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The Book Lover
10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION WITH NEW AUTHOR'S NOTE!In The Book Lover, a charming bookshop in the village of Warwick, New York, the best stories may not be in the pages of its books, but in the lives of the people who walk through its doors. Owner Ruth Hardaway has been handselling books in her store, The Book Lover, for years. Her gift isn’t just finding the right books for her quirky cast of patrons, it’s also helping them to navigate the unexpected chapters in their own lives. When author Lucy Barrett lands on her doorstep for a book signing, only to collapse in a meltdown, Ruth is about to become a heroine in a story she never could have imagined. As for Lucy, who’s left a terrible betrayal behind, she’s about to encounter a plot twist she couldn’t have written when Ruth’s son, a disabled vet who rescues injured raptors, causes her to question everything she thought she wanted.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
342 people are currently reading
5561 people want to read
About the author
Maryann McFadden
8 books205 followersIn 2007 Maryann McFadden "won the literary lottery" according to writing blogs when her previously self-published novel, THE RICHEST SEASON, sold at auction to Hyperion Books. It became a Target Breakout Novel and an Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association. Her next 2 novels, CAPE COD LIGHT (previously titled SO HAPPY TOGETHER) and THE BOOK LOVER are also Indie Next Picks. THE BOOK LOVER is inspired by her own journey in the world of books. Her 4th novel, THE CEMETERY KEEPER'S WIFE, is a historical novel set in her NJ hometown and has become a book club sensation. It is a novel she believes she was destined to write. Maryann's books have been translated into multiple languages and her unusual publishing journey has inspired many aspiring authors. You can reach her at maryannmcfadden.com
Maryann is also a speaker and writing coach, and loves to chat with book clubs! Contact her at maryann@maryannmcfadden.com
Maryann is also a speaker and writing coach, and loves to chat with book clubs! Contact her at maryann@maryannmcfadden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 25, 2014
Well it says "Do not judge a book by its cover", but here I'm, I simply picked up "The Book Lover" by judging by its title. Without even giving a look at the synopsis at the back of the book, I absent-mindly bought this book. Actually this book is a tribute to all the wanna-be authors and to all the self-published authors. How hard it is to get your book published, this book will give you an insight in the world of first-time authors, publishing houses and the agents.
This is about Ruth, who owns a bookstore by the name 'The Book Lover' and Lucy, a first-time author trying to get her book published, who then self-publishes her book and gets rejected by everyone except Ruth. These two women develops a bond over their love for books. Both the women used to lie to each other. Ruth was a women who denied her happiness all the time and this is because of some disturbing events of her past. She never spoke about it. On the other hand, Lucy was a self-centered women. Eventually, due to these reasons, their friendship fell apart.
This book will also tell you about the hardships faced by an author in order to get his book published, dark truths of the agents and publishing houses. The story was really very soothing and emotional. The characters are drawn out really well. In a nutshell, I realized it was quite hard to put this book down.
This is about Ruth, who owns a bookstore by the name 'The Book Lover' and Lucy, a first-time author trying to get her book published, who then self-publishes her book and gets rejected by everyone except Ruth. These two women develops a bond over their love for books. Both the women used to lie to each other. Ruth was a women who denied her happiness all the time and this is because of some disturbing events of her past. She never spoke about it. On the other hand, Lucy was a self-centered women. Eventually, due to these reasons, their friendship fell apart.
This book will also tell you about the hardships faced by an author in order to get his book published, dark truths of the agents and publishing houses. The story was really very soothing and emotional. The characters are drawn out really well. In a nutshell, I realized it was quite hard to put this book down.
June 28, 2012
3.5. "The Book Lover" is a book for lovers of books. Seriously! There are really two main characters in the book. Lucy is a self-published writer who is struggling to make the next big leap in the world of publishing. Ruth is the owner of an independent book store who is wondering if she's been at the business for too long. With two bookish characters making up the main story line, I already knew that I was in for a treat!
This book does delve in to the in's and out's of the publishing world, something that I feel like I've learned quite a lot about since beginning to book blog. You really get to see Lucy's struggle with whether or not self-publishing makes her a legitimate writer or if she took the easy way out (in my own humble opinion: self-publishing can make you a writer). The book reminded me a lot of the sort of politics that come up in the book blogging world: traditional publishing versus self-publishing. The author of the book has now gone the route of traditional publishing but she started out as a self-published author so it made the perspective that shines through the book very interesting to me.
On the downside, I felt that the blurb on the back of the book gave too much of the story away. The twists and turns are pretty much spelled out for you (hence why I'm not putting the blurb here in my review post). I like being surprised and I just wasn't.
I also had a hard time understanding some of the motivations behind the characters because there wasn't enough explanation. For instance, I did not get why Lucy even considered for a second to go back to her husband after he did what he did (I don't want to give anything away). I just didn't get it as they didn't seem to get on that well in the first place.
Bottom line: a book for book lovers indeed!
This book does delve in to the in's and out's of the publishing world, something that I feel like I've learned quite a lot about since beginning to book blog. You really get to see Lucy's struggle with whether or not self-publishing makes her a legitimate writer or if she took the easy way out (in my own humble opinion: self-publishing can make you a writer). The book reminded me a lot of the sort of politics that come up in the book blogging world: traditional publishing versus self-publishing. The author of the book has now gone the route of traditional publishing but she started out as a self-published author so it made the perspective that shines through the book very interesting to me.
