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Book Review: The Book Lover by Maryann McFadden & Giveaway (3 copies-US only)

May 22, 2012 by Darlene

I loved The Book Lover by Maryann McFadden! Not only did this book appeal to me because of all the references to books and the love of books but because each and every character worked their way right into my heart and stayed there. Even now that I’m finished the book I’m still thinking of the characters and wishing I was still a part of their lives within the pages of this book. The Book Lover not only takes us into the world of books, authors, and publishers but also into the very hearts and souls of people who live, love, and breathe books.

Lucy, thirty-nine years old and a writer, has been sending her novel out to publishers for ages hoping that one will take her on. She really believes in her novel and the few people that have read it have loved it. However after more rejections than she cares to count Lucy is really getting down over it all. This novel has been the one thing that has brought her out of a dark place and she knows it’s good – why can’t the publishers see that and take a chance on her? Well she’s not going to wait it out anymore so she takes matters into her own hands and self-publishes her novel. At first she’s not completely honest about it because people think that if you can’t get a publishing house to represent you then your novel can’t possibly be good but soon enough she knows she can’t hide the fact that she published it on her own. She sends out some copies to some smaller bookstores and hopes for the best. Lucky for her the best happens and Ruth, a bookseller in New York, asks her if she’d like to do a signing at her store The Book Lover. Of course Lucy answers with a resounding yes! When Lucy is hit with a major betrayal by her husband the trip to Ruth’s can’t come at a better time. What she doesn’t realize at the time is that her life is going to change in more ways than one. Is success on the horizon? Is love still out there for her? Can her dreams still come true?

Ruth at sixty-five years old has been running her book store The Book Lover for almost thirty years and she knows how lucky she is to be doing what she loves everyday. Yet the bookstore hasn’t been doing well financially. People are going to the bigger stores and more and more are buying ebooks and online. What ever happened to the love of holding a real book in your hands – Ruth just doesn’t get it. What she does get though is that Lucy’s book is fantastic and she’s anxious to help her get the word out on it. Their first meeting doesn’t go quite as planned but the two women quickly bond and become friends. Ruth has been through her own hardships in life and instead of letting love into her life she has focused all that energy on books. However she has met a man who she not only finds attractive but he shares her love of books as well. There is only one problem and it’s a big one – she’s pretty sure her family will never approve of him. Does she go with her heart and bring him into her life or lose out on the love she feels may be there?

There is so much more to this story but I don’t want to say more for fear of giving away the whole story and this novel is so worth reading that I’d rather you read it on your own. I will say though that I loved Lucy and Ruth. They were both such real women. Their lives weren’t perfect and neither were they. Lucy was the type of person who didn’t see what was going on around her or her marriage and she tended to put herself before anything else even though she didn’t do it consciously, she still did it. Ruth was a control freak. She felt the need to have her hand in everything and her biggest lesson was learning to let others help her. These women though were the type of characters who worm their way into your heart. I truly cared about them and wanted to see them happy. What I really loved as well was Ruth, being in her middle sixties, still being a vibrant and lively woman who had a second chance at life and love and was willing to put it all out there.

The Book Lover is about books of course but so much more as well. It’s about life, love, and second chances! It comes highly recommended by yours truly!

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US only)

I’m really excited to share 3 copies of The Book Lover by Maryann McFadden with my readers today.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry simply leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thank you, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winners on Saturday, June 2/12.  Good luck everyone!

Source:  Review copy provided by Kelley and Hall.  No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: 2012 - 100+ Books, 2012 ARC's, 2012 Book Reviews, 2012 eBooks

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda Jacobs says

    May 22, 2012 at 4:12 am

    I worked in a bookstore once and loved it. I’m sure this book will take me right back there. My son gave me an Amazon gift card for Mother’s Day; time to head there, now! Thanks for this great review!

  2. Diane@BibliophilebytheSea says

    May 22, 2012 at 5:29 am

    This sounds good, and hadn’t realized Maryann had a new book out. I’d love a chance to win.

    I tweeted it.

  3. Pat L. says

    May 22, 2012 at 5:58 am

    I have not read this author. Book sounds like a good read.

  4. Pat L. says

    May 22, 2012 at 5:58 am

    Am a gfc follower and email as well.

  5. mamabunny13 says

    May 22, 2012 at 6:11 am

    This sounds like a good read.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  6. mamabunny13 says

    May 22, 2012 at 6:11 am

    I follow via gfc – mamabunny13
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  7. mamabunny13 says

    May 22, 2012 at 6:12 am

    tweet https://twitter.com/mamabunny13/status/204907507351683072

    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  8. Linda B says

    May 22, 2012 at 6:27 am

    Sounds great. Books, book stores, book lovers – what more could one want. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Google follower

  9. Tanya Quilts in CO says

    May 22, 2012 at 7:17 am

    Always love books that reference books! I am also a follower…

  10. zibilee says

    May 22, 2012 at 7:55 am

    This sounds like it could be a true story with the state of publishing and self published books being what it is today! I think it sounds excellent, Dar, and like something I would love to read. Very nice review today. Now I am invested and have to know how the story turns out! Please do enter me in your giveaway!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  11. Margie says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:11 am

    Great review–you made me want to read this book!
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    -follower by email, GFC, and Facebook

  12. Denise says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Sounds like a great read..I too am a book lover and can identify!

