A heartwarming piece of historical fiction taking place during WWII in Nottingham (I’ve read tons of books about the home front in London so this is new for me!). It is 1939 and 25-year old Emma is a single mother whose husband died five years before in a car accident. She manages to get a much needed job at the subscription library in the back of Boot’s (UK pharmacy), which was difficult and UK law at the time made it illegal to hire married women or widows with children. The story is of Emma’s war — working, volunteering with the WVA, but mostly dealing with the trauma of having to send her 7-year old daughter away to the country for her own safety.

My favorite thing about historical fiction such as this is the way we get the full and individual experience of living through times that are too easily summed up in history books in terms of events and casualty numbers, and not on the experience of individuals. I particularly liked the way Martin added all sorts of details of which I was unaware. I loved the way the subscription library worked and the explanation of why public libraries didn’t meet the needs of all subscribers. Librarians at the subscription libraries were responsible for curating loans for each individual patron. I would have been very happy to have that job! Special “red label” books such as Lady Chatterly’s Lover had to be specifically requested and were not allowed on the floor. There was plenty of story about the patrons of the library, their reading habits, and the librarians who helped them. Plenty of other new details (for me) as well. One character turns out to be part of the “Mass Observation.” This is a program started in 1937 that continued for 30 years. The “observers” carefully noted down what people talked about and did. Apparently it was originally started to capture the feelings of people about King Edward’s abdication, but of course continued to be valuable once the war started. And did you know that pet owners were “ordered” to put their pets down at the start of the war to save food for people?

Some romance, plenty of hardships, and always enough community pulling together when necessary. I liked the characters — books like this focus on the best in people which (fortunately) does come out in times of trouble. Of course I also loved the story of how books and reading help us when we need them. It’s a good pairing with one of her other books — The Last Bookshop in London — and there is a cameo appearance of that very bookshop and its booksellers in this volume.

A story of a mother's love and the heartbreaking choices she must make to keep her daughter safe during WWII. I learned a lot about the membership-based lending libraries in England prior to and during the war.

Historical fiction is not my usual genre but when you add books and librarians I had to try it and was not disappointed. I have read all the books she has written on WWII, which have become a must-read. This book is also set during WWII and is not about the war but about the people back home supporting their soldiers and families. My favorite line in the book is "He told me that the world is full of readers, some just haven't found the right book yet." This book is a gem and is not what it first seems to be. Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher, and Madeline Martin for the opportunity to read this book in advance!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6533546928

The Booklover's Library is a sweet and heartfelt novel about a young, widowed mother during the start of WWII. As a widow with a child, she's barred from the workforce but desperate to find something to keep her and her daughter afloat. Applying for a job at The Booklover's Library (a lending library for subscribers) Emma agrees to keep quiet about her daughter in exchange for work. But her daughter is still her main concern. With blackouts and air raids, how can she keep Olivia safe while she's away? The emphasis really is on a mother's love and the relationship between Emma and Olivia, and those around them, as well as their response to hardship and difficulty -- and this was all beautifully done.

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!

I don't generally gravitate toward historical novels, but this one caught my eye and I'm glad I did! I was thoroughly engrossed from page 1 and enjoyed the relationships that Emma had- with her daughter, with her landlady, with her neighbors, and even with her father. Also, I found the setting of the Book Lovers Lending Library fascinating, especially as it was based on fact. The tension in the novel came from Emma's decision to send Olivia away during the war or to keep her with her, and the subsequent consequences of each decision she made in this regard. The mystery about the misplaced books in the library felt a little weak to me, but it didn't bother me at all. For me, the story was mostly about relationships, friendship, books, and people who love books. Also a little love story thrown in!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

**Review of The Booklover's Library**

I don't typically gravitate towards historical fiction, but the cover of this book intrigued me, so I decided to give it a chance. I ended up finishing it in less than a day because I couldn't put it down.

"The Booklover's Library" is a touching and heartfelt story set at the onset of WWII, focusing on Emma, a young, widowed mother. Struggling to find work due to her status as a widow with a child, Emma is desperate to support herself and her daughter. She finds a job at The Booklover's Library, a lending library for subscribers, under the condition that she keeps her daughter a secret. Despite her new job, Emma's primary concern is always the safety of her daughter, Olivia, amidst the blackouts and air raids.

The novel captures the emotional and physical challenges Emma faces in keeping Olivia safe during the war. It's a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, centering on a mother's love and the relationship between Emma and Olivia. The characters' resilience in the face of hardship is both inspiring and moving.

