Monday, 5 March 2018

Off the Shelf: Something New by Sean Ashcroft



One of the reviews for this book called it something out of hallmark and not as a compliment. I love all things feel-good so instead of putting me off, the review actually inspired me to read the book. This book did not disappoint in hallmark moments and I was there to soak them all up with gratitude. 

The premise of the book is simple but intriguing! Declan’s uncle, Unlce Marv, who is the black sheep of their family that few know much about, dies leaving his second hand book shop in the small town of Hope Springs (a town with many a happy same sex couple) to Declan on the condition that to receive full ownership of it Declan has to be married! With no prospects in sight and recently self-liberated from a terrible job he decides to accept his inheritance...and marry his gay best friend Ash while he’s at it. Two slight wrinkles ensue...Declan is quite clearly straight and Ash secretly in love with him. Can the two ever find happiness?

This book was an easy to read. I demolished it in a few days and was so happy. Honestly this book had all the gratuitous sweet moments a romantic like me could ask for. First of all Declan was hilarious. He starts off the novel in a downtrodden position but as he comes out of his shell he gets this funny personality and I just love how relatable he was. We’ve all been in situations we don’t care for that change our outlook on life and it was so satisfying to see him come out of that. He was so blindsided by his sexuality and I thought that was cute! I wasn’t too surprised but it was fun for one of us to be! 

Ash! Wonderful, besotted and big hearted Ash! He was really keen to follow Declan around. He also was the first to recognize the change in Declan from the disappearance of dark circles under his eyes, to becoming more energetic and outgoing (for Declan anyway). He was also really adorable with his fear of dogs but his effort with Scott and Charlie’s dog. His love of books was so relatable it was crazy. I mean if I could run a second hand bookstore with my husband in a small town where everyone is accepting of each other I wouldn’t have to think twice! 

Scott and Charlie were such gifts to the narrative! I love how Charlie gave each of Ash and Declan a chance to come of their shell and talk to other people, especially since both had been isolated without other friends in the city. Charlie had such a bubbly personality I just wanted to jump into the story and be his friend. I loved how he and Scott were a new couple but so comfortable with each other. Not to mention how Scott offered them a rescue dog (or cat) within five minutes of having them over to dinner. 

Sean Ashcroft started a gem of a series with this one and I will be heading back to Hope Springs as soon as I get through some of the of the other items on the TBR (to be read) list (last I counted there were about 20 books on the most pressing items list)! His writing style was easy but gripping, sweeter than a bon bon but so necessary! I like how relaxing the book was and it’s earned its rating of: 3.5 lovey dovey sweet as honey stars! 

TK MAJ


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