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Rabbits Leap #5
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove
The start of something wonderful…
Sophie Jones loves her little bookshop at Herring Cove. She’ll never give it up to big property developer, Alexander Fletcher – no matter how handsome he might be…
Yet beneath Alex’s sharp suit and persuasive manner, there’s something about him that makes Sophie want to trust him.
So when he offers to help make her little shop a success again, she wonders whether this could be the start of something wonderful for both Sophie and Alex – together?
Perfect for fans of Caroline Roberts, Cathy Bramley and Heidi Swain.
Sophie Jones loves her little bookshop at Herring Cove. She’ll never give it up to big property developer, Alexander Fletcher – no matter how handsome he might be…
Yet beneath Alex’s sharp suit and persuasive manner, there’s something about him that makes Sophie want to trust him.
So when he offers to help make her little shop a success again, she wonders whether this could be the start of something wonderful for both Sophie and Alex – together?
Perfect for fans of Caroline Roberts, Cathy Bramley and Heidi Swain.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2019
79 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 10, 2020
How I enjoyed this book, it was full of a lovely small town vibe, a bookshop that is trying to turn its fortunes around, a romance between two complete opposites who should be sworn enemies, a man having a slight crisis of job and being, a fabulous location and some great friends.
Sophie is determined that she won't be forced into selling her beloved bookshop, just so that a developer can turn Herring Cove into a big soulless tourist resort. Her whole life is in that shop and location and she has many reasons why she wants to stay put.
Alex is the man tasked with persuading her to sign and take a large financial settlement, but yet it soon becomes obvious they have have misjudged each other and that Alex may have hidden depths to him.
It was incredibly sweet to see but to me I loved Alex's character development, turning from corporate drone Alexander into the man he is meant to be. i couldn't help falling for him myself.
There is just such a sense of sweet loveliness within this book, I felt completely at home within its pages, I couldn't' read it fast enough, reading well into the early hours of the morning in bed.
You sort of knew where the story would end up, and I did think at one point a certain happening was inevitable, but it was also amusing too. And I enjoyed reading this and just seeing how they would reach the ending you were rooting for!
Another really entertaining and joyful story from an author that I love.
Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Sophie is determined that she won't be forced into selling her beloved bookshop, just so that a developer can turn Herring Cove into a big soulless tourist resort. Her whole life is in that shop and location and she has many reasons why she wants to stay put.
Alex is the man tasked with persuading her to sign and take a large financial settlement, but yet it soon becomes obvious they have have misjudged each other and that Alex may have hidden depths to him.
It was incredibly sweet to see but to me I loved Alex's character development, turning from corporate drone Alexander into the man he is meant to be. i couldn't help falling for him myself.
There is just such a sense of sweet loveliness within this book, I felt completely at home within its pages, I couldn't' read it fast enough, reading well into the early hours of the morning in bed.
You sort of knew where the story would end up, and I did think at one point a certain happening was inevitable, but it was also amusing too. And I enjoyed reading this and just seeing how they would reach the ending you were rooting for!
Another really entertaining and joyful story from an author that I love.
Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 14, 2019
I had to DNF this at 56%. But, it's not a bad read at all, truly. I had to DNF this because i just wasn't feeling the book.
I started this expecting some intense conflict. However, we're barely a few chapters in before the main character was already melting for the love interest and showed no genuine signs of self conflict. And the characters were just so happy all the time!
I need the drama. I need the impression she was miserable and her life was going to the sh*ts and that she did all she could to resist the charms of Alexander and if she didn't, she will lose out on life.
I personally felt that the book didn't manage to procure that tension and i had to drop it and move on.
So, yes. I DNFed a Romance book because there wasn't piping hot tea spilled and it was happy.
3.2 stars
I started this expecting some intense conflict. However, we're barely a few chapters in before the main character was already melting for the love interest and showed no genuine signs of self conflict. And the characters were just so happy all the time!
I need the drama. I need the impression she was miserable and her life was going to the sh*ts and that she did all she could to resist the charms of Alexander and if she didn't, she will lose out on life.
I personally felt that the book didn't manage to procure that tension and i had to drop it and move on.
So, yes. I DNFed a Romance book because there wasn't piping hot tea spilled and it was happy.
3.2 stars
July 5, 2019
I absolutely 100% adored this, I love Alex and Sophie so much, such a nice slow burn romance. I loved their awkwardness, how imperfect and normal they are. Their chemistry is so cute. I loved the development with Alex’s parents especially the end a lovely twist. All the characters are adorable , I’d love a return to see how they get on, maybe a story for Natalie. A wonderful read to make you feel warm and happy, a book to make you smile.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
June 8, 2019
This book is an easy read for some summer escapism for all chick-lit fans. It’s a read that left me a little on the fence. The romance story was enjoyable and the couple fitted well together. Our protagonist left me largely underwhelmed however. Her inability to do anything for herself was so frustrating that I just wanted to shake the stupid girl. Her bookshop wasn’t failing because of her poor choice in men but rather, her lack of doing anything about it! The prose was easy reading but there were words like ‘babealicious’ for instance that left me cringing. The setting however was lovely and I would love to read a follow up book on another character in Herring Cove.
May 29, 2019
What a lovely book cover! So bright, so full of positivity. And oh, it's about a bookshop~ From the sound of 'Herring Cove', the images coming to my mind were of the sea, the beach and the friendly people residing there. It gave me the very same vibe as The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea by Jaimie Admans, which I absolutely loved. But that's where the similarities end. I dived into this book, perhaps with too much expectation, and came out nearly struggling for breath.
