library of borrowed hearts 💘
pub day April 30th!

Lucy Gilmore followed up The Lonely Hearts Book Club with the book just as sweet and heartwarming. In this story we meet Chloe Sampson, the oldest daughter of 4 who came back home from college to care for her younger siblings after their mom walked out. She works at the local library when one day during a basement clean out, she comes across a rare book. Upon further investigation she finds a love story between two people written in the margins of the book. The mystery of this love story has her down a rabbit hole — she becomes determined to find out who they are.

The first half of this book reminded me so much of TLHBC. A small town librarian befriending an old cranky man who is secretly a softy. However towards the middle of the book, the story becomes a tragic love affair between two people from opposite sides of life. It’s heartbreaking and sad, but delivers the perfect message of what it means to sacrifice yourself in the name of something bigger than yourself. I LOVED this book. The references to multiple classics and books throughout made me giddy, I was annotating like crazy. I can’t wait for you all to read this when it comes out April 30th! Thank you @netgalley for this ARC 💕

🏝️ Unfortunately, I did not find this one to be the charming, hilarious and moving story that it was advertised to be….

Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling: to take care of her three younger siblings, after her selfish mother walks out one day and doesn’t return home.

Tasked with cleaning out the library basement, she finds a rare edition of a banned book from the 1960s and decides to takes it home with her-to sell it-but when she takes a closer look at the book and find notes scribbled in the margins between two young lovers she knows it will not be as valuable as she had hoped and it won’t fetch enough money to get the new roof their home desperately needs after all.

But, for some reason, her curmudgeonly neighbor offers to buy it for more money than she thought its poor condition warranted.

She soon discovers that this isn't the only old book in town filled with the romantic marginalia that two lovers, J and C, wrote to one another. Chloe becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to the tragic pair who corresponded in the margins of “A Farewell to Arms”, “The Haunting of Hill House” and “A Tropic of Cancer” in the early 60’s when lovers had to correspond by the written word, ✍🏻 instead of through text messages.

Sounds like a cute premise, right?

So what didn’t work for me? Quite a bit.

First, I found the lover’s correspondence to be melodramatic and boring. It definitely wasn’t the witty banter of a Rom Com.

Second, if you have any interest in reading the above mentioned books-especially “The Haunting of Hill House” this book could *spoil* a few things…

Third-ABANDONMENT is not OKAY. Nor is lying, manipulation, or taking books from your employer if the only way you can do so is to smuggle them out! So many bad messages here.

Let’s just say that I found more than one character to be “much more forgiving” than I felt they should be.

I did enjoy “The Lonely Hearts Book Club” by this author but this one, is a MISS for me.

As always, books resonate or don’t resonate with readers because of our personal experiences. Be sure to read a sample of reviews before deciding if this one will work for you.

Expected publication date: April 30, 2024

Thank You to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The epitome of cozy with a dash of history and a pinch of romance. I liked the multiple POVs and the dual timeline. While I was expecting a different style of book based on the marketing team saying it was like The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, I still enjoyed it.

A fun and lovely book that was hard to put down. I loved the intertwining lives of the characters. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced read!

If you like cozy reads, with a bit of mystery and a bit of romance, and dual timelines, this book is for you. I struggled a bit through the 2nd half of the book, but overall this is an enjoyable read, that is well written and delightful characters. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. I read The Lonely Hearts Bookclub and absolutely loved it. However, this one just fell flat for me in many ways.

I loved the premise — a character chasing old books to uncover a doomed romance (very Notebook-esque) but there were so many plot elements that made this book SO unrealistic to the point of ridiculousness.

SPOILERS:

- Catherine becoming pregnant and then FAKING her death in childbirth to keep Jasper away? Absolutely horrible. And then he forgives her at the end? Learning he has a son and grandson etc? That’s just something that doesn’t happen in real life and isn’t heartwarming one bit. Catherine is a terrible person and Jasper doesn’t deserve her. The way he still talks about “my Catherine” after that is super cringy and normalizes red flag behavior in relationships (even though they’re 80).

- Zach is someone that should have the cops called on him, honestly. If a guy was that creepy to me like he is to Chloe I’d have him arrested. I think his character needed to be toned down a bit. There’s a difference between flirty and sketchy. And then, once again, Chloe forgives him too! I just don’t see how we can continue to make huge lies Ok in romances.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

It took me longer than anticipated to really get into this book, but once I did, I enjoyed it. It hinges on the discovery of a real life love story from the 1960s, played out through notes in the margins of classic novels. The present day story explores the difference between making good choices and HAVING good choices, how we define family, and how books can connect people in meaningful ways.

One of my favorite lines: “In many ways, books were more alive than most of the people he knew. They were living, breathing entities that changed each time you picked them up.”

The novel moves between dual timelines (the 60s and present day) and multiple points of view. I especially enjoyed the chapters told from the POV of Noodle, the (likely) neurodivergent youngest child in Chloe’s family.

There are tons of literary references to classic books and you can get a bit lost in them if classics aren't your thing. The book spells out the big parallels but I felt like I needed to brush up on my classics to catch all the symbolism.

