Member Reviews
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm in love with Phaedra Patrick. Completely, utterly in love. This was my introduction to Ms Patrick, and halfway through I ran out and purchased two of her previous novels.
This is the story of Martha, a quiet woman who works part time at the library, lives alone and devotes her time to helping others. It's how she defines herself, and she's done it most of her adult life. The appearance of a strange book changes the course of her life, and Martha becomes far less inclined to put the needs of others before her own.
This is a lovely, gentle story for book lovers everywhere. I adored it, and it's going on my "favorites" shelf. Do yourself a favor and don't pass this one up.
Martha Storm is a part-time librarian that can't say "no" to people when they ask her to do something for them. As a result her house is jammed with unfinished tasks, even though she keeps a meticulous notebook of her projects to be done. Along with this are stacks of boxes of her deceased parents' belongings. Martha can't seem to get a handle on her life until one day a mysterious man leaves a package at the door of the library addressed to Martha. When she opens the package and discovers a books without a cover that has a dedication to her, she is confused as the dedication is from her beloved grandmother, Zelda who she was told died. She is confused because the date on the book is three years after her "death". The rest of the book deals with Martha's search for answers. The author introduces some other interesting characters that help Martha along the path of her search for the truth. I thought the author's writing was very good, and her descriptions of the characters and their surroundings such that I could easily picture them in my mind. If you like murder and mayhem, this is not the book for you, but if you like a heartwarming story, I highly recommend this book.
Lovely book about a woman who has devoted herself to others only to find that she is lonely and unappreciated. A mysterious book helps her find her way back to herself and she begins to grow into the person she was meant to be. A wonderful read for everyone who believes in the power of books to make a difference in our lives.
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick is a sweet, quirky, heartwarming story for those who love good fiction that leaves you feeling happy. This author’s other novels, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper and Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone are must-reads if you haven’t read them already. Get them into your hands as soon as you can, they won’t disappoint.
In this novel, Martha Storm works part-time at the library. She loves her job but wishes for a better position though something holds her back from trying to move up. Martha is always doing things for other people, she cannot say no and puts everyone else’s needs ahead of her own.
Her friends and co-workers often take advantage of her but she never speaks up for herself, wanting to make others happy. She often thinks of her grandma Zelda who was a bright light in her life as a young girl but has died years ago. Martha spent the past few years taken care of her sick and aging parents and now that they have died, she leads a rather quiet and boring life.
When a mysterious book is dropped off at the library with an inscription from Zelda to Martha, she is thrown into a search for the origins of the book which is a collection of stories from Zelda when Martha was a young girl.
The date in the book is recent, does that mean Zelda is alive? And if she is, why was Martha told she had died? Suddenly Martha has a new purpose and with this call to adventure, Martha cannot go back to doing things for everyone else and living life as she had before.
I loved the transformation of Martha! The author does such a great job of creating likable but flawed characters. You are really rooting for Martha to make changes and stop being a doormat.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people–though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her superhero-themed notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she’s invisible.All of that changes when a book of fairy tales arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her best friend–her grandmother Zelda–who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda’s past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.Filled with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and vivid characters, The Library of Lost and Found is a heartwarming and poignant tale of how one woman must take control of her destiny to write her own happy ending.
Due out in March, 2019. LOVED THIS ONE!
“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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.