Sophie is the owner of her own little bookshop situated (you know it) at Herring Cove, a little village with all the sights and ambience that have every power to pull anyone into its bubble. But there's trouble: Sophie's sales have been dropping over the years, and it doesn't look good. Overdue bills and taxes constantly nag at her mind. To make it worse, a property developer by the name of Alexander Fletcher has found himself on her doorstep, trying to get her to sell her shop. But she doesn't give up, and so Fletcher is here to stay.
The worst thing about this book is that... it doesn't make me feel anything. I was not drawn to the characters at all. Yes, there is potential in the plot. But there was no smile, no girly giggling, no butterflies and barely any sympathy from me. There was only indifference, and perhaps a little bit of annoyance. Even as a hopeless romantic, I find certain scenes and dialogues too cheesy to be natural.
Furthermore, the author's writing style isn't very compelling to me. It's like she's trying so hard to bring up emotions into her words through a 'poetic' manner, only to have them fall under the 'irritating to read' zone. Here I quote:
Sophie, for being the independent woman that she is, turns out to be rather unreliable after all. She may be independent, as they all say, but she didn't put in a lot of effort to try to save her little bookshop. It's like she can't even take care of herself. That's not a strong female character we have here. It's very hard not to see her as pretentious, reading all the words she has to say to Alexander as to why she refuses to sell, because I as a reader has this impression that she's not that passionate about her bookshop. Sophie also seems to have a tendency to blame someone else for her mistakes rather than to right the wrong she committed. She may be afraid, but so what? Making apologies naturally takes up courage, but that doesn't mean it's okay not to do anything about it. She's really not as mature as one might think, sadly.
And her two friends, Natalie and Ginny, are not any better. I find it very difficult to believe that not once did they tell Sophie of ways to improve her sales. One even had a secret she told neither of her friends, because she felt it was embarrassing when it could have helped Sophie all along to increase her bookshop's exposure. Come on.
In retrospect, the romance came a little too easy to be exciting. Alexander is too easily swayed. There's very little resistance on his side, unexpected for someone who grew up drilled into his life that he is a Fletcher. It's all very convenient when one would expect Sophie and Alexander to put up a lot more fight against each other instead.
All in all, a very disappointing read. However, for those who simply want a clean, easy read, this might be the book for you.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
By A Floret's Breath
Sophie is the owner of her own little bookshop situated (you know it) at Herring Cove, a little village with all the sights and ambience that have every power to pull anyone into its bubble. But there's trouble: Sophie's sales have been dropping over the years, and it doesn't look good. Overdue bills and taxes constantly nag at her mind. To make it worse, a property developer by the name of Alexander Fletcher has found himself on her doorstep, trying to get her to sell her shop. But she doesn't give up, and so Fletcher is here to stay.
The worst thing about this book is that... it doesn't make me feel anything. I was not drawn to the characters at all. Yes, there is potential in the plot. But there was no smile, no girly giggling, no butterflies and barely any sympathy from me. There was only indifference, and perhaps a little bit of annoyance. Even as a hopeless romantic, I find certain scenes and dialogues too cheesy to be natural.
Furthermore, the author's writing style isn't very compelling to me. It's like she's trying so hard to bring up emotions into her words through a 'poetic' manner, only to have them fall under the 'irritating to read' zone. Here I quote:
...he wasn't going to go before giving Sophie fair warning of what was to come. Wasn't going to leave her without her knowing just how much she meant to him. How much of an impact she's had on him.
Sophie, for being the independent woman that she is, turns out to be rather unreliable after all. She may be independent, as they all say, but she didn't put in a lot of effort to try to save her little bookshop. It's like she can't even take care of herself. That's not a strong female character we have here. It's very hard not to see her as pretentious, reading all the words she has to say to Alexander as to why she refuses to sell, because I as a reader has this impression that she's not that passionate about her bookshop. Sophie also seems to have a tendency to blame someone else for her mistakes rather than to right the wrong she committed. She may be afraid, but so what? Making apologies naturally takes up courage, but that doesn't mean it's okay not to do anything about it. She's really not as mature as one might think, sadly.
And her two friends, Natalie and Ginny, are not any better. I find it very difficult to believe that not once did they tell Sophie of ways to improve her sales. One even had a secret she told neither of her friends, because she felt it was embarrassing when it could have helped Sophie all along to increase her bookshop's exposure. Come on.
In retrospect, the romance came a little too easy to be exciting. Alexander is too easily swayed. There's very little resistance on his side, unexpected for someone who grew up drilled into his life that he is a Fletcher. It's all very convenient when one would expect Sophie and Alexander to put up a lot more fight against each other instead.
All in all, a very disappointing read. However, for those who simply want a clean, easy read, this might be the book for you.
This review is written based on the ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
By A Floret's Breath
June 9, 2019
This book is an easy read for some summer escapism for all chick-lit fans. It’s a read that left me a little on the fence. The romance story was enjoyable and the couple fitted well together. Our protagonist left me largely underwhelmed however. Her inability to do anything for herself was so frustrating that I just wanted to shake the stupid girl. Her bookshop wasn’t failing because of her poor choice in men but rather, her lack of doing anything about it! The prose was easy reading but there were words like ‘babealicious’ for instance that left me cringing. The setting however was lovely and I would love to read a follow up book on another character in Herring Cove
May 19, 2019
Set in Herring Cove, Sophie runs a bookshop living above where her parents used to. Her best friends Ginny and Natalie also live close by in this little seaside community.
Alexander turns up from a building company set to take over under orders from his dad. However he tries to help out Sophie after learning of her debts and later her parents deaths. As he gets to work building shelves for her the pair come to grow close talking about their lives and for Alex his love of building work his parents blatantly disapprove of.
However as Sophie refuses to leave and Alex helps her and gets to know the locals even though Natalie has agreed to sell and move for a better life he realises there's a way he could help preserve their community in its natural style and so he tries to persuade his father but after Sophie realises he knows about her money woes after she confided only about her ex boyfriend though.
