This is a book about World War II and perhaps some lesser known elements during that time on the home front in Britain. If a woman was widowed with children during the war, she was not allowed to do most employment. Another element to the home front was the children being sent from the cities to the countryside. In this book, Emma is a widow with a daughter, Olivia; Emma winds up lucking out and getting a job at a bookshop. She winds up making new relationships through this bookshop and acquires a new found family of sorts; they all go through the war together, with books tying them together. Another greatly written historical book from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book prior to it's release, NetGalley. I wanted to love this story so much, and for the most part I did. It just felt like a lot of repetition to make the book longer than it needed to be. I loved Emma, Mr. Sanderson, Olivia, Margaret, Mrs. Pickering, Mr. Beard, and the rest of the characters. Even the grumpy librarian whose name has completely escaped me at the moment. Wish there had been more story and less filler. Maybe more dialogue would have helped. Despite my review, I encourage you to give it a try. Maybe you will see something more in it that I missed.

On the eve of World War 2, Emma Taylor, a young, widowed single mother, and her daughter, Olivia, need some hope. They find it when Emma is hired by the Boots’ Booklover’s Library in Nottingham, England. At the risk of losing her job, Emma is forced to keep her widowed status a secret, along with her motherhood. When a German invasion seems imminent, will Emma be able to send her daughter away to safety? Filled with interesting characters and historical details, this book is perfect for fans of World War 2 fiction.

Historical Fiction is not normally my go-to genre, but I liked what I read about the book so I eagerly dove into Madeline Martin's The Book Lover's Library. I am so happy that I did! The information a reader learns about Nottingham, England during WWII as this beautiful story unfolds is amazing. Readers will relate to the complex and difficult decisions that protagonist Emma Taylor, and those around her, must make for their and those they love well-being during WWII. This story unfolded at an ideal pace. As I read this book, I kept thinking of others to recommend this book to and that would enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank You, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up
This historical fiction novel about a young mother takes place mostly over the first couple of years of World War II in Nottingham, England. Emma, a young widow with no family to rely on, lives with her 7 year-old daughter, Olivia, in a boarding house in Nottingham on the eve of World War II. Emma struggles to provide for her small family because married women including widows were not allowed to work, however, an opportunity arises at the Boots' Booklover's Library and Emma is hired by a compassionate manager who is willing to overlook the fact that she is a widow. When the threat of war becomes a reality and German bombing campaigns increase the danger to residents of Nottingham, Emma must face the agonizing choice between keeping Olivia with her in the city or evacuating her to live with strangers in the countryside.

The Booklover's Library is a heartwarming wartime mother/daughter story about the hardships faced during the war and the lengths that a mother would go to in order to protect her child. The story is well-reserached and weaves historical information into the plot relating to the evacuation of children via Operation Pied Piper. the marriage bar that prevented women who were married as well as widows from working, the work of the WVS (Women's Voluntary Services) and the general struggles that women faced during that time period because of sexist laws and societal attitudes. I particularly enjoyed learning about the lending libraries operated by the Boots chain of chemists that lent books to patrons via subscription. This is a lovely story about the importance of books and of community to provide comfort in difficult times that includes a sweet romance storyline - a good option for anyone who enjoys light historical fiction!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

In this story, we follow Emma from her late teens, when she watched her father die as their home and bookshop burned down, to her late-twenties, when she gets a job at the bookstore inside Boots Chemist (yes, that Boots) and grapples with sending her daughter to the country at the start of the Blitz.

The Booklover’s Library by Madeline Martin is a historical fiction that takes place in England at the beginning of WWII. It’s a heart-warming story between a mother and daughter who say “ together it’s just them against the world.”
As the war moves closer to England Emma does what she can to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. She gets a job at the lending library by convincing the manageress to hire her. Emma makes lifelong friends with people from the library along with other tenants at the apartment where she lives.
This book touches on the pain and loses people went through at that time including rations, evacuation, bombing and the separation of families.
Through the journey we feel the heart-wrenching choices that had to be made on a daily basis.
The Booklover’s Library was a great book to read. I would recommend this book to others.
I give this book a 4 star rating.
This book comes out September 10, 2024.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC e-book and give my review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Madeline Martin, and the publishers for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.75 stars

I have enjoyed all of Madeline Martin's historical fiction books. I was excited when I was chosen to review The Booklover’s Library. Let me tell you that this is my favorite book from her. I could not put this book down for a moment. I had to know what was going to happen next. I must warn you that you will need tissues with this one. I cried so many times. I loved the fact that it surrounds a lending library. The discussions one woman must take to keep her daughter safe. The strength of the fmc was evident. Her choose to help people was inspiring.

