Lost for Words is a book lover's dream as it is a novel set in a bookshop. I expected a bit of lighthearted chicklit but couldn't have been more wrong as it goes so much deeper than I expected. Loveday with her unusual name is such a unique character that you can't help but take her straight to your heart, and of course envy her book-filled surroundings!

My attention was captured right from the start as Loveday finds a book on the pavement - surely someone hasn't thrown a book away so it must have been dropped inadvertently. She puts up a notice in the window of the bookshop where she works, hoping that the owner will come in to claim it. This is how she meets Nathan, who opens up a new world of poetry, friendship and possibly something a little more. Loveday just has to realise that not all men are like creepy stalker Rob who keeps pushing flowers through her letterbox. Thankfully Nathan perseveres, and I was cheering him on from the sidelines as Loveday fell under his spell.

Loveday is such a spiky character but I absolutely adored her; she doesn't mix well with people and she doesn't know how manipulative and mean they can be. Along with Loveday and Nathan, bookshop owner Archie and Loveday's scatty colleague Melody all found a place in my heart, leaving me in floods of tears at the end of this outstanding book.

Beautifully written, with only a few well developed characters, Lost for words is a book that I will remember fondly for many years to come. A highly recommended read.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Having loved Stephanie’s last book, The Other Half of My Heart (reviewed here) I just knew I was in for a treat with this one – and the story is set around a book shop. What’s not to like!

Loveday Cardew hasn’t had the happiest of lives. Until she met Archie, the owner of a second hand bookshop ‘Lost for Words’, she had had a troubled life but she was a survivor and such an intriguing character. Sometimes I felt so much sympathy for her, and at others she frustrated me with her stubborn and unmoving attitude. I was however very fond of her and was desperately hoping that she would a find a happy ever after – in whatever form that would be.

Loveday’s story is told by way of different titled chapters – ‘History’ slowly reveals details of her childhood; ‘Crime’ tells of more recent events and ‘Poetry’ is in the present time and her experiences at a local poetry group. All the differing strands come together to form a superbly rounded story which may tug at your heart strings – it certainly did mine.

The story hints at events in her past and I’m not going to reveal any of them here. All I will say is that because of what has happened to her, Loveday has become a self-sufficient character, she doesn’t want to be beholden to anyone and can be rather prickly. She keeps her secrets close and doesn’t trust easily, preferring to spend her time with books rather than people (I can understand that!). Can Nathan, a local poet, be the one who can break down her self-imposed wall of self-protection– or is Loveday determined to avoid any emotional attachment at all costs?

There wouldn’t be a story without the characters but the bookshop is at the heart of it. The irrepressible and eccentric Archie, who, underneath a gruff exterior has a heart of gold, some of my favourite scenes were with Archie and Loveday. The quirky Melody, Loveday’s colleague at the bookshop, the very thoughtful Nathan. There are other characters who didn’t bring out the best in me and the least said about them, the better!

Stephanie Butland always writes so beautifully, and her characters are so well rounded with distinct personalities and emotions. The story moves back and forth in time, slowly revealing details of Loveday’s past whilst the reader follows Loveday through the present. Between the pages you will find sadness, humour and even a little bit of mystery as Loveday tries to discover who is leaving books for her at the shop.

As soon as I started reading Lost for Words I knew I was going to love it, and I wasn’t disappointed. If Loveday doesn’t steal your heart, then I’m sure that Archie and his bookshop will!

My thanks to the publisher for the paperback copy to review.

I loved this book. It was a satisfying read and perfect for those who view books as something far more than something to pass the time. For the first time in a long time there was not a thing I would have changed about this book. Loveday is a gal I could relate to and root for at the same time. Equally likeable is Archie her boss.
This one should not be missed and is a perfect give for true booklovers.

A beautiful and outstanding book for lovers of books. A girl finds solace in a bookshop, how many of us have dreamed of that? Add to the story a magician, a happy childhood and a friend who is always there for you and you have this uplifting story. A total pleasure to read from start to finish.

Oh, wow. Just...wow. The title of this book couldn't have been more apt if it tried. Why? Because, after whizzing through this novel as though my life depended on it, I was actually Lost for Words.

Set in a good, old-fashioned style bookshop (where else could be better for a storyline setting!!) we follow the life of Loveday Cardew; the bookworm of all bookworms if you will. Or, to go one better, she's the prologue as opposed to the epilogue. Loveday sees the bookshop as the only place that she can truly be herself and not be expected to be something that she isn't. It's as though the bookshop is her safe haven...for now anyway..

