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The Library of Second Chances
How does a girl with her head permanently stuck in a book look beyond stories and start over? If only it were that simple . . .
Chloe's life feels like a book with a missing chapter. Stuck in a rut and back in her quiet hometown of Wellbridge, Chloe finds that she has traded big-city dreams for her childhood bedroom, working at the local library and hiding behind the pages of her favourite books. But one stormy night when she seeks refuge in the library after a disastrous date, everything changes.
Under the watchful eye of Mrs. Cook, the warm-hearted head librarian who seems to know more than she lets on, and Clementine, the library's whisker-twitching cat, Chloe discovers that the library seems to hold more than stories. Here, books glow with secrets, characters leap from pages, and the shelves hum with enchantment. More importantly, it has an ability to nudge people toward what they need most - whether it's healing, hope or a second chance. But is there more to the library's magic?
Chloe must accept that she needs to face her past and learn that sometimes, the right book - or the right person - can rewrite your entire story.
Chloe's life feels like a book with a missing chapter. Stuck in a rut and back in her quiet hometown of Wellbridge, Chloe finds that she has traded big-city dreams for her childhood bedroom, working at the local library and hiding behind the pages of her favourite books. But one stormy night when she seeks refuge in the library after a disastrous date, everything changes.
Under the watchful eye of Mrs. Cook, the warm-hearted head librarian who seems to know more than she lets on, and Clementine, the library's whisker-twitching cat, Chloe discovers that the library seems to hold more than stories. Here, books glow with secrets, characters leap from pages, and the shelves hum with enchantment. More importantly, it has an ability to nudge people toward what they need most - whether it's healing, hope or a second chance. But is there more to the library's magic?
Chloe must accept that she needs to face her past and learn that sometimes, the right book - or the right person - can rewrite your entire story.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
22 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 12, 2025
When I saw this book on Netgalley I knew that I really wanted to read this. I requested a digital review copy and Headline granted me one!
This book was cute from start to finish. I think I've read the entire book with a smile on my face and especially the finale was wonderful. It was emotionally loaded, it had impact, it meant something to the characters and yet it was still entertaining and in a way also funny. Just like the rest of the book. There were so many cute moments, there were so many entertaining moments and there were so many heartwarming moments.
What I loved most about this book is the lack of miscommunication drama. There are quite a few points in the book where things could go incredibly wrong because characters wouldn't communicate, but the characters made a different, refreshing, choice. Characters actually talk with each other in this book. It's not easy. Some conversations are emotional and hard. But it was nice to see characters deciding that talking was better than immediate distrust and anger.
I also loved all the guest appearances of fictional characters. Although the author never names them, it's quite clear who they are. The author did an amazing job making clear who was who by just a few small details. I was also positively surprised that I, as a non-English native reader, recognized almost all of them. Some made only really short appearances, some had some more page time, but they were all memorable. If the author ever writes a book about just the library shenanigans I will happily read it!
This book was cute from start to finish. I think I've read the entire book with a smile on my face and especially the finale was wonderful. It was emotionally loaded, it had impact, it meant something to the characters and yet it was still entertaining and in a way also funny. Just like the rest of the book. There were so many cute moments, there were so many entertaining moments and there were so many heartwarming moments.
What I loved most about this book is the lack of miscommunication drama. There are quite a few points in the book where things could go incredibly wrong because characters wouldn't communicate, but the characters made a different, refreshing, choice. Characters actually talk with each other in this book. It's not easy. Some conversations are emotional and hard. But it was nice to see characters deciding that talking was better than immediate distrust and anger.
I also loved all the guest appearances of fictional characters. Although the author never names them, it's quite clear who they are. The author did an amazing job making clear who was who by just a few small details. I was also positively surprised that I, as a non-English native reader, recognized almost all of them. Some made only really short appearances, some had some more page time, but they were all memorable. If the author ever writes a book about just the library shenanigans I will happily read it!
June 13, 2025
In this story we follow Chloe as she moved back home after the passing of her parents and is currently working at a library. Through a new relationship and her strained one with her sister, Chloe stars noticing that the library might be magical.
I thought this story was cute, but my main problem was the pacing, all the drama was solved super easily, which in some cases worked in others not really…like the whole Jason episode? Unnecessary in my opinion. Personally I wasn’t convinced by this story, but I still think you should five it a go if you like cozy fantasy.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this story was cute, but my main problem was the pacing, all the drama was solved super easily, which in some cases worked in others not really…like the whole Jason episode? Unnecessary in my opinion. Personally I wasn’t convinced by this story, but I still think you should five it a go if you like cozy fantasy.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2025
A library that provides exactly what you need, whether that's advice from Sherlock Holmes or extra books on cats - I can't deny I would want to visit! This is a sweet story, but unfortunately it didn't really work for me. It felt very twee - and the main character Chloe just grated on me, she felt very pick-me and just could not possibly be at fault for anything ever - that wasn't working for me. I liked the random perspective of the cat, and this does fit the cosy season vibes, but I didn't necessarily enjoy it sadly.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 8, 2025
Whimsical and cute.
This was an enjoyable read, blending romance, friendships and magic into a cosy vibes story.
I adored the magical library in this book and how the author brought magic to the librarians and library cat. It was fun to see well loved book characters come to life. Especially in the chaos towards the end.
This was the perfect fun cosy read, the kind you want to cosy under a blanket to read.
