The Printed Letter Bookshop

The Printed Letter Bookshop is told from Claire, Janet and Madeline’s point-of-views. Each woman is struggling and a letter from Maddie along with a book list acts as a guide. As the story progresses, we find out what has happened to each woman, how Maddie entered their lives and how the bookshop made a difference. The story is nicely written with mild pacing. I was not immediately drawn into the story. It became more interesting the further I progressed into The Printed Letter Bookshop. The at first unlikeable characters began to grow on me, and I like seeming them come together. The ending is smile worthy. The descriptions of Janet’s window displays and artwork were enchanting (I wish this was my local bookstore). I enjoyed the numerous book references (bibliophiles will be thrilled) and quotes. Aunt Maddie’s description of The Secret Garden was delightful. There are two quotes I want to share with you. The first is “. . . you could lose yourself in a book and, paradoxically, find yourself as well” (very true). The second one made me laugh out loud “my hot flashes last longer than that service”. The Printed Letter Bookshop is for those readers who love all types of books, Hallmark movies and happy endings.

What an incredible story. Katherine has such an ability for making a setting come to life. I was taken to a delightful bookstore, that I still can see in my mines eye. Raising our girls outside of the Chicago area, it took me right back there. At the beginning I wasn't sure if I cared for some of the main characters of the story, but by the end I couldn't chose a favorite. The dynamics between Janet, Claire and Madeline was very heart warming. I also loved the way Aunt Maddie continued to be present throughout the story. I would love for people to remember me with such love and affection when I am gone. This story is quite different from Katherine's prior novels. If you have read her previous works, you are in for a wonderful surprise. I love her way of writing, but I found this to be outstanding. I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.