Prepare to fall under the spell of “this sometimes whimsical, often insightful, always absorbing story” (Shelf Awareness) following two fiercely independent women and their truly magical friendship in a sleepy Southern town, from New York Times bestselling author of Karen Hawkins. Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books live, breathe, and sometimes even speak. As the librarian in her … sometimes even speak. As the librarian in her quaint Southern town of Dove Pond, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl named Grace Wheeler.
If the books are right, Grace could be the savior Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents–Sarah chief among them. But with a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, will Grace ultimately embrace the challenge to rescue her charmed new community?
“A mesmerizing fusion of the mystical and the everyday” (Susan Andersen, New York Times bestselling author), The Book Charmer is a heartwarming story about the magic of books that feels more than a little magical itself.
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I loved this book. One, it’s set in western NC by where I’ll be living. And two, it’s small town mania, without the over the top cuteness.
I can only say that I’ve fallen in love with Dove Pond. I’d like to live there. A charming quirky little town full of well-drawn characters by masterful storyteller Karen Hawkins.
For those that love the books of Fannie Flagg, Jan Karon, and Dorothea Benton Frank, it is a Must Read!
And as for myself, I find I am eagerly anticipating her next in this series.
This is such a wonderful read! Karen weaves magic and real-life stories together in a seamless way. The town of Dove Pond is charming, quirky, and full of the most interesting characters. There are some serious issues in this book, but Karen’s gentle way of discussing them, healing through them, and finding hope through them is so well done. I fell in love with this book (it charmed me!) from the very first chapter. I can’t wait to read the next installment!
This is one of those books that make you smile each time you pick it up to read.
Centered in a small town with a hint of magical charm. Sarah Dove can speak to books. which allows her to know what people need to read before they do. though Sarah is an important character along with Trav they are not the main character.
Our main character is Grace A tough woman who has been through a lot. Growing up in foster care Grace finally finds a home with Mama G. Fast forward years later and grace has become the caregiver not only to the woman who took her and her sister in years before but she is now the mother to her sister’s child.
Grace is a hard case but as time goes by in Dove Pond Grace soon learns what it means to truly love and to have friends. She also learns what it means to belong.
This book was such a lovely read and I cannot wait to read it again and to continue with the series
Very original. Likeable characters. Relaxing as a nostalgic visit to a small town.
The best description of this book comes from its title. It is purely and simply charming. The characters are likeable. The issues are pertinent to today from parenting to Alzheimers to decline of small town America. And the bonus is there is just enough magic to make it ethereal. If you love books and reading, you can’t help but fall in love with this story.
If you like Sarah Addison Allen, you will love this book! I hope it is the start of a series.
The Book Charmer is one of those utterly delightful, small-town stories built on a wonderful cast of quirky characters. It’s a fun and easy read that also manages to tackle a few hard topics (PTSD and Alzheimers) with great sensitivity. This story is centered around Grace and her move to Dove Pond, with her niece Daisy and foster mother Mama G in tow. She has a plan that will be challenged as she gets to know the community and learns the importance of friendship, loyalty, and healing.
Karen Hawkins writing is flawless and I look forward to the next installment in the series and getting to know more about the magical Dove sisters.
The Book Charmer is a wonderfully written story about facing the difficult events that life throws at you and rising above. Karen Hawkins fills the story with a range of emotions and a touch of magic that the reader can relate to. Dove Pond is a small town with charming, quirky characters. Sarah Dove is the town librarian with a special gift in which the books talk to her and her goal is to save the town from the downward spiral. Grace is dealing with the death of her sister, raising her young, rebellious niece and dealing with the devastation of her foster mom’s descent into dementia. Travis served in the war until he was wounded. He is suffering from PTSD, scarring and also the death of his father from dementia and he just wants to be left alone. The story that follows will have the reader drawn in as if they are a part of the story and feeling the emotions the characters feel. This is an amazing story and I can’t wait for the next one.
Just one of those wonderful books!
