The Last Bookshop in London

Sappy. You can tell it's written by a romance novelist. Somewhat trite in its attempts to tug at heartstrings. That said, it is a good light introduction into the emotional experience of the blitz and a reasonably good piece of historical fiction, it's just that I'm spoiled with Black Out and All Clear by Connie Willis.

I thought this book was beautifully written. The protagonist was a sweet and caring girl in the middle of WWII. She was working at a bookshop in London when she discovered her passion for reading. But her passions also extended to the community and to the bookshop owner who seemed gruff but softened to a paternal influence which, as an orphan, she so desperately craved.
The language Martin used was so clearly period-specific and I thought, overall, it was an enticing read. I often shy away from wartime reads, but I'm glad I gave this one a read. It had war and hardship, but it had love and charm which I was thankful for.

An enjoyable story - charming. Some parts could have been tightened up but overall I liked it. The characters were well defined.