Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson Published by Berkley on August 31, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.
Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer's feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won't believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.
To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she's determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.
I read in almost one sitting. The Last Chance Library has a combination of an upbeat feel and a hopelessness, they war throughout the story. It’s definitely a small town and perhaps a bit old-fashioned in flavor. The quirky but lovable characters are out in force.
Our main character here is June Jones. Her mother worked in the library until she got cancer and died about the time June would have gone to college. June stays home and takes care of her mom. She also begins working at the library to support them. June is not her mom. She has different talents but has a similar love of books and compassion for people.
The case is clearly made for the library being a helpful service to a variety of people in a community. There a young boy being home-schooled. There’s the elderly who come for books, socialization and computer access and help. There’s a recent immigrant who comes for cook books. There’s a teen who needs a place to study since her home is full of people in every room. Who helps them and encourages them? June does.
There’s small parts which don’t seem quite realistic but not too far off. I wanted someone to help them more in their fight to save the library. I was frustrated with the politics stomping down the truth. The ending is different than I hoped / expected but it is fitting. I enjoyed the characters and how they did work together.
How could I resist a story about a library? The takeaway is – it takes a village. Everyone has different skills and problems. No one knows all their personal issues, even in a small town. So be kind.
About Freya Sampson
Freya Sampson works in TV and was the executive producer of Channel 4’s Four in a Bed and Gogglesprogs. She studied History at Cambridge University and is a graduate of the Faber Academy. She lives in London with her husband, two young children and an antisocial cat. The Last Library is her debut novel.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sunday Post – 8 December 2024 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - December 8, 2024
- Read A Series in a Month Challenge November 2024 Results @AndrewMayne @OhSusannahJones #BrillianceAudio @Limabean74 #BerlsS #SeriesinaMonth #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - December 7, 2024
- Love You A Latke by Amanda Elliot @AmandaPanitch @BerkleyPub @BerkleyRomance #HoHoHoRAT2024 - December 5, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Summer
Oh it sounds good!
I love stories set in England and libraries. I’d probably love it on audio too.
It sounds like it’s mostly a feel good story, which is nice! Most of my reads lately have been more on the grim side.
yes not exactly predictable but a nice uplifting at the end story.
i was sooo disappointed when the branch of my library that i went to closed, but there is a new one opening even closer and i am super excited. i love to go in and fill a bag with a new or favorite author or two or three. lol i love to read books about libraries, so this might be a good one for me
The libraries here have a horrible selection. Luckily I have online libraries in other places so I can get most of what I want or thru review or KU. Even before COVID, I didn’t go onsite often because online is just so easy. I mostly went onsite for interlibrary loans. I do love them.
Wonderful review, Anne? I’m holding out for the audio version.
Thank you! I bet I would LOVE the audio.
Oh wow! I hadn’t heard of this one and it sounds so wonderful. I love libraries, quirky characters, and small town stories. Thanks!
I think you would love it. I might love it more on audio because of the accents.
This sounds like a great cosy. What a wonderful debut.
I thought it was a great start. I hope you get to enjoy it.
Yay, so glad to hear you enjoyed this one too. I really loved the characters so much.
Yes the characters formed a great group even with their differences, they worked together.