Tom Harris lives with his father Paul, he’s only sixteen and he has the weight of the world on his young shoulders. His mum passed away when he was eight, his dad works nights, and Tom's left home alone. He has a crush on Farah Shah at school, he blushes every time he sees her, and loses the ability to speak. He hasn’t a clue about girls, he starts borrowing romance novels from the local library, and to get some ideas on how to be less awkward around girls. Here he meets Maggie Mann, she’s seventy two, a widow and Tom comes to her rescue.

Despite the age difference Tom and Maggie become friends and he starts helping her around her farm. Maggie has twenty acres, she runs sheep, keeps chickens and grows her own vegetables. Maggie takes Tom under her wing, he appreciates her home cooked meals and she senses Tom isn’t happy at home and she leaves it up to him to tell her what’s going on.

Tom discovers the joy of reading, he gains confidence, he starts to apply himself to his studies, he wants to pass high school and go to university. When they threaten to close the library, Maggie, Tom, Farah, Christine and the members of Maggie’s book group start a petition and come up with ideas to save the library. An emotional story about an unlikely friendship, Maggie gives Tom the love and attention he desperately needs and she has a new lease on life. Tom learns valuable life skills from Maggie, and also people do make mistakes and you can’t hold their past against them.

I recived a copy of The Library from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review, Bella Osborne's book is beautifully written, it made me cry in a good way, my heart feels full of hope, and five big stars from me.

This book was an excellent reminder of how grateful I am for the library and for having books in my life. Saving the village library is a piece of the plot but not the focus. The book is really about Tom and Maggie. Tom is a teenager with an alcoholic father and Maggie is dealing with loneliness and isolation that comes with age. The friendship that developed between them was sweet. The author did a wonderful job of slowly building the relationship and changing stereotypes they had about each other.I really liked the references to books and the cute animals. The side characters were well developed and added to the story. Descriptions of Maggie’s cooking made me hungry while reading. Some of this did drag for me but overall a very solid, heartwarming read.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Aria & Aries for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tom and Maggie! Books! A library! You just need this book as it's a hub in word form. Two people from different sides of the track, from different generations join and come together in unexpected ways thanks to books. Ahh just read this, it's lovely!

Bella Osborne writes a lovely and heartwarming novel about the surprising relationship that develops between awkward 16 year old Tom Harris, with his GCSE's imminent, feeling invisible, and lonely 72 year old pensioner, Maggie Mann, who after the death of her husband, has felt all the fun leaching out of her life. The offbeat Maggie wears distinctive red Doc Martens, runs a small farm with sheep, has an unhinged aggressive ram called Colin, and chickens. She's an excellent cook but but with only herself, she doesn't often make the effort, does yoga, and can defend herself without any problems. Maggie has her own demons and secrets that revolve around the loss of her son. Tom lives with his difficult and worrying alcoholic father, Paul, who neglects him, they have deep money troubles, their home is at risk and there is often no food.

Paul is insistent that Tom begins earning money as soon as possible and begin to pay his way, and to this end, wants him to begin an apprenticeship at a local dog food factory. Tom wants more, and dreams of going to university, but has concerns about how well he will do in his exams. He is drawn to the popular, beautiful and bright girl at school, Farah Shah, who likes reading romantic fiction. After his father breaks his Xbox, Tom finds himself going to Compton Mallow Library, and begins reading romance novels, and it is where he meets Maggie, a group member of the weekly book club discussions. After trying to help Maggie when she gets mugged, the two of them start to become closer, each needing the other, a relationship that develops around their campaign to save the library from being closed. However, there are personal challenges to overcome for both of them.

Tom's father becomes more and more of a problem, it is not easy to live with an alcoholic father, when matters come to head for Tom, Maggie is there for him, providing him with a safe, secure environment where for the first time in a long time, he has wholesome, tasty and nutritious meals, and he thrives on the farm, loving helping out wherever he can. I love the fact that Tom is unashamed in his love for romantic literature, such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, this helps him to cement a friendship with Farah. This is a fun, entertaining and engaging read, with great characters, particularly the wonderful Maggie, whilst touching on serious issues, like alcoholism and the ongoing threat to libraries, at the heart of so many communities. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book and all books by this amazing author.

THE LIBRARY is a thoroughly delightful book! It follows the blossoming friendship between 16-year-old Tom and Maggie, a woman in her 70s. They encounter each other in the local library and each gains greatly from the relationship. Tom's father is an alcoholic and his mother is dead, so Maggie becomes a source of stability and comfort for tom. Maggie is bored and lonely and deeply misses the son she lost many, many years ago. Befriending Tom brings joy and solace to her. But their relationship is by no means smooth and both of them learn the dangers of keeping secrets. A really satisfying read.