As Alex heads back to London and Sophie too is left heartbroken the pair must find their way to come back together again and for the good of Herring Cove and its future without a resort destroying the natural beauty there the pair must fight his parents to achieve their mutual dream...
I was engrossed in this book and read it in one evening I was so gripped in the plot and not just because of the handsome Alex who sweeps Sophie off her feet eventually! The drama was always related to the plot developing and it did so at a steady pace instead of rushing to the point and then seeing the repercussions where as we could've seen a very different story play out indeed. It was warm, romantic and had some moments you wishes you loved there too! The ending was beautiful but you'll have to read it for yourself to find out why!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Alexander turns up from a building company set to take over under orders from his dad. However he tries to help out Sophie after learning of her debts and later her parents deaths. As he gets to work building shelves for her the pair come to grow close talking about their lives and for Alex his love of building work his parents blatantly disapprove of.
However as Sophie refuses to leave and Alex helps her and gets to know the locals even though Natalie has agreed to sell and move for a better life he realises there's a way he could help preserve their community in its natural style and so he tries to persuade his father but after Sophie realises he knows about her money woes after she confided only about her ex boyfriend though.
As Alex heads back to London and Sophie too is left heartbroken the pair must find their way to come back together again and for the good of Herring Cove and its future without a resort destroying the natural beauty there the pair must fight his parents to achieve their mutual dream...
I was engrossed in this book and read it in one evening I was so gripped in the plot and not just because of the handsome Alex who sweeps Sophie off her feet eventually! The drama was always related to the plot developing and it did so at a steady pace instead of rushing to the point and then seeing the repercussions where as we could've seen a very different story play out indeed. It was warm, romantic and had some moments you wishes you loved there too! The ending was beautiful but you'll have to read it for yourself to find out why!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
July 25, 2019
The little Bookshop at Herring Cove.is the perfect summer read. Its setting of a seaside village is idyllic.
Sophie Jones loves her little bookshop at Herring Cove. She’ll never give it up to big property developer, Alexander Fletcher – no matter how handsome he might be…
Yet beneath Alex’s sharp suit and persuasive manner, there’s something about him that makes Sophie want to trust him.
So when he offers to help make her little shop a success again, she wonders whether this could be the start of something wonderful for both Sophie and Alex – together?
This is a light easy read for a lazy summer day. I instantly fell in love with Herring Cove and its townspeople. The I found that the author brought the little village to life for me and I could picture it in my mind.
The characters are wonderful which makes reading even more pleasurable. I highly recommend this novel to all who who love Chic Lit novels.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Sophie Jones loves her little bookshop at Herring Cove. She’ll never give it up to big property developer, Alexander Fletcher – no matter how handsome he might be…
Yet beneath Alex’s sharp suit and persuasive manner, there’s something about him that makes Sophie want to trust him.
So when he offers to help make her little shop a success again, she wonders whether this could be the start of something wonderful for both Sophie and Alex – together?
This is a light easy read for a lazy summer day. I instantly fell in love with Herring Cove and its townspeople. The I found that the author brought the little village to life for me and I could picture it in my mind.
The characters are wonderful which makes reading even more pleasurable. I highly recommend this novel to all who who love Chic Lit novels.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy from the publisher and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 31, 2019
It took me a while to get into this book. I’m unsure why, possibly the main character irritated me however I read on and soon got sucked into the beauty of Herring Cove and by the end was overjoyed with the ending.
This is your classic chick lit so if that’s your genre, hunker down with chocolate, your tipple of choice and a few tissues and enjoy. Sophie and Alexander’s tale of overcoming past woes and the weight of family expectations is a pleasure to read.
This is your classic chick lit so if that’s your genre, hunker down with chocolate, your tipple of choice and a few tissues and enjoy. Sophie and Alexander’s tale of overcoming past woes and the weight of family expectations is a pleasure to read.
June 30, 2019
3.5 star review of The Little Bookshop At Herring Cove By Kellie Hailes
This was an okay story but I have to admit I really could not get into the story as much as I wanted to.
Sophie runs a bookshop in Herring Cove and it sounds like it would be an interesting place to visit.
There was some drama and Sophia had some endearing quirks to her character, whilst the romance was enjoyable I was not engaged in the story.
I think it was the lack of commitment from Sophie in trying to save her bookshop that was off putting. Truthfully I can’t put my finger on it but although this book wasn’t for me, it won’t stop me from looking at other books by this author.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
This was an okay story but I have to admit I really could not get into the story as much as I wanted to.
Sophie runs a bookshop in Herring Cove and it sounds like it would be an interesting place to visit.
There was some drama and Sophia had some endearing quirks to her character, whilst the romance was enjoyable I was not engaged in the story.
I think it was the lack of commitment from Sophie in trying to save her bookshop that was off putting. Truthfully I can’t put my finger on it but although this book wasn’t for me, it won’t stop me from looking at other books by this author.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
July 18, 2019
I love books that make me smile.
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove immediately piqued my interest when I saw the title on NetGalley. I mean, how do you resist books about bookshops? The book has it all, fluffiness, romance, the right amount of grief and a bit of drama.
It's not a long read and if you are looking for a light contemporary romance, you should definitely check it out! It shows a great and apt perspective on how rapid, profit-building development these days is destroying small villages and towns and depriving this world of their beautiful, raw and vibrant nature. The only thing that put me off was that the plot was a little too predictable but that's a personal opinion and others might just like the simplicity.
4/5 ★ from me!
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove immediately piqued my interest when I saw the title on NetGalley. I mean, how do you resist books about bookshops? The book has it all, fluffiness, romance, the right amount of grief and a bit of drama.