Books that deal with families during the air attacks in England during WWII are often deeply emotional, and this one is no different. However, it manages to balance the heavy themes with a sense of hope and lightness.

The secondary characters in this book are quirky, lively, and so much fun to follow. I love stories that feature unexpected friendships and connections with unlikely individuals, and this book delivered on that front.

Overall, "The Booklover's Library" is a warm and engaging WWII novel that tugs at the heart and is an absolute joy to read. Martin has firmly established herself among my favorite authors, and this book only solidifies that position.

Madeline Martin has done it again. This amazing novel is set to release in September and you won't want to miss it! One of the things I appreciate about Madeline's books is that they are about heavy topics but she writes them without making them feel too dark or hopeless.
This book focused on the story of a young widow and her daughter who must be sent away to the country during the bombings in England. Emma (FMC) works at a lending library inside Boots Pharmacy during the war, helping their subscribers find the perfect books. As the daughter of a bookshop owner, good books are practically part of Emma's DNA. I loved the friendships in this story and how reading is woven through the book as something that can help us cope with difficult circumstances. I appreciated Emma's belief that everyone can become a reader if they find the correct book! I also loved the cameo from The Last Bookshop in London (still my favorite book by Madeline).
This was such a sweet story about a mother and daughter! I had no idea that single mothers who were widowed had such a difficult time finding employment during this time period. It was interesting to learn more about what life in England was like during WWII.
You'll definitely want to put this book on your TBR for this fall!

I always love Madeline Martin’s novels featuring books and wartime experiences!

What a great, great cover!

Martin takes readers to Nottingham, England in 1931 and introduces us to a fellow bibliophile and Booklover’s Librarian, Emma Taylor. Like many of Martin’s readers, Emma finds comfort in books and has relied on them throughout her life for comfort in difficult moments. When tragedy strikes and Emma is forced to leave the Tower Bookshop in Beeston, she becomes a librarian of a lending library.

I’d never heard of this concept before (lending library versus a public library) and was intrigued to discover that they were located in many Boot’s chemists throughout England. I got sucked into a rabbit hole Googling ‘red label books’, ‘Class A subscribers’, ‘marriage bars’ and the social research organization, ‘Mass Observation.’ Although I had read a few books featuring the children’s evacuation in wartime England, Martin was able to bring a fresh perspective and I felt compelled to read further to find out what happened to Olivia and if she was ever reunited with her mother.

Martin’s novel is rich with nostalgia from her previous stories, addresses the stress of single parenting during wartime, features quirky characters, and is light on romance. It reminds readers that money doesn’t buy happiness and that we need to look for it within and foster it.

I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

After reading The Last Bookshop in London this author became an instant favorite and I've been quick to pick up all her work since then. So when I saw that The BookLover's Library was a story about books and libraries, motherhood, WWII, and a little romance -- I couldn't start reading soon enough. I grabbed a copy of this newest novel from Netgalley as soon as I saw it was available, and fairly inhaled this beautiful story.

The Booklover's Library is a sweet and heartfelt novel about a young, widowed mother during the start of WWII. As a widow with a child, she's barred from the workforce but desperate to find something to keep her and her daughter afloat. Applying for a job at The Booklover's Library (a lending library for subscribers) Emma agrees to keep quiet about her daughter in exchange for work. But her daughter is still her main concern. With blackouts and air raids, how can she keep Olivia safe while she's away?

First of all, I loved everything about this story. (I especially loved the cross-over to Martin's first novel, and the quick cameo from some beloved past characters. In many ways, this story felt reminiscent of The Last Bookshop in London -- which gave me all the nostalgia for that read, while still feeling fresh and new,)

Books about families who had to send their children away during the air attacks in England in WWII are always such heartwrenching stories, and this was no exception. But while it was a moving story that tugged on the heartstrings, it still left you feeling good and had a lightness to it overall. The emphasis really is on a mother's love and the relationship between Emma and Olivia, and those around them, as well as their response to hardship and difficulty -- and this was all beautifully done.

The secondary characters in this book were quirky and lively and so much fun to follow along with. I love stories about unexpected friendships and connections with unlikely individuals, and this book gave all of that. As someone who prefers romance to be a secondary storyline within books, I appreciated how the romance here was sweet and lovely and added to the story without taking over the plot.

Overall, this was a lovable and lighter-feeling WWII novel that absolutely tugged at the heart and was such a joy to read. Martin easily earned her place on my shelf amongst my favorite authors, and this book simply cements that fact.

