Set in Nottingham England in the early 1940’s, Emma Taylor is a young widow trying to raise her daughter Olivia by herself. When she sees a position at a lending library, she knows this would be the perfect fit, as her father owned a library until it burned in a tragic fire, losing the story, their home, and his life. Disregarding the law that prohibits widows with children from working, the manageress of the lending library takes a chance on Emma. While she loves her work at the library, she hates leaving Olivia at home alone. When England enters the war, Emma must decide whether to send Olivia off to some place unknown in the country to keep her safe, or keep her with her. There’s much more to this story than this, but at its heart it’s the story of how the love of books and reading provides a much-needed escape for us all, and how neighbors and friends can become your family. Loved this book, and highly recommend! Thanks to the author for sharing with my bookclub an ARC of this one; it’s out now, so grab a copy!

If you enjoyed Martin's THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON, you'll LOVE this latest title from her. It's heartwarming and heartwrenching, full of lovely bookiness, with a fantastic mama bear heroine, a capture-your-heart daughter, and a swoonworthy hero. And yes, I used the word "heart" a lot because this story has a ton of it.

Full of courage and laughter and even a few tears, I give this 5 stars and a highly recommend.

I really enjoyed The Booklover's Library! It's a charming story set in 1930s Nottingham, following Emma Taylor, a widow who takes a job at a lending library to support herself and her daughter during wartime. Emma had to conceal the fact that she was widowed and had a child because, during that time, women in her situation were not allowed to work.

Along the way, she befriends the residents of her home, like the reserved Mr. Sanderson, who slowly opens up thanks to her kindness. Emma’s ability to bring others out of their shells adds warmth and depth to the story, as she helps create a sense of community during the uncertainty of wartime.

I had never heard of a lending library before, this is an interesting concept. I enjoyed learning about the Boots' Booklover’s Library and Emma's unique challenges as a single mom.

The story has a cozy, nostalgic feel with well-developed characters and plenty of heart. Emma not only finds solace in books but also forms close bonds with her co-workers and housemates.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this eARC.

LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. The found family, the found romance and love that persisted through everything between mother and child. This book gave me all the feels and I truly found myself crying in the end of this novel! I thoroughly enjoyed the historical fiction of this book and through the POV of WWII through a mother was unique and something I’ve not read before.
Highly recommend

Thanks to Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for this free ARC in return for my honest review.

Another outstanding historical fiction book by Madeline Martin. When you read one of Madeline's books you see the history unfold before you're very eyes. Yes there is fiction, but it's almost plays second fiddle to the actual historical events that take place in Nottingham England during the beginning of World War II. You see when you look at the title, you think this may very well be a romantic fiction novel, but that is not the case. Martin uses fictional characters to bring actual historical events to life, and it captures the readers from page one and continues through to the very end. It's the story of Emma Taylor, a widow, and how she is able to cope with all that is thrown at her during this time. During this time, most all businesses don't hire widows, especially widows with a child which is a problem since Emma is the mother of an eight-year-old daughter, Olivia. Having grown up a round books. Emma jumped at the chance to potentially work at the Booklover's Library and here is where history takes over. I was unaware that there were such establishments in England, but Booklover's was a lending library where people bought subscriptions and were able to come and borrow books. It began in 1898 and continued until 1964, during which time it was a staple in Boots Chemists (a pharmacy), and became part of the very fabric of England. This is a story of how a group of women banned together to overcome adversities, including not being able to get married or engaged, what to do when you have an eight year-old child and the government wants you to move them to the country for their safety, the nightly air raids that are prevalent in Nottingham, England, the WVS a volunteer women's aid society that help those returning from the front lines of the way and for those unfortunate people who were bombed out of their homes. The book touches upon all of these issues in such a way that you are drawn into the story yourself, and it is a story that men and women can both understand and empathize with. Martin has a way of incorporating richn historical details into her characters, including the character, Margaret, a beautiful blonde who helps keep her weight down by taking "bile beans" something I never heard of until this book. And it goes on and on, in the hands of a lesser author it would turn out to be more of a romantic historical novel, but not with Martin who infuses her characters with real life emotions and passions, and while love may eventually be a part of this book it's not the major emphasis. Instead she writes as how women survived the beginnings of World War II. What to do with Olivia, who has been separated from her mother and who longs to come back home to her. It is also another winning effort by Madeline Martin. Just filled with believable characters, a wonderful plot and one that gives you a good bit of the historical perspective on how life was on the "home front" at the beginning of World War II in England.

