“The Booklover’s Library” is a WWII UK-based historical fiction novel by Madeline Martin. This book follows Emma, a widow, through the war and all that it brings her as a single mother during those difficult times. I liked the details of this book - how difficult it was for widowed women with children to get jobs - but also married women without children. I liked that this book was based in Nottingham, which is an area I have visited a few times. I found the angst Emma has for placing her daughter “in the country” - is she doing the correct thing - and her daughter consuming her every thought and action, but at times it seemed a bit too heavy handed. I found the job she held extremely interesting - even down to the quirky co-workers and patrons. I found the romance to be a bit too quick for my taste. I also felt the pacing could have been a bit quicker - there’s a bit of agonizing by Emma (understandable due to the war) but at times it seemed that that was the focus of the book - instead of having the story unfold naturally. Overall, if you haven’t read much about mothers during WWII in England and sending children to the country, this might be a book up your alley. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars as I found the historical tidbits rather interesting.

This book seems to be a sequel to another book with the same kind of plot, but the two books were written by different authors. In The Booklover's Library, Emma has to find a job even though she is barred from working because she has a child. Her widowhood means nothing in this situation. She tells the manageress of the subscription library that she does have a child, but she's running out of money and needs the work. Because she and her father ran a bookshop, she is hired because she knows how to recommend books to the patrons.

After her training, she is allowed to help B-list subscribers and has to move her way up to working with A-list subscribers. She does an excellent job of working with the patrons and learning their idiosyncrasies. Mr. Beard says he does not like mysteries, but that's all he'll read. Mrs. Chatsworth comes in and talks incessantly but will read a wide variety of books.

There is a mystery within the library where books are being mis-shelved. No one knows who is making the mistakes but one of the assistants insists that it is one of the workers not paying attention. Because this novel takes place during World War II, there are a lot of reasons for the books being out of place that wander through my mind. I laughed out loud when I found out the true cause. I love that Madeline Martin worked that into her plot. There is a bit of romance in the book, but it is not the over-arching topic. The best part of the plot is the relationship between Emma and her daughter, Olivia. Emma had a hard time allowing Olivia to go to the country for her own safety. Olivia had just as hard a time leaving home and leaving Emma, to the point she ran away from where she was staying to go back to Emma.

This is a five-star book with two thumbs up and a homemade jumper a size too small.

Harlequin Trade Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

EmmaTaylor, a 25 year old widow, with a 7 year old daughter,Olivia, is desperately seeking a job in Nottingham, England. In 1939, widows with children were not allowed to work outside the home. A kindly manager at The Book Lovers Library, gives her a job as a trainee. As WWII approaches, Emma , like many other mothers, has to make the agonizing decision to send Olivia to the country to escape the bombings.
As England becomes embroiled in war, the library becomes a refuge from bombings and heartbreaking losses. Emma joins the Womens Volunteer Service to help civilians deal with their tragic losses. She begins to realize that every person , young or old, needs to become part of a community so all can survive.
As in her previous WWII novels, the Author makes us care about ordinary people fighting to survive an horrific war, as they go about their fractured lives.

Nottingham, England - During World War II

Emma Taylor is a widow with a young daughter and not a lot of prospects to bring in money to supplement the pittance of widow and child pensions from the government. She's barely keeping food on the table. But, due to strict rules by most companies, a widow with a child, or a married woman for that matter, cannot work outside the home. Emma grew up without a mother, her father raising her as he ran his bookstore downstairs from their flat. So Emma is very comfortable in the company of books. She applies to the Booklover's Library at the Nottingham Boots chemist (pharmacy) store, and is surreptitiously hired by the manageress. Unfortunately it means leaving her daughter, Olivia, alone for most of the day until school starts.

With war looming, Emma and her fellow employees, her landlady, and the city begin preparing for rationing, as well as the loss of many of the men in the city. Once the Germans start bombing London, it cannot be long before other cities are targeted. This sets into motion a nationwide decision to send the children in these cities into a safer countryside environment. Agonizing over this, Emma at first hesitates to send Olivia, but eventually makes the decision for her daughter's safety. It isn't easy for either of them.

Emma forms close friendships with her landlady, and a fellow worker at the library. She is disheartened by Olivia's yearning to return home, but once Emma volunteers to help in the war effort, she realizes how important it is to keep her daughter safe. The library hums along despite the war, although Emma keeps getting blamed for misfiling books. She's at a loss as to how that is happening.

THE BOOKLOVER'S LIBRARY is based on the real Boots lending libraries of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. People paid a subscription price to borrow books. Regular libraries mostly carried the classics, but the lending ones carried the latest books. Emma must learn how to appease her manageress, the customers, and to hide the fact that she has a child. She must come to terms with it all, and the story shows her growing maturity, bravery, and love that happens in times of upheaval.

