The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a captivating and heartwarming novel that celebrates the magic of books and the joy of reading. The story follows a woman who discovers a hidden library filled with stories that change her life in unexpected ways. Martin’s writing is engaging and immersive, with well-drawn characters and a plot full of charm and intrigue. The book beautifully captures the transformative power of literature, making it a delightful read for book lovers and fans of heartfelt, inspiring stories.

The Booklover’s Library by Madeline Martin is a beautifully written, heartfelt story about love, loss, resilience, and, of course, the power of books. Emma Taylor’s struggle to find work as a widow, the heartbreak of being separated from her daughter, and the solace she finds in the lending library make for an emotional and mesmerizing read.

The historical details feel authentic, and the bookish setting adds a special charm, especially for fellow bibliophiles. The most striking detail for me was finding out that a widow with a child would be breaking the law by taking a job. I can't imagine the trapped feeling the widows of that era must have felt with no legal way to support 5eir family.

With mystery, found family, and a deep appreciation for the written word, this is the kind of historical fiction that lingers long after the final page.

This is a heartwarming and charming novel. The story follows Emma, a bookshop owner, who stumbles upon a hidden library filled with rare and magical books. As Emma explores the library’s secrets, she discovers more about herself and the people around her. The mix of magic and personal growth makes the plot captivating, and the characters are relatable and lovable.

a five star read!

“A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of the books that bring them together.”

Once I started reading this wonderful story, I could not put it down and ignored all my chores just to sit in my chair and read. And I hugged the book when I finished. Wonderful characters, a gripping plot and well-researched details brought this story to life. A beautiful story that reminds us all that books and stories have great power. So well done.

📖 Book Review 📖

📗🎧”The Booklovers Library" by Madeline Martin

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
published September 3, 2024

Another well-written, well-researched WWII story set in England, showcasing the mother-daughter bond. The young widow Emma gets a coveted job at the Boots' Booklover's Library, despite her having a daughter. I did not know the legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from working, which seems crazy as during wartime how were families supposed to make enough money to eat. With the bombings getting closer to Nottingham, Emma makes the hard decision to send Olivia to the countryside to better protect her. This was an easy and heart wrenching read that was the perfect pallet cleanser. The author's note is interesting, informative, and always my favorite part of historical fiction.


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Some books just let you feel all the feels, and this is one of them. Set in Nottingham, England, in the early days of WWII, Madeline Martin reveals details we may not have known, introduces us to a cast of characters with whom we’d love to share a cuppa, and surrounds us with the healing power of books.

Countless trips to Boots and I never knew it was ever more than a chemist – at one time it was a premier lending library! What an intriguing basis for this novel. As with all books, always – ALWAYS – listen to the author’s note, so many nuggets to find there.

If you enjoy feel-good historical fiction that shapes books into a main character, this is one you should pick up! Perfect for readers of THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON also by Madeline Martin, or THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY by Jennifer Ryan.

Synopsis: Emma’s beloved father died in a tragic fire that took their home and their bookstore, she lost her husband in an accident, and now she is struggling to support herself and her young daughter in a time and place where married women and mothers are barred from holding a job. When England enters the war, Emma must evacuate Olivia to the country. Pretending to be a single woman, Emma is hired as a librarian at Boots Booklover’s Library, and faces the terror of the Blitz with the help of new-found friends, co-workers, and the power of stories.

Thank you to HTP Books, NetGalley, and author Madeline Martin for the complimentary copy. It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

This is a story that I loved from beginning to end. It’s one that felt so realistic, that you wish you could tell them to keep holding out to hope, that everything will be okay! I felt so protective over these characters! It’s a story that will stay with you!

I started reading the ARC of this book in October and could not get into it, so I waited until it was published so I could listen to the audiobook. I still struggled with the first half of the book. It just felt as if nothing much was happening.

