Maggie is in her 70’s living alone on her small farm with very little company apart from her farm animals and weekly book club at her local library.

Tom is 16, a lonely and invisible soul whose mom died when he was 8. His father works night shifts and both have retracted into their own worlds. Tom into his Xbox and his father into an alcoholic haze.

When the two meet in the library one day, they slowly start to develop a deep and fulfilling friendship that feeds a gap in both of them.

They come together when Tom’s father reaches a scary point and then when the library’s existence is threatened.

This is such a beautiful book, while I was reading it, I could just imagine this as a thoughtful and gorgeous film starring a Maggie Smith type character 🎥 It’s a firm recommendation from me ❤️📚🐑

Tom doesn't want to be noticed and wants to go to university but his father wants him to get a job. He goes to the local library where he can be out of the way. Maggie is on her own and goes to the book club at the library. They meet and both their lives are changed

What a delightful read this was. The depiction of Tom’s father was only a bit too real. My one complaint would be Christine the librarian who basically did nothing to help, out of fear. How disappointing.

Enjoyed reading about everyone else in the small town and surrounding. Would love to read more about the library patrons.

The story of teenager Tom and pensioner Maggie who unite in their quest to save the local library from closure. What develops is an unlikely friendship between two lonely people and how they help each other through turbulent times.

A lovely heartwarming story which was a delightful entertaining read.

What a breath of fresh air this book is. Well written totally engaging throughout. Tom lonely and grieving decides to go to the library there he meets lonely Maggie a friendship blooms after Tom trys to save her from a mugger, but gets punched for his troubles. Tom's homelife isn't the best, Dad Paul is struggling with the loss of his wife, money troubles and the dreaded drink push Tom to the limit. A can not recommend this book enough it was a really good read.

This book is AMAZING!!!! Probably one of my favourite books this year. I loved how 2 generations came together to save their library, and I’d be lying If I said that I didn’t cry……lots!!! It’s such a moving story which reminded me of The Lido by Libby Page. I can’t gush about this book enough!! It was incredible

A gentle story, deep issues, humor and characters to love….all centered around a library and farm life. What’s not to love? No shocking twists…just a thoroughly enjoyable, multilayered feel-good read.

This is a story of Tom, the teenager, and Maggie, the mature lady, who meet via the local library. Each of them have holes in the lives which the other fills for them in the best way. There are ups and downs, and the book touches on a number of sensitive topics along the way.

I really warmed to the main characters and enjoyed seeing how their relationship unfolded. I felt the highs and the lows with them, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Each time I came to put the book down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it

It’s a great read for any time of the year and I fully recommend

Copy provided by Aria & Aries and Netgalley.

I’m a sucker for any type of book that also has books on the cover and is called something that is bookish related. I almost always buy it and read it. No matter the content. Luckily for me, this book was great and witty and just everything a book lover would want in a book-related book. I throughly enjoyed it. Now I just need a physical copy of it for my collection.

I loved this book. The development of the relationship between Tom and Maggie is just so lovely and well written, it's impossible for you not to get drawn in to cheering on their progress. It's a very timely story considering how many people are suffering from loneliness to an even greater extent due to the impact of the pandemic and a reminder not to judge a book by its cover, as the most unlikely candidates, however old or teenage, have something to offer. This may have been a departure from the author's usual writing, but I loved it as much, if not more, than her other titles. Also as someone who works in a library I'd like to thank the author for her insightful observations that a library isn't "just books" and highlighting the positive social impact a library can have on the community. Highly recommend.

What a joyful, heartwarming book! I read this in one sitting as I was fully invested in Tom and Maggie’s story and their unlikely friendship. Although this book deals with some difficult subjects such as alcoholism, it is not difficult to read - the subjects are dealt with in way that acknowledges the illness with understanding and hope.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Bella Osbourne is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and although this is a slightly different genre for her, it is still recognisable as her writing, full of believable and fully developed characters. I loved it!

