The Library on Love Heart Lane

Love Heart Lane #13

by Christie Barlow

Don’t miss this very special standalone novel in the Love Heart Lane series. Previously published as Evie’s Year of Taking Chances but now rewritten and improved by the author!
Love, life, and libraries

Growing up in foster care, Elle Cooper always felt a piece of herself was missing. Now, as her thirtieth birthday approaches, she’s ready to find it. But when instigating the search for her birth mother leads to a whole host of unexpected events, this librarian’s quiet life suddenly gets very loud!

With new friends, old flames and surprising influences keeping Elle busy, she soon starts to see that there’s more to life than where you came from – and that where you are right now, and who you have in your corner, is what might just matter most of all…

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Womens Fiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2023

About the author

Author Girl - published by One More Chapter @HarperCollinsUK

Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of twelve romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie's dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn't writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale's Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.
Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Twitter - @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook - Christie Barlow Author
Instagram - christie_barlow
www.christiebarlow.com

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Library on Love Heart Lane tells Elle's, the librarian, story. She is thirty, she has a good job, some great friends, a sweet foster mum. This year she is determined to find her real mother in order to finally know where she comes from and why she was abandoned.

This is a nice, entertaining read, with the addition of a moving underlay.

The setting of this story is wonderful, I love small villages and their close-knit communities, and the characters lovely.

Elle is an independent woman, but she always plays safely in her little world, so it was interesting to see her so resolute in the search of her mother even risking to be disappointed by what she could find. On the romantic side her infatuation for a famous author is a little naif but still endearing.

It's been a long time since I read a Christie Barlow novel but her writing is still fluid and pleasant as I remembered.

I can recommend this book, the storyline is easy to follow and the ending warms your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Library on Love Heart Lane, by Christie Barlow, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 13 in The Love Hearts Lane series. This is a great series, I wish I lived on Love Heart Lane. Elle always knew she was adopted, this is the year she will find her birth parents. Elle is a great character, this whole town id full of great people.

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expected publication date: 31st December 2023
It’s been a long while since I’ve picked up a book by Christie Barlow. I’m more of your serial killer, bloody crime scene type of reader. But after reading The Library On Love Heart Lane I’m kicking myself that I haven’t read previous books in the series! But I’m definitely going to rectify that!

Growing up in foster care, Elle Cooper always felt a piece of herself was missing. Now, as her thirtieth birthday approaches, she’s ready to find it. But when instigating the search for her birth mother, it leads to unexpected events. The author has paid great attention to her characters, creating a charming cast who feels like old friends rather than just characters in a book. Love Heart Lane has captured my heart, and I would love to move to this idyllic village with its picturesque scenery and charming residents.

This isn’t just a fluffy chick read, as Christie Barlow draws on real-life issues and writes about them with sensitivity, care, and empathy. The Library On Love Heart Lane is like opening the most delicious box of chocolates, a treat to be savoured. Christie Barlow is one of the best writers in this genre. She has written a captivating and charming book packed full of characters you really care about. Full of gentle humour, as my dear Gran’s always used to say, it’s the type of book that “warms the cockles of your heart”. I recommend you get your cosiest blanket, and a hot chocolate and immerse yourself in this fabulous, heartwarming tale.

You can follow my reviews at

Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book in this lovely series. I couldn't wait to start this one as I'd enjoyed the others in this series. I got lost in this story and loved the characters. It can be read as a stand alone book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Ashley B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC

Elle and Noah had a cute little story that warmed my heart! It was a feel good, low angst read that I would recommend to others!

I didn’t realize this was part of a series, so this is the only one I read! I’ll definitely have to try the others.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how the author does it, but she has created another superb instalment in the Love Heart Lane series. I have read all of the books and adored them, each one has a link with some characters, but they can also be read as stand-alone.

Elle and Pippa work in the Library on Love Heart Lane, they have a good friendship and are there for each other. Pippa is more outgoing while Elle is more down to earth, but they complement each other well. Elle has been keeping a secret and it is about to come out in the open, while Pippa is trying to work out how to get another boyfriend, she is over the past ex now and is ready to move on.

The Library sounds like an amazing place, as it should be, and there is a lot going on there is also the local book club that meets on a Thursday, mentions of book signings, and meeting authors are a good part of the story but as always there is also more to it than that.

