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The Library of Borrowed Hearts
A.J. Fikry meets The Bookish Life of Nina Hill in this charming, hilarious, and moving novel about the way books bring lonely souls together.
Two young lovers. Sixty long years. One bookish mystery worth solving.
Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling: to take care of her three younger siblings, to find herself, to make ends meet. She's just about at the end of her rope when she stumbles across a rare edition of a book from the 1960s at the local flea market. Deciding it's a sign of her luck turning, she takes it home with her—only to be shocked when her cranky hermit of a neighbor swoops in and offers to buy it for an exorbitant price. Intrigued, Chloe takes a closer look at the book only to find notes scribbled in the margins between two young lovers back when the book was new…one of whom is almost definitely Jasper Holmes, the curmudgeon next door.
When she begins following the clues left behind, she discovers this isn't the only old book in town filled with romantic marginalia. This kickstarts a literary scavenger hunt that Chloe is determined to see through to the end. What happened to the two tragic lovers who corresponded in the margins of so many different library books? And what does it have to do with the old, sad man next door—who only now has begun to open his home and heart to Chloe and her siblings?
In a romantic tale that spans the decades, Chloe discovers that there's much more to her grouchy old neighbor than meets the eye. And in allowing herself to accept the unexpected friendship he offers, she learns that some love stories begin in the unlikeliest of places.
Two young lovers. Sixty long years. One bookish mystery worth solving.
Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling: to take care of her three younger siblings, to find herself, to make ends meet. She's just about at the end of her rope when she stumbles across a rare edition of a book from the 1960s at the local flea market. Deciding it's a sign of her luck turning, she takes it home with her—only to be shocked when her cranky hermit of a neighbor swoops in and offers to buy it for an exorbitant price. Intrigued, Chloe takes a closer look at the book only to find notes scribbled in the margins between two young lovers back when the book was new…one of whom is almost definitely Jasper Holmes, the curmudgeon next door.
When she begins following the clues left behind, she discovers this isn't the only old book in town filled with romantic marginalia. This kickstarts a literary scavenger hunt that Chloe is determined to see through to the end. What happened to the two tragic lovers who corresponded in the margins of so many different library books? And what does it have to do with the old, sad man next door—who only now has begun to open his home and heart to Chloe and her siblings?
In a romantic tale that spans the decades, Chloe discovers that there's much more to her grouchy old neighbor than meets the eye. And in allowing herself to accept the unexpected friendship he offers, she learns that some love stories begin in the unlikeliest of places.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2024
1125 people are currently reading
31511 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Gilmore
13 books910 followersLucy Gilmore is a celebrated novelist in a wide range of genres, including literary fiction, contemporary romance, and cozy mystery. She began her reading (and writing) career as an English literature major and ended as a book lover without all those pesky academic papers attached.
She lives in Spokane, WA with her family.
She lives in Spokane, WA with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,385 reviews
April 29, 2024
I liked The Lonely Hearts Book Club quite a bit for its found family themes. However this one just missed the mark for me. It's SO slow, and when I actually think about it nothing much happens really.
Set in two timelines--one the present day, where Chloe was forced to leave college because her mom abandoned her three younger siblings. She's now working at the library and raising them, while navigating their curmudgeonly older neighbor Jasper. Chloe finds a copy of Tropic of Cancer in the library basement and smuggles it out in order to sell it to help pay the bills. It's filled with notes between a young man and a young woman. When Jasper sees the book, he offers Chloe a blank check for it. As it turns out, it was the way Jasper and Catherine, his love in the 1960s, communicated with each other, their developing love story is the second timeline.
There were way too many things going on in this book, but none of them were heartwarming. I mostly felt depressed and other than Chloe, I really didn't care for any of the characters. The mystery of what happened between Jasper and Catherine wasn't really a mystery, I found her incredibly selfish and full of herself. The story would have been more believable had it been set in the 1920s, but I couldn't believe a logger in the 60s was really that destitute.
The entire storyline with the mother of the four kids was just overall weird--it felt underdeveloped, but so did what happened with Noodle and the romance between Chloe and Zach. I don't know the entire book just fell totally flat for me.
I listened to the audiobook, and there are different narrators for various points of view, which was entertaining. But because so many of them were just brief snippets, it was all the more glaring that there were way too many points of view to make a cohesive story that reaches the reader emotionally.
There are lots of people who enjoyed this one, it just didn't work for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Set in two timelines--one the present day, where Chloe was forced to leave college because her mom abandoned her three younger siblings. She's now working at the library and raising them, while navigating their curmudgeonly older neighbor Jasper. Chloe finds a copy of Tropic of Cancer in the library basement and smuggles it out in order to sell it to help pay the bills. It's filled with notes between a young man and a young woman. When Jasper sees the book, he offers Chloe a blank check for it. As it turns out, it was the way Jasper and Catherine, his love in the 1960s, communicated with each other, their developing love story is the second timeline.
There were way too many things going on in this book, but none of them were heartwarming. I mostly felt depressed and other than Chloe, I really didn't care for any of the characters. The mystery of what happened between Jasper and Catherine wasn't really a mystery, I found her incredibly selfish and full of herself. The story would have been more believable had it been set in the 1920s, but I couldn't believe a logger in the 60s was really that destitute.
The entire storyline with the mother of the four kids was just overall weird--it felt underdeveloped, but so did what happened with Noodle and the romance between Chloe and Zach. I don't know the entire book just fell totally flat for me.
I listened to the audiobook, and there are different narrators for various points of view, which was entertaining. But because so many of them were just brief snippets, it was all the more glaring that there were way too many points of view to make a cohesive story that reaches the reader emotionally.
There are lots of people who enjoyed this one, it just didn't work for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
Audio Narration : 4⭐
Plot: 2.5⭐
Librarian Chloe Sampson has a lot on her plate. Legal guardian to her three younger siblings ever since their mother abandoned them, she juggles her job at the local library and her responsibilities at home. When she discovers a rare edition of an old book while clearing out the library basement, she decides to sell it for a decent price, hoping that the sale will temporarily ease her financial woes. The book in question has handwritten notes written in the margin – notes indicating a romantic relationship between two book-loving people (“J” an “C”). When her grumpy elderly neighbor Jasper Holmes offers to buy the book for a handsome price Chloe begins to put two and two together and begins to search for more books in the library with similar messages on the pages. As the narrative progresses, Chloe’s quest marks the beginning of an unlikely friendship with Jasper, who helps her when she is at her wit’s end. We follow Chloe as her deep dive into the events from sixty years ago gives her a deeper look into Jasper’s past and a love story that isn’t quite over.