This is a bit of a departure from Bella Osborne's usual books. Not a romcom but a study of different relationships between a teenage boy and his father, and the same teenage boy and an elderly lady he befriends when he assists her after she is mugged.
The community are forced into action when the local council intend to close the village library. Secrets are revealed and discoveries made which change everything.

What a delightful read. Fresh, original with a host of interesting and well thought out characters. There are some lovely twists and turns in the plot that I didn't see coming. Although its a heart warming read, it also touches on several issues. I couldn't recommend this too highly.

This is the third book I have read by Bella Osborne & all three have been magnificent. I love reading books about books & bookworms. Absolutely fab!

Thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Library by Bella Osborne is a heartwarming tale about two bookworms from different generations who get to know each other through the power of books. Tom is a shy high schooler who hates being the center of attention at school, and he sees the library as a source of escape. Maggie is an old but shrewd woman who comes to the library for her weekly book club, the only time she gets out of her house. After the two initially notice each other in a library, they don't hit it off right away, but they eventually develop an unexpected friendship. I've always been a fan of libraries and I fully believe in the power of books to bring people together, so when I read the description of this book, I knew that I needed to add this book to my TBR list right away. I was so excited to read on about how these two very different people eventually become friends.

The book alternates perspectives between Tom and Maggie.

Here is an excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from Tom's perspective:

"My name is Tom Harris and I am invisible.
Not actually invisible - that would make me interesting and I'm not. I'm the person others find easy to forget. The one who is lost in the crowd. To be honest it suits me to be invisible. I hate it when I get noticed and I'm thrown into the spotlight, I'd rather be lost in the white noise of life. My neck goes red and blotchy at all sorts of unhelpful moments, like if a teacher asks me a question."

And here is an excerpt from Chapter 2, which is from Maggie's perspective:

"Maggie hadn't enjoyed this week's book club read. She was getting sick of psychological thrillers that told you you'd never see the big twist coming when invariably she could spot it like a pink striped cow in a field of sheep. She also found some of the stories played on her mind, which wasn't good for a seventy-two-year-old living on her own. Not that living alone bothered her; it didn't, She'd been on her own for almost ten years. Maggie liked her own company and her own space but she forced herself to make the trip into the village every week. Without it she would likely not see or speak to anyone unless the postman had something she needed to sign for..."

As you can see from the excerpts, the book is humorous and witty. I had a wonderful reading this book in between two darker, more thrilling reads, and this was just the light-hearted comedy that I was looking for. It's definitely a good idea to read books from different genres once in a while. I was definitely invested in both characters, but I found myself enjoying the chapters from Maggie's perspective more. There's something about her dry humor that I found very fun. The author did add in a plot about Tom and Maggie teaming up to save their library from closing, but to be honest, I was already invested in the book just from reading about their developing friendship. If you're intrigued by the excerpts above, or if you're a fan of heartwarming books about libraries, then I highly recommend you check out this book when it comes out in September!

A great read.

Tom and Maggie become unlikely friends, having met at the library. They are trying to help save their local library, along with everything else that is happening in their lives.

A lovely read so well written a book of a surprise it friendship. I started reading and was drawn right in this book is charming warm will be recommending.#netgalley #The Library

Maggie and Tom one day meet in a village library. Pensioner and teenager, both with many problems, yet they become close friends and start to enjoy their till now unhappy lives. And when authorities try to close the library, they start to fight for the future of the heart of their community.

Tom and Maggie are so adorable, the narrative more than fluid, the novel is really heartwarming and joy to read.

Another beautiful novel by Bella Osborne. Perfect for different generations, full of hope, courage, wisdom, humour and above all - love.

Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved The Library and I cannot recommend this book enough, I instantly fell in love with Maggie and Tom and the lovely friendship they formed, I felt like I had known them for years, an absolute wonderful read.

