"The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday" by Kiley Dunbar (Recap & Review)

Sidenote: I am currently studying abroad in Aberystwyth, Wales, and I found this novel in Poundland for 1,50 pounds. The cover and title are what really sold me. Actually, the cover reminds me of the beautiful seaside in Aberystwyth, and the whole idea of borrowing a bookshop is genius.

Jude Crawley never got to attend college at the same time as her peers. Her grandmother was ill and Jude was the only person who could care for her since her own parents were busy at their family owned bakery. This meant that Jude had to put a hold on her own dreams. 

When we meet Jude, she has graduated from college at the age of 29. She took her English degree part time and is happy because she believes that she can now date her college professor Mack. Sadly, she finds him cheating with another young student and Jude is heartbroken. Another wave of shock hits her as her grandmother tells her that she wishes to move into the new nursery home in town. Jude's parents have also decided to sell their bakery to retire early which means that they will be moving away from Jude's childhood home. All these changes are difficult for Jude and she struggles with her new freedom. Now that she can finally start living her own life, she doesn't know how to. This is when she is contacted by Mack. Some time ago, Jude put Mack and herself on a waiting list to the Borrow a Bookshop Holiday. There is finally an open spot and Jude decides to go without Mack. Although it turns out that she isn't going to be alone. Tall and handsome Elliot shows up as he was told that there was an open spot for him. The misunderstanding startles Jude and she initially does not want Elliot to stay, but eventually gives in.

So, Elliot and Jude start running the café and bookshop together. At first they keep their distance, but later they become closer and feel the attraction between them. However, Elliot is very secretive and does not open up about his personal life. Still, the two spend some intimate moments together. At one point, Elliot leaves without a proper explanation, and Jude is sad. Eventually, Elliot comes back and he finally tells Jude his secret. Apparently, he was drunk one night as he walked in on some hunters who were illegally fox hunting. As Elliot tried to defend himself from the hunters, he backed into a horse who was startled and the rider fell off the horse and died. Elliot was falsely blamed which meant that he lost his job, his parents' respect, and his girlfriend broke up with him. Eventually the truth came out, the court settled the case, and Elliot is free again. 

In the happy ending, Jude and Elliot are together, living in the small town in Devon where their adventure started together. They are a part of the community. While Elliot works as a vet, Jude is doing her master's degree. All is good!

I felt like this novel was a Hallmark movie in a book. It had almost all the same elements with it being very cliché and predictable. We have the perfect setting and a lovestory. But sometimes that is just what you need. 

I love the whole concept behind the borrow a bookshop holiday. The idea is that you run a bookshop with a café. It is your responsibility to find out which goods to bake and what time to open and close the shop. It seems like such a fun idea that I would love to try out myself. I think that this novel is truly for all the book lovers out there. I don't say that because of the writing or plot, but because of the idea. The setting is also quite perfect as I mentioned before. We have a small town in Devon overlooking the sea that has a small community with kind and special people. Jude is quickly welcomed into the community and it seems like it doesn't take her long to grow a fondness for the people there. She truly belongs in that environment - and she deserves it too after everything she missed out on in her teen years. 

I really appreciate when a love story is described in detail. We don't really get that. It kinda just happens so fast that it didn't spark any emotions in me as a reader - which is really one of the reasons why I read. That was sadly not the case with The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday. I still gave it 3 stars on Goodreads. The writing was cringey at times, but I still like the plot. I just wish that there had been much more depth. However, it does work as a fun and light read if you're interested in that!