The community is close and there are some regulars who make an appearance, as well as new faces. There are some fun moments in the story but there are also some very sad and heartbreaking ones. While we all want a perfect world, this is not the case and it is reflected in the story as things happen to people, but the author does tackle these within the story and they are part of the story.

The characters are great and I adored Elle and Pippa as well as Aiden, Wilson, Noah and others. They all bring their own influences, traits and opinions they give a great balance to the story and each other. This is needed when the search for a birth mother begins and the emotional support that will be needed. Also, words of wisdom are always helpful when relationships and romance are blossoming.

This story has some wonderful things going on and while I did work out some before they happened, there was still the odd one that I missed. Missed opportunities, mixed signals and an accident all add together to make the course of a romance stop before it even gets started.

This is another fabulous instalment and if you are a fan of heartfelt, warming, friendly and supportive stories that have a firm helping of friendship and cakes, there are a few of those, then this is a story for you. It is always great to come back to these stories and this one is, yes, another favourite and I adored it. It is one I would definitely recommend.

[Sam Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good love story with new and old characters with a few little twists.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a pleasure to be back in Heartcross, this series and its wonderful characters are so special and Christie Barlow has had some amazing storylines. A book set in a library is just a perfect read and I throughly enjoyed reading this book. The saying is true ‘when you arrive in Heartcross you never want to leave’, I will be sorry to say goodbye to Heartcross.

[Emanuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable from the start, it's nonetheless a reassuring, peaceful, pinky novel full of sweetness and happy endings, which can accompany pleasantly your relax time

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a treat to be back on Love Heart Lane and being set in a library, this ticked all the boxes
Elle’s story is an emotional one - having been through so much, it’s understandable she wants to find some answers now she’s turning 30. I thought her relationship with Irene was particularly special and loved their unconditional love and support for eachother.
Filled with some familiar characters and of course some favourite settings, The Library on Love Heart Lane is the perfect romance read to get lost in.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really moving page turner that left me with a warm glow. I really love this series of books set in the beautiful Scottish village of Love Heart Lane, returning felt like seeing old friends and getting to know some new ones. Elle is a really lovely character I really empathised with her and was willing her on throughout. A novel about librarians a romantic love story and a mystery to solve what is not to love. This was just the book to get me out of my reading slump.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #13 in the Love Heart Lane series. Whilst part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone book. We are back in the little Scottish village of Heartcross and what better place for the book to be centred around than the library. Ellie is the local librarian but when she's not issuing and returning books, she's on the search for her birth mother, having been in foster care since a teenager.

I've read all the books in this series and have loved them all. I did find this one slightly different to the others though, with more emphasis on Ellie's search for her mother than on any romantic interest for her (as there has been with other characters in previous books!). That's not to say there wasn't any romance in the story...of course there was, and not just for Ellie either, with her work colleague and best friend, Pippa, getting in on some love action as well! The storyline flowed along well, and with myself working in a library I loved the library scenes (although Ellie's library was a lot quieter and easy going than mine is!).

The location was, as always, stunning and we are treated to some picturesque mind's eye views of the village. It was a lovely heart-warming read, with some fun parts to laugh at and plenty of emotional scenes to have a good cry over. Loved meeting back up again with the characters from the previous books and as I read I remembered their stories all over again. It does tackle some serious issues, but these are all done sensitively. An easy read which will have you hooked very quickly. Would recommend.

[Priii · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's sweet but I think it was written for a 13 year old. I kept waiting for it to get more complex, sophisticated and of substance but it didn't :(

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this series. It's rare for me to read any kind of romantic fiction - I've far more in common with the darkness of my beloved crime fiction. it's rarer still for me to revisit a romantic series time and again. I typically dip in and out just to get a little bit of a break from mystery and tension. But there is something so addictive and utterly heartwarming about taking a trip over to Heartcross and spending time with the various residents that I cannot resist when I see a new book is coming out. It's true what they say - once you visit Heartcross, you'll never want to leave. And with a book which also caters to my one indulgence - books - how could I say no to an early read? I couldn't, and I didn't, so here we are.

