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Kirrinfief #1
The Bookshop on the Corner
Nina Redmond is a literary matchmaker. Pairing a reader with that perfect book is her passion… and also her job. Or at least it was. Until yesterday, she was a librarian in the hectic city. But now the job she loved is no more.
Determined to make a new life for herself, Nina moves to a sleepy village many miles away. There she buys a van and transforms it into a bookmobile—a mobile bookshop that she drives from neighborhood to neighborhood, changing one life after another with the power of storytelling.
From helping her grumpy landlord deliver a lamb, to sharing picnics with a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry, Nina discovers there’s plenty of adventure, magic, and soul in a place that’s beginning to feel like home… a place where she just might be able to write her own happy ending.
Determined to make a new life for herself, Nina moves to a sleepy village many miles away. There she buys a van and transforms it into a bookmobile—a mobile bookshop that she drives from neighborhood to neighborhood, changing one life after another with the power of storytelling.
From helping her grumpy landlord deliver a lamb, to sharing picnics with a charming train conductor who serenades her with poetry, Nina discovers there’s plenty of adventure, magic, and soul in a place that’s beginning to feel like home… a place where she just might be able to write her own happy ending.
384 pages, ebook
First published February 11, 2016
About the author
Jenny Colgan
108 books9,798 followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 11,995 reviews
June 10, 2021
This book spoke to my soul
Ninais was a librarian. Her job was her everything. She spent every waking moment, caring for all of the little library books, curling up with a new novel every night and most importantly, helping people find the book that they needed the most. Books were her everything.
I absolutely adored this story. The romance was so well done - it was one of those romances where you fall in love with the way they're falling in love. And the books (so many books!) just cinched the novel for me. I want to go out and check out every last book from the library that Nina suggests.
As an aside, I loved the way the author dedicated the book.
Audiobook Comments
An absolute pleasure to listen to - thank you Lucy Price-Lewis. You are a fabulous reader.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - A book that involves a bookstore or library
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Because every day with a book is slightly better than one without, and I wish you nothing but the happiest of days.Nina Redmond is my favorite kind of main character - she feels like a best friend. A very bookish best friend. The best possible kind of best friend.
Nina
for Nina, whenever reality, or the grimmer side of reality, threatened to invade, she always turned to a book...They had mended her heart when it was broken, and encouraged her to hope when she was down.But all that vanished. All that comfort and security from her library job - snuffed out. And Nina is just reeling and the midst of her panic, she comes to a realization (with the help of her friend):
Just do something. You might make a mistake, then you can fix it. But if you do nothing, you can't fix anything. And your life might turn out full of regrets.So, armed with an unwieldy old van and far more books than one can imagine, Nina sets off to explore the countryside - selling her books at farmers markets and festivals, all the while blossoming from a shy, timid librarian to the woman she was always meant to be.
I absolutely adored this story. The romance was so well done - it was one of those romances where you fall in love with the way they're falling in love. And the books (so many books!) just cinched the novel for me. I want to go out and check out every last book from the library that Nina suggests.
As an aside, I loved the way the author dedicated the book.
There is no dedication in this book because the entire book is dedicated to you: the reader. To all readers.The 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge - A book that involves a library or bookstore
Because this book is about reading and books, and how these things can change your life, always, I would argue, for the better....
Audiobook Comments
An absolute pleasure to listen to - thank you Lucy Price-Lewis. You are a fabulous reader.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - A book that involves a bookstore or library
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
April 10, 2023
This book tells us the story of Nina Redmond's life as a literary matchmaker. She loses her job as a librarian in the city and decides to move to Scotland's idyllic village. She then impetuously buys a van to transform it into a mobile bookshop that sounded initially inane to some villagers with an incorrigible attitude. But soon, things began to change positively for Nina and the villagers.
You will love the theme which the author chose for conveying the story using characters, setting, and dialogues. The whole novel is a cozy read which you can finish quickly in a cheerful mood. There are many bookish quotes and literary pursuits discussed in a palatable manner in the initial part of this book which many book lovers will relish reading
The narrative's smooth flow will keep the reader glued to the book with the author's perfect creation of transitions bridging together scenes and events.
What I learned from this book
1) How books can change a human being
This is an important topic the author is trying to discuss in this book. I have seen a single line in a book saving a patient's life. He told me that he would have committed suicide if he wouldn't have read that line telling us the importance of life in the book. Books can make such a powerful impact on a human being's life.
"Books had been her solace when she was sad, her friends when she was lonely. They had mended her heart when it was broken, and encouraged her to hope when she was down."
"Books were the best way Nina knew – apart from, sometimes, music – to breach the barrier; to connect the internal universe with the external, the words acting merely as a conduit between the two worlds."
2) How are some people becoming a failure by default
Fear of failure makes many of us reluctant to start doing important things. That is one of the main reason why people beome serial procrastinators and a failure by default.
“Just do something. You might make a mistake, then you can fix it. But if you do nothing, you can't fix anything. And your life might turn out full of regrets.”
3) Difference between books and movies and computer games.
In this internet era, some people have become so lazy to read books. I remember one of my friends who was an IAS topper (which is said to be one of the toughest exams to crack in the world) asking me why am I wasting my precious time reading 400-500 pages book when I can see the same thing as a movie less than 2 hours. He told me to be practical and use the time judiciously. I was surprised to hear that he saw reading as a waste of time. It is a fact that a small percentage of millennials are narrow-minded despite their educational status. But I am happy that the author shows us the brighter side that there are many book lovers among the millennials. She is mentioning the advantage of books over movies and computer games in a simple yet effective manner.
"But you know when you're watching a film you feel like you can see what's happening?" Ben nodded. "Well, that's one thing. But when you read a book, you feel like you're in it." "Like a computer game?" "No. Not like a computer game. Computer games are fun, but you're still just looking at stuff and pressing buttons. Reading is being in stuff." Ben squinted. "Like actually being there?" "Like actually being there. You plug straight into the writer's brain. It's just you and them. You experience what they experience."
My favourite three lines from this book
“Dogs are tremendously good at showing you you don’t have to check your phone every two seconds to have a happy life.”
“You know, on the bus, everyone used to read books. But then they were fiddling on their phones or those big phones.”
"The problem with good things that happen is that very often they disguise themselves as awful things. It would be lovely, wouldn't it, whenever you're going through something difficult, if someone could just tap you on the shoulder and say, "Don't worry, it's completely worth it. It seems like absolutely horrible crap now, but I promise it will all come good in the end"
What could have been better?
This book started brilliantly, and you will love the initial part of it. But the love triangle involving Nina was written poorly. It lacked depth and felt pretty ordinary compared to the rest of the book.
Rating
4/5 If you are a person who loves to read anything about books, this will be a good choice.
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December 17, 2016
Full review now posted below!
I love books with all of my heart. Most kids sleep with stuffed animals, but I slept with some book or another even before I could read them for myself. I was born with an intense love for words and the worlds that writers can craft with them. Because of that fervent adoration for all things books, I delight in finding books about books. Sadly though, more often than not the books-about-books that I pick up tend to leave me disappointed. There are a few exceptions, of course; The Shadow of the Wind, The Neverending Story, and Inkheart being a few that made me so happy that my heart felt as though surely it would burst. But others, such as Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, Fangirl, and this one, all left me feeling unsatisfied.
