Member Reviews

“The Library of Lost and Found” is a nice little book, a family drama about Martha, who has a pretty lonely life. It is beautifully written with great characters and an enjoyable storyline but is also has some pretty dark and uncomfortable parts. I found myself really caring for Martha and cheering her on to have a life. This is a nice, charming, engaging read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The premise of this book, like a lot of the recent bestsellers, is about a shy, insecure middle-aged woman who lost her way in life for many years until a huge, unexpected secret was revealed. I thought the story line was quite predictable and it was not as magical and delightful as advertised. The pessimism of the main character made it a very difficult read for me. One thing I would like to know is that, was it necessary for the only Asian character of the book to have her English corrected by the main character EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE? How did she get the job as a librarian if her English is so bad?

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The Library of Lost and Found follows Martha as she discovers family secrets that change her life drastically. As she learns about her family's secrets, she decides to stand up for herself more and to start living her life for herself rather than to please others. This story seems like it will be uplifting, and the story has a good beginning that seems promising. However, I found the plot too predictable, and I was able to guess every "twist" in the story. I felt more development was needed for the characters and their reasons for making their choices.

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Quite an intriguing storyline and a well-written book. We read this story as it’s told from Martha’s viewpoint. It’s a family drama with secrets that need to be told and forgiveness extended. I found that I did care what happened to Martha and was cheering for her to find her own life.
I liked this author and would read more of her books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Martha has a pretty lonely life. She works at the library but her boss won’t even consider promoting her. Her relationship with her sister isn’t that close. And she gave up her last meaningful relationship in order to care for her aging parents.

Her parents passed away five years ago and Martha fills her time with random favors for friends. She likes to feel useful.

Her life growing up wasn’t easy. Her dad wasn’t very kind to her. She adored her grandmother but she passed away when Martha was young.

One day a man stops at the library and leaves a mysterious book for Martha. It’s a book of fairy tales that her and her grandmother made up. It is also signed and dated by her grandmother but the date is two years after her grandmother’s death.

The book leads to an interesting journey for Martha. It allows, or forces, her to question everything in her life. And it just might make everything better.

I loved this. Beautifully written, great characters and enjoyable storyline.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thank you!

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A feel-good read about a middle-aged woman coming into her own. *Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e- galley in exchange for an honest review.

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I could not keep reading. I apologize for a negative review but this book really grated on my nerves. Maybe it was the nature of the main character or the style of writing but even skipping lots of pages I just couldn't.

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A quiet read. The main character has made some life decisions that perhaps she's not too happy with. She is able to pull her life back together, and have better relationships because of it.

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By the author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper,librarian Martha Storm who has taken care of her parents for years, realizes that it’s time for change when a book of fairy tales finds her. Written by her grandmother who supposedly died years ago. Martha’s journey into the past changes her present life. Wonderful story, great characters.

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What a wonderful heartwarming story. Families are complicated and Martha's was no exception. Having devoted her life to caring for her parents, Martha found purpose in volunteering at the library. Books play a central role in the story, especially one that just "happened" into Marthas possession. Great characters and wonderful story line.

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I was happy to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of Phaedra Patrick's newest book as I had read and enjoyed her other books. This one was a charming, quick read. There are quirky characters and a great setting. Although I enjoyed this one too, I was a little turned off by a character who misuses words. I found it neither amusing nor realistic. Some of the book was predictable, but it didn't detract from the story. It was a fun, escapist read.

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Martha has spent her life being fulfilled by doing for others since her parents passed. One day she discovers a book that is her and her Nana’s stories published after her nana’s death. Her tasks get put aside while she searches for the information on the book. Along the way she discovers family secrets.
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Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC ecopy for my Kindle.
Martha Storm is a volunteer librarian who puts everyone's needs and desires before hers. Coming from a complex family and not having the best childhood memories, Martha does move forward and learns to make her own needs a priority.
I enjoyed all the characters especially her Nana Zelda and Siegfried, the light house keeper. Overall, an good book!

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A novel about a library and a bookstore is a delectable literary combination. Add in some romance and a few family secrets and you’ve got a winner!

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Though there is an element of predictability in this book, I rather liked it. It's charming, with engaging characters and a sweet romance as well. The perfect read for a lazy weekend!

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I enjoyed this book more than I expected. At first, I thought it was going to be predictable. However, the family dynamics were well drawn, and the characters richly complex. Also, as a librarian, I appreciated some of the humorous insights into our profession.

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When her grandmother was alive, Martha loved to tell and write stories and often told them to her grandmother who was most encouraging. . But after the death of her grandmother her imagination seemingly dried up and while she would have liked to write stories, Martha just didn't have it any more. A book finds its way into her hands. There is an inscription to her from her grandmother, As she skims through it she realizes they are stories that she has told her grandmother,, There is a dedication to her in the book signed by her grandmother,
dated a couple years after her grandmother has died. Martha contacts everyone she can think of to ask them to explain how this can be. She searches out other copies and eventually solves the entire mystery.

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This has been the most delightful book I have read in a long time! Biased towards librarians I might be, but seeing us grouch the eyes of Martha Storm and her family gave me much to ponder. We laugh at our library’s lost and found box. Filled with dirty socks, and forgotten baby bottles, it also contains bits and pieces of lives left behind. Martha and her family are no different. Sprinkled with titles and authors names, this book was refreshingly pleasant.

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This is a heartwarming story that isn't too sappy! It has a good twist and it has a bit of a love story. Ms. Patrick has developed believable characters and relationships.

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I enjoyed this book so much that I finished it in just one day. I think the main characters are just lovely and the fairy tale stories embedded in the novel are endearing. I would love to read more of those.

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