As a massive bookworm myself, getting stuck into 'Lost for Words' really was a dream come true. Errrr, hello, a book about books!! Do I REALLY need to go into any more detail? No, didn't think so!

As the storyline started to unfold, we weren't just reading a story about books, deliveries and old memories. Due to Stephanie Butland's majestic and beautiful use of descriptions, it was as though I could reach my hand out and touch a book, or smell the scent of historical hardbacks and various homes. Butland's spellbinding writing made every single word jump off the page and imprint itself in my mind, as though I was physically seeing the books for myself. Extremely vivid imagery, it was as though the book came to life before my very eyes.

Again, 'Lost For Words' has one of those types of storylines where you want to sit with a coffee and talk AT someone about what you've read, wanting to tell them all the special things about the novel, and seeing as I want to do that right now, this review is proving to be quite tricky to write!

Now, even though I adore everything about books, I was rather pleased to learn that this particular storyline had even more beautiful things to discover, aside from books. The characters in 'Lost for Words' are definitely a mixed bunch, there were maybe one or two that I disliked. Maybe. Maybe not. I'm not saying. Cough. However, there were so many loveable and huggable characters waiting to be discovered on every page. Well, to me it felt like that. I can tell you that my favourite character was indeed, Loveday. There were many moments throughout the novel where I just wanted to scoop her up into a big hug, and try to protect her from anymore harm. Loveday is such a beautiful spirited, angelic minded character with fiery twist to her. In my opinion, Butland has created such an unforgettable character with such a heartwarming soul, to get all of those positive traits in one person was such a joy to discover.

'Lost for Words' isn't just beautiful covers, iconic authors and magical, literary moments; no. One moment it seemed as though the storyline was plodding along in its own little world, then the next moment a characters life came crashing down on them with no warning. Truthfully? I don't remember breathing during those parts, I don't remember any other expression on my face except shock (my mouth was open), all I remember was that my heart was pounding and I was afraid. It was as though the storyline was brought to a standstill except for this one, extremely vivid moment...

I cried, multiple emotions came tumbling out of my eyes and I thought to myself, 'this author is phenomenal'.

To create ONE storyline full of endless emotions, good memories and bad memories, multiple layered characters, AND an exceptional plot and setting, is just...mind-blowing. I have never read anything like 'Lost for Words' before, ever. It truly is in a league of its own and to be honest, not many other books come close to this one.

'Lost for Words' is a powerful, thought-provoking tale about one person's journey to self discovery and learning how to be loved. Stephanie Butland's outstanding writing style is what makes this storyline stand out from the rest, alongside her beautiful creation that is; Loveday.

Poignant, heart warming, and totally unforgettable; 'Lost for Words' is the soul-searching, exceptional novel that I have been waiting for.

With all my heart; wow.

Huge thanks to Bonnier Zaffre.

I always love a book about books and Butland has written a wonderful one. Loveday's family tragedy has harmed her more deeply than she wants to admit and retreating into books has not solved her problems. Archie is just terrific as is the book store. Take this as it comes- it's not a surprising tale, in some ways, but it's one to settle down with and enjoy. THanks to Netgalley for the ARC as I likely would not have found this otherwise. Loveday is so carefully and lovingly written; you will totally root for her. No spoilers here (and others have recapped the plot) but you will like this.

The main character in Lost for Words, Loveday Cardew, is nothing like me. She's tattooed, uncomfortable in social situations, writes poetry and spent most of her childhood in care but she is very much like me because she is a bookseller. A real bookseller. Not just someone who works in a bookshop - she's the real thing. It is a bit self-indulgent but I absolutely loved the parts of this book where the bookshop, its customers and Loveday's feeling for books are described. I may even have done the odd little fist-pump and shouted out 'yesssss!' with a sense of total understanding. However, I would imagine that you don't need to be a bookseller to sympathise with Loveday's position. She is trying her hardest to live a quiet life: she works in a second-hand bookshop in York (where I lived for 3 years in my student days), has a reasonably good relationship with her eccentric boss and tries to avoid much contact with almost everyone else. She feels she is not worth other people's effort, unless they are looking for an obscure or hard to find book, and she certainly is not looking for love.

