This historical fiction novel is set in 1939 London during WWII. Two friends, Grace and Liv, move from their quiet country town to the big city of London. Expecting excitement, parties and fun, the girls are disappointed to have arrived as England enters the war. Gone are the dreams of the big city, to be replaced by rations, air raids and blackout curtains. Grace finds an unexpected sanctuary at her bookseller job in dusty, overcrowded Primrose Hill, a neighborhood bookstore in London. As the war progresses and the London Blitz begins, Grace’s passion for reading develops.

While hiding in a bomb shelter, Grace begins discussing the book she’s reading with another occupant. A request is made for her to read aloud from the book and a pattern begins. Each night the bomb shelter occupants are enthralled by the novels that Grace shares with them and even forget the sounds of bombs dropping outside.

As a lover of books and reading, this novel especially appealed to me by portraying the escape literature offers and the ability bookshops and libraries provide by bringing a wide variety of people together. The descriptions of war torn London and the hardships endured by the characters create a realistic representation of survival and the ability of hope to prevail in even the most difficult times. A message that resonates in today’s society.

I loved this book. While it starts slow, the librarian in me loved the love of good books. I loved that books brought people together, even during something terrible. I loved the growth of characters due to reading. I would highly recommend this book.

Excellent read about a fascinating period of history in a setting that generally gets overlooked in WWII historical fiction. Reinforces the power of community and books as a means of surviving trauma and hardship.

We first meet Grace and Viv on their way to London. All too soon WW2 starts and they’re pulled into the war. The book mainly follows Grace through the London blitz and her job at the bookshop. Before working she never reads but as time goes on she starts reading and soon comes to love books and the bookshop. It was a descriptive book, you could feel the bombs falling and smell the smoke. I found myself holding my breath during each bombing hoping none would hit the bookshop. I really enjoyed this book!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

My thanks to #NetGalley, #Harlequin and #HanoverSquarePress for this eBook, #TheLastBookshop inLondon, in exchange for an honest review. This charming historical fiction set in London during the Blitz, follows timid country girl, Grace Bennett as she blossoms into a courageous hero. Arriving in London with her best friend by her side, Grace reluctantly takes a job in a dark, run-down bookstore, owned by a solitary curmudgeon. To her great shame, Grace realizes she never learned to love reading. She shares this secret with a charming regular to the bookstore, and he awakens a love of books and so much more. Grace brings the bookshop to life with her sunny outlook, and as the war grows closer, she looks to serve her community further. She joins a volunteer patrol group that has her out on the street rescuing survivors of the nightly bombing. “Out there, you save lives. In here you save souls.” Although it is a WWII historical fiction, this is not heavy reading. It is heartwarming and sweet, and the horrors of war are tastefully woven into the story.

Grace escaped the countryside after her mother died and workin in her uncles shop was no longer an option. Employment seemed impossible with out a letter of recommendation which her uncle refused to supply. Grace seeks refuge with her mother’s dear friend who bullying resulted in Grace being hired in a bookstore. Grace who never had the time to read felt this a job of last resort but it truth it became her salvation as she builds a community amid the ravages of war and show people how reading can give them hope,

A sweet homage to books and determination of Londoners who lived through the Blitz. Grace moves to London with her best friend, eager to trade the quiet life in her country home for the glamor of London. But WWII soon overshadows her life and her job at Primrose Hill bookshop with it's gruff owner. But the Blitz brings out the comradery and resilience of her neighbors and customers, and Grace learns that books are more than words on paper. A love story of sorts to those we consider family.

Any book that portrays the importance of stories in peoples lives tends to resonate with me. As we enter the second year of lives disrupted and thrown off track by the pandemic, this tale set in London during WWII parallels the experience of lives disrupted by conditions uncontrollable by the characters. Both the pandemic and the war took lives, left people grieving, separated families, created shortages, and closed or curtailed businesses. In 1939 Grace and Viv arrive in London planning to work in shops. Grace's late mother's best friend has offered them a place to live and finds Grace a job in a bedraggled, unorganized, and grungy bookshop owned by an elderly widower who wants no help. This lovely story of a tragic time illuminates London in wartime. The sadness is redeemed by the kindness and sacrifices seen throughout. It made me want to go back and reread Connie Willis's WWII novels. I'm no WWII scholar but the historical facets seemed authentic and the love for books and stories elevated it.

I loved this book and was sad when it ended. Great characters who manage to keep going through war, heartbreak, and loss. Add to that a focus on books and reading and you have a beautifully written novel with rich characters and realistic experiences.

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Madeline Martin, one of my all-time favorite authors has just written one of my all-time favorite books! This magnificently written, extremely well researched story has touched my heart and soul.

Having been unhappy after the death of her mother and rather mistreated by her aunt and uncle, Grace and her best friend Viv strike out for London for a new start.

The story through the authors extensive research gives you a realistic glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of London as they prepare, endure and live through the Blitz, the bombings and the air raids.