The story did pick up in the second half. I ended up really liking all the characters and I always appreciate a well-researched book, which this one clearly was. It illuminated an aspect of WWII I did not know anything about, and tied it into something else I did not know much about - the existence of booklover's lending libraries. I learned a lot from the book, I just would have liked a more compelling story.

This is another heartfelt historical fiction book. I loved the characters and how books and a library can bring diverse people together especially in difficult times.

This was such a beautiful story that tugged at my heartstrings. Set against the backdrop of Nottingham, England during the war, we follow the emotional journey of widow Emma Taylor and her daughter, Olivia, as they are to navigate the challenges of the war and the power of books to bring the community together.

The book does a fantastic job of capturing the hardships of the time, especially as Emma struggles to provide for her daughter in a world full of legal restrictions and fear of the unknown. It’s heartbreaking to read about the impact of war on families. How the separation between Emma and Olivia, even fictional, carries so much weight and emotion. The way the story intertwines their lives with the bookstore Emma works at, and the relationships she builds, gives a sense of community and hope amidst the chaos of the Blitz.

I absolutely love historical fiction books that pull at the heartstrings and makes you truly feel like you're back in that time, living along side the characters. There were so many lessons to be learned from this book., the biggest being resilience. Emma and Olivia endured so much hardship during their time apart, but Emma had to do what is best for her daughter.

I loved the way the author brought everyone together over their love for books. It truly shows that no matter what our backgrounds or our way of life, we can all come together over something we love.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a beautifully poignant historical novel that weaves together themes of resilience, community, and the healing power of books. Set in Nottingham, England, during the early days of World War II, the story follows Emma Taylor, a widow who struggles to find a job due to the societal restrictions placed on women with children. In a desperate bid to support herself and her daughter, Olivia, Emma seeks employment at Boots' Booklover’s Library, hoping for a second chance.

The novel masterfully explores Emma’s journey as she navigates the challenges of wartime Britain. As Olivia is evacuated to the countryside for safety, Emma is left to face the war on her own. Through the friendships she forms with her neighbors and coworkers, and her passion for recommending books to the library’s eclectic clientele, Emma begins to rediscover her sense of purpose and the strength to move forward. But as mysterious occurrences unfold at the library—books being misplaced and even disappearing—Emma is forced to confront painful memories of her late father and their shared love for bookselling.

Martin’s rich storytelling transports readers into a world of uncertainty and heartache, yet there is an underlying thread of hope throughout the novel. The characters, particularly Emma, are beautifully developed, and their personal growth is deeply satisfying. The backdrop of the Blitz, with its ever-looming threat of danger, adds an emotional layer that highlights the importance of community and the solace we can find in stories during the darkest of times.

The Booklover's Library is a captivating tribute to the role literature plays in our lives, providing comfort, escape, and a sense of belonging. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those with a love for books and strong, resilient characters, will find this novel both moving and inspiring.

I wanted so hard to like this book but I’m sorry to say it was quite boring. I originally requested this book for the WWII home front and library setting but very little actually happened here. After hearing the author’s backstory on writing this book, the plot made more sense but the synopsis is very misleading. Most of the book felt repetitive and made me feel little emotion. However, some of the scenes with her daughter pulled at my heart strings. As a parent, I couldn’t imagine being in Emma’s shoes. The book did have some memorable characters, I just wish there was more of a story than the constant back and forth.

Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the story of Emma, a widow and her daughter Olivia that takes place in England during WWII. The struggles Emma goes thru to keep a job at the Boots Lending Library while trying to decide if she should send her daughter away to her in-laws to keep her safe from the bombings in the area. I had never heard of the Boots Lending Library and was amazed at what it accomplished. A good variety of some unique patrons visit the library. Strong characters in this historic story. A good book club selection. 4.5 stars

I absolutely loved The Booklover’s Library!

