From the author of Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, soon to be a an original movie on Hallmark. “Sweet and resonant.” –People, “Best New Books” Pick A librarian’s discovery of a mysterious book sparks the journey of a lifetime. Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people–though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others … trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her superhero-themed notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she’s invisible.
All of that changes when a book of fairy tales arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her best friend–her grandmother Zelda–who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda’s past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.
Filled with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and vivid characters, The Library of Lost and Found is a heartwarming and poignant tale of how one woman must take control of her destiny to write her own happy ending.
Check out these other heartwarming stories from Phaedra Patrick.
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
Book People
more
I must confess I was hesitant to read this book at first. I am glad I read it although I will confess to skimming a few chapters (but then went back and read them) at first because I first felt they just went on and on. But as I got into the story I liked it, its quirky (which I do like) and heart felt. I do recommend this book to everyone!
I immediately identified with the main character of this book, who tries to please everyone and is a kindhearted person, but some people do not treat her kindly and most take advantage of her good nature. I had such strong emotions at the beginning of the book. I wanted to be able to go into the story and slap a few faces (which I would never do in “real” life). I felt so protective of Martha. I cared about her so strongly and fiercely! I kept a hope deep inside that she would be a hero at the end of the story. To me, that is a sign of a wonderfully gifted author. When I feel emotions so deeply, they have created a fantastic artwork.
Having listened to the audio books of Phaedra Patrick’s previous two releases, I knew I had a great journey in store with this book also and I knew I wanted to listen to the audio book rather than read it. The narrator, Imogen Church, did a fantastic job! I do not think I would have had the same experience had I read the book. The characters came to life with her voices and I was laughing out loud at the sometimes craziness going on and then crying at such sad points.
The author molds her characters to be flawed humans and so they are very much life-like. I actually love characters that are quirky and different, so my favorite of this book is actually a more minor one, Suki. She is adorably lovable in the fact that she is far from perfect, but she is perfect to be herself.
I highly recommend this lovely book and I hope other will enjoy the journey of Martha finding her strength.
I love books about libraries, bookstores, and books, so the title The Library of Lost and Found called to me. Having read Phaedra Patrick’s work previously I was anticipating a delightfully charming book.
The start of The Library of Lost and Found is a slow plod through Martha Storm’s dreary life. She goes out of her way to be helpful to friends and family, but no matter how much she does, she remains underappreciated and taken for granted. You can’t help but feel as downtrodden and used as you read of Martha’s daily life.
“I have to find way to move on because there is no other way” –Martha
However, into this drab life a little excitement and sunshine falls when a mysterious package is left for Martha at the library where she works. Similar to the events in Ms. Patrick’s The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, this package leads Martha on a bit of a quest that changes her life. For Martha, the change comes in the way of reuniting with a lost loved one, discovering some dark family secrets, and eventually discovering that she is worthy. She is worthy of love, appreciation, acknowledgment, and a full life where she explores her creativity as well as takes advantage of her incredible organizational skills.
Martha is the sort of character with whom you can’t help but empathize. She is kind, thoughtful and unassuming. Her coworker, Suki, and her grandmother Zelda are delightfully quirky and colorful characters who nudge Martha out of her comfort zone. Suki is a standout character. She is absolutely charming with her misuse of the English language and her heart of gold.
Through Martha’s mid-life-coming-of-age journey, readers learn of her dysfunctional family and emotionally abusive father, and oddly, her backstory comes from her late mother’s point of view as well as from the stories in the book that was left for Martha.
Martha’s blossoming is delightful, however, the story arc was a bit too close to the author’s prior book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, without being quite as endearing. The Library of Lost and Found is a well-written, worthy read that is filled with great characters and a hopefully ending.
Oh, who are we kidding? Failed at love, works at a library, about to experience major obliges rebellion? I’m SO THERE. And I liked this, especially the twisting family history that really never became obvious. It’s not perfect—one secondary character has a tick that gets a little tired—but man it’s engrossing, especially if you’re a bit depressed and need a good lift from a smart read.
This was a great mystery and I loved the way the author brought to light the truth with the characters. I will recommend this to anyone that wants a lighter mystery story.
What a great read! I just couldn’t put it down. Thank you to netgalley and HarperCollins for an electronic arc.
Martha Storm, middle-aged librarian has always put others happiness over her own. Consequently she is treated as a doormat. She is taken advantage of at work, by her sister, and by library patrons. Without any help from her sister, she had cared for her ailing parents until they died. She has forged a life of service to others and in the process has lost herself. Mysteriously she is given a badly worn book that has been inscribed to her by her grandmother. As she reads through the book, she discovers it is a collection of stories that Martha wrote as a child. Martha is intrigued as the inscription is dated three years after her grandmothers death. The story is a journey to find out the truth about her grandmother and the creation of the book. Along the way Martha gains the courage to start standing up for herself and to stop being indispensable to those who do not appreciate her.