    Deniseincoralsprings@gmail.com

  13. Laura Kay says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:30 am

    gosh, this sounds right up my ally! Thank-you for the giveaway! I’m gonna add this to my wishlist!

    Laura Kay
    anovelreview(@)yahoo(.)com

  14. Laura Kay says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:33 am

    I am already a GFC follower, but now I’m also a network follower!

  15. Emma @ Words And Peace says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:35 am

    thanks for the giveaway, I love books about books! I have been following you for a while through Google Reader, and I just retweeted and fabooked your post: https://twitter.com/wordsandpeace/status/204973268145422337
    Emma @ Words And Peace
    ehc16e at yahoo dot com

  16. Julie P. says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I had the opportunity to meet MaryAnn a few years ago and I loved her. Would be so excited to win her latest book!

    Thanks!

    Already a follower!

  17. nan says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:46 am

    I’ve never heard of this author but I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I’m a follower.

  18. Serena says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:49 am

    Wow, sounds like a captivating book. Thanks for the giveaway and as usual, I’ll pop it in my sidebar list.

  19. Muzette says

    May 22, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Sounds like a perfect book for a book lover! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I am a follower by email.

  20. Laura Kay says

    May 22, 2012 at 11:01 am

    I added a link to my giveaway page. Here’s the link:
    http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/p/giveaways_09.html

  21. The Reading Cove ❧ says

    May 22, 2012 at 11:23 am

    Great review, love the passion – this sounds fabulous!

  22. The Reading Cove ❧ says

    May 22, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/TheReadingCove/status/204985601764769792

    And we already follow the blog!

  23. Karen B says

    May 22, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Wonderful review – made it a must read!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  24. Karen B says

    May 22, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Email subscriber, FB and Networked blogs.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  25. Anne says

    May 22, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Wonderful review and book. Thanks for this chance. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  26. Ann says

    May 22, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Perfect read for summer. I’m an email follower.

    summergal05(at)gmail(dot)com

  27. Ellie says

    May 22, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I am captivated with this book. Many thanks. I subscribe via e-mail.

  28. Patricia N says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Sounds like a great summer read. Count me in!
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  29. Patricia N says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    I follow your blog via GFC as Patricia N
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  30. Patricia N says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/205010659128258562
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  31. wendy hoffman says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    Sounds really good! Thank you for another awesome giveaway. I follow via GFC and email. Also tweeted.
    wendynjason04 at gmail dot com

  32. Carl says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    Hi

    I tweeted this blog post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/205023674305224704

  33. Carl says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    I think the subject matter here would hit right home with many of your blog followers including myself. It’s the kind of thing we tend to take personally, don’t you think? Please enter my name to to win this book.

  34. Carl says

    May 22, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    I also follow this blog by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

  35. blodeuedd says

    May 22, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    Second chances and books sound good 😀

  36. rhonda says

    May 22, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    books sounds great blog follower lomazowr@gmail.com,will tweet at rhonda reads;

  37. Ray J says

    May 22, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    I just found your site. How wonderful; I love to read!!! I am a new follower and thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!!

  38. Beth DiIorio says

    May 22, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    I AM SO EXCITED to read The Book Lover! After reading your review, I realize this one is right up my alley. Thank you for hosting the giveaway. I follow you via GFC (Beth DiIorio) and email (beth.diiorio@yahoo.com)

  39. Janine says

    May 22, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    I would love to enter, and I follow your blog!
    ~ Janine

    ***********
    http://mylostghost.blogspot.com/

  40. Jayme@Beachreader says

    May 22, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    I haven’t read this author, but who doesn’t like books about books! Thanks for the giveaway.

    jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net

  41. Jayme@Beachreader says

    May 22, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    I also follow in GFC and Google Reader.

    jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net

  42. LilMissMolly says

    May 22, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    Sounds like me! I dated my now husband in high school, and we went our separate ways for 10-years. By chance we got back together and married 20 years ago.
    GFC follower – (lvsgund)

  43. Staci says

    May 22, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    I can absolutely understand how you fell in love with this book! Sounds like a winner to me!

  44. Linda Kish says

    May 22, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    I would love to win/read this book. It sounds terrific.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  45. Linda Kish says

    May 22, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  46. Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic says

    May 22, 2012 at 11:56 pm

    Sounds like a realistic story. I’m quite intrigued.