This beautifully written novel is a heartfelt tribute to the power of books, community, and resilience in the face of war. Emma’s journey is both inspiring and deeply emotional, as she finds strength through literature and unexpected friendships while longing to reunite with her daughter. The historical detail is rich and immersive, bringing 1940s Nottingham to life, and the mystery within the library adds an extra layer of intrigue. With unforgettable characters and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, this book is a must-read for historical fiction lovers and anyone who believes in the magic of stories.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I sooo loved this book that I didn’t want it to end. I couldn’t wait to get back reading it but I also dragged it out to make it last.

I had never heard about the Boots lending library and so I did my own further research on it and found another book called Lipstick and library books that was written about the library.

I fell in love with the characters and when Emma went for a walk while working at another Boots branch in London, a smile slowly spread across my face as she came across Primrose Hill books and those inside. I recently finished Last Bookshop in London so seeing characters mentioned and things related to them made me so happy

This book will transport you to WWII London. As a reader and a history nerd, this book scratched the itch I didn’t know I needed! Mother and daughter face trials and struggles in the age where women weren’t able to work or provide for themselves in the way we are familiar with. This story transports you and also keeps you hooked, invested in Emma and Olivia’s family and story.

A great historical fiction set in World War 2 England. Emma is a widow with a young daughter and she finds a job in the Boots booklovers lending library. Great characters and writing style.

Madeline Martin’s The Booklover’s Library is a poignant and heartwarming tale of resilience, community, and the transformative power of literature set against the backdrop of WWII-era England. The story follows Emma Taylor, a widowed mother in Nottingham struggling to make ends meet as wartime restrictions leave her with few opportunities. When she secures a job at Boots’ Booklover’s Library, Emma not only finds purpose but also healing through the connections she fosters with coworkers, neighbors, and the patrons who rely on her book recommendations.

Martin masterfully captures the era’s challenges, from the harrowing separation of families during evacuations to the uncertainty brought by the Blitz. Emma’s journey is filled with touching moments of vulnerability and strength as she grapples with her grief, navigates mysterious happenings in the library, and holds onto hope of reuniting with her daughter, Olivia.

What sets this novel apart is its celebration of literature as a source of comfort and connection. Emma’s love of books and her growing community remind readers of the enduring power of stories to illuminate even the darkest times. With richly drawn characters, an evocative setting, and a narrative brimming with heart, The Booklover’s Library is a tribute to the courage of ordinary people and the magic of books.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction and book-centered stories, Martin delivers an uplifting and immersive read that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review.

4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoy stories set during the war when we see what is happening on the home front. Emma Taylor is a widow with a daughter, Olivia. She needs a job to provide for herself and her daughter, but there are legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities. She has one option left, persuading the manageress of the Boots' Booklover's Library to hire her. As the threat of war becomes real, Emma makes the difficult choice to send Emma out of the city to live in the country to live with strangers and wait out the war. To survive emotionally, Emma becomes friends with her neighbours and coworkers, who know about Olivia, and support her. She gets to know the patrons and works well with them, making recommendations. When books begin disappearing and being misshelved, she is blamed, and possibly in danger of losing her job? Eventually the threat feels unreal, and Emma wants to bring her daughter home. Olivia doesn't wait for her mom to come and get her, but takes matters into her own hands. As the blitz heats up, will Olivia and Emma survive?

The more I read about the home front during the war, I am shocked that widows with children were prohibited from working. How were they supposed to survive? Emma is resilient, doing what she had to do to support herself and keep her daughter safe. She is personable and easily becomes a favourite at the Booklover's Library. I felt for her and Olivia being separated, but that was what happened to keep the children safe. It is heartbreaking nonetheless. I liked the addition of the Library. Although there was a membership fee, borrowing books was better than having to buy them. I didn't like the class structure though. Themes of friendship, women supporting one another, motherhood, and survival all come into play. This was an enjoyable story that kept my interest from start to finish. Although it is set during WW2, it centers on those at home, not the fighting or the holocaust. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, homefront stories during wartime and stories of family.

I found this book to be very boring. I actually found that there was not much about books, or libraries. It was mainly about ww2. I thought after reading it would be about a mother and daughter and their undying love for their child. I guess I was just expecting a different book.