With thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, the author and Amazon, for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
This is about a woman who starts a lending library in her own home when the local library has to close because of asbestos found in the building. It will be two years before the work is completed and the libra4y in Chatsworth can reopen. The book is about what happens to the people in Chatsworth during that period. It is an easy read that just meanders along.
Recommended.

I admit — I did not finish this book. I wanted to like it. Who of us wouldn't want to read a book about libraries? Below are the reasons I didn't finish it:
1 - The writing was immature in my opinion. I felt like I was reading a children's or a very young adult book.
2 - The plot was too simplistic. It had no substance.
3 - I couldn't identify with even one of the characters. They were, to me, younger than their stage of life would seem.

I think this author had a good idea, but it did not come to fruition for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed with this book. As a librarian I generally like books about books and libraries, but I found this one to be dull and simplistic. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I was really excited to read this book, a book about a library what could be better? But there was so much more than just a library going on.

I struggled with a star rating with this book as there was a lot of things I really liked, like how Dodie tries to match books to people, and the personalised bookmarks she adds. However there was also a lot of the storyline I struggled with, one of the main being the seemingly lack of conversation between her and Shep on their past relationships and future plans, yet they spent months together and got engaged! There was also a few times I felt I’d missed something as I felt like I’d been thrown into the middle of a scene I had to prior knowledge of, it was just taken as a given that I knew the background of certain characters or past happenings. There was minimal explanation, yet somethings are greatly explained, like the trip to the art supply store.

I’m pleased I persevered and finished it, there was a lot to like when reading this book, it was just a little different to my usual read.

What avid reader can resist a book about books and book lovers? The town library was suddenly closed for urgently needed abatement and repairs. The avid readers, both youth and adult, were frustrated because the next nearest library was neary an hour away until the town's school art teacher (and book fiend) decided to open up a lending library in her home, thus altering her life and those who also love books. I could definitely see this happening and being friends with these characters. A bit of love, a bit of friendship, a bit of professional change and presto--a new life path.

I chose this book because I needed something outside my normal genre that would make good pre-bedtime reading. I'm so glad I found this book - this could have been me had I done things differently years ago. The power of the right book in the right hands to make a difference in someone's life is a beautiful thing. Being a librarian is a joy and a privilege.

Interesting premise, lackluster execution. There was so much that could have been done well but just wasn't. The main character was not only unlikable, but a borderline parody of what the author must think women in their 30's are like. The setting was nice, but was completely unrealistic and probably flat out unattainable for a young, single teacher. Personally I felt that baby-fever was the main theme of this book, with the lending library following at a distant second. I think if the premise of the book had been framed around being 30 and wanting a baby it would have attracted a different audience who would have likely not been as disappointed as a bunch of bibliophiles who thought they were getting a book about books.

What is there to do when your favorite library is closed for renovations? Create your own, of course.

#TheLendingLibrary (out July 1) by Aliza Fogelson is the perfect summer read for book babes who enjoy not only books about books, but also sweet stories about resilience and hope. Bookaholics everywhere will relate to Dodie, whether they live in cozy small towns or not.

Description
A heartwarming debut novel about a daydreamer who gives her town, and herself, an amazing gift: a lending library in her sunroom.
When the Chatsworth library closes indefinitely, Dodie Fairisle loses her sanctuary. How is a small-town art teacher supposed to cope without the never-ending life advice and enjoyment that books give her? Well, when she’s as resourceful and generous as Dodie, she turns her sunroom into her very own little lending library.
At first just a hobby, this lit lovers’ haven opens up her world in incredible ways. She knows books are powerful, and soon enough they help her forge friendships between her zany neighbors—and attract an exciting new romance.
But when the chance to adopt an orphaned child brings Dodie’s secret dream of motherhood within reach, everything else suddenly seems less important. Finding herself at a crossroads, Dodie must figure out what it means to live a full, happy life. If only there were a book that could tell her what to do…



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I loved that every character had their problems. No one was perfect. This book take on family is refreshing. Family is more than blood and more than marriage. It can be messy and complex. This book did a great job at showing that. The different ideas on whether to have children and the difficulties that come with children was handled well.

The Lending Library by Alizia Fogelson was a lovely read that had me examining my house to see if I had space to add a library for all onto it. I fell in love with Dodie’s desire to create a space for book groupies when her town’s library closes. She’s such a sweet character, though sometimes stubborn which I feel makes her all the more real. Throughout the book I saw her grapple with her desire to be a mother as months slipped by. Fogelson had great descriptions and painted a world I wanted to get lost in. This is a lovely story with depth and made me face my own feelings about worthiness and wanting to belong.

This is a heart warming story of love, lost , forgiveness , and self discovery. A story of sisterhood , friendship , and books! ( of course ). I love Dodies relationship with her sister and friends , though not prefect , it’s not reeked with drama. I love the normalcy of adoption , how sweet and precious it’s depicted in this story , instead of the usual “ savior complex “ it’s paired with.