I absolutely adored this story by Bella Osborne and I think it maybe one of my top reads for 2021.

The Library is a wonderful story of two lost souls building up an unlikely friendship. Tom is 16 and is a shy boy who has suffered with so much heartache. He's still dealing with the loss of his mother and has a strained relationship with his father. He doesn't have many friends and spends most of his time on his x-box. He has many happy memories of his later mother, one was reading so he plucks up the courage to visit his local library. It's an overwhelming experience for Tom and he flusters with the librarian. However, his visit catches the eye of one of the library regulars and she is intrigued by this young man.

Maggie is in her early 70's and has been a member of the book group at the library for a long time. She's bored with the same old conversations with her fellow book group members so when a newcomer to the library catches her eye she is inquisitive.

When fate and events keep bringing both of them together at times when they are most vulnerable Tom and Maggie strike up a friendship.

This unlikely multi-generation duo blend perfectly with each other. Maggie slowly gets Tom to open up and she relishes guiding him in life with her wise knowledge. Tom proves a comfort to Maggie as although she has confidence and plenty of life experience she admits she is lonely and Tom's enthusiasm to learn about life is filling a void she has tried hard to ignore.

As life continues to throw hurdles in Tom's way his friendship with Maggie is proving to be a lifesaver.

Whilst Tom and Maggie's friendship blooms the library is placed in jeopardy with the prospect of closure. The community pull together with the aim to save the library from closure.

Bella Osborne has written a wonderful story that deals with grief, loss, fear all dealt with grace and sensitivity. Although the story tackles some hard hitting issues there is a warmth running throughout and I felt a sense of hopefulness and inspiration. I truly did not want this story to end.

Thats It! This is officially my favorite book of the year, and am so happy to have read it at this time of November. This was such a chill and different read that kept me so interested and intrigued not pages into the story. The characters, especially Tom are my favorite! And the plot is so original and cute.
If you want a change from romance novels and fluffy reads but are still looking for a cute and chill read that features realistic troubles and it represents verbal abuse as well as issues that many teens have faced everywhere. It brings awareness and opens up peoples eyes to facts about peoples lives that we might not be aware of and this made me more interested!

I have to say that other then the plot, I also absolutely loved the characters! It is so cute to read about Tom and Maggie's friendship, and I love this dynamic duo. I love the protective granny vibes that Maggie gives off, and I just loved everything about their friendship, especially that Tom did not dismiss Maggie in the beginning for being old, and in the end when the big plot twist occurs! I honestly want a granny friend like Maggie!

I also loved the plot and the writing. The storyline of The Library was played out beautifully and peacefully. It was such a chill and relaxing, one day read and yet I could still feel my heart pounding mid-way. The book is about struggling teen in school and a lonely women, who is quite ferocious might I add, who discover their love for books as a sort of escapism from reality.
When troubling news arrives and the Library that they love is at the threat of closure, Tom and Maggie find a friendship that allows them to team up to prove that the library is not just about books!
I loved reading how both Maggies and Toms friendship developed throughout the book, and so did their personalty and characteristics. Maggie and Tom began to be more open to each other and the people around them and that was so sweet!

This book has a special place in my heart. It such a heartwarming and touching story that you should for sure check out!

This is a touching tale of friendship in between two lonely and unlikely people who have built an unexpected friendship that have changed their lives forever.

I could not put this ebook down to be honest. This book has made me laugh and cry. It’s another rare find book I’ve discovered in #netgalley. This is a heartwarming story of a finding a meaningful friendship with an elder protagonist. Personally, I’m always fond of elderly people who are full of excitement and wisdom. Just like Maggie in the story, she is a loveable character for me because of her life experience and developed personality. She uplifts one’s spirit with inspirational and depth messages to ponder.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a moving story about the importance of family relationship, friendship, sense of community and of course, the library. I could even wish Maggie is a real person. I would really like to meet in real life.

Thank you to @netgalley and to the publisher, Aria & Aries for this opportunity to enjoy an e-ARC in exchange of an honest feedback.

The book tells a story about unexpected friendship and a journey to self rediscovery. We find love in unexpected places and that it is also possible to find ourselves in unexpected places. This is a story not only for bookworm but for everyone who believes in love -- love in any forms, places, and faces.

