When I read the description of the book, it seemed I would be reading a cozy mystery adventure but this book delivered more of a contemporary fiction vibe. As a fan of books centered around book clubs, I was excited to dive in, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.

The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives and at times, it felt almost too overwhelming with how much each of the characters were battling internally. Despite this, the backdrop of Dubrovnik's beauty, albeit overshadowed by the pandemic, added a captivating layer to the story.

I appreciated the diverse backgrounds of the characters, with particular attention given to the journey of an LGBTQIA+ character embracing their true self. The novel also tackled important themes, but again, almost too many that it felt clunky.

In the end, while I appreciated the depth and complexity of "Dubrovnik Book Club," it didn't quite capture my heart as I had hoped.

The book was set in the beautiful country of Croatia and the author painted a lovely picture of Dubrovnik and the historic architecture.

I loved getting to know all the characters and all their individual stories. Then they all come together at the bookshop’s book club forming unlikely friendships through their love of books.

The author touched upon a fair few important topics in the book including, homophobia and coming out, health anxiety and covid, the effects of war and the negative effects of social media.

I was not too sure about this book at first, though I liked the setting in Dubrovnik, the language was a bit stilted and the plot felt a bit contrived. However as it went on, I came to enjoy the book more. Yes, some of the problems are resolved (may be too) easily, but it is entertaining and although some serious issues are discussed, like war in the Balkans, attitudes to homosexuality and abuse in relationships, it is an entertaining read. Covid also rears it's head here, probabily a reflection on the time in which the book was written. This is likely to get old within a few years as the lockdown becomes a distant memory. It is written from different viewpoints and each of the main group has their own secret.
I have read others by this author, most of which I have enjoyed, some of the others are also set in Croatia and as this one describe the countryside/places well.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

A really beautiful read, each character has their own story to tell and once their friendships start to develop over the course of the book, they really start to help each other.
This is the first book I have read from this author and will definitely be an author I will return to.

Claire Thomson needs to make changes in her life after suffering the effects of long Covid. A new job in Dubrovnik, the home of her grandmother, seems the answer. She’s still panicky about going out again, as she worries she may catch the virus. Could running a bookshop in the old town help her move on?

Claire’s previous job in London involved organising a book club. When she starts up an English language one in the shop she’s surprised at the interest from locals. With the help of her cousin Vedran and co-worker Luna, the club goes from strength to strength. The cosy crime novel they choose to read gives them the impetus to investigate a crime affecting one of their own. And as they come together, their lives open up once more. Friendships and purpose begin to heal past wounds.

Karmela, a professor, joins because she is interested in the architecture of the shop.
I found her story fascinating, as it brought in the history of the region. I also liked the Dubrovnik setting. It’s not a place I’m familiar with, so it was a treat to find it so wonderfully described.

The story was about the people though. About finding themselves.
It was about opening themselves up to something new and not staying in the past. Coming together in the book club gave them purpose. I found it to be hopeful and enriching.

Nestled within the labyrinthine streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town lies a quaint bookshop, its shelves brimming with tales of adventure, romance, and mystery. In The Dubrovnik Book Club, readers are invited into this literary sanctuary, where the power of storytelling intertwines with the complexities of life.

At the heart of the narrative are the main characters—Claire Thomson, a newcomer to Dubrovnik, her cousin Vedran, the bubbly and enthusiastic Luna, and the wise Karmela. United by their shared love of books, they form an unlikely book club, transcending mere readership to become a source of solace and support for each other. Alongside the supporting cast and a stray cat they befriend, each character grapples with personal struggles that shape their journey, forging bonds that are unbreakable.

As the book club embarks on its inaugural investigation, sparked by an engrossing cozy crime novel, they find themselves not only unraveling mysteries but also confronting their own demons. Their quest to save the bookshop—and by extension, their beloved book club—becomes a metaphor for their collective journey towards healing and self-discovery. Through moments of triumph and adversity, mysteries are solved, friendships are formed, and personal growth flourishes.

In The Dubrovnik Book Club, Eva Glyn delicately navigates themes of war scars, the looming specter of Covid, the shadows of homophobia, the echoes of domestic abuse, and the chilling presence of Alzheimer’s. These sensitive topics are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering readers a poignant reflection of life. Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of a community.

The novel a remarkable balance of warmth, hope, love, and friendship. Through laughter and tears, the characters find strength in each other, celebrating the transformative power of community.

Firstly, I must talk about the cover! What a wonderful depiction of a picturesque setting that cannot fail to make you want to dive straight into the book and immerse yourself in Croatia!

