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Cadenbury Town #1
The Crazy Bookshop
Who knew when I threw a latte in my boss's face, my life would change forever?
After being fired from his job for Gross Misconduct, Ernest Turnball decided to try something different and applied for a job at The Crazy Bookshop.
Starting his new life as a bookshop assistant, Ernest meets some interesting characters, like Mollyanne, who looks like the wicked stepmother from Snow White, when she turns into the crone, but without the big nose. What she does have is a crow, owl, fox, and German shepherd. One of whom is always with her. Or his new boss Alfred, who reminds him of an excitable puppy.
A prediction from one of the town witches puts the town on it’s guard, but strange things are still occurring. It seems someone is spell casting and causing havoc to the town and its people.
Having found out he is a witch, Ernest is determined to find out who is behind spells, and if the town mayor and Alpha wolf shifter, Adhan Stone, wants to help him, who is he to say no?
With the town looking on, scorecards at the ready, can Ernest and Adhan save the town, and reach a perfect ten score?
After being fired from his job for Gross Misconduct, Ernest Turnball decided to try something different and applied for a job at The Crazy Bookshop.
Starting his new life as a bookshop assistant, Ernest meets some interesting characters, like Mollyanne, who looks like the wicked stepmother from Snow White, when she turns into the crone, but without the big nose. What she does have is a crow, owl, fox, and German shepherd. One of whom is always with her. Or his new boss Alfred, who reminds him of an excitable puppy.
A prediction from one of the town witches puts the town on it’s guard, but strange things are still occurring. It seems someone is spell casting and causing havoc to the town and its people.
Having found out he is a witch, Ernest is determined to find out who is behind spells, and if the town mayor and Alpha wolf shifter, Adhan Stone, wants to help him, who is he to say no?
With the town looking on, scorecards at the ready, can Ernest and Adhan save the town, and reach a perfect ten score?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2022
287 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 19, 2022
DNF 52%
I struggled to the halfway point, but I could go no farther. Being an editor myself, the typos, comma splice, and poor sentence construction (commas instead of periods, no commas where there should be commas, etc) in a PUBLISHED, FOR PROFIT work were excruciating for me. I understand that many indie authors can't afford copy editing, but my goodness, at least get a proofreader!
Besides that very large problem, which I probably could have overlooked if the story was compelling, I was just bored. The beginning was promising, but then the plot dragged on and on and I found myself caring less and less. This is an instalove fated mates deal, but I felt absolutely no chemistry from the the two MCs. The little on-page intimacy we see between the characters is chaste and largely dispassionate. Calling this a romance novel is more than a bit of a stretch, to be honest. I think it's a cozy mystery at best.
I don't generally rate DNFs, but this one gets one star so Amazon never recommends me a book by this author again.
I struggled to the halfway point, but I could go no farther. Being an editor myself, the typos, comma splice, and poor sentence construction (commas instead of periods, no commas where there should be commas, etc) in a PUBLISHED, FOR PROFIT work were excruciating for me. I understand that many indie authors can't afford copy editing, but my goodness, at least get a proofreader!
Besides that very large problem, which I probably could have overlooked if the story was compelling, I was just bored. The beginning was promising, but then the plot dragged on and on and I found myself caring less and less. This is an instalove fated mates deal, but I felt absolutely no chemistry from the the two MCs. The little on-page intimacy we see between the characters is chaste and largely dispassionate. Calling this a romance novel is more than a bit of a stretch, to be honest. I think it's a cozy mystery at best.
I don't generally rate DNFs, but this one gets one star so Amazon never recommends me a book by this author again.
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September 4, 2022DNF @ 18%. The premise was good and it could've turned out like AJ Sherwood's Ross Young book (which I enjoyed) but it just wasn't to be.
The characters felt wooden, the dialogues were stilted and I didn't find Ernest's obliviousness endearing. The writing was repetitive as well. Lots of telling, minimal showing.
The characters felt wooden, the dialogues were stilted and I didn't find Ernest's obliviousness endearing. The writing was repetitive as well. Lots of telling, minimal showing.
March 26, 2022
hmm... normally I wouldn't pick this kind of paranormal shifter romance genre (if i label it correctly, lol) as it's too fabricated, prefers more real life romance but i'm in a reading funk so wanted to try reading something different.
i don't think this book is terrible but the insta-love is not something i like in books, so gotta deduct some stars.
another thing is the reaction of the human hero after finding out the people in the town are witches and shifters. too calm somehow, like he is not surprise nor shock whatsoever. even after finding out he is a witch, nada... still not much reaction from him. additionally, his parents reaction were pretty calm as well after learning about everything. felt a wee bit robotic to me.
overall, it's still an interesting read, just not something i will choose to read often.
i don't think this book is terrible but the insta-love is not something i like in books, so gotta deduct some stars.
another thing is the reaction of the human hero after finding out the people in the town are witches and shifters. too calm somehow, like he is not surprise nor shock whatsoever. even after finding out he is a witch, nada... still not much reaction from him. additionally, his parents reaction were pretty calm as well after learning about everything. felt a wee bit robotic to me.
overall, it's still an interesting read, just not something i will choose to read often.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2022
Ernest Turnball’s job search landed him at a quirky bookstore in an even quirkier small town. The town is filled with a peculiar cast of characters that bring mystery and magic to Ernest’s life. Ernest partners with Adhan Stone, an alpha wolf shifter, to find the source of ongoing troubles in town.
