3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for GoodReads

This is the second "pay to work in a bookstore for your vacation" book I've read. I must admit the concept isn't one I'd jump at. Maybe it only works in Europe where workers get more vacation time?

The book is a little slow paced but it's still a fast read. Not a lot happens. I guess that's how it is in small villages when your main character is pretty inert? I didn't really warm to Jude, she mostly lives in her head and she's happy there. So it's hard to be invested in what becomes of her because she doesn't really care. It was also a bit of a stretch that Elliot was so immediately in love with her. It felt like more of a romance by approximation than a true connection.

I found the big secret to be a bit anti-climatic. It's one that totally could have been revealed earlier. The way it plays out fits the pretty mundane real life of Jude unlike the literary reasoning she cooked up in her head.

I was charmed by the seaside village of Clove Lore and all its quirky residents. Especially Aldous! I loved Gran and Jude's parents and all their amazing baked goods. I'd love a sequel focused on Jude's parents and their retired adventures along with Gran and her yarn bombing antics with her friends.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*

I keep coming back to Kiley Dunbar's books. Like a lot. There's something just so pure about them, I think. I love the relaxed, cozy feeling that they evoke. 

This first in a series, was amazing because, as with most books I love, I appreciate the escapism. And who wouldn't love the idea of a bookshop that you could run yourself for a holiday?! 

The cast of characters were charming, funny, and familial. Just the right amount of romance and friendships. Love this author and the stories she writes.

This book was a lovely little escape, I love the idea of borrowing a bookshop for 2 weeks!
I loved how Jules grew through the story and as it progressed she was able to see red flags and work from them where she previously wouldn't have. There were still some points when she was very frustrating though!

Full review here: https://theresnoenjoymentlikereading.co.uk/the-borrow-a-bookshop-holiday-by-kiley-dunbar/

What if I told you that you could rent an Airbnb that’s actually a tiny bookshop complete with a cozy cafe nook and a resident dog? How about in a historic Devonshire harbour village? for two weeks? Dreamy, right? That’s exactly where Jude Crawley and philosophy professor, Dr. Rupert Mackenzie-Aubyn, were headed on their dream vacation. That is, until she caught him kissing someone else behind the auditorium ON HER UNIVERSITY GRADUATION DAY! Jerk.

She heads off on her own with a suitcase full of books (come on, you’ve done that, right?) ready to immerse herself in literature and heal her broken heart. As she settles in for the night, she hears a key in the front door and heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. Six foot tall, broodingly handsome Elliot has also booked the bookshop holiday for two weeks! Did I tell you there’s only one bedroom? Yep, he has to lump a mattress down to the bookshop each night.

Is she prepared to make this work? Can they put their differences aside? or will she find out that her bookish holiday might have an unexpected twist in the tale?

This perfectly cozy, romantic read is a bookish delight! What’s not to love; seaside village, Devon, books, coffee? The perfect mix of mystery, intrigue, attraction, sights, books, coffee, baking and quaint village life. I loved every minute of this quick read and hope to see Jude and Elliot in another Kiley Dunbar book soon.

Publishes May 5, 2021
Thank you to Kiley Dunbar, Hera Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this advance copy. I received it for free and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.