This book will be published January 19, 2016
This was a light-hearted, witty, and delightful novel, without any deep plot twists or drawn out back stories as so many novels have. I really didn’t want it to end, because I enjoyed the characters so much. Bibliophiles, such as myself, will very much enjoy the literary quotes, book titles, and authors mentioned throughout the story.
At the start, we find Swedish native, Sara, in Broken Wheel, Iowa, waiting to be picked up by her long time pen pal, Amy Harris. However, she quickly learns that Amy has passed away recently from a long illness. Though they had never met in person, they have been corresponding for quite a long time about reading and books, and sending each other favorite books to enjoy. Sara feels like she knows many of the townspeople and the town of Broken Wheel itself from Amy’s vivid descriptions in her letters. Sara decides to stay in Broken Wheel for 2 months as planned, even though Amy isn’t there. Then she hatches a plan to start a bookstore in town with the houseful of books which Amy left behind. This is where the excitement begins. A bookstore in a town that doesn’t even have a library and whose townspeople aren’t the slightest bit interested in reading becomes a challenge for Sara. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens, because I can’t give away any spoilers.
The characters are unique and quirky, and you’ll love them as I did. This book is similar to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Woven between the chapters are Amy’s letters to Sara, which make for a wonderful story in themselves. And of course, there’s a bit of romance, along with a lot of light humor. I would highly recommend placing this book on your to-be-read list.
Librarian Laura 