Call number
FIC COL
Collection
Genres
Publication
William Morrow Paperbacks (2019), 416 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Romance. Humor (Fiction.) HTML: A grand baronial house on Loch Ness, a quirky small-town bookseller, and a single mom looking for a fresh start all come together in this witty and warm-hearted novel by New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan. Desperate to escape from London, single mother Zoe wants to build a new life for herself and her four year old son Hari. She can barely afford the crammed studio apartment on a busy street where shouting football fans keep them awake all night. Hari's dad, Jaz, a charismatic but perpetually broke DJ, is no help at all. But his sister Surinder comes to Zoe's aid, hooking her up with a job as far away from the urban crush as possible: a bookshop on the banks of Loch Ness. And there's a second job to cover housing: Zoe will be an au pair for three children at a genuine castle in the Scottish Highlands. But while Scotland is everything Zoe dreamed ofâ??clear skies, brisk fresh air, blessed quietâ??everything else is a bit of a mess. The Urquart family castle is grand, but crumbling, the childrens' single dad is a wreck, and the kids have been kicked out of school and left to their own devices. Zoe has her work cut out for her, and is determined to rise to the challenge, especially when she sees how happily Hari has taken to their new home. With the help of Nina, the friendly local bookseller, Zoe begins to put down roots in the community. Are books, fresh air, and kindness enough to heal this broken familyâ??and her own… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Twink
Ahh, Jenny Colgan, you had me at bookshop. Well, that's not quite true - I will happily pick up anything you write! But a love of books is indeed woven through the pages of this novel. Colgan's latest North American release is The Bookshop on the Shore.
Before you even start to read, take the time
Setting is always important in Colgan's books. This time we're on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. A run down house full of books - and secrets. A village full of wee shops - and quirky, lovable supporting characters. The descriptions of land and sea have me wanting to visit, as do the villagers.
Colgan's characters immediately endear themselves to the reader. While Nina and Surinder from The Bookshop on the Corner have a role in this latest, it is Zoe's story that is front and center. She's a struggling single mom to four year old Hari - who has chosen not to speak. This move means a place to live - up in that 'big house' looking after three motherless children after the housekeeper goes home. And driving the bookmobile in the day. Uh, huh a great premise. The reader is firmly behind Zoe as she navigates a new home, two new jobs and trying to give Hari the best life she can.
And of course, it wouldn't be a Colgan book without a romantic subplot. Will Zoe connect with the single father of her charges? Or reconnect with Hari's father? I always enjoy the yes/no/maybe so...And the romance isn't confined to our lead character. Nina is expecting her first child - and I have to say I am smitten with her partner Lennox.
But of course, there are hurdles to clear on the way to that happy-ever-after ending. Colgan tackles some tough issues in this latest with a deft touch.
Colgan is my go-to author when I need a warm, witty feel-good comfort read. And this latest did not disappoint. I will be eagerly awaiting Colgan's next book!
Before you even start to read, take the time
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to read the author's notes at the front of the book. Colgan is very funny and it will give you some background and insight into her writing.Setting is always important in Colgan's books. This time we're on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. A run down house full of books - and secrets. A village full of wee shops - and quirky, lovable supporting characters. The descriptions of land and sea have me wanting to visit, as do the villagers.
Colgan's characters immediately endear themselves to the reader. While Nina and Surinder from The Bookshop on the Corner have a role in this latest, it is Zoe's story that is front and center. She's a struggling single mom to four year old Hari - who has chosen not to speak. This move means a place to live - up in that 'big house' looking after three motherless children after the housekeeper goes home. And driving the bookmobile in the day. Uh, huh a great premise. The reader is firmly behind Zoe as she navigates a new home, two new jobs and trying to give Hari the best life she can.
And of course, it wouldn't be a Colgan book without a romantic subplot. Will Zoe connect with the single father of her charges? Or reconnect with Hari's father? I always enjoy the yes/no/maybe so...And the romance isn't confined to our lead character. Nina is expecting her first child - and I have to say I am smitten with her partner Lennox.
