A Bookshop Summer: The life-affirming new novel from the author of Found in a Bookshop, perfect for book lovers

A lively cast of characters keeps things moving, and not every question is answered. (What about Trixie and Kit?) Highly enjoyed!

In A Bookshop Summer by Stephanie Butland, Trixie, a bookstore manager advertises for new members of a book club at the Loss for Words bookstore in York,. People such as Cherry, Madison, Guy, Damion and Rhiannon join and each comes for different reasons. Some are lonely and looking for a connection while others are new to the area. Each has a unique set of private battles and the reader gets a peek inside of their personal lives. As the book club evolves from discussing books to more oral readings around the community, the activity acts as a healing agent.And,. the readers get a subtle, but hefty list of books to explore in the future. A fun read!

When I started this book I had low expectations. I had just given up on a complicated and difficult book. About a third of the way in my feelings changed. I love books about books and this one didn’t disappoint. This book makes me want to start a read aloud group!

This book is a bit smarmy and when i was waiting for somethng to happen a lot of good story hooks were never taken. the thing had an overall flat and fluffy bit with not a lot of substance. Not all of the book was bad though, while Cherry and Peaches had a particularly inane story, Trixie and Kit, and Guy and his girlfriend noteably did not and those had things about them that I actually cared about. That said, this book was meant to be a feel-good story and it accomplishes that, just not in any stellar way that makes me eager to read more of Butland's works. The way the present-tense is used is also particularly jarring even if I only compare it to other present-tense books

Often bittersweet stories. With a few twists and lies. But strong female character + some sensitive & courage a fellas.

I loved this book since I read to relax and find a peaceful place at the end of my days. This brought to mind how it makes coping with everyday life a little easier. The concept of the reading live sessions is brilliant. Reading is an art that less and less people do because of technology. I can't wait to read more of her books.

I enjoyed this book. It flowed right a long. Fun story pieced together. Friendships built. Easy reading but it takes place in the UK and there are several unknown words/phrases but you sort of figure out what they mean!

Bookstores become their own little countries populated by a divergent yet homogeneous crowd. The energy is unmistakable, and the challenges are surmountable. Is there any problem a book can't cure?

Very good book, really enjoying it, had me crying and chuckling

Beautiful. As always, Stephanie Butland is so talented. Her writing is beautiful. Thank you for letting us readers witness the evolution of the Lost for Words Bookshop. It's an honour to meet each new character. I wish I were one and could hang out with Loveday.

This was a thought provoking and thoughtful read. I love that it follows the characters introduced in earlier books by Stephanie Butland and adds new characters that I, as the reader, became just as attached to as I read. That said, you don’t need to have read any of the previous books to find this book enlightening and enjoyable. I love reading books about reading and books and I love all the great reading suggestions that it offers. The relationships that are developed in this book are both realistic and engaging. I thought that the author did a remarkable job of handling grief in many of its stages and of people trying to find their purpose and happiness in life. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the Lost for Words family.

A Bookshop Summer is the third book in the Lost For Words series of contemporary fiction based around a bookshop in York. Each book can be read alone but characters spill over between the books so do try to start at the beginning of this series if possible. This story focuses on assistant manager Trixie who joined the bookshop team of employees when her work in the catering industry hit a wall during the Covid pandemic. Trixie is trying to launch a scheme where people meet who want to read books out loud. Her plan initially brings together a small mixed group in this found-family style of drama. In between the pages of the novel are snippets from the wide variety of books that they read from and the author has kindly put a full list of all the texts at the back of the book if any of them appeal for further reading opportunities. The female characters lead this story and there are a good mix. I think that Cherry was my ultimate favourite as I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. Definitely a series full of heart-warming tales.

Lovely read