If you’re visiting my blog then you’re probably a reader. You may have even loved books from a young age. Either way there’s a chance you’ll see yourself in Libby Quinn.
I received a free copy of The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book focuses on Libby as she buys a shop and plans to transform it into the bookshop her deceased granddad had always dreamed of owning in Derry. With the help of her friends, family and new neighbors she hopes to create something her granddad would be proud of.
This book wasn’t exactly what I was hoping. I thought we’d see a little of what happened to lead her to opening the store. I also thought it would be a little more city based due to get former job. But instead it’s focused on a small community on the edge of a city. If you’re a fan of Heidi Swain then this book will be for you. I still enjoyed it but it wasn’t exactly what I look for in chick-lit personally.
However this book has an excellent cast of characters. Libby’s best friend Jess is great, pub owner Noah is sweet and her new neighbors add some more colour to the community. Freya Kennedy has done a wonderful job with using these characters to tug at your heartstrings. You can tell how much Libby’s granddad meant to her and there’s a scene later on that brings back the hurt of his death and, man, it’ll make you tear up.
Noah was a perfect love interest. There was no moment where you questioned why him. He was the perfect gentleman and you can see how you’d fall in love with him yourself. I just wish there had been a few more romantic moments. There’s lots of build up but not many swoony scenes and I think it might have been beneficial to the book.
Even so this book was a typical cosy chick-lit. If you’re looking for a quick read or an easy distraction then you can’t go wrong with this book.
3/5 stars
Buy Link: Amazon
Lace and Dagger Books 