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.*