This was a great, wholesome story and I really enjoyed it! Maggie was a great character and I really wanted to help out my local library after reading this. This story was so endearing and heartwarming... I truly loved it!

Tom is a 16-year-old boy in England in his final year of sixth form. Maggie is an elderly woman who works at the local library. The two form a friendship while saving the local library.

The description of this book drew me in. It was such a cool concept and I haven't read many like this before so of course I had to request it. I like that most of the significant characters are flawed and they make mistakes. They can be unlikeable at times but their character development is great.

The story idea and character development was okay but I feel like this story didn't have something to keep me reading more. I wish it had a bit more that makes you feel like you're lost in the book. The topics about alcoholism and abuse were well done and so was the portrayal of grief. Overall, an interesting novel about people saving a library and discovering what it means to them.

I loved everything about this book!

Tom is a great character who goes on such a journey of self-discovery throughout the story. 16 and approaching his GCSEs, Tom is struggling. His mother died when he was younger and it is just him and his dad. His father is struggling to pay the bills and control his drinking. Tom’s only outlet is his Xbox and then that is taken from him. Looking for something to fill his time and help with his revision he heads to the village library.

At the library he meets Maggie. Widowed and still working her small farm, Maggie is bright and busy but lonely. She has few friends and fills her days baking and reading.

When Tom helps Maggie one Saturday afternoon they begin a friendship that may be the saving of both of the.

Their forendship is so genuine and develops with immense warmth and humour. The details of their lives and sometimes tragic, but their resilience and strength shine through. It is an unlikely but perfect combination.

The book highlights just how important libraries can be, particularly for small communities. As well as the obvious books, it provides friendship and routine, support and a safe place for people to go. Sadly, the campaign to save the library is one that many communities have faced in real life.

This is a great read. You will be rooting for the characters from the first page. Highly recommend it.

Thank you to Nethallet for my gifted copy of The Library

The Library
by Bella Osborne
I LOVED this book! A beautiful, loving friendship Maggie and Tom had. Two lonely soles meet in the library and change one another's lives. It is a brilliant read and I was sad to say Goodbye toMaggie and Tom. I was blessed to have met the younger boy and older Lady. It warms my heart.

I wanted to love this one, the premise sounded good! What's not to like about a library and people trying to save it?? However, I ended up DNF at 25%, the writing style is not my cup of tea. Moreover, the voices of the two main characters were so similar; for me, there was no distinction between them. In addition, I thought it was going to be a quite light-hearted book but the remarks of the alcoholic father and the bullying were too much; as someone who had to deal with both situations growing up, it could have been dealt with it differently. Of course, it might suit other readers, just be mindful of the triggers.

Awwww, this was surprisingly heartwarming! I'm a sucker for stories with strong themes on friendship and deep caring for others. If you want a wholesome, feel-good reading moment, this is just the book for you <3

Wow I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! This was such a heart warming, feel good, “comfort” book! This was such an easy read! The characters were so easy to like and root for! I will definitely be recommending this book!!

** One of the best books I’ve read in 2021 **

I absolutely loved reading this utterly beautiful story.

I finished this the weekend after American Thanksgiving and couldn’t have enjoyed it more than I did. It was truly heartwarming and cozy and as I sat on the couch, looking out at the snow on the ground from last night’s wintery gift, I kept thinking about it. This one is going to stay with me for a long while.

This will be a definite re-read for me, and a strong recommendation for other readers.

"The books opened a door for me to escape into a different world. One where I was the hero. I could also convince myself that it was research. Research into a life I wanted to lead, people I wanted to be like"

Happy sigh. The Library was, despite it touching on a variety of difficult topics (most notably the consequences of alcoholism on one's family), an empowering and life-affirming read. The central arc of the story is that of a small-town library being scheduled to close, and a group of unlikely people coming together to save it. While there is plenty of reference to popular books, the power of reading and the quirks of book club members, this is a story about an unlikely friendship between Tom, an 'invisible' teenager and Maggie, a spunky 72-year old lady, who runs a small farm by herself.

I thoroughly appreciated the way Maggie cared for Tom, allowing him to make mistakes and grow. I loved how the book had just enough regular teenage angst around exams and first loves to make Tom a believable youngster. I am not sure about some of the aspects of Tom's relationship with his father, nor did I really believe Farah's character was quite strong enough, but all in all this was a nice Sunday afternoon read.

A lonely old woman and a shy teenage boy help each other through hard life events and band together to save a library. Multi generation friendships? Sign me up! It did tackle harder hitting subjects than others I’ve read like this, but it hit the feels that much more.