I went into this expecting a cute contemporary, but it was so much more than that. This story manages to explore lots of deeper issues with real flawed, but likeable characters. I think the older person narrative is often missing in these stories and it was refreshing to see it play out in this book.
I really liked how realistic it felt, the way relationships and bonds formed felt authentic and developed. I enjoyed this a lot.

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 really liked this book. It gave me several enjoyable hours. Being of a certain age I like reading about older characters and topics other than a romantic relationship.
Both characters are loveable. Tom, full of the usual teenager angst and the elderly Maggie who is lonely. The library is the safe place for them, a constant part in their lives so it is obvious that they do not want to lose it.
It was heartwarming to see how Tom and Maggie form an unusual friendship that makes them happier. I was also happy to see how Tom's relationship with his father turns out.
I only have mixed feelings about the Epilogue. I know readers want to know what happened then, but sometimes it might be better to let them keep guessing and 'write' their own ending. I do not think life is always so sugar coated.
All in all I was happy to have found this book. I love the way the author writes so I will follow her works and wait for her next book that is a bit different from a rom-com.

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

I received an advance copy of, The Library, by Bella Osborne. This is a great story. I love the friendship between Tom and Maggie, unlikeliest of friends. Their library where they met, is going to be shut down, can they save it?

"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.

I really loved this book!
It was such a wholesome story. It was like the ultimate comfort food for my book-hungry soul.

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!

Heart-warming, bookish, and captivating. The Library is the story of Tom and Maggie and their journey of saving the place that has come to mean so much to the both of them—The Library.

Thanks to their blossoming friendship that quickly became a special bond, the two of them work together to overcome their heartbreak and tragedies of their past to work towards a common goal.

Bella Osborne really captivates the impact that books have, wether it's in the library or not.

This was beautiful!! What a lovely read. A heart warming story that's perfect for a cold winters day (here in Australia)

What an adorable read! Two people from different generations. Both together to save their local library. I loved the relationship between Tom and Maggie and how each helped the other mend fractured relationships and heartbreak. I’m giving this one a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

United In Aim....
An unlikely friendship, some common ground and the healing of wounds.. Warm hearted tale of the coming together of two diverse minds united in one aim - the saving of their precious library. With credible and likeable protagonists and an engaging storyline, this is a heartening and satisfying read.

I thought this sounded like a warm hearted book. Unfortunately I just didn’t get that vibe. There was something about the woman’s character that just didn’t connect with me, especially relating to the teen,

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!

Two different generations. Two unusual people. Thrown together to save their local library.

Tom and Maggie form a relationship an unlikely one! Maggie A 72 year old and Tom.a 16 year old with a hard up bringing!
The Library really took me by surprise!. That's why they say (never judge a book by it's cover) this was such a great book! The writing is beautifully done! And these characters will grab your heart!
This is one I really enjoyed and I'm so glad I I was able to read this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this advance copy!