'The Library' by Bella Osborne is a gorgeous treat of a read. The main characters, Tom and Maggie, are engaging and realistic and I cared deeply about them both.
Tom and Maggie both have stories that tug at your heartstrings and secrets that slowly emerge. I loved that they were so different in age and yet they were able to become friends and to find comfort in each other. Along with their individual stories, there is the story of the village library – where they've both found friendship and solace – and how the threat of its closure distresses them and the community.
I also enjoyed how Bella Osborne brought the theme of nature into the novel and how healing it can be to get outside and spend time with animals and/or working the land.
Serious issues are touched on in this story, as themes such as loneliness, alcoholism and the debilitating effects of ageing are explored, and at times I became quite emotional when reading, but there were also scenes that made me laugh out loud.
Bella Osborne has a magical way with words and 'The Library' is a wonderful 5 star read that will appeal to readers of all ages.

What an amazing book, the characters were so we'll developed and the story was fantastic. I went into it expecting it to be a cute wee read and as much as it is it really tackles some heavy subjects such as loneliness, grief and addiction issues and it does so brilliantly. I was so emotionally invested in these characters and the little town in which the story was set. Fantastic book and a perfect ending for me.

I loved this story not only is it heartwarming., filled with hope, understanding and eventually love but it brings to the surface how no matter what your age, friendships can happen. Tom has a lot on his shoulders not only school, revision and exams but only having his dad around who finds his own escape unfortunately in a bottle. To Maggie a spritely older lady who’s one highlight of the week is the library, that is until she meets Tom. Simply wonderful

"The Library" by Bella Osborne is an emotional read that highlights the struggles of both the older and younger generation while maintaining a light-hearted narrative tone. This novel shows how the unlikeliest of people can become close friends and the toughest of situations can be overcome if one has the motivation and support of others.

Tom and Maggie are brought together by the unlikeliest of events: to save their local library from being shut down. Due to a rough home life and an inability to speak to the girl he likes, Tom finds shelter at the local library among romance novels. Maggie turns to the library as a means of sprucing up her lonely days, but grows attached when she meets Tom and finds a companionship with him.

Tom's not only a relatable character but he's likeable, too. There are hilarious moments of seeing him flustered and anxious around the girl he likes and having to do some less-than-ideal jobs for Maggie on her farm. These are scenes that result in mutual laughter, feelings of embarrassment, and cringe-worthy "oh, no" moments. He comes from a rough home life where the circumstances create a not-so-optimistic future for him. Yet, it's easy to admire Tom and the way he handles his home life with maturity (though there are times when his teenage attude rears its head), and works to create a better environment for himself.

Maggie is an absolute fiery delight whose wit and not-so-elderly attitidue will charm readers right from the beginning. She radiates this bright light throughout the entire story with her take-action attitude and her sassy personality. The characters in the story are either annoyed by her antics and outspokenness or their drawn to her because of it. From the start, Maggie has this spark that burns the brightest in this novel. She's got problems of her own, which aren't clear from the start. It seems as though she's lonely, living by herself in her retirement, but the end reveals there's more going on than what meets the eye.

These characters are what makes the story. They're a complicated mess with dark histories and unfortunate situations, but they try to make the most of them.

Osborne weaves a tale that is tragic and heartbreaking but uplifting and humorous as well. Her vivd prose is exceptional in its ability to capture the brilliant details of scenery and the subtle shifts of her characters as they develop and grow throughout the story.

Keep a lookout for this novel when it becomes available on its expected publication date September 2nd, 2021. Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for providing me with a free e-arc of this novel and giving me the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.

