The Book Charmer Review

Title:  The Book Charmer

Author:  Karen Hawkins

Pages: 344

Genre: Contemporary fiction magical Realism with a hint of romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher:  Gallery Books

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins is the first book in the Dove Pond series.  A small town in North Carolina that basically finds out that they are going broke. Can a town actually go broke?  Sarah Dove who just happens to be the town book whisper as well as the town librarian.  Wants to save the town but doesn't know-how.   That changes when Grace Wheeler comes to town, Grace doesn't plan on staying in town longer than she has to.  Especially since she's now the guardian of her niece and her foster mother whose health is failing.  She determined not to make friends and she avoids Sarah at all costs despite them being neighbors.  To add to the typical small-town everybody pretty much knows each other’s business. There's also the whole bad boy next door, in the form of cynical veteran Travis Parker.  Who may understand what Grace is going through more than most? 

Even though The Book Charmer was a bit out of my normal reading genre, I don't tend to read magical realism I enjoyed the book. The small-town North Carolina setting was perfect. I love small-town setting especially small towns with festivals that are a small town staple. The small town that my mom grew up in had a honey fest every year.  And just like the back cover says, North Carolina has the best BBQ this side of Atlanta I prefer North Carolina BBQ.    Dove Pond is a fictional town not too far from Ashville.  I'm always wary of how author's write veteran's as characters, but Karen did a good job of writing Travis and what he was going through adjusting to civilian life. 

 When it came to Sarah's book charmer skills I mean what book worm hasn't dreamed that their books might actually talk to them.   As well as wishing that their local librarian knew what book was perfect for them before they even opened their month.   

This book is great for all book worms.   There is a bit of romance in the book but it subtle.  I look forward to reading the next book in the Dove Pond series. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.