The Booklover's Library Audiobook By Madeline Martin cover art

The Booklover's Library

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The Booklover's Library

By: Madeline Martin
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of books that bring them together, by the bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

In Nottingham, England, widow Emma Taylor finds herself in desperate need of a job. She and her beloved daughter Olivia have always managed just fine on their own, but with the legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities, she’s left with only one option: persuading the manageress at Boots’ Booklover’s Library to take a chance on her with a job.

When the threat of war in England becomes a reality, Olivia must be evacuated to the countryside. In the wake of being separated from her daughter, Emma seeks solace in the unlikely friendships she forms with her neighbors and coworkers, and a renewed sense of purpose through the recommendations she provides to the library’s quirky regulars. But the job doesn’t come without its difficulties. Books are mysteriously misshelved and disappearing and the work at the lending library forces her to confront the memories of her late father and the bookstore they once owned together before a terrible accident.

As the Blitz intensifies in Nottingham and Emma fights to reunite with her daughter, she must learn to depend on her community and the power of literature more than ever to find hope in the darkest of times.

©2024 Madeline Martin (P)2024 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
Historical Fiction Women's Fiction World War II England Heartfelt

Critic reviews

“A must-read for booklovers.” —Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana

What listeners say about The Booklover's Library

Highly rated for:

Heartwarming Mother-daughter Story Engaging Historical Fiction Magnificent Narration Vivid Wartime Details
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excellent & historically accurate.

Awesome read. Enjoyed storyline and vivid characters. Would recommend this book and author. very enjoyable.

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My new favorite book of the year!

I loved the progressive character development as the story unfolds. The more I read, the more they hooked me in. I imagine for a mother or someone who wants to be a mother one day, this book would really resonate. The mother has very tough choices that have to be made in a time few of us have had to live through. There are also so many feel good moments throughout the book, not just with the daughter, but other characters. Such a great book!

Last call out, Saskia Maarleveld has become my favorite narrator. She and Madeline make a perfect pair in story writer and storyteller. Saskia has narratored for so many great reads. Please keep doing what your doing. Can't wait for the next one!

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Once again, Madeline Martin knocks it out of the park!

Great book. Well written and great storyline. She knows her characters and they come to life on the page!

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Outstanding!!!

Beautifully written with such meaningful and descriptive words and phrases!! A real joy to read!!

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The history shared by the characters

I enjoyed reading about libraries and the characters that visited them. Emma story was very interesting.

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Like stepping into history

Variety of characters was compelling. Descriptions of locations, households, cultural norma and styles of the period brought the stories to life in a vivid way.

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Another winner from Madeline Martin

This was a tender, heartwarming story of a mother and daughter during WWII in England. The love of books is, of course, an integral part of the story. It was a beautiful tale, superbly told. I loved it!

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very enjoyable listen

Loved listening to The Booklover's Library. So much better than watching something on the television. I took the story everywhere, not wanting to put it down. I became invested in Emma and her daughter, Olivia.

Emma, as a widow, could not work by law, even in the town of Nottingham. She needed to work and was lucky enough to stumble into a job at The Booklover's Library. I loved hearing about the library, that I honestly knew nothing about. I thought my mom was talking about a public library, but now I am not sure.

The story brings a realistic picture to the struggles and dangers experienced by the citizens in England. I was able to see different situations thanks to the visitors to the library. I rode along while Emma drove the streets bringing tea and food to those in need. I was reminded that as bombs dropped people scrambled to survive.

I appreciated hearing about the struggles a mom had while sending a child away. Safety did not wash away the guilt. I didn't realize how moms that kept their children at home were judged.

What I loved most was how people banned together. They helped one another. They stood by one another. They comforted those in need. In a time of tragedy people found strength and love.

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New Fan of Historical Fiction

So, in the past week I have read and listened to my first 2 historical fictions that I can recall. This one and The Women by Kristin Hannah. I've discovered a love for historical fictions. I didn't think these would be something I would enjoy but I was wrong. The things the people had to endure during the wars that take place in these books is so intriguing and heartbreaking. I can't wait to read Madeline Martin's other books. I hope that the rest are just as great.

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What a beautiful story!

I related to the characters in so many ways! From the love of books, children, tea and neighbors, this story was delightful and perfect in every way. Every character was well developed and their stories completed. My favorite books were mentioned, drawing me in even more. I truly have found a kindred spirit with Madeline Martin. Also the narrator was perfect! I preferred listening to her rather than read for myself, which is very rare!

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