Sunday, July 14, 2019

Sneak Peek Excerpt and Giveaway - - The Book Charmer


I just finished reading an advance copy of Karen Hawkins' upcoming women's fiction novel, The Book Charmer and am happy to report that I was thoroughly charmed. I'll be sharing my thoughts about the book on July 31 when Karen Hawkins  joins us for a Q&A. In the meantime, I'm delighted to share an exclusive excerpt from The Book Charmer along with an early copy of the book for one lucky reader who comments on this post (see end of post for details). For an introduction to the Dove Pond series, download the e-novella, Love in the Afternoon, a funny and heartwarming story where "a cranky old ghost tries to help his former hermit-like next door neighbor to open his heart to the potential of True Love." I adored it. 


The Book Charmer
by Karen Hawkins
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: July 30, 2019



Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become 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 that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents—Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book.




EXCERPT 
THE BOOK CHARMER

Sarah spun on her heel and raced across the street, the books clutched against her hip.
When she reached the library, she took the steps to the door two at a time, almost stumbling in her haste. As she unlocked the doors, Sarah could feel Mrs. Emily’s blazing dislike burning a hole between her shoulder blades.
The doors banged closed behind Sarah as the calming smell of old books and the murmurs of various tomes welcomed her. Heart still racing, she closed her eyes and leaned against the wall while the cool, air-conditioned chilliness soothed her hot cheeks.
Forget them. Think about finally meeting Grace. That’s what’s really important—Grace and Dove Pond. It took a moment, but Sarah slowly regained control of her thoughts. Grace Wheeler was important to the salvation of Dove Pond, that much was clear. But how?
That question needed answering. Fortunately, Sarah knew where to start. Sometimes the only way to begin a journey to the future was with a gentle shove from the past.
She left the wall and set the stack of books she’d been carrying onto the return cart. Then she took out her keys and headed downstairs to the Dove Pond archives, where Charlotte Dove’s cranky journal safely dozed in its glass case, far away from the damaging sunlight and unfiltered air.
The book had aged over the years and it slept more and spoke less. In fact, it had been more than a year since Sarah’d exchanged more than a sleepy hello with it.
She unlocked the door, flipped on the lights, and stepped inside. Rows of shelves and cases filled the basement, the remnants of Dove Pond’s long history. She walked past the boxes and bins and went instead to the far corner, where the journal dozed on an acid-free pillow she’d bought from a library supply catalog her first day on the job.
She softly tapped on the case, but the book slept on.
She waited a moment and then, impatient, tapped the glass a little louder.
The book stirred, grumbling as it reluctantly came awake.
“Hi, sleepyhead,” Sarah said. “Are you up?”
What do you want?
Long gone were the days the journal wanted Sarah to read it. For all of her expertise in the Dewey Decimal System, the previous librarian Nebbie Farmer hadn’t known how to care for an ancient book. And so the journal had been displayed near a sunny window, the glass case magnifying rather than reducing the harmful rays. Nebbie had also placed the poor book on colorful but acidic paper, which had slowly broken down the glue that held it together. The years of unintended neglect had left their mark and the journal’s pages were now delicate, the leather cover laced with deeper cracks, the binding ragged and failing, and its temper— which had never been good—infinitely more curmudgeonly.
Sarah crossed her arms and leaned on the case, peering through the dim light at the journal. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I have a question.”
The book grumbled, but she couldn’t make out the words, so she continued. “There’s a new woman in town and I think she’s a sign that Dove Pond is about to be saved.”
The book said something under its breath.
“What?” Sarah asked.
I’m not your personal seer, the book groused.
“Look, I just want to know how she’s going to help. That’s your job, isn’t it? To explain how I’m going to meet my destiny? How I’m supposed to save our town?”
The book didn’t answer, and after a moment, Sarah tapped her finger on the glass.
The book jolted as if reawakened.
“Her name is Grace Wheeler,” Sarah said.
The book said in a sharp tone, Ask another book! I’m sleeping.
Sarah had to fight not to snap out something unpleasant. “Come on,” she pleaded. “This is about Dove Pond, and that’s what you’re about. No other book here would know.”
That’s true, the book said grumpily. It sighed and then rustled, as if searching for an answer.
Sarah tried to contain her excitement. She tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and, as the minutes lengthened, jiggled her foot impatiently under the case.
Finally, she could stand it no more. Just as she opened her mouth to ask her question again, the book spoke.
She’s the one.
Yes! There it was. Confirmation at last. “I knew she was important! But what will she do? I know she’s here to help me, but how?”
You’ll know.
The book’s flat tone suggested that was all the help it was willing to give. Sarah bit back a frustrated sigh and said, “Come on. Just explain what you mean and I’ll leave you alone.”
No.
She supposed she was lucky it had taken the time to say what it had. “Fine. I’ll make it work. It’s not ideal, having an assistant, because I always thought I’d be the one to do all the work when the time came to save Dove Pond, but hey, I’ve never been one to turn down help, so—yes. This will be great. But I hope she hurries and does whatever she’s supposed to do, because she’s not planning on staying long.”
The book, which had been drifting back asleep as she spoke, suddenly stiffened, the pages rustling. What?
Sarah blinked. “I spoke to her not five minutes ago and she says she’ll be here a year, if that, and no more.”
She has to stay.
“Has to? Like . . . forever?”
Yes, forever. The book couldn’t have sounded more irritated.
“But why? I mean, once she’s helped the town, she can leave, because I’ll still be here.”
She has to stay forever.
Sarah gave an uneasy laugh. “I wish she would, because I’m sure she’s nice once you get to know her, but I can’t just make someone stay in Dove Pond who doesn’t want to. I couldn’t even get my sisters to stay, and I know them.”
She. Has. To. Stay. The book hissed each word, punctuating them as if with a hammer.
Sarah grimaced. “That’s not going to be easy.”
The book didn’t answer but muttered something about “silly people” as it settled deeper into its cushion. Soon, the only noise coming from it was a faint snore, and Sarah knew it was done for the day.
“Well, I guess that’s that.” She straightened, absently staring down at the old journal as she thought about the situation. Of course, she was ecstatic that things were going to turn around for Dove Pond. That was the best news ever, even if she didn’t know exactly how. And despite talking to the book, she still didn’t know why or even how Grace was important, which was frustrating, to say the least.
