The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove is definitely following the ongoing trend of reading of romance. I am going to be reading another genre at some point this month but for now, I am well ingrained in the romance life. I think this book had all the winning points, the little quiet town, the “baddy” with the heart of gold and the stubborn woman who wanted to always stick to her guns. I loved the essence of this book and also the fact that although there was a lot of emotion within the story there wasn’t a whole load of angst to deal with. I don’t think there is anything I hate more than a sulky character who doesn’t appreciate everything they have. Luckily for me that wasn’t the case with Sophie!

For me the characters were the highlight of this book, I think they were all really well written and had really great stories for each of them. The relationships didn’t feel forced and I definitely felt as though they were all real people that I could meet down the street on a Saturday. The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove obviously centres on Sophie and Alex’s blossoming friendship but for a romance book, this didn’t steal the limelight, because the other characters were equally as interesting. I really loved this book for that, especially as I find it quite rare in romance novels.

I think the best bits of The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove would have to be the moment on the beach where Sophie and Alex start opening up to one another. This is the moment for me anyway where he becomes a normal human being rather than being “the hot one”. It gave the characters more depth and a better reason to be friends and potentially more. I really appreciated the insight it gave me into each of their stories. Another best bit for me was the friendship between the three girls, there were so many lovely bits, from Sophie babysitting the kids because she could see Natalie was struggling, Ginny being upfront with Sophie about everything that was going on, I loved them all. It was so nice to see a romance story where the women all held each other up rather than tearing each other down.

The worst bits are very few and between this book. The only complaint that I had was that maybe the problem was solved a little too quickly in this book. I actually wanted a little more drama to make it more realistic and the forgiveness in this book, man it was over and done with quick.

I would definitely recommend The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove I thought the story was well plotted and I adored each and every one of the characters and the individuality their stories past through the stories. Would definitely read again for that exact reason!

Cute enough story, but I didn’t love it. Although Sophie initially comes across as feisty, she doesn’t apply any initiative when it comes to saving her shop and rather lacks backbone., having to be rescued by a knight in shining armour is rather a cliche.

Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for the ARC and giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

I really enjoyed this book. I adored the story line and loved the main characters. I read this book in one sitting and would highly recommend this book.

I absolutely 100% adored this, I love Alex and Sophie so much, such a nice slow burn romance. I loved their awkwardness, how imperfect and normal they are. Their chemistry is so cute. I loved the development with Alex’s parents especially the end a lovely twist. All the characters are adorable , I’d love a return to see how they get on, maybe a story for Natalie. A wonderful read to make you feel warm and happy, a book to make you smile.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove started off a little too cliché for my liking. The struggling bookshop owner meets the big business guy who wants to buy her store so he can put a big hotel in its place, but she refuses because the shop has too many memories attached to it. However, once I got into it I loved how the characters developed and grew to like them so much, that I didn’t really mind the cliché bits anymore.

The main character, Sophie Jones, was very relatable to me. She was willing to fight for her beliefs and even the description of her looks reminded me of myself. Plus, she loves books, so that’s a big giveaway. I did have some trouble getting over her trust issues. She mentions so many times that she’s not sure whether she can trust businessman Alexander that it gets too much after a while.

However, for the type of predictable love story that it was I really enjoyed it.

The plot of this one might feel familiar but it's a good read for a lazy day. Sophie owns a bookshop bt it's not doing well at all. Alexander is the son of a property magnate who sent to make her an offer so that his father's company can take over and built a new resort. You know what's going to happen, right? Alexander starts by helping her build new bookshelves, which also gives you a hint. I'm a fan of books set in Cornwall so this was an easy pick for me, although I would have liked a better sense of Herring Cove. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For chick-lit fans.

This book really had the potential to fit my very niche but favourite kind of fiction: women who own businesses, struggle, find themselves, find romance, be a success for themselves anyway.

Sophie owns a failing bookshop in run-down Cornish fishing village, Herring Cove. Her business is her heart, her memories, and all that links her to some her most traumatic experiences, and she is determined to hang onto it. Especially in the face of an impending resort development headed by the Fletcher Group. But when the Fletcher Group's son, Alexander, walks through her door and makes Sophie an offer she shouldn't refuse, can she both hold onto her business, and the new man in her life who wants to take it away?

The above is my summary and it actually makes the book sound better than it was. It had so much potential to be so many of my favourite things; conflict, budding romance, a bookshop and a woman struggling in the face of adversity.

Unfortunately this was a very washed-out attempt at all of those things. I couldn't feel anything for Sophie and Alexander, I wasn't in fear for their relationship at all, I didn't understand their romance and the way they spoke to each other made me uncomfortable (really cringey clichés).

In particular, the main plot point hinges around Alexander coming to the village to make Sophie an offer on her bookshop, only to then decide to build bookshelves for her - that is how Hailes forces the pair to spend time together. It just didn't work - it felt forced, it felt off and it meant that the chemistry between Sophie and Alexander was lacking from the very beginning.

And Sophie's friends - Ginny and Natalie - are bit parts at the best. They walk on, hug Sophie, remind us of her difficult past and walk back off into their own lives, despite those being potentially interesting.

Not to mention, you won't be getting your kicks out of this novel - the 'romance' is very vanilla. Lots of hand-holding and kissing. It did not rock my world.

It's not badly written, but I can't give it more than a dismal 2 stars.

