Nicely written book about a women and her daughter right before and during WW2. This story shows what happens between a mother and daughter. Between friends and fellow employees. Between tenants living in the same apartment building. How they end up sticking together during some of the hardest times. This book shows a lot of things but is very easy to follow.

Emma was raising her daughter Olivia as a single mother since the death of her husband. Back in this time women were not allowed to work if they were married or if widowed with a child. Despite that Emma needed a job to make ends meet. She still had bills to pay and without an income what would they do. How would they survive?

With war looming ever more closely to where they lived it was advised to send children to the country to live. To keep them safe. Emma didn't want to be separated from her daughter but did want Olivia to be safe. So she sent Olivia to keep her safe. That was a tough thing to have to do. Living back then and doing this was very scary I'm sure. I wonder sometimes how they thought it would be safer. Could the homes in the country not be bombed also? Or was there some agreement between countries?? I doubt that but do often wonder when reading.

This story takes you through how Emma managed to get a job at a Lending Library and keep her daughter safe and make lifelong friends. Getting to know her deceased husband's parents again and possibly allowing Olivia a chance to know them. This story is mainly set in a library. A library where you paid to check out books. Emma had been part of the book world her whole life. Before losing her father they had owned a bookstore. She loved reading and wanted Olivia to have the love of reading.

This is a very nice book. Well researched and do not skip reading the Author's Notes. A lot of great info there.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MadelineMartin, #HarlequinTradePublishing, for this ARC.

Four stars.

First of all, thank you to Netgalley and Madeline Martin for allowing me the honor of ARC reading this novel.

I absolutely love historical fiction, especially the sub-genre of WWII. This is my first book by this author and I am very impressed. The book was a little slow to start for me but quickly became one that I couldn’t put down. I absolutely love the writing style, the depth of the story, and the mystery in the library. As a fellow single mother, I could clearly see and feel the struggles and anxiety of raising a child alone and having to work to provide for them. The stress of the unknown, the war, sending her child away and going days and weeks without word, the difficulty in going to visit her, was very well done. I don’t like reviews that go into a complete analysis of the book and talk about everything that happens because I like reading books without knowing much about them, so I’ll leave it with this:

This historical fiction about WWII England has quickly become one of my favorites, and I’ve been reading this subgenre for many years. I will absolutely be looking for more from this author. Thank you so much for such an enjoyable read.

Madeline Martin brings us to England for her latest look at bibliophiles facing war with The Booklover’s Library. A story about the love, growth and the joy of second chances, this novel is sure to delight the author’s many fans.

Our story begins with a fire. Emma is reading upstairs when her father’s bookshop, located directly below their flat, is engulfed in flames. Both Emma and her dad escape the building, but he dies of smoke inhalation immediately afterward. A short time later, seventeen-year-old Emma marries a man from the solicitor’s office who handled her father’s affairs. Fast forward a decade, and she is a widow in Nottingham, England, in desperate need of a job. The little money left behind by both her father and her late husband has been stretched to the breaking point, and if she doesn’t find a source of income soon, she and her daughter Olivia will be forced to live on the streets. Or worse, be forced to live with her in-laws on their farm.

There are legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities, but she happens to be passing Boots’ Booklover’s Library when a young woman gives notice. Emma quickly approaches the proprietress, Miss Bainbridge, to ask for the position. The two agree to give it a trial run.

Emma’s life blossoms unexpectedly with this simple change. Not only do her financial problems lessen, but when her landlady, Mrs. Pickering, notices eight-year-old Olivia fending for herself, she invites the girl into her home. This results in the two adult women forging a strong friendship, a friendship which they will definitely need as Britain plunges into the dark days of war. When Olivia is sent to the countryside as an evacuee, it is the companionship of Mrs. Pickering, her co-worker Margaret, and handsome library patron Charles that helps Emma cope with her loneliness and have hope for the future.

Current World War Two-set women’s fiction novels seem to follow a pattern. Step one is to remind everyone that this is a period where women first joined the workforce in a significant way and to explore how pivotal that was for many of these ladies. Step two is to remind everyone that it takes a village. A lot of times, the heroines are isolated by circumstances, but getting a job subsequently means developing new, meaningful relationships. This book hits both those major notes, showing us how Emma’s life improves all around because of her placement at Boots.

These books also give authors an opportunity to showcase their research skills. In this volume, Ms. Martin emphasizes how the laws governing the work of married women and widows were unjust and forced desperate ladies into difficult situations. Emma is fortunate that, as people discover her circumstances, they are more sympathetic than judgmental, but it is clear how precarious her position is. It’s nice to be reminded every once in a while that the freedoms we take as a given these days were not always available, and just how valuable they actually are.