In The Library On Love Heart Lane, we meet Elle, one of the Librarian's in Heartcross. She is soon to celebrate her thirtieth birthday and, with the particular milestone looming, has also made a very key decision about her future. As a foster child, Elle has always wondered about her birth mother, and decides that now will be the right time to try and find her. Before the smoke clears from the candles on her birthday cake, she's sent a request of to The Salvation Army and now the rest is in their hands. Not that she has that much time to dwell on things as a surprise birthday present, an impending visit to Heartcross from a famous author, and a new housemate all in the space of a few weeks keep her well and truly occupied.

Now this would not be a Christie Barlow novel without a touch of romance spilling over into the story, and Elle's tale is no different. In fact, it's not just Elle who finds herself on the cusp of a romantic dalliance, as co-worker and new roomie, Pippa, becomes the object of not one, but two suitors attention. For Elle, she only has her eyes on one man, but it's someone she fears is far out of her league. I really liked Pippa and Elle - chalk and cheese when it comes to personality and style, but the kind of friendship which you know just works and who compliment each other perfectly. Whilst Elle is quite quiet and unassuming - and the more we learn of her upbringing the more we understand why - Pippa is loud, addicted to fashion and always setting out to make a statement. They both made me smile, their interactions making me laugh, and whilst Pippa does get herself into a little bit of a mess over her two potential beaus, you know it will all work out in the end.

Creating likeable, or dare I say loveable, characters is something Christie Barlow really excels at. Within a few short pages I find I am completely drawn into the world of the latest protagonist, and that I become totally invested in their story. And with the larger than life supporting characters from around Heartcross, you always have the sense of familiarity, even when we are meeting people. It's not just Elle and Pippa who make their mark in this book. We also spend a good deal of time with Elle's foster Mother, Irene, someone who is also on the cusp of something new. She is really supportive of Elle, and I loved that bond between them which shows that family is not just about shared DNA. There is new librarian Aiden, who quickly makes himself at home in Heartcross having transferred from Inverness, and author Noah Jones, who turns heads in the town for far more than just his literary prowess. It all adds up to a wonderful story that really did make me smile.

It's not all happiness though, and although much of the story is fun and carefree, there are two very emotional scenes in the book that really hit home and get the tears flowing. One surrounds two very familiar Heartcross residents. A little bit heartbreaking to be honest and stirs up a whole host of emotions for some of the friends. The other is Elle's backstory, and the more we learn about what really happened in the time leading up to her birth and her mother's decision to give her up, the harder it is not to feel real sympathy for all involved. It's a teary moment for sure, but this is a Love Heart Lane story - you can be sure we'll have reason to smile again by the end of the book.

Funny, romantic, heartwarming and emotional, with great characters and that wonderful feeling of familiarity - everything I love about this series. Plus cake. There is a lot of cake. If you aren't still rolling around in a food haze from Christmas, in true Christie Barlow style this book will have you drooling and reaching for the cake tine before you even make the halfway point. you have been warned! Definitely recommended.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library on Love Heart Lane is a very moving story that I truly enjoyed. It contains a number of my favourite interests such as libraries, books and authors! This is an older novel previously published but has been rewritten to give it more connections to the Love Heart Lane series. I for one, am glad Christie has revisited this story. I have not read its previous version but certainly love its current rendition.

Elle Cooper is a character we immediately like. She is a kind, caring individual with a love for books and works in a library. Although she is a cheerful person and an amazing inspiration to her friends, she has waded through a difficult past. She grew up in foster care. Frightened as a child, living in fear of the unknown, ‘never knowing where she would end up next.’ Bounced from one place to the next because she did not fit in. But one day a special woman named Irene takes her in, teaches her how to read, helps her develop confidence and she blossoms. Heartcross becomes her safe place where she settles.

But even though Elle is relatively happy, she is missing a piece of herself. Not knowing who her parents are or why they gave her up. Now approaching her thirtieth birthday she wants to embark on a journey to find the answers and her parents. So, she begins with the services offered by the Salvation Army. What she discovers will surprise, perplex and please her. And there will be some pretty twisty revelations! Since we, the readers, are along for the ride, we get the inside scoop of how she feels and deals with the answers to her questions.

The entire cast of this novel is charming: including the support characters. Christie has a gift of making them incredibly real and they feel like our friends, too. Pippa is a gem—a wonderful best friend—always there to encourage and boost Elle. Then there’s the gorgeous author Noah—a perfect match for Elle. Their love story is tender and triumphant. They deserve the happiness they seek and find in each other. They discover they have even more in common than they originally knew! And uncovering the truth of her birth parents, helps Elle put the scattered pieces of her puzzle together so that her life makes sense.