This was an unusual bit of chick-lit. Yes, it was about a young woman and her relationships but it was about quite a lot more. It looks at Loveday's difficult past and her gradual acceptance of her future: she is a central character in a chick-lit novel that we could all find something in common with if we are honest - awkward, often grumpy and unreasonable. I really liked her. If you like something more than just romance in your chick-lit then maybe Loveday's story is one for you.

There were several things I enjoyed about this book and a few I didn't. I loved that it was set in a book store in York, a city I've never been but it sounded very quant. I loved the bookish quotes sprinkled throughout and Loveday's own love affair with books. Books are her refuge, as they are for many book lovers, myself included. I did find myself wondering what had led her to become a recluse and to shy away from people and social situations. I found her interesting and witty in many ways. I also really liked Archie's character, he made me smile many times. What I struggled with was the pace which was slow for me and I'm not sure about the connection of Loveday's childhood tragedy to the overall plot. I also found it to be somewhat predictable. Overall, an average read for me.

Lost for Words is the name of the bookshop that this book centres around as well as the title. And what a bookshop it is! I was so sad at the end of the book as I really didn't want to leave Lost For Words. It was just a perfect sounding book shop. That comfortable one that you love, where the staff make you feel like a part of their family, welcome you like a long lost friend every time you walk in, who know how long to leave each and every customer to browse before offering or guiding them toward the perfect book

Loveday is just such a wonderful character. She's built a wall around herself but when you realise everything that she has been through, you can understand why she keeps to herself and prefers the company of books.

This is a book about books. It's for book lovers and very obviously written by a lover of books. It's also a book about friendship and how some people just allow you to be yourself and will be there, waiting for you when you are ready. Ready for what changes with each and every person.

This book made me laugh and cry in equal measures. Loveday's observations were so real and not always correct but that was what I loved about her so much. She was normal. She has the same thoughts that the rest of us have at the beginning of a relationship. Wondering how much we should share. So heartbreaking and then heartwarming within the space of a matter of pages.

If you love books, you will love this book.
If you love figuring out what makes people tick, you will love this book.

I can tell already that this is going to be one of those very few books that I recommend again and again to friends and family and will personally be re-reading for many years to come.

I was thrilled to discover this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I enjoy reading books when they involve bookstores and bookish people. Alas, I must admit in first half of the book, I was frustrated and was ready to ditch the book. However, I rallied on and certain aspects of the story became a bit stronger about almost half way in.
The story is written in Loveday’s POV and she is an interesting character. I must admit at first I wasn’t sure she was going to grow on me but as I read on she came out of her shell-if you will- somewhat and I began to sympathize with her.
Loveday works in a second hand book shop and her boss Archie is quite the character! He seemed to know everyone and has been everywhere. I wanted that to be explored more. There can be a whole other book written about him in my opinion. I felt he was the life of the story.
The story has a subject matter about unhealthy and often times abusive and deadly relationships. There are some areas of this matter where I felt it was weakly portrayed and areas where it was strong. After thinking about it for a while, my only contingent would be that maybe the overall story would have been stronger if there was more background on the people’s life experience as to why their relationships were unhealthy. Another thing that bothered me was the tragedy that Loveday experienced as a child wasn’t satisfactory to the plot.
Having said that, I enjoyed reading this story. The premise is a good one, the ending was heartfelt and I loved the poetry included as part of what helps brings two people together in this story. I will be on the lookout for more stories by this author.
I rated this book three stars.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

An absolute gem of a book. This is a must read if your a book lover looking for a warm inviting story. So beautifully written and oozing with charm and emotion.
I put a full review of the book on my blog in this post here - http://www.isthisreallife.co.uk/2017/04/book-round-up-4.html

A beautifully written novel that is not only a love story on three different levels but also a mystery. It is very cleverly written story told through the eyes of a young girl called Lovelace who has problems with relationships and relates to books better than she does people.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy in return for an honest review.

I requested this book primarily due to the gorgeous book cover. A lovely bay window with a shadow in the window lost in a book so I had no real idea what to expect when I started reading.

Loveday Cardew (a Cornish name) works in a bookshop and seems to prefer books to people. The book shop is the perfect bookshop with little nooks and crannies, and everywhere stuffed with books. You can almost smell the books in the book shop.