I liked the plot of this novel, I looked forward to reading it, and I wanted to love it. I liked the characters enough to be invested in what happened to them. The world building was just descriptive enough to spark my imagination. But I struggled to get fully engaged with this book.
This storyline has SO much potential, but parts of it fell flat for me. The grammar and formatting issues took me out of the story on occasion. There are some disorienting jumps in time and place that had me re-reading paragraphs. Despite my issues with this first book, I find myself adding the next book in this series to my reading list—I like the characters and plot.
Rating Average = 2.6
1) Plot development propels reader forward: 3
2) Character development: 3
3) World building: 3
4) Fulfilling sense of drama-suspense-adventure: 3
5) Chemistry between main characters: 2
6) Romantic elements: 2
7) Consistency throughout: 3
8) Formatting and layout: 2
9) Editing/Grammar: 1
10) Wrap up loose ends: 4 (HFN)
I liked the plot of this novel, I looked forward to reading it, and I wanted to love it. I liked the characters enough to be invested in what happened to them. The world building was just descriptive enough to spark my imagination. But I struggled to get fully engaged with this book.
This storyline has SO much potential, but parts of it fell flat for me. The grammar and formatting issues took me out of the story on occasion. There are some disorienting jumps in time and place that had me re-reading paragraphs. Despite my issues with this first book, I find myself adding the next book in this series to my reading list—I like the characters and plot.
Rating Average = 2.6
1) Plot development propels reader forward: 3
2) Character development: 3
3) World building: 3
4) Fulfilling sense of drama-suspense-adventure: 3
5) Chemistry between main characters: 2
6) Romantic elements: 2
7) Consistency throughout: 3
8) Formatting and layout: 2
9) Editing/Grammar: 1
10) Wrap up loose ends: 4 (HFN)
January 11, 2023
Cute story with a fun, and funny, cast of characters. Some editing issues in Kindle Unlimited.
July 30, 2022
ugh dnf @5%
this book starts off with a story about how the pov character threw his latte at his boss, which got him fired but really the boss shouldn’t be mad cuz lattes have a lot of milk in them so it’s not like they’re hot, not like black coffee.
which… tell me you don’t know what a latte is without telling me 🙄😒
and whatevs nbd—except it repeats this “joke” about how it’s fine he did this since it wasn’t even that hot FOUR TIMES in the first THREE (short) chapters. and I’m done. I can’t.
this book starts off with a story about how the pov character threw his latte at his boss, which got him fired but really the boss shouldn’t be mad cuz lattes have a lot of milk in them so it’s not like they’re hot, not like black coffee.
which… tell me you don’t know what a latte is without telling me 🙄😒
and whatevs nbd—except it repeats this “joke” about how it’s fine he did this since it wasn’t even that hot FOUR TIMES in the first THREE (short) chapters. and I’m done. I can’t.
April 18, 2023
The Crazy Bookshop is the first in a new series and starts with the story of Ernest and Adhan. The book is a really funny paranormal story and contains witches, wolf shifters, animals, and fun and unique characters. I liked the character of Molly and her animals. The book contains all the laughs and sass you could want as well as a good story. There isn't a lot of steam, but it is a good love story. Overall this was a very enjoyable read.
January 19, 2024
I loved the story and characters, as well as the crazy town. There are definitely a number of grammar issues and typos, and I'm not sure that the repetition style always worked. If you can get past that all that, it's a really fun book with a sassy/dramatic main character and pretty good banter. I will say that I was disappointed that the spicy times were alluded to but never described, but the rest of the plot made up for it. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Ernest and Adhan (and there were definitely a few cringy moments), but I just chalked that up to the insta-love aspect and that the author skipped over details from the sexy times. But overall, I thought the concept and plot were great, and I am looking forward to finishing the series.
August 23, 2022
This one bummed me out. The premise was so good and then it was so one dimensional, immediate solutions to any problem, one million unnecessary plot twists to distract from character growth or works building. Dang. Gonna have to walk away from this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
I have mixed feelings rating this book. It felt like a middle-grade book with adult characters. Almost like the author knew someone young would be reading it and shied away from anything graphic. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind glossing over sex scenes. I usually skim them anyway. But the way it was done seemed so awkward. Like their first time it ended the chapter with them kissing in the bedroom. The next chapter they were just mated. No specifics just telling his mother of all people they'd made love and mated.
The magic confused me. How could he have not used intuitive magic at some point in his 30 years before this? And he and Al and Cade all acted very young so why not just make them early 20s?
Regardless of my mixed feelings, I did like the book. It had some really funny parts. I especially liked the score cards. The end was really sweet. Not sure if I'll read the next book or not.
