The Bookshop of New Beginnings by Jen Mouat

"It’s never too late to rewrite your story…

It’s always been Emily Cotton’s dream to own her own bookshop. But sitting among shelves of haphazardly stacked books in a damp old barn, the reality feels a little different.

Kate Vincent hasn’t been back home in six years. But when she receives a desperate email from her childhood best friend begging for her help she doesn’t stop to think. Scenes of idyllic holidays with the Cotton family dance in her mind and she books a one-way ticket home to Wigtown.

But life for the Cottons isn’t all as she remembers and the secrets which once drove Kate and Emily apart are finally threatening to come to the surface. Now as the pair work together to save Emily’s failing bookshop – can they too begin a new chapter of their friendship?"

Previously published as Summer at Bluebell Bank

I loved this book.  It made me smile (at times grin) and it made me cry.  

I was a little hesitant to start with but I was soon drawn in by the characters and the storyline and, shortly after that, I was hooked.  At times, I found it really hard to put down.  Each of the characters in this book really goes on a journey and comes out the other side as a slightly different person.

The Bookshop of New Beginnings is a story of love at first sight, heartbreak, jealousy, running away, true friendship, sibling rivalry and love, soulmates, lies and loss.

The book is set in Scotland; there are a few descriptions of this but I wouldn't say the location is particularly prominent.  However, the writing is descriptive and I could easily picture the bookshop, Bluebell Bank and the characters.

Whilst I would happily have read more, the ending was a delight and felt completely wrapped up.  I was glad to be left without any loose ends.

A wonderfully heart-warming story that would be a perfect summer read.

I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.