This book was a real joy to read! I nice and light, easy read that delved into the past as well as exploring relationships in the present, in a way that was really engaging and charming. I liked the flashbacks, although I would have liked a little more of this I think, and loved the contrast between the way Jasper's character was presented in each time period and how his life had changed him. In the present day I think his character probably changed a little too quickly, but this wasn't a major issue. The story could have had a better pace in parts, but overall I enjoyed it!

This was a very charming book. The plots, the various points of view, and the way everything connected and came together at the conclusion were all fantastic. Gilmore writes in a whimsical in nature, optimistic, and incredibly charming way. Jasper, despite his tough attitude, genuinely makes you want to look past that, while Chloe is a more likable character. I thought this book was much more about friendships and camaraderie , and belonging overall, even if there is undoubtedly some romance.

I didn't find the FMCs likeable. They were haughty and judgy, even in their moments of vulnerability. But it still serves the purpose of RomCom. The writing wasn't my style but I think others would like it. I think the librarian stereotype might be kinda surface level, not sure the author really knows much about the modern librarian.

When a struggling librarian finds an old copy of Tropic of Cancer with notes scribbled in the margins, she has to get to the bottom of it. This book is so lovely. It's a family story, a love story, a forgiveness story. It's got an unlikely friendship between the librarian and her old, cranky neighbor. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my review.

The amount of times I’ve read the author of this book as Rory Gilmore needs to be studied. Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am working through my backlog, and will be momentarily posting reviews for the stories I have yet to get posted but have finished reading.

I wasn't pulled into the story from the beginning like I wanted to be and was bored with the more historical elements. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review.

I am genuinely so sad because this book started so strong and I liked it less and less as the story progressed. The beginning of the book started with so much promise and intrigue. I wanted to know more about the lovers who wrote in the margins of the books. This book lost me though when we moved away from Chloe as the main narrator and onto the others. I don't feel that having chapters from the other POVs added anything to the book and instead made it feel a little dull. I'd much rather have had more dialogue between the characters and that be how these stories were revealed. I really, really hated Chloe's mom and really did not like the conflict between Jasper/Catherine. What kind of deranged person fakes the death of themselves and their child and thinks that it is okay??? The book didn't emphasize enough that this is truly terrible behavior.

This book is not a romance in my opinion. It's a women's fiction with a hint of mystery. There is kind of a happy ending, but it's not a strong one.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.

I was excited about this book because it did sound like AJ Fikry, which is a book I really enjoyed. I think it was a little slower and harder to get into than AJ, but ultimately I enjoyed it. I was also excited for the librarian rep, which did not disappoint. I didn't really love the ending, but I enjoyed the rest of it. Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for this ARC!

I loved how romantic and heartwarming this one was. It made me want to read it slow to enjoy it. Thanks for the ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I really enjoyed Lucy Gilmore’s The Lonely Hearts Book Club, but this one didn’t live up to that. It took place in two different timelines and I felt that the earlier one, set in the 1960s, was not that interesting. I didn’t understand the “grumpy” neighbor who suddenly became supportive and kind, and to me, none of the characters stories were well-developed or I entertaining. I wanted to like this book more than I did.

This book immediately intrigued me when I saw the description comparing it to The Storied Life of AJ Fikry- another book for book lovers. This was such a lovely story, told between different points of view and time periods, as a librarian tried to piece together the history of decades-old love notes written in the margins of a banned book. Although there were some parts that seemed to drag, I loved the characters and really found myself rooting for their happiness. I really enjoyed this one!

This was such an endearing read. I loved the storylines, the different perspectives, and how everything intertwined throughout and came together at the end. Gilmore’s writing is whimsical and idealistic, and just so dang sweet. Chloe is an easier character to root for, and Jasper, while gruff, really makes you want to break through that rough exterior. While there’s definitely a bit of romance, I found this book to be much more about friendship and, ultimately, community.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore is a charming, feel-good story filled with warmth, community, and the healing power of books. It’s the kind of read that wraps you in a cozy blanket of small-town charm and found family vibes, perfect for when you need something light and uplifting.

The heart of the story lies in its endearing characters and the sense of connection that grows within the walls of the library. Gilmore’s writing is easy and engaging, with moments of genuine sweetness that highlight themes of love, acceptance, and second chances. The library setting adds a whimsical touch, making it a lovely escape for book lovers.