  47. wall-to-wall books-wendy says

    May 23, 2012 at 4:13 am

    Well this book sounds very interesting!
    Please enter me!
    I am a follower
    I posted it on my sidebar

    forevereading at gmail dot com

  48. Margaret Blotcher says

    May 23, 2012 at 5:38 am

    I absolutely love to read. I seem to read more in the summer since I tend to knit more in the winter then I do in the summer. This books seems to be a great summer read. Thank you for sharing this opportunity for a chance to win a copy.

  49. Amber Zielinski says

    May 23, 2012 at 5:49 am

    Put me down for all 3! I found your blog through Maryann McFadden’s facebook page. I can’t wait to read this one, especially after your review! Thank you.

    Amber

  50. Debbie Hearne says

    May 23, 2012 at 5:56 am

    I would love to win a copy of The Book Lover. Maryann McFadden is a wonderful author!

  51. Mary says

    May 23, 2012 at 7:17 am

    – Great review, Dar.I really want to read this (win this!).
    – I follow via google reader and networkedblogs (bookfanmb)
    – I tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/bookfanmb/status/204909918053081089

  52. bev wismer says

    May 23, 2012 at 8:13 am

    Wow I would love a free book…and today is my Birthday…wow
    lt would be a great gift.

  53. Susan @ The Book Bag says

    May 23, 2012 at 9:36 am

    What’s not to love – a book about books! Thanks for another great giveaway. I am a GFC and email follower.

  54. Diane Dellicker says

    May 23, 2012 at 11:00 am

    This was a wonderful review…and right on! I’d love to win this book for a friend of mine. It would make a wonderful gift, and I’m not about to give up mine!

    I have posted the link on Facebook & Twitter and have signed up for your blog.

  55. Hattie Norman says

    May 23, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Control freaks are always interesting people for some reason. I would like to read The Book Lover.

    teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com

    I follow your blog already. I read your blog in my Google reader.

    I tweeted about the giveaway at Twitter. My twitter name is Topazshell.

  56. Kas says

    May 23, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    This was a wonderful review. I love Maryann’s books. I would love to win a copy of this book.

  57. Jo Blankenship says

    May 23, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    I have read her previous book and liked it. Would love to have this one. Thanks for the offer.

  58. bn100 says

    May 24, 2012 at 1:14 am

    Nice review. Sounds like an interesting book.

  59. bn100 says

    May 24, 2012 at 1:14 am

    I follow the blog.

  60. Nise' says

    May 24, 2012 at 11:28 am

    I’ve gotta read this book now! Thanks for the giveaway.

    I am a follower.

  61. Anna says

    May 24, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    Just the title makes me want to read this one!

  62. Sherry Lebow says

    May 25, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful read. Follow you on GFC and tweeted about the giveaway

  63. Gale Nelson says

    May 26, 2012 at 1:53 pm

    thank you for the giveaway. Gale
    pgan427@yahoo.com

  64. Gale Nelson says

    May 26, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    GFC Gale Nelson
    email subscriber pgan427@yahoo.com

  65. Carrie says

    May 26, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    This books sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  66. Heather S says

    May 27, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I’ve heard great things about this book, I would love to win and read it! Thanks!

  67. Heather S says

    May 27, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Tweet!
    https://twitter.com/AnneOfPurple/status/206795006684565505

  68. Diane B. says

    May 28, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    What a wonderful story for us crazy book people, writers and readers alike. I think that this sounds like a wonderful book and I can’t wait to get started on it. Thanks for the chance to read it for free, that’s so very kind of you. I’m a follower and I tweeted.;-)
    https://twitter.com/Dyniy/status/207344961807585280

  69. Suz Reads says

    May 30, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    Thanks for this amazing giveaway! This book looks great and I would love to win it!

  70. Suz Reads says

    May 30, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    I follow by e-mail!

  71. Suz Reads says

    May 30, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/SuzReads/status/207970634024763392

  72. pamela james says

    June 1, 2012 at 10:45 am

    I always wanted to work in a bookstore!
    pjames330 at aol dot com

  73. pamela james says

    June 1, 2012 at 10:46 am

    subscriber
    pjames330 at aol dot com

  74. pamela james says

    June 1, 2012 at 10:47 am

    https://twitter.com/pj436/status/208600563372400640

    pjames330 at aol dot com

  75. Nancye Davis says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Sounds like a great book!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  76. Nancye Davis says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  77. Nancye Davis says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  78. Nancye Davis says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/208743496067203073

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  79. Nancye Davis says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/208743496067203073

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  80. Nancye Davis says

    June 1, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/208743496067203073

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #3

  81. Robyn Conners says

    June 7, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    Books, one of my weaknesses! I am so looking forward to reading this. A funny story on how much I love books, my husband and I moved out of the country for what we thought would be forever but ended up only being 6 months. Not knowing the outcome, I shipped over 1/2 a container of books! I am so glad I have a husband who understands me and my need for books 🙂

    • Diane Dellicker says

      June 8, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      Robyn, I LOVE your story! I’m afraid mine wouldn’t be that understanding, but I certainly understand; I’d want to do the same thing. ;o)

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