by Karen Hawkins
Series: Dove Pond #1
Genres: Magical Realism
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins crafts an unforgettable story about a sleepy Southern town, two fiercely independent women, and a truly magical friendship.
Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.
If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.
How could I resist The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins? The title alone drew me to it and the synopsis..my oh my! Fans of Sarah Addison Allen this one is for you. If you loved, Garden Spells, and the Waverley’s you will fall in love with the Dove’s and the southern town of Dove Pond.
New York Times, Best-Selling Author, Susan Anderson called The Book Charmer, “A mesmerizing fusion of the mystical and the everyday” and I think she sums it up perfectly. I completely slipped into the everyday affairs of this quaint town and its struggles as I embraced the mystical qualities of the Dove’s and community.
Our story begins when we meet the seventh daughter of the Dove family, Sarah Dove. Legend has it that good things happen to the town of Dove Pond when the seventh daughter is born. Sarah is a bookworm, and not just any bookworm, for in her seventh year, the books speak to her. Not out loud, but they whisper to her and because of this she knows exactly what book each person in town needs and when they need it. The town desperately needs the miracle promised with the seventh daughter and the signs of its approach are appearing. Sarah just doesn’t know what she is supposed to do. I felt for Sarah; she feels the weight of her responsibility and doesn’t want to fail.
Grace Wheeler arrives in town with his deceased sister’s daughter and her aging mother who is suffering from dementia. She has accepted the town clerk job because it offers flexible hours and a home to go with it. For her it’s a temporary fix. I love when life or perhaps fate has other plans.
The tale that unfolds was wonderful and I lost myself in this small southern town. I laughed, cried and wanted to stay. I thought at first the book would focus mostly on Sarah, but it was truly Grace’s story and those within her circle. We get romance, address dementia, PTSD, acceptance, and see a family being built and taking root. Throughout the story Hawkins weaves magical realism and books….. wonderful books!
This is one of those stories that wrap you up in its warm magical embrace and transports you. For a spell I was a member of Dove Pond and experienced all the emotions of these characters and shared in the events that unfolded. I absolutely love when that happens.
I cannot recommend The Book Charmer enough and hope you will add it to your summer reading list. From the secondary characters to the towns comings and goings I felt like I was right there.
Sometimes you read a book that is pure magic. The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins was one of them. #MagicalRealism #Small-town #Romance #WomensFiction #MustRead Share on X
lisa thomson
Ooh, this sounds delicious. I’m getting this one. thanks for the review, Kim 🙂
MarthaE
Love the title and I am glad you recommend it. I am adding this to my Wish List. Thanks.
Bookworm
Glad you enjoyed this one so much, it’s on my wishlist. Great review!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I just read this one too and thought it was lovely. I want to live in Dove Pond, lol.
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
I had my eye on this one. The title also drew me to it. Glad to know it’s great! You really can’t go wrong with small town settings.
sherry fundin
great review. sounds like a perfect read for the summer season
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Yes yes and more yes. This book sounds like perfection and exactly what I need at the moment. And you reminded me that I haven’t picked up a Sarah Addison Allen yet this year and I try to read one every summer.
Samantha
I read the prequel novella for this series and was utterly charmed!! I’m excited for this one!
Tyler H. Jolley
I just sent this link to my wife. I know this is right up her alley. Thanks or sharing and putting it on our radar, Kimba!
Jen
I don’t normally read general fiction, but this sounds really good. I like the paranormal/supernatural aspect, and it’s about BOOKS! Thanks for the review.
Flora
Kimberly, this book sounds amazing. Although it’s a departure from my usual genres your review has swayed me and I have just added it to my Amazon wishlist. X
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed this one. It’s wonderful when a book makes me want to stay in its world. The title also drew my attention, and the premise looks so good 🙂 Adding it to my TBR!
sjhigbee
I love the idea of a book charmer – I always wanted to be a librarian, but it was never to be… Thank you for sharing this quirky, charming-sounding book:)
Anne - Books of My Heart
If you loved it, I should probably add it to my TBR. I’ll be more interested when I’m done moving in another 1.5 weeks.
Melliane
Oh it definitely looks great there!
sherry fundin
sounds like a good one
Jenea's Book Obsession
Oh wow, this sounds wonderful! The characters sounds like ones that I would like to get to know.. Lovely review.
Lotte Han
Ah I love the sound of this, for sure added to my TBR!
Lotte | http://www.lottelauv.blogspot.co.uk