This book was just what I needed. A sweet book with a touch of magic, romance, wonderful friendships, and the reminder that life can be bitter sweet. It was as if the book chose me. 😉
If you are a fan of Sarah Addison Allen, or books like Chocolat by Joanne Harris or Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, this book might be one you enjoy. I recently found out that this genre is called Magical Realism. A touch of magic in the book, but never an out and out call out to being a witch. I think this genre could appeal to a more broader readership than Fantasy, although I love both types of books.
Karen Hawkins wrote about a town similar to mine, and many across the nation. One that is full of good people, but is still slowly dying. Hawkins focuses a lot on character development which is what makes this story so good. You get to know the townsfolk and want to root for them to succeed in their personal lives as well as reviving the town to its previous splendor.
Hawkins also explores a lot of issues that many people have gone through, including suicide, child abandonment, foster care, having to change careers to be a caregiver, and dementia. I always find it appealing to read about issues that I’ve experienced, and see how others deal with it, to know that I’m not alone in the struggle. And although I said this is a sweet book, it really does pack an emotional wallop.
I highly recommend, The Book Charmer, and am looking forward to reading more in the series, including the eNovella, Love in the Afternoon, which introduces the Dove Pond NC series.
At the age of seven, Sarah Dove, having heard her whole life about the Dove Family Luck, realized she would be a big part of that legend. It was then that she began talking to books; or more precisely, books began speaking to her. And over the years Sarah developed an uncanny ability to match book with the person who most needed to read it.
But, years later, as the years have rolled by, Sarah has begun to wonder if the legend of the Dove Family Luck is just a myth as she watches her beloved town slowly decline.
I really enjoyed this novel. The author combined realistic obstacles with a touch of magic, making an entertaining and magical tale about love, family and friendships that outlast even the worst of illnesses and grief.
Readers who love general fiction, women’s lit, and stories with a touch of romance, will enjoy themes of conquering grief, caring for an ailing parent, sudden parenthood, and small town communities. As I am a small town girl, I enjoyed seeing some of my own gossips and community spirit in the pages of this book.
I found Dove Pond to be absolutely (for lack of a better word ) charming! Grace is an independent woman who has spent most of her life relying on herself, and now must take on the role of caregiver for her aging foster mother with dementia Mama G and her sassy orphaned niece Daisy. Despite the best efforts of her quirky, slightly magically inclined neighbor Sarah, a long time resident of Dove Pond who spends her free time talking to books and drooling over the local sheriff, Grace knows that Dove Pond is just a blip on her radar until she can get back to her real life in the city. I loved watching the developing friendships between Grace and Sarah, between Grace and her super hunky fence mate Travis, as well as between the members of the Social Committee. As Grace works to help rescue the town from certain disaster, these friendships and others prove themselves to be invaluable as tough times come knocking even in small towns. I couldn’t wait to move on to the Cup of Silver Linings (the next in the series) and can’t wait for more!
Book Review: The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins (5 stars)
I’ve always loved books. Instead of playing outside with other kids, I would rather curl up with a good book — a trusted friend. And stories about books, well . . . what could be better?
The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins is a wonderful story that has all the attributes of “charming” — a small town setting, eccentric characters, budding romance, and magic. Dove Pond is in need of an uplift and Sarah Dove, the librarian, knows that Grace Wheeler, a newcomer, is the answer. But Grace has her hands full with a job she doesn’t want; young Daisy, who acts out at every turn; and Mama G, who’s getting more than just forgetful.
Hawkins infuses the setting and characters with a down-home lovability that makes you want to settle in for the night with a hot cup of tea and a circle of good friends. You’ll find sweet, wholesome heroes and heroines with real-life complexities that are so relatable. So sit back, dig in, and let the magic — lovely writing and out-of-the-ordinary occurrences — unfold. You’ll be glad you did.
I’m a small town girl, so I really enjoyed visiting Dove Pond. The residents are quirky and loyal. The sense of community is so endearing. I read this novel in one sitting.
This novel would have been a five star read without the profanity.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This is a charming book about a small town and its residents. Grace, a former foster child, and Sarah, the town librarian, are the main characters. Books speak to Sarah, and they tell her that Grace can help save the town which is in financial difficulty.
A story of love, loss, family, including themes of dementia, PTSD, small town living, and a little magic.
