The Booklover's Library.

 

★★★★

 Thank you to publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

 RELEASE DATE: 09/10/2024.

In Nottingham, England, widow Emma Taylor finds herself in desperate need of a job to provide for herself and her beloved daughter, Olivia. But with the legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities, she’s left with only one persuading the manageress at Boots’ Booklover’s Library to take a chance on her. 

When the threat of war becomes a reality, Olivia must be evacuated to the countryside. In her daughter’s absence, Emma seeks solace in the unlikely friendships she forms with her neighbors and coworkers, as well as the recommendations she provides to the library’s quirky regulars. But the job doesn’t come without its difficulties. Books are mysteriously misshelved and disappearing, and her work forces her to confront the memories of her late father and the bookstore they once owned together before a terrible accident. 

As the Blitz intensifies in Nottingham and Emma fights to reunite with her daughter, she must learn to depend on her community and the power of literature more than ever to find hope in the darkest of times.

 

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 When I saw the cover for The Booklover's Library, I knew I needed to read this book. I was intrigued by the book's cover and even more so by its story. I had a strong feeling that I'd fall in love with the story, and I did, but it wasn't the only thing I loved. The emotions in this book were very vivid; I felt every single emotion Emma felt. My heart broke for Emma multiple times because of everything she had gone through to keep herself and her daughter, Olivia, safe. You can't help but fall in love with the characters, especially Olivia and Emma. Even if they didn't realize it, Olivia and Emma wanted to protect one another during the war. I loved their relationship and hoped it would always be this strong. 

The Booklover's Library is based on a true story, which I learned more about after finishing the book, and I love that. I loved how most of the employees carried themselves and how much they seemed to love what they did. I have a feeling that it would be a job that I would love. It was astounding how many rules there were for lending libraries back then. I would struggle to check out just one book at a time because I usually get at least five when I go to the library. I was intrigued about the missing and shelved books and couldn’t help but wonder who was behind them. Was it one of the employees or perhaps a subscriber? I loved that the mystery was added to the story. 

I felt the book began slowly, and it took me a few chapters to get into the story. After that, I couldn't put the book down; I needed to know what happened to Emma and Olivia next. The Booklover's Library was the first book I read by Madeline Martin , but she has been on my reading list for a while now. I'm so glad I got to read this amazing book, and I can't wait to read the rest of her books!