As usual, Christie gives us lots of think about. Her novels may appear to be light friendly reading (and in many ways they are) but the further you enter into them, they take you into some serious life issues. In this novel: topics covered are the consequences of giving up of a child, miscarriage, drug addiction and identity alterations just to name a few. Then there are enjoyable discussions about writing. The plotters and pantser, the newbies and established writers.

I must say once again, this is a marvellous novel: captivating and memorable. Characters you want as your friends— in a village that shines with personality, warmth and humour. Heartcross is a caring and close community that invites you in and where personable characters leave you a positive experience, delightful images and uplifting memories. These familiar and friendly stories of healing and second chances are much needed today. This one makes you crave even more to spend time in this enchanting world! Luckily Christie has written a large number of these books so, if this is your first, there are lots more to dive into next!

5 Stars for a healthy heaping of heart-felt remedies for happiness. It is never too late to find the pieces of your puzzle that make you feel whole. Through encouragement, love, truth-seeking and perseverance, a person can overcome most obstacles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #thelibraryonloveheartlane #netgalley

Elle is the librarian in love heart Lane and decides on her 30th birthday she wants to find her biological family with the help of her Foster mum Irene. Will she find out about her past? Will her past bring her everything she wants? Can she get her love life back on track?

After reading book 2 in the series "Foxglove Farm." I have been following the author. Knowing I wanted to read all the books in the Love heart Lane series. So far I have read all the books after and including book 2.

This is book 12 however you would not know this when reading it. This book makes a great stand alone. Something I think this author has got down to a fine art.

The heart cross community are each loving and generous characters, each with their own secrets and hardships, who you totally feel yourself taking into your heart. They also show you the raw sides to remote village life as well as the emotions this brings.

Their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as adoption, death, drug addiction, homelessness and missing persons amongst other things. I do not feel this makes the book too heavy but has your heart growing fonder of the struggles each character faces. Whilst being thankful that Christie brings up and raises the profile of important and often taboo subjects in modern Britain.

This was not the best book in the series. The acknowledgements state this is a rewritten book from one of the authors first books that is not in this series and I wonder if that has anything to do with my below comments. I did find the first half was slow going with nothing really happening in it although there was a great opportunity that I really wanted this book to explore the actively looking part when looking for your biological family.

I normally love all of the love heart Lane characters but I really did not like Pippa. She was self absorbed, didn't listen to anyone and wanted everyone to be like her with very little character growth or understanding from her side of things.

Furthermore this book had way too many things going on which meant it was very 2 dimensional. At some points you began to scratch the surface and thought you were getting somewhere but then it'd revert back to being 2dimensional. I think it needed one plot line to allow that character chance to give their story snd back story in depth and this wpuld also have left open the option for other book ideas.

I would also say that I much prefer the titles like the other books of eg "Heartcross Castle." I feel changing it to the long title it now is 1, doesn't roll off of the tongue so easy and 2, isn't in keeping with the love heart Lane brand. This doesn't effect the book hence my review is no different but just a thought for the publishers and one I also said from book number 8 as well.

[Christine Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great to be back in Heartcross again for this latest edition in this series, although this can be read as stand-alone. Christie Barlow is an amazing way of bringing it characters to life and we can't help but fall in love with them, whether they are a new character or old and in this beautiful story- The Library on Love Heart Lane, we get to meet Elle. Elle is one of the librarians working at the library in Heartcross, alongside her good friend Pippa and they get along famously despite being like chalk and cheese. Elle is the quiet one, she has had a difficult past that she doesn't really talk about apart from with her foster mother Irene, where is Pippa is lively and bright with a love for fashion and a good time.

Elle is approaching a milestone birthday, birthdays always make her think about where she came from, who her birth mother was, and why she didn't want to keep her? So is this birthday is here turning 30 it seems even more poignant, is it time that she took action to find out more and she contacts the Salvation Army.

Of course, we are on Love Heart Lane, so we have to have some romance and with both Elle and Pippa looking for love, we wont be disappointed. With a handsome new librarian turning up unexpectedly, things are looking up but for whom. Elle is still hankering after her lost love Noah Jones a well known author with whom she shared a very fleeting moment in the past. When she hears Noah is to make a visit to the library to talk about his new book, Elle is excited but worries, will he remember her?

