Super cute! I believe this is a series but it is my first time reading anything by this author. It was an easy read!  The plot was exactly what I needed during quarantine! I felt like I was reading a hallmark movie!

Loved this book.  Very heart warming and a good summer feel.  The book kept me entertained and unable to put the book down.

Perhaps because I enjoy bookshops so much, books with the word bookshop in their titles attract me like bees to honey!

However, I find that I don't enjoy many of them. Approaching a senior status in my life, I have become extremely picky about the novels I read. Usually the first few pages are enough is to inform whether I should continue reading or not. Maybe I need books with older protagonists?

Unfortunately I found that The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove is one of those that did not grab me.
 The writing appears to me to be for younger readers.

Perhaps those who like sweet young romances will enjoy it.

Initial Thoughts/Expectations:
This was a new-to-me-author, so I had no expectations there. But the cover was cute, and the writeup sounded good, so I had high hopes for the story. 

What I Loved:
Even thought this could have easily been a "You've Got Mail" style retelling, there were some specific changes that made it SO much better, IMO. Sophie's attachment to the bookshop, and her struggles to keep it definitely set the groundwork for the story. It would have driven me nuts to have Alex show up and NOT say who he was -- to meet her, start a friendship, and let feeling start to happen without telling her he was "the guy" trying to buy her out. But everyone was up front the entire time, and everything that was said and done just *felt* genuine. The banter between the two was fun, but not overdone. I enjoyed the friends' popping in and their interactions, as well. 

The conflict the Alexander had with his family was unfortunate, but definitely worked for the story. I'd much rather the conflict come from OUTSIDE the couple, rather than between them. It was nice to see him work through the process of going from "Alexander" to "Alex". 

Of course, this is a romance, so we knew it would all work out in the end. I was tickled to find an epilogue, as well. I always love to see how things work out, a little further down the line. 

What I Didn't Love:
I was cruising right along, thinking that I wouldn't have any "didn't love" moments... and then Alex's dad shows up. Sophie and Alex actually had a conversation (which I thought was fantastic) so that she would know to expect ugliness from him. She KNEW that he would use any and all means to push her buttons. And she still fell for it. She'd been so level headed this whole time, and yet she lost it completely over something that she knew might be coming. (Not the specifics, of course, but Alex had been up front with her from the beginning -- this was not to be unexpected.) It just bothered me that THIS was the thing that pushed her over the proverbial "edge".  I will say that they recovered nicely in the end, so at least there's that. 

Final Thoughts:
Overall... I really enjoyed the story. It was lighthearted and fun, and exactly what I was looking for. I've already purchased the next book I'm going to read from this author, and I'm excited to get started!!

This was a perfect escape! I absolutely loved the story about Sophie, her bookshop, and the mysterious Alex. I would recommend this to anyone who's feeling a bit down during this winter or it would make a perfect beach read. Thanks for the advanced copy!

I didn’t realise this was part of a series when I requested it and don’t have the previous books to be able to catch up

This was a cute heartwarming story. Lovely characters and i did not want the story to end. Fantastic writing! 
Thank you for my copy!

I feel like I have read such a book before and that there's nothing new in here. But my stomach did leap at the few cute romantic moments throughout the book despite it being a typical romance. A good one-time read without any standing conflicts to push the story along. The conflict that is there is flimsy, but it's okay. We all want the good people, the main couple to win in life and love.

Sophie inherited her bookshop in Herring Cove from her parents when they died in a car crash when she was 5 and so it means everything to her and so when the Fletchers come to the village to try and buy her out to build a big flash resort she is determined to hold out even though she is in dire financial straits.  Alex is under pressure from his father to get agreements for buying all the properties they need to demolish for the resort but he finds he has met his match in Sophie... and he can't help admiring her!  Will she be able to get him round to her way of thinking or will the resort be built round her!

A lovely heartwarming book that I read in one sitting.   The character of Alex came over as such a lovely person and was great to see him making his own decisions even when he had such a forceful father and it was great to see the village all getting behind Sophie proving that she had them as her as family

My thoughts



Narrative and Plot


The Little Bookshop At Herring Cove is a cute romantic read with the backdrop of a bookshop. Needless to say any book lover will have a good time with it. The story is told from both Sophie and Alexander's perspective.

The plot however is not one of the strong suit of the book. The love story felt too instant and it was hard to get into the romance thereafter. If you read the synopsis, you will get a hate to love vibe. Instead you're greeted with two people who are attracted to each right from scene one. If that doesn't throw you off, the fact that both of them want the opposite ends of a stick and still pursue each other will do.




Characters and Conflicts

Sophie is rooted in her past. It makes her who she is. The depth and portrayal of loneliness through Sophie is commendable. It makes you care for the character. Alexander Fletcher on the other hand is a man burdened by expectations. The internal struggle of these characters is one of the highlights of the book. However, instead of straightaway jumping into a romance, if only it took more time for the main characters to fall for each other, it would have made for a great read.


The epilogue had glimpses of other characters such as Alexander's family. The book could have spent more time showing how Sophie's relationship with them evolved. The supporting characters from the village were likable and enjoyable.

Conclusion


Is this a necessary pick for any bookish person? I don't think so. I had a good time reading it, yet it will be a one time read for me. If you love the backdrop of a fishing village, bookstore and a budding young romance give it a go. Otherwise, The Little Bookshop At Herring Cove might not be the one for you.