The coastal setting is an important part of the story, and the characters are very well developed. I highly recommend this book
I loved this sweet, touching book. A bit of mystery, an endearing protagonist, and a story of transformation that moves between time periods and incorporates wonderful stories written by the protagonist, Martha, as a girl. This was one of those books that renews faith in human connection. I didn’t want it to end.
I usually enjoy reading about bookstores and libraries, this book, though good, was
a bit short on plot. A good summer read though.l
For someone who likes Hallmark movies, which I do, this is a great book. Even though it is predictable and sometimes trite, in the end it is a “feel good” story which made me smile through tears at the end. It is full of all the prerequisites of secrets, choices, consequences, acceptance, forgiveness and love. And, of course it has quirky characters. In this age of so much angst and trouble in the world, this book is a ray of sunshine. Thank you Phaedra Patrick!
It was sweet,funny,very enjoyable
“The Library of Lost and Found” by Phaedra Patrick is a book about books, so I knew I would love it right from the start. It is also a story about Martha Storm. “If anyone asked about her job, she had an explanation ready. ‘ I’m a guardian of books,’ she said. “A volunteer at the library.’” She was also an organizer, guide, buyer, filer, job adviser, housekeeper, walking encyclopedia, and a recommender of somewhere nice to eat lunch. She lives in her childhood home; her parents both deceased. She spends a lot of time helping others rather than doing things for herself. This book is her story, her journey, her search, her enlightenment, and finally, her new life.
A brown paper parcel changes everything. Inside she finds a book, but not just any book. She turns the pages and words and titles leap out at her. It is full of stories that she wrote as a child. The biggest surprise is the message written inside the book, a message from Zelda, her grandmother, and dated three years after she died. Thus, Martha starts on a path that takes her to unexpected places where she makes startling discoveries about herself and her family. However, among the highs and happiness of discovering the book and its author, secrets and lies are lurking to turn her quiet life upside down. In alternating chapters, readers also get a glimpse of Martha as she grows up in 1974, and visit Betty Storm, Martha’s mom, and her household that emphasizes reading and writing.
An interesting cast of characters fills in the details of Martha’s life. Readers meet friends, library patrons, book club members, and booksellers. They love books, and readers love them because they do.
“’You should always make time for books,’ Owen said. ‘ Do you have a favorite?’ Martha knew her answer straight away. ‘It’s got to be Alice in Wonderland. I like Alice’s practicality and how she takes everything in her stride. She meets these odd creatures in magical situations and it never fazes her.’”
Martha hesitates on her journey, but she persists. “I have got to do this.” She is not always happy with what she finds. ‘”You’re a liar, Nana. For all these years’… ‘No. I just didn’t tell you the truth.’ ’It’s the bloody same thing,” Martha yelled.”
Eventually Martha finds that coffee and cake are always welcome along with Christmas and books. I received a review copy of “The Library of Lost and Found” from Phaedra Patrick, Harlequin Publishing, Park Row, and NetGalley. The novel combines family anguish with a mysterious book and its author. It is a tribute to books and the quirky people who love them.
In the end, “Read me. I’m yours.”
Phaedra Patrick understands the soul. Eccentric, charming, and wise… This book will illuminate your heart.
This novel seems to accept lesbian relationships. There is also profanity and emotional abuse.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Disappointing and depressing. I could not believe the way these characters acted towards each other, especially after the big reveal, I felt Martha would have been better off not re-connecting with the past.
Thought some parts slightly unrealistic, but love Phaedra Patrick’s books
Pleasant enough but nothing beyond that. It’s hard to warm up to a heroine who won’t stand up for herself. The main plotline is the resolution of this but until then, rather boring. On a side note, it’s hard to take a writer seriously when she writes “disorientate”. Twice.
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This has been sitting on my TBR list for a while now. I picked it originally because the title and cover are interesting and intriguing. Having read it now, I’m not sure I’d make the same choice if I could go back and do it over.
Family dramas like this one are hit-or-miss with me. My lack of enthusiasm towards this story is mostly personal so bear that in mind when reading my review! I didn’t find the characters relatable and some of them were downright unpleasant. Zelda was the most interesting by far, but I still had issues with her, too. There was a vagueness to the whole thing that bothered me like an itch I can’t scratch. The emotional payoff lacked a punch because it was fairly predictable. It was all kind of flat.
I also found the setting of the story problematic. It seems broadly British but there would be moments of Americanisms that stuck out like a big neon sign. It couldn’t seem to make up its mind as to what it wanted to be.
I wouldn’t recommend this book.
A small town librarian who takes delivery of a mysterious book of fairy stories from her grandmother, who was supposed to have died three years earlier.
It doesn’t do justice to say this a story about family relationships and a woman finding herself and her place in the world, because its all that and more. There is the mystery of the book that starts it all, pulls it all apart and ties it back together and characters that are well drawn and not stereotypes, all enhanced by excellent writing. I recommend it.
I was so engrossed with the telling of Martha Storm’s story I did not realize I had begun to cry. A story about family, friends, and the people which surround them. A story which will live on in your heart way after you are done reading this book. A story that will bring Martha the truth about herself. By the way, grab a box of tissues.