The first set of books were truly odes to the power of books. Books were conveyed as important, friends to be treasured and revisited as often as possible. The second set of books I listed started out that way. But, eventually, books cease being viewed as treasures and are viewed instead as crutches, things only clung to by those who aren't truly living their own lives and thus have to live vicariously through the stories of others. I disagree with that view of books vehemently. Yes, books are a safe place to turn to when you’re lonely or in pain. I can logically agree that books are sometimes used as crutches to help us get through life. My problem with that line of thinking is this; what on earth is wrong with crutches?! I would rather have something to lean on that helps me walk steadily and securely through my life than hobble because I’m too proud to use a crutch. Besides that, in the words of George R.R. Martin, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
Now, onto the actual book I’m supposed to be reviewing. The Bookshop on the Corner was really cute, especially through the first half. Nina, our main character, was faced with a huge change in her life, and she made the most of it by embracing her love of books and her dream of fostering that love in others by opening her own book shop. Her bookshop wasn’t conventional, and neither was the community she moved to in order to open it, but it suited her well. She had a cast of cute and sometimes crazy friends and patrons who for the most part were incredibly supportive. Nina’s favorite thing in the world was literary matchmaking, pairing a person with the perfect book for where they were in their life. That is, until love derailed her life. (Those of you who have read this, I hope you liked my pun there!) And that’s where the book let me down, where it shifted from a love story about books to just being a love story with a few books scattered here and there. And the love story was my most hated trope, a love triangle. Both guys were cute and all, I just can't stand love triangles for some reason. They make my lip curl. Also, I’ve become spoiled to the phenomenal writing found in fantasy nowadays, and the writing in this book fell flat for me comparatively. This story was light and cute and sweet, but it just felt like consuming empty calories.
I love books with all of my heart. Most kids sleep with stuffed animals, but I slept with some book or another even before I could read them for myself. I was born with an intense love for words and the worlds that writers can craft with them. Because of that fervent adoration for all things books, I delight in finding books about books. Sadly though, more often than not the books-about-books that I pick up tend to leave me disappointed. There are a few exceptions, of course; The Shadow of the Wind, The Neverending Story, and Inkheart being a few that made me so happy that my heart felt as though surely it would burst. But others, such as Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, Fangirl, and this one, all left me feeling unsatisfied.
The first set of books were truly odes to the power of books. Books were conveyed as important, friends to be treasured and revisited as often as possible. The second set of books I listed started out that way. But, eventually, books cease being viewed as treasures and are viewed instead as crutches, things only clung to by those who aren't truly living their own lives and thus have to live vicariously through the stories of others. I disagree with that view of books vehemently. Yes, books are a safe place to turn to when you’re lonely or in pain. I can logically agree that books are sometimes used as crutches to help us get through life. My problem with that line of thinking is this; what on earth is wrong with crutches?! I would rather have something to lean on that helps me walk steadily and securely through my life than hobble because I’m too proud to use a crutch. Besides that, in the words of George R.R. Martin, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
Now, onto the actual book I’m supposed to be reviewing. The Bookshop on the Corner was really cute, especially through the first half. Nina, our main character, was faced with a huge change in her life, and she made the most of it by embracing her love of books and her dream of fostering that love in others by opening her own book shop. Her bookshop wasn’t conventional, and neither was the community she moved to in order to open it, but it suited her well. She had a cast of cute and sometimes crazy friends and patrons who for the most part were incredibly supportive. Nina’s favorite thing in the world was literary matchmaking, pairing a person with the perfect book for where they were in their life. That is, until love derailed her life. (Those of you who have read this, I hope you liked my pun there!) And that’s where the book let me down, where it shifted from a love story about books to just being a love story with a few books scattered here and there. And the love story was my most hated trope, a love triangle. Both guys were cute and all, I just can't stand love triangles for some reason. They make my lip curl. Also, I’ve become spoiled to the phenomenal writing found in fantasy nowadays, and the writing in this book fell flat for me comparatively. This story was light and cute and sweet, but it just felt like consuming empty calories.
December 7, 2016
The Bookshop on the corner by Jenny Colgan is a 2016 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
The title alone was enough to catch my eye. I love 'books about books' and this one will truly resonate with people like me, who live and breathe books, no matter what genre you prefer.
When Nina loses her beloved job at the library, she finds the courage to start her life over using her expert skills of matching people with books. She buys a van and moves to Scotland and becomes a successful book seller.
But, the journey is fraught with setbacks, adjustments, and a flood of personal turmoil as she settles into a small Scottish community and begins spreading the love of books and reading with the folks who live there.
Nina’s character slowly blossoms, as she faces a few hard knocks, and meets those challenges with more fortitude than she thought possible. Her adventures are often hilarious, sometimes poignant, but her kindness and honesty touches an entire community, as well as the heart of a certain gentleman, making her a true inspiration.
This ‘feel good’ story naturally appealed to the book lover in me. Nina and I, could be two peas in a pod, and I instantly related to her, often smiling and nodding when her exuberance for books popped off the page.
While I took great pleasure in watching Nina tirelessly spread the gift of books to her isolated community, the story evolves into something more, proving that people can work together to resolve problems if only they would try to see things from a perspective other than their own.
It’s also about having the courage to pursue your dreams, for not settling or giving up, no matter how bleak things seem at the time.
All the characters are slightly quirky, and are well drawn, with compelling stories of the their own, adding much depth, charm, and warmth to this delightful tale.
This is a quick and easy read, is very light hearted and witty, and is sure to lift your spirits and solidify your love of reading and books and of course recommending them to all your friends, family and community.
Overall, anyone will like this book, I think, but contemporary romance readers and chick-lit fans will definitely want to check this one out.
4 stars
The title alone was enough to catch my eye. I love 'books about books' and this one will truly resonate with people like me, who live and breathe books, no matter what genre you prefer.
When Nina loses her beloved job at the library, she finds the courage to start her life over using her expert skills of matching people with books. She buys a van and moves to Scotland and becomes a successful book seller.
But, the journey is fraught with setbacks, adjustments, and a flood of personal turmoil as she settles into a small Scottish community and begins spreading the love of books and reading with the folks who live there.
Nina’s character slowly blossoms, as she faces a few hard knocks, and meets those challenges with more fortitude than she thought possible. Her adventures are often hilarious, sometimes poignant, but her kindness and honesty touches an entire community, as well as the heart of a certain gentleman, making her a true inspiration.
This ‘feel good’ story naturally appealed to the book lover in me. Nina and I, could be two peas in a pod, and I instantly related to her, often smiling and nodding when her exuberance for books popped off the page.
While I took great pleasure in watching Nina tirelessly spread the gift of books to her isolated community, the story evolves into something more, proving that people can work together to resolve problems if only they would try to see things from a perspective other than their own.
