Elodie Astor is a member of the wealthy Astor family and is expected to take over as the face of the business, ahead of her wayward brother Teddy. But Elodie's heart has never been in it. She has much preferred books and even trained as a librarian. But her parents won't take "no" for an answer. In the end, Elodie forces the issue by taking a job at a small library which is in danger of closing and needs saving. However, she wants to make this a success without the help of her famous family so goes undercover. Will she be able to keep her true identity from her new friends in Willow Grove? Will the handsome local journalist, Finn, turn out to be as perfect as he seems? And in a library that is short of books, will she be able to save it with her "borrow a person" idea?

This is a truly heartwarming tale which I found easy to read and really inspiring as well. It reminded me of both the importance of libraries and of not judging a book by its cover. And while I loved Elodie as the lead, I also loved how well fleshed out all of the supporting characters were.

My one criticism would be that I felt the connection at the beginning between Elodie and Finn needed a bit more development - it felt too instant, even in a book of this type.

But overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

A fun, light-hearted, wholesome, sweet read. Perfect for a summer-time, beach read, or a vacation read. This one just made me feel happy. The characters are well written, the pacing of this story is wonderful, and the writing style flows with beauty. All in all, would recommend. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Absolutely loved this book. Such a heart warming and insightful read. Absolutely love Rebecca Raisin. A perfect story teller.

The plot seemed very basic, and the writing was not to my liking as well. The "poor rich girl" trope was not interesting. Will not place review on Goodreads.

Elodie needs an escape from the life her mother has planned for her. She loves books and applies for a job at the Willow Grove library. The Willow Grove library is at risk of being closed and she along with her friend Finn discover a way to keep in open while improving the lives of people in the community that need a hand. It's A wonderful story about new beginnings, overcoming negativity, and self discovery with a plot that draws you in and characters that make you wish the book never ends.

I adored this book and devoured this in one sitting. Rebecca's writing is in it's own way pure indulgence. Every book she writes you can't help but become immersed in the story line, invested in the characters lives and feel emotionally attached t every word written. This was no different. It was beautiful. The pace was perfect and the character development is second to none. 5* every time.

I have been a huge fan of Rebecca’s books for a while and knew I was in for a treat with this one. I wasn’t disappointed I devoured half of this book in just one night. Such a beautiful, heart warming and uplifting story. One all bookworms will enjoy as the story focuses on saving a library with the people as books storyline which is a relatively new idea across libraries. The main character is a book obsessed lady who just wants a cosy but simple life full of love and literature. A beautiful read. I enjoyed every page until the end. Loved all the characters and cosy little town. A perfect read. A well deserved five stars from me. Highly recommend. Going into my top reads of 2022.

Elodie’s Library of Second Chances is another delightful novel by Rebecca Raisin. When privileged daughter of a media mogul decides to save a library, she faces pushback from her family. Elodie is technically a Halifax, not an Astor, but her name opens doors. As the golden child of Astor News and Media, her life is scheduled and ruled by her mother. Instead of red carpet premiers, beautiful gowns, and jewels, Elodie loves books and dreams of escaping the limelight to become a librarian.

With likable characters, lovely writing, and realistic settings, Raisin’s books are always wonderful to read. This one, in particular, will appeal to book lovers of the world. Elodie is the perfect bookworm character, with fictional best friends and a love of reading. It’s for anyone who enjoys fresh starts and new beginnings, with people who need saving just as much as the library.

My only complaint is that it took a while to care for Elodie; the book spends the first few chapters showing Elodie’s fabulous lifestyle and she appears a bit out of touch with reality. Once she decides to apply for the library position at Willow Grove, the reader is hooked.

Again not my usual thing but I’m so glad I got this one, beautifully written with a wonderful main character this was a real treat to be honest…I seriously loved it and read it swiftly hoping it would never end 😔 brilliant just brilliant.

Elodie's Library has a chance of being closed. Elodie must come up with something different to save said library. She will give the library a second chance to stay open. Everyone and everything should have a second chance. This was a great story as to how the library was failing and how Elodie answered the call to save it. Along the way there are a great cast of characters that all deserve a second chance also. Great ready for a emotional read.