On the downside, I felt that the blurb on the back of the book gave too much of the story away. The twists and turns are pretty much spelled out for you (hence why I'm not putting the blurb here in my review post). I like being surprised and I just wasn't.
I also had a hard time understanding some of the motivations behind the characters because there wasn't enough explanation. For instance, I did not get why Lucy even considered for a second to go back to her husband after he did what he did (I don't want to give anything away). I just didn't get it as they didn't seem to get on that well in the first place.
Bottom line: a book for book lovers indeed!
May 31, 2012
I had determined to go easy on this book because it's clear the writer was scribing from the heart. Then I read the reviews here and began to think I had some misplaced genetic material and, really, I'm from Mars. Nevertheless, I'd like to counter the impression of those other positive reviews in an effort to speak truth to my readerly cohorts.
It's not enough to write with heart. One also must write a good book.
The author apparently self published a tome or two one of which was picked up a "traditional" publisher so now she no longer must suffer the stigma of the self-published label. And, yes, that IS what the book is about, together with the protagonist's disintegrating marriage, rescue of a wounded eagle (see also) not to mention falling in love with a wounded paraplegic veteran from the Afghan war, making friends with a bookstore owner (the vet's mother), there's even a Muffin Lady (whose husband, naturally, oppresses her, poor dear). In between there are rants about bad bookstores and good bookstores and, yes!, cats and dogs and a marriage proposal made in the bookstore and (almost) aired by an NPR radio crew. And, the bookstore owner mother (of a certain age) falls in love, too, with an ex-prisoner and overcomes her own and her family's resistance to this man who is a, you guessed it, book lover!
It was blurbed by a writer I admire which was disappointing.
It's not enough to write with heart. One also must write a good book.
The author apparently self published a tome or two one of which was picked up a "traditional" publisher so now she no longer must suffer the stigma of the self-published label. And, yes, that IS what the book is about, together with the protagonist's disintegrating marriage, rescue of a wounded eagle (see also) not to mention falling in love with a wounded paraplegic veteran from the Afghan war, making friends with a bookstore owner (the vet's mother), there's even a Muffin Lady (whose husband, naturally, oppresses her, poor dear). In between there are rants about bad bookstores and good bookstores and, yes!, cats and dogs and a marriage proposal made in the bookstore and (almost) aired by an NPR radio crew. And, the bookstore owner mother (of a certain age) falls in love, too, with an ex-prisoner and overcomes her own and her family's resistance to this man who is a, you guessed it, book lover!
It was blurbed by a writer I admire which was disappointing.
January 20, 2013
There isn't a really good reason why I didn't enjoy this book. The cover made it seem like it was a book for book lovers but it wasn't really about books. It was more like a book for aspiring writers. Also, I found the story line just couldn't hold my interest. I really had to force myself to finish this one, something I really dislike. Reading is supposed to be fun, not a chore.
April 28, 2013
I read so many book that rarely do I write a review. However this book touched me in so many ways. maybe because i have always wanted to both write a book and open a book store. I could identify with the two main characters in such a way that I wanted to get in my car and drive to the book store to meet them. Anyone who loves to read or has ever dreamed of writing a book will absolutely fall in love with this story. Enjoy!!
September 17, 2023
Not as good as others of this genre, but a lovely escapist read for a fellow book lover who watches Hallmark movies.
July 2, 2012
Ms. McFadden's book is prime example of why I LOVE INDIE AUTHORS! This book was engrossing and I fell in love with the characters immediately! It was so well written that this is an author who can easily get off the porch and play with the big house publishing dogs(authors) and even outrun a chunk of them. One of the stories greatest lines focuses on Lucy's book being turned down by a big house publisher with a note stating that a book needs to capture the reader from page one. Well, Ms. McFadden...you captured me from page one! Your book was delightful, well written and delightful!
Dorothea Benton Frank, in her review of the book states "Mary McFadden take you into the hearts and souls of two ordinary women,..., who find the courage to pursue their dreams, and the men they love. The Book Lover is unforgettable!". She is correct. I read alot of books...most I forget almost immediately, but I fell so in love with the characters in this book that I continue to think about them, with a smile on my face, after finishing the book.
OK, I do have to admit, a Goodread's reviewer had called it predictable and "cheesy" and I agree to a point, but this is a cheese I would gladly eat!
Dorothea Benton Frank, in her review of the book states "Mary McFadden take you into the hearts and souls of two ordinary women,..., who find the courage to pursue their dreams, and the men they love. The Book Lover is unforgettable!". She is correct. I read alot of books...most I forget almost immediately, but I fell so in love with the characters in this book that I continue to think about them, with a smile on my face, after finishing the book.
OK, I do have to admit, a Goodread's reviewer had called it predictable and "cheesy" and I agree to a point, but this is a cheese I would gladly eat!
February 25, 2013
I finished this book with a tissue in hand an a tear in my eye. What a fabulous book. The Book Lover is actually the name of a book store in this story, but it holds even more meaning for the characters in this story.
The central characters of the story are Ruth, the owner of The Book Lover, and Lucy, an author who opens the story. The story is told in third person, but stays strictly with Ruth and Lucy's points of view from chapter to chapter.
These characters are so well drawn that they feel like real people. McFadden has created a tale of the agonies of a writer, the tribulations of a small book store owner competing with giants, and a cast of characters that share love, loss, fear, anxiety, and finally hope.
