Madeline Martin’s The Booklover’s Library is a poignant and heartwarming tale of resilience, community, and the transformative power of literature set against the backdrop of WWII-era England. The story follows Emma Taylor, a widowed mother in Nottingham struggling to make ends meet as wartime restrictions leave her with few opportunities. When she secures a job at Boots’ Booklover’s Library, Emma not only finds purpose but also healing through the connections she fosters with coworkers, neighbors, and the patrons who rely on her book recommendations.

Martin masterfully captures the era’s challenges, from the harrowing separation of families during evacuations to the uncertainty brought by the Blitz. Emma’s journey is filled with touching moments of vulnerability and strength as she grapples with her grief, navigates mysterious happenings in the library, and holds onto hope of reuniting with her daughter, Olivia.

What sets this novel apart is its celebration of literature as a source of comfort and connection. Emma’s love of books and her growing community remind readers of the enduring power of stories to illuminate even the darkest times. With richly drawn characters, an evocative setting, and a narrative brimming with heart, The Booklover’s Library is a tribute to the courage of ordinary people and the magic of books.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction and book-centered stories, Martin delivers an uplifting and immersive read that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review.

4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoy stories set during the war when we see what is happening on the home front. Emma Taylor is a widow with a daughter, Olivia. She needs a job to provide for herself and her daughter, but there are legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities. She has one option left, persuading the manageress of the Boots' Booklover's Library to hire her. As the threat of war becomes real, Emma makes the difficult choice to send Emma out of the city to live in the country to live with strangers and wait out the war. To survive emotionally, Emma becomes friends with her neighbours and coworkers, who know about Olivia, and support her. She gets to know the patrons and works well with them, making recommendations. When books begin disappearing and being misshelved, she is blamed, and possibly in danger of losing her job? Eventually the threat feels unreal, and Emma wants to bring her daughter home. Olivia doesn't wait for her mom to come and get her, but takes matters into her own hands. As the blitz heats up, will Olivia and Emma survive?

The more I read about the home front during the war, I am shocked that widows with children were prohibited from working. How were they supposed to survive? Emma is resilient, doing what she had to do to support herself and keep her daughter safe. She is personable and easily becomes a favourite at the Booklover's Library. I felt for her and Olivia being separated, but that was what happened to keep the children safe. It is heartbreaking nonetheless. I liked the addition of the Library. Although there was a membership fee, borrowing books was better than having to buy them. I didn't like the class structure though. Themes of friendship, women supporting one another, motherhood, and survival all come into play. This was an enjoyable story that kept my interest from start to finish. Although it is set during WW2, it centers on those at home, not the fighting or the holocaust. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, homefront stories during wartime and stories of family.

I found this book to be very boring. I actually found that there was not much about books, or libraries. It was mainly about ww2. I thought after reading it would be about a mother and daughter and their undying love for their child. I guess I was just expecting a different book.

This book was by far my favorite book of 2024 and my most recommended. I cannot stop thinking about it. Emma and Olivia's story is not one I will soon forget. The story of what a mother would do for the love and safety of her daughter is one that so many of us can identify with. Thank you for an excellent read. I'm looking forward to more from this authror.

What a fantastic read! Emma, a widow, and her daughter Olivia are living in England when Emma finds herself in the difficult position of needing to find a job to support herself and her daughter. But this is 1939, when it was not possible for a widowed mother to find work which would provide enough. Expected instead to re-marry for support and security, Emma finds herself in a difficult position, but we quickly learn she is a tenacious woman, fiercely motivated to protect her freedom and her daughter's well-being. Able to convince Boots Book-Lover's Library to hire her as a lending librarian, Emma believes this will be enough to provide for herself and her daughter. But her plan hits snags when WWII creeps ever closer to English borders, eventually forcing Emma to send Olivia away to the countryside, where countless other children have also been evacuated. The heartbreak of not having her daughter with her combined with a mysterious problem of books continuously being misshelved, casting suspicion on her, presents the serious problem of potentially losing her job.

It is easy for us to fall in love with Emma's character and to experience life in WWII England with her as she develops strong relationships and friendships with neighbors and co-workers. Her own love of books and reading is relatable to anyone who is a reader themselves, and it was fascinating for me to learn about Boots Book-Lover's Library, a lending library which I was unaware of until reading this novel. Up until the opening of these libraries, library patrons were unable to freely walk among the bookstacks to choose books for themselves, instead relying on librarians to find and retrieve books for them.

