"The Printed Letter Bookshop" by Katherine Reay

Maddie Carter's death leaves a big hole in her bookstore and in the town of Winsome, Illinois. She brought people together and gave them hope and joy through her friendship and her book recommendations. Now the heavily-in-the-red store has passed on to Maddie's distant niece, and employees Janet and Claire are trying to make the most of things before niece Madeline sells everything off.

But Madeline's recent life disappointments have left her feeling lost. And if there's anything Claire and Janet know about, it's loss and disappointment. Slowly this unlikely trio forge a friendship as they face challenges in their personal lives as well as those regarding the Printed Letter.

At first glance this book appears to take character-driven plot to a whole new level. Then I had an epiphany: this book is about everyday life. Our ups and downs. The mistakes we make. Learning when to stand up and when to humbly back down. Over the course of the book these three women move from lost souls to purposeful women who have found where they belong. They aren't perfect. Things are not wrapped up in a neat bow. But it's a beautiful reflection of things we see around us in the real world. Maybe you'll recognize yourself, your sister, or your best friend in these pages.

I would recommend this book for fans of women's fiction. I'd say it's my new favorite from Katherine Reay's pen!