This novel is more character driven than plot driven, and pacing is slow. It picked up for me about halfway through and I really warmed up to (most) of the characters. I found Catherine pretty unlikeable, although the contrast between her choices and those of Chloe’s mother would make for great book club discussion.

I received this ARC for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

This was a lovely story about lost love, finding your “family”, and persistence. I loved almost all of the characters- Chloe, Jasper, Noodle, Penny, Zach. They are very real in what they are going thorough- their joys and sorrows. It is told from multiple POV- but done well as each person adds to the entirety of the story. It is also dual timeline between 1960 and the present.

I loved how books were used to start a romance, then continued in the present day.

I will say I wasn’t a fan of Catherine. I felt she made decisions, not really considering consequences, but simply to justify her wants.

I’ve seen many reviewers say the story ended abruptly. This is not your typical love story about a boy and a girl. However, there is romance in it- but I feel the main love story being told is finding love with people in your life who support you, and creating a family with them. It is also a story about forgiveness, and discovering who you are and that sometimes the sacrifices you make actually bring you joy in the long run. And throughout the book we know how Catherine felt about HEA endings, that she was a realist, and although I didn’t agree with her decision- once Jasper made a discovery and forgave her- seeing it through his perspective I was able to feel kinder toward her character at the end. I felt the ending was perfect. Like this story, and the novels used by the characters, it is not tied up neat and tidy in a bow. However, it is realistic because most people don’t jump into love/marriage after just a month! And because you can forgive someone, sometimes you can’t go back to the way things were. So the author gives us hints at what the future holds for all the characters. We know they have become a family, and because we see the direction they are going, we are left with hope.

"The Library of Borrowed Hearts" was a cozy read that combines humor, romance, and nostalgia with the charm of a small-town library in a heartwarming story of unexpected connections. Librarian Chloe Sampson finds herself in the middle of a literary mystery when she discovers a rare old book hidden in the library's dusty basement, leading her to her reclusive neighbor Jasper Holmes and a decades-old love story hidden in the margins.

Admittedly, I had to pause mid-read to check if this book was actually classified as Adult Fiction because it gave off some strong YA vibes. Not a deal-breaker, though! The characters, especially the Sampson kids, were delightful – they're quirky, full of spirit, and really bring the heart to this book.

"The Library of Borrowed Hearts" is a heartwarming, easy read that’s perfect if you’re into books about books and the unexpected situations and relationships that life throws at us. If you’re in the mood for something light and heartfelt, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC. This follows Chloe, a young librarian struggling to take care of her three younger siblings and make ends meet all while trying to figure out who she is. When Chloe finds an old book about to be thrown out with notes inside of it she never expects her grumpy neighbor to be the one to buy it. Sending Chloe down a whirl of mystery.

This book is a dual timeline story which was very interesting to read. I enjoyed this authors writing style a lot. And although I was not hooked right away when starting this book, by the end I was hooked. I laughed, cried and couldn’t put the book down. I can’t talk about it much more than this without spoilers but I absolutely recommend this.

Incredible. A powerful, family and independence affirming love story featuring different types of happy endings. There is an element of found family, some on finding your place after sacrifice, and a lot on beginning to understand yourself and your goals. I would recommend this or book clubs featuring multiple generations.

'The Library of Borrowed Hearts' by Lucy Gilmore is a touching story about finding love in the unlikeliest of ways, with the unlikeliest of people and in the unlikeliest of places. Chloe Sampson, a would-be librarian struggling to take care of herself and her three younger siblings, stumbles upon a long forgotten romance in the margins of a scandalously rare book and decides to uncover the truth behind the two star-crossed lovers who wrote them. In a tale that spans the decades, Chloe discovers the truth is much closer to home than she could have ever expected. With a cheeky cast of characters, a charming small-town library, and a love story that will break your heart in so many ways, 'The Library of Borrowed Hearts' will reel you in from the very first sentence and leave you wanting more.

A cozy, warm read, The romance and dual timeline was beautifully written. Love the aspects of book references, found family and LETTER EXCHANGES!!

In “The Library of Borrowed Hearts” by Lucy Gilmore, librarian Chloe Sampson’s life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a rare book at a flea market. What starts as a stroke of luck evolves into a heartwarming journey as Chloe delves into the mysterious love story hidden in the book’s margins.

Gilmore crafts a charming narrative filled with literary intrigue and romantic discoveries. The premise of a scavenger hunt through old library books is delightfully unique, drawing readers into Chloe’s quest to uncover the secrets of the past. The exploration of love through handwritten notes adds depth to the story, weaving together the lives of characters separated by decades.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character development, particularly in Chloe and her neighbor, Jasper Holmes. As Chloe navigates the challenges of caring for her siblings and finding her own identity, Jasper’s unexpected kindness and complexity challenge her perceptions. Their evolving relationship forms the heart of the story, showcasing the transformative power of connection and understanding.

While “The Library of Borrowed Hearts” offers a captivating premise and engaging characters, the pacing occasionally falters, with some plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, certain aspects of the resolution may leave readers wanting more closure.

