The Bookshop of Secrets by Kerry BarrettSynopsis: “In a bookshop nestled in the sprawling streets of Lisbon, a shopkeeper leads a double life…
Looking for a new start after her father’s death, Lara Hope arrives in Lisbon in search of a family she’s never met. As war storms across Europe, Lara finds solace and belonging in her landlady’s tranquil bookshop in one of the most beautiful corners of the city.
But when she witnesses a customer secretly swapping a book, she realises the bookshop is not all it seems. Lara is plunged into a labyrinthine world of mystery and facades, encountering new friends, an unexpected romance, and even royalty… Is she prepared to risk it all for this new life?“

My Review

This was a fantastic audiobook, a real feel good listen, that made me smile and laugh out loud, and it’s also left me with a book hangover!

As the above synopsis states it’s set in Lisbon at the start of the the Second World War, where Lara goes to find her late mother’s family, only to discover that they’re no longer alive. Due unforeseen circumstances, she ends up getting stuck there when war breaks out, and that’s when her adventures really do begin. 

I’m not going to tell you any more because of spoilers, except to say that I loved everything about it, characters, plot and the setting. It reminded me a lot of the Emmy Lake Chronicles, because of it’s uplifting feel and content, and of City of Spies by Mara Timon which is also set in Lisbon at the same time.

Polly Edsell a new-to-me narrator, was superb telling this story. Her voice talents were amazing. I’d definitely listen to other books she narrates.

Highly recommended on audio, especially if you enjoy uplifting books set in WW2. 

I listened to this via the BookBeat app. If you haven’t tried it before, you can use this code  for a free 60 day trial and I get 30 days free!