This story reminds me of some of my younger experience at the library. For much or 7th and 8th grade I practically lives there , I remember reading all the library Junie B Jones Books and playing Rollerboy . The library was such a sanctuary for me, on 9/11 that where I went after we got out of school . That place will always hold a special place in my heart .

Dodie Fairisle, a bookworm and art teacher experience heartbreak when her local library closed down . Looking for a way to still indulge in her love for book and to help out her towns people , she decided to turn her sun room into a lending library for the people in her community .

In this midst of this new endeavor, she lost her best friend and found the love of her life . As she navigates her new normal she goes on a journey of self actualization and realizes that there is beauty in the midst Of pain.
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This was a charming Eeasy-to-read story. However, I had a difficult time try relating to the main characters. I really enjoyed the premise and felt that the author did a solid job with the plot. I definitely recommend this book to people that are looking for a book like this with the narrative that it has. I loved the friendship dynamic between Kendra and Dodie, but I felt that the characters could have been further developed.

I would like to thank Eliza Fogelson, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was an easy to read story, but I didn't relate to or empathise with the characters.
I liked the premise though and I would recommend to people looking for this type of narrative.

The whole premise and blurb of this book was super promising, and sounded right up my street. The execution, however, let it down.
I didn't find the protagonist to be fully formed, she came across as accidentally selfish and her love story with Shep didn't seem real, it progressed too quickly and unfortunately felt forced.

There were elements that I liked, such as the friendship dynamic between Dodie and Kendra but the main plot and characters needed work.

I liked this. I didn’t love it, but I liked it fine. The main character is in her early 30’s, single, a teacher, and loves to read. (These are things that apply to me, so I felt like I should have been able to relate to her more.) When the public library in her adopted small town closes, Dodie opens a lending library in her sunroom. The premise? Everything I love in a book. I feel like the writing could have been better - I felt like there were times when I was told how the main character felt instead of experiencing it? I guess I wanted more.

The Lending Library is a new release from Aliza Fogelson and Lake Union Publishing! I found this book to be charming and fun, exactly the book I wanted to read as a fan of contemporary YA books who is actually an adult. There is just enough romance to be fun, but not overbearing with sweatiness, and of course there are books! This book reminded me a lot of The Bookshop starring Emily Mortimer. Dodie Fairisle is a socialite turned teacher after a nasty breakup who has moved from the City to a quaint town in the "country". Dodie is an avid reader who loves her students, but when the local library closes for renovations, she decides to take it upon herself to create a lending library in her house to bring books to her community.

Dodie is a wonderful character who is well-written and interesting, she's definitely lived a life outside of her quaint town! Along the way, Dodie learns lessons about love, loss, grief, and the importance of family and community. It's a feel good read that makes you consider your connections with your family and community on a deeper level. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to other books from this author!

First of all I want to say thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to like this book after reading the description and loving the cute front cover. The plot of the book is really want drew me in and I love a cute romance novel, but it wasn't all that I thought it was going to be. Personally the main character really frustrated me, and I could never really get on her side of the story. Most of the time when I want to read a romance book I expect a really fun loving easy read where I get almost attached to the main characters and I juts really could not connect with this book.
Overall it was not a bad book, it was just not what I was expecting it to be.

Dodie's decision to open a lending library after her town's library closes indefinitely. On top of this, Dodie gets the opportunity to realize her lifetime dream of becoming a mother when an orphaned child enters into her world. This story was such a great read and Dodie was easy to feel invested in.

When “Savior” Dodie Farlisle moves to Chatsworth from New York, it’s with the intent of starting fresh. With a new house, friends, and a library not far from her; it seems she’s gotten her wish. That is until the public library closes unexpectedly. And so begins the lending library. A place for the community to still come together and share their love of books. But as Dodie’s passion for books gets fulfilled, her secret one of wanting a baby starts to consume her everyday life. Suddenly work, friends, family, a budding new romance, and the library, take the back burner.

I honestly wanted to love this book. The premise sounded so promising but I found Dodie not to be very like able. She was selfish in her desire to have a baby and it felt like it didn’t matter at what cost she’d reach her goal. Her friends Sullivan and Kendra, and her sisters Maddie and Coco were like able characters. And it’s not because they were perfect but because even with their flaws I was able to connect with them.

Shep and Dodie’s love story felt a bit forced. It was as though one minute they were going out to dinner and the next Shep was practically living with her. From how slow blooming their relationship started, it picked up quickly. And the secrets they held from each other were too monumental for me. I wanted them to just talk to each other already and that wasn’t happening. So much was revealed/unraveled at the end that could have been interspersed throughout the book.