I love stories that revolve around books/ bookstores/libraries. It's always a joy to find stories that emphasize how books can be a reader’s best companion and how the love for reading can bring people together. I was drawn to the premise The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore for the same reasons. Told through multiple perspectives in dual timelines with a plot that includes a wonderful selection of literary references with scribbled messages in the margins of old books, a struggling librarian who is intent on solving the mystery behind the identity of the two lovers who used books as a way to communicate in the 1960s, a likable protagonist and a curmudgeonly neighbor who isn’t as gruff as he makes out be, this novel had a lot to offer.
Initially, I was enjoying the story and found both present and past storylines interesting, but as the narrative progressed, I found myself struggling to maintain my enthusiasm. Chloe is an endearing protagonist ( though as the story progressed, I did question some of her choices) and I liked her dynamic with her friends and siblings (Noodle was one of my favorite characters). But the story moved too slowly for my liking and I thought that the 1960s storyline left a lot to be desired. There were several subplots and characters woven into the narrative, and there was too much going on, much of which was eventually of no consequence. The predictable, weak and unconvincing plot points (a few of which left me with unanswered questions) made it difficult to stay engaged. I was particularly disappointed in how the subplot revolving around Chloe’s dynamic with her mother was depicted. I also wasn't quite sold on how the author chose to end the story.
I listened to the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson and Bob Ball. I'm glad that I opted for the audiobook, as this surely would have been a tedious read.
This was my second Lucy Gilmore novel. The Lonely Hearts Book Club wasn’t an entirely satisfying read for me and unfortunately, this time was no different. However, many have enjoyed this book more and I would request you peruse other reviews before you decide on reading this novel.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Plot: 2.5⭐
Librarian Chloe Sampson has a lot on her plate. Legal guardian to her three younger siblings ever since their mother abandoned them, she juggles her job at the local library and her responsibilities at home. When she discovers a rare edition of an old book while clearing out the library basement, she decides to sell it for a decent price, hoping that the sale will temporarily ease her financial woes. The book in question has handwritten notes written in the margin – notes indicating a romantic relationship between two book-loving people (“J” an “C”). When her grumpy elderly neighbor Jasper Holmes offers to buy the book for a handsome price Chloe begins to put two and two together and begins to search for more books in the library with similar messages on the pages. As the narrative progresses, Chloe’s quest marks the beginning of an unlikely friendship with Jasper, who helps her when she is at her wit’s end. We follow Chloe as her deep dive into the events from sixty years ago gives her a deeper look into Jasper’s past and a love story that isn’t quite over.
I love stories that revolve around books/ bookstores/libraries. It's always a joy to find stories that emphasize how books can be a reader’s best companion and how the love for reading can bring people together. I was drawn to the premise The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore for the same reasons. Told through multiple perspectives in dual timelines with a plot that includes a wonderful selection of literary references with scribbled messages in the margins of old books, a struggling librarian who is intent on solving the mystery behind the identity of the two lovers who used books as a way to communicate in the 1960s, a likable protagonist and a curmudgeonly neighbor who isn’t as gruff as he makes out be, this novel had a lot to offer.
Initially, I was enjoying the story and found both present and past storylines interesting, but as the narrative progressed, I found myself struggling to maintain my enthusiasm. Chloe is an endearing protagonist ( though as the story progressed, I did question some of her choices) and I liked her dynamic with her friends and siblings (Noodle was one of my favorite characters). But the story moved too slowly for my liking and I thought that the 1960s storyline left a lot to be desired. There were several subplots and characters woven into the narrative, and there was too much going on, much of which was eventually of no consequence. The predictable, weak and unconvincing plot points (a few of which left me with unanswered questions) made it difficult to stay engaged. I was particularly disappointed in how the subplot revolving around Chloe’s dynamic with her mother was depicted. I also wasn't quite sold on how the author chose to end the story.
I listened to the audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson and Bob Ball. I'm glad that I opted for the audiobook, as this surely would have been a tedious read.
This was my second Lucy Gilmore novel. The Lonely Hearts Book Club wasn’t an entirely satisfying read for me and unfortunately, this time was no different. However, many have enjoyed this book more and I would request you peruse other reviews before you decide on reading this novel.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
February 15, 2024
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚒𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝙱𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚍 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 📚🩷
”You know, the thing I’ve always loved most about books is how they make it possible to live a thousand different lives,” she said, speaking as though my heart wasn’t leaking out all over my face and dripping onto her expensive purse. “Things in this world rarely go according to plan, and we often find ourselves on roads and in cities we never planned to visit, let alone stay in forever. I take comfort from knowing that I can always pick up a book—a new one, if I want to travel someplace unique; an old one, if I find myself in need of a friend—and make everything feel right again.”
Books about books will always be an immediate buy. Add in a dual timeline that features a whirlwind romance with swoony note exchanges you have created the perfect book. Reading this felt like a like a hug for my soul. My mind enjoyed all the book references and there was so much to highlight/annotate it’s impossible to include all in this review.
💕What to Expect💕
🔖Fiction/Romance
🔖literary scavenger hunt
🔖Dual timeline
🔖Multi POV
🔖letter exchanges
🔖book references-mainly Wuthering Heights(which is one of my favorites)
🔖first child family sacrifices
🔖grumpy hermit next door neighbor
🔖found family
My only issue is that the book just ends. I’m always going to complain and throw a fit every time a book ends with no epilogue. The book feels incomplete and my mind is left with too many unanswered questions. Also, the unexplained event that happened had a great effect on multiple characters and it really upset me. I believe this happened due to the time period but the character caused great hurt. She also seems selfish and flaky. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil the story.
Overall thoughts: I really enjoyed this story as you can tell and would recommend if you like women’s fiction that features romance and plenty of classic book references.
”You know, the thing I’ve always loved most about books is how they make it possible to live a thousand different lives,” she said, speaking as though my heart wasn’t leaking out all over my face and dripping onto her expensive purse. “Things in this world rarely go according to plan, and we often find ourselves on roads and in cities we never planned to visit, let alone stay in forever. I take comfort from knowing that I can always pick up a book—a new one, if I want to travel someplace unique; an old one, if I find myself in need of a friend—and make everything feel right again.”
Books about books will always be an immediate buy. Add in a dual timeline that features a whirlwind romance with swoony note exchanges you have created the perfect book. Reading this felt like a like a hug for my soul. My mind enjoyed all the book references and there was so much to highlight/annotate it’s impossible to include all in this review.