The author also does a decent job of capturing the horror of the bombings, the pulling together of the British people as they faced a grim war, and the problematic choices families faced as they worried about how best to deal with caring for children in a time of terror.

That latter gave me some pause since Olivia struggles with being in the country, and Emma struggles with having her gone. The story details the challenging situation some children found themselves in after leaving and how staying with family might have spared them from abuse. Perhaps I mistook the text, but the message I received was that Emma was a better mother for (after giving being apart a try) keeping her daughter with her. I can’t speak to what the right decision would have been for all families in clearly difficult circumstances, but the narrative in no way convinced me that being with Emma was good for Olivia. When Emma first goes to work, she doesn’t lay out a plan for Olivia’s care, not even telling the girl where to go for help or listing what to do in a crisis. If it hadn’t been for Mrs. Pickering’s timely intervention, that eight-year-old would have been entirely on her own. Throughout the tale, Emma is utterly passive in the management of Olivia, simply waiting for others to intervene. The magic of storytelling ensures it always happens, but I couldn’t help but feel that she should have been a bit more proactive.

My other quibble with the story is that the romance between Charles and Emma isn’t very well developed. Part of the problem is undoubtedly that the story is a hybrid – women’s/historical fiction with a bit of romance thrown in. While I understand that the emphasis is on Emma’s journey, since the love story is part of the plot, I would have preferred it to be a bit stronger and more detailed. Emma is defined as a book lover and mother; Charles is a book lover, feminist, heroic, and caring. Emma is often called kind by her coworkers and the patrons at the library, and Charles is considered handsome and sweet. So they are both nice, but that doesn’t really explain what it was about Emma that her made him want to ask her out. Nor does it tell me what about him made her want to see him in spite of having a fairly busy and full life. I simply didn’t get what drew them to each other, nor why Emma’s first marriage hadn’t been a happy one. It’s intimated that she was grieving and only comes out of it when she goes to work, but that explanation isn’t really explored and fell short for me.

If you like the standard home front WWII stories that populate women’s fiction, I think you will thoroughly enjoy The Booklover’s Library despite its minor flaws. It contains the typical uplifting message of survival, camaraderie, and feminine independence that are the hallmarks of the genre and that give the kind of emotional boost we could all use during these stressful times.

Madeline Martin is my absolute favorite historical fiction author. I can not get enough of her books. The attention she pays to research and the Details of the time periods that she writes is well shown. I absolutely love that all of her books have the word library in them or they are based around a library. I can not recommend her books enough. If you are a historical fiction person then run out and get this boook. If you don’t like historical fiction run out and get this book and get ready to love historical fiction.

This was truly a wonderful book. It is historical fiction that takes place in England during WWII. Emma is a widowed mother and lost her father when she was a teenager to a fire in their family’s bookshop. This story sees them through the war as she has to decide what to do to keep her daughter safe and introduces the relationships she forms with neighbors, co-workers and new friends she has met through her work at the Booklover’s Library. I enjoyed the transformation of many of the character’s as they encouraged and supported one another and each found healing where it was needed. I would definitely recommend this book!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hanover Square Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: September 10, 2024

The Booklovers’s Library by Madeline Martin
Historical fiction.
In the early 1930’s, married or widowed women were not allowed to work outside the house. Emma Taylor needs a job and though she will have to leave her daughter alone, she gets a job as Miss Taylor at Books’ Booklover’s Library with a little help from a kindhearted manager. Emma learns how the memberships work and who gets the priority books and how patrons may say they want a classic when in reality is looking for something else. Emma’s landlady also helps out watching Olivia until the war efforts demand she be evacuated to the countryside. As the war continues Olivia is later sent to stay with her grandparents on her father’s side who are cold and rule followers but air raids in the city prevent her from being able to come home. Intrigue at the library, volunteering and neighborhood regulars create friendships that help the time pass during the rationing, and bombings. It’s a difficult time for the world.

Sad and heartbreaking times but lives and love continue regardless of the war. It is actually heartwarming with made family while Olivia adds many poignant moments. Hopeful.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a cozy Women's Fiction story about a mother and daughter. I say Cozy in the sense that it's a quiet story told during a loud, horrific time in history. This atmosphere of the library I felt representation protection and a place of refuge. Very well written and will be kept close to the heart.
3.5🌟

Another interesting story about women and their children during the London blitz. This story was about how Emma dealt with having to send her daughter off to the country for safety and how Emma relied upon her new friends at the lending library and the flat she lived at to help her cope with Olivia’s being gone. Plus, mysterious things are happening at the Booklover’s Library. Books are being misplaced and missing. Who cold be doing such a thing? Very well written.