It's not a long read and if you are looking for a light contemporary romance, you should definitely check it out! It shows a great and apt perspective on how rapid, profit-building development these days is destroying small villages and towns and depriving this world of their beautiful, raw and vibrant nature. The only thing that put me off was that the plot was a little too predictable but that's a personal opinion and others might just like the simplicity.
4/5 ★ from me!
October 11, 2019
Yes, a big yes for this book! I really enjoy reading all books by Kellie Hailes, it's always so well written. This time we follow Sophie who owns the old family bookshop from her parents who died in a car accident but Sophie has financial problems and struggle to keep it open when a handsome man, Alexander comes and offer her a lot of money to buy it from her in order to transform the village she always lived in into a touristy resort. Sophie refuses the offer but is intrigued by this beautiful man. This book is page turner, i really enjoyed every bit of it! The settings, the characters, the story and the plot! 4 stars out of 5 for this book for me! Can't wait to read the 6th book in the Rabbit Leap series!!!!
April 12, 2020
First time reading this author but it won't be my last.
This was a lovely read, nice and easy going storyline, no real concentration needy.
I enjoyed the story, which is based around a bookshop and a little seaside village, what's not to like about that. It certainly made me want to go visit that's for sure.
I enjoyed getting to the know characters, very easy to fall in love with Alex but then I do have a weak spot for a man in a suit lol. I also developed a soft spot for Puddles the cat, sounded like a right cutie pie.
So if your looking for a delightful pleasant story with lovely characters, true friendships and community spirit, then look no further and give this book a go.
This was a lovely read, nice and easy going storyline, no real concentration needy.
I enjoyed the story, which is based around a bookshop and a little seaside village, what's not to like about that. It certainly made me want to go visit that's for sure.
I enjoyed getting to the know characters, very easy to fall in love with Alex but then I do have a weak spot for a man in a suit lol. I also developed a soft spot for Puddles the cat, sounded like a right cutie pie.
So if your looking for a delightful pleasant story with lovely characters, true friendships and community spirit, then look no further and give this book a go.
June 29, 2019
Classic small business owner vs property developer tale. The characters didn’t click much with me and I felt Sophie and Alexander’s relationship moved too fast in a confusing way. The setting was nice and I enjoyed the supporting characters.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own.
July 31, 2019
Arc received from netgalley
This was cute! I managed to read most of it in one day and I definitely enjoyed it. However, at times it was very slow and I felt as if nothing was happening. Sophie could be very stubborn and annoying in some ways which made me sort of dislike her. But I did love Alex! The ending was cheesy and just happened to fast in my opinion
This was cute! I managed to read most of it in one day and I definitely enjoyed it. However, at times it was very slow and I felt as if nothing was happening. Sophie could be very stubborn and annoying in some ways which made me sort of dislike her. But I did love Alex! The ending was cheesy and just happened to fast in my opinion
July 27, 2020
I feel like I have read such a book before and that there's nothing new in here. But my stomach did leap at the few cute romantic moments throughout the book despite it being a typical romance. A good one-time read without any standing conflicts to push the story along. The conflict that is there is flimsy, but it's okay. We all want the good people, the main couple to win in life and love.
May 20, 2019
This is a really lovely book that had many ties and nods in it to You’ve got mail. This is a lovely book, with fantastic characters, a beautiful love story and many, many books. What more could a book lover want from a book.
June 20, 2019
I fell in love with Sophie and her little quirks. For me, books are all about the characters and I’ve got to relate to the narrator. Kellie Hailes knocked it out of the park with this cutesy summer read.
August 18, 2019
Such a cute sweet romance in the perfect setting.
**I was sent an e-arc copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
**I was sent an e-arc copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
November 16, 2019
Review To Come
July 3, 2019
This book really had the potential to fit my very niche but favourite kind of fiction: women who own businesses, struggle, find themselves, find romance, be a success for themselves anyway.
Sophie owns a failing bookshop in run-down Cornish fishing village, Herring Cove. Her business is her heart, her memories, and all that links her to some her most traumatic experiences, and she is determined to hang onto it. Especially in the face of an impending resort development headed by the Fletcher Group. But when the Fletcher Group's son, Alexander, walks through her door and makes Sophie an offer she shouldn't refuse, can she both hold onto her business, and the new man in her life who wants to take it away?
The above is my summary and it actually makes the book sound better than it was. It had so much potential to be so many of my favourite things; conflict, budding romance, a bookshop and a woman struggling in the face of adversity.
Unfortunately this was a very washed-out attempt at all of those things. I couldn't feel anything for Sophie and Alexander, I wasn't in fear for their relationship at all, I didn't understand their romance and the way they spoke to each other made me uncomfortable (really cringey clichés).
In particular, the main plot point hinges around Alexander coming to the village to make Sophie an offer on her bookshop, only to then decide to build bookshelves for her - that is how Hailes forces the pair to spend time together. It just didn't work - it felt forced, it felt off and it meant that the chemistry between Sophie and Alexander was lacking from the very beginning.
And Sophie's friends - Ginny and Natalie - are bit parts at the best. They walk on, hug Sophie, remind us of her difficult past and walk back off into their own lives, despite those being potentially interesting.
Not to mention, you won't be getting your kicks out of this novel - the 'romance' is very vanilla. Lots of hand-holding and kissing. It did not rock my world.
It's not badly written, but I can't give it more than a dismal 2 stars.
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Sophie owns a failing bookshop in run-down Cornish fishing village, Herring Cove. Her business is her heart, her memories, and all that links her to some her most traumatic experiences, and she is determined to hang onto it. Especially in the face of an impending resort development headed by the Fletcher Group. But when the Fletcher Group's son, Alexander, walks through her door and makes Sophie an offer she shouldn't refuse, can she both hold onto her business, and the new man in her life who wants to take it away?
The above is my summary and it actually makes the book sound better than it was. It had so much potential to be so many of my favourite things; conflict, budding romance, a bookshop and a woman struggling in the face of adversity.