I highly recommend it!!

When I saw the title, I immediately knew this was a book for me. After all, who is a booklover that doesn't love libraries? The setting of Nottingham during WWII, and the need for a lending library were perfect. Into that setting, Ms. Martin wove the story of Emma, a widow, trying to get by and care for her daughter Olivia. The details give evidence of the author's research, such as the strictures on married women. And the impact of the war on life itself .... you will be riveted. Ms. Martin, I do hope you'll give me advance notice of your next book!

Set in war-time England, a single mother has a hard time getting a job, but is able to get one at the Booklover's Library. The reference to books are wonderful. The plight of women was highlighted. Many women could not work once they were married. Then, there was the choice mothers had to make about sending their children away from the bombing and the issues with either choice they made.

Madeline Martin never disappoints! Emma, a young widow, is faced with supporting herself as well as raising her young daughter, Olivia, while living through World War II in Nottingham, England. Women with children are not permitted to hold jobs outside their home (Marriage Ban) and Emma finds herself desperate. She is willing to go against the rules in order to provide for Olivia and takes a job in a subscription lending library.

The character development is thorough, the writing makes the reader feel as if she actually knows and sees each character, the story line is gripping, and the descriptions of wartime England are vivid, believable, and terrifying as the reader feels as though they are part of the story line. The overlying theme of this novel is a mother's love and the extent she will go to in order to ensure her child is safe, happy, and loved.

This historical fiction will pull at your heartstrings and make you uncomfortable at times, but it is definitely worth reading!

This book is certain to win multiple awards. One of the more gripping stories I have read. The bravery of all who fought the Axis powers come through strongly. And those that endured the devastation of their countries equally. The backstories of the principal and secondary characters add depth. Looking forward to reading more books from author Madeline Martin.

This was an interesting read for me as I knew nothing about WWII in Nottingham and even less about lending libraries in Britain. The beginning of the book felt a bit dijointed from the rest of the story. I thought we would learn the why of what happened to the Booklover's Library and her father. Instead it seems to have set up answers as to why others showed Emma compassion later on in the story. What I will take with me from this book is the reminder that for the most people come together during times of disaster and put aside their prejudices and differences for a minute to lean on each other. Sometimes permanent bonds are formed that otherwise might not have been able to cross the divide. I enjoyed the story as a whole and it definitely had me feeling all the feels. The story ended how I wanted it to end. I suspect that my feelings that there was an unresolved mystery from the beginning might have something to do with the types of novels I've been reading lately. A good read that kept my interest.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the story of a strong woman named Emma who is a widow and single mother at the start of war in England. Her love for books started early in her life as her father ran a bookstore until a horrific tragedy took his life. Due to her widow status, Emma is restricted from many work opportunities, but she is able to find a role at the Booklover's Library where subscription patrons come to borrow books.

Emma balances work, motherhood, and the decisions of needing to evacuate her daughter Olivia to the countryside for her safety. This story encompasses a love of reading, strong friendships, and courageous women.

I was excited to get a galley of this book as I enjoyed Ms. Martin's previous book. I must say, this one was as enjoyable as the first book!! I loved the way Emma's love of reading shone through and her aptitude for finding the right book for the right person. Something we try to do in my own library! Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I particularly appreciate authors who choose specific and often little known events to focus on. Can't say enough about this book!!

A wonderful book. All through the trials of life love, lose, triumps of life. All centered around WWII. Didn’t know all that much about the libraries in England, very interesting . I’ll be looking to any books by Madeline Martin.

Story of a widow with a daughter trying to survive in England during WW2. She gets a job in a library and sends her daughter off to be safe, but finds that her daughter is really better off with her mother.

The Booklovers Library is a stunning tribute to the connections formed through a shared passion for literature, showcasing the profound impact that reading can have in providing solace during life's challenges. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, Martin skillfully transports readers to wartime England, creating an immersive and captivating experience. The novel features a delightful ensemble of characters that are both endearing and relatable, making for a truly enchanting read.

Madeline Martin delivers an amazing story of how books can help you through the toughest of times. Set in Nottingham, England, we follow Emma, a single mother, as she tries to navigate life in the 1940's on the brink of war. How will she keep her daughter safe? How can she find work as a widow and mother when women of that status were not often hired? This is a story of love and loss and it is so beautifully told that you will want to pick this one up - along with a few tissues!


Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher and Madeline Martin for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the Book lovers Library by Madeline Martin. If reminded me of Jenny Holgan's book series for its coziness, cute seasonal themes and well developed characters. Being a fan of Hallmark and contemporary romance, I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to fans if Emily Giffin, Jenny Holgan, Emily Henry.