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.

The Booklover's Library" beautifully explores the themes of family, mother-daughter bonds, friendship, loyalty, resilience, love, and second opportunities during World War II in England. I appreciated reading about how citizens endured and coped with the hardships of the war. I was particularly moved by the account of children being separated from their parents for protection during air strikes, a painful and unimaginable experience.The bond between Emma and Olivia is incredibly touching. My personal experience resonates with this, as my mom, grandma, sister, and I shared a strong bond, especially after my mom and grandma passed away. My sister and I have maintained that special connection.The depiction of friendship and the love of books through the Booklovers Library, as well as the support from neighbors, highlights the importance of community and mutual support in difficult times. This book reaffirms how much we need each other. I loved it.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book.

The Booklover's Library: A Charming Read with Room for Improvement

Madeline Martin's "The Booklover's Library" offers a heartwarming wartime tale set in a charming English library. Following Emma, a widowed mother navigating war and societal restrictions, the story celebrates the power of books and community.

Here's what I enjoyed:

Wartime Resilience: The novel portrays the anxieties and struggles of wartime Britain with a poignant touch.

Endearing Character: Emma is well-developed, and you feel as if maybe you creating a sense of connection.

However, the book also fell a bit short in a couple of areas:

Predictable Plot: The story unfolds in a fairly conventional manner, but I just felt as if it was lacking.

Emotional Depth: While the story is heartwarming, it doesn't quite delve as deeply into the emotional complexities of war and loss as it could have.

Overall, "The Booklover's Library" is a pleasant and engaging read, particularly for book lovers. However, it might leave readers seeking a more profound emotional connection or a more surprising plot

Thank you to Madeline Martin, NetGalley, and Hanover Square Press for this ARC.

The Booklover’s Library is a warm and satisfying story about opening yourself up to new people and growing through the relationships you develop. And, of course, it’s about books.

The book is set in WWII-era England and is obviously very detailed and well-researched on many aspects of life there at the time. I discovered many new things, or new to me at least, and learned more details regarding events I’d heard of, but only had a cursory knowledge of prior to reading. A few bits sent me down a rabbit hole, reading up on the real events that occurred throughout the book, so it took me a little longer than usual to finish. The MC’s were layered and likable and the main protagonist went through a great deal of growth as the story progressed.

All in all, an interesting and enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This was my first novel by this author. Though I love historical fiction I have been shying away from WW2 books because there are just. So. Many. And they all kind of seem the same to me. But I was offered this one and couldn’t resist.

Our heroine is Emma, a quiet bookish lass in Nottingham England who lost her mother at a young age. And then her father died in a fire at the bookstore they owned and lived above. She married quickly, had a baby girl (Olivia), and then Olivia’s father died. And then Germany attacked England. Yeah, it’s a lot.

Emma and Olivia are struggling financially but Emma scores a job at the Boots Booklover’s Library, a subscription based library lending service - which is tricky because widows are not allowed to have jobs at the time. When the bombs start raining down, Olivia is evacuated to the countryside, leaving Emma more alone and lonely than ever. Olivia isn’t too happy leaving either.

But Emma makes friends at work and in her tenement house and even finds love. Hooray!

I enjoyed learning about the Booklover’s Library, which I was unfamiliar with. I was also very moved by the stories of parents evacuating their children. However I found Emma just a sad little character and it kinda brought me down.

Three stars.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a WWII historical fiction. It's a heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of the books that bring them together.

I was drawn to this book because it's about books and it did not disappoint! I really appreciated how smooth the writing was in this story. WWII fiction stories are often very emotionally heavy, and while this one had some intense moments, I felt like I was able to read through the story without getting too overwhelmed. The characters, both main and side, are very likable and I felt really invested in their story. Fans of this genre will likely enjoy this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an eBook ARC. The Booklover's Library is expected to be published on September 3, 2024.

"The Booklover's Library" is a beautifully crafted, poignant tale that effortlessly transports readers to World War II-era England. Madeline Martin's meticulous research shines through in the rich historical details, breathing life into the often-overlooked story of subscription libraries and the resilient women who staffed them. Through Emma's compelling journey, we experience the heart-wrenching choices and quiet heroism of everyday people during wartime. The author masterfully balances the gravity of the era with moments of warmth and hope, creating a tapestry of human connections that will resonate long after the final page. With its expertly drawn characters, evocative setting, and touching exploration of motherhood and community, this novel is a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts and book lovers alike.

The Booklover’s Library is a heartwarming historical fiction set in wartime England that talks about the power of books and how they bring people together. It was a great story.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read!

Honestly parts of this book fell flat to me however if you push through it was such a great read. Reading the author's note did help see the perspective of the read. Such a beautifully written story that tugged on the heart strings. Well written and touching characters, overall highly recommend this for all historical fiction lovers.

Finding Friendship Through Books
This story takes place in Britain in the days leading up to WWII and during the war itself. The story is centered around a lending library, its employees, and its customers. Our main character is a young widow who is trying to raise her daughter alone. In those days, mothers and married women, including widows, were socially not allowed to work. During the course of this story that changes as most of the working men go to war and the women are needed to take their places. As you can tell, this is not a simple 'left at home' war story. The book hits on most of the pain and uncertainty suffered by those at home. It is a well-rounded story. Folks who could become caricatures are presented with depth and a reason for their attitudes. It is a very good book. The epilogue is a very nice touch and adds even more realism.

The Booklover’s Library is a very moving book that brought me to tears and had me holding my breath! Emma is a widow and mother to a young daughter who lives in Nottingham, England. When war seems imminent, she just decide f she should send her daughter to safety, or keep her with her, potentially putting her life at risk. There is much heartbreak with this decision, as you can imagine. Emma is also newly-employed at a lending library, which is chock full of interesting workmates and book lovers! This book deals with some of the arcane laws at the time which forbade wives and mothers to work outside of the home. I loved the way this diverse group of neighbors and coworkers banded together at this extremely difficult time, and I loved that books and stories were such a huge comfort to them.