But of course, there are hurdles to clear on the way to that happy-ever-after ending. Colgan tackles some tough issues in this latest with a deft touch.
Colgan is my go-to author when I need a warm, witty feel-good comfort read. And this latest did not disappoint. I will be eagerly awaiting Colgan's next book!
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LibraryThing member jbarr5
The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
Have not read previous versions of this series but love the idea of having a book shop at the shore.
Starts with Zoey and she's traveling with her young son to Scotland where she just got a job taking care of 3 children. She's no longer able to pay her rent
She struggles as she arrives and learns about the family-no mother but a father who is into antique books.
Story goes back in time to when she was just pregnant and at other stages to the pregnancy.
She's got the right answers for the children who are trying to drive her and Hari away. The housekeeper who's pregnant is hospitalized and now Zoe takes over her work load as well as her other chores.
Love the time she spends with Mary shopping for clothes. Things change once the kids are back to school.
Her ex shows up and wants her to go back to England and he's promised to help with the money....the kids overhear and draw their own conclusion and they go missing, the lake is too close and that is one place they search for them...
We learn over time why the mother left the cildren and her husband....
Things change with her ex and now he and his new girlfriend want them to be closer-for the child. Party for the kids to introduce them to others they will be going to school with-wow what a bash!
Love what she does tot he book store, teh things she adds that make all the difference in the world.
They draw close to one another and miracles occur...
Acknowledgements are included. About the author is also included along with her other works.
Praise and reviews are included at the end.
Received this review copy from HarperCollins Publishers via William Morrow Paperbacks at NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheBookshopOnTheShore #NetGalley
Have not read previous versions of this series but love the idea of having a book shop at the shore.
Starts with Zoey and she's traveling with her young son to Scotland where she just got a job taking care of 3 children. She's no longer able to pay her rent
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and her DJ boyfriend is too busy for them and doens't wish to tell his parents of the child.She struggles as she arrives and learns about the family-no mother but a father who is into antique books.
Story goes back in time to when she was just pregnant and at other stages to the pregnancy.
She's got the right answers for the children who are trying to drive her and Hari away. The housekeeper who's pregnant is hospitalized and now Zoe takes over her work load as well as her other chores.
Love the time she spends with Mary shopping for clothes. Things change once the kids are back to school.
Her ex shows up and wants her to go back to England and he's promised to help with the money....the kids overhear and draw their own conclusion and they go missing, the lake is too close and that is one place they search for them...
We learn over time why the mother left the cildren and her husband....
Things change with her ex and now he and his new girlfriend want them to be closer-for the child. Party for the kids to introduce them to others they will be going to school with-wow what a bash!
Love what she does tot he book store, teh things she adds that make all the difference in the world.
They draw close to one another and miracles occur...
Acknowledgements are included. About the author is also included along with her other works.
Praise and reviews are included at the end.
Received this review copy from HarperCollins Publishers via William Morrow Paperbacks at NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheBookshopOnTheShore #NetGalley
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LibraryThing member MrsLee
A very enjoyable read for a lazy afternoon. If you enjoy lots of references to books, both by name, and plot association, this will be fun for you. I liked the main character Zoe, and the children she was looking after. Plausible actions and decisions by the characters is a plus for me.
