When you’re in the mood for a something a little more bite sized in your fiction then you must read Mr Portobellos Morning Paper in which Amanda Prowse delivers her usual trademark style but concentrated into a beautifully insightful novella.

Working in a school and also having a hankering for opening a bookshop, I connected with Sophia immediately. I understood her need to follow her dream as often bereavement leads people to reevaluate their lives and want to throw caution to the wind, searching for some kind of self fulfilment and comfort. So Sophia opens up her little bookshop after leaving her teaching job. But it isn’t as easy as she thought it would be and one of her highlights of her working day is when the previous occupant of the shop pops in to chat. Mr Portobello is a wonderful character and his morning visits come to mean far more to Sophia as his attitude leads her to make some very out of character decisions!

The themes of love and loss, of living life to your full potential and taking chances before it’s too late are all explored as Sophia forms a heartwarming friendship with the eccentric older gentleman. I became completely immersed in their lives but I wasn’t prepared for the direction the storyline took and the emotional response hit me hard. But it was perfect, just perfect! Amanda Prowse gets me every time and there were a few tears shed towards the end of Mr Portobellos Morning Paper. I loved every page of this wonderful shorter story and would highly recommend you pick up a copy!