💕What to Expect💕
🔖Fiction/Romance
🔖literary scavenger hunt
🔖Dual timeline
🔖Multi POV
🔖letter exchanges
🔖book references-mainly Wuthering Heights(which is one of my favorites)
🔖first child family sacrifices
🔖grumpy hermit next door neighbor
🔖found family
My only issue is that the book just ends. I’m always going to complain and throw a fit every time a book ends with no epilogue. The book feels incomplete and my mind is left with too many unanswered questions. Also, the unexplained event that happened had a great effect on multiple characters and it really upset me. I believe this happened due to the time period but the character caused great hurt. She also seems selfish and flaky. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil the story.
Overall thoughts: I really enjoyed this story as you can tell and would recommend if you like women’s fiction that features romance and plenty of classic book references.
May 6, 2024
Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling, her mother deserted them years ago and she takes care of her three younger siblings, Trixie, Theo and Noodle. Chloe's tired of juggling credit cards to make ends meet, and she finds a rare edition of a banned 1960's book while cleaning out the libraries basement and she wonders how much she could sell it for?
Jasper Holmes lives next door to the Sampson’s and he’s the epitome of a grumpy old man, he’s a recluse and Chloe can’t believe it when he wants the buy the book. Chloe finds it odd, she looks closely at the novel, it has notes scribbled in the margins, between two sweethearts and they use it to communicate with each other. Chloe discovers it’s not the only book, she finds one more and she wonders how many others are floating around Colville. Chloe wants to uncover what happened between Jasper and his long lost love, they didn’t get married as Jasper lives alone and maybe it’s why he's rude to everyone?
The dual timeline narrative, alternates from present time and goes back to the 1960’s and Chloe discovers there's much more to Jasper Holmes, than the gruff exterior and he even offers to help her with Noodle, and they have something in common.
I received a copy of The Library of Borrowed Hearts from Sourcebooks in exchange for an unbiased review. Lucy Gilmore sets her stories around libraries, books and reading and it’s a winning combination. The characters in this novel are likable and most people will be able to relate to them and the social themes. Young love, unexpected friendships, breaking down barriers, financial struggles, raising children and everyone is different and that’s not a bad thing. I adored The Library of Borrowed Hearts, especially the quotes and references to classic books, and the author’s previous book The Lonely Hearts Book Club, I highly recommend both and five stars from me.
Jasper Holmes lives next door to the Sampson’s and he’s the epitome of a grumpy old man, he’s a recluse and Chloe can’t believe it when he wants the buy the book. Chloe finds it odd, she looks closely at the novel, it has notes scribbled in the margins, between two sweethearts and they use it to communicate with each other. Chloe discovers it’s not the only book, she finds one more and she wonders how many others are floating around Colville. Chloe wants to uncover what happened between Jasper and his long lost love, they didn’t get married as Jasper lives alone and maybe it’s why he's rude to everyone?
The dual timeline narrative, alternates from present time and goes back to the 1960’s and Chloe discovers there's much more to Jasper Holmes, than the gruff exterior and he even offers to help her with Noodle, and they have something in common.
I received a copy of The Library of Borrowed Hearts from Sourcebooks in exchange for an unbiased review. Lucy Gilmore sets her stories around libraries, books and reading and it’s a winning combination. The characters in this novel are likable and most people will be able to relate to them and the social themes. Young love, unexpected friendships, breaking down barriers, financial struggles, raising children and everyone is different and that’s not a bad thing. I adored The Library of Borrowed Hearts, especially the quotes and references to classic books, and the author’s previous book The Lonely Hearts Book Club, I highly recommend both and five stars from me.
Read
May 5, 2025Not for me why you have to use the C word in an opening sentence is beyond me not rating.
May 11, 2024
"The world isn't what it used to be, Chloe." She gave a short laugh. "Well, that's not true. It's the same relentless, beautiful, soul-crushing place it's always been. But it's bigger now. More connected. If you don't like where you are, you don't have to pack up your whole family and abandon everything you know and love. All you have to do is grab a different story from the shelf."
I AM CRYING SO HARD THAT I CAN'T EVEN WRITE A PROPER REVIEW FOR THIS.
JUST KNOW THAT LUCY GILMORE HAS DONE IT AGAIN FOR ME...💔
I AM CRYING SO HARD THAT I CAN'T EVEN WRITE A PROPER REVIEW FOR THIS.
JUST KNOW THAT LUCY GILMORE HAS DONE IT AGAIN FOR ME...💔
April 22, 2024
Loved every minute.
Chloe is on the struggle bus. Called back from college she's taking care of three rowdy but lovely siblings since they're Mom left them high and dry. She gets a job their local library and stumbled upon a very old copy of Tropic of Cancer in the basement. Curious, she starts to read the scandalous tale only to find several notes in the margins - back and forth - love notes. Even MORE curious is when her cranky neighbor Jasper offers her a blank check to take it off her hands.
Literary scavenger hunt. Multiple POV. Two romances. Strong family bonds. This book is why I love to read.
Chloe is on the struggle bus. Called back from college she's taking care of three rowdy but lovely siblings since they're Mom left them high and dry. She gets a job their local library and stumbled upon a very old copy of Tropic of Cancer in the basement. Curious, she starts to read the scandalous tale only to find several notes in the margins - back and forth - love notes. Even MORE curious is when her cranky neighbor Jasper offers her a blank check to take it off her hands.
Literary scavenger hunt. Multiple POV. Two romances. Strong family bonds. This book is why I love to read.
April 28, 2024
Have you ever finished a book and you’re just left wanting to stare at a blank wall?
I finished this book and just needed time to process.
This book makes you rethink what happily ever after (HEA) means.
Letting go, accepting what can’t be changed, forgiving, and family were different themes of love that was explored.
Do I think some characters were selfish and hurt other characters? Yes.
Do I wish that they would apologize more?
Also yes.
But I think it was through all their flaws that they seemed most human.
I wish there was an epilogue, but that ending was enough. Why do we need to see a 5 years later clip of them being happy? We see them happy in the present…and isn’t that enough?
I finished this book and just needed time to process.
This book makes you rethink what happily ever after (HEA) means.
Letting go, accepting what can’t be changed, forgiving, and family were different themes of love that was explored.
Do I think some characters were selfish and hurt other characters? Yes.
Do I wish that they would apologize more?
Also yes.
But I think it was through all their flaws that they seemed most human.
I wish there was an epilogue, but that ending was enough. Why do we need to see a 5 years later clip of them being happy? We see them happy in the present…and isn’t that enough?