Rounded up to 4 stars. Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this. All thoughts are my own.
This was an enjoyable read, blending romance, friendships and magic into a cosy vibes story.
I adored the magical library in this book and how the author brought magic to the librarians and library cat. It was fun to see well loved book characters come to life. Especially in the chaos towards the end.
This was the perfect fun cosy read, the kind you want to cosy under a blanket to read.
Rounded up to 4 stars. Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this. All thoughts are my own.
July 12, 2025
A love letter to bookworms, The Library of Second Chances is a cute light fantasy about grieving, forgiveness, and growth. Mostly lighthearted, with a dash of tragedy sprinkled through each character's background, it offers good vibes and sweet moments of friendship and romance.
It took me a while to get into this, as the pacing at the start is pretty slow and I wasn't sure where the story was heading - the switching POVs between Chloe and Clementine was unusual as there didn't seem to be a purpose to it, and it definitely threw me off initially. I was also unreasonably annoyed that the day to day of working in a library was so wrong (putting donations directly on shelves without first cataloging them??!).
Once the magic of the library begins to come to light though, I was much more engaged. The concept of characters leaving their books to give insight and advice was interesting, and while it was odd that the books and characters are never named, it was fun puzzling out the descriptions. From Pride and Prejudice to The Chronicles of Narnia, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the sentient building is mysterious and I liked its mischievous personality - it made for some amusing situations when it decided to pull pranks or 'help' the employees.
It did feel like some of the problems introduced were resolved too quickly or simply, and sometimes it never was addressed fully at all (like Jason!). The plotting overall was a bit weak, but the emotional journey was rewarding overall and I really liked the cast of characters.
This is a pretty cozy book, and if you like books about reading and libraries or want a story about reconnecting with hometowns, it's worth picking up.
It took me a while to get into this, as the pacing at the start is pretty slow and I wasn't sure where the story was heading - the switching POVs between Chloe and Clementine was unusual as there didn't seem to be a purpose to it, and it definitely threw me off initially. I was also unreasonably annoyed that the day to day of working in a library was so wrong (putting donations directly on shelves without first cataloging them??!).
Once the magic of the library begins to come to light though, I was much more engaged. The concept of characters leaving their books to give insight and advice was interesting, and while it was odd that the books and characters are never named, it was fun puzzling out the descriptions. From Pride and Prejudice to The Chronicles of Narnia, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the sentient building is mysterious and I liked its mischievous personality - it made for some amusing situations when it decided to pull pranks or 'help' the employees.
It did feel like some of the problems introduced were resolved too quickly or simply, and sometimes it never was addressed fully at all (like Jason!). The plotting overall was a bit weak, but the emotional journey was rewarding overall and I really liked the cast of characters.
This is a pretty cozy book, and if you like books about reading and libraries or want a story about reconnecting with hometowns, it's worth picking up.
July 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up ⭐
I thought this was super cute and read it in an afternoon - would recommend for a sweet easy read (full review to come)
I thought this was super cute and read it in an afternoon - would recommend for a sweet easy read (full review to come)
August 30, 2025
The Library of Second Chances has all the makings of a cute, cosy read filled with magical realism. It was charming, and for the most part, a really fun and lighthearted read. However, I feel it falls short on a few things.
Let's talk about the good first. If you're a reader, you're going to recognize so many literary references. Some fictional characters make cameo appearances, and even though they are unnamed, you get enough hints to recognise them. Plus, the very idea of a magical library is so enticing to me?? Like hello?? Who wouldn't want to work in a library where fictional characters come to life and where the library itself knows exactly what you want to read? As a mood reader, this would be the perfect place for me.
There's quite a cast of side characters, which brings a unique chaos to the story. The stakes are very low, but they turned out to be pretty fun. Chloe is such a kind warm hearted character and you can't help but adore her. We definitely need more characters like her. And the romance was pretty good.
Now the not-so good. The pacing changed intermittently, and some things were bought up that were solved a little too quickly. There was the sideplot with Jason, which felt out of place, sudden, and the way it was resolved was a little too quick for its seriousness. The writing style was also a little off for me; there was nothing "bad" as such, but sometimes, there were some really beautiful metaphors, at the same time, there were other scenes, where we were being told what was happening and not shown. This felt very jarring to read.
Overall, while this book was not for me personally, The Library of Second Chances was a cute read and I'm sure others will end up loving it.
Thank you Headline for sending me an e-ARC through Netgalley!
Let's talk about the good first. If you're a reader, you're going to recognize so many literary references. Some fictional characters make cameo appearances, and even though they are unnamed, you get enough hints to recognise them. Plus, the very idea of a magical library is so enticing to me?? Like hello?? Who wouldn't want to work in a library where fictional characters come to life and where the library itself knows exactly what you want to read? As a mood reader, this would be the perfect place for me.
There's quite a cast of side characters, which brings a unique chaos to the story. The stakes are very low, but they turned out to be pretty fun. Chloe is such a kind warm hearted character and you can't help but adore her. We definitely need more characters like her. And the romance was pretty good.
Now the not-so good. The pacing changed intermittently, and some things were bought up that were solved a little too quickly. There was the sideplot with Jason, which felt out of place, sudden, and the way it was resolved was a little too quick for its seriousness. The writing style was also a little off for me; there was nothing "bad" as such, but sometimes, there were some really beautiful metaphors, at the same time, there were other scenes, where we were being told what was happening and not shown. This felt very jarring to read.