Heartwarming indeed!! Oh my goodness, such a good WWII historical fiction book. The amount of hardship that Emma was put through and tried to shield her daughter, Olivia, from was insane.
I do tend to go into books a little blind so to read about the legal restrictions that prohibited widows with children to seek employment made my blood boil.

It did remind me of when I was in grad school how I worked in the library on campus to help catalog magazines, I loved the job so much. Kind of wish I could still do something like that every couple of days a month.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC

I love a good WWII book with books helping people come together. Sounds wrong to have "good" and "war" in the same sentence but as we are. Ms. Taylor is told that she is not allowed to have a job because she's married and has a child, despite the fact her husband died years before and she's keeping herself and their daughter in a safe house, fed and clothed on the help of those around her. When a lending bookstore needs help and she happens to hear their need, the hiring manager allows her the job so long as she doesn't go by Mrs. and her daughter becomes her sister, if anyone asks. While her financial life seems to come together, the backdrop of the coming war shrinks in, and the horrific choices that need to be made -- preparations for their home, sending her daughter away, caring for others, rations, and sending away people who mean so much -- all take to the forefront as she rebalances life and finds her way after being held by the identities of orphan and widowed mother for so long. It's a feel-good story that takes place during the war, the resilience of community, the way hardship brings people together.
As a book loving person, to have the book revolving around other readers, with little mysteries and a little romance sprinkled in, always makes for a good read.

#arc
#netgalley
#thebookloverslibrary

The Booklover's Library, by Madeline Martin is an immersive story of perseverance, war, and the love of family. I found myself so invested in this book I read it in one sitting.

Emma and her father live above the bookstore they own. So much of Emma’s life revolves around the store until flames destroy their livelihood and way of life. Years later, Emma finds herself as a single mother of a daughter, in England right before WW2.
Because society’s views of women are thought as being confined to their homes and husbands, it is difficult for her to find work. This story is about how a woman is able to strive beyond the confines of societal pressures/rules and find her way in a world that she must make sure her daughter is not only provided for, but protected from the bombs that will soon invade their country . It is about survival, friendships and the challenges of a nation faced with war and the German invasion in London. The author’s depiction of France and England during that time gave me a feeling like I was living during that era. Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and Cindy Burnett for making sure I had a copy of this ebook.

This historical fiction novel has it all, vivid descriptions of air raids by the Germans, a dash of mystery, a dollop of romance and highlights how optimism, love and hope can endure during a war. This is an emotional and gripping story about the bond between a mother and daughter and the very real struggles of being a young widow during this time. The perseverance and resilience of ordinary people during the war shines through. The cast of characters are well done from quirky patrons of the library, Emma’s co-workers and her two older neighbors. It is a diverse group of people all banding together and all relying on books for comfort during stressful times. The author’s note is a must read as well.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a wonderful book about the love of a widowed mother and her daughter during WWII in England. It centers around a subscription library, found family, and the power of books to make hard times more manageable. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the advanced digital copy of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin. Lovely and heartwarming - i loved it.

The Booklover’s Library is a heartwarming and inspiring read. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the enduring power of books. Martin’s storytelling is both poignant and uplifting, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Assessment: Overall, The Booklover’s Library is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and book lovers alike. Its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and evocative writing make it a standout read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and heartwarming story.

A fabulous wartime novel about family, loss and love. Tea and books in the middle of the nazi invasion of Europe. A sweet family comes together when they need each other the most and build unity in a time of fear. Very well written and is at the top of my reread list!

The Booklover's Library was a delightful story of a widow and her daughter in England. I absolutely loved learning about lending libraries & the marriage bar that existed. A clean read, this wonderful tale will make you want to keep reading. It isn't a high stress, fast paced story. But a enjoyable tale that allows you to daydream about what is going on.

The Booklover’s Library is a heartwarming story about a mother’s struggle to care for her daughter and the bond that is formed with neighbors, friends and a lending bookstore the brings a community together in time of need.

