Short Synopsis
In this charming debut novel from Deborah Meyler, a bright young woman working in a New York bookstore struggles to come into her own.

Full Synopsis
Brilliant, idealistic Esme Garland moves to Manhattan armed with a pres­tigious scholarship at Columbia University. When Mitchell van Leuven—a New Yorker with the bluest of blue New York blood—captures her heart with his stunning good looks and a penchant for all things erotic, life seems truly glorious . . . until a thin blue line signals a wrinkle in Esme's tidy plan. Before she has a chance to tell Mitchell about her pregnancy, he suddenly declares their sex life is as exciting as a cup of tea, and ends it all.

Determined to master everything from Degas to diapers, Esme starts work at a small West Side bookstore, finding solace in George, the laconic owner addicted to spirulina, and Luke, the taciturn, guitar-playing night manager. The oddball customers are a welcome relief from Columbia's high-pressure halls, but the store is struggling to survive in this city where nothing seems to last.

When Mitchell recants his criticism, his passion and promises are hard to resist. But if Esme gives him a second chance, will she, like her beloved book­store, lose more than she can handle? A sharply observed and evocative tale of learning to face reality without giv­ing up on your dreams, The Bookstore is sheer enchantment from start to finish.

"A deeply satisfying novel you will keep close to your heart, written in a style by turns witty and poetic." ---Booklist Starred Review

"Filled with bookstore-related subject matter, Meyler's tale will delight book lovers everywhere." ---RT Book Reviews

"Heather Wilds is best when voicing Esme but is convincing as homeless men, blue-blooded matriarchs, and the rest of the assorted characters, too." ---Library Journal Audio Review

Booklist Review