Overall, while this book was not for me personally, The Library of Second Chances was a cute read and I'm sure others will end up loving it.
Thank you Headline for sending me an e-ARC through Netgalley!
July 8, 2025
The Library of Second Chances by Molly Reid
This book was like a warm cup of tea and a cosy blanket—filled with quiet magic, gentle humour, and a deep love for stories and second chances.
Chloe is the kind of protagonist many book lovers will immediately relate to—introverted, bookish, and unsure how to move forward when life hasn’t quite turned out as planned. Back in her sleepy hometown, hiding out in her childhood bedroom and nursing her disappointments, she finds solace in the one place that’s always made sense: the local library.
But this isn’t just any library. Under the twinkling eyes of the mysterious Mrs. Cook, the company of a sassy library cat named Clementine, and the ever-so-slightly enchanted shelves, Chloe is nudged (sometimes literally) toward rediscovering life beyond the page.
Molly Reid’s writing is charming and tender. The story blends magical realism with emotional depth in a way that feels whimsical but still grounded. While some parts of the plot were predictable, the magic lies in the atmosphere, the character growth, and the small, hopeful moments scattered throughout.
Perfect for fans of:
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
• Cosy, bookish fiction with a dash of enchantment
• Stories about healing, self-discovery, and quiet courage
A sweet, comforting tale about letting go of the past and daring to write a new story—one page at a time.
This book was like a warm cup of tea and a cosy blanket—filled with quiet magic, gentle humour, and a deep love for stories and second chances.
Chloe is the kind of protagonist many book lovers will immediately relate to—introverted, bookish, and unsure how to move forward when life hasn’t quite turned out as planned. Back in her sleepy hometown, hiding out in her childhood bedroom and nursing her disappointments, she finds solace in the one place that’s always made sense: the local library.
But this isn’t just any library. Under the twinkling eyes of the mysterious Mrs. Cook, the company of a sassy library cat named Clementine, and the ever-so-slightly enchanted shelves, Chloe is nudged (sometimes literally) toward rediscovering life beyond the page.
Molly Reid’s writing is charming and tender. The story blends magical realism with emotional depth in a way that feels whimsical but still grounded. While some parts of the plot were predictable, the magic lies in the atmosphere, the character growth, and the small, hopeful moments scattered throughout.
Perfect for fans of:
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
• Cosy, bookish fiction with a dash of enchantment
• Stories about healing, self-discovery, and quiet courage
A sweet, comforting tale about letting go of the past and daring to write a new story—one page at a time.
August 18, 2025
This is a library I’d love to visit! The Library of Second Chances is a warm and whimsical read, perfect for bookworms.
Chloe’s return to her small hometown felt relatable and bittersweet - her fear of being trapped in a smaller life compounded by her nostalgia and grief in the wake of her parent’s deaths. I loved the way she slowly built hope and connection, especially through the library and its community.
The library setting and its characters felt so vivid - I can still picture it. The idea of characters stepping out of books was delightful. Think Night at the Museum, but bookland. I loved the way the author didn’t reveal which books the characters came from, I had so much fun solving the little mysteries, and it made the story feel more immersive. I struggled with a couple of the cats, but cracked the rest on my own!
I enjoyed the way Harry and Chloe’s relationship started with real friction and grew into something sweet. Chloe and Gwen’s dynamic was confusing at first, which matched their tension, and it was satisfying to watch the way they worked through it.
Most of all, I loved the ending. It was chaotic, wild, and exciting. The author leaned into creativity and playfulness, which made it shine and bumped the book from a 4 star to a 4.5 star read for me.
I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a thoughtful, playful and cosy read, perfect for book lovers.
Thank you to the publishers for this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed are my own.
Chloe’s return to her small hometown felt relatable and bittersweet - her fear of being trapped in a smaller life compounded by her nostalgia and grief in the wake of her parent’s deaths. I loved the way she slowly built hope and connection, especially through the library and its community.
The library setting and its characters felt so vivid - I can still picture it. The idea of characters stepping out of books was delightful. Think Night at the Museum, but bookland. I loved the way the author didn’t reveal which books the characters came from, I had so much fun solving the little mysteries, and it made the story feel more immersive. I struggled with a couple of the cats, but cracked the rest on my own!
I enjoyed the way Harry and Chloe’s relationship started with real friction and grew into something sweet. Chloe and Gwen’s dynamic was confusing at first, which matched their tension, and it was satisfying to watch the way they worked through it.
Most of all, I loved the ending. It was chaotic, wild, and exciting. The author leaned into creativity and playfulness, which made it shine and bumped the book from a 4 star to a 4.5 star read for me.
I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a thoughtful, playful and cosy read, perfect for book lovers.
Thank you to the publishers for this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2025
I did not vibe with this book at all.
The premise was cute, the cover is adorable, and it felt as if this could be the perfect read for summer turning to winter.
For me the book was just too low-stakes and too surface-level to really enjoy.
The library must be a wonderful place to work and I wish everyone their happiness (especially Clementine, and he was done dirty!!), but I felt no connection with anyone and also felt no connection between the characters. On top of their behaviour and decisions making no sense to me.
Plus, the “OK I guess I shall just forgive everyone” from the FMC felt too easy after all the feelings for years and years (yes this was part of the plot, second chances and all, but still!!).