Widowed Emma Taylor is struggling mother with a young daughter that is in desperate need of a job, but it is pre-WWII where widows with children are not allowed to work. Desperate times sometimes calls for desperate measures, Emma is able sways Miss Bainbridge to take a chance on her and lands a job at the Boots’ Booklover’s Library. This means being away from their flat for longer hours leaving her Olivia home alone, which adds to Emma stress and worry for her daughter's safety..

As war looms over all of England, in order to ensure Olivia stays safe Emma sends her to the countryside to live. With no child at home Emma seeks comfort and friendship from her co-workers, and neighbors. Her job at Boots has given her a new sense of confidence and purpose as she establishes a connection with some of the eccentric patrons through book recommendation. However, working at Boots forces her to revisit memories of a terrible event that not only destroyed the family bookstore but took her father’s life. As the war rages on and intensifies, Emma battles emotionally to reunite with her daughter. It is here Emma learns how important and dependable her circle of friends are when times seem darkest.

This is my second novel by Madeline Martin, she writes another uplifting story that demonstrates how the love of reading and how their power can bring people together to share stories and help us through good and difficult times.

Thank you, Madeline Martin, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Widow and single mother Emma Taylor defies expectations, and rules, to provide for her young daughter. She finds refuge working in a library in a Boots shop where they agree to keep her secret. As the war intensifies, Emma must make hard choices for her and her daughter, to keep them both safe. This is a sweet book of hope and friendship in a city that often isn't featured in WWII novels.

Very sad to say this wasn't good. It started out much stronger, but soon became fluffy & repetitive. The Booklover's Library follows Emma. She is a widowed mother in WWII Nottingham, England. I did like the perspective of a widow during this time. I didn't realize it was so difficult for a widow to make it in the world. There were societal prejudices that prevented these women from getting a job, as only single women were considered appropriate for most positions.
That was something I hadn't really known about. But of course our main character finds a special place willing to make exceptions.
This book does show a lot about everyday life for the British during the war & there are a few interesting facts throughout which I appreciated. Like, they were told to put down all pets in order to save on food, & paper was also rationed which led to books printed during this time having very thin paper & cramped typing.
What I didn't like was the entire book felt so repetitive & not a lot of exciting things happen, & when they do they are very quickly & conveniently resolved. Felt cheesy & predictable.
I enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London & was excited to read this, but l'm definitely disappointed.

A brilliant 5 star read that touched my heart. This is an historical fiction novel that takes us into the life of a mother who was forced to be separated from her daughter. As a single mother trying to just survive, she begins to work at the library where she meets others in the same position as she is in. This book was well researched and I do always enjoy learning something from each book I read. Such beautiful writing and I was left inspired. Thanks you so much to Netgalley, and the publisher for the arc. Thank you to Madeline for your books!

The Booklover’s Library is the heartwarming story of a single mother surviving war on the English home front.

WWII is creating hardships for those on the home front. Emma is a young widow and desperately needs a job to support herself and her young daughter. She convinces the manager at Boots’ Booklover’s Library to take a chance on her. It’s complicated and risky because Emma needs to work around the reality that she’s a widow with a child and the laws that prohibit a widow with a child from working. She will also face the prospect of sending her child to live in the country with strangers as bombing continues.

I can’t imagine a law prohibiting a single mother from working! Emma is in a difficult situation and is desperate to provide for herself and her daughter when she applies for a job and hides her situation. The secrecy required makes it difficult for her to secure the support she needs to pull this off.

I always love heartwarming themes of women supporting women and a supportive community. So many WWII home front stories explore these themes. Women on the home front find ways to survive and thrive during the war years.

If you lived in England during WWII, would you have sent your child/children to live with strangers in the country? I image a parent would do anything to keep her children safe, but it would be extremely difficult! Some Middle Grade books I’ve read, explore this situation from children’s perspectives: The War That Saved My Life, The War I finally Won, and A Place to Hang the Moon.

I’m recommending The Booklover’s Library for fans of books about books, women supporting women, and WWII home front stories. If you enjoy well-written stories that feature strong women and poignant themes, you will want to add this to your TBR.

Thanks #NetGalley @HarlequinBooks @Hanover_Square @HTP_Books for a complimentary e ARC of #The BookloversLIbrary upon my request. All opinions are my own.