Overall, Lucy Gilmore delivers a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery in “The Library of Borrowed Hearts.” Despite its minor flaws, the novel offers a charming escape into a world where hidden treasures await those willing to look beyond the surface.

★★★★☆

Publication Date: April 30, 2024

“The Library of Borrowed Hearts” follows Chloe, a down-on-her-luck older sister with the responsibility of the world on her shoulders, and Jasper, the grouchy, reclusive neighbor next-door, who seems determined to make things harder on Chloe . After stumbling upon a book at her library job, Chloe discovers the margins filled with what seems to be love notes between two mysterious lovers. After mentioning this to Jasper, he suspiciously offers a large amount of money to buy the book off of her. Intrigued by the mystery of her neighbor and the love notes, and desperate for a reality escape, Chloe goes on a bookish scavenger hunt to find more books with love notes to piece together what happened to the two star-crossed lovers.

Though this was not the perfect book, I was still charmed by Chloe and her rambunctious siblings, the growing friendship between the Sampsons and Jasper, and the love story between Jasper and Catherine decades in the past. I really enjoyed the dual time-line- the author perfectly weaved the past and the present together to unravel the mystery of Jasper and his lover, Catherine, and how it all connects to present day. I loved reading about Chloe and her siblings- each sibling had such a dynamic, fun personality. It was like reading a less chaotic, more heartwarming version of “Shameless” at times.  I adored how Jasper became apart of the rowdy Sampson family (against his better judgement) and how much he cared for them in his own, grouchy way.

My one complaint in this novel was the balance between dialogue and regular story telling. There was a lot of non-dialogue during conversations to the point where, by the time I read the next character’s response, I forgot what they were responding to and had to flip back. There were also a couple loose ends but since they were smaller plot points, it didn’t matter to me too much.

I wouldn’t say this was a true romance, but it had romantic aspects in it that I truly loved. Perfect for lovers of small towns, love notes, and low-stakes, uplifting novels.

Thank you to Lucy Gilmore, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love and always enjoy books about books and reading. This one was a nice romance novel told from two points in time with a nice and relatable cast of characters. The old guy gave me "A Man Called Ove" vibes and I'm all for it.

The Library of Borrowed Hearts

4.75 ⭐️

I love Lucy Gilmore after reading the Librly Hearts Book Club and was crazy excited when I snapped this one up on @netgalley!

The Library of Borrowed Hearts has two central stories; a present day librarian who has taken over as guardian of her younger siblings and a librarian in the 1960s as she falls in love. As it alternates perspectives and timelines, a heartwarming story of family and sacrifices unfolds.

I loved this book. I read it slowly over the last couple days just so I could savor it and enjoy all of it. So much beauty in the real characters!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC! When librarian Chloe Sampson finds writing in the margins of a book, she sets out on a quest to uncover the true love story unfolding on the page. But there is so much more the the story in The Library of Borrowed Hearts (Lucy Gilmore, The Lonely Hearts Book Club). Chloe is also trying to take care of her 3 younger siblings after their mother deserted them, while trying to keep the peace with their curmudgeonly neighbor, Jasper Holmes, who also immediately offers to buy the book that Chloe discovered! Also joining Chloe on the hunt for the hidden story is Zach, a newcomer to the area, who also happened to rescue Chloe's younger brother. Chloe and Zach are drawn to one another, but Zach's reticence and Chloe's difficult past could get in the way of their blossoming feelings. With the narration alternating between the present time and the past, the story slowly reveals what happened to the lovers passing notes in the margins and how it impacts life in the present. Moving and romantic (while not a romance) making this an excellent example of relationship fiction.

Chloe is trying to keep it together and raise her three siblings on a low paying Library job. Her neighbor is a curmudgeon who hoards the frisbees the kids toss in his yard. The story really begins when Chloe finds an old copy of the Tropic of Cancer awaiting discard in the library basement. Its margins contain a secret correspondence between two young “lovers”. When Chloe happen to mention the book to her neighbor he offers to buy it for five thousand dollars. Curious! Chloe decides to investigate this old romance. There are shades of A Man Called Ove to this.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this title.

Not only is Lucy Gilmore becoming an auto buy author but she is also now crowned the queen of writing the BEST old curmudgeon characters and books that are just a big old hug.

Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling: to take care of her three younger siblings, to find herself, to make ends meet. She's just about at the end of her rope when she stumbles across a rare edition of a book from the 1960s at the local flea market. Deciding it's a sign of her luck turning, she takes it home with her―only to be shocked when her cranky hermit of a neighbor swoops in and offers to buy it for an exorbitant price. Intrigued, Chloe takes a closer look at the book only to find notes scribbled in the margins between two young lovers back when the book was new…one of whom is almost definitely Jasper Holmes, the curmudgeon next door.

This is going to be the worst review I have written. Why? Because this book has me SPEECHLESS. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it gave me goosebumps and it reinforced why I love romance and love stories. It’s about found family, real family and the importance of self care/asking for help as well. There is not a bad thing I can say about this book and I have no words for all the good things either.

Overall, this is going to be a fav of the year, I can feel it! I highly recommend.
Thanks to Sourcebooks for my gifted copy!
This one’s out April 30th