A story that will make you laugh, but also has some emotional moments for several characters, and we do find out the heart wrenching back story to Elles birth which made me shed a tear, but you’ll soon be laughing again, don’t worry.

Christie never disappoints and this one is another brilliant addition to the series.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book from a favourite author that is about books, is a reader’s dream. With mentions of the classics and a few contemporary publications, the story focuses on two authors, Noah Jones, and Sam Stone. Noah had shared a brief moment and a kiss with Elle, while Sam is an elusive yet celebrated writer.
Elle is fiercely loyal to Irene, a mother to her in all manners except biology. Irene has recently retired from the library and is finding joy in her newfound freedom, but still misses the daily life in The Heart of the Village, the popular shopping area on Foxglove Farm. Elle is missing Irene but loving her relationship with her best friend, Pippa. Newcomer Aiden is a welcome addition to the library, and he perfectly fits the gap left by Irene’s departure.
Despite her relationship with Irene, Elle has sent a letter that may rock her world. Nursing a desire to discover more about her past, she has approached a service to help locate her birth mother. Although she has done this with Irene’s blessing, she is nervous about what she may discover. Thankfully, there’s plenty of activity at the library to prevent her from dwelling on her actions.
Christie Barlow has a talent for creating characters who are relatable, with a certain warmth that she brings to each of her books. I have loved them all but will revisit them over time.
This book really does have everything to offer the reader, and if you’ve visited Heartcross before, you’ll recognise some of the wonderful characters that we’ve met in earlier books. However, if this is your first visit, you’ll fit right in, but no doubt you’ll be dipping into the wonderful back catalogue to learn more about this enchanting location and the many wonderful characters that live there.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle grew up in foster care and felt that a piece of herself was missing. Now as her thirtieth birthday is approaching, she’s ready to search for that piece. She didn’t expect for the search for her birth mom to result in a whole slew of unexpected events.

With new friends, old flames, and new influences keeping her busy, Elle starts to see there’s more to life than where you came from.



This was a sweet read and I really enjoyed it. I don’t necessarily think that it should be labeled a romance though as the romance was not the main focus of the book, rather it was a sub plot that sort of happened but wasn’t even fully developed. I would consider this more of a women’s fiction. I loved reading about Elle and her growth over the course of the book. Quite a few heavy topics were touched on and explored such as parental abandonment, which was one of the main topics of the book. The writing for the most part seemed surface level as it did cover a lot of topics such as diversity, sexual orientation, religion, etc. But for one book not all these topics could be explored. There were a few what could be considered “twists” or “reveals”, and they also weren’t really profound. But for a book that you can just read and escape into, this book fits the bill. I don’t think that it is meant to be deep, but it is meant to be one you can disappear into, and for me it did fit the bill.



This is book 13 in the Love Heart Lane series but they are all stand alone books that can be read separately.



Thank you to the publisher Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle Cooper is a librarian in the charming, close-knit village of Heartcross. On her 30th birthday her world turns upside down when she starts the search for her birth mother, her best friend Pippa moves in, and she enters a writing competition hosted by her favourite author.

What follows is a slice of life romcom tale that arcs through Elle's friendships, the search for her birth mother, her on/off romance with author Noah Jones, Pippa's romances, and the mystery behind the author Sam Stone. The different storylines all twist and weave together, all culminating in a satisfying resolution for the protagonist Elle.

The Library on Love Heart Lane is book 13 in the Love Heart Lane series by Christie Barlow. As a new reader to the series, I did find the sheer number of names thrown at the reader in the first few pages to be overwhelming, but presumably each of the characters mentioned has their own story arcs in the preceding books, so it will all make sense to those who have read the full series.

This was pure romcom, complete with running through thunderstorms, curious twists of fate, the savvy bestie and the reluctant protagonist. I thought Elle's back story of being a foster child was an interesting one, and stood out as something different from the average romance. The twists were a little *too* serendipitous, and I guessed them from a mile away, but that doesn't matter - this was a heartwarming story of love and books and family.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elle works in a village library. On her thirtieth birthday, she sends a request to the Salvation Army. She asks that they help her find her biological mother.

Elle was abandoned on the day she was born. Her childhood was very hard for her. She was passed from one foster home to another until she was taken in by Irene. Irene is her mother in everything except biology.