Speaking of– the Mary Sue energy of the FMC gave me the ick.
The book characters stepping out of their books was a cute idea, but very under used. Plus, it annoyed me that because of I am sure copyright reasons, the references had to be super vague and to me gave off energy similar to “tee hee hee I know who it is, do you?”. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, Jamie from Outlander, Aslan from Narnia, Edward AND Jacob from Twilight… yes yes I get it, the library is magical and this book is meta but it is not cool to be on the nose about it.
Yay for everyone getting their happy ending I guess.
If you want to read a cosy book about books where really nothing happens, this is for you.
I am just sad this was a meh read for me.
The premise was cute, the cover is adorable, and it felt as if this could be the perfect read for summer turning to winter.
For me the book was just too low-stakes and too surface-level to really enjoy.
The library must be a wonderful place to work and I wish everyone their happiness (especially Clementine, and he was done dirty!!), but I felt no connection with anyone and also felt no connection between the characters. On top of their behaviour and decisions making no sense to me.
Plus, the “OK I guess I shall just forgive everyone” from the FMC felt too easy after all the feelings for years and years (yes this was part of the plot, second chances and all, but still!!).
Speaking of– the Mary Sue energy of the FMC gave me the ick.
The book characters stepping out of their books was a cute idea, but very under used. Plus, it annoyed me that because of I am sure copyright reasons, the references had to be super vague and to me gave off energy similar to “tee hee hee I know who it is, do you?”. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, Jamie from Outlander, Aslan from Narnia, Edward AND Jacob from Twilight… yes yes I get it, the library is magical and this book is meta but it is not cool to be on the nose about it.
Yay for everyone getting their happy ending I guess.
If you want to read a cosy book about books where really nothing happens, this is for you.
I am just sad this was a meh read for me.
August 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Spoiler-Free
☕ Perfect for a rainy afternoon read… 📖
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a book that feels like stepping into a warm library on a rainy day 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 is exactly that kind of read.
Set in the small town of Wellbridge, this is a gentle, magical tale about books, second chances, and finding the courage to turn a new page. I loved how Molly Reid captures the quiet enchantment of a library, from the twinkle in Mrs Cook’s eye to the ever-watchful (and sometimes opinionated) library cat, Clementine (I love Clementine).The characters feel lived in, with moments of kindness and connection that sneak up on you.
It also touches on themes that feel timeless and relatable, grief, forgiveness, family bonds, and the quiet resilience it takes to start over. These moments are handled with a light, respectful touch, giving the story emotional depth.
It’s a story about healing in your own time, the importance of community, and rediscovering joy in unexpected places. It has that early-autumn feel perfect for a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and a blanket.
If you adore magical libraries, found family, and cosy reads with heart, this one belongs on your shelf.
🌟 Huge thanks to Headline books for sending me this gorgeous copy.
📚
AD | PR
Spoiler-Free
☕ Perfect for a rainy afternoon read… 📖
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a book that feels like stepping into a warm library on a rainy day 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 is exactly that kind of read.
Set in the small town of Wellbridge, this is a gentle, magical tale about books, second chances, and finding the courage to turn a new page. I loved how Molly Reid captures the quiet enchantment of a library, from the twinkle in Mrs Cook’s eye to the ever-watchful (and sometimes opinionated) library cat, Clementine (I love Clementine).The characters feel lived in, with moments of kindness and connection that sneak up on you.
It also touches on themes that feel timeless and relatable, grief, forgiveness, family bonds, and the quiet resilience it takes to start over. These moments are handled with a light, respectful touch, giving the story emotional depth.
It’s a story about healing in your own time, the importance of community, and rediscovering joy in unexpected places. It has that early-autumn feel perfect for a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and a blanket.
If you adore magical libraries, found family, and cosy reads with heart, this one belongs on your shelf.
🌟 Huge thanks to Headline books for sending me this gorgeous copy.
📚
AD | PR
August 21, 2025
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬
𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐝 📚🐈💫⋆˙⟡♡
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
📚 Small English Town setting
🐈 Librarian FMC
🏘 Cosy Vibes
☕️ Magical Books
✨️ A Cute Cat called Clementine
⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
3.75⭐️
The Library of Second Chances is pure comfort in book form.
The magical library itself is a joy to imagine 😍✨️ books that glow, stories that reach out to people who need them, and a space that seems to understand your heart better than you do. It made me wish such a place could exist in real life. 🥹 For anyone who loves books, the author’s nods to beloved literary characters are such a fun touch! 😍 (I especially loved the subtle Outlander references; spotting them felt like sharing a secret with the author.)
It gently explores grief, loneliness, and healing but always with kindness and hope.
The romance in the book is tender and beautifully developed, unfolding naturally as the characters learn to trust and open themselves up again. And then there’s Clementine, the library cat, whose gentle presence and occasional point of view made the story even more special. 🐈✨️
If you want a heartwarming, light read filled with a love for books and the magic of second chances, this is the perfect choice for you.
Thank you to the author, Headline | Wildfire for the gifted copy 💛🐈📚☕️💫
⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆
𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐝 📚🐈💫⋆˙⟡♡
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
📚 Small English Town setting
🐈 Librarian FMC
🏘 Cosy Vibes
☕️ Magical Books
✨️ A Cute Cat called Clementine
⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
3.75⭐️
The Library of Second Chances is pure comfort in book form.
The magical library itself is a joy to imagine 😍✨️ books that glow, stories that reach out to people who need them, and a space that seems to understand your heart better than you do. It made me wish such a place could exist in real life. 🥹 For anyone who loves books, the author’s nods to beloved literary characters are such a fun touch! 😍 (I especially loved the subtle Outlander references; spotting them felt like sharing a secret with the author.)
It gently explores grief, loneliness, and healing but always with kindness and hope.
The romance in the book is tender and beautifully developed, unfolding naturally as the characters learn to trust and open themselves up again. And then there’s Clementine, the library cat, whose gentle presence and occasional point of view made the story even more special. 🐈✨️
If you want a heartwarming, light read filled with a love for books and the magic of second chances, this is the perfect choice for you.
Thank you to the author, Headline | Wildfire for the gifted copy 💛🐈📚☕️💫
⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆
December 26, 2025
The premise of the book is great - a library where characters from certain books come to life to help you out when you most need it.
Sadly that’s really about all it has going for it other than an amazing sassy cat called Clementine.
The main protagonist’s parents have been killed in a freak yachting accident (ok a car crash) and she’s returned from the big city to sort the house out and for some reason save money to buy her own place even though she’s inherited the house 🤷🏼♀️. And to do this she gets a part time job in the local library where not only is nothing digitalised but all the library records are on paper in lever arch files rather than in some sort of normal library card system.
She meets a man who gets her back up pretty much straight away so we can all guess how that goes.
There are too many weird Americanisms in this for my liking - it’s very much set in England and yet they’ve snuck in anyway.
I also found her mentioning every other page that she’s just there for a few months really wearing. We get it. Though how you’re expecting to save up enough for your own place in that time I’ve no idea - pretty sure the library isn’t paying much more than minimum wage and you spend most of that on caramel lattes.
I mean it’s cosy and cute and the library sounds amazing and the cat deserves his own book but it’s just not very well executed at all.
Sadly that’s really about all it has going for it other than an amazing sassy cat called Clementine.
The main protagonist’s parents have been killed in a freak yachting accident (ok a car crash) and she’s returned from the big city to sort the house out and for some reason save money to buy her own place even though she’s inherited the house 🤷🏼♀️. And to do this she gets a part time job in the local library where not only is nothing digitalised but all the library records are on paper in lever arch files rather than in some sort of normal library card system.
She meets a man who gets her back up pretty much straight away so we can all guess how that goes.
There are too many weird Americanisms in this for my liking - it’s very much set in England and yet they’ve snuck in anyway.
I also found her mentioning every other page that she’s just there for a few months really wearing. We get it. Though how you’re expecting to save up enough for your own place in that time I’ve no idea - pretty sure the library isn’t paying much more than minimum wage and you spend most of that on caramel lattes.
I mean it’s cosy and cute and the library sounds amazing and the cat deserves his own book but it’s just not very well executed at all.
June 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Wildfire for the advance copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This was one of those books where I was completely drawn in by the cover.
It is magical and fantastical and loving, and it's about books and a library. I mean, what more do you want?
I love that it's mostly from the point-of-view of our protagonist Chloe, but then we regularly get it from the point-of-view of the library cat, Clementine.
Libraries are magical places, all book lovers know that, and this presents that belief in a more literal way.
On the surface this sounds like a frivolous, trivial happily-ever-after type book, and I'm not saying it isn't that, but it touches on more complicated topics like death, estrangement, anger, and loneiness.
It is such a quick book to read. You're fully absorbed in the story and with the characters, and it flows so well that it flies by.
This is character heavy and plot light, which is generally how I liked my books. What plot is there is fabulous and interesting and entertaining, but this is a character-led story and they're all so brilliantly developed.
I've read a few books over the years where fictional characters come to life and I quite like the idea until I realise that I mainly read thrillers involving serial killers so maybe not.
There's magic obviously, and it's full of friendship and family, love and second chances, hope, joy, and purpose.
My one negative is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, everything was overcome in just a ew pages and it was done, so I'd have liked that explored a bit more.
This was one of those books where I was completely drawn in by the cover.
It is magical and fantastical and loving, and it's about books and a library. I mean, what more do you want?
I love that it's mostly from the point-of-view of our protagonist Chloe, but then we regularly get it from the point-of-view of the library cat, Clementine.
Libraries are magical places, all book lovers know that, and this presents that belief in a more literal way.
On the surface this sounds like a frivolous, trivial happily-ever-after type book, and I'm not saying it isn't that, but it touches on more complicated topics like death, estrangement, anger, and loneiness.
It is such a quick book to read. You're fully absorbed in the story and with the characters, and it flows so well that it flies by.
This is character heavy and plot light, which is generally how I liked my books. What plot is there is fabulous and interesting and entertaining, but this is a character-led story and they're all so brilliantly developed.
I've read a few books over the years where fictional characters come to life and I quite like the idea until I realise that I mainly read thrillers involving serial killers so maybe not.
There's magic obviously, and it's full of friendship and family, love and second chances, hope, joy, and purpose.
My one negative is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, everything was overcome in just a ew pages and it was done, so I'd have liked that explored a bit more.
August 10, 2025
A cosy fantasy book written as almost a homage to reading and books!