The magic confused me. How could he have not used intuitive magic at some point in his 30 years before this? And he and Al and Cade all acted very young so why not just make them early 20s?
Regardless of my mixed feelings, I did like the book. It had some really funny parts. I especially liked the score cards. The end was really sweet. Not sure if I'll read the next book or not.
October 9, 2022
Alright story
Ok, hear me out. This will contain some spoilers FYI. I started out really enjoying the book, a guy named Ernest loses his a job because he threw a drink at his boss (who hasn’t dreamed of doing that), and he takes a job at a quirky bookshop in a quirky town filled with quirky people, ok I’m in!! The story started to fall apart for me when he meets Adhan his love interest. It was love at first sight explained away as being “mated.” I don’t like instalove because it’s usually not realistic and this is a good example of that. I felt no real chemistry between the two and it all happened so fast, it was like puppy love at times. Then we bring in the magical element, Ernest learns he is a “true witch,” accepts it without an ounce of concern or fear which is odd, and within a week he is doing advanced-level magic on par with witches who’ve been alive for seemingly hundreds of years, without any real training, he just kind of figures it out.
There’s no struggle for him, everything is literally super easy barely an inconvenience (lol if you get the reference). I hate stories like that, show us the character struggling or a spell backfiring extremely and they have to figure out what to do next, that helps with character development which is nonexistent in this novel. The characters are ok, but they act so childish at times that I felt I was reading a middle school book. Most of Adhan's brothers could’ve been cut out completely, they are not interesting and you can barely tell them apart. Overall, it’s a cute story and I would recommend that if you read this, understand that there is no tension and just be prepared to suspend your disbelief at several points.
Ok, hear me out. This will contain some spoilers FYI. I started out really enjoying the book, a guy named Ernest loses his a job because he threw a drink at his boss (who hasn’t dreamed of doing that), and he takes a job at a quirky bookshop in a quirky town filled with quirky people, ok I’m in!! The story started to fall apart for me when he meets Adhan his love interest. It was love at first sight explained away as being “mated.” I don’t like instalove because it’s usually not realistic and this is a good example of that. I felt no real chemistry between the two and it all happened so fast, it was like puppy love at times. Then we bring in the magical element, Ernest learns he is a “true witch,” accepts it without an ounce of concern or fear which is odd, and within a week he is doing advanced-level magic on par with witches who’ve been alive for seemingly hundreds of years, without any real training, he just kind of figures it out.
There’s no struggle for him, everything is literally super easy barely an inconvenience (lol if you get the reference). I hate stories like that, show us the character struggling or a spell backfiring extremely and they have to figure out what to do next, that helps with character development which is nonexistent in this novel. The characters are ok, but they act so childish at times that I felt I was reading a middle school book. Most of Adhan's brothers could’ve been cut out completely, they are not interesting and you can barely tell them apart. Overall, it’s a cute story and I would recommend that if you read this, understand that there is no tension and just be prepared to suspend your disbelief at several points.
November 7, 2022
This was not my cup of tea, though I struggled to enjoy its lightheartedness and general fluffy niceness. I couldn't finish it. Ok, I get they're (the whole town) happy, go-lucky paranormals and they are faced with Odd, Bad Things (tm) happening. But no matter how happy and go lucky and facing personally unprecedented things you may be: a) does NO ONE use different words? About anything? b)Thinking maybe, just maybe, in the world as it is, that something this type of bad might possibly have happened before?! Our MC is not terribly clever to have suggested looking for it, ok? (Though surrounding characters admired his halo of braininess and told him it was good.) I have to say, that's the baseline I'd have expected. I got about a third in and thought I must be near the end. When I got about halfway in, I gave up. This kind of cozy romance may be some people's flavor of happy, but when your main character is receiving 30 plus "prank calls" in a night and is still thinking it's just some harmless prank instead of calling the paranormal police (especially after he ends up cursed) I give up for my own mental health.
September 28, 2022
I might be that this story is just not right for me, but I felt that the pacing was absurd. The characters acted more like what a child would expect adults to act like. And the writing became strange when a character had a thought and then just copy and pasted it into dialogue. The characters arcs never happened. Level one dimensional shells of what people could be. This is a shame because the idea was interesting and the plot twist, while nice had no build up. There was never any rollercoaster feeling of a good story. Which is sad.
January 5, 2023
When you combine closed-door romance with he fated mates trope, you end up with a couple of very engaging characters who you really don't get to know very well. A nice light read, but couldn't actually care about any of the main characters. Charming but flimsy.
November 10, 2022
Present tense, horrible editing (if there was any), bad beginning. I can’t even…
1 star for the first 8%.
1 star for the first 8%.
September 20, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.
The story was entertaining, and some of the characters are lovable. But ...