However, while the novel is undeniably heartwarming, it sometimes leans too heavily into predictability. The plot follows a familiar path, and some emotional moments feel a bit surface-level, lacking the deeper complexity that could have made the story more impactful. Certain character arcs also felt underdeveloped, leaving you wanting more depth and nuance.

That said, if you’re looking for a cozy, light read with a touch of romance and plenty of heart, The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a sweet choice—even if it doesn’t fully stand out in the genre.

3 stars — a gentle, feel-good story, perfect for fans of comforting, small-town reads, but it may leave some readers craving a bit more substance.

Lucy Gilmore has absolutely found her perfect formula. She's an excellent story teller and easily brings forward feelings.

Nearly perfect book with love letters, flashbacks, pov changes and the sweetest sibling group ever!

Each section of this book delves into a different POV and connects the over arching plot together. While a bit messy in execution I did really enjoy getting those POVs to see the situation from another lens.

My only complaint of this book was that the one love story I was so invested in had a terrible ending and I ended up not liking the character later on at all when we got her POV.

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book!!

This was a story FULL of flawed characters. I was able to look passed that because I really enjoyed the storyline. I also just always have a sweet spot for old and cranky characters lol I liked the multiple timelines and the two POVs.

Another great read from Lucy Gilmore. If you enjoyed reading The Lonely Hearts Book Club, then grab this not-quite-a-sequel. There are a lot of common themes and concepts (young woman struggling to find herself, cranky old man, love interest, book shop, references to literature, etc...) that I was worried would be too repetitive of a plot, But, I found myself really enjoying some of these commonalities but with a plot different enough to capture my interest, my heart, and my sorrow for the real-life elements that these characters go through.

The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore is a charming and heartwarming novel that will resonate with book lovers and romantics alike. The story follows Chloe Sampson, a librarian struggling to care for her younger siblings and find her own place in the world. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a rare edition of a 1960s book at a flea market and uncovers a hidden love story written in the margins.

Chloe’s search for the truth behind the tragic romance written in the book’s pages leads her on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections, especially with her grumpy, reclusive neighbor, Jasper Holmes. As the two work together to unravel the mystery, Chloe learns that love and friendship can blossom in the most unlikely of places.

Gilmore’s writing is both witty and poignant, with a great balance of humor and emotion. The book is a celebration of the power of books to bring people together, heal old wounds, and uncover hidden stories. The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a delightful, feel-good read that’s perfect for fans of stories about found families, second chances, and the magic of literature.

Heartwarming and uplifting, this literary tour of the past and present brings a grumpy old neighbor and the struggling young woman next door together in a way neither could have predicted. A great first read to start the new year!

✨ Book Review: THE LIBRARY OF BORROWED HEARTS by Lucy Gilmore ✨

📚 Book Synopsis: Librarian Chloe Sampson dropped out of college to care for her three younger siblings and is struggling to keep up with their energy, their needs, and the family finances. When she finds a rare first edition from the 1960s that she aims to sell, she finds romantic notes written in the margins. This discovery and her bad-tempered old neighbor’s interest sparks a literary scavenger hunt through town. Written across the 1960s and present day, multiple stories, connections, and secrets unfold.

📚 My Take: Wow, this book has so much, and from multiple points of view. I thoroughly enjoyed the literary mystery, the unraveling of the backstory from the 1960s, and seeing how the characters connect. It’s also beautifully written and I loved how it all came together at the end. This would make a great book club pick and there’s even a reading group guide at the end. Highly recommend.

Read THE LIBRARY OF BORROWED HEARTS for
📖 In-the-margins secret romance
🤫 Long-buried secrets
📚 Book quotes
🏡 Neighborly bonds
❤️‍🩹 Familial love and sacrifice
🖐️ Multiple POVs (and narrators!)
⏳ Dual timeline
🥰 Uplifting finale

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)

😘 Thanks to @SourcebooksCasa and #NetGalley for the gifted eARC and to my local public library for the borrowed audiobook of this amazing read. All opinions are mine alone.

This was a good read a bit slow but I was enjoying it. Until the ending. The book just ended. No epilogue. I was left with too many unanswered questions. The book just felt incomplete. So overall it's just an average read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the E-ARC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.