Sophie Jones was struggling with her bookshop, she hoped the Christmas rush would provide enough money to keep her going for another year. One day this gorgeous babe walked into her bookshop and said he was looking for Sophie Jones. He introduced himself as Alexander Fletcher and offered his hand to shake.  She recognised his surname, Fletcher as in  the resort builders, she knew why he was here. What he wanted. She was determined that he wasn’t going to get it, no matter how polite he was, how nice he seemed... or how much money he was offering. 
She just needed to figure out a way to boost sales and to change the downward trend that had come with the shrinking of Herring Cove’s population. That was all, no big deal. 
Except it was a big deal, a huge deal, massive. The bookshop was her livelihood and the flat about it was her home. 
Alexander wanted a proper chat with Sophie to find out why she’d declined their offer, Sophie told him she had no desire to sell the place. 
This book follows the journey that Sophie and her bookshop make against Fletcher Resort Builders and their ambition to turn Herring Cove into the destination resort they wanted.

Alexander Fletcher is the son of a property developer, you know those that come into rundown seaside areas and revamp it into a modern resort. While Herring Cove is a little on the rundown side, it is nothing if it’s not a community. At its heart there are still a few shops and a pub, but it is hard for those businesses to keep going.

One of the businesses is the bookshop run by Sophie, while she does like the look of the man that stands before her, she does not fall for his charms and the generous offer he has to buy her business… well, she doesn’t fall for him straight away.

Now I have never read anything by this author before and I have to say that my first outing was wonderful. I loved the sound of Herring Cove and I loved the characters in the story. This is a story that oozes heartwarming and feelgood as well as having quite a few sniggery moments, especially as the slight flirty but not supposed to be flirty comment litter this lovely story.

There is a story behind the bookshop and it has ramifications for Sophie and her on the “don’t need a man in my life” outlook. Alexander, well isn’t he a dark horse, and rather handy as well!

This is a lovely one sitting read, it was captivating and light to read but also had a nice feel to it, full of warmth, friends and laughs. Having not read this author before I cannot wait to read the other already published books, The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove is a book I would definitely recommend.

First time reading this author but it won't be my last. 

This was a lovely read, nice and easy going storyline, no real concentration needy. 

I enjoyed the story, which is based around a bookshop and a little seaside village, what's not to like about that. It certainly made me want to go visit that's for sure.  

I enjoyed getting to the know characters, very easy to fall in love with Alex but then I do have a weak spot for a man in a suit lol.  I also developed a soft spot for Puddles the cat, sounded like a right cutie pie. 

So if your looking for a delightful pleasant story with lovely characters, true friendships and community spirit, then look no further and give this book a go.

As an avid romance reader as well as someone who lives this author's writing I somehow always look forward to her books and this series.

A tiny town, charismatic characters, and two main characters that have a golden heart but have to deal with their issues firstly.

Emotions and feelings are perfectly described and you cannot but adore all the dialogues, and banter and sweet situations those two find themselves. 

The love story burns nicely and at a desirable speed so you can enjoy all the other characters and their interaction with each other. 

As Sophie's and Alex story starts to find a compelling beginning of something new you are already imaging that and you are mirroring yourself in them and you are so happy that you can see yourself is some of the characters! 

A definition of a good summer read is this cozy book.

I enjoyed this book. First one by this author, but for sure it will not be the last. Great book to return too at the end of the day.

How I enjoyed this book, it was full of a lovely small town vibe, a bookshop that is trying to turn its fortunes around, a romance between two complete opposites who should be sworn enemies, a man having a slight crisis of job and being, a fabulous location and some great friends. 

Sophie is determined that she won't be forced into selling her beloved bookshop, just so that a developer can turn Herring Cove into a big soulless tourist resort. Her whole life is in that shop and location and she has many reasons why she wants to stay put. 

Alex is the man tasked with persuading her to sign and take a large financial settlement, but yet it soon becomes obvious they have have misjudged each other and that Alex may have hidden depths to him. 

It was incredibly sweet to see but to me I loved Alex's character development, turning from corporate drone Alexander into the man he is meant to be.  i couldn't help falling for him myself. 

There is just such a sense of sweet loveliness within this book, I felt completely at home within its pages, I couldn't' read it fast enough, reading well into the early hours of the morning in bed.   

You sort of knew where the story would end up, and I did  think at one point a certain happening was inevitable, but it was also amusing too. And I enjoyed reading this and just seeing how they would reach the ending you were rooting for! 

Another really entertaining and joyful story from an author that I love. 

Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I  received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

Ms. Hailes' book is a delight to read. Put your phone on silent, get comfy and prepare to check out of reality and get lost in what could possibly be one of the sweetest stories I've ever read. An virtual aspirin for this headache inducing world.

5 out of 5 stars.  Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed a great many things about this book. Characters were fleshed out and the plot was well spaced. Some of the secondary storylines could've used a bit more page space but all in all an enjoyable read!

The Little Bookshop on Herring Cove first grabbed my attention by the beautiful cover.  Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me.  

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to give this book a try.

I'm normally ALL OVER books like this one; just a light hearted romance story/chicklit.

But somehow, I just wasn't really impressed. It feels like a 'dime in a dozen' to me and I couldn't fully connect to the characters, and the writing. Just not in the way I wanted to. 

Of course, seeing how much romance books I read, it's bound to happen that you come across similar stories, story elements, etc. This doesn't bother me, if the characters stand out and the writing is unique. Unfortunately, I just can't really say that this was the case with this book. 

There was really nothing wrong with the book perse, but I personally just couldn't really connect to it because it was quite a bland set of characters and it overall felt like the book just didn't really stand out compared to other books in the genre and for the fact that I just didn't connect with the writing style. 

It's a story I'm sure lots of romance/chicklit readers out there would love, so I'd definitely recommend picking it up if you like the synopsis of this one.