Timeline
I had a big issue with the timeline; everything happened within a week or two. Too Much at Once! I also had an issue with EVERYTHING happening within that time. Numerous things are happening at once. I think this book needed better editing, too many unnecessary plot twists. A slower pace, focusing on and developing the main plot, would have made it better. There are also a lot of extras that have nothing to do with the main plot, but the author goes on and on about them. For example, do we need to know what is for breakfast every day? He always eats the same thing. Do we need so much food discussion on a story about witches? I think they spend more time talking about food than in actual magic. BTW they basically learn magic overnight. This storyline had SO much potential, but parts of it fell flat for me. The time of everything starting to happen is ridiculous too, because the excuse is that it is due to family connections, but the Molly character has been there for ages, and nothing has happened previously.
Relationship
I don't enjoy inta-love. I like mated pairs, but the ones who take the time to develop their relationship. I felt more connection between Ernest, Cam, and Albert than between the MCs. I don't have an issue with no sex on page, but I just couldn't click with their relationship; it felt one-dimensional, immature, and boring. I liked the MCs, just not them together.
Meddling People
Then, this might be a me thing, but I hate meddling families/people....so I had a hard time caring for the relationship between parent and kids and all the sex talk with people outside the relationship. I mean, these are adults, not teens in high school.
Characters
Ernest is 30+ years old, and everyone treats him like a little kid. His parents and everyone else act like he is the only important person in the world! I mean, the story could have been the same without having 300 characters. You have this witch who is supposed to be incredibly powerful, but they can't find a bunch of other witches? I disliked Ernest's reaction to the fire; there was no empathy, and the "sass" that I originally enjoyed so much felt coldhearted. Especially when they were incredibly supportive throughout the whole book.
Cottage
They're probably 50% of the book talking about how much he loved the cottage and all the packing and moving, and so many plans for its furnishing and colors. Then he leaves it after a week of living there? What!?!?!?!
Squirting
It was fun the first time, but ridiculous later on. Like he could fix everything easily with Windex! The core cards also got old.
Sexism
This book is supposed to be supportive of same sex relationships, but there are SO many sexist comments. Like the MC not punching a woman because she is a "female". You're basically saying that is ti ok to punch a guy because of his "male" label?
Like I said, too many ideas are crammed up instead of running with the main plot and properly developing it. Not awful, but not as great as it could have been.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
The story was entertaining, and some of the characters are lovable. But ...
Timeline
I had a big issue with the timeline; everything happened within a week or two. Too Much at Once! I also had an issue with EVERYTHING happening within that time. Numerous things are happening at once. I think this book needed better editing, too many unnecessary plot twists. A slower pace, focusing on and developing the main plot, would have made it better. There are also a lot of extras that have nothing to do with the main plot, but the author goes on and on about them. For example, do we need to know what is for breakfast every day? He always eats the same thing. Do we need so much food discussion on a story about witches? I think they spend more time talking about food than in actual magic. BTW they basically learn magic overnight. This storyline had SO much potential, but parts of it fell flat for me. The time of everything starting to happen is ridiculous too, because the excuse is that it is due to family connections, but the Molly character has been there for ages, and nothing has happened previously.
Relationship
I don't enjoy inta-love. I like mated pairs, but the ones who take the time to develop their relationship. I felt more connection between Ernest, Cam, and Albert than between the MCs. I don't have an issue with no sex on page, but I just couldn't click with their relationship; it felt one-dimensional, immature, and boring. I liked the MCs, just not them together.
Meddling People
Then, this might be a me thing, but I hate meddling families/people....so I had a hard time caring for the relationship between parent and kids and all the sex talk with people outside the relationship. I mean, these are adults, not teens in high school.
Characters
Ernest is 30+ years old, and everyone treats him like a little kid. His parents and everyone else act like he is the only important person in the world! I mean, the story could have been the same without having 300 characters. You have this witch who is supposed to be incredibly powerful, but they can't find a bunch of other witches? I disliked Ernest's reaction to the fire; there was no empathy, and the "sass" that I originally enjoyed so much felt coldhearted. Especially when they were incredibly supportive throughout the whole book.
Cottage
They're probably 50% of the book talking about how much he loved the cottage and all the packing and moving, and so many plans for its furnishing and colors. Then he leaves it after a week of living there? What!?!?!?!
Squirting
It was fun the first time, but ridiculous later on. Like he could fix everything easily with Windex! The core cards also got old.
Sexism
This book is supposed to be supportive of same sex relationships, but there are SO many sexist comments. Like the MC not punching a woman because she is a "female". You're basically saying that is ti ok to punch a guy because of his "male" label?
Like I said, too many ideas are crammed up instead of running with the main plot and properly developing it. Not awful, but not as great as it could have been.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
July 17, 2022
2.5
Another small town tale where an unsuspecting human discovers a (not so) secret paranormal community and finds out that he himself isn't only human. This time it's somewhere in the UK and mostly about witches and wolf-shifters.
After loosing his job due to a spontaneous diva outburst Ernest answers an odd job application for a bookshop assistant. Although everything at this bookshop with associated tearoom is highly peculiar from his excited-puppy boss to the silver-fox mayor and quirky customers like Molly who has a semblance to Snow White's stepmother, Ernest makes friends immediately and it doesn't take long stumble on the town's secret, become an integral part of the community and find his mate. Of course there is also a threat to the town and all its people which he and his new friends have to fend off – but it's not necessarily something to write home about, at least not in hindsight and that's part of my issue with this book.