I loved this story and learned so much about what Britain and her population had to deal with during the war. Emma's kindness, her love of books, and her strength are powerfully portrayed in THE BOOKLOVER'S LIBRARY.

This started off slow to me but I’m glad I kept reading it. The sacrifices that has to be made during this time were heart wrenching, thr strength and courage shown by Emma was incredible.

I love the support she eventually gained from her fiends and neighbors as she tried to do whar was best for her daughter.

This is a different twist on WWII and libraries. I didn't know about subscription libraries, that women with children were banned from working and that bonds could be formed when the Tube shelters could become hidden libraries. This poignant story is about a young widow who is torn between making a living and the happiness of her child sent to the countryside.

I wanted to like this book SO much. I thought it would have many of the elements I love: WWII Home Front, books, women standing on their own, a fun library (especially knowing the history of lending libraries in Britain and Boots' early role), maybe a light romance.

But. BUT. This book had so little of the library in it I almost threw my phone (and thus the ebook) across the room. The amount of time spent in the bookshop during the course of the novel probably counts up to less than a week. It should really just be titled "Olivia", because it's just a long book about a woman's obsession with her daughter. EVERYTHING circles back to Olivia, and Emma is so absorbed by her there's nothing left of herself. I do understand putting your children first and loving them more than anything, but almost nothing of this story didn't somehow swing back to Olivia, a child who wasn't even present for half the book. And what a wet blanket Emma is, because every time someone might be judging her, she takes it and gallops off into worry.

I was also incredibly frustrated by the writing itself. All tell, very little show, It's stilted, weirdly formal, and honestly, kind of whiny. And so many random details the author wanted to include, but instead of incorporating them she just dumped them into the story, like talking about the sand under being dug out under Nottingham (view spoiler). There were just so many badly constructed, clunky sentences that begged for editing.

"Determined to now keep the wireless, she would now need to register the device with the government by law, as all wireless owners were required to do."

"Olivia beamed up at the two of them, her eyes starry as was the way of small children at impressionable ages when it came to seeing authority figures they knew."

"No matter how Emma tried over the next week, she couldn't clear her mind of Olivia lying amidst the rubble, immobile, gray with ash and the application of overly convincing cosmetics to appear dead."

This book was just a big flop for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I wasn't that excited about the premise -- another WWII book? another book about books/libraries? The premise honestly feels a little tired. Readers want something fresh and new every once in a while. I wish publishers would take more of a chance. However, that rant aside (sorry ;)), this is extremely well-executed. Madeline Martin's writing is top notch, and Emma is a very endearing and sympathetic main character. I was invested in her journey. The author's research is also woven seamlessly into the narrative. The pacing drags a bit at times and I think the book could have been shorter. Overall this is a very enjoyable read, and I'm glad I read it despite not being intrigued initially. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy; all opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. It is a wonderful book, well written and well paced. While the time period is familiar (it's set during WWII), the plot is set at home. Instead of the traditional home fires book, it talks about the plight of women needing to work but kept from it by either marriage or motherhood. At a time when women needed the security of work the most, the government made it impossible. This adds a wonderful tension to the book; will our heroine get to keep her job or not. There are also a few other mysteries in the book to add twists and turns. If you love WWII fiction, I recommend this book!

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.

This is beautiful. From the cover to the story. An underground hidden library during war time.. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, so this was right up my alley. The cover drew me in... but it was the amazingly written story that kept me from putting it down.

Absolutely loved it!!! Madeline Martin’s writing is just mesmerizing - this is the kind of book where I found myself looking for every possible minute to sneak in a few more chapters. And even reading for just a few minutes had me totally drawn into the story & Emma’s world. I laughed out loud at parts and was brought to tears at others. I feel like the characters became friends! I was totally tickled at the nod to one of MM’s previous novels. All in all, this was fab!!!

Madeleine Martin’s The Booklover’s Library hooked me on the name and the cover art. This book takes readers through the history of troubled times and situations, guiding us with a story we all need to read. I felt as if I was being transported to the underground tubes during the Blitz, as the women and children, older men and women, kept their dignity and lives together by building an underground library. Although I had to read the book in chunks because of my workload, I enjoyed the story at night as it brought me to a time and a piece in history I knew little about. I clapped with joy at the wonder of books for all ages and their ability to bring calm during times of stress and the cruelties of war. The characters were a joy to get to know, and the camaraderie of the people of England during WWII made for some wonderful late-night reading. I highly recommend it. I want to thank Net Galley, the publisher, and Madeline Martin for this free ARC. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.

I enjoyed this heartfelt and heartwarming story. It was a tribute to motherhood and to the love of books. The prologue made me immediately sympathetic toward Emma, and her kind heart and the way she looked for the best in others kept me rooting for her throughout the book. What a terrible decision to have to make! There was also a strong cast of secondary characters, and I liked getting to see the layers to some of them. I also loved all the literary references. In addition, there was a sweet romance and just a hint of mystery. I felt satisfied by the ending, and I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction and/or books about books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the early read.

Let me start off by saying that I LOVE historical fiction books, so I expected to dive into this one and love it. But I felt this one fell short, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the characters, I couldn’t connect to them and felt they were two dimensional. Unfortunately, I DNF around the 40% mark

I don't tend to read a lot of historical fiction, but as I librarian I couldn't pass this one up. This was a beautiful story of a single mother persevering through the trauma of war. The book depicts the difficult decisions our MC has to make as well as her hardship of having to navigate society as a window with a child. Emma is such a strong character, living through being orphaned, and then widowed at a young age. The author paints such a lovely portrait of someone who has lost everything but pushes on with the help of new relationships and her immense love for her daughter. This book definitely tugs at your heartstrings, but is an absolute joy to read. The author's writing style is so engaging and beautiful. The story is strong and the characters easy to root for. I would recommend this title to book lovers and fans of women's lit historical fiction.

historical fiction is not something i gravitate towards but this book was so hearfelt! i loved the mother/daughter bond! i adored emma so much, she did everything she could to keep her daughter safe. overall this book was beautifully written.

Thank you to the author Madeline Martin, NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc!

While set prior during WWII and the Nazi bombing of England, it is primarily a story of hanging onto hope and the power of love while dealing with difficult circumstances . The story revolves around The Booklover’s Library – a subscription library above the Boot’s Chemist Shoppe. I had no idea these libraries existed at the time and was fascinated on their workings. All of the characters were well drawn and relatable – although Olivia, the daughter seemed a bit too mature for her age at times. This well researched and well plotted story will tug at your heartstrings. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a WWII historical fiction novel. Based in Nottingham, England, Emma Taylor who grew up in a bookshop with her father, finds herself an orphan after a tragic accident. A few short years later, tragic strikes again and Emma becomes a young widow with her daughter, Olivia.
Struggling with financial hardship and facing societal judgement, with labor laws restricting work for widows with children, Emma has trouble finding work. Serendipitously, a job opening at the Booklover's Library gives Emma the opportunity she's been seeking. She is forced to hide the fact that she is a widow with a child.
This novel is Emma's story during WWII and also sheds light on the trials of wartime England. Having to make heartbreaking decisions about whether or not to send her child away to the countryside in the care of a stranger (or distant relative) and then having to endure that decision even after Olive begs to come home. Worrying for her child's education, safety, and wellness, Emma finds solace in the community within her building and her co-workers. Together they endure nighttime bombings, rationing, and shortages and seek to do their part in the war effort.
Bonus, since the story is about working within The Booklover's Library there are many references to all my favorite books!
I enjoyed this novel and WWII historical fiction is my favorite genre. Highly recommend!

As a widow with a child, Emma Taylor's choices for employment are quite limited. An opportunity presents itself to obtain a job at Boots' Booklover's Library, if she will hide her background and 'become an aunt' to her daughter Olivia. Growing up in her family's bookshop, Emma has a wide knowledge of books. She is able to share her love of reading, become a staple at the library - and uncover the misshelved books mystery. Her success ultimately opens the way for other widows to secure employment at Boots. Emma tries to balance the safety and happiness of Olivia with her employment and finds tremendous support from her landlady, Mrs. Pickering. With the start of World War II, Emma realizes that Nottingham isn't safe for children and allows Olivia to be evacuated to the country. In doing so, Emma not only has support from Mrs. Pickering, but also from work friends and the handsome Mr. Fisk.

An emotional look at how the love of reading provides solace during traumatic events, it also shows how British war efforts were handled by the citizens. The Booklovers' Library addresses topics such as the era's various social restrictions, the horror of the Blitz, and the involvement of the Women's Volunteer Service with mobile canteens, evacuee assistance, and other WWII programs.

I will be recommending this book.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press, Madeline Martin and NetGalley for this ARC.

I loved reading the book!! It is captivating enough to make you want to keep reading but gentle enough to walk away and return perfect combination for busy mothers! I thought the middle ran a bit long but I loved exploring all the characters and feeling like I was part of the town! A great read for any book lover and historical fiction enthusiast! Will keep this on my shelf for re-reading!