Book Review: “The Bookstore’s Secret” by Makenna Lee

“The Bookstore’s Secret” by Makenna Lee (2023)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction

Page Length: 288 pages (paperback edition)

Synopsis:

A temporary pit stop…or a forever homecoming?

Aspiring pastry chef Nicole Evans is just waiting to hear about her dream job, and in the meantime, she goes to work in the café at the local bookstore. But that’s before the recently widowed Nicole meets her temporary boss: her first crush, Liam Mendez! Single dad Liam has always kept his life—and his heart—closely guarded from Oak Hollow gossip. Will his simmering attraction to Nicole be just one more thing to hide…or the stuff of his bookstore’s romance novels?

Review:

As an avid reader, I’m always seeking out books on books this Harlequin Romance novel delivers on that promise. From the cozy setting of Liam’s bookstore Sip & read to the heroine who is a voracious reader and talented chef, this story is so heartwarming. The romance only has a little spice and is more sweet and wholesome than anything else.

Liam and Nicole get to rekindle their crushes from the past and get a second chance at love. Seeing them pick up where they left off since high school felt natural and not forced. Reading this novel feels like a warm hug and it spoke to anybody who has a deep passion for books and their special magic. The setting of Oak Hollow is a cozy little small town making it a perfect setting for the story. I liked how Liam and Nicole’s stories were about getting a restart in life while also putting themselves first for once.

The Bookstore’s Secret is as much of a romance as it is a novel of self-discovery (including so many delicious pastry treats). It’s a simplistic read that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Final Verdict: