As you may have guessed, this is the second book in the Scottish Bookshop series that began with The Bookshop on the Corner, which I read right before this one. I enjoyed it enough that I wanted to see where it would go next. This is technically a sequel, and does take place in the same small Scottish town with a few of the characters from the first book crossing over, but the main story and characters are new to us.
This is the story of a young single mom, Zoe, who is looking for a better home and community for her young son. She’s young, though, and doesn’t have much money or many options. So when she’s made aware of a live-in nanny position in Scotland, she decides she has nothing to lose. She heads north and is soon in a situation that is not at all what she was expecting. She’s taking care of three near-feral children in a large, grand but run-down mansion that lacks modern conveniences like, oh, hot water. And a dishwasher. And a coffee maker.
She’s immediately in over her head as the children refuse to listen to her or let down their guards. They’ve had six other nannies before her, all of whom were run off never to return. They don’t expect her to stick around, and they see no reason why they should listen to her. But she’s determined to make some changes, starting with the basics – meals, clean clothing and some healthy activities. Against all odds, Zoe soon begins to make inroads. But there are, of course, some challenges and dramatic moments along the way.
There are definite Jane Eyre vibes to this book (like how there were Wuthering Heights vibes to the last one), but it works, more or less. I found it a bit hard to suspend my disbelief, and some of the characters and settings felt like they went a bit too far, but I guess that’s sort of how the genre of romance works? I guess? Who am I kidding, I have no idea.
I enjoyed most of my time reading this book, the pacing was good, the drama unfurled at an even pace, I didn’t hate the characters too much (though I also didn’t love them that much either), and I could understand their motivations and decisions. It was a fine read, quick, cosy, candy floss sweetness. If you’re looking for a decent romance that has some darker themes and a gorgeous setting, this is your book. It’s not that deep, but it is what you would expect it to be. I’m not sure if I’ll continue on with the series, but I had a decent time with the two I read and can definitely see how they would be hits with the right audience!
A grand baronial house on Loch Ness, a quirky small-town bookseller, and a single mom looking for a fresh start all come together in this witty and warm-hearted novel by New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan.
Desperate to escape from London, single mother Zoe wants to build a new life for herself and her son Hari. She can barely afford the crammed studio apartment on a busy street where honking horns and shouting football fans keep them awake all night. If she doesn’t find a way out soon, Zoe knows it’s just a matter of time before she has a complete meltdown. On a whim, she answers an ad for a nanny job in the Scottish Highlands, which is about as far away from the urban crush of London as possible. It sounds heavenly!
The job description asks for someone capable of caring for three “gifted children”, two of which behave like feral wolverines. The children’s widowed father is a wreck, and the kids run wild in a huge tumbledown castle on the heather-strewn banks of Loch Ness. Still, the peaceful, picturesque location is everything London is not—and Zoe rises to the challenges of the job.
With the help of Nina, the friendly local bookseller, Zoe begins to put down roots in the community. Are books, fresh air, and kindness enough to heal this broken family—and her own…? – Goodreads
Book Title:Â The Bookshop on the Shore
Author:Â Jenny Colgan
Series: Yes – Scottish Bookshop #2
Edition: Audiobook
Published By:Â William Morrow Paperbacks/Rakuten Kobo
Released:Â June 25, 2019
Genre:Â Fiction, Literary, Romance, Bookish
Pages:Â 416
Date Read:Â July 31-August 2, 2022
Rating: 5/10
Average Goodreads Rating:Â 3.84/5 (71,998 ratings)