A Fairytale Bride

All in all, this was light, fun and clever – and I want more.

Cute. That’s the first word that comes to mind with this story. A simple premise: two overly judgmental cats, a second-hand bookshop desperately in need of organization and customers, a newly-placed owner still reeling from the death of her grandmother and a mysterious man far different from the ‘usual sort’ in town.

Secondhand Prose is one of the many shops that make up the quaint main street in this little town, now run by Melissa after her grandmother’s death. She’s still reeling from the unexpected death, a bit over her head with financial issues, and not quite sure what her next move will be. In walks a stranger, not unusual in this town where tourists are known to visit, but this one is different.

Jeff is a reporter running from a very public professional disaster: he was discredited by a source that was tainted by personal vendetta, and later publicly disgraced by his very rich and powerful, yet not particularly well-liked father. Needing space and time to regroup, Jeff has hidden away from family and all who know him just outside of town. A near-miss encounter with an aunt from his father’s side of the family send him skittering into Secondhand Prose, where Dickens hisses at him and Hugo demands attention and a cuddle. Not to mention the striking proprietress with her fairytale t-shirt, bright colors and obvious need of help.

With pressure from Jeff’s aunt to sell the building as part of the main street, no money to pay the taxes, and this intriguing stranger in her shop, volunteering and suggesting all manner of changes, what ever will she do.

Fast paced, full of heart and plenty of moments to giggle, Ramsay brings the small town feel to the story with well-intentioned friends and neighbors all too willing to share advice and information (as well as gossip), and a clearly long-awaited interaction full of honesty from family he doesn’t know for Jeff bring him some insight and direction. These two are adorable together, once one gets over Jeff’s withholding of the truth: something only a logical and level-headed Melissa would see clearly once the pieces are presented. All in all, this was light, fun and clever – and I want more.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.