May 4, 2024
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore
Fiction, women’s fiction. Chick lit. Dual time line.
Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling to take care of her three young siblings and to make ends meet. Chloe is cleaning out the basement of the library when she finds a rare book from the 1960’s. It’s filled with handwritten messages in the margins between two people, one of whom seems to be her cranky neighbor, Jasper Holmes. When Jasper gets involved with her siblings, caretaking and supervising,, it’s a surprise to all of them, but they seems to fit. They’ve made a new family. Then their mother returns and the whole family is turned again on its axis.
A love story from the 60’s, a potential love in the current day, family unbuilt and built again. It’s an emotional journey with sprinkles and quotes from classic and infamous books made to apply to life then and now.
You can be unique but also find similarities in the pages of the thousands and thousand of available stories.
This book includes a number of different growing relationships both past and present. I sympathized with Chloe struggling to raise her family when she’s young herself. She is determined and strong. Her empathy had me crying. And Jasper. So cranky with marshmallow insides. And Zack, such a charmer.
It may be a bit slow and underwhelming in the first half, but there are rich and heartwarming family ties in the end. But also know that not everyone fits and that’s okay too.
Excerpts I loved:
“You know, the thing I’ve always loved most about books is how they make it possible to live a thousand different lives.”
“If you don’t like where you are, you don’t have to pack up your whole family and abandon everything you know and love. All you have to do is grab a different story from the shelf.”
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Includes Reading Group Guide and list of the books referenced. This will be recommended to a couple of my reading groups.
4.5
Fiction, women’s fiction. Chick lit. Dual time line.
Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling to take care of her three young siblings and to make ends meet. Chloe is cleaning out the basement of the library when she finds a rare book from the 1960’s. It’s filled with handwritten messages in the margins between two people, one of whom seems to be her cranky neighbor, Jasper Holmes. When Jasper gets involved with her siblings, caretaking and supervising,, it’s a surprise to all of them, but they seems to fit. They’ve made a new family. Then their mother returns and the whole family is turned again on its axis.
A love story from the 60’s, a potential love in the current day, family unbuilt and built again. It’s an emotional journey with sprinkles and quotes from classic and infamous books made to apply to life then and now.
You can be unique but also find similarities in the pages of the thousands and thousand of available stories.
This book includes a number of different growing relationships both past and present. I sympathized with Chloe struggling to raise her family when she’s young herself. She is determined and strong. Her empathy had me crying. And Jasper. So cranky with marshmallow insides. And Zack, such a charmer.
It may be a bit slow and underwhelming in the first half, but there are rich and heartwarming family ties in the end. But also know that not everyone fits and that’s okay too.
Excerpts I loved:
“You know, the thing I’ve always loved most about books is how they make it possible to live a thousand different lives.”
“If you don’t like where you are, you don’t have to pack up your whole family and abandon everything you know and love. All you have to do is grab a different story from the shelf.”
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Includes Reading Group Guide and list of the books referenced. This will be recommended to a couple of my reading groups.
4.5
March 8, 2025
"Tenía que saber que yo haría cualquier cosa por ellos, que seguiría haciéndolo todo mientras me necesitaran. Porque eso es lo que hacían las Catherines, los Jaspers y las Chloes de este mundo. A veces emprendíamos grandes aventuras. A veces nos quedábamos en casa y nos sumergíamos en los libros. Pero siempre, siempre poníamos nuestro amor en primer lugar"
Esta historia es una canción de amor absoluta a los libros. Y una declaración de amor a esas relaciones que formamos fuera de nuestro núcleo seguro, ya sean románticas, de amistad o, incluso de familia.
Familia, la que no siempre es aquella con la que compartimos sangre si no que muchas veces los encontramos fuera de nuestros muros de seguridad.
Una maravilla de libro que he disfrutado a sorbitos, poquito a poco y que me ha hecho volar muy, muy lejos de casa que es justo lo que más necesitaba en este momento. A favoritos, de cabeza.
No queráis saber mucho más de lo que cuenta la sinopsis, mejor aún, no la leáis siquiera. Dejaos llevar por lo que la autora os vaya contando y disfrutad, disfrutadlo todo ♥️
Esta historia es una canción de amor absoluta a los libros. Y una declaración de amor a esas relaciones que formamos fuera de nuestro núcleo seguro, ya sean románticas, de amistad o, incluso de familia.
Familia, la que no siempre es aquella con la que compartimos sangre si no que muchas veces los encontramos fuera de nuestros muros de seguridad.
Una maravilla de libro que he disfrutado a sorbitos, poquito a poco y que me ha hecho volar muy, muy lejos de casa que es justo lo que más necesitaba en este momento. A favoritos, de cabeza.
No queráis saber mucho más de lo que cuenta la sinopsis, mejor aún, no la leáis siquiera. Dejaos llevar por lo que la autora os vaya contando y disfrutad, disfrutadlo todo ♥️
April 12, 2024
Wow, this was such a wonderful read. The story within the story was so deep and moving. I also just loved Chloe, even with her hardships she truly understood the deep meaning of family and taking care of the ones you love. The story between J and C, was so beautiful. I was so reeled in by all of it and wanted to see what happened between them! So much heartbreak that Chloe experienced in her lifetime, I was praying that she'd some day get her happy ending. While this story has deep meanings and good life lessons which may make you shed some tears, it will also make you smile quite a bit and laugh a few times as well. Loved this story, the author has a magical way with words.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
April 29, 2024
I loved every second of THE LIBRARY OF BORROWED HEARTS. There are so many wonderful and quirky characters in this story. If you are in a book slump that you are looking to get out of, you can't go wrong with this fantastic story. You won't be able to help yourself from cheering for Chloe and her family. That is what happened to me and I just wanted them all to find their happy place. There are multiple points of view as well as timelines, but the reader will have no problem keeping track of everything going on. I was sad when THE LIBRARY OF BORROWED HEARTS ended because I wasn't ready to leave my newfound friends. The sense of community and small-town America is really appealing to me and left me missing the small towns that I have lived in. The writing is wonderful, and the emotional ride Lucy Gilmore took us on was thrilling. I heartily recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
You can read my full review at:
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
You can read my full review at:
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
September 23, 2024
I started this book hoping it'd be a 5 star read full of books, cosy vibes, and family. It started off so well - the first 1/3 was PERFECT! 💕 But then it became difficult to maintain enthusiasm. This was SO SLOW 😖 If I hadn't listened to the audiobook, it would've been a dnf :(
Certain characters were downright unlikeable, and seemed selfish and flaky. This book left a lot of loose strings, and I didn't enjoy how stereotypical almost all of the characters were.