So although I didn’t love The Lending Library, I didn’t hate it either. There were a number of things I liked. I liked the words of encouragement written on the book markers. I likes Maddie’s carefree attitude. I liked Coco’s warm spirit. I liked Kendra calling out Dodie and being a good friend to her. And I liked Sullivan for being there for Dodie and introducing Terabithia to her.

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book!

[Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC]

I really wanted to like this book.

The premise is something that heavily excites me! A teacher who decides to create a library when the one in town is closed down? That's something RIGHT up my alley! And it seemed like there was going to be a cute library romance and that's KIND OF THE DREAM! Unfortunately, that's not really what we got.

PROS:
- The actual scenes detailing the library? FANTASTIC. I love the discussion on how important libraries are to the community, to students who can't buy new books constantly, to the parents who take their children to storytime, to friends who are just simply in need of a good book. I love that Dodie actually mentions how expensive it is to set up and maintain a library - imagine if she had needed to rent a space instead of putting it in her sunroom!
- I love that Dodie took Elmira under her wing. We need more stories with teachers mentoring students.

CONS:
- The romance sucked. Shep wasn't really fleshed out in any way until the ending when he talks about his ex with Dodie. Even before that, Dodie talks about how she wanted to go to Mystic because of the ways he described it, and it would've helped the story a lot more if she had mentioned it BEFORE GOING TO MYSTIC. Or if the readers were able to hear some of those conversations.
- Terabithia. I loved seeing Terabithia and how important he was to Dodie, especially knowing that he was her best friend's son. But she was really pushing down her anger at his ELDERLY GRANDPARENTS for realizing that they weren't able to keep up with him the way that he deserved. "They'd only be ninety when he starts college, and that it's in seventeen years!" DODIE SHUT UP, THIS IS SERIOUSLY NOT ABOUT YOU. But somehow, Dodie manages to make this all about HER, instead of what's right for Terabithia. And she actually ends up stalking his potential new parents. I had so many issues with the way that Dodie became obsessed with Terabithia, but I was glad that in the end, she managed to set him up with people that will love him and support him. But also, she really kept on the fact that she was jealous that Coco and Mark had his inheritance, didn't she? And for the love of all that's sacred, STOP WRITING YOUR WHITE CHARACTERS TO BE PATTING/PETTING/TOUCHING BLACK CHARACTERS' HAIR. I don't CARE that he was a baby, talking about "patting his 'fro" was UNNECESSARY and made me struggle to like Dodie even more than I already had. Because of the next reason...
- "You just haven't met the right person yet." As someone who would LIKE to have kids in the future, I know that one of the things you DON'T say to people who don't want kids is "You just haven't met the right person yet". Or "That's just how you feel right now, you'll change your mind in the future." Let people decide whether or not they do or don't want to have kids, and shut your mouth about it. It's not like the "Right Person" is going to magically come along and people are suddenly jumping into Build-a-Baby mode. And while the discussion was challenged, Dodie never really realizes what she said was wrong. She moreso just goes "huh, those are some good points I guess" and then gushes over Terabithia.

I have a couple more complaints about this book, but I'm done for now. I think that The Lending Library will find its rightful, hard-earned place upon someone's shelf. It has a strong premise and a (mostly) likeable main character. The side characters and plotlines (like Elmira) are interesting and make up for the lackluster love interest. But I'd be lying if I didn't say it had a few issues. Ultimately, I'm saddened to say that this story wasn't for me.

1.5

<i>I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!</i>

<b>"But how much catharsis does one person need? It's as though you're drugging yourself with other people's happy endings."</b>

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In all honesty, I was super frustrated reading this book. When I first read the premise and saw the cover, I had fairly high hopes of this being a cute story about a community finding their love of reading and Dodie falling in love and getting her baby. However, that's not what I read. This book is instead the story of a selfish woman deciding that everyone hates her for no reason and blaming everyone else for her problems.

The story starts with an introduction to Dodie and the news of the community library being closed, thus starting the idea of the "Lending Library". We also explore her friendships with a cast of characters, including a slightly concerning friendship with one of her students which entirely consists of Dodie complaining about Elmira's parents and taking it upon herself to be a surrogate for them. We also see Dodie's relationships with her sisters, who - in my opinion - are two of the only well-rounded characters in the novel. I had hope for the development of Dodie upon starting the book, but it very quickly became clear that there was no chance of any kind of growth.

It's difficult to discuss anything else in the book as the majority of plot points and interesting things are entirely started or finished by Dodie being selfish and essentially storming off. Her entire relationship with Shep is built upon lies - she doesn't tell him about her plans with Terabithia, she is 'afraid' to confront him about anything because he's a big scary man and she doesn't want him to leave. By the end of the book, I felt sorry for Shep, I wanted to tell him to get out of there while he still could.

I'm not sure whether I had too high hopes for it and it simply didn't live up to them, or if I would have had the same experience not knowing the title/premise. I wouldn't actively recommend this book to anyone, unless you're looking for a book with a frustrating main character and a selfish narration.