The Library of Lost and Found is the latest novel by Phaedra Patrick. Martha Storm is a library assistant in Sandshift. She lives a quiet life since her parents passed away. Martha spends her time helping others and she keeps careful track of the status of her favors in her small Wonder Woman notebook. Martha is heading to the library for an author signing event when she notices a shadowy figure leaving a package. The brown paper wrapped parcel has Martha’s name on it. Inside she finds a battered book of fairy tales with a dedication written to her by her grandmother, Zelda Sanderson who passed away in 1983. The inscription is dated 1985. How could her grandmother have written this message in 1985 if she died in 1983? Zelda was Martha’s favorite person growing up and her life changed when she was no longer around. Martha wants to learn the truth and starts searching for answers. Martha has started down a path that will change her life forever. Once you start looking into your family’s past, you are bound to uncovers secrets. Is Martha prepared for what she unearths?

The Library of Lost and Found is not what I expected from the book description. Martha Storm is a woman in her 40s (we are not given her exact age) who cannot say no. It seems that all the locals take advantage of Martha by unloading various tasks they do not wish to do on her (fixing papier mache dragon head for school, cleaning chandeliers, doing Nora’s endless bags of laundry because her machine is broken, storing items, fish sitting, hemming her nephew’s pants) for which she gets nothing in return (rarely even a thank you). It does not help that Martha feels unworthy thanks to her father and his controlling nature. The story also takes us back to Betty Storm, Martha’s mother, and her life with Thomas Storm. We see how Zelda affected their lives and finally what happened to Zelda. The special book left for Martha is what prompts change in Martha’s life. We follow Martha’s journey for the truth. While others may see The Library of Lost and Found as a feel good story, I found it depressing. The author is a verbose descriptive writer (i.e.—long winded and detailed) which leads to a slow paced story. There is a slight uptick in the pace towards the end of the book. I thought it was a predictable story, and I wanted something more. Two phrases I liked from the book are “I take each page and chapter as they come” which is from Zelda and the other is “You should always make time for books” (very true) from Owen. Owen wore a shirt that had “Booksellers—great between the sheets” on the front (makes me smile). For readers who like to read women’s lit, you will find this story appealing. The Story of Lost and Found is about letting go of the past so you can move forward towards a brighter future.

Sweet beach read - a middle age woman finally learns to live, rather than being somewhat frozen in the past. Despite the blurbage, there's nothing here that's really that surprising about the family secrets.

eARC provided by publisher.

I truly enjoyed reading this book even though I was guessing correctly all along at what was coming next. Some of the characters themselves weren't very likeable but I enjoyed the way they were written. I also like the underlying message of taking a chance and not letting the past define who you are as a person. Slow moving at times but overall a very enjoyable read!

This was a sweet story, and if it was a little predictable, it was no less enjoyable for that. There were times when I wanted to grab poor Martha and shake her very hard, to get her out of her wallowing woe-is-me mentality - and then times when I couldn't believe how kind and sweet she was, despite everything. There were times when Zelda's antics made me laugh right out loud - and others where she seemed selfish and self righteous and I wanted to give HER a good shake. And there were lots of poignant and touching and difficult and exasperating moments in between, which I occasionally found exhausting to read, but which wrapped up nicely in the end as I knew they would.

It was a sweet story overall and a relatively quick read, and my only regret is that we didn't get enough Siegfried OR Owen OR Gina to make any of them into the fully developed characters they could have been with a little more time and attention. They mostly served as plot advancers, which is a shame because they were some of the loveliest characters in the book despite their only appearing on the sidelines...

I read the Library of Lost things hoping to find a sweet story. Although I liked the main character and the concept of the book. I wasn't thrilled with the ending. The characters are quirky and the small town is nice, but the idea of some of the "things" that are found was off putting to me. Not my cup of tea.

Thanks to #NetGalley #HarlequinBooks for a free e copy of #TheLibraryofLostandFound by #phaedrapatrick in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Martha Storm volunteers at the library, and she spends much of her free time selflessly helping others. In fact, she keeps meticulous lists of her projects in a Wonder Woman themed notebook (which we might call a bullet journal). Even though many people depend on her to help them out with small projects, Martha doesn’t have many friends and feels “invisible.” Her routine at the library and hours of service to others take a dramatic turn when a mysterious book arrives for her and Martha is determined to solve a family mystery that surrounds the book.

Any time a book is described as a book about books, count me in! The library is one of the many settings in the story, the book club members are colorful characters, and the mysterious book of fairy tales that Martha receives is a predominant theme/mystery in the story. Some of Martha’s back story is revealed through the fairy tales in the mysterious book.

If a book about books is appealing to me, so are quirky characters. Martha Storm is now in my collection of memorable quirky characters who bravely confront circumstances and make changes to live their best lives.

The fairy tales in the mysterious book are metaphorical, and I feel like the entire story could be a metaphor for life. Without giving a spoiler, it especially struck me that Martha’s entire experience in the water can be seen as a metaphor for depression and hopelessness…..or hitting bottom…..and then the healing process follows as she receives TLC from a friend, gains strength, and finds reasons to hope in the future.

In this engaging, heartwarming, and charming story, the writing is honest, gentle, and uplifting. I feel that one of the author’s purposes in writing is to show how people from emotionally abusive childhoods and who have lost themselves in service to others, can find themselves again and create meaningful and hopeful futures. Although Phaedra Patrick creates believable and well drawn characters and the settings are filled with vivid details, sometimes the transitions between events could have been smoother.

Important themes include gaining confidence, finding your voice, friendship, family secrets, sibling relationships, importance of grandmothers, selflessness and care taking, trust, controlling husbands/fathers, and taking risks.

I recommend The Library of Lost and Found for fans of books about books, for readers who love quirky characters, for those who love metaphor, and for readers looking for a nice change of pace in their reading material. This would make an excellent book club selection for its discussion possibilities.

Review posted on blog 4/5/19

I always feel kind of bad when I write a review for a book I didn't like, but I have to give an honest review. This book started soooo slow for me. I almost gave up, but then towards the middle it picked up enough that I became interested in where the story was going. But then the last part because a slog again and I just powered through in order to finish. If you pick this up, like I did, because you expect a story about libraries and books, you'll be disappointed. This is a story that's been told several times in different ways and I just didn't like this one. The only parts I enjoyed were the stories that Martha had written as a child, but it wasn't enough for me to really care about the characters. Some books just aren't the right books for certain people, and I think this was just not the right book for me.

* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

I loved the premise behind the book. She finds herself because she uncovers her family secrets. I also loved all the book references and I brings you back to when you went to the library or bookshop and how it made you feel. I did struggle with some of the character development but overall a great read.

The only reason for the NOs above are related to it being an adult title while I work on a high school library. I WILL recommend it to all of my friends, though, because I loved it. I adore Martha and I really like the secondary characters in this book. A lot! Owen and Siegfried especially. I loved the setting and the way the seemingly disparate elements of the story came together. Very cool.

I love most novels about writing, books or bookstores. This one has all three. It is the story of Martha, who starts out as a meek, do for others instead of herself type. She gave up her boyfriend and her life to take care of her aging parents for 15 years. Now they've been gone for several years when a mysterious book finds its way into her hands. And of course, things are going to change big time. It is a somewhat familiar trope with a couple of new twists. It’s a fine way to spend a rainy afternoon.

What a charming book!! I was initially drawn to the book because of the title. Anything about libraries and books just HAS to be good! And in this case anyway, it was true.

The main character of the book is Martha, a volunteer librarian who can't say no to anyone requesting a favor from her. She has put her own life on hold in order to take care of others including caring for her parents for 15 years. She gave up her own chance for happiness and a family years ago and people constantly take advantage of her good nature. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to say NO! I wanted to slap her sister Lillian who was among the worst of the people taking advantage of Martha.

We see in flashbacks how the girls grew up and there are many secrets waiting to be uncovered. Yes, the secrets are pretty obvious and there isn't really that much mystery to the book but it's a pleasant journey getting to the revelations. The writing is well-paced and the characters are interesting. I laughed out loud often at Suki's choice of words and cheered on Owen in the inevitable ending we foresee after the book ends.