One of the characters literally says: "This whole thing started to seem so big... even for a man like me." 🙄😖
Plot: 2 ⭐️
Audio narration: 3.5 ⭐️
Overall rating: 2.5 ⭐️
Certain characters were downright unlikeable, and seemed selfish and flaky. This book left a lot of loose strings, and I didn't enjoy how stereotypical almost all of the characters were.
One of the characters literally says: "This whole thing started to seem so big... even for a man like me." 🙄😖
Plot: 2 ⭐️
Audio narration: 3.5 ⭐️
Overall rating: 2.5 ⭐️
February 23, 2025
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore is set on a dual timeline. Jasper and Catherine in a forbidden love affair. They hide behind books where Catherine works in a library in the 1960s after her father is transferred to a military base.
Chloe is a 22 yo single college student. Her mother takes off with another man forcing her to quit school and tend to her younger siblings. She takes a job as a librarian where she finds an old book with love notes in the margins of the book. Chloe traces it to her grumpy, hermit neighbor.
The story unfolds and tells the story of Jasper and Catherines forbidden love and Chloe’s struggle to support her 3 teenage siblings and how the two events intertwine. Though predictable, I enjoyed this sweet novel of family, love and unforbidden love.
PS:
This novel is going to force me to read Tropic of Cancer
PSS: Bring some tissues, too
Chloe is a 22 yo single college student. Her mother takes off with another man forcing her to quit school and tend to her younger siblings. She takes a job as a librarian where she finds an old book with love notes in the margins of the book. Chloe traces it to her grumpy, hermit neighbor.
The story unfolds and tells the story of Jasper and Catherines forbidden love and Chloe’s struggle to support her 3 teenage siblings and how the two events intertwine. Though predictable, I enjoyed this sweet novel of family, love and unforbidden love.
PS:
This novel is going to force me to read Tropic of Cancer
PSS: Bring some tissues, too
February 26, 2024
3.5 stars
The premise of this book grabbed me so quickly I needed to know more about it. The characters in this were lovely and charming. The setting was whimsical and cozy and I found myself constantly being lost in the magic that was this story
Where the book lost me a bit was the abrupt ending, it didn’t feel as developed and after such a wonderful story it was a bit of a let down.
I will be keeping my eyes out for anything else by this author though to see how her writing style progresses
The premise of this book grabbed me so quickly I needed to know more about it. The characters in this were lovely and charming. The setting was whimsical and cozy and I found myself constantly being lost in the magic that was this story
Where the book lost me a bit was the abrupt ending, it didn’t feel as developed and after such a wonderful story it was a bit of a let down.
I will be keeping my eyes out for anything else by this author though to see how her writing style progresses
Want to read
July 13, 2025ೃ⁀➷ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: i need a fluffy lil romance in my life <3
May 2, 2024
DIDN'T HIT THE SAME AS GILMORE'S PREVIOUS BOOK
Absolutely not a bad read, I did enjoy it. I just wanted a bit more
What I liked
👍 Reference: Gilmore references the 'hero', Arthur, from her previous book, The Lonely Hearts Book Club. That was fine nod and a fun easter egg.
👍 Book about book: Books about other people who love books as much as I do - and who find love through the love of books - will always be a hit with me.
What I didn't like
👎Characters: None of the characters developed enough throughout the story, and Chloe was (sadly) the most bland character.
👎 More: Honestly, I was looking for more of the magic that I got in Lonely Hearts Books Club. It just wasn't there for me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Absolutely not a bad read, I did enjoy it. I just wanted a bit more
What I liked
👍 Reference: Gilmore references the 'hero', Arthur, from her previous book, The Lonely Hearts Book Club. That was fine nod and a fun easter egg.
👍 Book about book: Books about other people who love books as much as I do - and who find love through the love of books - will always be a hit with me.
What I didn't like
👎Characters: None of the characters developed enough throughout the story, and Chloe was (sadly) the most bland character.
👎 More: Honestly, I was looking for more of the magic that I got in Lonely Hearts Books Club. It just wasn't there for me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2024
Too much going on and too many POV shifts for anything coherent to come of it. The same story and storyline could have been followed using two POV shifts (Chloe and 1960/Catherine) and everything would have made so much more sense and gone smoothly. I feel like the mark was missed on Chloe and everything she was going through. I got it by reading between the lines but there were so many things skipped through the changes in POV. This heartwarming story fell beyond flat and left so many holes I felt like I was trying to read Swiss cheese.
Why was Chloe so mad at Zach? Why was Jasper so hideously reclusive and mean for so long? Why did he keep the frisbees?? If they were struggling so much, why did the keep the dog? Why the emphasis on name brand cereal? (I do understand that one slightly but most things taste the same and the kids would hardly know a difference if that was what they’d been growing up with). I’m also not sure Chloe would have been given custody of the kids or been allowed to keep them if CPS had been involved and seen the apparent state of disrepair of the house.
I’d also like to question why we’re still writing women with those bold personalities that come into town, break hearts, and leave only to find out they were also miserable. But don’t you worry! They kept their dazzling personality. I don’t understand these people that take over the room and are written in that type of romantic view. It fits for certain types of stories and story telling styles but not this one!
The “mystery” and story line of the books was incredibly anticlimactic and disappointing. This is yet another portion that I think would have been more impactful if the book was told through just two POVs. I was waiting for the climax which is usually the top of the mountain in plot diagrams and it felt like instead there was a slow building hill only to crest when you thought it would keep going. Then it just kind of slowly goes back down to ground level. It would also make the most disappointing roller coaster. The writing style had me engaged and curious to find more only to discover that there wasn’t.
I loved the cover and writing style and narration but so much just disappointed and left more questions than good answers.
Why was Chloe so mad at Zach? Why was Jasper so hideously reclusive and mean for so long? Why did he keep the frisbees?? If they were struggling so much, why did the keep the dog? Why the emphasis on name brand cereal? (I do understand that one slightly but most things taste the same and the kids would hardly know a difference if that was what they’d been growing up with). I’m also not sure Chloe would have been given custody of the kids or been allowed to keep them if CPS had been involved and seen the apparent state of disrepair of the house.
I’d also like to question why we’re still writing women with those bold personalities that come into town, break hearts, and leave only to find out they were also miserable. But don’t you worry! They kept their dazzling personality. I don’t understand these people that take over the room and are written in that type of romantic view. It fits for certain types of stories and story telling styles but not this one!