To say more would likely spoil this tale for a reader who has yet to experience it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The central characters of the story are Ruth, the owner of The Book Lover, and Lucy, an author who opens the story. The story is told in third person, but stays strictly with Ruth and Lucy's points of view from chapter to chapter.
These characters are so well drawn that they feel like real people. McFadden has created a tale of the agonies of a writer, the tribulations of a small book store owner competing with giants, and a cast of characters that share love, loss, fear, anxiety, and finally hope.
To say more would likely spoil this tale for a reader who has yet to experience it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
July 18, 2012
What was there NOT to like about this book? The story of an aspiring writer and a long-time bookstore owner whose lives cross in a wonderful way, resonated with me in oh so many ways. There's a lot to like here including a couple of romances between two unlikely couples, insights into the publishing industry and the woes of owning a struggling independent bookstore, as well as detailed accounts of rehabilitation of injured birds --- eagles in particular. Although the portion of the book regarding the Raptor Center was a little more detailed than I would wish, it added much to the overall story of one of the protagonists. Highly recommended!
October 21, 2014
One of the reasons I enjoy Goodreads so much is that I often find fine books while browsing it, books I wouldn't have heard of otherwise. It was pure chance that I came across The Book Lover, but the synopsis sounded so intriguing that I decided to give it a try. It's actually a pretty nice book that I would have otherwise missed out on, very atmospheric and at times even poetic--just a bit too overburdened with unnecessary drama for my taste (I don't generally read chick lit, but I can appreciate a good piece of women's fiction as long as there's more to it than just another love story).
The Book Lover is a very "bookish" book, with many book quotes and references, which, oddly enough, I happened to read right after The Storied Life of A.J.Fikry (talking about synchronicities here, eh). Its two main characters are both book women: one is the owner of a small-town bookstore whose entire life revolves around her struggling store, and the other is an aspiring author-to-be who is facing the harsh realities of the modern world of corporate publishing as she is hoping to get her first book come to life. As the paths of both women cross, a new friendship is born, setting the grounds for many interesting twists and developments.
Now, as I mentioned in the beginning, the book is very atmospheric, very poetic even--I could picture Ruth's cozy little store, its welcoming charm, its friendly staff and that special smell of new books that all readers love. Add "Hazel's Cafe" to the picture and I was totally sold! Coffee aroma and the delightful smell of freshly-baked goodies are something I always loved about US bookstores, big and small alike, and have often wondered why it nevered occurred to anybody in Bulgaria what a great combination this was! Lovely, lovely atmosphere indeed! The beautiful scenery and the picturesque descriptions had me drooling over Lucy's life by the lake, I could easily see why she felt so quickly at home there. It was such a beautiful setting, and by all means, the author deserves credit for that--very good descriptive writing.
With that said, I also found a few weakness that partly turned off my initial enthisiasm as the book progressed. The Book Lover was obviously meant to raise awareness of several topics of social significance, ranging from the importance of buying locally in order to support our local economy (not just in the bookselling business, but for all fields of the economy for that matter), through the challenges that handicapped people face in their lives, to the need to preserve wildlife--even the difficulties and ramifications of reintegration of ex-prisoners back into society is imminently present here. While I think this effort is commendable, I do find it a bit too much to be crammed into a book like this, especially with the way the author just kept repeatedly stating her messages openly and obviously, over and over again, as if trying to get her point across to a bunch of simpletons. I personally would have enjoyed a little more subtle approach, and I'm pretty sure most reading people are by definition smart enough to get the idea without all that preaching.
Something else that put me off a little was the way narration went a bit tedious at times, and every now and then would get overwhelmingly detailed. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate details when they are aptly used, as I believe they add important touches to both the setting and the plot, but all these protracted, long conversations that almost seemed staged, all these sporadic characters that in my opinion had no business being dragged into the story at all, all these minute detoures that added a page here and there without really adding anything valuable to the story--that was quite unnecessary, and in my opinion the book would have only benefitted from some trimming and polishing. For example, what was the point in Hanna's husband presumed affair with Dee? I found myself skimming sometimes, which I rarely do. There's not much good to say about the characters either: both Ruth and Lucy were quite the drama queens, stereotypical and predictable. I actually found Colin to be the only agreeable character of all. Maybe Thomas, too.
This is not to say The Book Lover is a bad book, not at all, it just really needs further editing in order to make the story nice and smooth. I actually liked it for the most part, and it did touch me. As I am at a stage of my life where I need to reconsider my options and reorganize my priorities, I could easily relate to the characters' need to let go of the past, face their life challenges and tackle them openly instead of reatreating and waiting for the storm to pass. It was a nice reminder that being alive is the greatest gift we have and that we should be grateful for all our blessings, celebrate life and always keep that opitmism up and running: "...remember this, the Chinese word for crisis has two symbols. Danger, and opportunity." Despite all above stated shortcomings, this book was a pleasure to read and I finished it with a good feeling and a smile on my face.
P.S. I did not realize there was such stigma on self-published books. It makes me sad to think how book-publishing has inevitably succumbed to the rules and requirements of the corporate world.