I enjoyed how the town was described, and how the residents all knew each other and their history. I thought it was accurate in describing how people think things should be, just because it has always been done that way. Then, someone new comes along and wants to change everything. Naturally, that doesn’t sit well, but perhaps, a fresh perspective is what is needed.
Enjoyable! I look forward to reading the next book in the Dove Pond series, and learning about more characters and their lives.
Oh my, did I ever love this book! I wish I could move to Dove Pond. So many wonderful characters dealing with realistic issues like caring for a loved one with dementia and recovering from PTSD. Not to mention the talking books, how could you go wrong? If you like your stories with a little whimsy, this one is fabulous! I’m already counting the days until the next book is released.
The Book Charmer is the true beginning of Karen Hawkins’ Dove Pond series. We tipped our toes into the Dove Pond world with the Love in the Afternoon novella (though it was funny how Sofia and Jake popped out in the middle of the Book Charmer but who is counting) so that we would be ready for the full glory of the Dove sisters!
The Book Charmer broke my heart and then filled it up again – the emotions Karen makes you feel with her words are deep and profound, they inspire and make you want to be a better person … Grace Wheeler has experienced a lot in her life – the foster care system and the loss of her sister and giving up the life she created for her to take care of her niece and Mama G who became her foundation when she took Grace and her sister Hannah in when they were kids. The magic is not just the Dove sisters inheritance, the magic is everywhere if you open yourself up to it … Grace comes to Dove Pond with Mama G and her niece and she is not planning to stay long …
Sarah Dove has the gift of books – they speak to her – and she always thought that she would be the one saving Dove Pond … I love the humility that she has, the love she has for the town and its people … I also love how she is so human when it comes to relationships AND I am so happy that her story (well, that relationship story) will continue even when our focus will be pulled on the other Dove sisters …
Karen did not take it easy on us … she touched upon some heavy topics – Alzheimer’s and dementia, PTSD, grief, foster care, drug abuse … on the other hand she brought the balance by giving us also finding a family, friendship, love, being part of a community, taking chances and letting people in …
I cannot wait to return to the Dove Pond!
This is the story of Sarah Dove and her family. Sarah always had a way with books. When she was young, she visited the library and a book spoke to her. Actually spoke. She grows up to be the town librarian, handing out books based on who needs to read them. The books tell her that they are to help a certain person, and Sarah lends them the book. The towns people come to rely on Sarah and her way of knowing exactly what they need and never turn down a book they get from her.
One day Grace and her small family show up in Sarah’s town. Grace is in charge of her young niece and her mother who has fast progressing dementia. She is looking for a calmer job and life so that she will have the time she needs to look after her family. Sarah quickly latches onto Grace and feels that Grace was sent to the town for a reason. Grace isn’t so sure and doesn’t plan to stay in town long. Sarah and her group of friends will do everything in their power to change that.
This is a sweet story. I have been working for hours on end at our house and so this was a great audio book to pass the time. It is a sweet story and the characters are all very likable. I was drawn into the story of Grace and her past and Sarah and her small town. It is a story of friendship, love, and trials in a well written book. I didn’t love the ending only because it wrapped up so quickly! I wish they would have taken the story just a little further.
I am a caregiver to my disabled veteran husband, but once upon a time, I was also a professional caregiver and took care of individuals with dementia. Unfortunately, caregiving is something many of us will experience at some point in our lives, and I personally know several, including my editor. I firmly believe it’s something which should be used in fiction more frequently.
However, I didn’t know about those elements of the story before I listened to the audio version & probably wouldn’t have chosen it if I did; because my husband and I live daily with some of the things Ms. Hawkins’ characters experience. When I write, many of my experiences do seep into my work, but when I read, I’m looking for an escape. It was the title which caught my attention. Writers who spend a great deal of time with their characters do come to view them as real beings who will be a part of their psyches forever after. But how many readers have found a special book which seems to take on a life of its own? I’ve been an avid reader for more than 40 years and had the privelege of discovering many that have stayed with me no matter the life changes I’ve experienced. The Book Charmer is one of those books.