What more can I say other than I LOVED it?!
The Library by (the always lovely) Bella Osborne is truly something very special. With a move away from her normal type of work, Bella hasn’t given us the light hearted romance than fans know and love. Whilst still written with her undoubtable skill and sensitivity, she uses this story to tackle more serious, hard hitting topics.
A wonderful cast of characters, of different backgrounds, ages etc but they are all flawed and with their own issues. They have been carefully written, relationships have been delicately nurtured so to engage the reader, such as the relationship between Tom and Maggie. Their bond and connection started so small, with a simple act but grew into something life changing.
When a common cause unites members of the community you quickly see how bonds grow and how those bonds can affect a person in many ways. They are trying to save the community library but through doing so they are also saving themselves.
I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down, and once I got to the end it stayed with me long after turning that last page.
A charming, heartfelt story that I will recommend to all

I loved it. Don’t normally like books that move between two characters but it worked well. Gosh Maggie was a strong character . You can not imagine being that lonely. The library saved Tom and Maggie and Tom’s father. We need library’s . I was so glad Tom began to study . His father was so short sighted re exams. Saving the library was so important to them all. . I loved the birth of the lambs and how Tom helped..Food is so important and Maggie showed Tom so much love with it. The ending was ace. A must read

A must read for any bookworm. It’s full of warmth, bookishness and such an addictive story. Loved it!

This is a fabulous story! I adored it!

"A chance encounter at the library had changed so many things."

A library is warm, cozy and has a distinct smell that as an adult I still remember from my own childhood. It is wonderful and comforting.
This novel brings an unusual friendship between two very different people. One is in her seventies, the other is a teen.
Both need a friend and some love.
Who knew that books, and an old library would give them something so special with so many new memories and hopes!
A heartwarming journey for Tom and Maggie!
Well done!

For some reason I didn't have high expectations when I started reading this. It ended up being charming and the relationship between Tom and Maggie is very sweet. There are some deeper issues here like alcoholism. It's a very clean read if you're looking for something of that nature (I don't think kissing even happens).

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much for sending me a digital copy of Bella Osborne’s latest work, which I have now finished reading. Such a heart-warming and thought provoking novel! The Library is a touching tale of true friendship, overcoming adversity...and the genuine joy books can bring to our lives.

This really was a good read, between two characters of different ages and how they communicate. Loved the fact it’s based at a library.

WOW! This book is definitely worthy of more than the alloted 5*rating in my opinion. I absolutely adored this book and couldn't put it down or read it fast enough. The story is told in alternate chapters of the main characters, Tom a teenager trying find his place in the world and Maggie, an older lady who is definitely not your average granny type. A chance encounter leads Tom and Maggie to go on to form an unlikely friendship that eventually helps them both to heal their hidden wounds. This story is written so beautifully, with warmth, depth and compassion, humour and authenticity. I was so engrossed with this story, I was totally gutted it had to end. I heartily recommend reading this book.

This is definitely a different type of book from the other Bella Osborne books I have read. The story was not a light hearted romance book. It reminded me quite a bit of the work by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The story deals with serious issues and real-life flawed characters that will weave their way into the reader's heart and find a place to stay. This emotional story was written expertly by Ms. Osborne. She rose to a new high level of artistry in creating this amazing world.

I love to read books with characters of many ages, especially if a older character (over 70 years old) is included as a main focus. That is the case with this story, as Maggie, 72 years and Tom, a teenager meet and develop a very special friendship that both of them need badly.

I enjoyed this book so very much! I hope by writing my review others will chose to read it also.

I want to thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

4.8/5🌟: This book follows Tom (young invisible teen) and Maggie (more than a sweet old lady) as they meet in the village library and then become unlikely but fast friends. Now they must band together to fight for the place that brought them closer in the first place before it's taken down forever. And I absolutely adored this book, as it was both a quiet contemporary and a novel that deals with grief, alcoholism, and eventual act of forgiveness.

Now I'm usually iffy on stories with multiple povs because I find myself like one over the other(s) and then getting annoyed when they switched, but this story perfectly balances the story and blends them effortlessly. (Personally) I was a little more invested into Tom at first, but I quickly grew to love Maggie and their friendship was so wholesome. I did find the dad a bit unbearable at times (a little John Wincester-ish for those who know) but seeing Tom's relationship with him develop was beautifully done.