The Book Lover is a very "bookish" book, with many book quotes and references, which, oddly enough, I happened to read right after The Storied Life of A.J.Fikry (talking about synchronicities here, eh). Its two main characters are both book women: one is the owner of a small-town bookstore whose entire life revolves around her struggling store, and the other is an aspiring author-to-be who is facing the harsh realities of the modern world of corporate publishing as she is hoping to get her first book come to life. As the paths of both women cross, a new friendship is born, setting the grounds for many interesting twists and developments.
Now, as I mentioned in the beginning, the book is very atmospheric, very poetic even--I could picture Ruth's cozy little store, its welcoming charm, its friendly staff and that special smell of new books that all readers love. Add "Hazel's Cafe" to the picture and I was totally sold! Coffee aroma and the delightful smell of freshly-baked goodies are something I always loved about US bookstores, big and small alike, and have often wondered why it nevered occurred to anybody in Bulgaria what a great combination this was! Lovely, lovely atmosphere indeed! The beautiful scenery and the picturesque descriptions had me drooling over Lucy's life by the lake, I could easily see why she felt so quickly at home there. It was such a beautiful setting, and by all means, the author deserves credit for that--very good descriptive writing.
With that said, I also found a few weakness that partly turned off my initial enthisiasm as the book progressed. The Book Lover was obviously meant to raise awareness of several topics of social significance, ranging from the importance of buying locally in order to support our local economy (not just in the bookselling business, but for all fields of the economy for that matter), through the challenges that handicapped people face in their lives, to the need to preserve wildlife--even the difficulties and ramifications of reintegration of ex-prisoners back into society is imminently present here. While I think this effort is commendable, I do find it a bit too much to be crammed into a book like this, especially with the way the author just kept repeatedly stating her messages openly and obviously, over and over again, as if trying to get her point across to a bunch of simpletons. I personally would have enjoyed a little more subtle approach, and I'm pretty sure most reading people are by definition smart enough to get the idea without all that preaching.
Something else that put me off a little was the way narration went a bit tedious at times, and every now and then would get overwhelmingly detailed. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate details when they are aptly used, as I believe they add important touches to both the setting and the plot, but all these protracted, long conversations that almost seemed staged, all these sporadic characters that in my opinion had no business being dragged into the story at all, all these minute detoures that added a page here and there without really adding anything valuable to the story--that was quite unnecessary, and in my opinion the book would have only benefitted from some trimming and polishing. For example, what was the point in Hanna's husband presumed affair with Dee? I found myself skimming sometimes, which I rarely do. There's not much good to say about the characters either: both Ruth and Lucy were quite the drama queens, stereotypical and predictable. I actually found Colin to be the only agreeable character of all. Maybe Thomas, too.
This is not to say The Book Lover is a bad book, not at all, it just really needs further editing in order to make the story nice and smooth. I actually liked it for the most part, and it did touch me. As I am at a stage of my life where I need to reconsider my options and reorganize my priorities, I could easily relate to the characters' need to let go of the past, face their life challenges and tackle them openly instead of reatreating and waiting for the storm to pass. It was a nice reminder that being alive is the greatest gift we have and that we should be grateful for all our blessings, celebrate life and always keep that opitmism up and running: "...remember this, the Chinese word for crisis has two symbols. Danger, and opportunity." Despite all above stated shortcomings, this book was a pleasure to read and I finished it with a good feeling and a smile on my face.
P.S. I did not realize there was such stigma on self-published books. It makes me sad to think how book-publishing has inevitably succumbed to the rules and requirements of the corporate world.
July 25, 2012
I absolutely loved this book! I had previous read Mary Ann McFadden's prior two books over the past years "Richest Season" and "So Happy Together" , which I thoroughly enjoyed.
"The Book Lover" was brilliant and belongs on the best seller list! Being an avid reader, I could not put this book down! Her honesty and challenges of being a writer and becoming published was portrayed wonderfully (hats off to MaryAnn), and as a bonus the other correlations and poignant stories between the characters so beautifully portrayed (Ruth/Thomas - the bookstore owner, woman, mother-history and struggles; Lucy's past and present; Colin and the injured birds/healing), the lovely characters you fall in love with at the book store, and Ruth taking Hannah under her wing - did not want the book to end (loved the ending). I would love to see a series or movie with Lucy/Thomas, Colin/Lucy, and a new man possibly for Hannah, and the continuation of Megan and her inspirations with the book store and the quaint town.
McFadden is an excellent writer and storyteller and she was able to take so many elements and tie them together for a powerful, healing, and uplifting story! In addition, the setting in the quaint small downtown village, woods, nature, cabins, and coast..(my favorite places). Oh, and the St Augustine, FL setting, as well which I lived and worked covering this area previously, so could relate with the surroundings.
Wow, this book covered all my passions and McFadden put it together and packaged it beautifully - you do not get any better than this! Highly Recommend!! Cannot wait for her next masterpiece! You will want to read her previous works as well. Excellent!"
"The Book Lover" was brilliant and belongs on the best seller list! Being an avid reader, I could not put this book down! Her honesty and challenges of being a writer and becoming published was portrayed wonderfully (hats off to MaryAnn), and as a bonus the other correlations and poignant stories between the characters so beautifully portrayed (Ruth/Thomas - the bookstore owner, woman, mother-history and struggles; Lucy's past and present; Colin and the injured birds/healing), the lovely characters you fall in love with at the book store, and Ruth taking Hannah under her wing - did not want the book to end (loved the ending). I would love to see a series or movie with Lucy/Thomas, Colin/Lucy, and a new man possibly for Hannah, and the continuation of Megan and her inspirations with the book store and the quaint town.
