Dove Pond is one of my favorite book series I've ever read; it is like a cozy night on the couch with a Barefoot Dreams blanket, Gilmore Girls on the TV and a cup of tea. I've talked about it so much on the blog over the years and with every book Karen Hawkins releases, I fall deeper in love with the characters, the town, and the Dove sisters.
This summer, another Dove Pond book was released and of course, I pre-ordered and immediately started reading when it was delivered to my Kindle. However, unlike the other Dove Pond books, "The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams" took me a little longer to finish. While it gave me all the Dove Pond vibes, and I liked Tay Dove's secret Dove sister gift, it left a little to be desired.
It was definitely my least favorite Dove Pond book but it's essential to the series and I need another book ASAP.
Publisher's Summary
Tay believes the letters could be the key in solving what happened, but they only add to her questions—especially when they reveal a forbidden love affair with William Day, a wild youth who took part in a notorious train robbery. Some answers might be found in eighty-year-old Rose Day’s bookshop, which doubles as a town archive, but Rose is curiously resistant to give Tay access. Just when Tay thinks she’s reached a dead end, she finds an unlikely ally in Rose’s grandson, Luke, a fellow puzzle lover. Together, they set out to uncover what really happened all those years ago…and find the truth behind a love story that could be more precious than gold.
My Thoughts
As I said, this was my least favorite Dove Pond book. I was so excited about it too but I don't think I connected with Tay Dove in the way I connected with other Dove sisters. It also had one of my least favorite crotchety old lady characters -- Rose Day. I thought she was a horrible person who was incredibly selfish and mean. She barely had a redemption arc at the end either, and I truly just wanted to scream at her throughout the entire book.
However, Luke Day was one of my favorite male leads; he was sweet, caring, interesting and respectful. I was really rooting for him and Tay throughout the book, even though Tay was less than into it.
The story about Sarafina Dove & William Day was so interesting though and I loved how we got to understand the lore of Dove Pond & The Dove Sisters a little better than before. There is so much history to be told within the town of Dove Pond and I feel like the stories could go on forever.
Tay eventually warms up and starts to give Luke attention, even though it's only friendly & they make an excellent team. Luke really understands Tay and when she lets her guard down, Tay is pretty incredible. They had great banter and good chemistry...though, their relationship kind of accelerates fast towards the end of the book and it seemed rushed & random.
I will say, ending was a bit shocking but in a positive way. I was kind of expecting it as you get hints throughout the book, especially in the 2nd half but for some reason, it still took me by surprise. It was really beautiful, poetic and perfect which I always appreciate.
Tay Dove is a complicated woman with complicated, intelligent emotions which made it difficult to connect with her on a personal level and for how I read the Dove Pond series, it made it less enjoyable that way.
While it was my least favorite, it still was entertaining and I enjoyed being back in Dove Pond. And, it goes without saying that I cannot wait for the next book!
If you haven't read The Dove Pond series, I'm begging you to! You will fall in love with it.
xoxo
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