There are strong themes of grief, forgiveness, finding your tribe, and letting grudges go. It's set in modern day small town England, with just a touch of magical books and sentient libraries!
Chloe is an endearing FMC but she her flaws. She holds a grudge pretty well, she seems petty where her sister is concerned and she's not dealing with the grief of her parents death very well. As the story unfolds we learn more about WHY Chloe can't depend on her sister and she actually begins to feel that she has roots somewhere, even if her parents are now gone.
The story is quite slow paced and the gentle romance between Chloe and Harry is well handled. I did think that the subplot involving Jason was handled far too quickly (as someone who works in the policing world I was not happy!) The gentle fantasy plot involving the book characters coming to life was a great way to guess which book they came from (some were easier than others for me).
The found family of Chloe, Hannah, Mrs Wood and Eric was lovely and it definitely helped tie all the subplots together quite well. The library is most definitely a character all if its own in the story!
Cosy, low angst, fantasy with a gentle romance.
There are strong themes of grief, forgiveness, finding your tribe, and letting grudges go. It's set in modern day small town England, with just a touch of magical books and sentient libraries!
Chloe is an endearing FMC but she her flaws. She holds a grudge pretty well, she seems petty where her sister is concerned and she's not dealing with the grief of her parents death very well. As the story unfolds we learn more about WHY Chloe can't depend on her sister and she actually begins to feel that she has roots somewhere, even if her parents are now gone.
The story is quite slow paced and the gentle romance between Chloe and Harry is well handled. I did think that the subplot involving Jason was handled far too quickly (as someone who works in the policing world I was not happy!) The gentle fantasy plot involving the book characters coming to life was a great way to guess which book they came from (some were easier than others for me).
The found family of Chloe, Hannah, Mrs Wood and Eric was lovely and it definitely helped tie all the subplots together quite well. The library is most definitely a character all if its own in the story!
Cosy, low angst, fantasy with a gentle romance.
July 17, 2025
Une histoire pleine de magie aux côtés de nos personnages littéraires préférés.
L'autrice nous donne rendez-vous à Wellbrige, où nous rencontrons Chloé, fraîchement revenue dans le village de son enfance suite au décès brutal de ses parents. En attendant, elle travaille à la bibliothèque. Rapidement, elle découvre que cette bibliothèque est magique et qu'elle a la capacité d'orienter les personnes vers ce dont elles ont besoin.
Mon premier roman de cette autrice et quel bon moment passé aux côtés de Chloé, Harry et Mrs Cook à la bibliothèque de Wellbridge. La cosy fantasy parfaite pour tous les amateurs de livres. Qui n'a jamais rêvé de travailler dans une bibliothèque ET de pouvoir rencontrer ses personnages préférés ?
Malgré quelques petites incohérences et certains passages résolus un peu trop rapidement, j'ai pris du plaisir à lire cette histoire. Elle se lit très facilement et est parfaite pour un doux moment sous un plaid avec une boisson chaude. Le livre traite, avec pudeur, de sujets importants comme le deuil, la solitude ou encore la séparation.
J'ai aimé deviné à quelles histoires appartenaient les personnages, puisque les titres n'étaient pas mentionnés.
L'autrice nous donne rendez-vous à Wellbrige, où nous rencontrons Chloé, fraîchement revenue dans le village de son enfance suite au décès brutal de ses parents. En attendant, elle travaille à la bibliothèque. Rapidement, elle découvre que cette bibliothèque est magique et qu'elle a la capacité d'orienter les personnes vers ce dont elles ont besoin.
Mon premier roman de cette autrice et quel bon moment passé aux côtés de Chloé, Harry et Mrs Cook à la bibliothèque de Wellbridge. La cosy fantasy parfaite pour tous les amateurs de livres. Qui n'a jamais rêvé de travailler dans une bibliothèque ET de pouvoir rencontrer ses personnages préférés ?
Malgré quelques petites incohérences et certains passages résolus un peu trop rapidement, j'ai pris du plaisir à lire cette histoire. Elle se lit très facilement et est parfaite pour un doux moment sous un plaid avec une boisson chaude. Le livre traite, avec pudeur, de sujets importants comme le deuil, la solitude ou encore la séparation.
J'ai aimé deviné à quelles histoires appartenaient les personnages, puisque les titres n'étaient pas mentionnés.
August 12, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted your local library to literally hand you the exact book you need at the exact right moment, this is the book for you.
We meet Chloe, big city dreams traded in for her childhood bedroom and a job at her hometown library. She’s hiding from life (and maybe from herself) until one stormy night and one disastrous date push her into something unexpected.
The library isn’t just a library… books glow, characters feel almost alive, and Mrs. Cook, the librarian, might know more than she’s letting on. Oh, and there’s Clementine the cat, who is clearly in on it.
What I loved? The cozy magic. The second chances. The gentle reminder that sometimes you have to face the past before you can write your next chapter.
It’s bookish escapism at its finest! The kind that leaves you hugging the pages.
Perfect for fans of magical realism, small town charm, and anyone who’s ever thought, “If only life worked like the books I read.”
We meet Chloe, big city dreams traded in for her childhood bedroom and a job at her hometown library. She’s hiding from life (and maybe from herself) until one stormy night and one disastrous date push her into something unexpected.
The library isn’t just a library… books glow, characters feel almost alive, and Mrs. Cook, the librarian, might know more than she’s letting on. Oh, and there’s Clementine the cat, who is clearly in on it.
