This book was just okay. I found it a little too formulaic, too predictable. I don't have any real reason to dislike it, but nothing about it really sticks out, either.

In short: There’s nothing wrong with this novel, but in a world full of short novels in the relationship fiction genre, there’s not much to make it stand out either.

Martha Storm is unable to say no when asked for a favor. She has built her identity around helping others, from small favors for her sister to working as an unpaid librarian in a “volunteer” position at her local library. One day a book is left for her outside the library, complete with a message from her beloved grandmother. The only problem with what otherwise would be a welcome gift is that the book was published in 1985, three years after her grandmother died. Despite admonitions from her sister to simply leave it alone, Martha can’t rest until she learns the truth behind the book and her family secrets. Martha’s investigation has her re-evaluating the rest of her life as well, taking more time for herself and learning to say no. Martha’s narration is broken up with chapters from Martha’s childhood, narrated by her mother, detailing the controlling and emotionally abusive relationship between Martha’s parents. Fairy tales written by Martha as a child punctuate different episodes throughout the novel.

This book was okay, but not great. Relationship fiction usually isn’t my genre, so that was already working against it as I got into the story. Martha’s passive nature and inability to say no bothered me, almost as much as the fact that almost everyone in the story was more than willing to take advantage of her. The transitions between the past and present were abrupt, and the stories that Martha wrote as a child are too polished to be believable. For me, the biggest problem with this book is that nothing about it is particularly memorable. The faults aren’t deal breakers, the successes are limited, and I never really connected with the story or characters.

I really loved this book. Martha Storm lost herself somewhere along the path of life. She was a carefree child who loved to write and dance with her grandmother. Her fathers strict rules and guidelines took over as she cared for her parents when they got older. Leaving behind a man who loved her and a life she didn't have. Her life is about to change when she receives a broken book filled with fairy tales that she created when she was a child with an inscription from her grandmother dated 3 years after she died, or at least when she was supposed to have died.

This is a story of finding yourself, of remembering how to live and be true to yourself. To remember to take care of yourself and not continually put others before yourself. It is about secrets and how they destroy families and it is about not trying to change people to fit who you want them to be. This is a beautiful story that warms the heart. Reading it is like being wrapped in a warm hug and told you can be anything you want, you just have to dream it.

You don't see many coming-of-age stories about middle-aged women, so it was surprising to stumble upon this one. I am a sucker for books about books and libraries so I chose this based on the cover and title, not having any experience with Phaedra Patrick's writing. Sadly, the library had very little to do with the plot; yes, she volunteered at the library and her only "friends" were patrons or coworkers, but I didn't sense the magic that most books about libraries tend to imply. The takeaway for me was more about taking a stand against her past regrets and mistakes and finding happiness. The plot was introduced by a mysterious book that arrived practically on her doorstep. It has ties to her childhood, and brings back a lot of painful memories that she's chosen to forget. She becomes fixated on how this book "found her" and embarks on a journey to solve the mystery. I thought this was a good idea for a heartwarming story of coming to terms with a painful past; however, I never found any of it to be uplifting. It could have been due to the pace of this story. I think there were many interesting characters but too many story lines that kept from advancing the plot. I wanted to connect to Martha so bad, as I understood her frustration with herself and was rooting for her to find happiness, but it was too slow and seemed to be missing something. Unlike [book:Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine|31434883], Gail Honeyman's book from last year, it didn't give me all the feels. Martha is not lonely, she has many people who surround her and give her purpose (it seemed like she encouraged people to give her things to do for them.) I had a hard time feeling sorry for her. With Eleanor, it was like an unspoken sadness that resonated throughout the story-- Reading it made me want to call up all my friends and have a good cry! Martha's story did not have the same effect on me. I don't know why I ended up comparing these two books but that's where my mind went as I was thinking about how I'd review The Library of Lost and Found. I think what I am getting at is that this one just isn't my cup of tea.

A touching story about family, friends and the role stories play in nurturing relationships.