At the beginning I liked the quirkiness, the charming weirdness of the characters and the situation. I could appreciate Ernest's sass and his nonchalance but then somewhere on the way it became too much. Nothing could touch his calm, bother his cool. Finding out werewolves exist? Sure, no biggie. The father of my boss is my mate and the pack alpha? Oh, just makes so much sense. Being hit with a Sleeping-Beauty curse and in a coma for 3 days? Guys, why didn't you try true-loves kiss right away. That instant acceptance of even the weirdest situation didn't only apply to Ernest but also to his parents. Somehow there were no highs or lows, no conflicts or real dangers which couldn't be stopped by squirting water. At the time after the fire when Ernest reacts only with sass instead of empathy I really considered to round the rating down to 2 stars.
My other issue: of course there is some kind of insta-love but strangely no insta-lust. Ernest and his alpha are kissing a lot but sex seems only a nice idea while a lot of other stuff is more important. It's like Greta states: the friendships Ernest develops are more realistic than his love interest. I don't mind much that the sex is off-page but no passion at all? Having the actual mating mentioned by the way and also moved off-page? That doesn't work.
Another small town tale where an unsuspecting human discovers a (not so) secret paranormal community and finds out that he himself isn't only human. This time it's somewhere in the UK and mostly about witches and wolf-shifters.
After loosing his job due to a spontaneous diva outburst Ernest answers an odd job application for a bookshop assistant. Although everything at this bookshop with associated tearoom is highly peculiar from his excited-puppy boss to the silver-fox mayor and quirky customers like Molly who has a semblance to Snow White's stepmother, Ernest makes friends immediately and it doesn't take long stumble on the town's secret, become an integral part of the community and find his mate. Of course there is also a threat to the town and all its people which he and his new friends have to fend off – but it's not necessarily something to write home about, at least not in hindsight and that's part of my issue with this book.
At the beginning I liked the quirkiness, the charming weirdness of the characters and the situation. I could appreciate Ernest's sass and his nonchalance but then somewhere on the way it became too much. Nothing could touch his calm, bother his cool. Finding out werewolves exist? Sure, no biggie. The father of my boss is my mate and the pack alpha? Oh, just makes so much sense. Being hit with a Sleeping-Beauty curse and in a coma for 3 days? Guys, why didn't you try true-loves kiss right away. That instant acceptance of even the weirdest situation didn't only apply to Ernest but also to his parents. Somehow there were no highs or lows, no conflicts or real dangers which couldn't be stopped by squirting water. At the time after the fire when Ernest reacts only with sass instead of empathy I really considered to round the rating down to 2 stars.
My other issue: of course there is some kind of insta-love but strangely no insta-lust. Ernest and his alpha are kissing a lot but sex seems only a nice idea while a lot of other stuff is more important. It's like Greta states: the friendships Ernest develops are more realistic than his love interest. I don't mind much that the sex is off-page but no passion at all? Having the actual mating mentioned by the way and also moved off-page? That doesn't work.
September 20, 2023
Average read. There’s no heat between the couple and sex scenes are non-descriptive. It ticked me annoyed reading men in their 30-40s saying “he touched my bottom”.
Ernest simply takes everything in stride. Nothing fazes him and there’s no conflict. The only one happened other a stupid minor miscommunication and suddenly the whole town is giving their opinion and clapping when they made up.
Move to a different town out of blue? Sure.
Start a new job and immediately hit on your boss dad? Of course.
Find out they are shifters and witches? Easy peasy.
Getting threatening calls at 3am? No problem.
Finding out you are a witch after a lifetime of nothing happening? Sign me up!
Your parents’s house is set on fire and destroyed? Ok, let’s just call insurance, will you?
Have every single person interrupting your private time with your insta-love mate? Everyone is welcome!
Alfred is in the same age group as Ernest but reads as much younger. Adham is just there. We eventually find he is a carpenter and was grumpy before Ernest moved into town, but other than that, we barely know anything. They don’t really read as father/son like Ernest and his Pa.
We don’t get a resolution on what happened to Sion. For all guilt Ernest was feeling, Sion isn’t mentioned again other than a phone call to the hospital for updates. The villain did his villain-y thing with his lengthy speech before trying to kill the hero.
The amount of grammar mistakes and misspellings is annoying. I know many books in the KU program are self-published but nowadays any text editing program has a word and grammar correction feature so mistakes like “lounge/longue” in the same sentence shouldn’t happen. There was a scene where the same 10-line paragraph was repeated 4 times, as each person said it. It could had simply be done with “after he said it, we each took turns repeating it”.
It’s a shame because the plot is interesting. I think if the focus was more in the shenanigans happening at the bookstore (you know, because of the title), it could be better instead of taking the fight into a town 4 hours away.
