The Bookshop of Secrets

If you like mystery with themes of healing, redemption, family, and legacy, The Bookshop of Secrets might be right up your alley. The small town of Wanishin Falls is the backdrop of this wonderful debut from Mollie Rushmeyer. Even though it’s contemporary fiction, the small town ambiance, numerous literary references, and cozy bookstore give an almost historical feel to the setting. The characters and their history really come alive, and and I loved coming along for the ride!

Action/Adventure:

This story may take place in a cozy bookshop in a small town, but the suspense is definitely real.

Between unravelling the mystery of Hope’s books and getting to know Ronan’s family, there are moments of suspense. One with a gun (not fired). Three with large bodies of water, more descriptive (characters falling into the water, fighting against the currents), so if you’re afraid of water/drowning, just be aware that there is peril.

Two side characters are mentioned as having some kind of disability that requires a caregiver, and both instances are handled delicately and with encouragement (dementia and disabled after an accident). I liked that the author presented these issues in a realistic way, as I know what it’s like to have a loved one face a disability that I can’t reverse, only support. The plot really picked up towards the end, and once I reached the halfway mark, I finished the story in one sitting!

Romance:

Hope and Ronan are a great pair, and their romance is definitely both sweet and mature. Both of them come with their own baggage, issues where they believe they are less-than-whole. Ronan is an amputee, with only one leg, and he passes judgement on himself for that. Both he and Hope see everyday conversations through their own lenses, and even though they may react strongly to situations, they also reconcile with grace and maturity.

Religion/Worldview:

This novel is written from a Christian worldview. The characters pray to God, both silently and out loud. They also talk about Jesus and the redemption offered by his death and resurrection. Many scriptures are referenced, and characters go to church and make decisions based on God’s prompting/conviction. Both Hope and Ronan struggle with their faith after facing many difficulties in their lives, but I loved seeing them grow. They come to realize that God is not to blame for all the bad, but that He can turn all things for good, that He can redeem every past, and that He understands our hurts.

Content:

This may count as a spoiler because it’s not in the blurb, but it should be mentioned for any trigger warnings: the main character was trafficked. It’s not mentioned in detail, but she deals with PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, and a lot of negative thought patterns throughout the book. It is all handled delicately and with a Christian perspective, but it’s important to know if that may be something that could surprise you negatively. It plays a central role in Hope’s perspective and character development.

A villainous character makes innuendos, seeming to notice Hope’s history, but he is denounced.

There are some comments that could come across as feminist, but it stems from Hope’s fear of trusting people in general, especially men.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, I greatly enjoyed The Bookshop of Secrets. I can relate to Hope’s sense of being afraid to be vulnerable and of being frustrated with God when bad things happen. This book would be perfect if you’re looking for a bookish mystery with encouraging threads of romance and faith.