Many thanks to Madeline Martin, NetGalley, and the publisher Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

This is more accurately a book about a woman finding her way in the midst of an extremely challenging time in history rather than a book just about WWII, which makes it a change from other WWII historical fiction novels one may read. We see the pain and anguish caused by sending children away in the mass evacuations, while also understanding why they seen as a necessary way to protect as many lives as possible. We see how citizens tried to carry on despite the difficulties of war, finding joy and simple pleasure in life's every day activities, like reading. But we also see the impacts the war would inevitably have on those who lived in the midst of it.

I enjoyed this book set in wartime England. It was interesting to learn about booklover’s libraries. I can’t even imagine the heartbreak that families of that time faced having to choose between keeping their children with them and putting them in danger or sending them away to the country to possibly keep them safer. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

In 1931, Emma lost her whole world- her dad, home, and their bookstore- to a fire. Shortly after she became engaged, married, a mother, and a widow. Her husband’s death left Emma to care for Olivia on her own. In 1939, Olivia is 7, and World War II is knocking on England’s door. Emma pretends to simply be unmarried (married nor widowed woman could have jobs in 1940 England) to gain employment at the Booklover’s Library.

As war comes to England, Emma must do the hard thing and send Olivia to the countryside for her safety. This story shares experiences these small towns had during bombings- the way they supported their community, troops, and one another during this unstable time. Emma and Olivia both grow during this time- finding strength and love in their friends, community, and the books they surround themselves with.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The characters in this story are vibrant and have so much depth. They invoke how it must have felt in these smaller towns just hours from England during the war. The detailed separation of parents and their children, along with the unfortunate placements these children faced, was heartbreaking. But the resilience of a nation and the true meaning of service are strong themes throughout @madelinemmartin entire book. If you’re a WWII reader this fictional story should be on your TBR list.

Doing my oops I’m late to this #advancedreaderscopy - thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinbooks - the pub date was 9/10/24

#2025bookchallenge2of100
#thebookloverslibrary
#worldwar2
#netgalley

I love the cover and was super excited to mix two of my favorite things: books and historical fiction. Can't get enough. This WW11 novel has endearing characters and tells the story of the bond between a widowed mother, Emma, and her daughter, Olivia, as well as the power of literature and community to get you through dark times. This book did a great job emotionally connecting the reader to the economic struggle widowed woman faced during ww11. I did not read The Last Bookshop in London but will put that on my TBR now. I wish I had to enjoy the little sneak that made into this book. I am very excited for Madaline Martin's next book about books coming out Sept 2025.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for the ARC.

Madeline Martin does it again. Her insightful and fantastic novel brings the past to life. I felt the triumphs and the despair deeply. I cried ugly tears, both happy and sad. The Booklover's Library was one of the best books I read in 2024.

WWII was a time of great fear and Martin captures this feeling in ways that make it all real for new generations. I felt Emma's pain profusely. However, her friendship with the lovely landlady and friends at the lending library gave readers light in an otherwise dreary era. Martin's extensive research shines brilliantly in every chapter.

I love how Emma found purpose at the lending library. The patrons who visit are written spectacularly. I enjoyed the cantankerous mystery lover and the talkative lady with her dog. I could see them so clearly and picture their conversations as if I were there with them.

The discrimination toward married women and widows with children during this era is appalling. Unfortunately, it is easy to imagine even today. That is why the ending was so satisfying.

Martin uses wit and despair flawlessly. Her ability to connect the two makes her a standout in the historical fiction realm and I am thrilled to award The Booklover's Library a full 5 out of 5 stars.

Madeline Martin deserves credit for a well-written story that explores common tropes (World War II and books/libraries) in a way that is engaging, well-researched, and introduces some lesser known aspects like the marriage bar and lending libraries in WWII England. While the pacing occasionally felt uneven and I didn't necessarily connect deeply with some of the characters, I would recommend this to those looking for historical fiction set during the era or lovers of historical fiction involving books, especially if they like writing that slips in literary references throughout the story.

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel set during world war 2 in London. I did feel that some of the things that happened in the story were a little too contrived. Some of the story line felt unbelievable as well. I wish that the main character Emma had been more honest with herself and others so that things would have worked themselves out more quickly. Overall, I liked the book.

During the second World War, English women were trapped by societal norms. They could only work if they were single. Even widows with families to support, were ineligible for employment. This places Emma, who lost her husband, in a desperate situation as the sole caretaker of her daughter Olivia. Luckily, someone who knew her father takes pity on the young mother, agreeing to hire her if she will work under the title “Miss.” Emma isn’t alone in dealing with the policies. Her co-worker and new friend Margaret, is delaying getting married because she doesn’t want to lose her job at the Booklovers’ Library.