Elle has many friends around her. She loves Irene. But, in her heart she has always wanted to find her mother. And to find out why she was an infant who was left behind.

Ms Barlow has created some really lovely characters.

Pippa is Elle’s best friend. She moves into Elle’s home and they are perfect roommates for one another. Noah is an author who grabs Elle’s attention. The two of them are like ships passing in the night for a good portion of the book. But, there is no question they are meant for each other.

I liked a great deal about this book. I did not like the fact that Elle found it so easy to forget to phone someone. Or share information. That trait of being completely thoughtless did not make sense to me.

The continued coincidences got to be too much for me. I know this is fiction, but it simply got to be rather silly. I knew what would happen long before it happened.

It is a well crafted book. Ms Barlow is a talented author. I liked her character development.

This book is not a favorite for me.

[Francisca den Otter · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 13th book in the series about the little village of Heartcross we meet Elle and her foster mother Irene. Nobody knows that Irene is her foster mother, everybody thinks she is her real mom. But now Elle has turned 30 she finds the time is right do start the search for her biological mother. In the book we also get to know Elle’s colleague Pippa who has just broken up with her boyfriend and becomes Elle’s housemate.

Aiden is a new person, he just transferred from the library in Inverness to Heartcross and is Elle and Pippa’s new colleague. Irene who used to work in the library has just retired and as Elle’s mom is still present a lot in the book.

Pippa has two men asking for her attention and she has to make a decision as to what she wants, this is a nice side story next to Elle’s search for her biological mother.

The library is to host the book signing of author Noah Jones on which Elle has a liking. You follow in the preparations of this but also in the other day to day life of Elle and Pippa and their friends.

As it’s a feelgood story all turns out for the good in the end but to my liking it was a bit too coincidental but aside from that it was a fun read.

Characters = 7 | Atmosphere = 7 | Writing Style = 7 | Plot = 7 | Intrigue = 7 | Logic = 6 | Enjoyment = 7 | Score 6,86 = 3 stars

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle Cooper works at the library in an area called The Heart of a Village on the grounds of Foxglove Farms in Heartcross. Soon, she will celebrating her 30th birthday and has decided that she will start searching for her biological mother. She grew up in foster care with Irene being the last foster mother she had and they have been together for a long time. She loves her dearly. Her co-worker and good friend, Pippa, is going to move in with her so they can share expenses.

Christy loves the novels of an author named Sam Stone. He is very popular and all the members of her book club love his books. She also loves the novels of author Noah Jones, who once did a signing at her library. That day ended with them sharing a kiss. Now, she cannot stop thinking about him and when she learns he will soon return to her library for another book signing, she is overjoyed.

This is a sweet book that tells the story of Elle’s sad childhood that turned out to be a good life for her. The supporting characters are many yet each of them has a story as well and all of it comes together to show the strength of close friendships. I enjoyed the book and hope that other readers will too.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle is hitting a landmark birthday and making some life changing decisions! Go Elle!!! She’s wanting to make the most of her thirtieth year in life starting with locating her mother. But this is just the start, this one not-so-small decision is just the start and life starts to become very interesting for Elle.

I loved how Elle was bold in making some pretty major decisions in life. I wish I could be as brave at times. She didn’t always take life by the scruff of the neck which I could see she regretted to an extent but life in Heartcross always seems to find of working itself out for the better in a strange kind of way. It is such a magical place to live!

I read Evie’s Year Of Taking Chances 6 years ago and from what I remember, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Barlow has taken Evie, transformed her in to Elle and relocated her to the gorgeous location of Heartcross. It felt a different book if I didn’t know better!

Going to The Library On Love Heart Lane is a wonderfully heartwarming way to end the year. It may be a standalone in the Love Heart Lane series but it fits perfectly into the fold. I encountered some of my favourite characters from the Scottish town as well as meeting some new ones which I hope (hint hint Christie) will reappear in the later books.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Library on Love Heart Lane is a cosy, small-town romance where all the characters seem to be connected in some way or other through friends or family.

It's book thirteen in the series but I read it as a standalone.

This book centres around Elle who is looking for her birth mother. She is also single but secretly pining for Noah whom she had met a while ago. I did wonder why she didn't phone him but I enjoyed watching Pippa interfere and kickstart some social media interaction between the pair. It was cute watching them look out for likes and messages.