Unfortunately this was a very washed-out attempt at all of those things. I couldn't feel anything for Sophie and Alexander, I wasn't in fear for their relationship at all, I didn't understand their romance and the way they spoke to each other made me uncomfortable (really cringey clichés).
In particular, the main plot point hinges around Alexander coming to the village to make Sophie an offer on her bookshop, only to then decide to build bookshelves for her - that is how Hailes forces the pair to spend time together. It just didn't work - it felt forced, it felt off and it meant that the chemistry between Sophie and Alexander was lacking from the very beginning.
And Sophie's friends - Ginny and Natalie - are bit parts at the best. They walk on, hug Sophie, remind us of her difficult past and walk back off into their own lives, despite those being potentially interesting.
Not to mention, you won't be getting your kicks out of this novel - the 'romance' is very vanilla. Lots of hand-holding and kissing. It did not rock my world.
It's not badly written, but I can't give it more than a dismal 2 stars.
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 1, 2019
First off I'll admit to having a certain weakness for stories about bookstores and quaint English villages. That being said The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove is an enjoyable clean, easy read with wonderful characters and of course the perfect HEA. All around this is a solid 4 star book that's perfect fora summer beach read.
August 9, 2019
I make no secret of the fact that I love UK settings, particularly those set in small towns and villages with people who are engaging, intriguing and make me care about them. Kellie Hailes has done this with each book in this series that I’ve read, and this is no exception. Sophie has lived over the little bookshop her entire life, first with her parents, then an aunt, and now with her adopted cat Puddles. It’s always been a struggle, and she’s tied to the place emotionally because of her parents’ deaths when she was just five, as well as feeling comfortable in the place where her friends and the people rarely change. While she’s had a disastrous relationship and the bookshop is struggling, she is more determined than ever to reject the offers coming in from the Fletcher Corporation who is planning a big and exclusive resort in Herring Cove. Having already secured the farm and one of the two other buildings next to her shop, she’s been visited by Alexander Fletcher, heir apparent and ‘closer’ for her sale.
Alexander Fletcher has been groomed to take over the family business since birth – but he’s always felt as if he is the better ‘front man’ for the closing, as he’s not quite as manipulative and demanding as his father. But he’s also watched the difficulties and aftermath in the small towns where the company’s resorts are located: from increased rents that price out locals, to infrastructure and pr issues, and until Sophie flat out rejects his offer – not even looking at the numbers, and her look and mannerisms intrigue him, he hasn’t actually thought about the effect to Herring Cove or the aftermath.
Soon he’s seeing that Sophie, despite all of her struggles with the business and her stubborn refusal to consider change has ideas that make a new sort of investment in the area a better idea, and as he starts to come around to that idea, his feelings for her increase. While she’s still struggling with trust issues, he’s got to manage his own place in the firm and be heard by his overbearing father and mother, while seeing the pieces and people that make Herring Cove so special. While there were some issues with Sophie and her on-again-off-again feelings about Alex, and the slowness with which she opened up and communicated, her ideas and loyalty to the area and the people was striking, and together, without really being a “made for” match, the two worked well. If you like atmospheric, low-angst (mostly) stories that have you wanting to see things work for each of the characters – this is the perfect read for you.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Alexander Fletcher has been groomed to take over the family business since birth – but he’s always felt as if he is the better ‘front man’ for the closing, as he’s not quite as manipulative and demanding as his father. But he’s also watched the difficulties and aftermath in the small towns where the company’s resorts are located: from increased rents that price out locals, to infrastructure and pr issues, and until Sophie flat out rejects his offer – not even looking at the numbers, and her look and mannerisms intrigue him, he hasn’t actually thought about the effect to Herring Cove or the aftermath.
Soon he’s seeing that Sophie, despite all of her struggles with the business and her stubborn refusal to consider change has ideas that make a new sort of investment in the area a better idea, and as he starts to come around to that idea, his feelings for her increase. While she’s still struggling with trust issues, he’s got to manage his own place in the firm and be heard by his overbearing father and mother, while seeing the pieces and people that make Herring Cove so special. While there were some issues with Sophie and her on-again-off-again feelings about Alex, and the slowness with which she opened up and communicated, her ideas and loyalty to the area and the people was striking, and together, without really being a “made for” match, the two worked well. If you like atmospheric, low-angst (mostly) stories that have you wanting to see things work for each of the characters – this is the perfect read for you.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
May 14, 2024
Sometimes I wonder if Herring Cove is in some magical bubble that keeps most people out, but, every now and then that bubble will let someone in, and once here they find they don't want to leave.
Sophie Jones adores her cozy bookshop in Herring Cove and has no intention of handing it over to the property developer, Alexander Fletcher. Despite his charming appearance and convincing tactics, there's a part of Alex that intrigues Sophie and makes her consider trusting him. When he suggests assisting her in reviving her shop, she can't help but wonder if this could lead to a promising partnership between them.
A really nice story about two people who start off as enemies but end up becoming friends and then lovers. The characters are great, the emotions are heartfelt, and it's all about moving on from the past and looking towards a brighter future. The only thing that bothered me was that there wasn't much sense of community in the town. Some people were totally fine with the big corporation coming in and didn't really care about preserving their town's and own unique identity.
Some lines from this book -
A lone seagull soaring in the sky. What would it be like to be able to do just that? Soar on one's own. Do whatever one wanted, whenever one wanted to do it?
There's time enough to figure things out tomorrow. What's a few hours to yourself? The waves shushing back and forth on the sand whispered. Take a moment. Relax while you can.
Turns out you can double-check your work and still get things wrong. Yeah well, life doesn't always go the way we want. Can't prepare for everything. Can't expect everything to go to plan. And when it doesn't you just have to keep your chin up and figure out another way, right?
