Review: The Littlest Library by Polly Alexander

 

About the Book

Genre
Fiction

Format
E-ARC

Publisher
Avon

Release Date
July 19, 2022
Originally published:  March 18, 2021

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A heartwarming literary-themed novel about a woman who turns an ordinary red phone box into the littlest library in England and brings together a struggling town.

A little red telephone box full of stories, a chance to change her life...

Jess Metcalf is perfectly content with her quiet, predictable life. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, Jess' life is turned upside down.

Determined to pick up the pieces, Jess decides it's time for a new beginning. Unable to part with her grandmother's cherished books, she packs them all up and moves to a tiny cottage in the English countryside. To her surprise, Jess discovers that she's now the owner of an old red phone box that was left on the property. Missing her job at the local library, Jess decides to give back to her new community--using her grandmother's collection to turn the ordinary phone box into the littlest library in England.

It's not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their literary magic--bringing the villagers together... and managing to draw Jess' grumpy but handsome neighbor out of his shell.

Maybe it's finally time for Jess to follow her heart, let go of her old life, and make the village her home? But will she be able to take the leap?

My Review

Jess Metcalf’s tranquil life is suddenly in turmoil when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library.  Realizing she must start a new life, she packs her grandmother’s treasured book collection and moves to a small town in England.  The small cottage leaves  much to be desired, but Jess is determined to make it her home.  The big question is what is she supposed to do with the tiny phone booth sitting in front of her house?  She’s really surprised to learn she owns that too.

Jess misses her job as a librarian so much that she decides to make her grandmother’s book collection available to the community.  She sets up the phone booth as England’s littlest library.  She’s thrilled when she sees how receptive the small community is and everyone is borrowing books.  The town seems to draw together over their new library.  

Even her bad-tempered neighbor seems to be interested and she’s more than a little interested in him.  The one downfall is that Jess needs a paying job and there are none available in this small town.  Her new life might be over before she knows it.

This book oozes charm.  What a sweet, heartwarming book!  As a book lover, it warms my heart to see a town come together over books.  

The characters  are well developed.  These are people you could cheer for and really care about as you read about their lives.

The romance is sweet and moves at a steady pace.  It’s not overwhelming.  It draws out all the emotions the characters are feeling and melts your heart.

I never read anything by this author before, but I’m impressed with this one and will be on the look out for any more books.  Reading this left we with warm, fuzzy feelings  A true “feel good” read.  I enjoyed everything about it, even the adorable cover!

For reading challenges:

NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2022

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.