The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks is a superb fall read

If there’s one thing to say about readers, we never tire of books. The same can be said about The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson.

You might recognize Shauna Robinson from her debut book if that name sounds familiar. Must Love Books was actually also released in 2022 and her sophomore effort is The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks. It’s clear Robinson has an interest and is one many of us can identify with.

As this is my first book by Shauna Robinson, I was a bit apprehensive as I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, this book was exactly what I needed and was frankly the perfect fall read for me.

Since the book is being released on November 1st, 2022, there is no way I couldn’t include it after the publisher kindly sent me a finished copy so let’s discuss The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson.

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks is the ultimate Fall 2022 read.

While I’m normally more of a romance reader, I decided to give this book a chance and boy am I glad I did. The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks follows Maggie who is basically floating through life until she agrees to work at her friend’s bookshop as she’s on maternity leave. While I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, that’s all you need to know before going in.

Aside from the plot, certain elements of this book just scream fall to me and none more than the fictional small town of Bell River. There is something so scenic and cozy about everyone living near each other, slowly becoming friends, and even supporting each other’s businesses. As someone who lives in a small town, I’m not easy to impress but Bell River sounded pretty great to me.

If you aren’t into small towns but love books, then you’re in for a treat. The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks is a love letter to books of all kinds. While Maggie starts off being introduced to romance by a local author, her palette expands to many other genres. However, it is nice to see her fall in love with romance and end up enjoying the genre as a whole. She also reads some classics and science fiction on her journey, too.

Speaking of romance, this book does feature an adorable romance, too. While the romance is a subplot, it was nice to see the two characters slowly but surely fall for each other. Not to give anything away, but the two spend the day together at a book convention. To me, that sounds like the perfect day so I had to mention it.

As mentioned, the story does feature a romantic subplot but a lot of the story is about Maggie, finding herself, and finding what she wants to do. She’s such a fun yet messy character that you’ll love watching her journey. Additionally, there is another storyline with the town’s history woven throughout the book with such a perfect ending.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you to pick this one up, then the fact that the themes are timely might. Maggie decides to sell books out of the store that isn’t within the town’s specific guidelines and that’s exactly what’s going on in the world now. With bookstores and libraries being told what they can and can’t carry amidst the threat of losing funding, The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks is a reality some can’t ignore yet some need to be reminded of.

All in all, I adored this book. The only thing I wanted more of was romance which is understandable as I’m a romance reader. Regardless if you’re looking for cozy vibes, then this book needs to be on your TBR.

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson is now available for purchase. 

Do you plan on checking out The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks? Be sure to let us know your thoughts about it in the comments.