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The Mended Hearts Bookshop
Life isn’t all sunshine and roses. Is it?
When loner Ash Wells inherits a bookshop from an aunt she doesn’t remember, she thinks a jaunt to the seaside to figure things out is just what she needs to escape from her annoying London neighbors. The plan is have a holiday, sell the bookshop, move on with her life. Oh, and maybe find out who this mysterious Aunt Mary is.
Plus-sized baker Pen Robson is an eternal optimist. So when she meets her grumpy new next door neighbor, she’s determined to win her over, no matter how many sticky buns and biscuits that takes. But her tall, dark, and handsome neighbor doesn’t even seem to like the ever-generous Pen, let alone want to settle into a story book grumpy-sunshine romance.
Yet when Pen comes up with a madcap plan to save the little bookshop, Ash decides she might as well stick around for a while, especially after an unexpected revelation leaves her wondering just who she really is.
Pen’s relentless optimism slowly starts to melt Ash’s frozen heart. But as the tiny seaside town begins to grow on Ash, and her plans for life begin to change, her suspicions are beginning to grow as well. And what happens if this all turns out to be a mistake? Does love really conquer all?
The Mended Hearts Bookshop is a lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and Teaching Hope.
When loner Ash Wells inherits a bookshop from an aunt she doesn’t remember, she thinks a jaunt to the seaside to figure things out is just what she needs to escape from her annoying London neighbors. The plan is have a holiday, sell the bookshop, move on with her life. Oh, and maybe find out who this mysterious Aunt Mary is.
Plus-sized baker Pen Robson is an eternal optimist. So when she meets her grumpy new next door neighbor, she’s determined to win her over, no matter how many sticky buns and biscuits that takes. But her tall, dark, and handsome neighbor doesn’t even seem to like the ever-generous Pen, let alone want to settle into a story book grumpy-sunshine romance.
Yet when Pen comes up with a madcap plan to save the little bookshop, Ash decides she might as well stick around for a while, especially after an unexpected revelation leaves her wondering just who she really is.
Pen’s relentless optimism slowly starts to melt Ash’s frozen heart. But as the tiny seaside town begins to grow on Ash, and her plans for life begin to change, her suspicions are beginning to grow as well. And what happens if this all turns out to be a mistake? Does love really conquer all?
The Mended Hearts Bookshop is a lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and Teaching Hope.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2024
95 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 9, 2024
3,5 - 4 ⭐️
December 2, 2024
Endearing. That’s the first word that came into my mind when I thought about Pen and Ash. A great story about two people who couldn’t be more different, one perpetually happy and upbeat (sometimes to her detriment) and one negative and grumpy as anything (thinking this was what she wanted her life to be.). And so we live their love story vicariously as their lives change and they find their ‘happily ever after’. As usual with Sienna Waters’ books, the quirky supporting cast rounds out the story. So…an endearing read.
An ARC reader’s honest review.
An ARC reader’s honest review.
December 11, 2024
Almost an opposites attract, but the power shift felt all wrong and didn’t sit comfortably. Writes well with good back characters.
June 26, 2024
The Mended Hearts Bookshop by Sienna Waters is an absolute delight! It's a great introduction to the new Tetherington Hearts series. It is a grumpy/sunshine opposites attract romcom with charming characters and lots of heart. The baker and the (new) bookshop owner couldn't be more different, but they find balance is the key. The main characters are so lovely, and their beautiful, quirky, supportive community makes for a fantastic found family with which one can not help but be enamored. Waters gifts us another warm and fuzzy HEA, including bonus body positivity and a cuddly cat!
#bigcitysmalltown #grumpy/sunshine #oppositesattract #bodypositivity #foundfamily #UKlocale #comingoutlaterinlife #selfdiscovery #wittybanter #romanticcomedy #HEA #cat
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#bigcitysmalltown #grumpy/sunshine #oppositesattract #bodypositivity #foundfamily #UKlocale #comingoutlaterinlife #selfdiscovery #wittybanter #romanticcomedy #HEA #cat
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 11, 2025DNF.
July 3, 2024
The Mended Hearts Bookshop is a sapphic, grumpy/sunshine contemporary romance featuring Ash Wells and Pen(elope) Robson.
Ash is not a people person. She lives a solitary life working as a freelance accountant, and tries her best to avoid interaction with others. When she received word from a lawyer that she had been left Mended Hearts, a bookshop in Tetherington, by an aunt she didn't know, she made the logical decision to rent a car and drive there to check it out. That is where Ash met Pen.
Pen is very much a people person. She is kind and generous, loving and giving. She never turns away friends or neighbours in need, and is always quick to reach into her pockets for any charitable collection that comes by. Pen, a native of Tetherington, owns the bakery right next door to Mended Hearts. She knew Mary, the previous owner, and was excited to meet the new owner,
In Tetherington, a small town by the sea, everyone knows everyone. This is not the ideal setting for Ash who prefers to mind her business and not be pulled into anyone's drama. When she arrives, she meets the bubbly, effervescent, delightful Pen. Ash can't stand her but Pen is smitten. While Ash remains cold and distant, pushing everyone away, Pen continues to make excuses for her and aims to woo her with delicious baked goods.
Can Pen's persistent optimism thaw Ash's cold heart? You'll need to read it to find out.
This book was an unexpected delight that warmed my heart. I loved this small town and the community therein. The ecclectic group of individuals were a family of sorts, always ready to help each other as needed. Ash definitely didn't fit it, but her character evolved through the impact of both the people and the books. I quite enjoyed it and would recommend others to check it out.
This was the first book I've read by Waters but I'm keen to see what else she might have published.
Ash is not a people person. She lives a solitary life working as a freelance accountant, and tries her best to avoid interaction with others. When she received word from a lawyer that she had been left Mended Hearts, a bookshop in Tetherington, by an aunt she didn't know, she made the logical decision to rent a car and drive there to check it out. That is where Ash met Pen.
Pen is very much a people person. She is kind and generous, loving and giving. She never turns away friends or neighbours in need, and is always quick to reach into her pockets for any charitable collection that comes by. Pen, a native of Tetherington, owns the bakery right next door to Mended Hearts. She knew Mary, the previous owner, and was excited to meet the new owner,
In Tetherington, a small town by the sea, everyone knows everyone. This is not the ideal setting for Ash who prefers to mind her business and not be pulled into anyone's drama. When she arrives, she meets the bubbly, effervescent, delightful Pen. Ash can't stand her but Pen is smitten. While Ash remains cold and distant, pushing everyone away, Pen continues to make excuses for her and aims to woo her with delicious baked goods.
Can Pen's persistent optimism thaw Ash's cold heart? You'll need to read it to find out.
This book was an unexpected delight that warmed my heart. I loved this small town and the community therein. The ecclectic group of individuals were a family of sorts, always ready to help each other as needed. Ash definitely didn't fit it, but her character evolved through the impact of both the people and the books. I quite enjoyed it and would recommend others to check it out.
This was the first book I've read by Waters but I'm keen to see what else she might have published.
June 24, 2024
The Mended Hearts Bookshop tells the heartwarming story of two women, each navigating their own personal struggles, who find love and belonging in a quaint seaside town. I finished this book in less than 24 hours, I just couldn't put it down. Sienna Waters has created a beautifully written novel that makes you want to jump straight into this book and walk along the sandy shores or browse the cosy aisles of the bookshop with a pastry in hand.
Ash and Pen’s characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own distinct personality and quirks. Their journey from strangers to lovers is depicted with sensitivity and realism, making their relationship feel genuine. The pacing of the novel is just right, allowing the romance to develop naturally while also giving space for the characters to grow individually. I didn't feel that Ash came to her decision about her sexuality in a rushed or forced manner. I feel it was a real aha moment and suddenly her world made a little more sense to her. The secondary characters also added a little fun and chaos into the book. I loved their cameos and feel they added a real sense of a small town community charm. Plus how could I forget Fabio, the star of the show!
This book was an actual joy to read. I genuinely had a giggle to myself at some parts, mostly due to Waters clever writing and wry sense of humour. This novel left me feeling warm and content, much like a visit to my favourite bookshop.
Ash and Pen’s characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own distinct personality and quirks. Their journey from strangers to lovers is depicted with sensitivity and realism, making their relationship feel genuine. The pacing of the novel is just right, allowing the romance to develop naturally while also giving space for the characters to grow individually. I didn't feel that Ash came to her decision about her sexuality in a rushed or forced manner. I feel it was a real aha moment and suddenly her world made a little more sense to her. The secondary characters also added a little fun and chaos into the book. I loved their cameos and feel they added a real sense of a small town community charm. Plus how could I forget Fabio, the star of the show!