I’m a huge fan of Eva Glyn’s books having previously read and reviewed The Olive Grove, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter (use the search bar to discover).

I loved the sound of The Dubrovnik Book Club and really enjoyed how it became central to bringing the lives of the four main characters together.

Claire, Luna, Vedran and Karelia all bring their own hang ups and secrets to the table and the author cleverly weaves in the bonding and forming of relationships through the book club meet ups, allowing each person to let down their guard and conquer their demons.

As always with Eva Glyn’s books, the historical detail and descriptions of Croatia and in this case, Dubrovnik in particular, give the reader a real sense of place and time. I always find myself wanting to visit there after reading about the stunning scenery and rich history.

There’s a slightly different feel to this book compared to her earlier ones, with the inclusion of Covid and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ lending it a more contemporary vibe. I also found the language used by some of the characters to be more coarse than I remember from previous books, although this is merely an observation and not a criticism.

A hugely enjoyable tale of heartache, prejudice and fear, but ultimate one of breaking down barriers and moving on.

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and One More Chapter for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

The Dubrovnik Book Club is an about a group of people struggling in parts of their lives but joined together by their love of books. Through the months of book club we become deeply attached to all of them and learn more about so many issues people are struggling with today. Some of these struggles were dealing with long COVID,, coming out as a gay person, abusive relationships, life as a refugee, and PTSD. On top of that we learn some of the history of Dubrovnik and the war in Croatia. I loved all of the characters and felt totally entrenched in their lives. This is one of those books you don’t want to end.

I just adored The Dubrovnik Book Club with its stunning setting and a fabulous cast of complex characters, each with their own issues to overcome. Claire Thomson has come to Dubrovnik to stay with her grandmother Fran and Jadran, Fran’s new husband. She’s suffered Long Covid for fifteen months and is struggling to get back into the world again, fearful that anybody she comes into contact with will give her anther dose of the disease. Fran has secured a job for Claire managing The Welcoming Bookshop while the shop’s owner Simeon cares for his sick wife. The bookshop is a perfect centre for this story and almost a character in its own right. I loved the cosiness that exuded from its walls, its kitchen and the courtyard out the back. As a venue for the book club, it was perfect as people were forced to sit close to each other, an intimacy that grew into closer bonds of friendship as the story unfolded. Luna, Claire’s assistant at the shop, is another terrific character. She’s a bright butterfly, constantly on the move, creating gorgeous window displays, making customers feel at home and helping Claire to slowly overcome her fears. She’s also gay, though not out as she’s come from a deeply religious family and knows her parents will not approve. Her journey to revealing her true self was also an intriguing one. Two other key characters, Vedran Novak and history professor Karmela Simic are also facing their own problems. Vedran’s girlfriend disappeared six moths earlier and a social media campaign has suggested he was her murderer, while Karmela is carrying a huge burden of shame for having fled Sarajevo during the siege of that city, leaving behind her best friend Nejla. On the surface, these four have absolutely nothing in common but the bookshop, but through the book club they become firm friends and ultimately use their skills to save the shop. While this story is very much character driven--and they really are wonderful characters--the old city of Dubrovnik shines through, its beautiful streets and squares and the harbour forming a perfect backdrop. The history of the city is partly revealed through Karmela’s fascination with the inside of the bookshop and her study of the Ragusan women of Dubrovnik. I could rave on about this story but truly, the best way to find out more is to read the book. The only last thing I will say is that I am enormously grateful to author Eva Glyn for listing the titles of the books that the book club members read each month. So many more wonderful stories to add to my pile!

Taken away to beautiful Croatia, this is a story of friendship and belonging. I loved how each part of the book was for the bookclub read, and how each choice gave us those little clues to the characters as they opened up to their new found friends.
The mystery running alongside the bookclub was intriguing and I enjoyed seeing the new friends come together, share their experiences and hurt, before trying to move on with their lives.

I loved how the book club brought people together from all walks of life, each with their own issues. Thoughtfully told, the characters developed as they read the monthly suggested book. The book combines delightful descriptions of Dubrovnik, which has now been added to my bucket list. The way in which the lives of the characters intertwine is very cleverly done and this is a book I will remember for a long time to come.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or publisher's "blurb" - you can find reviews like that out there already if that's what you are looking for.

This is the first book I've read by this author. I was drawn to read it as I love bookshops, and stories set in bookshops are always appealing.

The author describes the settings beautifully, as well as giving insights into the background of Croatia's recent (and past) history for those who are unaware. The characters are well written, and I understand that some have featured in an earlier novel which I hadn't read (but now intend to)- this book works fine as a standalone though!