The story of a young woman who upon arriving in London takes a temporary position at a bookshop, Primrose Hill Books, under the employment of Mr. Evans who isn’t too keen about taking on an employee. Having never been a reader Grace sets about clearing the dust from the shelves and organizing the books. It’s only when George, a customer gives her a copy of “The Count Of Monte Cristo” and Grace begins to read, she finds a love and passion for books that she can’t contain. It’s a passion she freely shares with customers.

By day Grace works in the bookstore and by night she volunteers as an ARP warden, putting out fires and doing safety checks. Through her work as an air warden Grace sees and experiences the horrors, the devastation and the sorrow of war.

Grace was an absolutely wonderful heroine. She was strong and brave, determined and impactful. She brought her community together and saved lives. She unknowingly impacted everyone she came into contact with. She read books aloud in the air raid shelters to help those sheltering there to take their minds and focus off of all that’s going on around them. If only for moments she takes them to another time and place through her readings, distracting them from the horrors going on around them. She spread her new found love for literature and the magic of books with others at a time when people desperately need an escape. She brought calm and hope in the darkest of days. She was a true inspiration to all.

The characters are absolutely divine and Miss Martin’s talented writing brings them to life beautifully. I loved the relationships that developed between Grace, Mrs. Weatherford and Mr. Evans. It was wonderful to see that they became almost a surrogate parents to Grace. I especially loved the romance that developed between George and Grace through their letters after he left for war. It was sweet and gentle. I loved the characters/customers and their interactions with Grace.

The story resonates the power and magic that words and reading can have over us. It gives hope in times of despair. It’s a story of friendship, love, courage, and selflessness. It’s a story of everyday people and how in times of great devastation they came together to get through and overcome the horrors falling around them with hope and courage. It’s a poignant and beautiful story about the impact and importance of literature in our lives.

Thank you Ms. Martin for this charming and lovely story so brilliantly written.

This is hands down one of the best books I've read in a very long time. My husband and children are all readers and we've discussed that a good book should leave you with a smile on your face. Not only was I smiling when I finished this one at nearly 2:00am, I felt I was nearly glowing! Not only did I wish I could keep reading this story, though the author did a superb job of wrapping up the story, I wished I could keep reading all the books the main character, Grace, had read in the book! This is a story that not only compels you to finish the book itself, it compels you to continue reading.... anything and everything!!! At the beginning of the book Grace is a country girl newly arrived in London in 1939. The city is obviously preparing for war, but life goes on. Despite never having had time to read for pleasure, she secures a job at a book shop. The rest of the book follows Grace through becoming a reader and surviving the Blitz. The look at the life of average people trying to live their lives while literally bombs are falling around them is fascinating and well described. The love of reading and the escape it offers in trying times, as well as the empathy toward others it engenders are all lessons we can learn today. HIGHLY recommended! As an elementary librarian, I will not be purchasing this for my school library, but I WILL definitely be purchasing it for my personally library and likely as gifts as well!

**Review will be posted on my blog on 3/22/21**

3.5 STARS

Likes:
*How can I not enjoy a story about a bookshop? This one is even more inspirational because it’s about a bookshop in London during the Blitz in World War II. London was being bombed and yet this bookshop was there to keep people’s spirits up, keep them hoping, or keep their mind off what was happening.

*Almost all the characters are wholesome, especially Grace who is a nice girl just wanting to get some work experience in London. She helps turn a bookshop around but other than that she is a very caring person ~ you can see it with the way she is with her friends and the new people she meets in London.

*There is a minor romance in this story and what is a war story without a love story? Thankfully this one isn’t tragic, but sweet and hopeful. It’s always nice to remember when once upon a time, people did fall for each other through letter writing! It was all about patience back in the day.

*I learned a lot of historical information from the book. I got a glimpse of all the organization people could volunteer for to help in the war. I thought that moment Grace and Viv go out on the town while bombs were dropping was pretty surreal! Also I enjoyed all of the St. Paul’s Cathedral history because it was one of my favorite places to visit when I did go to London few years ago. London really did survive!

Random Notes:
Triggers: war, death, bombing

This was a super fast read, almost like the story glossed over the many things about war. I expected depth but it felt like a light historical fiction story. There was death and such but the story never felt heavy, unless I just never connected to the characters to feel their grief. Despite lacking depth, I think it held on to the message of Grace and the bookshop being an inspiration, a candle in the dark to so many suffering in the city during that time.

Final Thoughts:
If you want to read a World War II story about books and hope, you will enjoy this one. Although it lacked the heaviness and depth of typical stories set during war time, I think the message about friendship, and community is a beautiful thing.

This story pulled me in from the beginning and carried me to London during the Blitz. The characters became real people struggling through the losses that devastated London during World War II. Ms. Martin reminds us of the power of books to soothe the heart and mind, to bring strangers together and to create friendships that will last.

Grace and her best friend travel to London to live with Grace's late mother's best friend., Mrs. Weatherford, Mrs. W. helps Grace get a job at a small bookshop. I was surprised that Grace was not initially a reader. It is not until she meets a handsome man at the bookshop that she starts reading. George introduces her to one of his favorites, Count of Monte Cristo. Soon George leaves for war and they continue their relationship through letters. Grace finds her place as a reader and becomes passionate about sharing her love for stories. Of course, a story set during WWII will have loss, love, blackouts, and air raids. Through the author's writing, you get to experience what it was like for everyday people on the homefront. The strongest part of the story, I feel, is the growing father-daughler-like relationship between Grace and her boss, Mr. Evans. Lots of wonderful quotes and testaments to reading and its benefits.