It’s easy to put Loveday down as a boring book worm but when her story unfolds through the pages you realise that Loveday is much stronger than she first seems. I was struck that when her boyfriend hid her shoes to stop her going home, she leaves anyway and walks home barefoot. This is not a mousy book worm.
Loveday’s life story is given in sections like a book. Her relationship is entitled Crime, and her childhood is History. Books from her past are coming seem to be coming into her life and Loveday is not sure its coincidence. One book might be coincidence but more than one is a message. But who is trying to contact her and why.

I am not going to give a full synopsis of this book, but safe to say it brings on a warm feeling. The person reading the book in the window could be us the reader, sucked into Loveday’s life to find out what happens to her, and how she is at the end.

I also have to mention the bookshop owner Archie. Everyone needs a Archie in their life.

This is 5 stars. Definitely recommend.

Oh I just loved this book. The characters are so well written and described that I could just picture them all, from Archie and his exaggerated life stories to Melodie and the way she spoke, and the main character Loveday and the witty way she speaks to the reader. The setting of the Lost For Words bookshop is a bookshop that most keen readers will have been into at some point and can easily be imagined!
I really felt for Loveday with her sad past and really routed for her and Nathan to be together although this is NOT a love story!
Can thoroughly recommend this book.

"Lost for Words" is a gem. An absolute gem of a novel. I enjoyed it so much… I don’t even know where to start.

It's the type of book that fills you with a warmth and happiness; the writing is spot on, and the characters will pull at your heart (as you get to know Lovejoy you cheer her on, but you like Nathan and Archie pretty much immediately).

Told entirely by Loveday Cardew, and jumping from present day, back 15 years (1999) and then back 3 years (2013), we see how the events of Loveday's life have created a character who is guarded; isolated from those around her: Stephanie Butland does a wonderful job of showing us Loveday's fears and defense mechanisms. Each story brings so much to the table that I was eager to go back to 1999 but just as eager to see what happened in 2013 and what would happen in 2016. Learning about Loveday's past made things clearer, and you really just start to root for her (without spoiling anything 1999 is when Loveday is 9 years old and a massively tragic event happens that alters her life).

But if Loveday is a little too guarded for you, don't you fear. For there is Archie. I know. He isn't the main character, but he stands out (he is the owner of "Lost for Words" second hand bookshop and Lovejoy's closest and only friend). He actually reminded me of Gareth from "Four Weddings and a Funeral" - you know... the one who ends up dead, but prior to that spends every wedding laughing, dancing, drinking and telling tall tales. Archie is that guy. He was absolutely brilliant.

Stephanie Butland's writing style reminded me of D.E. Stevenson (Miss Buncle's Book, The Baker's Daughter, The Young Clementina) - the beauty is in the telling; it was written so simply, so perfectly... it was just a delight to read.

4.5 star read.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced read!

LOST FOR WORDS by Stephanie Butland is a deeply moving tale of family, loss, and finding a way through your heartache, and it is all rolled up with a perfect second-hand bookshop and an understanding of how books can really become such a hugely important part of your life.

Loveday Cardew doesn't like people, preferring to keep herself to herself and seeking refuge in her books whenever she needs company. Burying her past, Loveday has created a new start for herself and is proud of her job in Lost for Words, a quirky second-hand bookstore, run by Archie, an eccentric older man with a flare for people. Nobody knows the truth about Loveday and that is the way she wants to keep it - she doesn't want anyone asking any questions or judging her. But when a lost book brings her in contact with a caring poet, Loveday wishes that she could be normal and have a normal relationship. However, her past has only taught her that love hurts everyone. With an obsessive former boyfriend, books from her past making a mysterious appearance, and the possibility of love, will Loveday be able to open up the gates of her memories to those who care about her? Or will telling her story destroy her carefully built independent life?

LOST FOR WORDS by Stephanie Butland is such a heartbreaking story as we learn about Loveday's life when the narrative moves from past to present. Loveday is such a strong, determined, self-contained character, but yet her vulnerability shines through, and I desperately wanted her to be able to confront her demons and find the peace she deserves. The bookstore is every bookworm's dream, and the author perfectly portrays the significance that a book can play in someone's life - the memories they invoke, the connection they can make with the reader, the emotions, the dreams, just everything. The characters are gripping, the pace is spot on, and I really cared about the storyline, which for me makes this book a complete hit. LOST FOR WORDS by Stephanie Butland is a must read for fiction fans everywhere, but especially for those who find books their connection to the world. A beautiful, all-consuming read!