McFadden is an excellent writer and storyteller and she was able to take so many elements and tie them together for a powerful, healing, and uplifting story! In addition, the setting in the quaint small downtown village, woods, nature, cabins, and coast..(my favorite places). Oh, and the St Augustine, FL setting, as well which I lived and worked covering this area previously, so could relate with the surroundings.
Wow, this book covered all my passions and McFadden put it together and packaged it beautifully - you do not get any better than this! Highly Recommend!! Cannot wait for her next masterpiece! You will want to read her previous works as well. Excellent!"
Read
August 14, 2012Maryann McFadden, author of The Richest Season, is back with her third novel about self publishing and book selling with all the twists of marriage, divorce and forbidden love. When Lucinda Barrett’s husband destroys their marriage in a shocking betrayal, she’s left with nothing but the shattered remnants of her life– and her novel. Desperate to keep one last dream alive, she sets out on a 1,000 mile journey to get it into the hands of readers– one bookstore at a time. Ruth Hardaway knows all about shattered dreams. For the last 30 years she’s devoted her life to her store, The Book Lover, trying to bury her painful past. When Ruth discovers Lucy’s novel, their lives intertwine as they move steadily toward the revelation of long-hidden secrets.
September 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I think my fantasy occupation would be as a bookstore owner, and I am worried about the fate of bookstores in general, and particularly small independent ones. That initially attracted me to this book, but as I read it I was very impressed with the way the story developed. By alternating the two main characters stories, it kept me engaged with them both, and I couldn't put it down. Unlike many books, I couldn't predict how things were going to turn out, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened! It really portrayed the way many of us deal with issues in our lives and how we avoid the real problems at times. I really loved the growth in both Lucy's and Ruth's attitudes toward life, and it was a satisfying read on many levels.
September 10, 2012
The title attracted me to this book,and that is about the only thing I liked about this book. Why give it 2 stars instead of 1 you may ask? Well, the story is a little weak and the secrets the 2 women keep from each other are not that horrible or life altering. As for the one daughter, she so fucking needs a tranquilizer,it's not funny. Yet,the true look into the publishing world is what keeps me from writing this whole book off. If you leave the story behind and look at what the author has to say about self publishing, book sellers and the publishing world as a whole, it is a good "what not to do","how you may succeed" guide for aspiring writers and indie book sellers.
September 27, 2012
This lovely book is about finding your true self. Set in Warwick, NY and parts of Sussex County NJ, I thoroughly enjoyed it since this is where I live. Our community is having the same problems with downtown. We once had a thriving bookstore--no it's a vacant building. The characters are the same. They see that something has to change in their lives. What they have isn't working. If only we could figure out how to revitalize our downtown.
June 6, 2012
This is a "beach read" book. Interesting to read about how the main character self-published and marketed her first novel..with the help of the owner of an independent bookstore. The rest of the storyline was pretty predictable and unrealistic.
April 23, 2012
I loved this book!!! So real and heartfelt. Maryann McFadden is one of my favorite authors. I love all of her books!!!
August 18, 2012
Although the characters are engaging, and there's a lot of interesting plot points, I didn't love this book. I think it wasn't hard-edged enough for me. Just not my thing.
October 13, 2014
A waste of my time.
June 30, 2015
Two-haiku review:
Tale of two women
Writer who can't get published
Aging bookseller
Really well written
Quiet, with much foreboding
End saved it for me
Tale of two women
Writer who can't get published
Aging bookseller
Really well written
Quiet, with much foreboding
End saved it for me
March 3, 2023
The Book Lover
By Maryann McFadden
Contemporary Women's Fiction
Book review by Sylvia Jacobs
In the prologue, it starts off with an author named Lucy saying she got another rejection letter in the mail. It takes place in northern Florida. It is November in Florida, and it was cold. Lucy explains that there are seasons in northern Florida, but not in southern Florida, where it is always warm. One might not know this information. She didn’t want to be heartbroken again, and considered shelving her novel, although writing had brought her much joy these past years. The constant rejection unfortunately, did something to her. Her husband, David, didn't understand Lucy's need to write anymore. David didn’t understand how stories popped into Lucy's head and characters would have conversations in her head as she showered. He didn’t understand how a thought would come to you just before going to sleep, and you just had to write it down. This was truly magical. He will never know how magical it feels when you finish writing a story. The creation of characters makes it all seem real. She didn’t have an agent, and therefore she had no hope of getting her book published.
She had 38 rejection letters from literary agents for her book titled A Quiet Wanting. Each letter told her what she did wrong. One letter even praised her beautiful writing, but stated that they didn’t fall in love with something in the book. She threw all the letters of rejection she received into the fire, she promised she would never give up, bravo to her.
In the first chapter we read about a bookstore named the Book Lover, owned by someone named Ruth. It was a small bookshop. Her dog Samantha would come to work with her daily. Ruth rescued this dog eight years ago from a shelter. The dog was mostly a beagle. As per the book, the dog was upset when he missed a day and didn’t go into the book shop. Ruth loved smelling the pages of books. ”In the world of book selling, word of mouth was perhaps the most powerful tool to success, and Ruth knew that her word was gold to a lot of people.” One will read about different customers that come into the store. There is quite a discussion about books read with the title of the books and its description about what the books are about. On another note, would she be going to a prison to sell books? Would the prisoners actually buy books and love it? Would she be asked to come back every few months so the prisoners could order books on a regular basis?