This book was an actual joy to read. I genuinely had a giggle to myself at some parts, mostly due to Waters clever writing and wry sense of humour. This novel left me feeling warm and content, much like a visit to my favourite bookshop.
June 29, 2024
A book-reader’s dream! Ash inherits a bookshop from an aunt she doesn’t even remember. She heads away from the hustle and bustle of her London home and heads to the seaside to think things out away from her annoying neighbours in London. Planning a quick holiday , sell the bookstore , get on with her life… and maybe find out who this Aunt Mary was. The small seaside town of Tetherington is a delightful setting for this lesbian romance between grumpy Ash and let me introduce Pen Robson a plus sized baker and eternal optimist. The polar opposite to grumpy Ash. So on meeting her new neighbour she does no more than to force feed Ash her sweet goods of biscuits and sticky buns but the tall handsome Ash doesn’t bat an eye and is so grumpy that Pan feels a heavy sigh as she faces the fact , her sunshine and her grumpy radar is on the blink again…until she comes up with a madcap plan to save her bookshop… Worthy read ! It’s splendid and enticing from the very first touch and very well written with odd witticisms to tell the tale
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
Ash inherits a bookshop in a sleepy seaside town two hours from her home in London. At home she appreciates her anonymity, and really doesn’t want the bother of talking to other people, especially her neighbours - so she is a little disquieted about her upcoming visit to the sea. Next door to the bookshop is a bakery run by Pen, a very outgoing woman, always ready to help anyone, always optimistic. Ash and Pen make a typical grumpy and sunshine couple.
This is warm hug story, very little angst, Ash realises what she has been missing, after wondering why she was never attracted to men. Now she knows why. There is a possible case of mistaken identity and lots of baked goods!
I really enjoyed the story, not quite in the usual ‘inheritance’ trope, but somewhere nearby.
This is warm hug story, very little angst, Ash realises what she has been missing, after wondering why she was never attracted to men. Now she knows why. There is a possible case of mistaken identity and lots of baked goods!
I really enjoyed the story, not quite in the usual ‘inheritance’ trope, but somewhere nearby.
June 27, 2024
The title of this book tells it all, the mended hearts bookshop...
It tells the story of Ash and Pen, who are complete opposites of each other. The one warm, bubbly and positive, while the other is more realistic and calculated. They both lack someone in their lives that gives them something more, that gives them what they deserve.
It isn't all roses and sunshine and that is what makes this book feel realisting and makes you relate to the characters, but it does give the readed a little fantasy in their real world.
Both Ash and Pen grow a lot as a person in this book and of course grow together, seeing as this had a HEA.
I can definitely recommend this book and this author, as it was a joy to read.
It tells the story of Ash and Pen, who are complete opposites of each other. The one warm, bubbly and positive, while the other is more realistic and calculated. They both lack someone in their lives that gives them something more, that gives them what they deserve.
It isn't all roses and sunshine and that is what makes this book feel realisting and makes you relate to the characters, but it does give the readed a little fantasy in their real world.
Both Ash and Pen grow a lot as a person in this book and of course grow together, seeing as this had a HEA.
I can definitely recommend this book and this author, as it was a joy to read.
August 16, 2024
Optimistic Tableau
A lovely albeit complicated journey of Pen and Ash
finding each other. The small town of Tetherington sounds amazing. It’s a community of warm hearted people that truly care about each other. And at the helm of the caring crowd is Pen. She’s the most selfless and optimistic person I’ve ever known. Her heart was a huge as England. The secondary characters were realistic and as warm as Pen. Pen was able to melt the grumpy heart of Ash. Ash resisted as long as she could until she realized Pen’s love was real and the salve she needed to awaken her soul. A very good read. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and all works by Sienna Waters. Her writing style draws you in and keeps you engaged in the novel. Thank you. Peace
A lovely albeit complicated journey of Pen and Ash
finding each other. The small town of Tetherington sounds amazing. It’s a community of warm hearted people that truly care about each other. And at the helm of the caring crowd is Pen. She’s the most selfless and optimistic person I’ve ever known. Her heart was a huge as England. The secondary characters were realistic and as warm as Pen. Pen was able to melt the grumpy heart of Ash. Ash resisted as long as she could until she realized Pen’s love was real and the salve she needed to awaken her soul. A very good read. I enthusiastically and heartily recommend this and all works by Sienna Waters. Her writing style draws you in and keeps you engaged in the novel. Thank you. Peace
June 20, 2024
Great and funny story! I loved characters - Pen&Ash and whole village. I was attracted by them, their interactions and dynamics. So colorful and fun. Loved language, story line and everything around Fabio.