Alexander is sent to Herring Cove, a quaint fishing village, to buy out local shop owners so the Fletcher company can build a spa/restaurant vacation site. The shop owners were reluctant to sell out and give up their way of life. Sophie runs a quirky book shop and is near financial ruin. Yet, she refuses to give up the book shop her parents left her. Alexander sees value in the village the way it currently exists. He also sees value in Sophie. The fact that this is a romance about adults and adult problems makes it refreshing and delightful. Strong characters and a strong sense of community abound!

3.5 star review of The Little Bookshop At Herring Cove By Kellie Hailes 
 
This was an okay story but I have to admit I really could not get into the story as much as I wanted to.

Sophie runs a bookshop in Herring Cove and it sounds like it would be an interesting place to visit.

There was some drama and Sophia had some endearing quirks to her character, whilst the romance was enjoyable I was not engaged in the story.

I think it was the lack of commitment from Sophie in trying to save her bookshop that was off putting. Truthfully I can’t put my finger on it but although this book wasn’t for me, it won’t stop me from looking at other books by this author.

I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I was attracted by the cover when I was offered the chance o read an ARC via Netgalley.
This book is set in the fictional village of Herring Cove, and features independent book shop owner Sophie. The village is becoming more and more derelict, and as the Developers are offering to buy her shop, she has to try and resist the money.
This is a nice and easy read, especially for the summer. I found the storyline to be a little predictable, but it was still a fun and enjoyable book.

Classic small business owner vs property developer tale. The characters didn’t click much with me and I felt Sophie and Alexander’s relationship moved too fast in a confusing way. The setting was nice and I enjoyed the supporting characters.

A beautiful beach read. Touching and nostalgic with a gorgeous back drop, this is a summer special which will make your heart smile.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. Really enjoyed the book and I really want to go and visit Herring Cove it sounded like an awesome place! The book was well written and the characters were well developed. I liked that Sophie tried her best to keep the family business and didn't sell out to the big corporation until she had no choice. Can't wait to read the next book by this author!

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect sumer read.

This is a perfect summer read set in the little seaside village of Herring Cove. Sophie is the owner of a run down bookstore in the heart of the village and Alexander is a successful business man trying to buy it from her to complete his company’s plan to develop the area with a seaside holiday resort. Sophie is adamant that she won’t sell and Alexander is tasked with changing her mind. Through the course of the week Alexander spends at Herring Cove and with the encouragement of Sophie’s delightful friends the pair become closer but are they prepared to risk getting hurt and the wrath of Alexander’s father in order to let love blossom?

I adore books like this. I fell in love with Herring Cove and its residents. Kellie Hailes managed to bring this vibrant little village to life and the fact that there was a quaint little bookshop at the heart of the story was a bonus. The side characters are fantastic and I’m really hoping that we may get another book so that Natalie can find the love she so deserves too.

Thank you so much to Netgallery and HQ digital for the opportunity to revel in this book.

Sophie Jones lives alone in the Cornish village of Herring Cove. Sophie has had a hard upbringing, her parents died in an accident when she was a baby and her aunt left as soon as she was able to go back to Manchester. Natalie and Ginny Sophie's best friends have been by Sophie"s side since the accident showing her love and honour. Sophie's parents owned a book shop which was financially dwindling and Sophie has continued in their legacy her beloved book shop. Philip, Sophie's ex, ran off with her life savings leaving Sophie in financial and emotional ruin. Herring Cove is on the Fletcher group map to turn it into a 21st century profit making resort something Sophie is against. The book follows Sophie's journey of beginning to trust men again, particularly when Alexander Fletcher turns up as well as increasing profits for the town and her shop without turning it into a resort. The book shows Sophie's thoughts and emotions when everything she knows is likely to move away from her leaving her as she is. With a financially ruined book shop, alone with puddles the cat.

This book is a well written romance read. The characters allow you to get emotionally invested pushing this book into being a page turner from start to finish. It seeps into modern day living where some of our quaint areas are being turned into resort hot spots. Alongside modern love stories that spring when we least expect them. Sophie feels just like your best friend; cute, quirky and loyal.

The only downside of this book is that it has an epilogue which halts any likelihood of a sequel. I was left on enough of a cliff hanger for Sophie's future that I feel this book should be followed up with a sequel but only if the epilogue gets left out.

Easy summer read; cute and enjoyable, but predictable. It’s formulaic, but I enjoyed it; stubborn heroine who thinks she might know best and a hero who is doing his duty, but it’s not his passion. They meet, one falls while the other doesn’t want anything to do with the other. Cue cute stuff, a misunderstanding, and the make up with a happy ending. It’s a Hallmark movie and I love those!

A brilliant book, perfect for a summer afternoon.
The cast of characters is very likable and well written, the plot entertaining and engrossing, the setting made me wish to be there.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I fell in love with Sophie and her little quirks. For me, books are all about the characters and I’ve got to relate to the narrator. Kellie Hailes knocked it out of the park with this cutesy summer read.

Oh wow I've not read anything by Kellie hailes before but will now love this book.
Loved how Kellie kept people guessing about what was going to happen at the end.
Yes it's a romance but it was not just all love and kisses it was real this is how stuff happens in real life. Sometimes if your lucky.
So happy it did all work out in the end.
I love books that are set at the beach as it's one of my favourite places to be.