It’s also about having the courage to pursue your dreams, for not settling or giving up, no matter how bleak things seem at the time.
All the characters are slightly quirky, and are well drawn, with compelling stories of the their own, adding much depth, charm, and warmth to this delightful tale.
This is a quick and easy read, is very light hearted and witty, and is sure to lift your spirits and solidify your love of reading and books and of course recommending them to all your friends, family and community.
Overall, anyone will like this book, I think, but contemporary romance readers and chick-lit fans will definitely want to check this one out.
4 stars
February 7, 2017
Loved all the bookshop and book talk, and that's about it.
Nina was a mousy bore and clumsy idiot to boot. The only parts where she was interesting was when she was trying to change her life and was in the process of moving to rural Scotland to sell books out of a van.
As soon as the love interests came on the scene, Nina lost what little charm she had and turned into a pathetic, desperate, whiny, doormat who panted between a bitter, mean, divorced mess and a married creep. The romance ruined what could have been a half decent book, I didn't want to read about a dull doormat chasing after a guy who spent half his time bitching at her and the other half the time ignoring her. The author should have concentrated on the heroine making a success of her bookshop/moving to a sleepy village with quirky characters part of the story.
Nina was a mousy bore and clumsy idiot to boot. The only parts where she was interesting was when she was trying to change her life and was in the process of moving to rural Scotland to sell books out of a van.
As soon as the love interests came on the scene, Nina lost what little charm she had and turned into a pathetic, desperate, whiny, doormat who panted between a bitter, mean, divorced mess and a married creep. The romance ruined what could have been a half decent book, I didn't want to read about a dull doormat chasing after a guy who spent half his time bitching at her and the other half the time ignoring her. The author should have concentrated on the heroine making a success of her bookshop/moving to a sleepy village with quirky characters part of the story.
November 3, 2019
I, as I have now extensively written about on this time-sucking website, am fixated on books about bookstores.
They’re not the only thing I read. They’re not necessarily even my favorite thing to read about. But I can’t stop thinking about them, and I can’t stop picking them up.
Surprisingly - or maybe not, since it’s me - this very rarely goes super well.
This was a pretty good case.
I don’t tend to like books about bookstores that turn out to be more about fluffy romance, but this one struck the ratio very well. Mostly because the romance didn’t really come into play until the very end.
There were also bonus good things, like:
- all the beautiful Scotland scenery
- scenes of our protagonist decorating a van, which fulfilled all my childhood Boxcar Children desires
- lots of delicious food descriptions
But, like the idea of the US government set forth in the Constitution (and maybe not in execution), life comes with checks and balances, and there were also bonus bad things...such as:
- a weird temporary love triangle (or basically a beginning-of-the-book romance that was very strangely and painfully tossed away when it could have simply not existed)
- FAKE BOOKS. THE BOOKS IN THIS BOOKSTORE DO NOT EXIST. WHY. WHAT IS THE POINT.
But overall, I’m just grateful this isn’t https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... How to Find Love in a Bookshop.
And that warrants three stars.
Bottom line: Sure fine whatever!
--------
things i love:
- books
- bookstores
- books about bookstores
They’re not the only thing I read. They’re not necessarily even my favorite thing to read about. But I can’t stop thinking about them, and I can’t stop picking them up.
Surprisingly - or maybe not, since it’s me - this very rarely goes super well.
This was a pretty good case.
I don’t tend to like books about bookstores that turn out to be more about fluffy romance, but this one struck the ratio very well. Mostly because the romance didn’t really come into play until the very end.
There were also bonus good things, like:
- all the beautiful Scotland scenery
- scenes of our protagonist decorating a van, which fulfilled all my childhood Boxcar Children desires
- lots of delicious food descriptions
But, like the idea of the US government set forth in the Constitution (and maybe not in execution), life comes with checks and balances, and there were also bonus bad things...such as:
- a weird temporary love triangle (or basically a beginning-of-the-book romance that was very strangely and painfully tossed away when it could have simply not existed)
- FAKE BOOKS. THE BOOKS IN THIS BOOKSTORE DO NOT EXIST. WHY. WHAT IS THE POINT.
But overall, I’m just grateful this isn’t https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... How to Find Love in a Bookshop.
And that warrants three stars.
Bottom line: Sure fine whatever!
--------
things i love:
- books
- bookstores
- books about bookstores
October 24, 2016
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I checked this book out from the library because it sounded kind of like my life. For me, everything changed when I had to leave my job at an independent bookstore and then when it closed down for good. I had a great memory for where each book was, often what it looked like, who wrote it, what series it was in, what order the series went in, authors' pseudonyms, and what books people might like if they liked this book or that. My favourite was giving recommendations, helping people find just the right book for a friend in the hospital with depression or child about to become a big brother or sister. When I left to give birth it was a huge adjustment to be home all of the time with a baby who wanted to eat nonstop and would only sleep in my arms. My world shrunk by the day, especially once we got down to one working car. Now with my girl in Kindergarten, I am being told by doctors that I will never work again. So I thought this book might cheer me up, give me some inspiration, etc.
And it did, at first. I could identify with Nina from the beginning, though not with her obsession with Heathcliffe and Christian Gray, who I consider to be dangerous criminals in need of locking up, not romantic heroes. Despite apparently having been around the block a time or two and in her 30s, Nina seems more naive and childish than I was as a 23 year old virgin bride.
I completely understand her love of books and her huge hoard of them, of course--I have an entire room in my house dedicated to nothing else. But she is somehow able to sell all of her books once she realizes there's a profit to be made. What kind of real book fanatic could do that unless they were on the verge of starvation or something?
So Nina loses her library job in Birmingham, spends everything she's got to buy a van in Scotland and of course ends up moving there, getting an amazingly designed, perfect apartment in a barn for next to nothing. Oh, and it comes with a tall handsome Scotsman who has a sweet dog and adorable lambs. But of course, he's also a jerk who doesn't like books or English city girls and never fails to be gruff or downright rude.
The business takes off immediately because it's that kind of book, despite the fact that Nina names her mobile bookshop The Little Shop of Happy Ever After (which makes me want to puke), and everything is just peachy, except that Nina can't see the mysterious dark Latvian train engineer dude she's projected fictional characters onto often enough to suit her. But her landlord calls her over to deliver stuck twin lambs because she is the only one around with small enough hands. That just didn't seem likely to me. "I don't like you, you're useless, you're dangerous, but come over here and soap up and shove your hands up inside my ewe." Right.
Basically, what I found annoying about this book is that no matter how awkward and idiotic Nina is, everything she does always works out. She loves literally everything about where she lives in Scotland--sorry, but there are down sides to everywhere. Her book recommendations, even when absurdly personal to the point of being potentially insulting, all turn out better than normal...it just goes on. It was still a pleasant enough read though, until about the last quarter.
SPOILERS
Naturally there is something wrong with the handsome sad foreigner--he already has a family back home. You begin to realize this is a weird retelling of Pride and Prejudice and he was Mr. Wickham. Which makes the landlord, Lennox, Mr. Darcy. *sigh* There's even a bunch of stuff about dancing and not dancing, and you also get to see that Lennox is nicer than he seems, though he still talks in a pretty unfriendly way.