A heartwarming WWII historical fiction novel that beautifully captures the power of books and community during challenging times. Set in Nottingham, England, the story follows widow Emma Taylor and her daughter Olivia as they navigate the hardships of wartime.

Emma finds solace and purpose working at Boots’ Booklover’s Library, where she forms unlikely friendships and helps patrons find comfort in literature.

Martin’s writing is rich with historical detail and emotional depth, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel incredibly real. The novel highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring impact of books in providing hope and connection. Sonetging all book lovers can agree on!

It’s a touching and uplifting read that will resonate with book lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Book: The Booklover’s Library
Author: Madeline Martin
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Print Length: 432 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flag

This book is centered on a mother and daughter in Nottingham, England at the beginning of World War II and how books bring their relationships very close. All due to the power of written words. The heroine is Emma Taylor who is a widow and sadly has to make sure her daughter remains safe during such a horrific and dangerous time in history. Emma’s drunkard husband had previously died in an accident which makes her a single parent just like her father was to her. . On top of that she is suffering financially as her widows pension is definitely not enough for Emma and her daughter to survive.

Emma makes the difficult decision to send her daughter Olivia away to the English Countryside even though the separation is heart wrenching and breaking her heart! She luckily got a job at Boots, Booklovers Library. The one thing that eases her pain is all the friendships she makes at the bookstore, this includes her fellow employees like herself at the bookstore, local people and neighbors too. It shows how human connections are definite saviors in Emma's life!

This book also delivers the stigma and prejudice against those who are single mothers in this time period. This makes it very difficult for Emma to support herself where she had been trying to get a job for two years with no luck. She and Olivia had been basically living in poverty. Soon Emma discovers books are in the wrong shelves and some are just vanishing! She definitely doesn’t want to lose her job over this! Emma is committed to discovering why this is happening and on her watch. Furthermore she is determined to discover who is the culprit in this bookshelf mayhem!

England has declared war against Hitler and the Nazi regime. However with the blitz, bombings and air raids there is so much in jeopardy with danger and death surrounding the area. Emma will do anything to keep her child and wants her daughter safely back when the time is right. Yet it is books that are her safety net! As it had been part of her life since she was a child with her bookowner father. This is a horrible time for women where men are dying in the war at the cold, cruel, bloodied hands of Nazi soldiers and women have to be separated from their children just to keep them safe. Read and discover Emma and Olivia’s fate!

Again, Martin pens a brilliant novel that readers will absolutely love! A book that made me very emotional which is very rare. I have been reading Madeline Martin books since her book debut back in 2015. No matter if it is a historical Scottish romance, historical regency or a historical fiction novel she always tells a powerful gripping story that is an absolute masterpiece! Any book lover will definitely fall in love with this magnificent story! It is absolutely brilliant!

I have loved and read every single book Ms. Martin has written. An awe-inspiring storyteller that is absolutely phenomenal! Definitely a story not to be missed! A book I highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy for free from Hanover Square Press. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

A beautiful ode to books and the community that surrounds them. A was not sure if I would like this novel, but after reading the first chapter I was hooked. I also learned a lot about laws that made woman's lives almost unlivable, which led me to 1 am researching to learn more.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin is a WW II historical fiction. I did not enjoy the writing style and for as long as this book is, there is very little character development it is much more caricature , stereotypes, and one dimensional. The angst all the time over Olivia felt like the boy who cried wolf, honestly. Even the romance, which was promising really lacked the banter that it was absolutely crying out for. I gave this 2.5 stars. Thank you to Net Galley #netgalley and the publisher for my advance reader copy.

I found this an interesting read. World War II was different for other countries versus the United States. The book has some heart breaking points in it, but it was a great read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.

Set in Nottingham during the War, The Booklover's Library follows Emma, a young single mom who, by chance, finds herself working at the Boots Pharmacy's Booklover's Library, a lending library that offered bespoke recommendations. Through working at the library Emma finds herself rediscovering her love of reading, and so much more.
I love Madeline Martin's books because they feature strong female characters who love books. Definitely characters I could find common ground with. But I also love her stories because they're full of history. The war and especially the Battle of Britain are topics many are already familiar with, myself included, but reading about the efforts of the women during the war was newer to me. I adored Mrs. Pickering, Emma's neighbor, who takes to volunteering with the Women's Volunteer Service like a duck to water. What incredible work these women did!
But most of all, I loved this book because despite the aspects of war that made life so difficult, this book was infused with love. Emma and her friends and coworkers had a palpable love of books and reading, and books provided such solace during those difficult years. I loved imagining the Booklover's Library, with its shelves of gorgeously bound books and bespoke book recommendations. And I loved how the Library drew people together, bonded by books and a need to forge connections during a tumultuous time.
this was a charming and heartwarming book that is perfect for readers who love stories about readers and the power of books.

i don't usually read historical fiction — but guess what? i loved this! it was a quick and lovely read. emma's character is richly drawn and i found myself feeling so deeply for her and her daughter.

as the title suggests, this book is made for booklover's. i got quite a few classics added to be my TBR. it's noticeable the amount of research that went into this book. who knew there was a library behind Boots?? not me! (well, now I do.)

i imagine if you're a mother this book will hit especially hard. i immediately recommended it to my mother. it's the kind of book that swells your heart.

