Twice Sold Tales

Title: Twice Sold Tales
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Bookstrings, book 1; part of The Mosaic Collection
Major Themes: Books, Bookstores, Minnesota
Synopsis: The bookstore Harper inherited from Aunt Lorene seems to be bleeding money at the same time that business is flourishing—why? What can she do about it?

For several months, I have been looking forward to reading Twice Sold Tales. I loved the first two books in the Bookstrings series, and was looking forward to hearing what Milton did next. He is such a fun character! I finally reached this book on my TBR pile this week, and enjoyed every bit as much as I thought it would.

Harper was still trying to learn the ropes of running the bookstore her Aunt Lorene had bequeathed to her. With her library science degree, it should be a cinch to run a bookstore, right? Well, it would be if she could stand people. Her favorite T-shirts had sayings like, “Book boyfriends don’t cheat,” or “Books > people.” Of course, she was careful not to wear those shirts when the bookstore was open!

Because she owns the building outright, anyone would think that, even with poor people skills, Harper should be able to make a living fairly easily. However, she kept getting socked with one huge bill after another, and her operating reserve was draining away rapidly. In desperation, she only did the one thing she could think of and called Milton Coleridge.

When Milton arrived, he saw the great possibilities he had been excited about last year before Harper sent him packing. Could he find the problem and stop the hemorrhaging of her finances? Teach Harper to enjoy selling books to people? Maybe even do a little matchmaking? There’s a dad who keeps coming in with an adorable little boy….

Twice Sold Tales might be my favorite book so far in this series. I loved watching Harper learn that she needed people in her life. I love the chapter headings; each one is either a quote from one of her snarky T-shirts, a parenting tip, or a book recommendation. I also loved all the discussion about different books. One of my favorite new books from last year was featured over and over, as Harper read about it. As for the romance, if you read books for romance, skip this one. It’s there, but a minor part, which I love. However, if you enjoy books, don’t miss reading this one.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

WARNING: A woman dies in Chapter 32.

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