A major positive was upon reading the prologue of the book. I found this to be a very strong beginning, quite impressive. It really expressed the feelings of a writer. The words lifted off the page and really spoke to me. One will adore this quote which is agreeable to me. “My idea of heaven is a good book and a chair parked at the beach.”One will also adore this quote, “when I was a little girl books were always my favorite presents.”
One wouldn’t change a thing about this book, there is absolutely no negative in the book.
The book deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
This book was so good that It kept me up late at night. I had to force myself to go to sleep. It was picked up to read the minute I awoke from sleep in the morning. This book is adorable, it should be hugged. It was so good that I kept adding more and more to my review. One will say thank you to the author for this book. It is a book lovers dream and a writers dream all in one.
By Maryann McFadden
Contemporary Women's Fiction
Book review by Sylvia Jacobs
In the prologue, it starts off with an author named Lucy saying she got another rejection letter in the mail. It takes place in northern Florida. It is November in Florida, and it was cold. Lucy explains that there are seasons in northern Florida, but not in southern Florida, where it is always warm. One might not know this information. She didn’t want to be heartbroken again, and considered shelving her novel, although writing had brought her much joy these past years. The constant rejection unfortunately, did something to her. Her husband, David, didn't understand Lucy's need to write anymore. David didn’t understand how stories popped into Lucy's head and characters would have conversations in her head as she showered. He didn’t understand how a thought would come to you just before going to sleep, and you just had to write it down. This was truly magical. He will never know how magical it feels when you finish writing a story. The creation of characters makes it all seem real. She didn’t have an agent, and therefore she had no hope of getting her book published.
She had 38 rejection letters from literary agents for her book titled A Quiet Wanting. Each letter told her what she did wrong. One letter even praised her beautiful writing, but stated that they didn’t fall in love with something in the book. She threw all the letters of rejection she received into the fire, she promised she would never give up, bravo to her.
In the first chapter we read about a bookstore named the Book Lover, owned by someone named Ruth. It was a small bookshop. Her dog Samantha would come to work with her daily. Ruth rescued this dog eight years ago from a shelter. The dog was mostly a beagle. As per the book, the dog was upset when he missed a day and didn’t go into the book shop. Ruth loved smelling the pages of books. ”In the world of book selling, word of mouth was perhaps the most powerful tool to success, and Ruth knew that her word was gold to a lot of people.” One will read about different customers that come into the store. There is quite a discussion about books read with the title of the books and its description about what the books are about. On another note, would she be going to a prison to sell books? Would the prisoners actually buy books and love it? Would she be asked to come back every few months so the prisoners could order books on a regular basis?
A major positive was upon reading the prologue of the book. I found this to be a very strong beginning, quite impressive. It really expressed the feelings of a writer. The words lifted off the page and really spoke to me. One will adore this quote which is agreeable to me. “My idea of heaven is a good book and a chair parked at the beach.”One will also adore this quote, “when I was a little girl books were always my favorite presents.”
One wouldn’t change a thing about this book, there is absolutely no negative in the book.
The book deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
This book was so good that It kept me up late at night. I had to force myself to go to sleep. It was picked up to read the minute I awoke from sleep in the morning. This book is adorable, it should be hugged. It was so good that I kept adding more and more to my review. One will say thank you to the author for this book. It is a book lovers dream and a writers dream all in one.
February 19, 2017
This was another great read for me, it starts with loss and grief and then anger and life changes that bring closure, but also love. Its a story of several people, each with a need to face their pasts and make decisions that they didn't think they could. Two women, Ruth (a bookstore owner) and Lucy a writer, try to do this, with complications and a little white lie. I really like this author, her writing is wonderful.
From Amazon:
Ruth Hardaway has had one passion all her life: books. For the last thirty years she's devoted her life to her store, The Book Lover, trying to bury her painful past. But now the store is in jeopardy, and the past is catching up with her.
Lucinda Barrett has lost everything in a life shattering betrayal. Desperate, she goes after one last dream - to be an author. Alone and broke, she embarks on a thousand mile journey, from bookstore to bookstore, eventually landing on Ruth's doorstep. Ruth takes Lucy under her wing, championing her book and even offering her refuge at a nearby lake cabin. She wants one small favor in return, for Lucy to keep an eye on her son, Colin, who's recovering from a war injury.
As the two women grow closer, Lucy strikes up an unlikely friendship with Colin. And she begins to think of Ruth as the mother she's always wished for. For Ruth, Lucy is the one person she can confide her secrets. Or so she thinks.
As each woman begins to face her past, and the repercussions that still haunt her today, happiness finally seems within their grasp. But neither has any idea that their toughest decisions lie ahead. Or that their friendship is about to fall apart - because of a little white lie.
From Amazon:
Ruth Hardaway has had one passion all her life: books. For the last thirty years she's devoted her life to her store, The Book Lover, trying to bury her painful past. But now the store is in jeopardy, and the past is catching up with her.
Lucinda Barrett has lost everything in a life shattering betrayal. Desperate, she goes after one last dream - to be an author. Alone and broke, she embarks on a thousand mile journey, from bookstore to bookstore, eventually landing on Ruth's doorstep. Ruth takes Lucy under her wing, championing her book and even offering her refuge at a nearby lake cabin. She wants one small favor in return, for Lucy to keep an eye on her son, Colin, who's recovering from a war injury.
