How to Find Love in a Bookshop

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry    352 pages

This light romantic comedy is perfect for curling up on the couch, especially now that Daylight Savings Time is over.

In this charming story, Emilia Nightingale has returned home from Hong Kong to be with her beloved father, Julius, at his end. Julius owned and operated Nightingale Books, “a cozy haven and welcoming getaway for the literary-minded locals,” of whom there are plenty

Emilia loves the bookshop as much as the readers in the quaint English village an hour or so outside of London. She knew her father was having a hard time making ends, but she had no idea how bad his finances were or what a mess they were.

As she struggles to decide whether or not to sell, the lovable cast of character bring her their own unique reasons why the bookshop should stay open. 

“There's Sarah, owner of the stately Peasebrook Manor, who has used the bookshop as an escape in the past few years, but it now seems there’s a very specific reason for all those frequent visits. Next is roguish Jackson, who, after making a complete mess of his marriage, now looks to Emilia for advice on books for the son he misses so much. And the forever shy Thomasina, who runs a pop-up restaurant for two in her tiny cottage—she has a crush on a man she met in the cookbook section, but can hardly dream of working up the courage to admit her true feelings.”

I couldn’t put this one down. How to Find Love in a Bookshop gets 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

The Perils of Pauline

The Perils of Pauline by Collette Yvonne   298 pages

It may be colder than a well-digger’s can outside, but inside, I’ve come across the first must-read novel that will make perfect beach (or couch cozy if the thermometer continues to fall) read.

Pauline’s perils begin while she is at work. Although she is a highly regarded employee, downsizing can affect even the most promising career track. A termination letter throws her into a tailspin.

Now the military veteran doesn’t know what to do with herself. She thought she had a solid marriage, but it seems like her husband is growing distant and spending more and more time with one of his co-workers, Lindsay.

Pauline decided to take advantage of the G. I. Bill and goes back to school.  She wants to start a business, but has no idea what kind. She takes business classes and one poetry class. Her professor is a heart throb. Pauline’s life spirals further out of control.

What ensures is both heartbreaking and hysterical, but leaning more toward the hysterical. I laughed so hard at times that I almost wet myself. I think the funniest scene, and there are so many, was when Pauline left the dog, George Bush, tied to the garage door, forgot about him, then hit the button to raise the door. The second funniest scene is when both Pauline and her 16-year-old daughter are in the doctor’s office.  No more tips…you have to read this! It’s the funniest book I’ve read since Jackie Lee Miles released Divorcing Dwayne in 2008.

I give The Perils of Pauline 6 out of 5 stars