It was a perfect book to read on a Sunday afternoon!

Thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for the free digital review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Library volunteer Martha Storm spends her days making everyone else happy. Doing things for others gives her purpose...even if her house is overrun with unfinished projects, not to mention boxes and boxes of her dead parents' belongings. She just can't seem to say no, or let go. One day a stranger delivers a book for her. It's dedicated to Martha from her grandmother...but that's impossible, because her Nana died years before the dedication was written. Didn't she? And the book is filled with stories Martha herself wrote when she was a child. Something very strange is going on, and it's going to take Martha to places quite outside her comfort zone...and make her take a good hard look at who she really wants to be.

I so enjoyed this charming novel! Martha was a fantastic character; I adored her and her grandmother Zelda. I cheered for them both each step of the way! If you're looking for a sweet, feel-good. heartwarming (and book-filled!) novel, this one is for you!

I had a hard time with this book, but that's strictly a personal things. The characters were not to my liking, but the author did a good job conveying the story arc. Thanks Netgalley for a sneak peek. Just not my cup of tea, though.

“The Library of Lost and Found” by Phaedra Patrick is a book about books, so I knew I would love it right from the start. It is also a story about Martha Storm. “If anyone asked about her job, she had an explanation ready. ‘ I’m a guardian of books,’ she said. “A volunteer at the library.’” She was also an organizer, guide, buyer, filer, job adviser, housekeeper, walking encyclopedia, and a recommender of somewhere nice to eat lunch. She lives in her childhood home; her parents both deceased. She spends a lot of time helping others rather than doing things for herself. This book is her story, her journey, her search, her enlightenment, and finally, her new life.
A brown paper parcel changes everything. Inside she finds a book, but not just any book. She turns the pages and words and titles leap out at her. It is full of stories that she wrote as a child. The biggest surprise is the message written inside the book, a message from Zelda, her grandmother, and dated three years after she died. Thus, Martha starts on a path that takes her to unexpected places where she makes startling discoveries about herself and her family. However, among the highs and happiness of discovering the book and its author, secrets and lies are lurking to turn her quiet life upside down. In alternating chapters, readers also get a glimpse of Martha as she grows up in 1974, and visit Betty Storm, Martha’s mom, and her household that emphasizes reading and writing.
An interesting cast of characters fills in the details of Martha’s life. Readers meet friends, library patrons, book club members, and booksellers. They love books, and readers love them because they do.
“’You should always make time for books,’ Owen said. ‘ Do you have a favorite?’ Martha knew her answer straight away. ‘It’s got to be Alice in Wonderland. I like Alice’s practicality and how she takes everything in her stride. She meets these odd creatures in magical situations and it never fazes her.’”
Martha hesitates on her journey, but she persists. “I have got to do this.” She is not always happy with what she finds. ‘”You’re a liar, Nana. For all these years’… ‘No. I just didn’t tell you the truth.’ ’It’s the bloody same thing,” Martha yelled.”
Eventually Martha finds that coffee and cake are always welcome along with Christmas and books. I received a review copy of “The Library of Lost and Found” from Phaedra Patrick, Harlequin Publishing, Park Row, and NetGalley. The novel combines family anguish with a mysterious book and its author. It is a tribute to books and the quirky people who love them.
In the end, “Read me. I’m yours.”

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews on my blog NerdGirlLovesBooks.wordpress.com

Martha is a quiet volunteer librarian that puts others before herself. She is frequently taken advantage of and "volunteers" to help other people in order to connect with them, but leaves many tasks undone. When a book of fairytales lands on her doorstep, Martha finds a mystery inside. The book is dedicated to her by her grandmother and dated 3 years after her death. How is that possible? Martha is determined to find out, and her life irrevocably changes forever.

This is a very sweet, quiet book with plenty of heart. The characters are interesting and the book is well paced and a quick read.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've tried and tried to get through this one, but it's just not grabbing me at all. I think for a different reader, this could be a great read, but for me it's been a slog and it's holding me up from getting too other books I may love. Moving on...

Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

At first I thought this book was just going to be a cutesy feel good story... and it definitely started that way, but as it goes on....it has a little mystery happening and then at the end it really cranked up the feels. I really loved it. And I totally relate to Martha’s career struggles as a librarian.

So many parts of this book resonate with me when Martha is talking about her love of books and the library. Things I thought that I only felt were mentioned and made me think, "Wow, I feel that way to."

Martha is an introvert and I think we all have a side of us that can identify with a part of her personality.

After so many years, practically her whole life, of taking care of and doing for others, she's really lost herself. The book starts without her even realizing, but once she does doesn't know how to find what she's"s lost or what would make her happy.

There are some interesting characters in this book, with their own quirks, that are enjoyable to read about, but for the most part the people in this small seaside town are dealing with real life issues !

I know you should never pick a book by it's cover (or title) but both drew me to this story and I'm so glad that they did. I was enjoyed travelling on this journey with Martha Storm!

What is lost and finally found at this library is the heart and spirit of volunteer library worker Martha Storm. The story of how she was “lost”, is told in flashbacks, but the story of what she found and how she found it is part of the present.

And it’s completely charming.

I found myself caught up in Martha’s initially self-restricted life and eventual flowering almost in spite of myself. To the point where I started and finished the book in a single day.

Not a lot happens in this story. There aren’t any great adventures or major events. Well, not exactly. Except that there are – mostly in the sense of a journey of the spirit, with signposts provided by the events of her life along the way.

Martha Storm volunteers at her local public library in tiny little Sandshift – a small town on the coast of England. She’s the person who does everything for everybody, always going above and beyond on every side, with no hope of compensation and nary a word of thanks.

She’s a woman who seems constitutionally incapable of saying “No” to anyone. And no one seems to appreciate her for it – not her boss, not her co-workers, not the villagers she helps and certainly not her sister. Not until she finally, suddenly, almost inexplicably manages to say that one word – and both her world and that world’s view of her, begins to shift.

So does she. And as Martha starts to find herself, she also finds what she lost long ago – her grandmother.

Escape Rating B+: This is a story about family secrets, their power to harm, and their power to destroy. And it’s about the freedom that comes with setting those secrets free.

In my own family, there was a secret. At my grandfather’s funeral my aunt revealed that my grandmother was not her mother – that my grandfather had been married before. It wasn’t a big secret – nor was it destructive in the way that the secrets in this story were. But it told me a vital piece of information that explained a great deal about my childhood – I was my grandmother’s only grandchild. She was already deceased, so it had no effect on my relationship with her – but it colored my memories of her differently.

The secrets that have been kept from Martha Storm all of her life, while they don’t change the past, definitely put it into a much different light. A light that illuminates so many events and relationships that defined her – and not always for her benefit.

When she was in her early teens, her parents told her that her charismatic, beloved grandmother Zelda was dead. They refused to let her go to the funeral, and she never found the grave.

When a local bookseller gives her a worn-out copy of a book, written by her grandmother, made up of stories that Martha wrote and told to her grandmother and stories that her grandmother wrote and told to her, she’s flabbergasted. When she reads the dedication at the front of the book, a dedication to her, written three years after her grandmother’s “death”, Martha’s world starts to unravel.

But what unravels are all the accretions and protections, all the shoulds and don’ts, all the negging that her uber-controlling father wrapped around Martha, her mother, and her sister. All the things that kept Martha from venturing out into the world, and letting the world venture into her.

All the things that would have challenged her father’s control of her. Like her grandmother.

In her search for her grandmother, Martha rediscovers herself and her childhood joy of the world around her.

She gets a second chance at life. At love. And with her beloved Zelda. The truth sets her free to be her best self.

And it makes an absolutely charming story.

It starts with a book, of course. A book dedicated to our protagonist, Martha Storm, from her nana, Zelda, mysteriously dated three years after Zelda's death. Martha is in a rut and the book acts as the impetus to get her life onto a different track. As Martha chips away at ridding her home of the detritus she has accumulated since her parents' deaths, and chips away at her family's mysterious past, she chisels out a new life for herself. This was an enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
#TheLibraryOfLostAndFound #NetGalley