This is not a public library where books are loaned out to patrons. Instead, it’s a subscription-based library where people pay to be a member with borrowing privileges. These members look to the employees for recommendations on reading materials. Emma becomes a respected source of solid referrals and enjoys her job. However, caring for her daughter when school is out becomes a major source of anxiety. They live in a highly industrialized area which is considered a prime target for German bombs. This leads Emma to seriously consider the government’s warnings and send her daughter to live in a safer area. Emma seems to be alone in her struggle, but luckily, she is befriended by some who initially seem standoffish. People will sometimes surprise her with their assistance. But her stress over her daughter’s care grows as the bombings and air raids increase.

Martin creates a fascinating tale of a different type of library that offers the same customer service as public libraries with perhaps, a more personalized approach. Still, the love of reading and the importance of books comes through loud and clear.

Wartime is fraught with difficulties beyond the front. Emma and her friend Margaret are caught up in the strange rules of female employment while little Olivia hates being separated from her mom. The bombings come ever closer, neighborhoods are demolished and the anxiety is heightened. These wartime realities and the need for a community to rally together, form the basis for this historical tale. The characters are relatable and one fears for their survival – both physically and emotionally. Once again, books and the community of readers shine and offer hope during such difficult times.

The Booklover's Library is set during WW2 where Emma, a widower, must find a way to provide for herself and her daughter. As a widower, Emma is limited in work opportunities and with not many options, she convinces The Boot's Booklover's Library manageress to take a chance on her. Emma must make the hard decision to send her daughter to the countryside to protect her.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this story! Emma Taylor is a widow and a single mom in Nottingham, England looking for a job at the start of WWII. She used to run a bookstore with her father before the shop burned down and her Dad passed away. She ends up at the Boots Booklovers Library, where despite the rule against hiring married women and widows.

This was a great story about how reading helps people during the toughest times. Emma has to pretend she's single and she doesn't have a daughter. She also has to make the difficult decision to send her daughter out to the country to keep her safe from the bombing. All the while working and trying to make ends meet and keep food on the table while living through WWII. Also, for fans of Last Bookshop in London, there's a cameo by some of the characters. This is the 3rd story I've read by this writer and I've loved them all. I'm looking forward to more by this writer.

Thanks to @harlequintradepublishing, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC

I loved this book.

WW2 England is one of my favorite historical fictions eras to read, and this one grabbed my heart from the first page and didn’t let go. This book had it all - bookstores, lending libraries, love, loss, fear, hope, friendship, and so much more! The character development was absolutely superb, and I loved the wide variety of characters. For those who loved Madeline Martin’s book The Last Bookshop in London, there is an appearance from some of the main characters from that beautiful book, which was so much fun!

I definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves books, loves historical fiction, or just wants to learn more about what it was like to live in World War 2 England.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This was a nice read that I enjoyed. I especially appreciated the relationships between the female characters.

The Booklover's Library shows a much different side of WWII historical fiction than most books. It focus on the dilemma parents of children in England faced of either keeping them at home in the cities or sending the children to country for their safety. This is my first book by Madeline Martin and cannot wait to read more by her.

Madeline Martin is fast becoming one of my new favorite authors! I love all the in-depth research she does to bring this book to life with such great historical detail. While I personally couldn't relate to Emma's relationship with her daughter, I very much enjoyed the menagerie of characters who graced these pages, and all the unique and refreshing perspectives they brought to light in an inundated genre like WWII fiction. Excited to read more from this wonderful author!

I am a huge fan of books written by Madeline Martin, and this one was no exception.

We meet Emma, a widow who is doing what she can to care for her daughter as war looms on the horizon. She has to care for her child somehow, and in doing so, has to fight the societal expectations in order to do so.

Martin does such a good job of weaving together amazing characters in a historical setting. While this book is historical fiction, I still felt like I learned a few things about the time period (something I always enjoy)!

And of course, Emma works in a library, which is the best sort of location for a book lover!

Definitely check this book out, you won't be sorry.

4.5 stars — so glad I stayed up late to finish this 💙
Another exceptional story by Madeline Martin! She blends a love of books with the harsh realities of war and personal struggles in such an emotional way that you’ll reflect on what truly matters in life.

I loved the main characters and connected with them deeply enough to eagerly continue reading (even when I should’ve been doing other things, like sleeping 🤭). I also appreciated the side characters and their stories.

Although this novel has some tragic elements, I was relieved that the overall story isn’t so utterly devastating. There are many moments of joy and love, which make the reader feel more hopeful. The extensive research Madeline Martin conducted makes this a beautifully written and enlightening story that’ll have you hugging your loved ones & your books.

I definitely recommend this (and other novels of hers) to all book lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a book that shows the many ways in which we are all connected and deserving of peace ☮️

🎧 Audiobook narrator, Saskia Maarleveld has a soothing voice and makes it easy to distinguish one character from another. I’ve enjoyed every audiobook that I’ve read with her narration ✨