LibraryThing member NancyLuebke
I enjoyed this romance set mostly in Scotland. I received this advanced copy for free and voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating. Lots of action with a book mobile and children. Not a book I'd give my under aged grandchildren though, It does have a lot of interest in books and
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a few fun moments here and there, along with some serious topics. Will probably read more of this author's writing. Show Less
LibraryThing member mchwest
It's a 5, anything this author writes is a 5 in my book. She can always make you want to get back to reading, settle in a cozy nook with her different plots around Scotland and it's beautiful countryside or seashore. The characters she builds, and has us fall in love with, are always different and
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I'm doubly sad when I've finished another of her reads and have to wait for the next. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookfanMary
I loved The Bookshop on the Shore every bit as much as all the others I've read by Jenny Colgan. I adore the way she tells a story, her characters that are instantly likable in situations that seem almost hopeless until they aren't. I loved the setting, the sad and struggling family she goes to
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nanny for, and the people of the small town. Typical Jenny Colgan book and I can't wait to read another. Show Less
LibraryThing member susan0316
Readers can always depend on Jenny Colgan to give them a story with a personal dilemma, a little mystery, a few laughs and a happily ever after ending. This book is Jenny at her best. She says in her introduction that this book isn't really a sequel to The Bookshop on the Corner but has a few of
Zoe is living a dismal life in London with her young son, Hari. She is living hand to mouth and gets no help from Hari's dad other than occasional visit when he is in London. Hari is almost 4 years old and has never spoken at all which upsets both parents. When Zoe gets the opportunity, she applies for a job in Scotland near Loch Ness, as a nanny for 3 children. At the same time, she agrees to help the local bookmobile owner, Nina, until she has her baby and can get back to work. The only thing that these two women really have in common is their absolute love of books. Their relationship starts off pretty rocky but their love of books helps them get along. The other rocky part of Zoe's life is being the au-pair to the 3 Urquart children. They live in a beautiful castle but the children have been neglected and run wild with no respect for authority. Their mother is gone and their father is a total mess who can't handle the children. However, Hari loves it there and enjoys being around the three kids so Zoe tries to improve life for all of them. Will the fresh air and the beautiful land of Scotland keep Zoe in Scotland or will she give up and return to her pitiful life in London? This is another light fun read from this author.
Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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the same characters. After reading both, I think you need to read them in order to understand some of the nuances of the second book.Zoe is living a dismal life in London with her young son, Hari. She is living hand to mouth and gets no help from Hari's dad other than occasional visit when he is in London. Hari is almost 4 years old and has never spoken at all which upsets both parents. When Zoe gets the opportunity, she applies for a job in Scotland near Loch Ness, as a nanny for 3 children. At the same time, she agrees to help the local bookmobile owner, Nina, until she has her baby and can get back to work. The only thing that these two women really have in common is their absolute love of books. Their relationship starts off pretty rocky but their love of books helps them get along. The other rocky part of Zoe's life is being the au-pair to the 3 Urquart children. They live in a beautiful castle but the children have been neglected and run wild with no respect for authority. Their mother is gone and their father is a total mess who can't handle the children. However, Hari loves it there and enjoys being around the three kids so Zoe tries to improve life for all of them. Will the fresh air and the beautiful land of Scotland keep Zoe in Scotland or will she give up and return to her pitiful life in London? This is another light fun read from this author.
Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Headinherbooks_27
I wanted to really love this one but it didn't quite made the cut. I enjoyed book one in the series a lot more than this one. I'll try to re-read it again in the future; maybe my opinion on it will change.
LibraryThing member KateBaxter
This book genuinely surprised me. What started as a story of an angsty whiny twenty-something single mom dealing with a mute four-year-old son and his deadbeat dad, quickly turned into one with greater depth and solid meat on its bones.
Zoe is stuck in a one-room London flat with her sweet yet mute
Author Jenny Colgan's writing is exquisite as she paints a view of the wild Scottish Highlands for the reader's imagination and slowly reveals the quirks of Highlander character. Beyond the scenery description, the real beauty of the story is its character development. Just about every character in the story (certainly the main ones) has some sort of epiphany and becomes a better self. With a strong sense of compassion, Ms. Colgan touches upon current day issues such as obesity in children, slothfulness, single-parenting, anxiety, depression, anger and grief management. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and very much look forward to reading other books by this wonderful storyteller.
