Our latest book review features a heartwarming and sincere book called The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick published by Harper Collins. The book is about Martha Storm, an introvert and shy librarian whose discovery of a mysterious book sparks the journey of a lifetime in the delightful new novel from the bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Read on to find out more about her latest book and what I thought of it.
About the Book
Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people, though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she’s invisible. All of that changes when a mysterious book arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her grandmother Zelda, who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda’s past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.
What I thought of the book
This is one of those books that I immediately connected with. Why? Maybe because I love books, writing, reading and I totally love libraries (always have since I was a child). One of my dream has always been to work in a library (or live in it) as it is filled with hundreds of books. So picking up the book and reading about Martha, the main character from the book, who lives in the English coastal town of Sandshift and how she loves writing and books and works for a local library …..I immediately felt a connection with her.
I love how the author Phaedra has split the chapters to share about the current and past (when Martha was a child), and her beautiful writing technique which is so simple yet so full of emotions. She has also made Martha’s character so relatable and normal that when I read about the loss of her parents, her hoarding habits and her need to help others (so she feels self-worth) is touching and made me feel sorry for her and almost want to reach out to her. I love reading the stories which Martha wrote as a child and somehow understand the moral of it. Surprisingly, my 8-year-old daughter started reading a few chapters from this book and totally loved it as well (especially the stories Martha wrote). I promised to let her finish the book soon as I have written my review of it. I found that the book also shares about the intricate relationship of Martha’s parents, her sister and her eccentric grandmother, Zelda and how each of their behaviour and choices they made triggered the consequences of what happens next.
This is a must read book, even though you may feel sad for Martha at certain points in the book, its a feel good book in the end and shares so many important messages about love, life and circumstances. Phaedra is a talented author and has the gift to bring a book to life! Oh and if you are wondering why the front of the book has a post it sign which says ‘Read me, I’m Yours’ instead of the book title …you would need to read this book to find out more.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The paperback retails for £7.99. You can buy a copy here.
About the author
Phaedra Patrick is the author of Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, which has been published in over twenty countries around the world. She studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained-glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. An award-winning short-story writer, she now writes full-time. She lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her husband and son.
About the book
ISBN: 9780008237646
Publisher: Harper Collins
Trim Size: 198x129mm
Pages: 368
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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
23 comments
This book seems interesting to read and I love some sad mood when I read a story. Thanks for your review of the book and the author.
Your welcome, so glad you enjoyed reading our book and hope you can take this with you on your next travel
I would love to read this. I love books that give me the feels, and this sounds like one that would really do that.
That sounds like a great book! I love reading books that truly connect with me.
sounds like a wonderful book to read! I would enjoy it too
I guess I need to add this to my summer reading list – it’s like two pages long now!
thanks for this sharing, inspiring as a great read to me, gonna check out this amazing book that you have shared. lovely captures. cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Oh wow, I’d definitely would love to check out this book! I love reading so this is perfect for me!
Its a lovely feel-good book and worth reading it
Thank you for the recommendation – I’m on a constant hunt to find something more to read:)
So wonderful to hear that, we love encouraging others to read as much as they can
I love that the author is living full time from her craft. So inspiring and the story sounds really intriguing. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Your welcome, thank you for stopping by to read my review of it
Thanks so much for the suggestions. The author is such an inspiration. The story sounds amazing. This was a good read.
She certainly is, I love how well she has written the book and it sure did give me a nice warm fuzzy feeling in the end
What a great review! The story sounds wonderful and I am sure my booklover husband will find it great as well. I need to check it out right away!
Thank you, yes it was an interesting story with an interesting end
Sounds like a great read and we like that it revisits the past while telling the story of the present in the book
I’ve read a few books like this recently and it keeps you alert as you are always wondering if you are in the past or present
It’s fun to find a good read especially when you have extra time. I love bringing a good book on a camping trip or vacation.
Same here, always have a book at hand so no time is wasting when I am just hanging around for kids pick up
Definitely adding this to my good reads, I do have a few books like this that I want to get lost into as well.
Glad to hear that Anosa, this is a lovely book to read