Now I have to admit that I'm always one to jump on a book where the plot involves books (or food!) and this had an abundance of both! It was also actually the first book I've read by Rebecca Raisin (although I do own a few) so I wasn't sure what to expect from her writing.

It was a lovely, down to earth book, but maybe a little too much - it just felt like there was a certain spark missing. Everything fell into place too easily; there wasn't really anything to "guess at". The scene setting was wonderful though, I could imagine myself living in Willow Grove.

The overall message was something that should be commonplace though - that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover (which I know I for one have been guilty of doing, both literally and figuratively). There's always something hiding behind the cover, and it may be so far away from what you expect. I did like the unique premise of Elodie's library experiment using human "books"! Especially little Alfie, I felt a real familiarity with him, having an autistic son myself.

Though it didn't enchant me like others books of this genre, I will certainly still read her other books when I'm looking for something light hearted.

Coming from a wealthy family all Elodie dreams of is a quiet life surounded by books. When she is offered the job of librarian in a beautiful village she leaps at the chance.

While settling in she discovers that she isn't the only one needing a new start. Together with local journalist, Finn, she initiates a borrow a person scheme. Where you can hear stories from people in the community who would otherwise be overlooked.

This was a delight

A lovely and heartwarming story! I really enjoyed the characters and storyline. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book.
3.5 stars

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Elodie keeps her wealthy family a secret whilst taking over a small town failing library and discovers that there are also a lot of people in that town that have stories to tell. The 'borrow a person' scheme idea takes off, (an idea that is in use in some Swedish libraries) and has a profound impact on the library and the town.

Add in to the mix a potential romance and some tricky staff and Rebecca Raisin leaves booklovers with a great story where you are rooting for the characters. Another success from Raisin and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Elodie's Library of Second Chances by Rebecca Raisin

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Elodie applies for the job of librarian in peaceful Willow Grove, she’s looking forward to a new start. As the daughter of a media empire, her every move has been watched for years, and she longs to work with the thing she loves most: books.

It’s a chance to make a real difference too, because she soon realises that there are other people in Willow Grove who might need a fresh start – like the homeless man everyone walks past without seeing, or the divorcée who can’t seem to escape her former husband’s misdeeds.

Together with local journalist Finn, Elodie decides these people have stories that need sharing. What if instead of borrowing books readers could ‘borrow’ a person, and hear the life stories of those they’ve overlooked?

My Opinion

Last year, I had a lovely introduction to Rebecca Raisin and this was just as enjoyable. This book is all about not judging people on appearances and how local libraries need help to remain open.

From the first page, I was hooked. Ellie has an exhausting job with family and is looking for an escape - can applying to be Willow Grove librarian be her way out? This book includes many ways in which libraries can help people and shows just how we should use what we have before it is too late.

Such a lovely book, that will stay with me for a long time.

Rating 4/5

Okay, so this is another fangirl type moment/review.
You have been warned.
😁

Honestly...as if I would be anything but honest...I loved this one from the word GO. Elodie is such a wonderful character, full of heart, dreams, and a love for books that rivals my own. Thing is, she's been put in a position in life that many would envy, but it wasn't her dream. One thing leads to another and serendipity, or fate steps in and BOOM...she's in Willow Grove; this darling little town that just screams Hallmark movie moment, but GASP...they are in danger of losing their library! Our fabulous leading lady takes on the challenge with a full heart...and an assumed name, well sort of, to swoop in all on her own and save the day...hopefully...probably...with any luck and A LOT of help.

Her idea for the People Library was genius...and quite honestly, something I'd love to see done in our own local library. Her diligence to see this project through was heartwarming. Her enthusiasm for the written word, her understanding of its power, and how the library is more than a house for books, but something special to every patron that seeks it out, all touched my bookish heart. Elodie truly believed in her dream and wanted to make it a reality not simply for herself, but so that no one, not even the most ignorant of the town of Willow Grove would have to do without. The friends she makes along the way, from Alfie to Harry, Pete to Sophie, all have stories to share and knowledge to impart. Even Finn, the reporter who's story stole her heart in the first place, is leaving his mark on both her endeavor AND the woman herself.

Suffice it to say that by book's end, several heartfelt wishes are answered, and love conquers all in surprising ways. It's a book that Contemporary Fiction fans will adore with a bookish slant that can't be ignored!

A brilliant theme to a book, join a library and inherit a person. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and its completely different theme.

This has been archived before I have had a chance to read it 😕

I will read this once it has been released

This was such a lovely gentle book which showed the kindness of people and how we are can judge a book by its cover and not be open to what lies beneath.

I loved the characters and you were hoping they would all get a happy ending and see that the future could be an exciting place and as individuals we are not destined to remain in the same mould as people have put us.

This was a truly gorgeous read that shows you just how important it is to never judge a book by it's cover - there is always so much more depth to a story and every story deserves to be heard.

Elodie Halifax is also Ellie Astor, the publishing princess who is set to take over the family business. However she doesn't want this future and she wants to see what she can achieve without her famous name. So she takes her real name to a little library that needs saving, along with a town that is fractured by gossips and misinformation. Without a budget to buy new books she decides to turn the people into books so their stories can be heard. Her character is probably a little too perfect, but all of the other characters with their stories make this book interesting and keep the pages turning late into the night

A good feel-good story. I am always in for a light-hearted book. There are few parts of the book that I wasn't able to get into.

Really enjoyed this story - girl from a privileged background turns her back on it to try and save a small town library. Such a great cast of characters - quirky and original. Fantastic idea of turning some of these characters into living books who get to tell their own personal stories. Do like a happy ever after too.

Elodie escapes her family's billion dollar empire to try to save a village library. She meets a homeless man, an autistic boy, a con man's wife, and a kleptomaniac. She comes up with the idea of patrons borrowing townspeople for thirty minute slots and listening to their stories as a way to increase membership at the library. This was a cozy read about a "found family". It was heartwarming and engaging. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Elodie's Library of Second Chances is a sweet romance perfect for any bookworm! Elodie longs for a life different from the one she leads, where she can make her own choices and follow her dreams and goals. She decides to leave her life of glitz and glamour behind to save her childhood library. Along the way, she learns quite a lot about life, love, and friendship. This was such a cute story and I sailed through it. You won't want to put down this feel-good romance!

Elodie needed a new beginning--a life away from what was planned for her. A life that was making her miserable. Moving to a small town might be the answer, but was it? A delightful book that was thoroughly enjoyed.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.

The world always feels a little better after reading a Rebecca Raisin story and this might be my favourite one yet.

Elodie is on a mission to save Willow Grove library - a place she spent happy hours in as a child. Being a complete bookworm and all round awesome person, she soon comes up with a brilliant idea to increase memberships and save the hub of the community. The story is too gorgeous to give away any more detail, but if you're looking for a cozy, warm and romantic escape, then look no further.

A nice, soft romance with a lot of self-discovery along the way. Good for readers who want a small village story and some interesting characters.