About the Book:
Librarian Chloe Sampson has been struggling: to take care of her three younger siblings, to find herself, to make ends meet. She's just about at the end of her rope when she stumbles across a rare edition of a book from the 1960s at the local flea market. Deciding it's a sign of her luck turning, she takes it home with her—only to be shocked when her cranky hermit of a neighbor swoops in and offers to buy it for an exorbitant price. Intrigued, Chloe takes a closer look at the book only to find notes scribbled in the margins between two young lovers back when the book was new…one of whom is almost definitely Jasper Holmes, the curmudgeon next door.
When she begins following the clues left behind, she discovers this isn't the only old book in town filled with romantic marginalia. This kickstarts a literary scavenger hunt that Chloe is determined to see through to the end. What happened to the two tragic lovers who corresponded in the margins of so many different library books? And what does it have to do with the old, sad man next door—who only now has begun to open his home and heart to Chloe and her siblings?
In a romantic tale that spans the decades, Chloe discovers that there's much more to her grouchy old neighbour than meets the eye. And in allowing herself to accept the unexpected friendship he offers; she learns that some love stories begin in the unlikeliest of places.
Published by Sourcebooks
Released 30 April 2024
My Thoughts:
After recently reading The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore, I was keen to read her latest release, and to my delight, it delivered just as much as its predecessor. It even had a little Easter egg in it referencing The Lonely Hearts Book Club, which was definitely cute! I've listened to both of these, and I have to say, there's something lovely about Lucy Gilmore's books that makes for a wonderful listening experience.
The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and literary passion. Set against the backdrop of a small town in the far north of Washington State, this novel introduces us to Chloe, a young woman with a deep love for books, and Jasper, her grumpy, elderly neighbour. The story unfolds as Chloe discovers a classic banned novel adorned with enigmatic inscriptions. As one book leads to another, she delves into the books, unravelling a captivating love story that she can't resist digging deeper into.
Beneath his gruff exterior, Jasper hides a painful past that has left him guarded and reluctant to trust. Chloe's unwavering kindness and genuine interest slowly chip away at his defences, revealing a gentle soul longing for companionship. The author skilfully explores the complexities of loneliness, ageing, responsibility and obligation, and the importance of community. Despite Jasper's determination to remain lonely and isolated, Chloe and her siblings slowly ingratiate themselves into his life as a series of crises hit the struggling family of siblings.
One of the novel's most intriguing aspects is the mystery surrounding Jasper's past love, Catherine. Her character is multifaceted and morally ambiguous, adding depth and complexity to the story. While her actions may have been questionable - over and over - her presence served as a catalyst for Jasper's emotional journey and forced him to confront the ghosts of his past. Beyond the romance and mystery, The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a celebration of the power of literature. Books act as a bridge between characters, connecting them through shared experiences and emotions. The novel beautifully captures the transformative nature of storytelling, demonstrating how words can heal wounds, inspire hope, and bring people together.
Ultimately, this is a heartwarming tale about family, both the one we're born into and the one we create for ourselves. Gilmore's evocative writing and well-developed characters make this a truly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
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