Also the love side plot didn't really go anywhere but I personally, didn't need a love plot because I thought the story was strong on it's own but if you're going to include, then you might need to make go somewhere. It felt a little bit pointless. Otherwise, I loved the story as I devoured it in one day. It provided wonderful insights and I definitely need to go pick up a copy when it comes out.

[A BIT OF A SPOILER BUT NOT REALLY, READ AT OWN RISK}
The one thing that was a little bit iffy about the book was Farah. She's the potential love interest for Tom but then never really developed this in the book. They really hang out once in the book and the rest is just inferred. I also didn't like that there is moment where Tom tells her that another boy is jerk and she deserved better. She leaves in a huff and ignores him for WEEKS. Later, it's revealed that she wasn't with the jerk at all but tutoring him because her mom asked her too and she had to get out it because he was annoying. So she ignored him for what? it made no sense and it pissed me off so minus .2 invisible points for that.

---My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.----

I absolutely loved this book which tells the tale of 16 year old Tom and 72 year old Maggie who meet at their local library and become unlikely friends. I loved the way the chapters alternated between Tom and Maggie’s points of view. I really felt for Tom with his difficult home life. I couldn’t put this down and read it in two sittings! I definitely want to read more by this author on the strength of this book.

This was a wonderful book. The dynamic between Tom and Maggie is so wonderful. I love a good story of saving a library (I mean, who wouldn't?!), and this one was just really well written with lovable characters.

I do enjoy Bella Osborne’s romance book but this generational read was equally as good if not better. Featuring teenager Tom and pensioner Maggie the story gradually opens up their lives and characters and the interactions between them grow at a credible rate. I really felt for Tom who was quite lonely and really just existed alongside his widower dad and not entirely unusually his main connection to his friends was through his Xbox. Maggie lives a very lonely life but equally avoids much introspection into her life, she has some wonderfully eccentric ways too and her small holding sounded idyllic although hard work at times. This worked so well due to the gradual relationship between the two and the way Maggie encouraged Tom to think more about his future, the way they united to try to save the library was in some ways more of a backstory but it tied everything together so well, 9/10

Wow what a read! Community spirit fighting for a library, alcoholism, the wonderful relationship between a teenage boy and an ageing hippy, cute farm animals and a shared love of reading!
The library is a truly heartwarming read that follows the relationship between Tom a teenage boy living a miserable existence with his alcoholic father after the death of his mum and the eccentric, outgoing elderly Maggie! Maggie is Tom’s fairy godmother/saviour who provides him with a country home, good home cooked food and a sense of belonging and being cared for, this unlikely relationship blossoms and provides a much needed balm for both of them as they grow, develop, flourish and benefit from the relationship! Who would have thought such a mutually beneficial relationship across the age gap could reap such dividends and it all started with the love of books and reading!
A great read for anyone that loves books/reading and s happy ever after.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

I love Bellas style and she didn’t disappoint again. Another great read with well thought out characters.

Friendships can come in various forms and sometimes the person that you never knew you needed can be found in the most unlikely of places. Their library is the beacon that calls to them, for differing reasons, but it’s the catalyst that changes how they look at other people.

The exceptional relationship between Maggie and Tom is so compelling, they each draw such strength from the vitality and vulnerabilities from the other. You could fully understand why they felt that strong connection together. I was fully engrossed in their evolving alliance against their own demons and the ones trying to take their library away from them. It was hard to pull myself away from them. Maggie’s sense of resilience was fantastic, and it chipped away at the stereotype of the older person on their own. I loved that she gave Tom the courage to strive for something different. She nurtured his wounded spirit and was a counterpoint to his stagnated relationship with his dad.

We all need the yin to our yang, and Tom & Maggie show that true friendships are to be cherished. This is such an uplifting story, it will make your heart zing.