I received the ebook copy as an ARC from NetGalley. Thank you for this treasure!
I would say that I have read numerous books about WWII, but this one was very different and was almost a tribute to what books can do for us through different stages in our lives. I absolutely adored this novel, and was even thoroughly engrossed by the author’s note at the end. I will usually skip those, or just skim them, but it was just as good as the rest had been.
Here are some tidbits from the book that I just loved:
-“I do love rereading books when it’s been a while,” she said excitedly… “Isn’t it remarkable how the same story can be so very different depending on when you read it?”
-She always had admired readers who ventured outside of their natural genres. Those were often the people who had the greatest empathy, the most understanding of others around them, and the broadest appreciation for the world.
-…the world is full of readers, some just haven’t found the right book yet.
-“I do enjoy reading it myself,” Olivia said. “It’s like my brain drinking in something good, like warm chocolate milk.”
-Truly, there was nothing better than the companionable silence that fell between readers in a quiet room, each entirely lost in their own worlds.
-Everyone knew that reader who stayed up beyond their bedtime to finish the book, then savored its final moments as they drifted off to sleep.

Really good period story that shared many details of what it was like in England during WWII. The story showed the difficult trials women faced in a patriarchal society.

Martin's book, set during World War II, is not a war novel per se, but a novel about the people who endured and sacrificed. Martin's research about the subscription library where our heroine works is spot on. The story tears at your heart as you realize the sacrifices made by people to keep loved ones safe. Can you imagine sending a child to someone you do not know so the child escapes the danger of dying in a bombing. The plot center around a young widow who must lie to get a job and the people who support her. An excellent historical work!

Book Review:
The Book Lover's Library by Madeline Martin
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publishers Release Date: September 10, 2024

Summary:
Emma's life has been far from easy. Left a single mother to precocious Olivia after the tragic death of both her husband and father. A young woman she finds herself trying to make ends meet, living in Nottingham, England, as war, once again threatens the nation. As she sells her most previous possessions to a pond shop, she takes a chance and enquires of a possible job and finds herself fortunate enough to find employment at the Book Lover's Library. Soon, she makes friends and finds herself enjoying matching customers with wonderful books. Despite that, her most significant concern is dear Olivia, who struggles in school, shows little interest in books, and whose safety in Nottingham is not secure. How can she ensure her daughters safety while she is away at work all day? Should she even be working in a time when most married women aren't permitted to do so?

Thoughts:
I am a big fan of Martin's writing. I have yet to read a book written by her that has not caught my immediate attention. This book was no different. I loved Emma's story. Olivia reminded me of a few of my own children, especially my one daughter. I enjoyed the relationship she had with her dear neighbor lady, who became a safe place and mother figure to her!
The incorporation of so many great books into this story is a theme each of Martin's books has, and I hope that as she pens more that she will continue to incorporate them in her future ones.
This is an easy, enjoyable read that underlines the importance of family, relationships, and the power of books to unite individuals in meaningful relationships.
I loved it and you will too. Add it to your wish list it's coming September 2024.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I fell in love with Madeline Martin’s style of writing when I picked up “The Librarian Spy” while visiting a bookshop in Cannon Beach. I couldn’t put it down, and it made my flight fly by. Every book I’ve read of Madeline's since has been just as captivating, including “The Booklovers Library.” I enjoyed the cameo appearances of Grace and Mr. Evans from Primrose Hill Books in “The Last Bookshop in London.” Madeline weaves fiction with actual historical events, and I loved this book as much as all her others.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book for an honest review.

This was such a sweet story of a widow and mother making some incredibly tough decisions during WWII. I’ve read other books that address Operation Pied Piper, but not from this perspective. This is very much a story of everyday life in England during the war. I loved the life she created for herself. There’s a love story sprinkled in there, but it’s definitely not focused on romance. I loved all the supporting characters too! I plan to read more by this author.

Unique insight into Boots' lending libraries that operated until the mid-60s. This story was set during WWII and concentrated on female employees' challenges while navigating being wives, widows, parents, and employees. The protagonist's daughter was evacuated away from Nottingham and her story was interwoven into her mother's story at the Booklover's Library.

how far would you go to save your favorite books? The Booklover's Library is a tale about a girl who finds out during war torn England as her library where she works is threatened. Strange things start happening and books are disappearing as she tries to unravel what's happening in the library.

Nottingham, library, librarian, WW2, widow, books, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture****

A truly excellent read set in WW2 England with all the problems of life at home and the role of the paid libraries and those who tended them.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press via NetGalley. Thank you
Not TTS enabled.