Although I enjoyed the book, and was pleased by the ending, I found the traumas some of the characters were going through made me feel a bit downcast at times, but all's well that ends well as they say! The ending makes me wonder if there will be a sequel...

This would be a good holiday read, or one to take on a journey - perhaps to Dubrovnik!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I enjoyed this story. Claire came from London to stay with her grandmother and her husband after a bout with long Covid and work in a bookshop. There she starts a book club with fellow employee Luna, Karmela who is a visiting professor, and Claire’s cousin Vedran. The first pick was a cozy mystery that embarks them on a mystery to solve.


I loved this story and the characters involved. Especially since it took place in Dubrovnik, a city and an area that I’m not as familiar with. I enjoyed learning more about the city as well as the effects of the war on the area and the people involved. Through reading their books and solving the mystery they drew together as friends to support each other.


Thanks to @netgalley @bookouture @harpercollinsuk and @onemorechapter

I’ve read previous books by Eva Glyn under her other name of Jane Cable and knew that I wouldn’t be disappointed. I have fond memories of Dubrovnik, I’ve been there a few times and its one of my favourite destinations – I was delighted on my last visit to be able to walk the city walls for magnificent views of the old town. With the book’s vivid and evocative descriptions, I could easily imagine being back in this wonderful city. The Welcoming Bookshop and its bookclub is exactly that. Welcoming to anyone and everyone thanks to the kind hearts and enthusiasm of everyone involved – no prejudices are allowed in the bookclub.

Claire Thomson isn’t a native to Dubrovnik but is there temporarily for 12 months staying with her grandparents Saffranka and Jadran. Having suffered very badly from Long Covid she is fearful of any public interaction which could make her ill again however she attempts to overcome her fears by taking up a position as manager of the bookshop. Assisting her is Luna, a young girl facing her own issues which she is scared to reveal.

The story is told from various perspectives with Claire and Luna being the driving force however there are other characters who are just important including Claire’s cousin Vedran, a lawyer who is suffering in silence because of past events – I felt there was a mystery element attached to him inspired by the intriguing prologue. Professor Karmela Simic has unresolved issues relating to the Serbian war. Her happy place is her research into the history of Ragusan women and her interest in the bookshop is primarily because of historical relevance of the building to her research. She joins the bookclub primarily for her own reasons but despite her naturally reserved nature slowly finds herself drawn into the lives and problems of her fellow book lovers.

The bookshop whilst being at the centre of this story shares its focus with other themes too, some of which affect the diverse characters here including mental health issues involving trauma and PTSD, whatever the cause. It’s about inclusion without religious or personal prejudice regardless of sexuality. Above all its focus is acceptance and friendship. Fun and romance give a lighter touch to the story and of course there is bookish chat too. The books chosen by the fictional bookclub are listed with each having a relevance to the story.

There was so much I loved about this book, the location, the bookshop and its heritage, the characters each with their own backstory and personal hurdles to overcome. Eva Glyn has written a superb multi faceted story that is authentic and entertaining. I was a little sad at the end to have to say goodbye to characters such as Karmela that I had grown extremely fond of. On the back of reading this I’ve purchased another of Eva’s books The Collaborator’s Daughter, historical fiction rather than contemporary being set in 1944 in war-torn Dubrovnik but which features one or two of these characters.

I was drawn to this book because it was about a book club set in a little book shop in Dubrovnik. Claire has gone to manage the book shop and live with her grandmother whilst she endeavours to regain her confidence to rejoin the world after suffering from long covid. Add to her struggles and issues those of her cousin Vedran, shop assistant Luna and member of the book club Karmela and you have quite an eclectic mix of characters. It’s a book full of hope and promise as the characters form unexpected friendships and help each other grow stronger and braver and more confident. The backdrop of Dubrovnik is beautiful and it’s made me want to visit the city. Overall, it was a good holiday read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for an arc in exchange for a review.

I was so excited to dive into this book, especially because of the dictionary at the beginning, where Glyn explains the Croatian swear words in a funny and unique ways, but also translates some other words used later on. Her writing is really appealing, it pulls you into the story, but as I read and read, the story kept dragging on. There was a lot going on since there are 4 main characters. There was a problem to be solved every few chapters and it got solved almost immediately, which bothered me a little bit. It didn’t leave space for tension, for reader to be on the edge of their seat. But what I loved about this book is especially the Croatian setting of the story, which reminded me of my summers that I’ve always spent in Croatia. It’s also a book about friendship, what it teaches you and what it brings. How it can change us for the better. There is also some history for the people that are not acquainted with it. To sum it up, it’s a really cute summer read.
(2,5/5 stars)

Took a while for me to get into the various elements of the story but once I did I didn’t want to put the book down. Fascinating to learn about the history of the area. Loved how the book club evolved and new friendships blossomed

The Dubrovnik Book Club by Eva Glyn is a moving women's fiction, warm and engaging, positive and inspiring. It celebrates reading and brings sensitive subjects into the light. This captivating tale of friendship, with well-developed characters, and a strong sense of place, is truly affirming and redemptive.