Sunshine optimist Pen melted Grumpy heart of Ash. And just right book given to Ash in "her bookstore" helped her find herself. She didn't like people around, but she just needed to find herself to change it. Loved this transformation, beach "meditations" and how she accepted thing she never though she would like to do.
Great and very funny story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sunshine optimist Pen melted Grumpy heart of Ash. And just right book given to Ash in "her bookstore" helped her find herself. She didn't like people around, but she just needed to find herself to change it. Loved this transformation, beach "meditations" and how she accepted thing she never though she would like to do.
Great and very funny story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
This was the perfect grumpy meets sunshine book as well as opposites attract. Ash is a loner, keeps to herself and doesn’t need anyone else whereas Pen lives in a small village where everyone is up in each others businesses.
Ash is told she’s inherited the book shop there which proves to be a huge culture shock.
This was another warm and witty book by Sienna. Both characters were endearing, as were the supporting ones too.
The story was refreshing and it ended far too soon. I could have kept reading about these two for another hundred, two hundred pages. Oh wait, that’s called a sequel 😉.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ash is told she’s inherited the book shop there which proves to be a huge culture shock.
This was another warm and witty book by Sienna. Both characters were endearing, as were the supporting ones too.
The story was refreshing and it ended far too soon. I could have kept reading about these two for another hundred, two hundred pages. Oh wait, that’s called a sequel 😉.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2024
Introverted Ash Wells is startled to find out she's inherited a bookstore from her Aunt Mary. She is, understandably, dubious about it.
Pen is just trying to keep her bakery afloat when Ash arrives. She tries to be welcoming, but is alarmed when she hears Ash intends to sell the bookstore.
Also, toaster oven. *lol*
Good solid read, as expected from this author. I liked Ash and Pen as well as all the village misfits. There IS a third act breakup, (Which I normally hate) but it makes sense in story.
4/5 stars
Pen is just trying to keep her bakery afloat when Ash arrives. She tries to be welcoming, but is alarmed when she hears Ash intends to sell the bookstore.
Also, toaster oven. *lol*
Good solid read, as expected from this author. I liked Ash and Pen as well as all the village misfits. There IS a third act breakup, (Which I normally hate) but it makes sense in story.
4/5 stars
June 19, 2024
A romance that involves a book shop, a bakery, the seaside and a host of warm, welcoming characters. Add a dash of miscommunication, people that need help and did I mention the seaside? Long walks on the beach.
A lovely ice queen finds her baker to melt her heart.
This book is light hearted and funny - Ash is given a lesbian romance book to read and realises she is gay. And it just so happens that she knows a lesbian who is available, next door and actually likes her.
If you like the other books by Sienna Waters - this one will not disappoint.
I love this book
A lovely ice queen finds her baker to melt her heart.
This book is light hearted and funny - Ash is given a lesbian romance book to read and realises she is gay. And it just so happens that she knows a lesbian who is available, next door and actually likes her.
If you like the other books by Sienna Waters - this one will not disappoint.
I love this book
June 25, 2024
Another hit by Sienna Waters. This story contains some of my favorite themes - ice queen, quicky supporting characters, bookstore, food, and seaside setting.
Loved the transformation of the ice queen, Ash, who discovered herself and embraced others into her life. Pen never gave up and melted down Ash's barriers.
Little angst and HEA. I enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the transformation of the ice queen, Ash, who discovered herself and embraced others into her life. Pen never gave up and melted down Ash's barriers.
Little angst and HEA. I enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2024
Sienna Waters only writes books well. This is another good one. Realistic characters in quaint setting (seaside, bookshop & bakery) with believable actions and feelings. Story pacing is good, not much angst and of course the happy ever after.
There’s a diverse cast of characters including Aunt Mary who are all well rounded and interesting.
Perfect holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s a diverse cast of characters including Aunt Mary who are all well rounded and interesting.
Perfect holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2024
I really loved this book. A grumpy/sunshine story that is sweet and it’s not just because of Pen’s baked goodies. Ash tries her hardest to keep pen at arm's length, but Pen does not give up. This is the first book in the Tethering Hearts series, and I can’t wait for the next book. You don’t want to miss this book. I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2025
The Mended Hearts Bookshop is a sweet, small English town romance featuring local baker Pen and London accountant Ash. There is a likeable supporting cast helping move the relationship along. There is some angst in spots but nothing too serious. As a bonus there is a self-centered bookstore cat with a predilection to wander into the bakery from time to time. This is a fun read with the anticipated happy ending.
