More Than a Little

More Than a Little follows the journey of Elise Bennett, a woman in her late thirties grappling with a life that feels increasingly small. After inheriting her grandmother’s bookstore in a sleepy coastal town, she leaves her corporate job to revive the struggling shop. What begins as a practical decision soon unravels into a deeper exploration of her family’s hidden history. Letters tucked inside old books reveal secrets about her grandmother’s past, including a wartime love story that mirrors Elise’s own hesitant romance with a local artist.

As Elise navigates the challenges of running the bookstore, she discovers unexpected friendships and a community eager to embrace her. The novel weaves between past and present, connecting Elise’s quest for self-discovery with her grandmother’s resilience during WWII. Themes of love, legacy, and the power of stories bind the two timelines, creating a heartfelt narrative about finding courage in vulnerability. Clark’s prose is warm and immersive, painting vivid scenes of salt-air mornings and the quiet magic of second chances.

The supporting characters—quirky regulars, a reclusive historian, and Elise’s fiercely loyal sister—add depth and humor. While rebuilding the bookstore, Elise confronts her fear of failure and learns to trust her instincts, both in business and matters of the heart. The novel avoids clichés, offering a nuanced portrayal of adult relationships and the messy beauty of starting over. Fans of character-driven stories and atmospheric settings will find themselves swept into Elise’s world, where every book holds the promise of a new beginning.