Elle's back story pulled on my heartstrings as I read about her childhood and how that affected her. Her reunion with her mother was sensitively handled. I had an inkling as to who her father would be and it was pleasing to see the scenario of their meeting unfold.

The romance between Noah and Elle was a slow burn where they kept missing opportunities because of a lack of communication on Elle's part. She was really bad at sending out the right signals to him and I wondered how long he was going to hang about. But, it all worked out in the end sweetly and charmingly.

For a light, relaxing read The Library on Love Heart Lane fits the bill.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another charming addition to the Love Heart Lane series. Elle Cooper is shy and reserved and has been satisfied being a librarian. But something has changed for her, a monumental birthday is approaching, her thirtieth birthday is almost here, and she feels she owes it to herself to find her biological mother and get answers. Growing up in foster care and going from home to home has left her with low self-esteem, why didn't they want her? Her last foster parent whom she considers her mom has been the best and she is still close to this woman, but she still wants answers. She's down to earth and doesn't really dress to impress. When an author has a book signing at her library, she's sure that's the last she'll see of him. Full of fun friendships, a friend of hers moves in so they both save on expenses. A book that has a library and book club meetings? I'll take it. I loved meeting up with the characters from previous books in this charming series again. Small town friendship with strong female friendships and the characters having each other's back and doing what they can for each other. Now this is my kind of book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚So much amazing coincidence!😯

4.5🌟stars
I was just loving the good plot, endearing characters and a small-town setting where all the residents live to be supportive to their neighbors. Just a positive, uplifting, feel-good reading experience that will keep me coming back for more of this Christie Barlow series. Maybe all of the coincidences were unrealistic, but I didn't care!

I would classify this story more women's fiction than sweet romance for Elle, the senior librarian in an enchanting Scottish small town. The tragic story of her birth and childhood are at the heart of the novel. At 30, Elle decides to search for her birth mother and learn why she was abandoned to be passed from parcel to post in the foster system until a kind librarian takes her in. But while she is coming to terms with her past and running the library with her irrepressible friend, Elle gets some surprises that include new hope for a romance she thought had died before it had a chance to get going.

An excellent, cozy escape.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Melanie Moreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 estrelas ⭐

Este infelizmente foi o meu livro menos favorito da autora dos que já li. Talvez tenha sido culpa minha porque não percebi que o foco principal deste livro não era o romance, mas sim a procura da Elle pelos pais biológicos. Estou tão habituada a que o main plot seja o romance que este livro apanhou-me de surpresa.

Neste livro, a autora apresenta-nos Elle, uma livreira que não conhece os seus pais biológicos. Foi "adotada" pela querida Irene depois de adulta e foi a melhor pessoa que ela podia ter conhecido. Até ao dia de aniversário da Elle, quando ela decide começar a procura pela mãe biológica. E sim, vai encontrar a mãe biológica e o pai também!

Depois sim, temos o plot de romance com o Noah, um famoso escritor de livros de ficção. Na minha opinião, este plot é tão secundário infelizmente... Gostei imenso da química entre eles os dois, mas gostava de ter tido mais interações, gostava que tivessemos mais diálogo entre eles, porque eles eram mesmo fofos!!

Apesar de tudo, foi um bom livro e uma história de autodescoberta e de família. Vão é preparados que o plot principal não é o romance, mas sim este jornada de descoberta.

Obrigada ao NetGalley e à editora por me terem cedido uma cópia deste livro para leitura e review.

[Shelagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Library on Love Heart Lane was my second Christie Barlow story. It brings readers back to the village of Heartcross and centres around the library, where Elle Cooper has taken over from her foster mother Irene as head librarian. Fellow librarians Pippa and Aiden complete the trio there. Elle turns thirty in this story and once again contemplates the task of finding her biologial mother, something she’s thought about each year on her birthday for some time. The difference is that this time, she actually begins the process. Meanwhile, she’s developed feelings for author Noah Jones, who did a workshop at her library eight months earlier. Thrown into the mix is the mystery crime author Same Stone, whom Ella has nominated as her favourite author, but whose personal life is a mystery. While this story has good bones and some sweet moments throughout, I found the pace rather slow and the foreshadowing a little too pointed. It wasn’t very hard to guess who was who. Thas said, this is still a good book and for the most part I enjoyed it.