As the two women grow closer, Lucy strikes up an unlikely friendship with Colin. And she begins to think of Ruth as the mother she's always wished for. For Ruth, Lucy is the one person she can confide her secrets. Or so she thinks.
As each woman begins to face her past, and the repercussions that still haunt her today, happiness finally seems within their grasp. But neither has any idea that their toughest decisions lie ahead. Or that their friendship is about to fall apart - because of a little white lie.
April 20, 2019
This is not the first book I’ve read about a small, struggling independent book store (and the irony of the fact that I read it on my Kindle was not lost on me! I just don’t have room to store books in my house – or my van when I travel.) This book was ok, didn’t wow me; it sometimes had a bit too much drama and I didn’t always like the characters (Ruth, at almost 65, acted more like she was 75 or 80). It had the usual and not unexpected love/romance struggles, with a few twists before all ends well.
What set this book apart from other similar ones is that it focused on the struggle of a first-time author trying to find an agent so her book can get published. The author experienced this first hand so I’m assuming it was a heartfelt way for her to educate her readers to the frustrations she personally and also her character, Lucy, in her book, did as well. I did not realize that there was such a stigma against self-published authors so I appreciated learning about this.
McFadden attempts to cover a wide range of social topics including wounded vets, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, prisoner re-integration into society, loss of a child, infidelity, troubled marriages. It just seemed to be a few too many topics to try and cover in addition to the main topics of self-publication and struggling book stores (and other small-town independent businesses).
The book was set in northern New Jersey/southern New York state, so I was very familiar with the areas described.
What set this book apart from other similar ones is that it focused on the struggle of a first-time author trying to find an agent so her book can get published. The author experienced this first hand so I’m assuming it was a heartfelt way for her to educate her readers to the frustrations she personally and also her character, Lucy, in her book, did as well. I did not realize that there was such a stigma against self-published authors so I appreciated learning about this.
McFadden attempts to cover a wide range of social topics including wounded vets, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, prisoner re-integration into society, loss of a child, infidelity, troubled marriages. It just seemed to be a few too many topics to try and cover in addition to the main topics of self-publication and struggling book stores (and other small-town independent businesses).
The book was set in northern New Jersey/southern New York state, so I was very familiar with the areas described.
July 31, 2018
2.5/5
I really expected this book to be interesting since it was about books/booksellers (The Shop Around the Corner is better, I'm sure). I even thought it might be somewhat of a metafiction work (i.e. The Things They Carried, which I enjoyed), but it was just a panoply of chlichés (which is ironic because the protagonist kept trying to pitch her book--and this real-life book felt like more of the same). The author "broke the fourth wall" by calling out her cliches, but that was more annoying than anything and distracted the reader from the book. (After watching Anthony Erwin pull it off in his book Chasing Water, I have high expectations.) Furthermore, the tactic did NOT justify what she was trying to justify. Also, it seemed like she changed her mind a lot as far as where the book was headed. It was like the plot didn't have a clear direction; parts needed to be rewritten. I'm sure it was supposed to be construed as a "plot twist," but it was more like the plot derailed. The way the book was written, Lucy should have gotten back with David, her HUSBAND--not the paraplegic, no matter how pathetic/heroic he was written to be. Maybe divorce wouldn't be such a big deal / common "option" if stories like these didn't romanticize having affairs. It didn't work, I disliked reading it, and it took me forever to finish. Would not recommend.
I really expected this book to be interesting since it was about books/booksellers (The Shop Around the Corner is better, I'm sure). I even thought it might be somewhat of a metafiction work (i.e. The Things They Carried, which I enjoyed), but it was just a panoply of chlichés (which is ironic because the protagonist kept trying to pitch her book--and this real-life book felt like more of the same). The author "broke the fourth wall" by calling out her cliches, but that was more annoying than anything and distracted the reader from the book. (After watching Anthony Erwin pull it off in his book Chasing Water, I have high expectations.) Furthermore, the tactic did NOT justify what she was trying to justify. Also, it seemed like she changed her mind a lot as far as where the book was headed. It was like the plot didn't have a clear direction; parts needed to be rewritten. I'm sure it was supposed to be construed as a "plot twist," but it was more like the plot derailed. The way the book was written, Lucy should have gotten back with David, her HUSBAND--not the paraplegic, no matter how pathetic/heroic he was written to be. Maybe divorce wouldn't be such a big deal / common "option" if stories like these didn't romanticize having affairs. It didn't work, I disliked reading it, and it took me forever to finish. Would not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
This is a story of second chances later in life and rediscovery of passions and purposes. The author's portrayal of two characters whose lives have been ones of challenge and struggles is engaging with The Book Lover bookstore as almost a character in itself. It added another layer of depth to the story. It's genious to have a bookstore as a setting for "book lovers"! I felt the characters were realistic and their situations pulled at my emotions.
This book took me on a journey with the characters from their darkest lows to their highest highs. At times I was not sure how it would all work out. The struggles of self publishing that Beth had portray how difficult it is to get a book "out there". And Ruth's struggles of keeping and independently owned book store open is important to bring out that shopping locally is so vital.
This is a story of perseverance and hope.
