Dove Pond The Book Charmer, Book 1, (Paperback)

I am just in a few chapters but I was hooked at the get go! It's a GOOD book.

I enjoyed how The Book Charmer largely had two narratives, initially set in opposition to one another but gradually coming together in friendship - Sarah, Dove Pond native and fierce town advocate, and Grace, unwilling new resident who yearns for bigger things. The occasional chapters by Trav were some of my favorites, his perspective was a welcome change. Sarah's touch of magic - books speak to her, offering hints and asking to go home with certain people - was a fun addition, and it's not so overwhelming as to turn what is basically a contemporary story into a full-blown fantasy. The themes of grief, trauma, illness, found family, solitude and learning to depend on others were handled with appropriate weightiness while still leaving this a largely warmhearted book that will uplift readers.