I am grateful to author Jenny Colgan and Harper Collins Publishers for having provided a free copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
A grand baronial house on Loch Ness, a quirky small-town bookseller, and a single mom looking for a fresh start all come together in this witty and warm-hearted novel by New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan.
Desperate to escape from London, single mother Zoe wants to build a new life for herself and her four year old son Hari. She can barely afford the crammed studio apartment on a busy street where shouting football fans keep them awake all night. Hari’s dad, Jaz, a charismatic but perpetually broke DJ, is no help at all. But his sister Surinder comes to Zoe’s aid, hooking her up with a job as far away from the urban crush as possible: a bookshop on the banks of Loch Ness. And there’s a second job to cover housing: Zoe will be an au pair for three children at a genuine castle in the Scottish Highlands.
But while Scotland is everything Zoe dreamed of—clear skies, brisk fresh air, blessed quiet—everything else is a bit of a mess. The Urquart family castle is grand, but crumbling, the children's single dad is a wreck, and the kids have been kicked out of school and left to their own devices. Zoe has her work cut out for her, and is determined to rise to the challenge, especially when she sees how happily Hari has taken to their new home.
With the help of Nina, the friendly local bookseller, Zoe begins to put down roots in the community. Are books, fresh air, and kindness enough to heal this broken family—and her own?
Zoe is stuck in a one-room London flat with her sweet yet mute
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son, Hari. She is at wits end as Hari's dad, Jaz, makes promises he won't keep and who does little to ease Zoe and Hari's meager existence. It's Jaz's sister, Surinder, who throws Zoe a lifeline and finds a job for her as a mobile bookseller way up in the Scottish Highlands. To resolve Zoe's housing needs, there's also a position as an au pair to 3 wild children with a single dad. Zoe is "Nanny-Seven" and the three children automatically hate her just as they had Zoe's six predecessors. Can Zoe make this set-up work? She will certainly try her best. What other choice is there?Author Jenny Colgan's writing is exquisite as she paints a view of the wild Scottish Highlands for the reader's imagination and slowly reveals the quirks of Highlander character. Beyond the scenery description, the real beauty of the story is its character development. Just about every character in the story (certainly the main ones) has some sort of epiphany and becomes a better self. With a strong sense of compassion, Ms. Colgan touches upon current day issues such as obesity in children, slothfulness, single-parenting, anxiety, depression, anger and grief management. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and very much look forward to reading other books by this wonderful storyteller.
I am grateful to author Jenny Colgan and Harper Collins Publishers for having provided a free copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from publisher's website):
A grand baronial house on Loch Ness, a quirky small-town bookseller, and a single mom looking for a fresh start all come together in this witty and warm-hearted novel by New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan.
Desperate to escape from London, single mother Zoe wants to build a new life for herself and her four year old son Hari. She can barely afford the crammed studio apartment on a busy street where shouting football fans keep them awake all night. Hari’s dad, Jaz, a charismatic but perpetually broke DJ, is no help at all. But his sister Surinder comes to Zoe’s aid, hooking her up with a job as far away from the urban crush as possible: a bookshop on the banks of Loch Ness. And there’s a second job to cover housing: Zoe will be an au pair for three children at a genuine castle in the Scottish Highlands.
But while Scotland is everything Zoe dreamed of—clear skies, brisk fresh air, blessed quiet—everything else is a bit of a mess. The Urquart family castle is grand, but crumbling, the children's single dad is a wreck, and the kids have been kicked out of school and left to their own devices. Zoe has her work cut out for her, and is determined to rise to the challenge, especially when she sees how happily Hari has taken to their new home.
With the help of Nina, the friendly local bookseller, Zoe begins to put down roots in the community. Are books, fresh air, and kindness enough to heal this broken family—and her own?