When Lennox's ex shows up and demands the farm, she is over the top, completely silly and out of place even in this unrealistic book. She even throws a rare priceless book of Nina's into the mud. So Nina offers to give up her lovely apartment in the barn and move in with Lennox, who she is now sleeping with nonstop. By this point that is pretty much all she does. They don't talk, they have nothing in common to talk about, but they "don't need to talk" because their connection is suddenly so deep. Yeah bloody right. To me this is the laziest trick in the book. And it furthers what I think is a dangerous myth, that sex is the same thing as true love. Also the one that if someone is rude, hurtful, and has nothing in common with us, they must be our soulmate. We're supposed to be happy because Nina gets to constantly have sex with her grumpy boyfriend who only reads the occasional agriculture magazine. Seriously, how long is that going to work out? It definitely doesn't seem like the kind of "happy ever after" Nina was looking for.
Oh, and Nina ends up getting a new copy of the rare and priceless book the ex destroyed. And she loses the apartment but her best friend moves into it. So absolutely nothing is lost or sacrificed unless you count a diseased tree. Nothing whatever mars her happiness ever.
I am thoroughly disgusted.
And it did, at first. I could identify with Nina from the beginning, though not with her obsession with Heathcliffe and Christian Gray, who I consider to be dangerous criminals in need of locking up, not romantic heroes. Despite apparently having been around the block a time or two and in her 30s, Nina seems more naive and childish than I was as a 23 year old virgin bride.
I completely understand her love of books and her huge hoard of them, of course--I have an entire room in my house dedicated to nothing else. But she is somehow able to sell all of her books once she realizes there's a profit to be made. What kind of real book fanatic could do that unless they were on the verge of starvation or something?
So Nina loses her library job in Birmingham, spends everything she's got to buy a van in Scotland and of course ends up moving there, getting an amazingly designed, perfect apartment in a barn for next to nothing. Oh, and it comes with a tall handsome Scotsman who has a sweet dog and adorable lambs. But of course, he's also a jerk who doesn't like books or English city girls and never fails to be gruff or downright rude.
The business takes off immediately because it's that kind of book, despite the fact that Nina names her mobile bookshop The Little Shop of Happy Ever After (which makes me want to puke), and everything is just peachy, except that Nina can't see the mysterious dark Latvian train engineer dude she's projected fictional characters onto often enough to suit her. But her landlord calls her over to deliver stuck twin lambs because she is the only one around with small enough hands. That just didn't seem likely to me. "I don't like you, you're useless, you're dangerous, but come over here and soap up and shove your hands up inside my ewe." Right.
Basically, what I found annoying about this book is that no matter how awkward and idiotic Nina is, everything she does always works out. She loves literally everything about where she lives in Scotland--sorry, but there are down sides to everywhere. Her book recommendations, even when absurdly personal to the point of being potentially insulting, all turn out better than normal...it just goes on. It was still a pleasant enough read though, until about the last quarter.
SPOILERS
Naturally there is something wrong with the handsome sad foreigner--he already has a family back home. You begin to realize this is a weird retelling of Pride and Prejudice and he was Mr. Wickham. Which makes the landlord, Lennox, Mr. Darcy. *sigh* There's even a bunch of stuff about dancing and not dancing, and you also get to see that Lennox is nicer than he seems, though he still talks in a pretty unfriendly way.
When Lennox's ex shows up and demands the farm, she is over the top, completely silly and out of place even in this unrealistic book. She even throws a rare priceless book of Nina's into the mud. So Nina offers to give up her lovely apartment in the barn and move in with Lennox, who she is now sleeping with nonstop. By this point that is pretty much all she does. They don't talk, they have nothing in common to talk about, but they "don't need to talk" because their connection is suddenly so deep. Yeah bloody right. To me this is the laziest trick in the book. And it furthers what I think is a dangerous myth, that sex is the same thing as true love. Also the one that if someone is rude, hurtful, and has nothing in common with us, they must be our soulmate. We're supposed to be happy because Nina gets to constantly have sex with her grumpy boyfriend who only reads the occasional agriculture magazine. Seriously, how long is that going to work out? It definitely doesn't seem like the kind of "happy ever after" Nina was looking for.
Oh, and Nina ends up getting a new copy of the rare and priceless book the ex destroyed. And she loses the apartment but her best friend moves into it. So absolutely nothing is lost or sacrificed unless you count a diseased tree. Nothing whatever mars her happiness ever.
I am thoroughly disgusted.
February 14, 2016
This is a really lovely read and I cannot think of anything I didn’t like about it. It is the story of Nina, a Librarian who is made redundant from her job in Birmingham, who starts a new life for herself by buying a van in Scotland and transforming it into a mobile bookshop.
The characters are all people you just cannot help liking and Nina herself is someone you would just love to be friends with in real life. I adored the setting in the Scottish Highlands which are beautifully described, especially the scenery although the Highland dancing and the Midsummer Festival celebrations were fantastic to read about. The author just made me want to cram a load of books into our camper van and head off up there myself to start my own bookshop! It is a story which just oozes romance of the non predictable kind – you are really kept guessing for quite a large part of the read as to what is going to happen. There is the lovely mix of misunderstandings and red herrings, which really kept my interest throughout.
It is a definite curl up on the sofa read, one you can totally lose yourself in. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
The characters are all people you just cannot help liking and Nina herself is someone you would just love to be friends with in real life. I adored the setting in the Scottish Highlands which are beautifully described, especially the scenery although the Highland dancing and the Midsummer Festival celebrations were fantastic to read about. The author just made me want to cram a load of books into our camper van and head off up there myself to start my own bookshop! It is a story which just oozes romance of the non predictable kind – you are really kept guessing for quite a large part of the read as to what is going to happen. There is the lovely mix of misunderstandings and red herrings, which really kept my interest throughout.
It is a definite curl up on the sofa read, one you can totally lose yourself in. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
September 6, 2017
Okay, so you get The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan, and then you get:
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The Salinger Contract by Adam Langer
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore #1 by Robin Sloan
I just wondered what the hell happened?
There's no comparison. This book is serious chick lit fluff, you know, a young jobless woman in distress, penniless and desperate to start over after losing her job in a library. She ventures off on an adventure and then steps in a Scottish sheep farmer who pulls her in behind a tree and 'take' her, oh how utterly exciting, and then the hunk and the cutie live happily ever after. How they met was kind of cute too.
But there's the train, called The Lady of Argyll and a book bus for the remote small villages of Scotland. Add to that Men Central where there were none before, and you've got it made in lalaland of romance and love.
In the heat of the moment, no pun intended, there were lots of goodies the young lady had stored which she could use to turn the old bread van into a cozy bookstore. Problem is, for someone living on a minuscule salary, it did not make sense to buy all these paraphernalia, beanie bags, fairy lights, fluorescent lights spelling "Books" and some more, and hoard it in a tiny apartment without knowing what to do with them. Did not make sense. Contrived. By this point in the book, I was kind of getting bored.