Loveday Jenna Carlew works in a second-hand bookstore, Lost For Words, in York. She's a bibliophile and a loner, and as the book progresses we slowly start unravelling the mystery of her past and what's made her so suspicious of people and of attachments.

I surprised myself by how much I loved this book. It's not my usual genre at all - I picked it based on the bookshop setting (a definite weakness of mine!) but somehow expected something a little less real, and a little more magical. By the end, though, I was definitely snuffling, and read the second half of the book practically in one sitting!

At first, I didn't really take to Loveday (a traditional Cornish name, I learned). She's young and awkward and makes too many comments - because this is told in first person - about people reacting to her tattooes, as if she's some kind of punk chick when the ink is actually the first lines from her favourite novels.

As the story continues there are still a few moments when I thought she was being a bit... well, she pushes everyone away and defends it as 'sensible', and the remarks did occasionally have me rolling my eyes. And then the story turns out to be a bit of a romance - absolutely not my genre!

And yet... woven through alternate chapters is the mystery of Loveday's childhood, and it's impossible not to feel for her. The past is handled so very well, and makes the present scenes very understandable and real.

As I said, by the time I got to the last few chapters I was invested enough to be teary about it all. Any book that moves you so is probably a worthy consideration for a first-line (see top) tattoo - or, more realistically, a good review!

Not one I'd recommend to everyone, but for something a bit different, or a bit less 'genre' than my usual reading, definitely a great find.

‘Lost for Words' is exactly the sort of novel that I love to read most of all. I love stories where issues are in the forefront and waiting to be resolved. It fits me to a ‘T’. This novel is a work of contemporary fiction fuelled by a truly pertinent back story, a fizz of romance, a heartrending mystery and a whole pile of hidden secrets making up the main storyline. Beautifully told, almost lyrically, its heroine is Loveday Cardew, a young women who is a true bibliophile working in a bookshop in the picturesque city of York. She has always loved reading, encouraged by her parents who had many books in their home. In fact she relates to books far more easily than she relates to humans. She adores her work; it is her dream job, her perfect fit. But Lovejoy is haunted by unhappy memories of when her joyful childhood days filled with love and caring came to a sudden and unexpected end one horrendous night. She lost her cherished parents in one fell swoop and spent the rest of her childhood in the care system or with fosterers. It’s a time she keeps secret and with good reason. The bookshop owned by flamboyant, kind Archie became her refuge from the very time she entered its doors and was offered a part-time job as a schoolgirl employee, until the present day, now living independently and working there as a grown woman.

Lovejoy is a wonderfully endearing character. She is fragile, damaged and full of perceived shame and hurt. Her only defence is keeping herself to herself and guarding her secrets fiercely. The gradual revelation of her sad story is a masterly device; slow morsels of information released at first then escalating as the mystery and horror of her story becomes evident, cruelly initiated by the day that Lovejoy suspects that someone has found out about her past and her true identity. Someone is playing mind games with her, forcing her hand with a menace that takes her breath away and puts daggers into her heart. Convinced that she will be driven away by her tormentor, Lovejoy must decide who she can trust, if anyone, and make the decision of how she can find the right words to tell her story. Her boyfriend Nathan has always been gentle, caring and understanding about her desire for privacy and respects her wishes. Her developing relationship with Nathan was encouraging her to open up ever so slightly but this new closeness and Nathan’s openness felt threatening as well. As she ponders what she should do, matters are taken completely out of her hands and her life is suddenly under serious threat. The finale of this story is thrilling, full of tension and superbly concluded. I would like to thank NetGalley and publisher Zaffre for my copy of ‘Lost for Words', sent to me in return for an honest review. This book is a real page-turner, an excellent read full of tension, emotion and driven by a compelling back story. It’s a very well deserved 4.5* review from me.

3.5

An emotional yet a quiet read

Written by the POV of Loveday, we are introduced to her life and the very few people in it and slowly on what makes Loveday the way she is.
The chapters go back and forth between present and
past - revealing the affects of domestic violence and crime on people's lives.

But it was not an intense read but strangely comforting in some ways to know that survival and happiness are not impossible even through some sadness in the end.

I really liked Archie's character.

My favorite parts are the descriptions of Loveday's work in the bookshop and her passion for books.

There is a bit of poetry in the book, I don't usually enjoy English poetry but I did like "Books Behave"