Give me a book that actually has books included in the story and you’ve got me hook, line and sinker! I was always going to love this one, I just knew it! A library that is on the brink of closure, in the small backwater that is Willow Grove needs someone to revive and love it, and that’s just what Elodie is hoping to do. Hating her corporate lifestyle in a family business in London, she ups and moves herself to Willow Grove and sets about making the necessary changes in order to keep the library alive.

I loved Elodie’s idea of the library lending people’s stories, rather than just a book. There are plenty of people in the local community with a story to tell and Elodie’s idea of lending these people out for 30 minutes, to tell their story is genius. I have no idea whether real libraries do this, but if not, they definitely should.

This book is not just about second chances for the library, it’s also about second chances for Elodie, Teddy, Harry and Pete, amongst others. Everyone deserves a second chance at life, love, or whatever is thrown into their path. Never judge a book (or a person) by their cover.

If you want something lovely and happy to read this summer, pick up a copy of this book and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the opportunity to read and review Elodie’s Library of Second Chances by Rebecca Raisin.

3 and a half stars.

A lovely, lighthearted, fun romance with some really charming and funny moments
And I mean what reader doesn't love to read about a library.

I love Rebecca’s books. They’re like a warm, cosy cup of cocoa on a cold day. And this one, a book about books and reading, was especially heartwarming. Alfie was a delight, and Elodie relatable. She just wants to live her life on her terms, and I totally get that. A sweet romance that left me feeling fulfilled.

Elodie has it all - a family business and a high flying career but she thinks there is more to life than the high flying life. When she sees an advert for a librarian she jumps at the chance but to do this she needs to go undercover..

I really enjoyed this uplifting book set around the library. It really brought up the themes of community spirit and the fact that you shouldn’t judge people based on their lifestyles and appearances. I loved how she turned the library around the the people library and how well this worked. I loved all their little stories and how they all started to help each other. I loved the focus on the library and how more people should use them - definitely something I do a lot more now. This was my first book by this author but I’d definitely read more.

Elodie is a member of the Astor family business, a prestigious media company. She decides to break away and takes up a job in a small town in a failing library. To bring the library back up to its full potential she needs to enrol more members and so she devises a plan called a ‘people lending library’.

This is an entertaining and easy read. The story flows along and the characters are vibrant and fun. I think my favourites are Alfie and Harry. Their stories pulled at my heartstrings. It just goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover or evaluate someone unless you have walked a mile in their shoes. It’s a story about listening, believing in yourself, forgiveness and new beginnings. Uplifting and charming with a smattering of romance, it should warm the cockles of your heart!

Sorry for being late with this review. I really enjoy Rebecca Raisin Books, they are well written, easy to follow with some laugh out louds and all round good vibes.

This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Raisin and I was delightfully impressed.

I loved the setting and the characters. A charming summer read

Definitely recommended - I'll be looking out for more of her books in future.

Rebecca has done it again! This book is full of excitement and I looked forward to seeing if Elodie made a success of the Library.

She comes from a very business and goal orientated family and wants to do something more substantial with her life. She has this idea of borrowing a person and finding out more about their life.

It's a brilliant community feel book with some great characters. Harry and Alfie are my absolute favourites.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I have signed up to follow her after reading this novel. The characters are interesting and varied, and mostly credible (Elodie's inability to stand up to her mother and move away from the family business is required for the storyline but in current times it is unlikely that she wouldn't stand up for herself). There are many touching moments as the story unfolds, and this light read contains some unusual ideas that make it stand out. Romcoms rely on misunderstandings to carry the storyline, and this book is no exception but it is essential that there is a happy ending and this book doesn't disappoint! A lovely, enjoyable read!

A book obsessed girl who dreams of being a librarian. I can’t think why this book resonates with me at all!

Elodie’s Library of Second Chances is chock-full of delightful and endearing characters. I loved the messages in the story. It’s about not judging a book by its cover and the stories that go along with that…well, at least one brought me to tears. It was so incredibly moving. Willow Grove is a small village full of small-minded people, and Ellie, with her open mind and big heart, strives to change that one person at a time.

I really like the setting of the story and do like the community setting of the story as well. I do like how the author has managed to pull the reader into the story, making the reader feel like they are also the part of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed being part of Elodie’s, the library’s and some of the character’s journeys to find their place in the community and to be accepted. I ended this book feeling hopeful and uplifted and it’s simply wonderful.