend this book for readers who love historical fiction. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Austenprose for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kristy Cambron, in The British Booksellers, has once again shown me why she is one of my "must read" authors. Centered around the 1940 bombing of Coventry, this story goes back and forth between World War I, including the hierarchy of landed gentry versus the working class, and World War II. Charlotte, Amos, and Will are caught in a love triangle with Amos being among the working class. This love has caused ripple effects still evident in 1940. When Jacob, and American, comes on the scene with a lawsuit against the estate, stories from a generation back start to come together. Through it all, there is woven the characters' favorite books and the impact those books had on their lives.

Unrequited love, battle scars, guilt, forgiveness, courage, self sacrifice... It's all here. It was a great read!

Kristy Cambron is one of my favorite WWII historical fiction authors. In "The British Booksellers" she writes about Coventry, England and alternates in the main character Charlotte's life just before and during WWI and then flashes to 1940's WWII and events that take place there. There is romance in the book as the book centers on the owners of two rival bookshops in the town near Charlotte's estate, Charlotte being one of those booksellers. There is also a bit of mystery woven throughout the story surrounding a young man that shows up at the beginning of the book talking about an inheritance for her grown daughter Eden.

This book to me moved more slowly than some of Cambron's other WWII fiction. It didn't pick up for me until about halfway through the story but by the end I was engrossed in it and didn't want to put it down. There is a lot of detail packed into this novel about the happenings during the Coventry Blitz, WWI war scenes, Anderson shelters, the land girls program, blackouts during WWII and the factories surrounding Coventry.

Overall I recommend this book to fans of WWII fiction. This is the first one I've read about the Coventry Blitz and I found rich historical detail woven throughout.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I adore Kristy Cambron's books and The British Booksellers consumed a full day while I read through meals and into the wee smalls. No one does dual timeline stories better, and here, we find ourselves gripped by the tale of Charlotte, an Earl's daughter, and Amos, a farmer's son, during WWI and WWII, including the deadly Coventry bombings during the blitz. A compelling must read as only Cambron can write!

"The British Booksellers" draws inspiration from actual events during the Forgotten Blitz bombings, shedding light on the courage of individuals whose lives were irrevocably transformed by war. The novel unfolds against the historical backdrop of both World War I and World War II, intertwining the narratives of two characters: Amos Darby, the son of a tenant farmer, and Charlotte Terrington, an earl's daughter. Their unlikely friendship centers around their shared passion for books, but as they mature, the harsh realities of war steer their destinies.
This poignant tale celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Author Cambron's meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling combine to create an unforgettable reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend "The British Booksellers" to historical fiction enthusiasts and anyone seeking a moving exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of literature.

Horrible Hitler!!! This was not an easy read. There was so much detail and so much going on. I had to find a quiet place to devour the story. Neglecting housework was so worth it.

The British Booksellers is a dual (although I consider it a triple) time line. Amos, the son of a tenant farmer, and Lady Charlotte are definitely from different economic backgrounds. That doesn't stop them from being best friends before World War One. You can't help who you fall in love with, but stepping out from society's traditions is impossible. Amos and Charlotte learn the hard way.


Amos and Charlotte find themselves in very difficult situations. Going to war is just one of them. Amos says a last goodbye to his friend, his lost love as he goes off to war. Charlotte is left to oversee the manor while her husband is fighting for Britain's safety.

Amos soon finds himself under the command of Charlotte's husband, a man that has done much to destroy Amos in the past. The reader is transported to the battlefield of WW1 where horses were the main transport. I was able to picture the struggles of a war I know little about. That will change. Action, drama and tragedy fill the pages. My mind exploded with what might have actually be possible.

The story parallels life before WW1, during WW1 and the beginning of WW2 in Coventry. Amos survived the war but has changed. His lives life as a hermit, working his bookshop. His business competition just across the street, Eden Books owned by Charlotte and her daughter. Time has not healed old wounds. Tensions are tight across the road. My emotions were just as twisted as Charlotte and Amos's actions.

War is a funny thing. People can put a lot aside in order to survive and protect others. The reader learns so much about the past and the present. Secrets are revealed and Charlotte's handling of the discovery was touching. Watching emotional walls crumble was thrilling. The collapse of building and loss of life was heart wrenching.

The realism has left an impression on my heart and in my thoughts. I felt as if I was there, watching and learning. I will not soon forget the suffering endured by the residents of Coventry. Not all have a happily ever after in these types of books. I was happy to close this book with a big smile.