Small places have long memories.
Being here has reminded me of who I want to be. How I want to be. I've worked so hard to be someone else – that I'd lost myself. It's nice to be reminded of who I am, what I'm capable of. It's as if being around you, experiencing your strength, your determination, has given me some of my own back.
Though if there's one thing life has taught me, it's that it's full of surprises. And sometimes when something seems too good to be true, that's because it's as simple as that.
It's good. And it is true. There's no ulterior motive, just a desire to see others happy.
That's what I like to see. It means I'm surrounded by people who believe in hope. Because that's what a romance is at its core. A story about hope. And I do love hope. This is moreish. Almost as moreish as that moment in a romance when people figure out what it is that they really want and then put aside their fears to go get it.
Sophie Jones adores her cozy bookshop in Herring Cove and has no intention of handing it over to the property developer, Alexander Fletcher. Despite his charming appearance and convincing tactics, there's a part of Alex that intrigues Sophie and makes her consider trusting him. When he suggests assisting her in reviving her shop, she can't help but wonder if this could lead to a promising partnership between them.
A really nice story about two people who start off as enemies but end up becoming friends and then lovers. The characters are great, the emotions are heartfelt, and it's all about moving on from the past and looking towards a brighter future. The only thing that bothered me was that there wasn't much sense of community in the town. Some people were totally fine with the big corporation coming in and didn't really care about preserving their town's and own unique identity.
Some lines from this book -
A lone seagull soaring in the sky. What would it be like to be able to do just that? Soar on one's own. Do whatever one wanted, whenever one wanted to do it?
There's time enough to figure things out tomorrow. What's a few hours to yourself? The waves shushing back and forth on the sand whispered. Take a moment. Relax while you can.
Turns out you can double-check your work and still get things wrong. Yeah well, life doesn't always go the way we want. Can't prepare for everything. Can't expect everything to go to plan. And when it doesn't you just have to keep your chin up and figure out another way, right?
Small places have long memories.
Being here has reminded me of who I want to be. How I want to be. I've worked so hard to be someone else – that I'd lost myself. It's nice to be reminded of who I am, what I'm capable of. It's as if being around you, experiencing your strength, your determination, has given me some of my own back.
Though if there's one thing life has taught me, it's that it's full of surprises. And sometimes when something seems too good to be true, that's because it's as simple as that.
It's good. And it is true. There's no ulterior motive, just a desire to see others happy.
That's what I like to see. It means I'm surrounded by people who believe in hope. Because that's what a romance is at its core. A story about hope. And I do love hope. This is moreish. Almost as moreish as that moment in a romance when people figure out what it is that they really want and then put aside their fears to go get it.
November 10, 2019
★ ★ ★
The start of something wonderful…
Sophie Jones loves her little bookshop at Herring Cove. She’ll never give it up to big property developer, Alexander Fletcher – no matter how handsome he might be…
Yet beneath Alex’s sharp suit and persuasive manner, there’s something about him that makes Sophie want to trust him.
So when he offers to help make her little shop a success again, she wonders whether this could be the start of something wonderful for both Sophie and Alex – together?
So these are the reasons why I didn't make it to the end.
1. Don't judge a book by its cover
2. It lacks emotions
3. Forgettable
The writing style, you can easily put it down and forget that you'd been reading it. You can be easily distracted and in parts it lacks character development. Sophie appears to be in the middle of a pity party and is quite happy to bemoan her situation without taking any responsibility for the part she plays. Alexander doesn't come across as an Alpha man. We all love a good alpha man 🙌🏻 Alexander is brow beaten by his father to following in his footsteps and it appears Alexander follows meekly without putting up much of a fight.
4. Slow burner
Chapter Six ~ Having made it 26% into the book (I feel like I deserve an award 🥇) and still couldn't tell you much about Sophie or Alexander. And due to that it's difficult to invest more time when there's no connection between (me the reader) and the leading characters
5. The Promise
The promise of a adorable cozy read is overlook by the lengthiness it takes for anything to pan out. This adds to making this a book you can put down. As I've said I made it 6 chapters deep and wow was it challenging. I kept hoping it would improved but it did.
I'd still give the book 3 STARS as it has potential.
July 12, 2019
Read more reviews at www.thebookbloglife.com
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove is definitely following the ongoing trend of reading of romance. I am going to be reading another genre at some point this month but for now, I am well ingrained in the romance life. I think this book had all the winning points, the little quiet town, the “baddy” with the heart of gold and the stubborn woman who wanted to always stick to her guns. I loved the essence of this book and also the fact that although there was a lot of emotion within the story there wasn’t a whole load of angst to deal with. I don’t think there is anything I hate more than a sulky character who doesn’t appreciate everything they have. Luckily for me that wasn’t the case with Sophie!
For me the characters were the highlight of this book, I think they were all really well written and had really great stories for each of them. The relationships didn’t feel forced and I definitely felt as though they were all real people that I could meet down the street on a Saturday. The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove obviously centres on Sophie and Alex’s blossoming friendship but for a romance book, this didn’t steal the limelight, because the other characters were equally as interesting. I really loved this book for that, especially as I find it quite rare in romance novels.
I think the best bits of The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove would have to be the moment on the beach where Sophie and Alex start opening up to one another. This is the moment for me anyway where he becomes a normal human being rather than being “the hot one”. It gave the characters more depth and a better reason to be friends and potentially more. I really appreciated the insight it gave me into each of their stories. Another best bit for me was the friendship between the three girls, there were so many lovely bits, from Sophie babysitting the kids because she could see Natalie was struggling, Ginny being upfront with Sophie about everything that was going on, I loved them all. It was so nice to see a romance story where the women all held each other up rather than tearing each other down.