As soon as I saw the title of this book, I wanted to read it. The magic word, of course, was bookshop. I also found the cover to be very appealing. So, I initially judged this one by its cover. That said, I wasn’t’ disappointed.

This novel’s protagonist, Grace, is a young woman who recently lost her mother. Along with her best friend, Viv, she moves to London to stay with a family friend. The two arrive only to have war declared not long after. Viv enters one of the women’s units while Grace remains with her mother’s friend. She takes a position in a bookshop and the shop is also a character in the book.

This story points out the importance of literature. In a lovely scene, Grace goes underground during a bombing raid where she begins reading Middlemarch to those who are stuck in the shelter over night. Those stuck there look forward to additional chapters when the next call to go underground comes.

Grace organized the bookshop and develops a relationship with its curmudgeonly owner. She studies way to make the shop successful and, for example, advertises buying books to read while unable to sleep in one’s beds due to the bombings.

The author does a good job of portraying wartime Britain. There are losses of people, property, usual foods, a way of life. There are also the joys of friendship, love, books and connection.

There are so many WWII set novels being written now. My theory is that, awful as the war was, it is more reassuring to look back at that time than our current one. For all of the suffering, the reader knows that eventually Britain will declare victory.

I think that this title is worth reading. Let me know what you think!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Grace and her best friend have moved to London just as it appears that war is eminent. Although Grace has never had the time to enjoy books, she uses her organizational skills to transform the bookshop where she is employed. She also works as an air raid warden and helps her landlady. As she unknowingly transforms others lives, she also grows into the young woman she is meant to be. A thoroughly charming book.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this gem of a book! This story is so enjoyable, I was hesitant to read a story that takes place during WWII as that time period seems to be the most popular setting for historical fiction books. I was pleasantly surprised with this wonderful story of friendship, brave women and of course the gift of literature. The message I took away from this book and one that will stay with me is the importance of literature through times of uncertainty and how books provide a well needed distraction.

I tried to find information on the author and was unable to do so. I lived through those years and was one of the children who was evacuated to the countryside. After the war I remember going into London and seeing the the ruined city. The writer's description of the blitz was spot on and I wonder if she also lived through those years. Its the story of how Londoners survived their darkest days. The characters were easy to relate to, ordinary people with a lot of courage. Above all it emphasized how a love for books can get you through just about anything.

I loved how a herione with no courage ends up being the most courageous of all! Grace is a quiet, unassuming girl who has only done one grave thing so far in her life - move to London on the eve of WW2. The kindness of friends has given her a place to live and a place to work, in a stuffy, dusty Bookshop. Grace doesn't even read! But that doesn't stop Grace from organizing the shop and bringing new life to its shelves.
The book is remarkably gentle, even with the backdrop of the Blitz. The author doesn't shield the readers from the horrors of the Blitz but fills in the gaps with reading, bravery and moments of happiness and friendship.
If you don't want a heavy read, this is perfect.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, this is my honest review.

The Last Bookshop in London is one of the best books I’ve read in the fiction and historical fiction genres. This is my first time reading Madeline Martin, but it certainly will not be my last!

I have read wonderful stories about brave women in Europe during World War II, including the Nightingale and Lilac Girls and this book fits perfectly into the same category. It is an action-packed and emotional story. The book felt really well-researched in its references to actual events during World War II.

The charming story is about a girl who moves to London and begrudgingly accepts a position at a run-down bookstore called “Primrose Hill Books.” When I studied in London in 2018, I ran across a shop of the same name on my first day. This connection drew me immediately into the story.

When World War II begins in London, Grace takes on the role of an ARP warden. She sees horrifying sights yet stays calm to accomplish her duty. In many small ways, it’s clear that Grace has a huge impact on everyone around her. She gives Mrs. Weatherford a reason to live again, she helps a set of orphaned siblings, she gives Mr. Evans’ shop new life, and she reads books in the air raid shelters to help those taking shelter escape in their minds. All of these make her a memorable character in the category of WWII fiction.

I equate her character to that of George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life by the influence he has in the community by dedicating his life and business to give others hope. That all culminates with the community eventually showing their appreciation for him in his time of need. When this happens to Grace, it brought me to tears, just like the last five minutes of that classic film always does. Although I like to use this word sparingly, Grace is the definition of a hero. Her sacrifice, courage, and strength bring together the community and literally save people’s lives. As Mr. Evans stated, “Out there, you save lives. In here, you save souls.”

Another thing to note, the subtle romance with George felt refreshing as so many romances today are filled with lustful words and actions. Also, the fact that he constantly gave her reading suggestions and books as presents really appealed to me as that would be my dream man.

This book is a great commentary on the love of reading and how it is a passion discovered within oneself but is inspired by multiple people throughout life. For me, it is multiple family members, teachers, librarians, and now through elementary school students who are discovering their love of reading for the first time.

Thank you to Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read this galley!