A dear bookish friend decided that I needed this book after I had commented on her review of the same. She surprised me with an e-copy added to my teetering TBR (To Be Read) pile, for which I shall ever be appreciative and thankful.

This was a sweet Christian story set in a favorite spot of mine, the charming and historic town of Red Wing, Minnesota. Certainly all of the references to favorite spots enjoyed there during a visit were fun and brought back a flood of wonderful memories. Additionally, the book beautifully captured the charm and wonder infused within this community.

But what truly delights the reader most of all is the sweet interaction of the characters, each one broken in their own special way. Yet, each character, through prayer and faith, seeks the path their Father intended for them. Often, that path is not obvious and brings some challenges. There is the bookish Harper Brevig whose Great Aunt Lorene, with tremendous faith in Harper, leaves to her in her estate, Twice Sold Tales bookstore in Red Wing. Harper loves books more than anything...including people (challenge #1). Then there's Noah Lyndon Lampe and his suddenly discovered son, Bennie as they discover the meaning of family and a precious relationship with one another (challenge #2). Milton is a "fixer" who when initially brought into the bookstore by Harper's brother, was summarily dismissed by Harper. Yet upon reflection, Harper discovers the need for his services and brings him back to Twice Sold Tales in order to staunch the outflow of cash as Harper tries to make a go with the bookstore (challenge #3). All in all, this was an absolutely charming and delightful story. ( )

In Red Wing, Minnesota, an independent bookstore is known as "Twice Sold Tales." Harper Brevig is the sole proprietor of the bookstore as part of an inheritance from her Great Aunt Lorene.

I loved every aspect of the author's creativity within this novel, from the chapter epigraphs with book recommendations, parenting tips, and magical slogans for T-shirts that Harper and all readers adore, to the independent bookstore setting for used books to each of the personalities bringing the depth of the story to life as though awakening hidden gems in a treasure chest for my heart and soul. First, I loved Harper because she loves vegetables as much as I do (NOT!), but there's so much more to Harper. More than she even realizes herself. Her primary delight is Books > People. But little by little, Mr. Laffey, Noah Lyndon Harper and his 7-year-old son Bennie, Milton Coleridge and his little blue parrotlet named Atticus (not Finch) are touching her heart, and the bookstore is becoming more to her than just a marvelous place to read. But how can she keep it open with constant bills and a draining bank balance? What's a girl to do?

When I think of this story, I'll remember Harper's 1st text to Noah, a quote from a novel she was reading: "There is indeed a heaven on this earth, a heaven which we inhabit when we read a good book."

This novel is heaven on earth.

p.s. Please don't miss reading the "Author's Note" at the novel's end, even if you have never read one. It shares the delightful details of the author's inspiration for the setting of Red Wing, Minnesota, and more. Then perhaps, you, too, can give a nod of "Yes!" a sequel will be welcome! Until then, this one is magical. Your #tbr list is waiting for the addition! ( )

I have always enjoyed the books by Chautona Havig and she has written another book that I've truly enjoyed. The story was unique and quite believable. The main characters were quite well-developed. The story flowed well and kept my interest.

There were a few things I did not like. One, I didn't understand how things ended with her cousin. Two, even though the editing was quite well done, I did notice things like a missing word in the sentences occasionally. The other thing I noticed was that the first letter of each new chapter covered the word in the sentence below. Since I read and ARC, hopefully, these things will be fixed in the final version.

I read this book through Celebrate Lit and my opinion is my own and freely given. I give it a 4 out of 5 star review. ( )

Twice Sold Tales by Chautona Havig centers around one of my favorite things – a bookstore. This book is the first book in the Bookstrings series and is part of The Mosaic Collection. As with all of Chautona Havig’s books, this story includes amazing characters and a captivating storyline. Inheriting a bookstore from her Great Aunt Lorene, Harper Brevig when Great Aunt Lorene, including a prime piece of real estate in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota. She owns the building but finds the business is losing money.

Meanwhile, she reaches out to her cousin, Milton Coleridge, who had ideas for the store last year. But now she needs his assistance to figure out why the business is losing money. In addition, he decides a little matchmaking might be in order.

A single dad with an adorable little boy provides the perfect match. Noah works to make his son feel safe and loved. They also prove to Harper that some children are well-behaved. Considering that some families who come into the store have children who terrorize the store and sometimes destroy books.

As someone who loves this book, I found myself unable to put this book down. I loved seeing Milton’s matchmaking efforts. Plus, Chautona Havig did an excellent job writing about the interactions between Noah, Bernie, and Harper.

This book definitely lives up to my expectations for a book by Chautona Havig. So if you enjoy stories centered around bookstores or families, check out this book for yourself. I promise you will enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When Harper Brevig’s Aunt Lorene passed away, she left her bookstore to Harper, which surprised Harper very much because she was her least favorite niece. But she did have a degree that should help her in running the store. But as Harper continues each month to make ends meet, that profit is just not adding up. What is she to do.

Twice Sold Tales is such a fun book to read. And I love, love the title. What a great name for a bookstore! I love the little town of Red Wing, Minnesota. It has the most fascinating and interesting people. But the main thing is the love they have for others. Harper is a wonderful character, and my heart melted at her love for Bennie. Noah is adorable and is too hard on himself. But maybe Harper can help with that? Both Bennie and Noah stole my heart from the beginning. Author Chautona Havig created the best of the best characters for this story. I could relate to the small town and its people because I grew up in one, and the people were very much like those in Red Wing. The romance between Noah and Harper, well it was so slow you wonder if there is one. But keep reading. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series. I has to be good! I’m giving Twice Sold Tales Five Stars!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )