The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer ~ Book Review

 

About the Book 

Book: The Bookshop of Secrets

Author: Mollie Rushmeyer

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Release Date: October 25, 2022

A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family's legacy…and her future.

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family's history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope's last ties to her late mother—and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.

Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can’t remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she's lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all…

My Thoughts 

As soon as I saw the cover of this book I knew I wanted to read it. I mean what is not to love about a setting that is in a bookshop?! I mean that is a book nerds dream. Not only is the book cover amazing but the storyline is spectacular. This is Mollie Rushmeyer's debut novel and she did such an amazing job with it. I truly did not what to expect but the story is so much more than what the summary relays. 

I was completely captured by the characters. We meet Hope who steps into Dusty Jackets a bookshop owned by an elderly couple. She is looking for her mothers books that she has left her. Immediately you can tell that she has secrets that she doesn't want to divulge them. She is closed off and doesn't like people getting close to her but she can't help it after all she in a small town where everyone knows everyone and everything. Her mother has left her these classic books with clues to a treasure. In trying to find her books she meets wonderful people in the town including Ronan which is the grandson of the owner of the bookstore. He is not without his own hurts and past but together they manage to overcome their hurts. 

I can't tell you too much because it will ruin it for you but know that this story definitely has its twists and turns. It has a bit suspense and of course there is romance. But most of all there is a strong element of faith and the way the author incorporates it into the clues of the treasure hunt is very unique. Kudos to the author as well for tackling some deep subjects that some may shy away from. The topic of dementia and human trafficking are a big part of the story and the author does present them in a gentle but touching way. She does make you feel the pain and suffering that  Hope has gone through and truly connects you to the character. 

Overall I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to read Mollie's future books. I am hoping she writes about one of the characters in this story. I think she could use her own book! (I won't tell you who it is but if you read this I think you will see who I am talking about!)

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Mollie writes Contemporary Fiction with a Heart for History, a blend of modern settings and fascinating historical elements woven throughout.

A born and bred Midwestern gal, Mollie Rushmeyer, makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She is not only a bibliophile (the dustier the better, in her opinion), she’s a true Britophile at heart. Tea and coffee fuel her travels, by Google maps at least, and her passion for the written word. https://www.molliejrushmeyer.com/