The worst bits are very few and between this book. The only complaint that I had was that maybe the problem was solved a little too quickly in this book. I actually wanted a little more drama to make it more realistic and the forgiveness in this book, man it was over and done with quick.
I would definitely recommend The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove I thought the story was well plotted and I adored each and every one of the characters and the individuality their stories past through the stories. Would definitely read again for that exact reason!
Read more reviews at www.thebookbloglife.com
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove is definitely following the ongoing trend of reading of romance. I am going to be reading another genre at some point this month but for now, I am well ingrained in the romance life. I think this book had all the winning points, the little quiet town, the “baddy” with the heart of gold and the stubborn woman who wanted to always stick to her guns. I loved the essence of this book and also the fact that although there was a lot of emotion within the story there wasn’t a whole load of angst to deal with. I don’t think there is anything I hate more than a sulky character who doesn’t appreciate everything they have. Luckily for me that wasn’t the case with Sophie!
For me the characters were the highlight of this book, I think they were all really well written and had really great stories for each of them. The relationships didn’t feel forced and I definitely felt as though they were all real people that I could meet down the street on a Saturday. The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove obviously centres on Sophie and Alex’s blossoming friendship but for a romance book, this didn’t steal the limelight, because the other characters were equally as interesting. I really loved this book for that, especially as I find it quite rare in romance novels.
I think the best bits of The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove would have to be the moment on the beach where Sophie and Alex start opening up to one another. This is the moment for me anyway where he becomes a normal human being rather than being “the hot one”. It gave the characters more depth and a better reason to be friends and potentially more. I really appreciated the insight it gave me into each of their stories. Another best bit for me was the friendship between the three girls, there were so many lovely bits, from Sophie babysitting the kids because she could see Natalie was struggling, Ginny being upfront with Sophie about everything that was going on, I loved them all. It was so nice to see a romance story where the women all held each other up rather than tearing each other down.
The worst bits are very few and between this book. The only complaint that I had was that maybe the problem was solved a little too quickly in this book. I actually wanted a little more drama to make it more realistic and the forgiveness in this book, man it was over and done with quick.
I would definitely recommend The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove I thought the story was well plotted and I adored each and every one of the characters and the individuality their stories past through the stories. Would definitely read again for that exact reason!
Read more reviews at www.thebookbloglife.com
July 18, 2019
I received advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The book takes place in Herring Cove, where the main character, Sophie, runs a bookstore. Her parents opened the original bookstore, and it is Sophie’s only piece of them that she has left. Due to a tragedy, Sophie lost both of her parents at a young age. She was then taken in by family members and developed friendships as close as family. Her two best friends, Ginny and Natalie live close by and have created lives for themselves, but still make time for Sophie.
Alexander, the son of a very wealthy family has come to Herring Cove to build a resort. In order to do so, he has to have the community of people who own buildings near the shore, sell their stores in order to build upon them. Many of the people in the community have agreed, due to the amount of compensation being beyond their expectations, but Sophie absolutely refuses. Alexander has no idea who he is up against.
After Alexander has encountered Sophie, something triggers in him that he needs to get to know her more and ends up agreeing to help “freshen” up her bookstore by returning to his love of carpentry. He is torn between honesty with his father, who is breathing down his neck to get this deal done, and his feelings for Sophie.
Sophie and Alexander form an odd friendship/relationship where they both feel a push and pull. When they finally succumb to their feelings, things get even more complicated. Sophie has a difficult time trusting Alexander and Alexander is the most confused he has ever been.
Alexander returns to London, leaving Sophie behind. She can barely pretend to be ok. Her best friends know she is heartbroken. How will they leave it? Will Alexander come back? And if he does, what will it cost him?
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ Digital and especially Kellie Hailes for the opportunity to read this book.
The book takes place in Herring Cove, where the main character, Sophie, runs a bookstore. Her parents opened the original bookstore, and it is Sophie’s only piece of them that she has left. Due to a tragedy, Sophie lost both of her parents at a young age. She was then taken in by family members and developed friendships as close as family. Her two best friends, Ginny and Natalie live close by and have created lives for themselves, but still make time for Sophie.
Alexander, the son of a very wealthy family has come to Herring Cove to build a resort. In order to do so, he has to have the community of people who own buildings near the shore, sell their stores in order to build upon them. Many of the people in the community have agreed, due to the amount of compensation being beyond their expectations, but Sophie absolutely refuses. Alexander has no idea who he is up against.
After Alexander has encountered Sophie, something triggers in him that he needs to get to know her more and ends up agreeing to help “freshen” up her bookstore by returning to his love of carpentry. He is torn between honesty with his father, who is breathing down his neck to get this deal done, and his feelings for Sophie.
Sophie and Alexander form an odd friendship/relationship where they both feel a push and pull. When they finally succumb to their feelings, things get even more complicated. Sophie has a difficult time trusting Alexander and Alexander is the most confused he has ever been.
Alexander returns to London, leaving Sophie behind. She can barely pretend to be ok. Her best friends know she is heartbroken. How will they leave it? Will Alexander come back? And if he does, what will it cost him?
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ Digital and especially Kellie Hailes for the opportunity to read this book.
August 16, 2019
I really thought that this was going to be the perfect holiday as the blurb on the front cover claimed it to be but honestly for me, this wouldn't be considered as that. This book is simply a book that can be read everyday on normal days. Because the content of this story was somewhat deep and the truth of what reality usually is about. So, I find that a holiday read would be all about freedom, being carefree and abandoning all sorts of responsibilities. This book on the other hand is the opposite of that.
This is Sophie's story and her little bookshop, All Booked Up that is located on a fishing village in Herring Cove. Its a small town where everyone knows everyone and would make the effort to care about everyone else. Its totally different than how city people live who honestly cannot even be bothered to get to know your very own next door neighbour. Well, I'm saying this because I'm talking based on my own experience but I think that this kind of setting should be changed.