It's hard to convince a experienced farm woman, like yours truly, that a big van, the size of a bus, or truck, will not break down, with expensive repairs, expensive new tyres, expensive engine repairs, expensive licensing and insurance (if you can get any on such an old vehicle)...AND EXPENSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION. Old ones are the worst. Not toys for girls with a dream. So yes, THAT did not make sense as well. Oh well, this book was not meant to be so grounded in reality, so let's move on, shall we? It is a girlie fairytale after all. And it was okay to name this old hag on four gigantic wheels Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After with a chandelier inside to boot.
But don't despair, it's a feel-good read for romance junkies. Probably a five star thrill. The books were great props for the romantic drama. That's all it was. Quite a drama it was, for sure.
So with a huff and a puff the coupling dance was over, thank the almighty stars, and life could happily continue in the wilds of the great valleys and deep lochs of Scotland. For me too. Why do I suddenly feel so old? And grumpy? ***SIGH***
I liked the idea of a book van in Kirrinfief, and Scotland, and small towns and...and...and...well, a place to explore. Using this beautiful country with its eccentric, delightful characters to fill up the background of this story, was a very good idea in my book. And I will certainly love to know how to make the cucumber and green cabbage salad with fennel, orange, and oats.
THREE STARS means OKAY! It was OKAY. Fun really. I'm in a good mood. And I LOVED the idea of a book van!!! I did mention that, right? :-))
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The Salinger Contract by Adam Langer
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore #1 by Robin Sloan
I just wondered what the hell happened?
There's no comparison. This book is serious chick lit fluff, you know, a young jobless woman in distress, penniless and desperate to start over after losing her job in a library. She ventures off on an adventure and then steps in a Scottish sheep farmer who pulls her in behind a tree and 'take' her, oh how utterly exciting, and then the hunk and the cutie live happily ever after. How they met was kind of cute too.
But there's the train, called The Lady of Argyll and a book bus for the remote small villages of Scotland. Add to that Men Central where there were none before, and you've got it made in lalaland of romance and love.
In the heat of the moment, no pun intended, there were lots of goodies the young lady had stored which she could use to turn the old bread van into a cozy bookstore. Problem is, for someone living on a minuscule salary, it did not make sense to buy all these paraphernalia, beanie bags, fairy lights, fluorescent lights spelling "Books" and some more, and hoard it in a tiny apartment without knowing what to do with them. Did not make sense. Contrived. By this point in the book, I was kind of getting bored.
It's hard to convince a experienced farm woman, like yours truly, that a big van, the size of a bus, or truck, will not break down, with expensive repairs, expensive new tyres, expensive engine repairs, expensive licensing and insurance (if you can get any on such an old vehicle)...AND EXPENSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION. Old ones are the worst. Not toys for girls with a dream. So yes, THAT did not make sense as well. Oh well, this book was not meant to be so grounded in reality, so let's move on, shall we? It is a girlie fairytale after all. And it was okay to name this old hag on four gigantic wheels Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After with a chandelier inside to boot.
But don't despair, it's a feel-good read for romance junkies. Probably a five star thrill. The books were great props for the romantic drama. That's all it was. Quite a drama it was, for sure.
So with a huff and a puff the coupling dance was over, thank the almighty stars, and life could happily continue in the wilds of the great valleys and deep lochs of Scotland. For me too. Why do I suddenly feel so old? And grumpy? ***SIGH***
I liked the idea of a book van in Kirrinfief, and Scotland, and small towns and...and...and...well, a place to explore. Using this beautiful country with its eccentric, delightful characters to fill up the background of this story, was a very good idea in my book. And I will certainly love to know how to make the cucumber and green cabbage salad with fennel, orange, and oats.
THREE STARS means OKAY! It was OKAY. Fun really. I'm in a good mood. And I LOVED the idea of a book van!!! I did mention that, right? :-))
October 31, 2023
One month later, still searching for a single corner to be featured in this book.
As a corner-enthusiast, I'm deeply offended.
As a corner-enthusiast, I'm deeply offended.
August 28, 2017
This was a sweet, though not too sweet, story about a young woman at loose ends who dreams of her own bookshop (I could identify). The story is a little predictable, but I rather enjoyed it. I have been reading a lot of crime fiction, and this was a lovely break amid the murder and mayhem!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
June 22, 2016
Awww, I loved this book about a librarian getting laid off from her readers' advisory job and opening a "bookshop-on-wheels" in Scotland. A tad predictable but so what, it was a fun journey. I was a public services librarian for 42 years and a bookmobile librarian for of 17 of those years, so the thoughts about helping patrons find just the right books to read really resonated. The setting in Scotland was very appealing (as were the love interests!) and I'm ready to book a trip!
The theme of reinventing your life in the book world reminded me of Anjali Banerjee's Haunting Jasmine, only without a supernatural element.
Recommended for readers' advisory librarians and anyone else who loves a sweet comfort read featuring hunky men and appealing book descriptions.
Added Note: I questioned the method that Nina used in obtaining her books from the closing library for use in her own business but maybe it's different in the U.K.
The theme of reinventing your life in the book world reminded me of Anjali Banerjee's Haunting Jasmine, only without a supernatural element.
Recommended for readers' advisory librarians and anyone else who loves a sweet comfort read featuring hunky men and appealing book descriptions.
Added Note: I questioned the method that Nina used in obtaining her books from the closing library for use in her own business but maybe it's different in the U.K.
April 12, 2019
This book was a fun fast read that was a love letter to book lovers everywhere. A book seller with a book van instead of a shop , a small quaint town , handsome guy , and tons of books equals a recipe for love . It was cute and fast if I hadn’t been so busy I could have read it in one sitting.
June 1, 2017
I really didn't like this book. Nina was a mousy, clumsy, clueless woman. That is an insult for the women kind. And she is not even close to be a reasonable librarian or a book lover.
This passage will tell you who Nina is. A desperate woman, who can't get anything right, not even driving a van. Every time she gets in she gets in trouble.
“I . . .” Nina heard her voice break. “There was a deer . . . and I braked . . .”
“A DEER! You nearly killed the bloody lot of us for a DEER? You STUPID BLOODY . . . What were you THINKING?!”
“I couldn’t . . . I couldn’t think . . .”
“No, that’s right, isn’t it? Not bloody thinking at all! LOOK, there’s ten bloody yards . . .”
And of course, all the men treat her as such: “Are you sure you can handle it, a wee thing like you?” , or another example: “You’re too sweet. Too sweet not to help me, and too sweet to drive a truck.” The man doesn't even want to sell her his van: “I’ve changed my mind,” said Wullie when she parked carefully outside the pub. “It’s not for sale.”. So if you are looking to a sexist book, you have got it!
Now, there is towards the end, when it becomes a cheap romantic romance. That is even worse more than the misogyny that exists throughout the whole book. It was by a vast margin the best kiss Nina had ever had. She kissed him back, furiously, realizing that up to this point in her life, kisses had always been a prelude, a tease or an exploration, a precursor to what might or might not happen next.