What I loved? The cozy magic. The second chances. The gentle reminder that sometimes you have to face the past before you can write your next chapter.
It’s bookish escapism at its finest! The kind that leaves you hugging the pages.
Perfect for fans of magical realism, small town charm, and anyone who’s ever thought, “If only life worked like the books I read.”
October 20, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, I loved the idea, but the characters didn't gel for me.
I enjoyed the magical realism element of the story. The library was interesting (who wouldn't want a library that causes main characters to walk out of the books?) and the cat's perspective, while confusing at first, was a fun addition.
Unfortunately the main character acted and thought in a way that made her seem petulant and judgemental, enough to pull me out of the story. The pacing was off, with much of the story taking a slow, langorous pace that fit with the cosy vibe, and then rushing some sections.
It seems the author has little experience with libraries and how they work, but maybe other readers won't find this element as offputting as I did.
All in all, the book has many of the ingredients needed to make it a fun cosy read, but with some large flaws.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
I enjoyed the magical realism element of the story. The library was interesting (who wouldn't want a library that causes main characters to walk out of the books?) and the cat's perspective, while confusing at first, was a fun addition.
Unfortunately the main character acted and thought in a way that made her seem petulant and judgemental, enough to pull me out of the story. The pacing was off, with much of the story taking a slow, langorous pace that fit with the cosy vibe, and then rushing some sections.
It seems the author has little experience with libraries and how they work, but maybe other readers won't find this element as offputting as I did.
All in all, the book has many of the ingredients needed to make it a fun cosy read, but with some large flaws.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
July 12, 2025
3.5 stars - women’s fiction with a cosy fantasy element.
I loved how the fmc Chloe was older in this book than your standard late teen / early twenties. Chloe is late twenties / early thirties, I believe, and is dealing with the death of her parents, moving back to her home town and dealing with her estranged sister whilst working at a magical library and dipping her toes into the dating pool after cancelling her wedding. She is quick to relate to and made the story easy to read.
I enjoyed the magical element of the library and liked trying to guess who the character of each story was. I also loved clementine the cat even though I found it odd he was a boy cat with a girls name.
A short, light-hearted read perfect if you’re looking for something fluffy in between your standard fantasy books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read a copy of the ebook.
I loved how the fmc Chloe was older in this book than your standard late teen / early twenties. Chloe is late twenties / early thirties, I believe, and is dealing with the death of her parents, moving back to her home town and dealing with her estranged sister whilst working at a magical library and dipping her toes into the dating pool after cancelling her wedding. She is quick to relate to and made the story easy to read.
I enjoyed the magical element of the library and liked trying to guess who the character of each story was. I also loved clementine the cat even though I found it odd he was a boy cat with a girls name.
A short, light-hearted read perfect if you’re looking for something fluffy in between your standard fantasy books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read a copy of the ebook.
July 24, 2025
Thanks so much Headline for the ARC opportunity. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.
This is such a nice cozy little story. I read the whole book in a day. It was a bit slow but I kind of expected it. The small town feel was right there. This will definitely make you crave autumn and nice hot coffee and just cozy up under a blanket.
The magic part of the story was cute and interesting, though, I think there was a bit more potential in there than what we got. I really loved the occasional cat POV just for the hell of it.
Grace was cute, very bookish girl. She might be a bit overdramatic at some points. It also felt like the conflicts were resolved way to easily (Jason?).
But all in all this was a cute, lovely book I'd definitely recommend.
This is such a nice cozy little story. I read the whole book in a day. It was a bit slow but I kind of expected it. The small town feel was right there. This will definitely make you crave autumn and nice hot coffee and just cozy up under a blanket.
The magic part of the story was cute and interesting, though, I think there was a bit more potential in there than what we got. I really loved the occasional cat POV just for the hell of it.
Grace was cute, very bookish girl. She might be a bit overdramatic at some points. It also felt like the conflicts were resolved way to easily (Jason?).
But all in all this was a cute, lovely book I'd definitely recommend.
August 10, 2025
Chloe works in the library in her hometown of Wellbridge. She feels stuck - no relationship, no job prospects, living in her old family home after her parents passed away, estranged from her sister. When she finds herself in the library after hours one evening, she begins to realise that there is more to the building than meets the eye - can it help her rebuild her life?
I had to suspend disbelief a bit too much for me, the story felt a bit silly in places. However, it was fun recognising all of the unnamed books characters appeared from, and I loved Clementine the cat. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Chloe and Gwen develop. A quick and easy read, a nice afternoon distraction.
I had to suspend disbelief a bit too much for me, the story felt a bit silly in places. However, it was fun recognising all of the unnamed books characters appeared from, and I loved Clementine the cat. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Chloe and Gwen develop. A quick and easy read, a nice afternoon distraction.
July 27, 2025
A charming, curl-up-with-a-blanket kind of story, The Library of Second Chances celebrates the power of found family. Molly Reid’s small-town library setting radiates warmth, and her characters blossom in believable, sometimes surprising ways. I especially appreciated how the book weaves grief into the plot with a light, respectful touch—it never feels heavy, yet it honors the real ache of loss. That said, the pace occasionally drifts and the stakes stay comfortably low, so the tension never quite pulls taut. Still, if you’re after a cosy read with lovely character development and a gentle reminder that community can heal, this one is worth checking out
August 12, 2025
Chloe is back in her hometown, but still feeling like she has lost her way.