My thanks to NetGalley and Aria Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

“The Library” drew me in, as it did Tom and Maggie, the main characters in this new uplifting novel by Bella Osborne. As an avid reader and lover of books, I am of the opinion that a town without a library is a place that has no soul. For books bring us together, introduce us to different ways of life, of thought, of being. They also bring together people from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life. A library is a necessity not a luxury.

“The Library” opens with Tom, a sixteen year old grieving for his mother, who died a few months previously. Tom’s dad is also grieving and in his grief , he turns to alcohol to numb the pain. Which does not make for a pleasant home life for Tom, who already feels invisible. No one notices Tom at all, well, except for local bully Kemp, for whom Tom is a target. Tom is lonely.

Maggie is a seventy two year old, self sufficient person, who lives alone on a small holding out side of town. Maggie was an eco warrior long before it was fashionable.
Once a week Maggie goes to the library book club, mainly for the company. Maggie is lonely.
Out of necessity, Tom rediscovers reading, something he used to enjoy with his mum. He also discovers the library. Where he meets Maggie.
A series of circumstances, draws the two together. Their friendship grows and becomes the catalyst for change in both their lives.
This book tackles some dark issues and does not shy away from them, but it is shot through with the golden threads of positivity and humour, a hall mark of Bella’s books.
I absolutely recommend this book to all.




.

Tom is a teenager and blends into the background of life. After a row with his dad, and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library. Tom unwittingly ends up with a bagful of romance novels and comes under the suspicion of Maggie.

Maggie is a pensioner and has been happily alone for ten years, at least that's what she tells herself. When Tom comes to her rescue a friendship develops that could change her life. As Maggie helps Tom to stand up for himself, Tom helps Maggie realise the mistakes of her past don't have to define her future.

They each set out to prove that the library isn't just about books – it's the heart of their community.

Together they discover some things are worth fighting for.

Bella Osbourne is very quickly writing her way into being my favourite author. This is another absolute triumph, I adored last year's 'A Family Christmas' and this year's book us no different. It's the perfect mix of sadness, resilience and just perhaps a little happiness at the end. She is excellent at writing characters at opposite ends of the age spectrum and I found this to be a prefectly written piece of uplit literature, it gets a definite 5 star review from me.

Thanks to Aria and Aries and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I've read a few Bella Osborne books and enjoyed them and this one is no exception - well there might be a tiny exception - I think this is my favourite. I absolutely loved this. It's the story of Tom a troubled 16 year old who just wants to be ignored and Maggie a 72 year old lady he meets in the library and the unlikely bond that they form.

This is a wonderful story!

This book was received as an ARC from Aria Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been waiting for a book like this all my life since I got my degree and became a librarian. Many people do not know the true significance of the library and what it provides to the community (it's more than just books). In The Library it sparked a romance and a venue for a date in which it is a significant part of not only the community but to someone's life. After Tom gets himself in bug trouble, he not only needs the support from Maggie but the resources in the library more than ever especially if the library is being threatened to shut down. The library can be a true safe haven in the library and you can find wonderful things in the library and I am delighted that this book took a clear focus on that. I know our library community will appreciate that.

We will consider adding this title to our Adult Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

The Library is such a lovely read. A small Midlands library is central to so many people, but especially Tom and Maggie. I,loved the pairing of a teenage boy and a feisty elderly woman. Both have a need for each other and strike up a friendship, focusing around the library, where they met. I love that Tom sneak reads romances. I loved that many books mentioned by the characters I have read as well. I loved what the characters said about the importance of a library. There was nothing I didn’t like about this book. Maggie is a woman who has paid dearly for past mistakes and Tom just needs attention. Please don’t miss out on this remarkable book. It will make you smile, I promise,

Every stage of our life is hard, one harder than the other; all these depend on our surroundings and the choices we make along the way. The second chances of the second chances we are granted in life are all we need to rearrange our path and whether we are brave enough to take them or not. And last but not least is forgiveness, that's the greatest encouraging way to feel supported by the ones we love and hurt with our bad decisions, including ourselves.
-And that is what this book is about. I hope you have the chance to read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

With huge thanks to #Netgalley and #Aria&Aries for an ARC of #TheLibrary by #BellaOsborne, in return for an honest review.

