Book Review – Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

Title: Much Ado About You

Author: Samantha Young

Publisher: Berkley

Publication date: February 2nd, 2021

308 pages

4/5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis

The cozy comforts of an English village bookstore open up a world of new possibilities for Evie Starling in this charming new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.

Review

“Unfortunately, we live in a society where we tell our kids to be confident and successful and then as soon as they are, we tell them to shut up about it and be humble. Especially women.”

Samantha Young, Much Ado About You

I have found that books set in or include bookstores in the plot are my new favorites. I think I missed my calling to work in a bookstore and I fully plan to do that when I retire or stop working in my career to be honest.

But back to the book. Evie needs a change in her life and decides to visit England and work in a bookstore on holiday in a small village. She is quickly drawn into the world of the villagers, makes friends, and begins to fall for Roane Robson. I found this book to be extremely engaging, and wishing to be transported into the story myself. It’s a magical story (not literally) of finding what you need in unexpected places. Evie also takes it upon herself to help everyone around her, which leads to her having a profound impact on many people in the story.

I’m obsessed with Roane as a love interest. I absolutely love when it’s unrequited love on the man’s side as he just quietly pines over her. I only wish you got Roane’s POV for the story, but this book is told entirely from Evie’s POV.

Happy reading, folks!