Martha, the main character so aptly named, is a woman who cannot say no. She spends most of her free time doing for others, to the point that her home becomes overrun with projects from her to-do list.

Martha spent her younger years taking care of aging parents during the time when most women were marrying and raising a family or pursuing a career. In fact, Lillian, Martha’s younger sister, did just that. Now Martha is at mid-life and is somewhat dissatisfied with how her life has turned out.

One day, a mysterious book falls into her hands and brings back memories of her beloved grandmother whom she thought had died years ago. The appearance of the book leads Martha on a quest to find out what happened to her grandmother and along the way, Martha finds her sense of self that she had ignored for so many years while caring for others.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin/Park Row for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

My first time reading a Phaedra Patrick book so wasn’t completely sure what I was getting into and it took me a chapter or two to find the rhythm of her style. Was probably attracted to <i>The Library of Lost and Found<i/> because I am such a huge fan of libraries and books. Put those two ingredients together with a main character that reminded me (for some reason) of Eleanor Oliphant… throw in some family mystery and drama as well as a seaside setting and I got engrossed. I kept turning pages and the story morphed and morphed again with a satisfying ending.

Charming and entertaining with some heartwarming messages that don’t hit you over the head… and you have this worthwhile read.


FYI - I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a lilting tale. I was drawn into Martha’s energy immediately. I found her sister offputting, but I think that was the point! I love books about libraries, or books, so this was a win for me!

I was in the mood for an easy, feel-good novel, and the Library of Lost and Found filled the bill. This is a story of a woman who after long years of self-denial, is finally able to recover herself. I could quibble (really… Suki just makes up new words? why? Can a woman as articulate in her writing as Martha be so self-unaware?) but Martha’s story is uplifting and inspiring.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A quirky librarian finds a book from her late grandmother that she never expected. Add in the whimsical people around her and you have a adventure.

I loved this book. It was a lovely story about a woman who has to find out who she is and take care of herself instead of others. I was really drawn to Martha and Betty’s stories. There was a tragic veneer over the whole story and lots of wasted time. I loved the bookish elements of the book.

Martha spends most of her time helping others and volunteering at the library. Her house is stacked full of her unfinished projects and her deceased parents belongings that she doesn't have time to sort through and she runs herself ragged trying to keep up with her projects. She is overworked and under appreciated. Her life is turned upside down when a old book of fairy tales is delivered with a mysterious inscription addressed to her from her dead grandmother. As she figures out what the book is and where it came from she uncovers family secrets and rediscovers who she is.

This is a great example of what I like to call "uplit". This is a story that makes you feel good as you read it and has you rooting for the characters along the way. I previously read "The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper' written by the same author and when I saw this new book by Phaedra Patrick, I had to read it. I was not disappointed. Both books are great and had me smiling at the end.

You can check out for yourself "The Library of Lost and Found" on March 26, 2019.

Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row Publishing for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

In this heartwarming novel, readers are introduced to Martha Storm, a middle-aged woman who has lost her sense of self. Using her time and energy for others, Martha measures her self-worth by how much she can do for those around her, but the more she does the more others take her for granted and do not seem to appreciate her good deeds. One day a book arrives at the library for her and starts Martha off on a journey of self-discovery. The book contains fairy tales written be her childhood self and her deceased grandmother. The inscription in the book written by her grandmother adds to the mystery.

This novel contains many quirky and charming characters and the coastal beauty of Martha’s town are beautifully and vividly brought to life by Patrick’s prose. We can all find ourselves or our loved ones in the descriptions of the Martha’s family members from past and present.

Treat yourself and settle in with a warm drink, a cozy blanket and this delightful novel!