But sometimes the pages of books give us more than escapism, and with the help of the library and meeting people through the pages, she will be able to find the answers she was looking for.
I found this a fun and cosy read.
I loved the main character, Chloe, and loved how she was relatable to readers.
This is a book that reminded me of the film series 'The Night Museum.' Reid gives us a book full of magic and meaning, letting our main character know they need to face their past to find their happily ever after.
But sometimes the pages of books give us more than escapism, and with the help of the library and meeting people through the pages, she will be able to find the answers she was looking for.
I found this a fun and cosy read.
I loved the main character, Chloe, and loved how she was relatable to readers.
This is a book that reminded me of the film series 'The Night Museum.' Reid gives us a book full of magic and meaning, letting our main character know they need to face their past to find their happily ever after.
June 23, 2025
3 ⭐️
I loved the concept of a magic library, and Clementine the cat, but I felt like both the plot and the characters just didn’t do the premise justice. I found Chloe overly dramatic at times, the romance felt stilted and generally there were far too many points of conflict which never really amounted to anything or were resolved too quickly.
This book had so much potential but for me it ultimately fell short, I’m sure others will enjoy it more!
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the concept of a magic library, and Clementine the cat, but I felt like both the plot and the characters just didn’t do the premise justice. I found Chloe overly dramatic at times, the romance felt stilted and generally there were far too many points of conflict which never really amounted to anything or were resolved too quickly.
This book had so much potential but for me it ultimately fell short, I’m sure others will enjoy it more!
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
A fantasy novel set in a Library.
Characters from books come to live... and it is fun....
Chloe returns home after her parents are killed in a car crash, to sort out the family home, while sorting out the home, she takes a job in the local library. Her sister who she has only seen a handful of times in the last few years suddenly appears home.
Chloe is trying to sort out her private life, when she finds a book glowing in the library, when she opens it the main character appears. The character gives her advice.... but then one day, lots of characters appear and it's bedlam!
Characters from books come to live... and it is fun....
Chloe returns home after her parents are killed in a car crash, to sort out the family home, while sorting out the home, she takes a job in the local library. Her sister who she has only seen a handful of times in the last few years suddenly appears home.
Chloe is trying to sort out her private life, when she finds a book glowing in the library, when she opens it the main character appears. The character gives her advice.... but then one day, lots of characters appear and it's bedlam!
August 6, 2025
What a fun read! This book felt a lot like my childhood dream of working in a library, and how safe and magical it can be to be totally surrounded by books.
Harry seems like a genuinely delightful man, and is perfect proof that first impressions can be deceiving.
At its heart, this is a book about facing your past demons, allowing old wounds to heal, and choosing happiness for yourself in the future. Watching the slow forgiveness and reconciliation between the two sisters as they both grow and move past the past was very sweet.
A book full of love, magic, and the joy of books.
Harry seems like a genuinely delightful man, and is perfect proof that first impressions can be deceiving.
At its heart, this is a book about facing your past demons, allowing old wounds to heal, and choosing happiness for yourself in the future. Watching the slow forgiveness and reconciliation between the two sisters as they both grow and move past the past was very sweet.
A book full of love, magic, and the joy of books.
August 11, 2025
The library of second chances follows Chloe who’s back in her home town after something terrible happens. She’s settling into her life back home and starts working in the local library! And her life changes for the better in my opinion ahaha. This book was filled with magic and mystics and just such a fun read. I loved the characters and it reminded me of the movie- night at the museum kinda. It also deals with some emotional topics so obviously check trigger warnings for that! It was a lovely, cozy read and i don’t want to say too much and spoil it!
September 3, 2025
Boring beyond belief. I’m so disappointed 😭 The narrator is very pleasant and comforting and so I stuck it out until 40%, but repeatedly caught myself zoning out, and finally DNF’d. This plot is going nowhere! Why isn’t she curious about the magic?? She just accepts it, the way you accept your neighbor having a new car, you say “oh, neat”, but it’s not gonna impact your life that much. And being able to conjure characters from books really doesn’t seem to be the focus on this story. What gives? Nothing matters, there are no stakes, nothing happens. My hopes have been crushed.
October 20, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
As a librarian who grew up in Derbyshire, this book seems tailor-made for me - and I did enjoy it. I assume that something (probably copyright) was preventing Reid from being able to name the characters that appeared, which, while it was fun trying to work them out, did feel slightly contrived at times. But this was my only criticism - otherwise I really liked the plot and characters and particularly the fact that characters actually do talk to each other at pivotal moments rather than stewing. A perfect autumnal cosy fantasy.
As a librarian who grew up in Derbyshire, this book seems tailor-made for me - and I did enjoy it. I assume that something (probably copyright) was preventing Reid from being able to name the characters that appeared, which, while it was fun trying to work them out, did feel slightly contrived at times. But this was my only criticism - otherwise I really liked the plot and characters and particularly the fact that characters actually do talk to each other at pivotal moments rather than stewing. A perfect autumnal cosy fantasy.
August 16, 2025
A sentient magical library with a cat who has his own pov. This book was a perfect fall read. While the pacing could use some work and there were a few mistakes about time/place, the story still kept me hooked. I also loved the atmospheric setting, the cosy autumn/winter vibes. The gothic library was the cherry on top though.
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