Its also a town that the people are most comfortable with so I understand how they would feel when a big corporation comes over and tries to take over the place as though they own it. I'm glad that they manage to yield and stay true to their own stances to fight for their home and what is right.
For the romance aspect, I find it just okay. It wasn't mind blowing or anything like that. But what makes it special is that they are just two people from absolutely different backgrounds who are trying again with a chance at love.
This story is heartwarming and a relaxing read. Sometimes all it takes for something to go your way is to be patient, calm and collected because it might just go the way you want it to go.
This is Sophie's story and her little bookshop, All Booked Up that is located on a fishing village in Herring Cove. Its a small town where everyone knows everyone and would make the effort to care about everyone else. Its totally different than how city people live who honestly cannot even be bothered to get to know your very own next door neighbour. Well, I'm saying this because I'm talking based on my own experience but I think that this kind of setting should be changed.
Its also a town that the people are most comfortable with so I understand how they would feel when a big corporation comes over and tries to take over the place as though they own it. I'm glad that they manage to yield and stay true to their own stances to fight for their home and what is right.
For the romance aspect, I find it just okay. It wasn't mind blowing or anything like that. But what makes it special is that they are just two people from absolutely different backgrounds who are trying again with a chance at love.
This story is heartwarming and a relaxing read. Sometimes all it takes for something to go your way is to be patient, calm and collected because it might just go the way you want it to go.
September 12, 2019
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove
By: Kellie Hailes
HQ Digital
Romance, Women's Fiction
Publish Date 10 July 2019
400 Pages
#TheLittleBookshopAtHerringCove#NetGalley
This is an e-book I received from NetGalley to give my honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book and gave it 4.5 stars. Why not 5 stars well I have a hard time with love at first sight or love with in a week of meeting stories. They are a little too unrealistic for me. Otherwise this was a great read and quick.
This story is about a young lady who has inherited a bookstore from her deceased parents and she is struggling.
There is a corporation who helps with dying little towns by buying up surrounding homes and business and installing a resort to generate business for the area.
This corporation has bought up surrounding businesses in Herring Cove and are trying to buy this young lady out but she refuses to sale. It isn't only a business for her but also her home and memories.
The story goes on to describe how she makes the little come together and get the young man who came to visit her about the sale of her store to think about what actually happens to the little towns that they have put resorts in. It is a cute story and gives you cause to think about the little dying towns we have around us.
I would recommend that you read this book.
By: Kellie Hailes
HQ Digital
Romance, Women's Fiction
Publish Date 10 July 2019
400 Pages
#TheLittleBookshopAtHerringCove#NetGalley
This is an e-book I received from NetGalley to give my honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book and gave it 4.5 stars. Why not 5 stars well I have a hard time with love at first sight or love with in a week of meeting stories. They are a little too unrealistic for me. Otherwise this was a great read and quick.
This story is about a young lady who has inherited a bookstore from her deceased parents and she is struggling.
There is a corporation who helps with dying little towns by buying up surrounding homes and business and installing a resort to generate business for the area.
This corporation has bought up surrounding businesses in Herring Cove and are trying to buy this young lady out but she refuses to sale. It isn't only a business for her but also her home and memories.
The story goes on to describe how she makes the little come together and get the young man who came to visit her about the sale of her store to think about what actually happens to the little towns that they have put resorts in. It is a cute story and gives you cause to think about the little dying towns we have around us.
I would recommend that you read this book.
September 29, 2019
I’m a big fan of Kellie Hailes, so when I saw this on offer at NetGalley I jumped at the chance to read another one of her wonderful romances and I wasn’t disappointed.
Set in the beautiful little village of Herring Cove, Sophie is struggling to keep her bookshop going, the bookshop owned by her now deceased parents which is the reason she is not biting off the hand of handsome property developer Alex. But Alex isn’t exactly trying to force her into it either because there’s something about Sophie that gets to him and also allows him to be who he really wants to be and not just who his parents have brought him up to be.
The romance isn’t exactly slow, it’s almost an instant thing with these two but it’s how they work together to get their happy ever after. Yes, there are a few hiccups and misunderstandings along the way, it wouldn’t be chick-lit otherwise but it’s a nice steady pace and an entertaining story.
The only downside for me was the fact there was no real town spirit. Some of the village were more than happy to allow the big corporation to take over their town and didn’t seem to be willing to fight for their own identity which I much prefer, which is why I guess it was easier for Sophie to give Alex a chance. The romance may have taken longer to develop if everyone was against Alex at the start and he had to try harder to win them over. However, this wasn’t that much of a big deal to stop me enjoying the rest of the story.
A page turning delightful romance
Copy received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the beautiful little village of Herring Cove, Sophie is struggling to keep her bookshop going, the bookshop owned by her now deceased parents which is the reason she is not biting off the hand of handsome property developer Alex. But Alex isn’t exactly trying to force her into it either because there’s something about Sophie that gets to him and also allows him to be who he really wants to be and not just who his parents have brought him up to be.
The romance isn’t exactly slow, it’s almost an instant thing with these two but it’s how they work together to get their happy ever after. Yes, there are a few hiccups and misunderstandings along the way, it wouldn’t be chick-lit otherwise but it’s a nice steady pace and an entertaining story.
The only downside for me was the fact there was no real town spirit. Some of the village were more than happy to allow the big corporation to take over their town and didn’t seem to be willing to fight for their own identity which I much prefer, which is why I guess it was easier for Sophie to give Alex a chance. The romance may have taken longer to develop if everyone was against Alex at the start and he had to try harder to win them over. However, this wasn’t that much of a big deal to stop me enjoying the rest of the story.
A page turning delightful romance
Copy received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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