I love Phaedra Patrick so I was beyond excited to be offered The Library of Lost and Found. I had high expectations for this book after falling in literally love with all the characters in The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper (if you haven’t read that book DO IT NOW!!! That was one of my 2016 favorites). I was not let down with the characters of this book. Martha Storm is your typical “yes” person. She does everything for everyone else and has spent so much of her life worrying about her work instead of taking the time to enjoy her own life. That all changes when she is giving a book that will change her life!
So many reasons to love this book, I loved reading the growth and change of Martha. I felt like her biggest cheer leader on the side line screaming “ you can do it” and “yay Martha”. And the fact that I felt so connected with Martha goes to show you how awesome Phaedra writes her stories and characters. In a world filled with hate and just blah it was so amazing to read such a light tale that made my heart happy!
I look forward to reading more from Phaedra!!

Light, enjoyable, for people who like other Women's Fiction novels. The pacing was a little jumpy, but it was nice to seem the main character make some realistic-feeling realizations about herself and her family. Recommended for all public libraries.

Martha is a meek mannered librarian who tries to help everyone out with their troubles. One day a mysterious book is left for her that starts her on a journey to discover the author and to solve the mystery of whether or not her Nana is still alive. Along the way, she learns the truth about her family and herself. She learns to start to live life for herself and to stand up for herself.
I thought the book was quaint and touching. It was a little predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.

A breezy, albeit predictable read. Not quite on the level of her Charms of Arthur Pepper, but not unpleasant.
I did find it a bit too "sweet." More geared to YA, perhaps.

Similar in overall feel to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Library of Lost and Found introduces us to Martha Storm, a mid-life volunteer librarian who has given far more to life than she seems to have gotten from it. Raised by an authoritarian father, a mother who meekly went along with his directives, and alongside a sister who was the family's golden girl, Martha gave up love to care for her sickly parents and now moves from day to day, blending into the scenery - until she receives a mysterious book, written by her grandmother, in 1985. The grandmother Martha was told died in 1982. As Martha tracks down and reconnects with her grandmother, she finds herself unraveling a family mystery that she lies in the heart of; she also finds the desire to embrace life again, and put herself first, for the first time in her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the characters and backstory are well-written and plotted out, and the pace keeps things moving and interesting. This one will make a good book talk/book club pick.

The Library of Lost and Found is such an interesting read. The reader follows the life of Martha Storm, who in the beginning is kind of a doormat, doing everything for everyone without any compensation. She is constantly worried about whose projects she still needs to work on and it seems like her life is pretty humdrum and not much fun.

That all changes when she is given a book of fairy tales. Her life really changes and so much for the better! I loved watching her story unfold and her discovering that she's just as important as everyone else.

I loved the fairy tales that were part of the book also.

This is a delightful, light read that will probably make you smile (it did me) and have you cheering for a woman who is finally finding her spot in life.

Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for permitting me an ARC at my request. My thoughts in this review are my own.

This book appealed to me because I always love a book that is related to a library or a book shop. Martha the librarian is a people pleaser who finally learned how to say "no" but for me, it just wasn't in time and I felt frustrated with her character just being such a pushover. Her journey to find out more about her family's past did intrigue me at first but ended up feeling all rather dull. Unfortunately, The Library of Lost and Found just didn't keep my attention as I didn't feel very connected to the characters.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Martha Storm is a book lover and works at the library. Not in the position she wants, but she has come to terms with not getting what she wants. She is what I would call a doormat. Everyone uses her and she just lets them. 

She is also a bit depressed it seems. Her joy for life never found after the loss of her beloved best friend and grandmother. To this day she isn't sure what happened to Zelda except her mother telling her she died.

And a lie is a lie until it isn't. When the universe conspires to right the wrongs And that is what happens to mousey Martha. One day a book shows up on her doorstep and suddenly she isn't sure if her grandmother is dead or not. In the book are all of the stories they made up and the date in the inscription doesn't match what she knows of when her grandmother died.

For me this was when things got interesting. I was a little peeved at Martha for being such a little mouse but I am glad I stuck with her because it was a fun ride. I cried for her and her grandmother. A poignant and moving story of families and love.

So many secrets in a family just fester and darken over time and when Martha finds out all the truths, it is truly a beautiful thing to behold!


NetGalley/ March 26th 2019 by Park Row