This was not the case here. This kiss was several steps down the line from that; this was serious and purposeful, it was the real thing, and Nina felt the thrill go through her down to the bones. And that is just the beginning of a long long part of the cheap physical contact. Nina is in love and nothing else matters.
The parts with the ex-wife are ridiculous. Another clueless woman, full of childish act and terrible behavior. Misogyny, did I mention?
1 star, 1 too much for this book. If you like books about books, read The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin instead. She matches great books, and did a much better work about a book shop and people's lives.
This passage will tell you who Nina is. A desperate woman, who can't get anything right, not even driving a van. Every time she gets in she gets in trouble.
“I . . .” Nina heard her voice break. “There was a deer . . . and I braked . . .”
“A DEER! You nearly killed the bloody lot of us for a DEER? You STUPID BLOODY . . . What were you THINKING?!”
“I couldn’t . . . I couldn’t think . . .”
“No, that’s right, isn’t it? Not bloody thinking at all! LOOK, there’s ten bloody yards . . .”
And of course, all the men treat her as such: “Are you sure you can handle it, a wee thing like you?” , or another example: “You’re too sweet. Too sweet not to help me, and too sweet to drive a truck.” The man doesn't even want to sell her his van: “I’ve changed my mind,” said Wullie when she parked carefully outside the pub. “It’s not for sale.”. So if you are looking to a sexist book, you have got it!
Now, there is towards the end, when it becomes a cheap romantic romance. That is even worse more than the misogyny that exists throughout the whole book. It was by a vast margin the best kiss Nina had ever had. She kissed him back, furiously, realizing that up to this point in her life, kisses had always been a prelude, a tease or an exploration, a precursor to what might or might not happen next.
This was not the case here. This kiss was several steps down the line from that; this was serious and purposeful, it was the real thing, and Nina felt the thrill go through her down to the bones. And that is just the beginning of a long long part of the cheap physical contact. Nina is in love and nothing else matters.
The parts with the ex-wife are ridiculous. Another clueless woman, full of childish act and terrible behavior. Misogyny, did I mention?
1 star, 1 too much for this book. If you like books about books, read The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin instead. She matches great books, and did a much better work about a book shop and people's lives.
March 8, 2016
I have never taken much notice of the moniker - Chick-lit. Ever heard of Bloke-lit? No, neither have I. But the label Chick-lit probable puts off a lot of men from reading them and that's a pity. I came across Jenny Colgan's work through the pages of a Rosie Hopkins story and I was hooked. This latest offering from Jenny is just as enjoyable. I love books (don't we all?), I love people who love books and I have a certain envy of those who own and run a bookshop. So, how about a mobile bookshop?
Nina Redmond is 29 years old. The library where she works is to be closed, like so many, and Nina finds herself facing a bleak future in Birmingham where she lives. The library services are to be compressed into the centre of town where they would become a 'hub' with a 'multimedia experience zone'. Ugh! Not for Nina who is caught looking at adverts for large vans for sale, by her friend Griffin. A mobile bookshop? Why the hell not? There are thousands of books available as the library is closing. The snag though is that the van that really catches Nina's eye is in Scotland...
And thereby lies the tale of another delicious read from Jenny Colgan. What's not to like about a bibliophile selling books from a van, following her trials and tribulations and her love life, as it is, in the Highlands? Curl up in front of the fire with a cup of tea (OK, a single malt felt more appropriate) and enjoy this story that makes you feel warm inside.
I loved it.
Nina Redmond is 29 years old. The library where she works is to be closed, like so many, and Nina finds herself facing a bleak future in Birmingham where she lives. The library services are to be compressed into the centre of town where they would become a 'hub' with a 'multimedia experience zone'. Ugh! Not for Nina who is caught looking at adverts for large vans for sale, by her friend Griffin. A mobile bookshop? Why the hell not? There are thousands of books available as the library is closing. The snag though is that the van that really catches Nina's eye is in Scotland...
And thereby lies the tale of another delicious read from Jenny Colgan. What's not to like about a bibliophile selling books from a van, following her trials and tribulations and her love life, as it is, in the Highlands? Curl up in front of the fire with a cup of tea (OK, a single malt felt more appropriate) and enjoy this story that makes you feel warm inside.
I loved it.
February 6, 2017
It is definitely a book about books - and hunky Scottish men in kilts - and becoming everything you ever wanted to become if you can take the risk, and just buy the damn van, move to Scotland and get on with The Little Shop of Happy Ever After. But not QUITE my style any more, I have to say, even though I did read the Cinderella story to the end, especially since part way I realized that it was a bit of a take on that lovely old tale, Parnussus on Wheels by Christopher Morley.
Nina Redmond is a victim of Britain's branch library cuts - wee local libraries serving walk-in clientele within a neighbourly vicinity, from the stroller pushers to those with walkers. (I didn't know such places existed!). Found unsuitable for the high energy, high tech central system, Nina decides that she will operate a mobile bookstore. One thing leads to another - like the van is SO big for parking on Birmingham's city streets - and she ends up in Kirrinfief, Scotland.
Scotland makes out very well in this book by Jenny Colgan, who extolls its beauty and raininess and its close sense of small town community. Add the farm fresh eggs, homemade sausage, smoked bacon, local baking... in very good taste, for sure. And, oh yes, its freckled charming Scottish men.
So, love will out, everyone wins, kisses are fine... but the food made me drool. For that alone, a solid three stars.
Nina Redmond is a victim of Britain's branch library cuts - wee local libraries serving walk-in clientele within a neighbourly vicinity, from the stroller pushers to those with walkers. (I didn't know such places existed!). Found unsuitable for the high energy, high tech central system, Nina decides that she will operate a mobile bookstore. One thing leads to another - like the van is SO big for parking on Birmingham's city streets - and she ends up in Kirrinfief, Scotland.
Scotland makes out very well in this book by Jenny Colgan, who extolls its beauty and raininess and its close sense of small town community. Add the farm fresh eggs, homemade sausage, smoked bacon, local baking... in very good taste, for sure. And, oh yes, its freckled charming Scottish men.
So, love will out, everyone wins, kisses are fine... but the food made me drool. For that alone, a solid three stars.
December 21, 2022
In theory, I should have loved this book. It is about a young woman who loves her job as a librarian. Unfortunately, her position is dissolved so she decides to leave the big city for a small rural town in Scotland, buys a van which she transforms into a mobile bookshop making books accessible to more people who have lost their local libraries.
What I loved: Nina's love of books and the relationships she builds in the small village. The idea of the mobile bookshop was fantastic. Her best friend Surrinder was an absolute star as was Lennox.
What I didn't care for: Nina seemed very naive and much younger than she was. The whole thing with Marek and the train was odd and I think the story would have been better without it and would have left more time to focus on the mobile bookshop and of course, Lennox. Overall, still cute and enjoyable, but IMO could have been much better. 3.5 stars rounded down.
What I loved: Nina's love of books and the relationships she builds in the small village. The idea of the mobile bookshop was fantastic. Her best friend Surrinder was an absolute star as was Lennox.
