Book review: Bookshop Girl + competition

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By Chloe Coles
Published by Hot Key Books

 Synopsis: Bennett's Bookshop has always been a haven for sixteen-year-old Paige Turner. It's a place where she can escape from her sleepy hometown, hang out with her best friend, Holly, and also earn some money.

 But, like so many bookshops, Bennett's has become a 'casualty of the high street' - it's strapped for cash and going to be torn down. Paige is determined to save it but mobilising a small town like Greysworth is no mean feat.

 Time is ticking - but that's not the only problem Paige has. How is she going to fend off the attractions of beautiful fellow artist, Blaine? And, more importantly, will his anarchist ways make or break her bookshop campaign?

 How did this book end up in my hands? I entered a competition to win a copy of this book ahead of publication date and I was terribly lucky as it had been on my radar for some time.

 Was it a page-turner? Once I started reading about the adventures of Paige Turner (I know!!!) and her bookshop friends, there was no way back.

 Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? It absolutely met and exceeded expectations. Books, activism and even life-drawing sessions… great ingredients for a delightful novel.

 Did I like the ending? [no spoilers] Yes, I did. I liked the way the author developed the relationship between Paige and Blaine too. It is a renown fact that I don't like cheesy and predictable endings!

 Three words to describe it. Funny. Fresh. Inspiring.

 Do I like the cover? The cover is what first caught my attention and it is amazingly fresh and fun, which greatly reflects the content. Not surprisingly, since it’s been designed by the author herself!

 Have I read any other books by the same author? This is her debut novel and I look forward to the second instalment of Paige’s adventures, which I understand (and hope) is soon to follow.

 Will I be recommending this book? Oh yes! It’s a YA novel but adults will enjoy it too. I did – even though the ‘youth speak’ did make me feel slightly old at times!

 Anything else? Yes! The publisher has kindly offered one copy of Bookshop Girl to go to a lucky reader! All you have to do is follow me on Twitter and retweet the competition post by 12/08. UK only. All comments left below will count as extra entries (one per person). Good luck!

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