The Booklover's Library
Madeline Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma Taylor is a widow who lives in Nottingham, England, with her daughter Olivia. She finds herself in need of a job now, but with the legal restrictions that keep widows with children from working, she doesn't have the opportunities that she'd like. However, she gets lucky and gets hired at Boots' Booklover's Library.

When the threat of war becomes a sad reality, Emma realizes that she has to send her daughter away to the countryside if she's going to keep Olivia safe.
Emma finds herself taking solace in the friendships she makes with her neighbors and coworkers.
She also finds a new sense of purpose through the recommendations she provides to the library's regulars even if they are a tad odd. But the job doesn't come without its difficulties. Books are mysteriously ending up on the wrong shelves and disappearing left right and center, and Emma knows that she has to find the person responsible for it all.

As the Blitz gets really crazy in Nottingham and Emma fights tooth and nail to reunite with her daughter, she will learn to depend on the community and the way that only books can bring people together.

Oh my goodness! This book is absolutely fabulous. I think I literally fell into this book. What a book. As a mother, I could totally understand how horrible it must have been for these brave ladies who not only saw their husband's off to war but also had to send their children away as well. This book has all the feels. I went through a total roller coaster of emotions. It's amazing how Ms. Martin can write and make you feel you are right there. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Ms. Martin.

I have been reading Madeline Martin’s historical fiction books since the release of The Last Bookshop in London in 2021! It was set during the London Blutz of World War II. This amazing novel was followed by The Librarian Spy (set in Portugal) and The Keeper of Hidden Books (Warsaw, Poland). Each of these books highlighted previously little known stories of individuals striving to preserve aspects of life which were threatened by the challenges of war. Her latest novel, The Booklover’s Library, returns to England, to the city of Nottingham, and similar to the previous books, focuses on the perseverance and resilience of ordinary citizens dealing with extraordinary times. I was fortunate to receive an ARC from NetGalley (my first foray into this platform), and I was honored to be an early reader. This book will be published in September, 2024.
The story begins with seventeen year old Emma and her father facing the life changing challenge of a fire engulfing their bookstore. A widower, Emma’s father was a devoted single father who raised his daughter to love the literary world and to treasure the bookstore which they owned . Sadly, the bookstore was destroyed and Emma did not survive! Shortly after she marries a man named Arthur and they have a little girl, Olivia. When Arthur is killed in a car accident, Emma finds herself solely responsible for Olivia.
As a single mother, Emma is frustrated by her difficulty finding a job due to the nationwide rules prohibiting married women and widows with children from working full time. Eventually she is hired by the sympathetic female manager of Boots’ Booklover’s Library where Emma finds her niche. Surrounded by books and the people who love them, she forms unique friendships with both her coworkers and patrons. As she becomes more engaged in helping fellow book aficionados find the perfect read, Emma slowly rediscovers her own love of literature; a love which she had lost when the fire took away her father and the bookstore where her love of books had been nurtured. As Emma becomes more comfortable in the workplace and develops close ties with her neighbors at home, the threat of war seems imminent, and her fear for Olivia’s safety becomes a real concern. Eventually the Blitz directly threatens their community, and Emma must make the difficult decision to send her beloved daughter to the countryside with the other children.
This novel is absolutely beyond compare, especially for book lovers like me. The overall theme of the story demonstrates how the love of books enables people of varying ages and backgrounds come together during challenging times. The author introduces a cast of quirky and multifaceted characters in The Booklover’s Library; all of these individuals are unique but are able to form friendships based on their affinity for books. As a devoted reader (especially of historical fiction) and a part time library employee and former teacher, I identified with many of the characters…especially the parents and the librarians. There are so many parallel situations within the situations and challenges facing the historical characters as compared to today’s events. As a present day librarian I identify with Emma’s excitement when she finds a perfect book for patrons, and especially when she helps Olivia discover the joy of reading when she meets Anne of Green Gables. No matter what is going on in the world, this novel demonstrates that both children and adults can learn so much about navigating the real world by exploring the pages of a book.
The Booklover’s Library is a 5 ⭐️ read for me. First and foremost, the depiction of the challenges faced by citizens during the Blitz is realistic and heartbreaking. Yet the author manages to convey a story filled with optimism and hope as well as tragedy and despair. The characters are emphatic and endearing and will live on in my mind for a long time. The description of the settings are vivid and the reader will feel as if they right in the middle of the action. I laughed and cried and so enjoyed the bonds among Emma, Olivia and the rest of the characters who formed their own “family”. I love this book and Madeline Martin has created an intense, emotional and engaging world! Highly recommend this 5 Star ⭐️ HF novel! Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Madeline Martin for this ARC! Keep your eyes and ears open for the release of this book in September 2024!