All opinions and thoughts in this review are my own.
This book took me on a journey with the characters from their darkest lows to their highest highs. At times I was not sure how it would all work out. The struggles of self publishing that Beth had portray how difficult it is to get a book "out there". And Ruth's struggles of keeping and independently owned book store open is important to bring out that shopping locally is so vital.
This is a story of perseverance and hope.
All opinions and thoughts in this review are my own.
October 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️Pleasurable. Worth your time. Sections of the book could be better.
The Book Lover is a heartfelt tribute to aspiring and self-published authors exploring the challenges of publishing. The story revolves around Ruth, the owner of The Book Lover bookstore, and Lucy, a first-time author navigating rejection and self-publishing. Their bond, rooted in a love for books, is compelling yet strained by side stories of the cabin, Colin, birds, and David. I skimmed these sections, eager to return to the more engaging self-publishing challenges and bookstore adventures.
The cover is captivating, and Lucy's journey is inspiring. However, side stories about Colin and David feel unnecessary, detracting from the main narrative. Focusing more on Lucy and Ruth’s growth could have elevated the book further. Still, the author's note offers encouraging advice for new writers, making this a rewarding read.
The Book Lover is a heartfelt tribute to aspiring and self-published authors exploring the challenges of publishing. The story revolves around Ruth, the owner of The Book Lover bookstore, and Lucy, a first-time author navigating rejection and self-publishing. Their bond, rooted in a love for books, is compelling yet strained by side stories of the cabin, Colin, birds, and David. I skimmed these sections, eager to return to the more engaging self-publishing challenges and bookstore adventures.
The cover is captivating, and Lucy's journey is inspiring. However, side stories about Colin and David feel unnecessary, detracting from the main narrative. Focusing more on Lucy and Ruth’s growth could have elevated the book further. Still, the author's note offers encouraging advice for new writers, making this a rewarding read.
August 24, 2025
Easy to read and I couldn’t put it down, despite the main characters being slightly annoying.
We follow an aspiring writer who is faced with the challenges of publishing and selling her book. We also follow a bookstore owner who needs to keep her store afloat. Their stories get predictably interwoven, as their paths cross and they become close.
Most plot twists were predictable, and some didn’t need to be twists, only better integrated into the narrative. The final plot twist was one too many, unnecessary even. There was also a lot of exposition that felt copied from the author’s research on various topics and it slowed down the narrative.
I enjoyed it for the inside look at the book industry, from the author’s struggles to publish and self-publish, to marketing her book and making herself a recognized name. I also enjoyed seeing the side of the bookstore keeper, how challenging that can be, and how fun and rewarding too.
We follow an aspiring writer who is faced with the challenges of publishing and selling her book. We also follow a bookstore owner who needs to keep her store afloat. Their stories get predictably interwoven, as their paths cross and they become close.
Most plot twists were predictable, and some didn’t need to be twists, only better integrated into the narrative. The final plot twist was one too many, unnecessary even. There was also a lot of exposition that felt copied from the author’s research on various topics and it slowed down the narrative.
I enjoyed it for the inside look at the book industry, from the author’s struggles to publish and self-publish, to marketing her book and making herself a recognized name. I also enjoyed seeing the side of the bookstore keeper, how challenging that can be, and how fun and rewarding too.
March 11, 2024
3.5* I'm a sucker for books about books, bookstores, authors and the like. This one follows Lucy as she writes, self-publishes and markets her first novel while trying to recover from the loss of her newborn son and the shocking break-up of her marriage. Ruth is a 60-something widow with 3 grown children who owns a bookstore which, like all Indie bookstores is struggling to stay relevant and afloat. The two of them meet and hit it off, and then life moves in new directions for them both. This book pulls no punches in showing just how hard getting a novel published and marketed is these days. Though you might not agree with all of Lucy's decisions, you'll be rooting for her and her book.
March 18, 2023
Wow excellent storyline and characters
Loved how this story involved so many issues and emotions. Ruth's little white lies, her friendship with Ruth, Ruth's struggle with the bookstore, customer betrayal as they use her store for meetings then go to the big box store, Colin's storyline. I also love how you wrote about the anger and how it was resolved. It's easy to stay bitter and revengeful but they talked it through to reconcile.
Just excellent!!
I didn't want it to end. Thank you for a beautiful story.
Loved how this story involved so many issues and emotions. Ruth's little white lies, her friendship with Ruth, Ruth's struggle with the bookstore, customer betrayal as they use her store for meetings then go to the big box store, Colin's storyline. I also love how you wrote about the anger and how it was resolved. It's easy to stay bitter and revengeful but they talked it through to reconcile.
Just excellent!!
I didn't want it to end. Thank you for a beautiful story.
August 16, 2023
An uplifting novel for people who truly love books (and for the people who get books into reader's hands). Make sure to read the author's notes at the end. The accounting of the trials writers face in getting their written words into book form (published on paper and bound) is noted by the author to be an accurate portrayal of her behind-the-scenes experience. I especially liked the characters Ruth and Colin.
(PS--I'm not a big fan of literary romance so I mostly skimmed those parts; however, as they were a large portion of the novel's foundation, do read enough to be familiar with the characters' decisions).
(PS--I'm not a big fan of literary romance so I mostly skimmed those parts; however, as they were a large portion of the novel's foundation, do read enough to be familiar with the characters' decisions).
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