This was a sweet, heartwarming book that I borrowed from the Rehovot library on a whim because the small-town bookstore is always a good premise, even though most of the books I’ve read are actually relatively disappointing. In its better moments, this felt similar to Helene Hanff’s 84, Charing Cross Road, a real-life story of a friendship forged through books and letters across the ocean. There were moments where I felt truly invested in the characters, wanted them to succeed, and felt a pang in my heart as they found joy together. However, much of the book felt silly and far more resonant of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which was a true disappointment for me. 

Essentially, Sara somehow connects with Amy, a lifelong resident of Broken Wheel, Iowa. They become pen pals and discuss books and life until Sara’s job evaporates when the bookstore she works at bear Stockholm closes. With her newfound free time, she arranges to visit Amy and the town she’s heard so much about; however, once she arrive, it turns out that Amy had passed away. Nonetheless, Sara gets to know the town and its residents, who adopt her as their communal guest, refusing to allow her to pay for anything until eventually she decides that a bookstore (starting with Amy’s collection itself) is the best way to repay the town for its generosity. This bookstore brings the town together in all kinds of ways, leading to town events that recall Stars Hollow and emphasize the rivalry with neighboring town, Hope. In addition, we encounter all kinds of diversity. John, a Black man who came to Broken Wheel scarred by racism in Alabama and whose love for Amy was always returned but never fulfilled. Amy’s three youngsters-Claire (and her daughter, Lacey), Andy (and his boyfriend Carl), and Tom (whom the entire town schemes to set up with Sara upon her arrival). And George, newly sober after years of being “poor George,” following the departure of his wife and baby daughter Sophy, whose absence is constantly painful (and simultaneously motivating) for him. 

There are plenty of other side characters and side plots, and, in fact, the story becomes quite chaotic with all of the elements. Gay, bi, race, Christianity, immigration, town rivalry, romance, a police investigation—it was probably a bit ambitious in a cozy book about books, but there were enough moments that made me genuinely smile that I’ve concluded that overall, I enjoyed it, even though realistically it was pretty silly and probably not brilliantly written.