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LibraryThing member chrisac
I was delighted by this book. It was an engrossing, quick read that left me wanting for more. We follow Zoe's adventure as a single mom barely making ends meet as she makes a life changing decision to move to Scotland with her young son as an au pair to a trio of 3 unusual kids and their peculiar
What follows is an emotional journey as Zoe, her charges, her son, and her employer learn to know each other. Its is a tale of a modern Jane Eyre set in a decaying Scottish castle, and is filled with delightful twists and turns as the characters grow to find their footing.
I am happy to review this as a member of the Early Reviewers group on Library Thing.
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dad.What follows is an emotional journey as Zoe, her charges, her son, and her employer learn to know each other. Its is a tale of a modern Jane Eyre set in a decaying Scottish castle, and is filled with delightful twists and turns as the characters grow to find their footing.
I am happy to review this as a member of the Early Reviewers group on Library Thing.
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LibraryThing member julyso
I really enjoyed this story, but I always like a good bookshop story!
The story is about single mom Zoe and her little boy Hari. They are really struggling and not much help from the father. She gets a job opportunity in Scotland, but everything is a mess. She’s a nanny to a single dad with three
The story is about single mom Zoe and her little boy Hari. They are really struggling and not much help from the father. She gets a job opportunity in Scotland, but everything is a mess. She’s a nanny to a single dad with three
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challenging children. Books may save the day! Show Less
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Zoe is a single mother living in a bedsit in London with her four year old son, Hari. She gets no no support from his father, she has little money and no prospects except the one presented by her ex’s sister. Actually she is about to take on two jobs at the same time.
The Highlands and the Islands
This is a sweet story with a bit of humor and a wee bit of Jane Eyre thrown in. The author inserts “asides” in the book, especially relating to Zoe and the worth of books. Interesting concept - self-medicating with books. I also found the explanation for the name chosen for the estate, “The Beeches” as a safe haven for books smuggled during the reformation to be a great insertion of information. The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands, the changeable weather, Inverness and Loch Ness were spot on. There were a surprising number of errors throughout the book that should have been caught by the proofreaders.
Thank you LibraryThing for an Advance Reviewer’s Copy.
The Highlands and the Islands
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of Scotland are the happiest places for children in Britain, but not for the those who live at The Beeches, a baronial home falling into disrepair. Shackleton, Mary and Patrick have lost their mother but we don’t know why. The facts are very slow in coming. We only know that the children are totally out of control, languishing and raging in equal measures. Zoe is about to become “Nanny Seven” and all hell is about to break loose.This is a sweet story with a bit of humor and a wee bit of Jane Eyre thrown in. The author inserts “asides” in the book, especially relating to Zoe and the worth of books. Interesting concept - self-medicating with books. I also found the explanation for the name chosen for the estate, “The Beeches” as a safe haven for books smuggled during the reformation to be a great insertion of information. The descriptions of the Scottish Highlands, the changeable weather, Inverness and Loch Ness were spot on. There were a surprising number of errors throughout the book that should have been caught by the proofreaders.
Thank you LibraryThing for an Advance Reviewer’s Copy.
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LibraryThing member lhaines56
not bad but not as good as some of her others. i could have done without kids being in the pix at all.
LibraryThing member managedbybooks
I mainly wanted to read this because I've enjoyed some of the author's previous books and this one was no different! It was a quick, fun read that was perfect when I had some downtime.
LibraryThing member Circlestonesbooks
“They went past dark hedgerows and low-roofed outhouses, before The Beeches finally revealed itself. It was the spookiest place Zoe had ever seen in her life.” (quotation page 62)
Content
Zoe, a single mother of four-years-old Hari desperately needs a job and somewhere to live, because she cannot
Theme and genre
Another chick-lit novel with substance and depth, a special genre, the author is famous for. It is about being different from others, about family, motherhood, fathers and children. Books are only a second theme.
Characters
Zoe is likeable, mostly down-to-earth and strong in there own way. We also meet again Nina, still known as the main character from “The Bookshop on the corner”, but she is now quite bossy. The characters are well described with realistic behavior, especially the children.
Plot and writing
There are enjoyable descriptions of the beautiful Scottish landscape and the old, aristocratic country house, in urgent need of any kind of warmth and renovation. The story is well developed, gripping and has the right touch of romance and wit, but there are other novels by Jenny Colgan, I liked more.
Conclusion
An enjoyable read for cosy afternoons.
Content
Zoe, a single mother of four-years-old Hari desperately needs a job and somewhere to live, because she cannot
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afford her flat in London any more. That is why she comes to Inverness to assist pregnant Nina with the bookshop in the vintage van. There also are the children of her new landlord Ramsay Urquart, two boys, twelve and five years old, and nine years old Mary. Zoe has to look after them in the morning and evenings, until the housekeeper arrives. The children are special, the house, more a castle, is dark and cold, but the nature was just breathtaking and her son Hari adores five years old Patrick. Would Zoe be able to bring about some changes, definitely needed in her new place?Theme and genre
Another chick-lit novel with substance and depth, a special genre, the author is famous for. It is about being different from others, about family, motherhood, fathers and children. Books are only a second theme.
Characters
Zoe is likeable, mostly down-to-earth and strong in there own way. We also meet again Nina, still known as the main character from “The Bookshop on the corner”, but she is now quite bossy. The characters are well described with realistic behavior, especially the children.
Plot and writing
There are enjoyable descriptions of the beautiful Scottish landscape and the old, aristocratic country house, in urgent need of any kind of warmth and renovation. The story is well developed, gripping and has the right touch of romance and wit, but there are other novels by Jenny Colgan, I liked more.
Conclusion
An enjoyable read for cosy afternoons.
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LibraryThing member m.belljackson
A sequel to The Bookshop on the Corner, this one gets off to a depressing start with Zoe, Jaz, and their baby, Hari.
Though new characters have been added, the basic move-to-Scotland to increase self-confidence for a Happy Ending remains.
Extensive and evocative descriptions of changing weather,
along until about 3/4 through when Zoe sets rules all around and things romantically begin to fall into place.
Though new characters have been added, the basic move-to-Scotland to increase self-confidence for a Happy Ending remains.
Extensive and evocative descriptions of changing weather,
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seasons, animals, books, and landscapes definitely keep the plot rollingalong until about 3/4 through when Zoe sets rules all around and things romantically begin to fall into place.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
Zoe is a single mom with a young child who doesn't speak. Needing a new job and a place to stay, she becomes a nanny to three problem children in Scotland. The house is a crumbling mansion, the father is a silent and brooding man, gone much of the time, and the housekeeper, unfriendly. Zoe is nanny
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number seven. In fact, that is what one of the children calls her. She also has a part time job selling books from a bookmobile. While she wonders what she has gotten herself into, she knows she really has nowhere else to go. This story is marvel in plot as well as character development. The people in the story really do seem like real people, with problems and quirks, likes and dislikes. Zoe must make decisions that will affect them all, often with little knowledge, relying on gut instinct and a lot of hope. Jenny Colgan excels at this type of story, and this one is certainly one of her better tales. Show Less
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
This one was an average chick-lit/romance that was only marginally about books, though they sounded like heavenly books in a library out of my dreams. The setting was the same as The Bookshop on the Corner, and a couple of characters from the first book play minor roles in this one, but otherwise
And it's ok. It's saved from complete mediocrity by a plot twist that was unexpected - at least by me; with my limited backlist of books in this genre, it's probably not hard to surprise me.
It was a diverting read, though not as good as The Book Charmer, whose strong sense of place kept interfering in my mind with the weaker one here; Perhaps I might have enjoyed this one more if it hadn't come on the tails of that more vividly written and charming book.
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the story is completely stand alone.And it's ok. It's saved from complete mediocrity by a plot twist that was unexpected - at least by me; with my limited backlist of books in this genre, it's probably not hard to surprise me.
It was a diverting read, though not as good as The Book Charmer, whose strong sense of place kept interfering in my mind with the weaker one here; Perhaps I might have enjoyed this one more if it hadn't come on the tails of that more vividly written and charming book.
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LibraryThing member jepeters333
Desperate to escape from London, single mother Zoe wants to build a new life for herself and her son Hari. She can barely afford the crammed studio apartment on a busy street where honking horns and shouting football fans keep them awake all night. If she doesn’t find a way out soon, Zoe knows
The job description asks for someone capable of caring for three “gifted children”, two of which behave like feral wolverines. The children’s widowed father is a wreck, and the kids run wild in a huge tumbledown castle on the heather-strewn banks of Loch Ness. Still, the peaceful, picturesque location is everything London is not—and Zoe rises to the challenges of the job.
With the help of Nina, the friendly local bookseller, Zoe begins to put down roots in the community. Are books, fresh air, and kindness enough to heal this broken family—and her own…?
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it’s just a matter of time before she has a complete meltdown. On a whim, she answers an ad for a nanny job in the Scottish Highlands, which is about as far away from the urban crush of London as possible. It sounds heavenly!The job description asks for someone capable of caring for three “gifted children”, two of which behave like feral wolverines. The children’s widowed father is a wreck, and the kids run wild in a huge tumbledown castle on the heather-strewn banks of Loch Ness. Still, the peaceful, picturesque location is everything London is not—and Zoe rises to the challenges of the job.
With the help of Nina, the friendly local bookseller, Zoe begins to put down roots in the community. Are books, fresh air, and kindness enough to heal this broken family—and her own…?
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LibraryThing member alanna1122
I read this on Audio.
I really like Jenny Colgan's books. They are great for reading before bed and generally are not filled with things that would keep me up at night. The one exception I had in this book when someone calls out for a lost child over and over again. It was pretty distressing to
Lol. Other than that - I like the call backs to Jane Austen and the Brontes. I like the descriptions of Scottish life. I will probably read the next in this series when it comes out.
I really like Jenny Colgan's books. They are great for reading before bed and generally are not filled with things that would keep me up at night. The one exception I had in this book when someone calls out for a lost child over and over again. It was pretty distressing to
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wake up to when I had nodded off. Lol. Other than that - I like the call backs to Jane Austen and the Brontes. I like the descriptions of Scottish life. I will probably read the next in this series when it comes out.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Scottish Bookshop series. I borrowed an ebook of this from my library.
Thoughts: This was an adorable contemporary fiction story about a young single mom (Zoe) who leaves London with her son to serve as an au pair for a man with three difficult
The story is mainly about Zoe finding a place where she truly belongs and we watch her struggle to gain confidence and find a true family for herself and her son. There is a heavy bookish theme throughout and I really enjoyed the cameos by Nina as well.
The characters in these books are so interesting and lovable. I really felt for Nina as she struggled, and enjoyed watching her get her footing in a new life.
I love the setting for this series. This small town setting in the Scottish Highlands on the banks of Loch Ness is amazing. It is a magical and peaceful setting that I always enjoy reading about.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is just a fun, heartwarming read, set in an amazing little town. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of danger, a bit of romance, and a lot of a young woman trying to find her true home. I would recommend this to those looking for a sweet contemporary romance set in a beautiful rural setting.
Thoughts: This was an adorable contemporary fiction story about a young single mom (Zoe) who leaves London with her son to serve as an au pair for a man with three difficult
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children. While there Zoe is also supposed to help Nina run her bookshop while Nina has her first child.The story is mainly about Zoe finding a place where she truly belongs and we watch her struggle to gain confidence and find a true family for herself and her son. There is a heavy bookish theme throughout and I really enjoyed the cameos by Nina as well.
The characters in these books are so interesting and lovable. I really felt for Nina as she struggled, and enjoyed watching her get her footing in a new life.
I love the setting for this series. This small town setting in the Scottish Highlands on the banks of Loch Ness is amazing. It is a magical and peaceful setting that I always enjoy reading about.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is just a fun, heartwarming read, set in an amazing little town. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of danger, a bit of romance, and a lot of a young woman trying to find her true home. I would recommend this to those looking for a sweet contemporary romance set in a beautiful rural setting.
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LibraryThing member pennykaplan
Zoe finds herself and her 4 year old son (who doesn’t talk) in a manor house on Loch Ness as an au pair for 3 strange children (and their father) . Feel good, romantic, and all is resolved after a few ups and downs.
LibraryThing member phyllis2779
Loved this book. Read this one because first one was great. So happy I found this author.
LibraryThing member Bookish59
Another winner. I haven't read many romance books since I was a teen. Jenny Colgan has been able to turn that around.
She obviously loves Scotland and happy endings.
Engaging fun read.
She obviously loves Scotland and happy endings.
Engaging fun read.
LibraryThing member nbmars
In this book, Zoe O’Connell, 28, is a frazzled and quite poor single mom to 4-year-old Hari, who doesn’t speak. They live in a small, dilapidated bedsit in London, relying on occasional contributions from Hari’s father Jazwinder (“Jaz”). Jaz loves Hari, but “being tied down with a child
When Zoe’s rent increases and she can no longer pay it, Jaz asks his sister Surinder to help. Surinder immediately thought of Nina Redmond, her BFF, who ran a mobile bookshop in the fictional town of Kirrinfief, in the Highlands of Scotland. Nina was pregnant and needed help. There was also a single father in Kirrinfief who needed a new nanny, which would provide a place for Zoe to live.
Zoe jumped at the chance - really, what choice did she have - and she and Hari moved into the big house owned by Ramsay Urquart, the laird (by inheritance). His wife Elspeth was missing - no one knew what happened to her and no one will talk about it. He had three children:
Shackleton is 12, Mary is nine, and Patrick is five.
Mrs. MacGlone, the housekeeper, would be there during the days but Zoe’s job would be mornings and evenings, in return for which she’d get board and lodging and a small stipend.
The kids are undisciplined and a nightmare, excluded from school for behavior reasons. Zoe would be Nanny Seven.
Well, we can see where this was all going, but what a delightful trip to get there.
It seems Jenny Colgan cannot fail to write wonderful stories, that entail charming settings, endearing characters, and heartwarming romances. And her stories always seem to involve a love of books. What couldn’t be a winning formula, with all of that?
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wasn’t, he said sincerely, his style, babe.”When Zoe’s rent increases and she can no longer pay it, Jaz asks his sister Surinder to help. Surinder immediately thought of Nina Redmond, her BFF, who ran a mobile bookshop in the fictional town of Kirrinfief, in the Highlands of Scotland. Nina was pregnant and needed help. There was also a single father in Kirrinfief who needed a new nanny, which would provide a place for Zoe to live.
Zoe jumped at the chance - really, what choice did she have - and she and Hari moved into the big house owned by Ramsay Urquart, the laird (by inheritance). His wife Elspeth was missing - no one knew what happened to her and no one will talk about it. He had three children:
Shackleton is 12, Mary is nine, and Patrick is five.
Mrs. MacGlone, the housekeeper, would be there during the days but Zoe’s job would be mornings and evenings, in return for which she’d get board and lodging and a small stipend.
The kids are undisciplined and a nightmare, excluded from school for behavior reasons. Zoe would be Nanny Seven.
Well, we can see where this was all going, but what a delightful trip to get there.
It seems Jenny Colgan cannot fail to write wonderful stories, that entail charming settings, endearing characters, and heartwarming romances. And her stories always seem to involve a love of books. What couldn’t be a winning formula, with all of that?
Show Less
ISBN
0062850180 / 9780062850188