But progress was progress and Sarah refused to see this new development negatively. Things weren’t happening exactly the way she’d envisioned, but then again, what in life did? She should be happy to have a helper, even a reluctant one. “I’ll just have to convince her to stay.”
From upstairs, Sarah heard footsteps and the faint echo of a child laughing. She looked at the clock and realized it was almost time for Children’s Hour.
Feeling more hopeful than she had in a long time, Sarah patted the case one last time and left the archives, locking the door behind her. Soon, she was too busy to dwell on the events of the morning, although every once in a while, she’d stop what she was doing and smile.
It was finally happening. Dove Pond was going to be saved.


~~~~~~~~~

I love the magic realism in this story. Hawkins makes it so organic and realistic. 

Readers, have you read any other books with magic realism?

Have you read any of Karen Hawkins' books? Do you have a favorite book or series?

Sarah has the ability to converse with books. If you could have the magical ability to converse with something, what would you choose?

Karen Hawkins has graciously offered an early print copy of The Book Charmer to one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, July 15. (open internationally)

I'm giving away a Kindle copy of the introductory e-novella, Love in the Afternoon to one randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, July 15. 


26 comments:

  1. I love the theme of The Book Charmer. Sounds interesting. I've read her MacLean series books.I'm definitely going to be reading this one.
    Carol Luciano

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    1. I loved her MacLean series! Dove Pond employs the same type of magical realism but brings it into a contemporary setting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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  2. I have never read this author, but the book sound good!!!

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    1. Oh, Patricia, you have so much fun reading ahead of you! The majority of her 30+ books are historical though she did publish two contemporaries a few years ago. Her books have a wonderful abundance of both humor and heart.

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  3. I’ve never read this author but The Book Charmer sounds like a great place to start.

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    1. Her books have a lot of humor and charm, Melanie. And she writes both historical and contemporary.

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  4. I enjoy Karen's sense of humor. I love her historical romances. The Hurst /MacLean Curse series is my favorite. I enjoyed Sleepless In Scotland when Triona takes her twin's (Caitlyn) place and captures Hugh's attention.

    Magic Realism- I've read The Life of Pi, The Night Circus, Chocolat....

    If I could converse with something it would be a guitar. I love music and I am amazed at people's talent. A paint brush- I admire artists too.

    johns lake at usa dot com

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    1. I enjoy her humor too, Laurie, and it's on full display in The Book Charmer.

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  5. Karen's historicals are captivating and special. I have read Sarah Addison Allen's novels which are filled with beautiful magical realism and stories that captured my heart.

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    1. I've seen a lot of readers online comparing The Book Charmer to Allen's novels.

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  6. This author has written such wonderful historicals which I enjoy greatly. magical realism is unique and I love the books such as The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan, and What The Wind Knows by Amy Harmon. I would converse with the composers who create such lovely music.

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    1. Thanks for the book recs, petite. I'll have to check those out.

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  7. It's been awhile since I read any of her books. This one looks absolutely delightful! I enjoy reading about librarians/or booksellers since I am a librarian! Thanks for the chance to win this one.

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  8. I have not heard the phrase "magic realism" before. THE BOOK CHARMER sounds like my kind of read.

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  9. Ms Hawkins is another new to me author. I have read some books which include forms of magic. Not sure whether it was magic realism 'cause I am not sure what that mean.

    I have enjoyed some books which include ghosts which are helpful to characters. This sounds like a book I will enjoy. Books are my addiction so a Book Charmer would be terrific.

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  10. I've never read this author before. I would love if i could converse with family heirlooms

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  11. New author to me. I like that she can talk to a book and it answers. I would love to hear the stories of items that belonged to my grandmother and great-grandmother. I never knew them.

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  12. I love Karen's books and look forward to reading this one. I would love to converse with books or old pictures that aren't labeled so I can figure out who's who.

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  13. The Book Charmer looks good to me!

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  14. I was lucky enough to read the first chapter of The Book Charmer on Bookish First and knew (even if I didn’t win an ARC, which sadly I didn’t) that I had to get my hands on this book. I absolutely fell in love. Would love to have the opportunity to win!

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  15. This book definitely has me intrigued. Thanks for the excerpt and for introducing me to a new author, PJ!

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  16. I enjoy magic realism and first truly came across it in Sarah Addison Allen's books. I have not read Karen Hawkins' books. Ability to converse with books would be so fascinating. Other than books, I suppose, I would wish to be able to converse with jewelry for interesting situations of past wearers or with teapots for gossip from times past.

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  17. Looking forward to reading The Book Charmer! Thank you

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  18. I do love Ms Hawkins historical. Her dialogue , characters, and humor are done so well. This sounds wonderful . Will definitely put on my to read list !

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  19. I've read several of Ms Hawkin's historicals and loved all of them! As for being able to converse with anything, I'd like to talk to animals.

    Thanks for the chance!

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