What I didn't care for: Nina seemed very naive and much younger than she was. The whole thing with Marek and the train was odd and I think the story would have been better without it and would have left more time to focus on the mobile bookshop and of course, Lennox. Overall, still cute and enjoyable, but IMO could have been much better. 3.5 stars rounded down.
January 7, 2022
3 stars
Very light unrestricted comical read. I ended up enjoying it more than I ever thought I would. This is the type book you pick up when you are in a reading slump or need to clean your palette after reading a number of intense books. I think it started very slow and came off as a very fluffy romance novel, however there was just seemed to be a tugging thread that kept me returning to the page.
In addition to being a light read in a very fanciful script, in retrospect I see a number of societal issues, hovering in the background, that the book did cover. Highlighted was child services, job loss and reinvention, divorce and new relationships, deportation and the strength of community, among others.
Nina in the throes of losing her library job decided to buy a van and start a rolling bookstore. Little did she know that this escapade would lead her to a new community, a new culture and a new love. Though the road was rocky, Nina's good heart saw her through every obstacle to her prince charming and her "Happily Ever After" .
Very light unrestricted comical read. I ended up enjoying it more than I ever thought I would. This is the type book you pick up when you are in a reading slump or need to clean your palette after reading a number of intense books. I think it started very slow and came off as a very fluffy romance novel, however there was just seemed to be a tugging thread that kept me returning to the page.
In addition to being a light read in a very fanciful script, in retrospect I see a number of societal issues, hovering in the background, that the book did cover. Highlighted was child services, job loss and reinvention, divorce and new relationships, deportation and the strength of community, among others.
Nina in the throes of losing her library job decided to buy a van and start a rolling bookstore. Little did she know that this escapade would lead her to a new community, a new culture and a new love. Though the road was rocky, Nina's good heart saw her through every obstacle to her prince charming and her "Happily Ever After" .
September 25, 2020
4 “a book about books” stars
I rather enjoyed this tale of taking risks with some romance thrown in along with some beautiful Scottish scenery. Nina has been working at the city library for years when cuts come along, and her job is eliminated. Nina takes a chance to pursue her dream of opening a bookstore. Discovering that she can’t afford to rent a building, she decides to take her dream mobile and ends up with a former bread delivery van that she transforms into a bookmobile.
Nina ends up in Scotland, lucks into a great place to live, and some finds herself getting incorporated into the town life. I enjoyed some funny moments for her as she discovers how delicious food can be in this area, along with the quarterly highland dances. There are a few bumps along the road with her romance, but she ultimately ends up with the right man! She prides herself on finding the right book for everyone and her toddler story times are booming. Will Nina find her happily ever after or should she go back to the city?
I was excited to see that this is #1 in a series and I will clearly seek out the next two because this one was such fun.
Thank you to Book Club Girl/Harper Collins/Morrow for a copy of this one to read.
I rather enjoyed this tale of taking risks with some romance thrown in along with some beautiful Scottish scenery. Nina has been working at the city library for years when cuts come along, and her job is eliminated. Nina takes a chance to pursue her dream of opening a bookstore. Discovering that she can’t afford to rent a building, she decides to take her dream mobile and ends up with a former bread delivery van that she transforms into a bookmobile.
Nina ends up in Scotland, lucks into a great place to live, and some finds herself getting incorporated into the town life. I enjoyed some funny moments for her as she discovers how delicious food can be in this area, along with the quarterly highland dances. There are a few bumps along the road with her romance, but she ultimately ends up with the right man! She prides herself on finding the right book for everyone and her toddler story times are booming. Will Nina find her happily ever after or should she go back to the city?
I was excited to see that this is #1 in a series and I will clearly seek out the next two because this one was such fun.
Thank you to Book Club Girl/Harper Collins/Morrow for a copy of this one to read.
June 16, 2017
This was a wonderful, light summer read. Right from the start you realize that everything is probably going end well for everyone. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Scotland and the books mentioned. This reminded me of another book, Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley. I feel sure that Jenny Colgan was influenced by this 100-year-old novel about a spinster who buys a horse-drawn caravan to sell books throughout New England.
July 21, 2017
The Bookshop on the Corner is an enjoyable book that most book lovers will likely appreciate. I liked it overall but I've come to the conclusion that Jenny Colgan's fiction and I just aren't compatible for a long-term love affair. The author's message to readers at the start of this book was my favorite thing. Her love note to the art of reading and all the books in the world instantly got my attention and put a smile on my face. The story itself was likable but unfortunately not memorable or engaging for me personally. It's worth a look though if you enjoy this author or the chick-lit genre in general.
My favorite quote:
“Dogs are tremendously good at showing you you don’t have to check your phone every two seconds to have a happy life.”
My favorite quote:
“Dogs are tremendously good at showing you you don’t have to check your phone every two seconds to have a happy life.”
November 30, 2019
#mystrangereading The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was beautiful. The writing was gorgeous, the story was precious and it just made my heart warm with the perfect message that came through.
The message I took away: Books can transport us and give us an escape/safe place away from the world around us, but without real human connection we will miss out on life.
It was such a beautiful tribute to how important reading is to everyone and how there is a story for EVERYONE, but it was also a perfect reminder that we can't live in a fictional world forever.
Scottish countryside. Midnight trains. Sassy friends. And a love story to boot. Enjoy book reader friends! ❤️
The message I took away: Books can transport us and give us an escape/safe place away from the world around us, but without real human connection we will miss out on life.
It was such a beautiful tribute to how important reading is to everyone and how there is a story for EVERYONE, but it was also a perfect reminder that we can't live in a fictional world forever.
Scottish countryside. Midnight trains. Sassy friends. And a love story to boot. Enjoy book reader friends! ❤️
December 3, 2018
This is a charming book about second chances, in life and in love. And books.
When Nina Redmond loses her job as a librarian, she gets the crazy idea of buying an old van and turning it into a mobile bookstore. She moves out of the city into a cozy Scottish village, determined to make a new life for herself. While selling her books, she is able to match the perfect book with each customer. But will she ever find her own perfect match outside of a book store?
The story telling us delightful, told with wit and charm. There are a lot of quirky characters, with Nina being probably the most “normal” of the bunch. They are all beautifully portrayed. The village of Kirrinfief is almost a character itself, so vividly it is described. Who wouldn’t want to live there? (Well, one character in the book doesn’t!)
The ending is fairly predictable, but that isn’t a problem. That’s what you read these types of books for. You start on the journey, pretty sure where you’re going to end up, but enjoying the ride along the way. And that’s OK.
A fun, light read, and a recommended for what it is. Who wouldn’t love a book about a bookshop! And books. You had me at “books”!
When Nina Redmond loses her job as a librarian, she gets the crazy idea of buying an old van and turning it into a mobile bookstore. She moves out of the city into a cozy Scottish village, determined to make a new life for herself. While selling her books, she is able to match the perfect book with each customer. But will she ever find her own perfect match outside of a book store?
The story telling us delightful, told with wit and charm. There are a lot of quirky characters, with Nina being probably the most “normal” of the bunch. They are all beautifully portrayed. The village of Kirrinfief is almost a character itself, so vividly it is described. Who wouldn’t want to live there? (Well, one character in the book doesn’t!)