Ernest simply takes everything in stride. Nothing fazes him and there’s no conflict. The only one happened other a stupid minor miscommunication and suddenly the whole town is giving their opinion and clapping when they made up.
Move to a different town out of blue? Sure.
Start a new job and immediately hit on your boss dad? Of course.
Find out they are shifters and witches? Easy peasy.
Getting threatening calls at 3am? No problem.
Finding out you are a witch after a lifetime of nothing happening? Sign me up!
Your parents’s house is set on fire and destroyed? Ok, let’s just call insurance, will you?
Have every single person interrupting your private time with your insta-love mate? Everyone is welcome!
Alfred is in the same age group as Ernest but reads as much younger. Adham is just there. We eventually find he is a carpenter and was grumpy before Ernest moved into town, but other than that, we barely know anything. They don’t really read as father/son like Ernest and his Pa.
We don’t get a resolution on what happened to Sion. For all guilt Ernest was feeling, Sion isn’t mentioned again other than a phone call to the hospital for updates. The villain did his villain-y thing with his lengthy speech before trying to kill the hero.
The amount of grammar mistakes and misspellings is annoying. I know many books in the KU program are self-published but nowadays any text editing program has a word and grammar correction feature so mistakes like “lounge/longue” in the same sentence shouldn’t happen. There was a scene where the same 10-line paragraph was repeated 4 times, as each person said it. It could had simply be done with “after he said it, we each took turns repeating it”.
It’s a shame because the plot is interesting. I think if the focus was more in the shenanigans happening at the bookstore (you know, because of the title), it could be better instead of taking the fight into a town 4 hours away.
July 4, 2022
Light humorous supernatural read
Rating: 4🌈
E. Broom is a new author and I picked up this novel based on the reviews. It’s basically a light, humorous supernatural fantasy romp.
Nothing to take too seriously, but it has fun with its characters, using the typical trope of witch/werewolf instant mate elements, along with a hint of fairytale overlay!
Low on the angst, quick on the action and relationship, and it’s warm-hearted to boot.
There’s a bookstore that’s the center of a small village with all sorts of magical goings on. Naturally.
Ernest Turnball gets fired from one job then decides a change of career is needed. He answers a ad for help needed in a bookstore and finds himself in Cadenbury. A quaint village full of welcoming if a bit odd people and a terrific job at The Crazy Bookshop.
In the matter of one day, his perception of the world goes sideways and upside down. What a marvelous thing to happen.
Ernest is rather unflappable. He’s kind, and rather funny.
And it turns out he’s got a rather unique set of connections to Cadenbury. Not the least of which is the sparks going off between him and the hunky Mayor!
There’s a mystery, lots of magical fun, family, and a growing cast of characters to enjoy.
I found the story very entertaining and a quick read.
There’s a second novel out so I’ll head over to see what the author has in store for Titus.
If you like all the above elements mixed together for light fun fare, this might be the book for you.
Cadenbury Town series:
🔹The Crazy Bookshop 1
🔹Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way 2
Rating: 4🌈
E. Broom is a new author and I picked up this novel based on the reviews. It’s basically a light, humorous supernatural fantasy romp.
Nothing to take too seriously, but it has fun with its characters, using the typical trope of witch/werewolf instant mate elements, along with a hint of fairytale overlay!
Low on the angst, quick on the action and relationship, and it’s warm-hearted to boot.
There’s a bookstore that’s the center of a small village with all sorts of magical goings on. Naturally.
Ernest Turnball gets fired from one job then decides a change of career is needed. He answers a ad for help needed in a bookstore and finds himself in Cadenbury. A quaint village full of welcoming if a bit odd people and a terrific job at The Crazy Bookshop.
In the matter of one day, his perception of the world goes sideways and upside down. What a marvelous thing to happen.
Ernest is rather unflappable. He’s kind, and rather funny.
And it turns out he’s got a rather unique set of connections to Cadenbury. Not the least of which is the sparks going off between him and the hunky Mayor!
There’s a mystery, lots of magical fun, family, and a growing cast of characters to enjoy.
I found the story very entertaining and a quick read.
There’s a second novel out so I’ll head over to see what the author has in store for Titus.
If you like all the above elements mixed together for light fun fare, this might be the book for you.
Cadenbury Town series:
🔹The Crazy Bookshop 1
🔹Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way 2
April 8, 2024
Ernest is fired from his job after tossing a latte in his boss' face. Now out of work, he applies for a job at a bookstore in Cadenbury. Ernest is offered the job immediately, which delights him, but he can't help but feel things in Cadenbury are a bit off. There's a woman who looks like a crone and always has an animal with her, his new boss Alfred reminds Ernest of an exuberant puppy, and the mayor, Adhan Stone, broods and growls a lot. Soon Ernest learns that the crone, Mollyanne, is an actual witch, and that Alfred and Adhan (his father) are wolf shifters. Even more bizarre, Ernest learns that he's a witch, too. It seems he's arrived in town just in time. Various townspeople are being targeted by harmful spells. Ernest, with his fresh outlook on all things magical, comes up with a plan to not only protect the town, but to roust their enemies once and for all.
This book had everything I like: bookstore, shifters, witches, magic, male/male romance, but...I didn't much like it. The writing was rife with grammatical errors, and it was (mostly) written in present tense, which always seems odd to me. The plot wasn't very cohesive. The "romance" was insta (fated mates), and the conflict was low key and rather easily dealt with. It was like reading a Disney movie.
Interesting premise, disappointing execution. Three stars, and that's being generous.
This book had everything I like: bookstore, shifters, witches, magic, male/male romance, but...I didn't much like it. The writing was rife with grammatical errors, and it was (mostly) written in present tense, which always seems odd to me. The plot wasn't very cohesive. The "romance" was insta (fated mates), and the conflict was low key and rather easily dealt with. It was like reading a Disney movie.
Interesting premise, disappointing execution. Three stars, and that's being generous.
August 14, 2022
Different is Good
I usually don't read books written by English authors and that take place in England. I find those books too different. The slang, the phrases, and there's just a real different feel for the book. BUT, this book was brilliant! I loved it completely. It was such a joy to read and the sex scenes weren't like 10 pages long like other books are which I really appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. The slang and the phrases weren't that bad at all. It was easy to understand and this book was easy to get into. I was really transported to Cadenbury and the way everyone talked I was easily taken in by it and understood it. So I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves witch stories and true love and instalove and who loves to have a good chuckle. There was so much laughter and love in this book. It was thoroughly enjoyable. I see there are three books. I hope for more.
I usually don't read books written by English authors and that take place in England. I find those books too different. The slang, the phrases, and there's just a real different feel for the book. BUT, this book was brilliant! I loved it completely. It was such a joy to read and the sex scenes weren't like 10 pages long like other books are which I really appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. The slang and the phrases weren't that bad at all. It was easy to understand and this book was easy to get into. I was really transported to Cadenbury and the way everyone talked I was easily taken in by it and understood it. So I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves witch stories and true love and instalove and who loves to have a good chuckle. There was so much laughter and love in this book. It was thoroughly enjoyable. I see there are three books. I hope for more.
May 18, 2023
I know how difficult it is to write a book, let alone a good book, but please can these types of book be marked as "cosy fiction", or "highly annoying childish conversational fiction". There are words missing, odd commas floating and the most unrealistic human and other interactions.
I checked to see if the author was English and apparently she purports to be, but this book is an English story for Americans. Sex is a word the protagonist blushes about and says "gah" all the time, they "bask in afterglow" and the romance turned to forever "sweetheart" texts in less than a day. There is no sex it's all so far off page it's in the spine!
I returned this book DNF, and the other two in the series I had downloaded with Kindle Unlimited. Some might find charming, I felt rather nauseous sorry.
I checked to see if the author was English and apparently she purports to be, but this book is an English story for Americans. Sex is a word the protagonist blushes about and says "gah" all the time, they "bask in afterglow" and the romance turned to forever "sweetheart" texts in less than a day. There is no sex it's all so far off page it's in the spine!
I returned this book DNF, and the other two in the series I had downloaded with Kindle Unlimited. Some might find charming, I felt rather nauseous sorry.
July 18, 2022
So wow!
Great plot, amazingly fleshed out characters, and tons of sticky sweet love. A great read and a "can't put down" book. My only critique is just s cultural one. In the U.S. the term homely means something ugly, so it can be awkward when reading to come across something like " the living room had a huge fireplace and large overstuffed couches, making it quite homely"... Its a temporary shock to the brain and a "huh?!!" moment when one is used to using 'homey' to describe something that feels like a home. Like I said.. Minor.. It just throughs me off momentarily... Otherwise I really love this book,, these characters, and this storyline...
Great plot, amazingly fleshed out characters, and tons of sticky sweet love. A great read and a "can't put down" book. My only critique is just s cultural one. In the U.S. the term homely means something ugly, so it can be awkward when reading to come across something like " the living room had a huge fireplace and large overstuffed couches, making it quite homely"... Its a temporary shock to the brain and a "huh?!!" moment when one is used to using 'homey' to describe something that feels like a home. Like I said.. Minor.. It just throughs me off momentarily... Otherwise I really love this book,, these characters, and this storyline...
October 15, 2022
a fantastic start to a new series!
This is a modern paranormal one POV romance, the first book in a series that should be read in order. There is a bit of the “fated mate” in this series but the magic is so wonderfully written. This is also something of a mystery as we don’t know who is after Ernest, who is calling and promise death to come? I love the romance between our MC’s but it’s also a “fade to black” for not only naughty bits but the affectionate lead-ups too (that was better in book 2) which caused for a little disconnects in the story. I love the playfulness of the community and all the support, this series will be fun to follow!
This is a modern paranormal one POV romance, the first book in a series that should be read in order. There is a bit of the “fated mate” in this series but the magic is so wonderfully written. This is also something of a mystery as we don’t know who is after Ernest, who is calling and promise death to come? I love the romance between our MC’s but it’s also a “fade to black” for not only naughty bits but the affectionate lead-ups too (that was better in book 2) which caused for a little disconnects in the story. I love the playfulness of the community and all the support, this series will be fun to follow!
July 10, 2022
Story great, writing a bit basic
Truly a great story for a Sunday afternoon about a guy finding he has landed himself a job in a paranormal town. It's hard without spoilers to explain further, but there are themes of family, romance, community and a good Vs evil vibe.
Only thing letting it out is the writing style, it seems quite basic and feels like it could have done with a lot more polish, to others though it could be fine or refreshing? I don't know. If you like this genre, it is definitely a good read.
Truly a great story for a Sunday afternoon about a guy finding he has landed himself a job in a paranormal town. It's hard without spoilers to explain further, but there are themes of family, romance, community and a good Vs evil vibe.
Only thing letting it out is the writing style, it seems quite basic and feels like it could have done with a lot more polish, to others though it could be fine or refreshing? I don't know. If you like this genre, it is definitely a good read.
July 17, 2023
Good story, but a struggle to read
As another reviewer said, the writing does feel fairly basic and I struggled to read this as it just doesn't flow easily. The grammar really needs working on and it has an amateurish feel overall - it also feels like a lot of extra unnecessary words were added just to increase the word count.
Saying that, I really liked the plot and the characters and I intend to try to read more by this author, I'm hoping that this is maybe one of their earlier books and that they get better as they get more experience
As another reviewer said, the writing does feel fairly basic and I struggled to read this as it just doesn't flow easily. The grammar really needs working on and it has an amateurish feel overall - it also feels like a lot of extra unnecessary words were added just to increase the word count.
Saying that, I really liked the plot and the characters and I intend to try to read more by this author, I'm hoping that this is maybe one of their earlier books and that they get better as they get more experience
November 6, 2023
Couldn't manage it.
Everything - I mean everything - is described in detail. Boring, mundane stuff that doesn't add anything to the story.
Example: When the MC tells the love interest about something, it's a word-for-word repeat of what happened just a few pages ago. Then, when it's time to tell the MC's dad, it's repeated again! It's ridiculous.
Then, when the MCs were finally getting together, it's fade-to-black.
No thanks.
But! It's a really cute idea. A really cute and quirky world-building. I just didn't think the execution worked. At all.
Everything - I mean everything - is described in detail. Boring, mundane stuff that doesn't add anything to the story.
Example: When the MC tells the love interest about something, it's a word-for-word repeat of what happened just a few pages ago. Then, when it's time to tell the MC's dad, it's repeated again! It's ridiculous.
Then, when the MCs were finally getting together, it's fade-to-black.
No thanks.
But! It's a really cute idea. A really cute and quirky world-building. I just didn't think the execution worked. At all.
January 8, 2024
Not bad
This is more like a 3.75 rather than a straight up 3.
The story is not bad, overall. I enjoyed the characters and thought the town was lovely. There is a lot of humor.
There is 0 steam in this. There is plenty of chemistry in between the MCs, but everything other than kissing is in the fade to black category. Now, don't get me wrong, I *don't* have to have steam to enjoy the story, but I like to have some in a romance, just personal preference. But if you like fade to black and very little cussing, this is perfect for you.
This is more like a 3.75 rather than a straight up 3.
The story is not bad, overall. I enjoyed the characters and thought the town was lovely. There is a lot of humor.
There is 0 steam in this. There is plenty of chemistry in between the MCs, but everything other than kissing is in the fade to black category. Now, don't get me wrong, I *don't* have to have steam to enjoy the story, but I like to have some in a romance, just personal preference. But if you like fade to black and very little cussing, this is perfect for you.
February 18, 2022
An absolute delight!
E. Broom gets better and better with every book and this one takes the cake! I freaking loved ernest! He was so sassy and level headed at the same time. The story flowed beautifully and I was actually really sad when I noticed the book was almost done. I can't wait for more from this universe, truly. I especially can't wait for the next e. Broom book to come out! Highly recommend!!!
E. Broom gets better and better with every book and this one takes the cake! I freaking loved ernest! He was so sassy and level headed at the same time. The story flowed beautifully and I was actually really sad when I noticed the book was almost done. I can't wait for more from this universe, truly. I especially can't wait for the next e. Broom book to come out! Highly recommend!!!
March 6, 2022
Just Perfect
This is my first book by E. Broom and they just sky rocketed into my favorites list, this is just simply put, perfect. The characters, world building, storyline, everything was spot on, and just hits nicely.
Now I will say that there is no sexy times, it glosses over them, but truthfully it doesn't really need it. This gives you more character connection, with some fun and laughs. Definitely Need More!!!
This is my first book by E. Broom and they just sky rocketed into my favorites list, this is just simply put, perfect. The characters, world building, storyline, everything was spot on, and just hits nicely.
Now I will say that there is no sexy times, it glosses over them, but truthfully it doesn't really need it. This gives you more character connection, with some fun and laughs. Definitely Need More!!!
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