The “mystery” and story line of the books was incredibly anticlimactic and disappointing. This is yet another portion that I think would have been more impactful if the book was told through just two POVs. I was waiting for the climax which is usually the top of the mountain in plot diagrams and it felt like instead there was a slow building hill only to crest when you thought it would keep going. Then it just kind of slowly goes back down to ground level. It would also make the most disappointing roller coaster. The writing style had me engaged and curious to find more only to discover that there wasn’t.
I loved the cover and writing style and narration but so much just disappointed and left more questions than good answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
Compelling multifaceted characters that are realistic in their strengths, weaknesses and flaws. The characters draw you into their stories and the multiple plot lines keep you reading well after bedtime as you don't want to miss what comes next! A romantic mystery that is first a distraction from an overwhelming life becomes an obsession for many of the characters involved. The wide age range of the characters makes the story all the more realistic and heartwarming. I have read several good books this year already, but this one is going on my top 10 best of the year. The narrators of the audiobook bring the book more fully to life as they breathe a bit more realism into the individual characters with unique voices and personalities. This is definitely an audiobook to put on your must listen list! I'll definitely be adding this author to my favorites list! I can't wait to dig into her other books!
July 30, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. It’s as if ‘a man called ove’ and ‘the notebook’ had a baby. Def cried though.
October 30, 2025
▹TL;DR Review: I was pleasantly surprised by this heartfelt story about love in all its forms—family, friendship, and connection through books. Though marketed as a romance, it’s really a tender exploration of found family, loneliness, and the quiet ways people heal and communicate through their shared love of stories.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Librarian Chloe Sampson is juggling caring for her three younger siblings after their mother leaves, trying to make ends meet. While working in the library’s basement she discovers a rare 1960s edition of a book that contains hand-written marginal notes between two young lovers—one of whom appears to be her next-door neighbor, the cranky Jasper Holmes. Intrigued, Chloe embarks on a literary scavenger hunt to uncover what really happened between those lovers and how it ties into her present-day small town and her neighbor’s guarded heart.
– Location: Washington state (small fictional town)
– POV: Multiple first-person and third-person (some in present day, some in 1960)
– Spice: No explicit spice, but sex is alluded to
– Tropes: found family, dual timeline, marginalia mystery, small town setting, grumpy neighbor, down-on-her-luck FMC, secret identity
– Content warning: family abandonment, financial hardship, loneliness, taking care of younger siblings
– Representation: possible neurodiversity representation, but nothing explicit
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: The Story by Brandi Carlile
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Books about book lovers, like The Storied Life of A.J. Fikrey by Gabrielle Zevin and An Academic Affair by Jodi McAllister (though it’s more of a conventional romance than The Library of Borrowed Hearts) [HM: the epistolary romance found in Dash & Lily)
➼ Putting a pause on your life, moving home to take care of your younger siblings after your mom skipped town and forming an unlikely friendship with your older, grumpy next door neighbor
➼ Books that solve a mystery using marginalia (this was a new term to me that I learned a few books back and was so surprised to have it be a theme in this book too!)
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn—————————✧——Slow Burn
Sweet——✧—————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I decided to read this book as part of the Goodreads reading challenge that was going on. I actually chose it because I own a different book by this author and thought it was the same book (the covers are pretty similar on first glance). Whoops! They are not the same book, but I was really pleasantly surprised by this one.
This is marketed as a romance, but I think maybe more accurately it’s a “love” story. Yes, there is a bit of romance in it, but the main theme is more about found family and learning to love your circumstances for what they are vs. “boy meets girl, they fall in love, happily ever after”.
This also features a micro-trope that I have come to find that I am a huge fan of, and that’s stories about people who love books or write books. There is something so poetic about it to me. This story features several people who learn to communicate and love through their love of reading. It’s also just shy of epistolary, maybe more appropriately marginalia; which—and I could be splitting hairs here—is different imo. But still, if you like epistolary stories, then you might like marginalia stories!
My favorite thing about this book was the relationship between Chloe and her elderly neighbor Jasper. I felt kinship to them both.
My least favorite thing was the realization that Jasper’s outcome might be my own one day and it made me feel a bit lonelier and mad at the “fairness” of life. There is a twist in this book that I hated. But I also appreciated it because it was grittier than one would expect and honestly it was realistic. To live a life so alone for so long like Jasper…it feels like punishment. ♥
Would I Recommend?: Yes!!! But if you’re looking for a romance book, then this will likely not hit that mark for you. If you’re looking for a story that takes the things in life that are “unfair” and gives purpose to them, this is the book for you! Heads up: some other reviews said this had a slower pace than they would have liked, but I didn’t find that to be the case.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Librarian Chloe Sampson is juggling caring for her three younger siblings after their mother leaves, trying to make ends meet. While working in the library’s basement she discovers a rare 1960s edition of a book that contains hand-written marginal notes between two young lovers—one of whom appears to be her next-door neighbor, the cranky Jasper Holmes. Intrigued, Chloe embarks on a literary scavenger hunt to uncover what really happened between those lovers and how it ties into her present-day small town and her neighbor’s guarded heart.
– Location: Washington state (small fictional town)
– POV: Multiple first-person and third-person (some in present day, some in 1960)
– Spice: No explicit spice, but sex is alluded to
– Tropes: found family, dual timeline, marginalia mystery, small town setting, grumpy neighbor, down-on-her-luck FMC, secret identity
– Content warning: family abandonment, financial hardship, loneliness, taking care of younger siblings
– Representation: possible neurodiversity representation, but nothing explicit
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: The Story by Brandi Carlile
╰┈➤ ❝All of these lines across my face tell you the story of who I am…❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Books about book lovers, like The Storied Life of A.J. Fikrey by Gabrielle Zevin and An Academic Affair by Jodi McAllister (though it’s more of a conventional romance than The Library of Borrowed Hearts) [HM: the epistolary romance found in Dash & Lily)
➼ Putting a pause on your life, moving home to take care of your younger siblings after your mom skipped town and forming an unlikely friendship with your older, grumpy next door neighbor
➼ Books that solve a mystery using marginalia (this was a new term to me that I learned a few books back and was so surprised to have it be a theme in this book too!)
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn—————————✧——Slow Burn
Sweet——✧—————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I decided to read this book as part of the Goodreads reading challenge that was going on. I actually chose it because I own a different book by this author and thought it was the same book (the covers are pretty similar on first glance). Whoops! They are not the same book, but I was really pleasantly surprised by this one.
This is marketed as a romance, but I think maybe more accurately it’s a “love” story. Yes, there is a bit of romance in it, but the main theme is more about found family and learning to love your circumstances for what they are vs. “boy meets girl, they fall in love, happily ever after”.
This also features a micro-trope that I have come to find that I am a huge fan of, and that’s stories about people who love books or write books. There is something so poetic about it to me. This story features several people who learn to communicate and love through their love of reading. It’s also just shy of epistolary, maybe more appropriately marginalia; which—and I could be splitting hairs here—is different imo. But still, if you like epistolary stories, then you might like marginalia stories!
My favorite thing about this book was the relationship between Chloe and her elderly neighbor Jasper. I felt kinship to them both.
My least favorite thing was the realization that Jasper’s outcome might be my own one day and it made me feel a bit lonelier and mad at the “fairness” of life. There is a twist in this book that I hated. But I also appreciated it because it was grittier than one would expect and honestly it was realistic. To live a life so alone for so long like Jasper…it feels like punishment. ♥
Would I Recommend?: Yes!!! But if you’re looking for a romance book, then this will likely not hit that mark for you. If you’re looking for a story that takes the things in life that are “unfair” and gives purpose to them, this is the book for you! Heads up: some other reviews said this had a slower pace than they would have liked, but I didn’t find that to be the case.
March 21, 2024
The best part about this book was the LM Montgomery references.
Okay, that’s not fair. This book actually hooked me right from the beginning. But somewhere around the middle the magic kind of fizzled and by the end I was irrationally annoyed with multiple characters actions and choices. I really can’t say much more without spoilers but I will say - you can be a strong woman without intentionally hurting people and never giving a real apology.
I did however enjoy several characters. Jasper was my favourite followed by Noodle (although I wish he had a different name) and then Chloe.
I would give this author another try, I just really wanted more out of this particular story!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the eARC of this book.
3.25⭐️
Okay, that’s not fair. This book actually hooked me right from the beginning. But somewhere around the middle the magic kind of fizzled and by the end I was irrationally annoyed with multiple characters actions and choices. I really can’t say much more without spoilers but I will say - you can be a strong woman without intentionally hurting people and never giving a real apology.
I did however enjoy several characters. Jasper was my favourite followed by Noodle (although I wish he had a different name) and then Chloe.
I would give this author another try, I just really wanted more out of this particular story!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the eARC of this book.
3.25⭐️
May 2, 2024
Give me any book with the name library in the title and I am immediately interested!
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. The first part is really slow. I found myself losing interest early on. Thankfully the pace does start to pick up and the storyline gets more interesting.
Overall this one wasn't for me but it's getting rave reviews and others are loving it, so give it a try for yourself! :)
My thanks to Source Books Casablanca for my gifted copy! :)
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. The first part is really slow. I found myself losing interest early on. Thankfully the pace does start to pick up and the storyline gets more interesting.
Overall this one wasn't for me but it's getting rave reviews and others are loving it, so give it a try for yourself! :)
My thanks to Source Books Casablanca for my gifted copy! :)
April 8, 2024
Maybe even 4.5 ⭐️ I’m a sucker for the found family trope!
May 16, 2024
this was boring and just really convoluted with too many perspectives for me to feel attached to any character and everyone is a martyr
October 6, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
This story is said in two timelines. Present day Chloe Sampson is struggling to care for her three younger siblings, Trixie, Theo and Noodle, while she works at a library in a low paying job. While going through discarded books in the library basement, she finds a rare edition of a book from the 1960s with a lot of comments in the margins. As she reads the marginalia, she discovers a romance between two young lovers J and C, who apparently communicated with each other by writing notes to each other in the book’s margins.
The story alternates between the present day and 1960 when J and C meet, have a clandestine love affair and…
I love that the story has told for multiple points of view: Chloe, Jasper, Noodle, Zach and Catherine. I also love how some of the characters grow, especially Chloe, Jasper and to some extent, Noodle. Noodle will tug at your heart strings. He seems to be a bit on the spectrum and it is wonderful how Jasper and Zach really see him for the wonderful boy that he is. There are other characters in the story who have, in their own way, been watching out for Chloe and trying to help her and her family-help that Chloe stubbornly tries to refuse.
The books that C and J correspond in are:
Tropic of Cancer; A Farewell to Arms; T he Haunting of Hill house (the 1963 movie scared me silly!); and Wuthering Heights. The quotes from the books make me want to read them.
This book is a paean to the power of books in our lives, how they can influence our thoughts and have a positive impact on us.
A definite recommend.
This story is said in two timelines. Present day Chloe Sampson is struggling to care for her three younger siblings, Trixie, Theo and Noodle, while she works at a library in a low paying job. While going through discarded books in the library basement, she finds a rare edition of a book from the 1960s with a lot of comments in the margins. As she reads the marginalia, she discovers a romance between two young lovers J and C, who apparently communicated with each other by writing notes to each other in the book’s margins.
The story alternates between the present day and 1960 when J and C meet, have a clandestine love affair and…
I love that the story has told for multiple points of view: Chloe, Jasper, Noodle, Zach and Catherine. I also love how some of the characters grow, especially Chloe, Jasper and to some extent, Noodle. Noodle will tug at your heart strings. He seems to be a bit on the spectrum and it is wonderful how Jasper and Zach really see him for the wonderful boy that he is. There are other characters in the story who have, in their own way, been watching out for Chloe and trying to help her and her family-help that Chloe stubbornly tries to refuse.
The books that C and J correspond in are:
Tropic of Cancer; A Farewell to Arms; T he Haunting of Hill house (the 1963 movie scared me silly!); and Wuthering Heights. The quotes from the books make me want to read them.
This book is a paean to the power of books in our lives, how they can influence our thoughts and have a positive impact on us.
A definite recommend.
April 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you, Net Galley and Dreamscape Media and Sourcebook CASABLANCA ❤️
The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a compelling beautiful intersected story I could not put down.
While reading this book I smiled a lot, was mildly frustrated and almost cried.
📚📚Imagine working in a library (we all know that is already a dream) and then finding hidden notes on an old forbidden book (double dream). But that is not all my friends, these notes are not simple annotations, these are from two different people, two people who seem to have an amazing witty connection, but who are they? Who is J with his crumbly calligraphy? And who is C with her neat rounded one?
Chloe is not even a librarian, she couldn´t finish her degree to become one, she works at the library doing everything necessary to take care of her three younger siblings, but when one day she stumbles upon an old book with very interesting annotations into it her curiosity gets the better of it.📚📚
This story was so well written, with multiple timelines and PoVs. All the characters, even the small secondary ones developed during the book and I was so so so pleasantly surprised by how much I loved every single one of them.
