The Booklover's Library - by Madeline Martin

About the Book

In Nottingham, England, widow Emma Taylor finds herself in desperate need of a job. She and her beloved daughter Olivia have always managed just fine on their own, but with the legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities, she is left with only one option: persuading the manager at Boots Booklover's Library to take a chance on her with a job. When the threat of war in England becomes a reality, Olivia must be evacuated to the countryside. In the wake of being separated from her daughter, Emma seeks solace in the unlikely friendships she forms with her neighbors and coworkers, and a renewed sense of purpose through the recommendations she provides to the library's quirky regulars.

Book Synopsis

"A must-read for booklovers." --Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana

A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of books that bring them together, by the bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

In Nottingham, England, widow Emma Taylor finds herself in desperate need of a job. She and her beloved daughter Olivia have always managed just fine on their own, but with the legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities, she's left with only one option: persuading the manageress at Boots' Booklover's Library to take a chance on her with a job.

When the threat of war in England becomes a reality, Olivia must be evacuated to the countryside. In the wake of being separated from her daughter, Emma seeks solace in the unlikely friendships she forms with her neighbors and coworkers, and a renewed sense of purpose through the recommendations she provides to the library's quirky regulars. But the job doesn't come without its difficulties. Books are mysteriously misshelved and disappearing and the work at the lending library forces her to confront the memories of her late father and the bookstore they once owned together before a terrible accident.

As the Blitz intensifies in Nottingham and Emma fights to reunite with her daughter, she must learn to depend on her community and the power of literature more than ever to find hope in the darkest of times.

Review Quotes

"The Booklover's Library is a quiet little jewel of a war-time novel, focusing not on the vast strokes of politics or battle, but on the struggles of the home-front and the heart. Widowed Emma Taylor grapples with a host of problems during the London Blitz--​the agonizing choice of whether to evacuate her beloved daughter, the difficulties of getting hired as a single woman, the agonizing memories of the bookshop fire that claimed her father's life--but a job at the Boots Booklover's Library offers new hope, new friends, and a chance to heal in the middle of war. ​​Madeline Martin always delivers!" -Kate Quinn, bestselling author of The Phoenix Crown

"The Booklover's Library is a beautiful homage to the bonds forged by a love of books and a testament to the power of reading to offer an escape and a balm to some of life's most difficult moments. Madeline Martin's rich detail and thorough research transports readers to England during the war in a stirring, immersive read filled with a charming and lovable cast of characters. A must-read for booklovers!" -Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana

"The Booklover's Library is a timely and powerful reminder that it's not just books that will get you through the darkest of days, but the people who love them right alongside you. Martin's meticulous research transports readers to bomb-ridden England and opens a door to a fascinating slice of library history that I'd never read about before. Through it all, I cried, I sighed with joy and I rooted for all the complex and endearing characters. This love letter to literature, motherhood and community should be at the top of any bibliophile's must-read list. Martin never disappoints!" --Brianna Labuskes, bestselling author of The Librarian of Burned Books

"A spectacularly well-researched and well-plotted tale of World War II, motherhood, and the solace we find in books, The Booklover's Library is filled with characters you'll root for, drama that will bring you to tears, and the kind of emotional journey that will earn this novel a permanent place in your own booklover's library. I loved every page." -Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

"The Booklover's Library is an all-encompassing love story. Madeline Martin writes of mothers and daughters, men and women, young and old, and book lovers with enormous heart and empathy. Touching and uplifting." --Erika Robuck, national bestselling author of The Last Twelve Miles

"Madeline Martin takes us to the WWII Homefront in Nottingham, England, for this compelling and immersive love story. Rich with historical detail and packed with allusions to beloved literature, The Booklover's Library touches upon the hope and life books bring us in dire times. It's a coming-of-age story, a finding-and-creating family story, a mother-daughter story, as well as a tale filled with growing friendships and new love. The Booklover's Library an absolute must read -- and will soon become an enduring favorite. It lingered within me long after I turned the last page." --Katherine Reay, national bestselling author of The Berlin Letters

"An enthralling and heartwarming tale of motherhood, friendship, love and community during one of the world's darkest moments in time. The Booklover's Library captivated me from page one as Madeline Martin's research and prose brought the people of Nottingham authentically to life. With vibrant and engaging characters, readers will be swept up in a novel that reminds us of what humans are best at: not only surviving, but thriving. Martin's latest novel had me glued to the pages until the very sweet and satisfying end." -Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of The Queen's Faithful Companion

"The Booklover's Library is a wonderful story about the power of books to bring us together and give us solace during the most difficult times. Well-researched and emotional, this poignant tale of a mother's love for her child brought me to tears." -Harper St. George, author of The Stranger I Wed

"The Booklover's Library beautifully illustrates how books and reading can carry us through difficult times and help us make long lasting connections. Anyone who has ever been touched by a novel or had a particular book help them through grief or troubles will love this story." -Georgie Blalock, author of The Windsor Conspiracy

"A hopeful, compelling and well-written read about the redemptive power of books, libraries, friendship, and love."-Library Journal

"Madeline Martin thoughtfully explores the imprint of World War II on a British mother and daughter in The Booklover's Library, a deeply moving, meticulously researched historical novel..... Martin authentically depicts how the terror of World War II--and the many sacrifices so many people made--inspired great resilience of the human spirit."--Shelf Awareness

"Martin infuses The Booklover's Library with an array of historical details, highlighting the strength and courage needed from every citizen in a wartime effort. The novel is a feast for the senses--the sound of air-raid sirens, the taste of rationed butter, the smell of freshly brewed tea."--Booklist STARRED review