The Bookshop On The Shore

I was recently able to get a copy of Jenny Colgan's newest book, 'The Bookshop On The Shore' and I loved it! I have read quite a few books by Jenny Colgan and I enjoy her writing style. My personal favorite book of hers (so far) is 'The Bookshop On The Corner'. This new one is the second in the Scottish Bookshop series, with 'The Bookshop On The Corner' being the first. While it is part of a series, it has it's own characters and story line. A few of the characters from the first book make appearances and I loved "catching up" with them.

This story is about Zoe, a single mother living in London. She desperately needs a change for her and her son, Hari. Hari's dad is not a reliable guy and does nothing to help them out and she lives in a small studio type residence in a run down building, in a less than desirable area of town. She feels like she is hitting rock bottom when a job opportunity and new place to live opens up for her and Hari. She moves to the Scottish Highlands and becomes a live in nanny and part time book bus driver/seller.

From the moment she arrives, she has a difficult time with the three children she is looking after, as well as the housekeeper. The father is a single parent and never home, due to work. Zoe works her way into their hearts slowly but surely, but not without many trials and a lot of learning along the way. I loved how Zoe's story was woven in with Nina, Lennox, and Surinder's stories (first book characters), but also very much a new story to love. And I really loved how Hari changed and grew throughout the whole story. Being with the kids in Zoe's care was what he needed to know what a family is about, and living on the loch provided him with an amazing place to grow and play. It was all so well written!

Jenny Colgan always has just the right amount of humor in her books to keep you reading, as well as a desire to know how it all ends. I'm always sad when the book is over because I get so caught up in the lives I am reading.

I would highly suggest 'The Bookshop On The Corner' as well as 'The Bookshop On The Shore'. If you read these, let me know how you liked them! Happy reading, friends!

Readers Gonna Read

After some gentle nudging by friends who believe I have something to say, I took a leap and created this blog. Adventures await! If you are reading this, you have probably figured out that I like to read. That's almost an understatement. But, for the sake of starting things off right, let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I am an avid user of Goodreads and you can find my Reading Challenge on the right hand side of this page. If you haven't ventured into Goodreads yet, I highly recommend that you give it a try. Not only is it a great place to keep track of what you read, but you can also get so many great book suggestions.

I have a handful of favorite authors and you will likely see a theme at some point. I do read a variety of genres and try to branch out from my usual. One thing I am adamant about is this- if you are reading a book and you don't like it, can't get onto it, it isn't your thing....just quit! Do not waste your time on books that don't excite you. Marie Kondo your books- if it doesn't spark joy then just toss it! There are too many good books and not enough time to read them all.

Outside of reading, I have a pretty full life. My husband, Mike, and I have been married for almost 5 years. We have 5 kids between us, although only two live with us full time. They keep us on our toes on a daily basis. I also work full time as a para-educator at a local school and I volunteer for the PTO. We are active with our church and friends.

So, how do I find time to read? Any chance I get. I love my Kindle Paperwhite because I can take my books anywhere. Like the title says, Readers Gonna Read.

I have some ideas for some posts later in the week. I'm not really sure how often I will be posting, but I would like to post all my book reviews here. I hope you will find something good here and I am excited to see where this goes!