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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Jo Sorsby knows she is hiding from her past when she steps in to look after her uncle’s stationery shop. Glimpsing the lives of her customers between the warm wooden shelves, as they scribble notes with fountain pens and browse colourful notebooks, distracts her from the life she has left behind.
Yet far from home, Jo feels adrift . . .
When she meets Ruth, a vicar running from a secret, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian struggling to write his first book, she realises that she isn’t alone.
It’s the beginning of a friendship that can transform Jo’s life . . . if only she can let them in.
My Opinion
This is the second book I have read by Sally Page and both have been emotional. Sally has one again created some characters that have depth and you will easily be able to relate. Jo is temporarily running a stationery shop and get a glimpse into the lives of her customers, this ultimately helps Jo gain in confidence. A delight to read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Jo Sorsby knows she is hiding from her past when she steps in to look after her uncle’s stationery shop. Glimpsing the lives of her customers between the warm wooden shelves, as they scribble notes with fountain pens and browse colourful notebooks, distracts her from the life she has left behind.
Yet far from home, Jo feels adrift . . .
When she meets Ruth, a vicar running from a secret, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian struggling to write his first book, she realises that she isn’t alone.
It’s the beginning of a friendship that can transform Jo’s life . . . if only she can let them in.
My Opinion
This is the second book I have read by Sally Page and both have been emotional. Sally has one again created some characters that have depth and you will easily be able to relate. Jo is temporarily running a stationery shop and get a glimpse into the lives of her customers, this ultimately helps Jo gain in confidence. A delight to read.
Rating 4/5
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An absolutely brilliant read. A book about friendship, self esteem and love. This is a book that envelops you in a warm hug. Definitely recommended.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Set predominantly in a stationery shop, The Book of Beginnings is a wonderfully cosy novel about the importance of friendships - and stationery, or course.
Jo has moved to London in a bid to escape the aftermath of her relationship fallout with James who, in no uncertain terms, is an absolute arsehole. Her Uncle was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and therefore Jo takes up residence in his flat, which sits above a hardware & stationery store he owns. Over the course of the novel, Jo makes new friends, reconnects with old ones and turns the shop into a fantastic place, where I know I'd visit if real.
One of the friendships she develops is with an elderly gentleman called Malcom, who is harbouring a secret. Along with Ruth, a runaway vicar with secrets of her own, they begin researching the inhabitants of Highgate Cemetery with a plan for Malcolm to write a story about them. I love this concept!
Great characters, although I felt Jo was a bit whiney and annoying at times, but she did go through a lot, so I'll let her off.
Having recently reconnected with a very close friend who I had not spoken to for 5 years, it was inevitable that this book would resonate with me, but it is a wonderful read that I'd recommend to anyone.
Thank you again to the author and publisher for sending me a proof copy, along with a fantastic fountain pen which I now use daily.
QOTD: Does this appeal to you also? Are you stationery obsessed too?
Jo has moved to London in a bid to escape the aftermath of her relationship fallout with James who, in no uncertain terms, is an absolute arsehole. Her Uncle was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and therefore Jo takes up residence in his flat, which sits above a hardware & stationery store he owns. Over the course of the novel, Jo makes new friends, reconnects with old ones and turns the shop into a fantastic place, where I know I'd visit if real.
One of the friendships she develops is with an elderly gentleman called Malcom, who is harbouring a secret. Along with Ruth, a runaway vicar with secrets of her own, they begin researching the inhabitants of Highgate Cemetery with a plan for Malcolm to write a story about them. I love this concept!
Great characters, although I felt Jo was a bit whiney and annoying at times, but she did go through a lot, so I'll let her off.
Having recently reconnected with a very close friend who I had not spoken to for 5 years, it was inevitable that this book would resonate with me, but it is a wonderful read that I'd recommend to anyone.
Thank you again to the author and publisher for sending me a proof copy, along with a fantastic fountain pen which I now use daily.
QOTD: Does this appeal to you also? Are you stationery obsessed too?
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes