Librarian Martha Storm is a kind, super organized woman who is treated as a doormat by those around her. The hours of her days are filled with doing everything in her power to please those around her making endless to-do lists and accomplishing little. Then one night her life is changed by a book of fairy tales left for her at the doors of the library. Martha begins a quest to find out the origins of this mysterious book, stepping out of her comfort zone and ultimately discovering her true worth in life. Once again Phaedra Patrick has weaved a delightful, charming tale filled with relatable and unforgettable characters that I recognized as kindred spirits. Martha's love of books and her library and bookstores were feelings I share, as well as her feelings of being overwhelmed as she looked around her claustrophobic house full of a lifetime of possessions. "The Library of Lost and Found" has earned its place on my long list of treasured and beloved books I've read in my lifetime.

Martha Storm has spent her lifetime caring for other people, putting their needs and wants before her own. Then one day it all becomes too much and she snaps. The inscription in a book that had shown up on the doorstep for her set her on a path to solve a mystery; why was it addressed to her and signed by her Nana.... 3 years after she had died? What she discovers is life-changing.
I loved this book. It started out a little sad, when it described her home life as a child. I wanted to root for her when she finally stood up for herself and quit being everyone's pushover. Then the mystery appeared and the book took off. If you love books about books, or libraries, or bookshops, or just a good fiction story, then this is the book for you.

A story about finding yourself and acceptance. There is mystery and family secrets and a sense of nostalgia. Martha is a wonderful character that is so easy to relate too. This book brought back memories of childhood trips to the library.

An inscription on the inside of a book, written in 1985 - To Martha, but wait - she's Martha, and these stories, the stories in this book, why, they were stories that she told to her Nana, and stories her mother told her, and stories her Nana told her. How did they end up in this book? The biggest mystery of all, how did an inscription get written to her, from her Nana, 3 years after her Nana supposedly died? That question sends Martha, a woman who has devoted her entire adult life to the care of other people, on a search that upends her entire world. She ends up finding out answers to questions she didn't even know she needed to ask, and finding out that maybe she was a little bit stronger than even she knew.

This book is just entirely lovely. It's a cozy cup of tea by a fire on a dreary, rainy day when you don't have to go anywhere. It's wrapping up in a heated blanket after eating half a pint of ice cream and you're cold from the inside out. It's finding that one perfect book when you've been searching in the library for 20 minutes and you're just about to give up but .... aha... there it is! It's absolutely wonderful. What a great read.

There have been so many books out lately that revolve around things that are lost and found and I didn’t expect a much different story here. Silly me. Phaedra Patrick has given us a story about a middle-aged woman who never says no...until she does. What happens next is one of the most poignant stories I’ve read in a long time.

Martha’s whole life has been shaped by a single incident from her childhood which she knew nothing about, until a mysterious book full of her own childhood stories, with a dedication written by her grandmother, shows up out of the blue at her library. That the stories are her own, written as a child, is one thing, but the dedication is dated three years *after* her grandmother supposedly died. This mystery sets off a string of explosions in Martha’s life, leading her on an unforgettable and sometimes painful journey.

Somewhat reminiscent of a favorite from last year (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) this one will leave you with a bunch of crumpled tissues and stuffy nose, but also a soaring spirit. Book clubs, take note. This is a sure hit for your monthly meetings.

The library was/is always a magical place for me. I remember my Mom taking my sister and I during the summer and we could pick out as many books as we could carry. Martha has always loved the library. She has been volunteering there for years hoping for a paid position. She always puts everyone else above her own needs. A mysterious package shows up at the library for Martha. As she is searching for answers, she finds strength. I loved Martha and I could see her being my very best friend. It was quite an enjoyable. I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Harlequin Park Row. All opinions are my own.

As a book lover I am drawn to stories set in bookstores or libraries. I enjoy any character who understands my obsession with books. This is why I was thrilled that I received an ARC of The Library of Lost and Found from Netgalley and Park Row in exchange for my honest review.

The Library of Lost and Found is a realistic fiction novel, but the quality of the story made it feel magical to me. The main character Martha is a quiet character who dedicates most of her time to the local library. Martha receives a published book filled with her own previously private stories. She is shocked by the book’s existence and even more so by her grandmothers note scrawled in the book. The note (dated after what Martha knows to be the year of her grandmother’s death) leaves her with so many questions and a burning desire to find the answers. Martha, a woman with few friends, must foster friendships and family relationships in order to uncover the mystery of the book and ultimately figure out her own identity. I rooted for Martha throughout the entire story, and I loved following her journey. I recommend this one to anyone looking for a cozy read.

Martha Storm lives a quiet, quaint life as a librarian in a small seaside village. She constantly puts others in front of herself, and never says no to someone in need. Her whole world turns upside down though once a mysterious book of fairy tales is left on the library's doorstep. Soon Martha finds this isn't just a regular book, it's full of stories she wrote growing up, and it has a dedication from her grandmother dated three years after she supposedly died. This book takes Martha on an emotional journey through her family's past where she uncovers harsh truths that were hidden from her, and the depth of her own strength. I found this whole story very charming. Watching Martha go on this journey of self discovery and truly coming into her own was so heartwarming and satisfying, and at times even frustrating. It was a nice mix of quirky, funny and moving, and perfect if you're looking for something a little more emotional but still cozy.

Thank you for the early copy!

I picked out this ARC mainly because of the cute cover, tea and books, the perfect combo. It was well-crafted read. I recommend this to those who enjoy contemporary fiction focused on women and relationships.

The charming and endearing story in The Library of the Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick, is a wonderful cozy story to get warm and cuddled up with along with a cup of tea. This is a sweet story of a woman who has lost her way, for herself, as she has been the kind, helpful giving friend and care giver for much too long. Martha needs to find herself, and as she strives for this she reconnects and meets new people along the way, building her confidence and determination coming into ones own self. Such a lovely story of unconditional love and sometimes the lack of it; and sadly from those whom you have always trusted. Martha faces a parents selfish betrayal and the unearthing of family secrets. She held my attention till the end! Loved it! Beautiful story. Thanks to #NetGalley #TheLibraryoftheLostand Found #ParkRow #PhaedraPatrick

Martha oh Martha. I loved that she was finding her strength throughout the story and how she realized that she hadn't been doing things for herself. I loved her kind heart and how much she loved to write and loved books. Suki was such a fun character and great for Martha to realize her worth. Zelda was such an exceptional character too and I was so glad that Martha got to reconnect with her. I really liked the setting and how everything took place throughout. It is a fun read with it's own little twists that keep you begging for more.

“The Library of Lost and Found” is sure to delight any bibliophile.

Martha is a middle-aged librarian who spends her days doing favors for the people around her while neglecting her own needs. When a mysterious book is left at the library for her, she’s shocked to discover the stories in it are familiar. This book will change Martha’s life forever.

Martha was an uptight, annoying character at first, but she does grow on one. Her grandmother, Zelda, was absolutely delightful. She was so vivacious and gutsy. My favorite character, however, was Martha’s younger friend Suki.

“The Library of Lost and Found” is about living life to the fullest, familial love, and second chances. It was a charming and heartwarming read from first page to last.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free galley in exchange for an honest review.

I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people.

Chick Lit/Cozy Mysteries are not my favorite genres but this book was a quick and easy read. This book was just flat with no corners or edges to make the story interesting.

2☆

The Library of Lost and Found is a lovely story. The main character is quirky but lovable. The other characters in the book are equally unique! The setting of the book is idyllic and makes you want to visit it. The story had just the right amount of mystery and provides a satisfying resolution. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this author’s other books and enjoyed this one just as much! It’s the story of a 40-something woman named Martha whose mission in life is tot ale care of other people, but she does this to her own detriment.. things start to change for her after she says no in a big way to her friends at the library where she works.

There is much here of interest and pleasure for anyone who loves books and stories, bookstores and libraries. There is also a lot of wisdom here about taking care of ourselves, and about letting go of the past.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Full of heart! This was a charming book. Martha was ridiculously relatable and so caring. I seem to have a problem saying no to people, so seeing Martha in a similar position made my heart pull towards her and her story. I thought this was mysterious, magical and full of wonderful poignant thoughts. Completely original.

I love Phaedra Patrick's writing. This book was not a disappointment either. A family made of many personalities and secrets kept me from putting the book down. Humorous and sensitive parts make her writing credible. I related to parts and recollected similar feelings to times in my life as Martha, the main character had inI the book. Another good read.

I liked the synopsis of the book. However, when I started reading it, the story faltered for me. It just didn't hold my interest. I couldn't get interested in any of the characters. I liked that the plot included a lot of books, it the characters just didn't interest me .

I love most books set anywhere in Great Britain. The story was a bit slow, but the main character, Martha, was intriguing enough to keep my interest. A nice read.

The Library of the Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick follows the story of Martha, a woman who is now approaching middle age and whose entire existence has devolved into doing anything and everything for others. She measures her worth by the number of tasks she can take on, even as they begin to weigh her down and overwhelm her life.
Into this chaos, a book surfaces that contains stories, some she made up and told her grandmother and others her grandmother made up with her. The curious thing? The book has a note in it from her grandmother, advising Martha it is for her in the hopes it will be of benefit, but the note is dated three years after Martha’s grandmother was said to have died.
Martha’s obsession with the book initiates a change regarding how she feels about putting others ahead of herself and sets her on a course of searching for answers. Martha’s search leads her to encounter a group of people who expand and challenge her to take a look at her life, It also leads to some changes within Martha regarding how she values herself.
There is also a bit of a mystery in the book. Martha’s sister is aware that Zelda didn’t die when Martha was told she did, and begs Martha to stop investigating. She advises Martha that the knowledge will be destructive, and that Zelda will turn out to be less than the person Martha idolizes in her mind.
Parts of the book might be cathartic for people who grew up in dysfunctional households. Specifically Martha’s father is shown to be a bully and emotional abuser of his family. His emotional abuse has had a profound effect on how Martha feels about herself and how she lives her life. If someone has experienced this type of abuse in their own life, they may find it comforting to see, at least in the world of fiction, that they are not alone.
The pacing of the book is a bit erratic, with flashback chapters that highlight the activities of Martha or others of her family back when Martha was a child. In addition, some of Martha’s “stories” are peppered throughout this book and then brought forward to the current day’s action and shared either with other individuals or groups. The shifts are sudden and, although the story makes sense in terms of the point trying to be made, they serve to slow the reading of the book and make movement through the novel somewhat jerky.
There is a strong underlying agenda to this book that seems to have t deal with overcoming an abusive upbringing. This may give encouragement to people who are trying to heal their own wounds from growing up in more or less dysfunctional households. Unfortunately, the uneven pacing of the book limits the positivity that might be derived for some readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.