Review: The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
Sunday, March 31, 2019
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Title: The Library of Lost and Found
Author: Phaedra Patrick
Format: ARC Paperback, 352 pages
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Summary:
A librarian’s discovery of a mysterious book sparks the journey of a lifetime in the delightful new novel from the international bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
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 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.
My thoughts: Sometimes you just need to pick up a book that's a little different from the usual books you read. As you know, I read a lot of thrillers/psychological suspense/mysteries and so when this book came across my door, I wasn't quite sure about it at first, but needing something a little light after a few heavy reads, I decided to pick it up and I'm so glad I did...I loved it! It was charming and had the most endearing main character.
I think one of the reasons I so enjoyed this book is that I could see a little of myself in Martha...I am one of those people that has a hard time saying no when others ask me to do something or offering to help when I wasn't even asked. So I could completely empathize with how "stuck" she felt...and how she wanted to change things but didn't really know how to take that first step on her own.
This book is such a heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking, story about family, about self-discovery, and finally having the courage to stand up for what you want. I loved the journey we take with Martha as she comes into herself and I absolutely adored Zelda...what a character she was!
This is the first book I've read by Phaedra Patrick but it definitely won't be the last. I think I might have one of her books sitting somewhere on my shelf (or more likely sitting somewhere in a box!) and I'm going to have to find it! I think I need more of her writing in my life...it's such a nice change from the usual darkness that I tend to read.
