From the publisher:
The cozy comforts of an English village bookstore open up a world of new possibilities for Evie Starling in this charming new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.
At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.
Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.
Is this really a thing? You can go on vacation and run a bookstore? By yourself? And it’s fun and not work? In a charming village where everyone is completely welcoming? You get a work visa in the snap of a finger? Call me a cynical New Yorker, but I seriously have doubts about all this. But you know what? I don’t care because this was a terrific read. Push past your common sense and embrace the fantasy because it’s worth it.
Most of my readers know that I am a librarian, but you may not know I was a bookseller before that. I worked for Borders Books & Music, a Barnes and Noble competitor that bit the dust for a myriad of reasons. But when I worked there, it was the most fun I ever had at a job. It wasn’t because I was running the bookstore by myself though, it was because of the people I worked with, an eclectic bunch of smarty pants with an occasional pill thrown in just because. I am still friends with many of the people I worked with (and we are talking the last century people!) and remember most of them fondly. So I can totally understand the appeal of working in a bookstore, albeit one without other employees would be a bit lonely for me.
Evie is fine with it though. The owner of the shop is around at first, but then leaves it in Evie’s hands. Meanwhile, Evie has sworn off men because, well, it doesn’t matter what the weak reason is. But when the local farmer gets a massive crush on her, she fights it every step of the way. Until she realizes she is in love with him.
I love British, I love bookstores, and I love love, so this book hit on all cylinders for me.
5/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU by Samantha Young. Berkley (February 2, 2021). ISBN: 978-0593099483. 384 pages.
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