Tom is invisible... He is 16, lives with his dad and doesn't have any real friends. No one notices him.
After a run-in with his father, Tom escapes to the safety of the local library, where he hopes he may see the girl he fancies, but ends up finding so much more.

Maggie is 72, she lives alone on her farm with only the chickens and sheep for company. Maggie is no little old lady, but she is lonely, and her Saturday trips to the library for book club, are a lifeline for her.

As Tom and Maggie leave the library that Saturday, something happens that makes their paths cross, and changes the direction of both their lives.

Saturday's at the library become routine for Tom and Maggie and their unexpected friendship begins to blossom. As news hits of the councils plans to close the library, can they work together to help save it? And maybe save each other too.

Tom pulled at my every maternal instinct from page one. This beautiful, thoughtful, vulnerable boy absolutely broke my heart because he deserved so much more than the life he had.
What was brilliant about Bella’s writing of Tom’s character, was that she never forgot he was a teenage boy, and made sure his character was peppered with all the usual traits of a sixteen year old.

Maggie was an absolute delight to read. Despite her own demons and secrets from her past, her day to day loneliness and advancing years, she was a feisty, can do, type of lady. Who would ride to anyone’s rescue on her tractor!

This book isn’t the usual funny romance many of us have grown to know and love from Bella Osborne. While it may not be a love story, it is a tale that is full of love of a different kind.
This book covers some serious issues, loneliness, bullying, grief and alcoholism. Bella writes with knowledge and empathy. The reader is dragged through some very raw reality, but the light balances the shade in this story.

In this book, Bella makes the very important point about how valuable our libraries are and how we all need to use them or risk losing them.

It’s fair to say I'm a fan of Bella’s writing and I almost didn't want to read anything other than the fabulously funny, feel-good romance stories that Bella Osborne is renowned for writing. However, being someone who has a terrible fear of missing out, there was no way I couldn’t have given this book a read. I’m so glad I did. It may be a slight change of direction for Bella’s writing, but her skill, humour and warmth still shine through.

So, just to clarify, I LOVED this book. Tom and Maggie were delightful, their story made me both laugh and cry.
As a whole this book is brutal and raw in places, but ultimately full of love and hope, friendship and family…. A heartwarming five stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Library from Bella Osbourne is the first book from the author I have read, and I adored this book about an unusual friendship between Tom who is a teenager and a 72-year-old woman called Maggie. Who met at a library that is being threatened with closure.
Tom is 16 and lives with his abusive alcoholic father. His mother died. Maggie is 72 spritely woman who lives on her own on a farm. Maggie befriends Tom and lets him stay on the farm. A break from his father. Hoping that his dad will come to realise he has a problem and get help.
While Maggie has secrets of her own. She gave up her baby years ago and now grown up he doesn’t want anything to do with her. The pair seem to help each other and get over their problems and also, they devise a plan to save the library.
Thank you, Aria, for a copy of ‘The Library’. I loved this emotional though-provoking story about a library. It is also a realistic account of what happens in families today. It had a great storyline and likeable well-loved characters. I can’t wait to read more from the author. I will be looking at her other books that she has written.

Tom is an invisible teenager, not popular at school, few friends and a bit of a loner. After a row with his alcoholic dad he resorts to seeking solace in the library where he meets Maggie, a pensioner with a feisty character who lives alone on a farm outside of town. Maggie takes him under her wing and together they fight the impending closure of the library, a place that brought them their great friendship. The story isn't without tears as they learn each others secrets. An absolutely beautiful, heart warming story that made me cry more than once!

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. #netgalley

So much fun. I really enjoyed the character development in this book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book took me surprise, in the best way. I loved it. The characters were well developed and the plot held my interest throughout the whole book.