3.5 stars

This was FANTASTIC! This is my second book set during the Blitz in London, and Madeline Martin's version does complete justice in depicting the pathos and pain of war.


This is my second time delving into this period of history, and I was deeply moved by Martin's ability to capture the raw emotions and challenges of wartime. Her writing style and the deeply emotional depth of her characters made reading the book a profoundly moving experience. The historical accuracy was spot-on, such as Boots having a lending library and how hard it was for married and widowed women to secure jobs. Madeline Miller vividly conveyed the harrowing tales of war, loss, and pain. Along with it, a social commentary on women and society at that time.

Emma, our main character, was beautifully nuanced. Her own struggle with trauma, coupled with the gnawing guilt that comes with being a single parent, was written with such emotional depth that it made her journey inspiring. The sweet moments shared between mother and daughter in the backdrop of war made you weary each time they shared happiness, knowing that the ugliness of war is still lingering. Those moments pulled at my heartstrings, and Emma's emotional journey will stay with me.

I appreciated the focus on adult friendships forged in the eponymous Booklovers’ Library.

Oh, and the saccharine love story—it made me gush, smile, and cheer. The romance was so well written and well developed that it added a layer of hope and warmth amidst the bleakness of war. It was so well done!

The Booklover's Library played a pivotal role in Emma's personal journey, serving as a potent catalyst for healing, friendship, and positive change. Where Emma thought the world comprised of just her and her daughter, here she found friends, love and re- established a strained rel;atioship.


In conclusion, this book was a perfect read, leaving me thoroughly engrossed and satisfied. I am deeply grateful to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to experience such a brilliant piece of literature. Thank you for sharing this with me. I look forward to recommending this book to others.


This was a perfect read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thank you, Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for giving me the wonderful opportunity to read such a brilliant book.

Who doesn’t love a book about books? This is such an engaging story about a young mother, Emma, who is searching for solace after a multitude of losses. When she finally finds a job as a librarian, she feels a sense of security and will be able to provide for her daughter but sadly, England is on the brink of war. Children have been evacuated to the English countryside, so Emma turns to a long forgotten pastime of reading while working with the patrons of the library. I loved the mystery embedded in this storyline and the power of literature!

The Booklover's Library has a little bit of everything. It's an historical fiction set in WW2 England that follows Emma, a widowed single mom who is just trying to make ends meet for daughter. Emma shared a love for books with her father, but when dies in a tragic fire at his bookshop, Emma gives up reading out of grief. That is until she finds herself taking an illegal job at a lending library (even widows with children were not allowed to work in the 1940's which is CRAZY!

Along the way, the relationships that Emma forms as a result of working at the library and needing to reach out to her neighbors for help with her daughter result in a wonderful found family story. Themes include romance, friendship, grief, motherhood and community all centering on the power of stories and the love of books that bring them together. I enjoyed it!

WWII Nottingham, England

Charming!

The author does a spectacular job of incorporating historical details into this tale about motherhood, friendship, loving books and more.

As a widow with a child, Emma isn't allowed to have a job. At the same time, her funds are quickly dwindling. The owner of a lending library agrees to take her on if Emma will go by "Miss" and talk about her daughter Olivia as if she were her sister. With having to choose between presenting a falsehood and not having enough to eat, the decision is an easy one. Emma meets so many interesting subscribers and co-workers at the lending library. Multiple nods to classics in the pages.

Away from work, Emma fears for her daughter's safety and sends her to the country. The events and feelings Emma and Olivia go through are heart breaking.

A simply delightful novel. The author's note at the end including her personal connections to Emma's story and personal additions to the novel from her life added to the joy of reading this novel.

I enjoyed reading this historical novel by Madeline Martin. The Booklover's Library took place during WWII when the Nazi"s were taken over Europe. The setting of this book is in England. Emma , a widow, needed to find a job to support herself and her daughter. England's legislature prohibit widows or married women from being employed. Emma persuaded Boots Booklover's Library to giving her a job. When England started to be bombed, the government urged children to be sent to the countryside to be safe. Emma learns to depend on her community and books to find hope during this uncertain time. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel.