As someone who plays D&D as a player and DM, this book needs to be read by any perspective participant of the game. There is an unspoken fear and trepidation about having a lull in the story, be it spending too much time in town or having too many NPC friends, and having the plot line go unresolved. This book is a perfectly written and natural pause (don't have a healer, you're going to be stuck healing naturally in one place for a while) without pausing the story itself.
As a reader, this book also showed a new perspective on love, both platonic and romantic, that is unique, heartfelt, and honest. Some relationships are like two ships that pass in the night and that doesn't make them any less meaningful or beautiful.
"Sometimes we aren't the right people yet." 

 I can even believe it… I loved this book even more than the first. It was just perfection. That ending had me oohing and awwwing.

 I devoured this just as quickly as Legends & Lattes and I might have... liked it even more? There exists criticism of L&L that there is no real plot, which I understand (might even agree, however, it's not a negative for me, the coziness is the point of the book). I think that particular critique wouldn't apply to this book. And the ending to this one, despite knowing what comes after in Viv's life, got me emotional. I loved it! 

I think I enjoyed this one more than the first 🤭, but it helped to have some recognition of the world were in and who Viv starts out as before opening up her coffee shop. This was adorable and action-packed, and I hope we get to see more of Viv and company in the future.

I had been looking forward to reading this since I loved Legends and Lattes, and have loved some other cozy fantasies as well. I think this one didn't quite live up to the hype for me. While it should be slower since it's a cozy fantasy, even with the small action scenes, I didn't feel the same excitement to pick this up like I did the others. I read very little bits at a time and wasn't always rushing or eager to pick it back up. I liked the characters - especially Satchel - and the plot behind the story. It just felt a little flat to me and I can't put my finger on why. 
Definitely gives all the cozy bookstore vibes!

I can tell that this book comes from the guts of a few other ideas Baldree had in mind. Aside from the short Epilogue, much of this could've been from the perspective of another character. Be prepared for a bit more adventure than cozy in this book compared to Legends and Lattes.

Legends & Lattes has been my favorite audiobook since I've listened to it, and I anxiously awaited the prequel when it was announced. And while it took me a while to read, it was certainly not because I didn't enjoy it!

I love Viv as a protagonist! And I dare say I might even love her more in Bookshops & Bonedust! Seeing the character development in this book was a fun and emotional ride and I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships she formed within the story and quickly grew attached to all main and side characters.

The story was more 'intense' than that of L&L, so if the pacing in that book was a bit too slow for your tastes, then I'd still recommend Bookshops & Bonedust for a cozy read with lovable characters and slightly higher stakes!

The ending felt very emotional and I might have shed a tear or too, in the best way possible! And the Epilogue gave my heart the rest. I 100% would recommend this book :)

(There might be Spoilers from here on, so read with caution)

I gotta admit, I was thrown off by the promise of a 'summer romance' in this book, because I love the relationship of Tandri and Viv in the first one and generally don't like to read about one of the characters having a romantic relationship with other people,  even if it was in the past. But I was pleasantly surprised by how well this was handled and I ended up really loving the romantic interest of Viv. If this was something that you might have been discouraged about, I suggest to still give it a try.

Gallina's appearance and role in the story made me giggle on multiple occasions and seeing her and Viv's friendship blossom made me appreciate her character in the first book even more!

But my highlight were absolutely Fern and Satchel (and Potroast!) and the deep platonic relationship between them and Viv. I found myself rooting for their own respective storylines and the epilogue made me tear up even more after the ending and feel all warm and fuzzy at the same time.

I loved this book and I'm sure this was not the last time I've read it!