April 1, 2025
Mended hearts was a cute interesting read. It’s a grumpy sunshine romance which does wonders for the difference of the POV. Probably one of the best I’ve read in terms of each chapter actually feeling like the other character that voiced it. Word choices, flow of phrases and sentences were each very different. Adults finding romance, and finding themselves in the process. 9/10 would definitely recommend.
June 27, 2024
I just love a good grumpy vs sunshine story. Ash is quite comfortable with her life and is content being alone. Pen is the opposite and determined to break down Ash's walls. It's a beautiful cozy story set in a small town and just the type of heartwarming romance I've come to expect from Sienna Waters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2024
Ash is a loner who doesn't like to be bothered and comes off as a grump. She inherits a bookshop next to a bakery owned by pen. Pen is an optimist who sees positivity in everything. Her sunshine throws Ash's grumpiness for a loop. A pleasant read with low angst.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2024
A letter can change you're whole life, even if you're not sure it's for you. This is a wonderful introvert/extrovert, opposites attract romance. Couldn't help but wonder if Ash is on the spectrum given she learns from others' cues and has difficulty working out 'people stuff' on her own. Great characters, plus a bookstore and a bakery, such a winning combination. I do so love a HEA.
July 17, 2024
sweet
These two characters are like chalk and cheese at the beginning. Pen would give the clothes off her back to help a stranger, Ash would rather people leave her alone.
These two clash at the beginning, then a life changing realisation has Ash looking at things differently. From then on it’s a cute story, with a beautiful HEA.
These two characters are like chalk and cheese at the beginning. Pen would give the clothes off her back to help a stranger, Ash would rather people leave her alone.
These two clash at the beginning, then a life changing realisation has Ash looking at things differently. From then on it’s a cute story, with a beautiful HEA.
November 20, 2024
Accounting For Us
Pen runs her accounting business out of her home in London. One day she gets a letter from a lawyer saying she has inherited her Aunt’s estate. Traveling to Tetherington, she inspects the book store and tries to work out what to do. Next door is a bakery run by an outgoing beautiful woman. A sapphic romance with lots of heart.
Pen runs her accounting business out of her home in London. One day she gets a letter from a lawyer saying she has inherited her Aunt’s estate. Traveling to Tetherington, she inspects the book store and tries to work out what to do. Next door is a bakery run by an outgoing beautiful woman. A sapphic romance with lots of heart.
January 6, 2025
First read of the new year and it was well worth it. I loved everything about this book, the quiet romantic bookshop to the cute, upbeat bakery. I also loved Ash and Pen so very much, I connected with Ash right off the bat and that made the book ten times better. Fabio was also a wonderful selling point, such a cute little guy. I can’t wait to see what else I can read by the author.
June 29, 2024
open up to something new
Ash has always thought she was better off alone until she meets Pen and her small town. Pen is the person that everyone turns to because she never says no to anyone. This grumpy/sunshine pair make for a fun read that will cheer you up and make you smile. They learn a lot about themselves and each other. I love a small town the way they all pull together when needed.
Ash has always thought she was better off alone until she meets Pen and her small town. Pen is the person that everyone turns to because she never says no to anyone. This grumpy/sunshine pair make for a fun read that will cheer you up and make you smile. They learn a lot about themselves and each other. I love a small town the way they all pull together when needed.
June 30, 2024
As always a book with a story with everytning. Humor, misunderstanding, quirky characters. Sienna Waters books has it all. There relaxed reads and you find yourself out there what she wrote. (At least I do:)) Just Top
July 13, 2024
It was the first book I read from the author, and I loved it. It was very sweet, and I enjoyed the story. I especially appreciated how Ash realized she is a lesbian, and how everything fell into place from there. I look forward to reading more books by this author and sharing my reviews.
August 18, 2024
Loved it!
Didn’t expect to, but fell in love with all of these characters. What a wonderful little village with everyone helping each other. I can relate to Ash, I’m a loner too, however I’m not grumpy.🤫
Didn’t expect to, but fell in love with all of these characters. What a wonderful little village with everyone helping each other. I can relate to Ash, I’m a loner too, however I’m not grumpy.🤫
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews