Carol

The Bookseller’s Promise [Book Review]

April 19, 2022

The Bookseller’s Promise by Beth Wiseman

The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman (cover) Image: a young Amish man and woman stand in front of a bookstore gazing lovingly at each other

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Women’s Fiction (Chick Lit), Romance, Uplit, Christian Fiction, Amish Country (Indiana), Rural Bookstore, Book About Books

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

Thanks #NetGalley @Zondervan @HarperCollins for a complimentary eARC of #TheBooksellersPromise by Beth Wiseman upon my request. All opinions are my own.

In her job, Yvonne hunts down and purchases rare books for collectors who are willing to pay high prices. Her current search leads her to an Amish bookstore where she meets Jake, the handsome owner, and Eva, his employee. Yvonne is surprised to hear that Jake refuses to sell his rare book despite an outrageously high offer, but she is persistent and confidant of her gifts of persuasion and decides to stay in Amish country for a while. During her stay, Yvonne becomes friends with Jake and Eva and also begins to rethink her personal life. Will she break off her engagement? Will she discover why Jake will not sell the book at any price? Will Yvonne, Jake, and Eva find true love?

My Thoughts:

Right book at the right time: A book about books + a rural bookshop/community + likeable characters = yes, please! Just when I was looking for something escapist, gently told, and HEA (happily ever after), The Bookseller’s Promise was offered for my review consideration. Occassionally, I enjoy a lovely Amish “uplit” read!

Characters: I enjoyed all three well-drawn characters and appreciated the story unfolding in three perspectives. One of the three is English (outsider) and this added to the complexity of the story. I liked their developing friendship and the thoughtful reflection on the differences in culture, values, and lifestyle.

Genre and Setting: Although chick lit embraces predictability, The Bookseller’s Promise has a couple of nice twists. The relationships and romance didn’t evolve in the direction I initially expected, but no cause for alarm…. each characters receives a HEA or Happy For Now ending! Books about books and stories set in bookshops are always a fun element for any reader! Because I grew up in the rural midwest, I always enjoy a quaint country setting.

Themes: Of course, in Amish fiction there are themes of faith and mention of God. In addition, I appreciate thoughtful themes including friendship, women supporting women, romance (completely  closed door), forgiveness, family loyalty, a love of reading, supportive community, honoring the past, and keeping a promise.

Recommended: For readers who are looking for a gently told and engaging women’s fiction read with faith themes, likeable characters, and a rural bookstore setting, I can whole heartedly recommend The Bookseller’s Promise. Also, this is the first book in a planned series, so that’s enticing!

My Rating:  3.5-4 Stars

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The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman (cover) Image: a young Amish couple look adoringly at each other...the woman holds a book

The Bookseller’s Promise Information Here

Meet the Author, Beth Wiseman

Author Beth WisemanBestselling and award-winning author Beth Wiseman has sold over two million books. She is the recipient of the coveted Holt Medallion, a two-time Carol Award winner, and has won the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award three times. Her books have been on various bestseller lists, including CBD, CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly. Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying country life in south central Texas. Visit her online at BethWiseman.com; Facebook: @AuthorBethWiseman; Twitter: @BethWiseman; Instagram: @bethwisemanauthor.

QOTD:

Is The Bookseller’s Promise on your TBR or have you read it?
Do you enjoy Amish fiction?

Happy Reading Book Buddies!

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Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.

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16 comments

  1. I enjoyed your review of this book Carol especially the words ‘gently told’, it seems a perfect way of describing it. ‘For readers who are looking for a gently told and engaging women’s fiction read with faith themes, likeable characters, and a rural bookstore setting,’ Thanks for the recommendation!

    Reply

  2. Beth Wiseman is a favorite author of mine. Until recently, I had read everything she has written. I haven’t read Amish fiction for a while and have been thinking I should pick one up. This sounds like a good one!

    Reply

  3. I have read a couple of Beth Wiseman’s books and I love your description of “Gently Told”. That is one thing I like about a lot of Amish Stories (Not the mysteries). I really love the sound of this story. Wonderful review, Carole.

    Reply

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