Full review - see link below
#BlogTour with Rachel's Random Resources

It was a real pleasure to revisit some of the characters I first met when reading The Collaborator’s Daughter. If you’ve not read it, don’t worry; this is not a series; the books are all standalone. This time, we are following Claire as she tries to control the fear she’s become engulfed in since contracting Long Covid. Her fears are real, and she struggles to find her way back to her former life. With support and guidance from her grandmother, she takes a job in a local bookshop where she meets Luna, who is also trying to forge a new life away from the narrow-mindedness of the small island where she grew up. Also, she finds friendship from Karmela a woman who had fled Sarajevo, and Jadran whose own life has taken a dark turn after the disappearance of his girlfriend.
These four troubled souls unite as they create a book club and pull together in a determination to protect all that has become familiar to them. There are raised hopes and many disappointments to endure, but despite everything, they remain focused on ensuring that the shop and book club survive the threat of closure.
I usually like to single out my favourite characters, but each one is so perfectly drawn that I would struggle to do that. The strength of the women’s connection to the location and their entwining stories leapt from the pages, and I felt myself hoping for a positive outcome.
There’s a real beauty in the author’s empathy with the struggles of each character; from Claire’s fear of COVID, Luna’s fear of the ramifications of her sexuality, Karmela’s guilt, and Jafran’s desperate situation, the writing is from a skilled hand and filled with hope.
I adored this book, and it definitely confirms Eva Glyn as one of my absolute favourites. If you’ve not read her books, here’s a terrific place to start.

My goodness, I really loved this book. I often find it quite difficult to explain what turns a book I enjoy into one I really love – in future, I think I might just direct people to this one, as I can’t think of a better example of the kind of writing that makes a book something very special indeed.

Claire is in Dubrovnik in the wake of the Covid pandemic, having been severely ill and still particularly fearful of close contact with others – something I suspect many of us wouldn’t find it too difficult to identify with – but some considerable bravery is called for when her grandmother, who she’s staying with, finds her a dream job managing a small bookshop in the old town. There’s one other member of staff, Luna – and as well as sharing Claire’s passion for books, she’s in the throes of coming to terms with her sexuality, hoping that the city will prove more open-minded than her former island home. Then there’s Claire’s lawyer cousin Vedran – struggling with shame and guilt, both perhaps misplaced, hiding away from the world after being accused of involvement in the disappearance and possible death of his girlfriend. And when Claire and Luna start a book club to help bring customers through their door, they meet Karmela – a self-contained and rather spiky professor, who begins to lower her defences and slowly unfold, and has her own complex and fascinating background story.

Their friendship develops as they get together for their book club meetings – each book carefully chosen, cleverly reflecting aspects of their personal stories – with the narrative driven by their joint efforts both to clear Vedran’s name and to prevent the closure and sale of the book shop that comes to mean so much to them all for their own different reasons. It’s a superb ensemble piece, with the very real individuals managing their own personal struggles, each of them damaged in different ways, needing the support of others, gradually taking their opportunities to make changes in their lives – emotionally authentic in every way, sometimes surprising, often very moving, but all with a perfect lightness of touch.

But, however engaging, that’s really just the bare bones of the story – the challenges the individuals are facing allow the exploration of far larger themes, many serious, some unexpected, often complex, and all perfectly judged and so very sensitively handled. And what particularly impressed me was how naturally those wider themes became very much part of the story – the book does deal wonderfully with friendship and family, along with some gentle romance along the way and a real feeling for the healing power of reading, but it’s really so much more than that.

As always, the author’s love for her setting shines through in every description of Dubrovnik’s streets and buildings, meticulously researched and rich in detail – the whole book has an exceptional sense of place, and a real feel for the culture and history. And I have to say that the author’s writing has never been better – the storytelling is just wonderful, and this was a book that most certainly entertained, gave me plenty to think about, but also made me feel particularly deeply for its characters. Her best so far? Absolutely, and a book I’d highly recommend everyone adds to their reading list – might I have mentioned already that I really loved it?