Even the different PoVs are not placed as you expect them at all and they hit you in the face when you least expect them, not even once I was disappointed to find myself inside a certain character or time.
🪴Jasper may as well be one of my favorite characters ever written. His story was so sad and lonely, but also so pure and true. And even if I know he doesn´t really exist I really hope he can enjoy his final (many) years with all his grandchildren and do whatever the hell he wants to!
🗺️📚💥🗣️🐶Zach, Noodle, Theo, Trixie, and even Gummy Bear have all my love!
And even if this could be a romance book, and it definitely is a love story book, there is nothing that can overshadow the family bond between Chloe and her siblings.
Regarding the audiobook itself, this production was amazing. Having to voice so many points of view, so many different ages -from a 12yo to an 80yo- must not be an easy job, but as always Dreamscape delivers!
Thank you, Net Galley and Dreamscape Media and Sourcebook CASABLANCA ❤️
The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a compelling beautiful intersected story I could not put down.
While reading this book I smiled a lot, was mildly frustrated and almost cried.
📚📚Imagine working in a library (we all know that is already a dream) and then finding hidden notes on an old forbidden book (double dream). But that is not all my friends, these notes are not simple annotations, these are from two different people, two people who seem to have an amazing witty connection, but who are they? Who is J with his crumbly calligraphy? And who is C with her neat rounded one?
Chloe is not even a librarian, she couldn´t finish her degree to become one, she works at the library doing everything necessary to take care of her three younger siblings, but when one day she stumbles upon an old book with very interesting annotations into it her curiosity gets the better of it.📚📚
This story was so well written, with multiple timelines and PoVs. All the characters, even the small secondary ones developed during the book and I was so so so pleasantly surprised by how much I loved every single one of them.
Even the different PoVs are not placed as you expect them at all and they hit you in the face when you least expect them, not even once I was disappointed to find myself inside a certain character or time.
🪴Jasper may as well be one of my favorite characters ever written. His story was so sad and lonely, but also so pure and true. And even if I know he doesn´t really exist I really hope he can enjoy his final (many) years with all his grandchildren and do whatever the hell he wants to!
🗺️📚💥🗣️🐶Zach, Noodle, Theo, Trixie, and even Gummy Bear have all my love!
And even if this could be a romance book, and it definitely is a love story book, there is nothing that can overshadow the family bond between Chloe and her siblings.
Regarding the audiobook itself, this production was amazing. Having to voice so many points of view, so many different ages -from a 12yo to an 80yo- must not be an easy job, but as always Dreamscape delivers!
May 26, 2024
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore is one of those instances where I feel like I read a different book from everyone else. I initially decided to read this because, as usual, #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt, and saw lots of rave reviews so I had high hopes. I thought the concept of the book was solid with the dual timelines where Chloe in the present day is wrapped up in finding out what happened to the lovers corresponding through the margins of books and watching that story unfold in its own timeline as well. While a good idea, I found it becoming a little messy, and it seemed like there were too many unnecessary things going on in the storyline. It really detracted from the heart of the story for me and took away the emotional element as well even though parts of it are extremely sad.
I will however say that I loved the audiobook, and it was Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson & Bob Ball's narration that kept me going. Had I not listened to the audio I firmly believe this would have wound up being a DNF for me, and I'm glad I stuck with it to the end. The storyline moves at a very slow pace as well and I think the author could have easily made the book shorter. I was just not invested in the characters to the point I should have been and a lot of them were downright unlikeable for me. I am clearly in the minority for The Library of Borrowed Hearts, so if you think it sounds good, I highly encourage you to read it! And I won't let this hiccup stop me from checking out the author's other work either.
I will however say that I loved the audiobook, and it was Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson & Bob Ball's narration that kept me going. Had I not listened to the audio I firmly believe this would have wound up being a DNF for me, and I'm glad I stuck with it to the end. The storyline moves at a very slow pace as well and I think the author could have easily made the book shorter. I was just not invested in the characters to the point I should have been and a lot of them were downright unlikeable for me. I am clearly in the minority for The Library of Borrowed Hearts, so if you think it sounds good, I highly encourage you to read it! And I won't let this hiccup stop me from checking out the author's other work either.
July 16, 2024
After reading The Lonely Hearts Book Club earlier this year, I knew I had to read Lucy Gilmore latest novel. And I am so glad I did! It was such an easy story to get absorbed in right away.
Chloe's situation made me think of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead in some ways. I felt so bad for her to have to give up her dream because her mom chose to neglect her younger siblings. Having very little money to work with was also stressful. All the supporting characters were great and there were so many surprises around every corner. I especially loved Chloe's younger brothers. One reminded me of my younger son, with his interest in science and all the facts he kept sharing. I also liked how there were different perspectives in this novel, just like with Lonely Hearts and that it went back and forth between the past and the present to fill in the whole story.
There were a couple of times when the story slowed down a bit, but then it picked right back up again, leading to a satisfying and comforting ending.
This was a charming story that you will definitely devour. I want Lucy to write many more book-themed novels.
Side note: I had a mini-book club for this novel with my friend who recommended The Lonely Hearts Book Club. We had a great time discussing it!
Movie casting suggestions:
Chloe: Annalise Basso
Jasper: F. Murray Abraham
Zach: Jacob Elordi
Chloe's situation made me think of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead in some ways. I felt so bad for her to have to give up her dream because her mom chose to neglect her younger siblings. Having very little money to work with was also stressful. All the supporting characters were great and there were so many surprises around every corner. I especially loved Chloe's younger brothers. One reminded me of my younger son, with his interest in science and all the facts he kept sharing. I also liked how there were different perspectives in this novel, just like with Lonely Hearts and that it went back and forth between the past and the present to fill in the whole story.
There were a couple of times when the story slowed down a bit, but then it picked right back up again, leading to a satisfying and comforting ending.
This was a charming story that you will definitely devour. I want Lucy to write many more book-themed novels.
Side note: I had a mini-book club for this novel with my friend who recommended The Lonely Hearts Book Club. We had a great time discussing it!
Movie casting suggestions:
Chloe: Annalise Basso
Jasper: F. Murray Abraham
Zach: Jacob Elordi
Catherine (1960): Oona Laurence
Jasper (1960): Jamie Flatters
April 21, 2024
I loved this story. It had everything I enjoy. Books, libraries and a mystery love story. At times it was amusing and I chuckled to myself. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
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