If you like WWI and WWII stories, you get both of them here. I have read books that mentioned the Coventry blitz, but that's why it was called the Forgotten Blitz. Now we have it full on in the 1940 parts of the book. The author has developed all the characters well, and gives a good description of the scenery and action. I hope to read more of this author in the future. ( )

You’ve Got Mail meets Downton Abbey in this heart-achingly lovely dual time period historical romance from Kristy Cambron. Taking place mainly in 1914 and 1940, this book took me on a page turning journey as childhood friends Amos & Charlie (Lady Charlotte) share their love of books and more through war, heartbreak, rivalry, and second chance love.

I absolutely loved Amos, the grumpy, wounded farmer’s son with a heart of gold, and Charlotte, the resilient, kind hearted, cello playing heiress. Torn apart by class differences and WWI, they’re now rival bookshop owning enemies. I loved finding out what happened in 1914 and WWI to make their relationship what is was in 1940.

I also loved Eden and Jacob! Eden is Charlotte’s daughter who’s doing everything she can to keep their estate running amidst the Coventry Blitz. Jacob’s an American lawyer who’s come to present her with papers naming her in a contested will. They start off as enemies, but as they work together to help the Coventry community, they begin to grow closer.

Both time periods were so compelling and I couldn’t wait to unravel the mystery in each one. Each storyline comes together for a stunning, touching, heroic ending that left me in tears. War brings out the best and worst in people and I loved seeing the best for once. I enjoyed learning about the Forgotten Blitz and the Land Girls through this amazing story.

Full of romance, intrigue, heroism, and love of music & the written word, The British Booksellers is a new favorite book by Kristy Cambron. Highly recommend to historical romance fans! Definitely add this love letter to books & second chances to your must read list! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )

The British Booksellers felt like it was a constant uphill battle with a satisfying ending once we reached the summit. It took a bit to get my bearings as I didn’t start reading this novel at the most opportune time, but once I had my footing, I really enjoyed the premise.

This dual timeline takes place in both present and past as we discover the truth behind the dueling bookshops of Coventry and their owners, two lonely souls who seem to be just trying to get by while also battling the ghosts of their pasts. At the heart, there is a forbidden love that is a slow burn but given the circumstances it needed to be, and just goes to show that timing means everything, even if you believe with all of your heart that it’s meant to be.

Amos and Charlotte are both wonderfully fleshed out characters with flaws and likability. I enjoyed witnessing how their past and present were so intricately interwoven and seeing the full progression of their relationship. Eden was also a great character, but one part I really enjoyed were the side characters, especially the Land Girls and their moxie. They added a little bit of oomph to an otherwise seemingly ordinary experience from the war years and more than once I found a smile gracing my face as their positive outlook and fresh perspectives help boost not only the characters themselves but me as a reader.

I also appreciated the historical nuggets that were sprinkled about, getting a first-person perspective of the battle during the First World War and the hometown ramifications of the Second World War. This author is one of my favorites, a trust artist of her craft. She is able to weave such an intricate story so effortlessly and I truly enjoyed this novel so much.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

While this book took a bit to pull me in, once it did, I was completely immersed. The book is a dual timeline story, with most of the same major characters in each timeline. The earlier timeline occurs leading up to and during the First World War, the second during the Second World War. Young Charlotte longs for freedom from society's expectations, including the right to marry outside of one's class. The more mature Charlotte has raised a strong, independent daughter who has many more freedoms and choices available to her. Young Amos Darby, a tenant farmer may not agree with class restrictions, but has more readily accepted them. He is a man who loves books and a man of integrity. The more mature Amos is a man both physically and mentally damaged by the experience of war, a man who seeks to anonymously look out for those he loves while dismissing his own needs and desires.

Please take time to read the Author's Note at the end of the book. As always Cambron has thoroughly researched her setting and its history. It is interesting to see how well she has woven facts into her fictional story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The British Booksellers from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

The British Booksellers is a sweeping work of historical fiction encompassing two world wars and concluding with the utter devastation wrought by the Coventry Blitz of WWII. I found this book extremely well written and historically accurate. It begins with two childhood friends, Lady Charlotte Terrington and her secret friendship with a local farmers son Amos Darby. They are from two different worlds and are not supposed to be friends at all. As they grow up together they fall in love but Charlotte is promised to William Harcourt and so their love cannot be realized. Both William and Amos enlist during WWI and end up serving together. After the war Amos returns home and William does not. Amos is a shadow of his former self, haunted by nightmares of the war. And even though Charlotte is now a widow she and Amos do not reunite. Charlotte is busy raising her daughter Eden and running her estate and a quaint bookshop. Amos opens a competing bookshop and they spend their years ignoring each other. When World War II begins the two former friends realize the should pool their resources to help their community survive the war and become friendly again. So much happens in this novel, it is full of excitement with the battle scenes and repeated bombings of Coventry. I really learned quite a bit about what people had to live with to survive a war in their own country. Some of it is quite harrowing. I enjoyed the authors anecdotes at the end of the novel very much, very informative. This book is perfect for fans of historical fiction, especially WWI and WWII. Highly Recommended.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for a chance to listen to an ARC audiobook of this novel. ( )