The ending is fairly predictable, but that isn’t a problem. That’s what you read these types of books for. You start on the journey, pretty sure where you’re going to end up, but enjoying the ride along the way. And that’s OK.
A fun, light read, and a recommended for what it is. Who wouldn’t love a book about a bookshop! And books. You had me at “books”!
February 28, 2022
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this remarkable story of a librarian (Nina)who transforms her life. She buys an old van and transforms it into mobile bookshop. Nina then moves to a quiet little village driving her bookmobile around the neighbourhood. The characters in the story and Nina’s love of books makes this story a delightful read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this remarkable story of a librarian (Nina)who transforms her life. She buys an old van and transforms it into mobile bookshop. Nina then moves to a quiet little village driving her bookmobile around the neighbourhood. The characters in the story and Nina’s love of books makes this story a delightful read.
December 1, 2017
That note to readers felt a bit like I was talking to myself.
December 22, 2023
I finished this book in June 2017. I picked it up at a delightful bookstore (Lucy’s Books) in Astoria, Oregon while travelling (our first RV trip).
One of the things I loved about this little, quaint bookstore was the display of books. She had them set up so that when you walked in there were little notes attached to some of the books telling you why she selected them.
When I saw this book, I knew immediately this was one I wanted to read. Who could walk away first when the title reaches out to you and says, "bookshop?"
And the note attached tells you that this is a magical place?
It’s a lovely story about overcoming challenges - connecting with your community - and finding love.
If you are looking for a relaxing, magical reading experience, this is the one.
One of the things I loved about this little, quaint bookstore was the display of books. She had them set up so that when you walked in there were little notes attached to some of the books telling you why she selected them.
When I saw this book, I knew immediately this was one I wanted to read. Who could walk away first when the title reaches out to you and says, "bookshop?"
And the note attached tells you that this is a magical place?
It’s a lovely story about overcoming challenges - connecting with your community - and finding love.
If you are looking for a relaxing, magical reading experience, this is the one.
February 3, 2022
I had my eye on “The Bookshop On The Corner” after it came out in 2016. I myself need to make money locally, with post offices pricey and far for mail orders. We all dream of earning revenue from books. Scotland is another draw for many of us, a place I loved as much as I dreamed I would, when I got there. When my friend, Ellery, surprised me with this birthday gift and her memory of casually expressed interest, I dug right into it.
I hesitated awhile about granting a four-star grade because my brow furrowed at several plot and character weaknesses. Jenny Colgan is a fine and funny writer, particularly in her introduction about herself in real life but she leaned hard on the fictional angle of a lady growing some grit. Anyone would be wary of a low revenue business and a move but a city with library closures needed no bookshop. Moving to Scotland because she could not park on her street was incidental instead of decisive. I deemed it weakest of all that a conductor, not Nina, saved her life! I would have removed a star, if a train had not continued to work into this story. Dating someone without learning the basics about him is not done either. Being attracted to a surly ranch owner was predictable but it sizzled enough for me to enjoy!
Jenny had Nina bizarrely hesitate to help a labouring lamb, delay Lennox’s drive to a vet, and wrote overmuch about meat. It was an immature step back to feign shyness of her shop’s name, which everyone would share with loved-ones.
Surinder was a ball. I shared her amusement in Nina’s improvements, caring about children, and succeeding at her dreams. I might like the sequels more for featuring new protagonists.
I hesitated awhile about granting a four-star grade because my brow furrowed at several plot and character weaknesses. Jenny Colgan is a fine and funny writer, particularly in her introduction about herself in real life but she leaned hard on the fictional angle of a lady growing some grit. Anyone would be wary of a low revenue business and a move but a city with library closures needed no bookshop. Moving to Scotland because she could not park on her street was incidental instead of decisive. I deemed it weakest of all that a conductor, not Nina, saved her life! I would have removed a star, if a train had not continued to work into this story. Dating someone without learning the basics about him is not done either. Being attracted to a surly ranch owner was predictable but it sizzled enough for me to enjoy!
Jenny had Nina bizarrely hesitate to help a labouring lamb, delay Lennox’s drive to a vet, and wrote overmuch about meat. It was an immature step back to feign shyness of her shop’s name, which everyone would share with loved-ones.
Surinder was a ball. I shared her amusement in Nina’s improvements, caring about children, and succeeding at her dreams. I might like the sequels more for featuring new protagonists.
May 3, 2017
This book may be the proverbial last straw. I need to search GoodReads for “School of the Americas Alumni Reading Circle” or something similar because if I read another book group pick with this much sweetness and light I may be responsible for some serious carnage at a Marshmallow Peep Farm. When 29 year old children’s librarian loses her job due to funding cuts, she decides to pursue her dream of running a mobile bookstore. And, Voila! With a magical dream-come-true that even Cinderella’s fairy godmother would envy, a large van appears at a steal, is fitted with shelves overnight, a posh apartment is offered to her for a pittance, pristine second-hand books drop in her lap for no cost and the locals in the rural Scottish town buy her books at a rate that even Amazon would find mind-boggling. If this is not enough, add in hunks in kilts, warm locals that make her feel like Queen of the May Pole, and several local problems that were unresolvable until she arrived with her charm and wisdom. The writing reminded me of a fourth grade chapter book, at least until chapter 31 when sex consumed the story line. I feel like I just bathed in a vat of marshmallow fluff.
July 21, 2022
Vídeo de Sugestão de Leitura: https://youtu.be/a4NybTNUM5w
Oh céus...eu estava tanto a precisar deste livro! Parece a resposta a uma encruzilhada, a chegar no momento certo. Era tudo o que eu precisava!
Há algumas incongruências na história que me fazem não lhe poder dar 5 estrelas, mas sem dúvida que acaba por ser dos livros mais importantes do ano, para mim (encruzilhadas são uma coisa chata, mas a vida tem desta coisas).
Seja daqui a meses, ou daqui a anos, eu sei que esta história vai estar comigo quando chegar o momento de pensar em caminhos diferentes!
Nada como relembrar que as mudanças são boas.
Oh céus...eu estava tanto a precisar deste livro! Parece a resposta a uma encruzilhada, a chegar no momento certo. Era tudo o que eu precisava!
Há algumas incongruências na história que me fazem não lhe poder dar 5 estrelas, mas sem dúvida que acaba por ser dos livros mais importantes do ano, para mim (encruzilhadas são uma coisa chata, mas a vida tem desta coisas).
Seja daqui a meses, ou daqui a anos, eu sei que esta história vai estar comigo quando chegar o momento de pensar em caminhos diferentes!
Nada como relembrar que as mudanças são boas.
April 24, 2017
The busy city of Birmingham, England closes some of their smaller libraries, and Nina loses her job. She's always had a dream of owning her own bookstore. Nina buys a van and opens a mobile bookstore in a small village in Scotland. She loves her new life in the Highlands, and opens herself to new experiences. This is an entertaining light read that romantics and book lovers will enjoy. 3.5 stars.
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