Title: The Book Charmer
Author: Karen Hawkins
Series: Dove Pond NC #1
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: July 30, 2019
Pages: 368
Book Source: NetGalley
“Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.
If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.” Amazon
Kim’s Review:
This book was just what I needed. A sweet book with a touch of magic, romance, wonderful friendships, and the reminder that life can be bitter sweet. It was as if the book chose me. 😉
If you are a fan of Sarah Addison Allen, or books like Chocolat by Joanne Harris or Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, this book might be one you enjoy. I recently found out that this genre is called Magical Realism. A touch of magic in the book, but never an out and out call out to being a witch. I think this genre could appeal to a more broader readership than Fantasy, although I love both types of books.
Karen Hawkins wrote about a town similar to mine, and many across the nation. One that is full of good people, but is still slowly dying. Hawkins focuses a lot on character development which is what makes this story so good. You get to know the townsfolk and want to root for them to succeed in their personal lives as well as reviving the town to its previous splendor.
Hawkins also explores a lot of issues that many people have gone through, including suicide, child abandonment, foster care, having to change careers to be a caregiver, and dementia. I always find it appealing to read about issues that I’ve experienced, and see how others deal with it, to know that I’m not alone in the struggle. And although I said this is a sweet book, it really does pack an emotional wallup.
I highly recommend, The Book Charmer, and am looking forward to reading more in the series, including the eNovella, Love in the Afternoon, which introduces the Dove Pond NC series.