Today we have a treat for all book lovers. One g;ance at the cover and you will be hooked! Bella Osborne's The Library was published by Aria on September 2nd.
Two lonely bookworms. An unexpected friendship. A library
that needs their help
'A touching story of a friendship between a troubled
teenager, a yoga-practising farming woman in her seventies and a local library.
A delight!' – Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde
Teenager Tom has always blended into the background of life.
After a row with his dad and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory,
he escapes to the library.
Pensioner Maggie has been happily alone with her beloved
novels for ten years – at least, that's what she tells herself.
When they meet, they recognise something in each other that
will change both their lives for ever.
Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they
must join forces to prove that it's not just about books – it's the heart of
their community.
They are determined to save it – because some things are
worth fighting for.
Reviews
'Such a heart-warming and thought-provoking novel! A
touching tale of true friendship, overcoming adversity and the genuine joy
books can bring to our lives' – Jill Mansell
'A touching tale that will warm your heart and put a smile
on your face' – Hazel Prior
'A story that was deeply moving, and ultimately uplifting...
Definitely recommended – it was one of my best reads this year' – Janet Gover
'Heart-rending and inspiring in equal measures. A wonderful
story. I adored it!' – Celia Anderson
'Beautifully and sensitively written, the characterisation
is superb' – Sue Moorcroft
'Absolutely LOVED IT! It's Bella's best book yet! A glorious
heartfelt novel' – Christie Barlow
'The Library is a beautifully uplifting story full of wit,
warmth and tender moments, with community at its heart and characters you truly
care about' – Cressida McLaughlin
'I absolutely loved this book. Heart-warming with genuine
characters, the plot pulled me in and I was rooting for the library every step
of the way. A great tonic for the times and highly recommended!' – Talli Roland
'A truly special book, brimming with charm, heartwrenching
moments and inspiring characters. The Library is one of those feel-good books
that is sure to delight readers' – Carmel Harrington, author of The Moon Over
Kilmore Quay
My Thoughts
I loved the juxtaposition of the two central characters in this novel. One a teenager, the other elderly, you realise that stereotypes are not going to wash with these two. They are brought together in the fight to keep the local library open but you soon realise that they both have much in common, including loneliness and an interest in what's going on in the world. It is an endearing and touching tale as you discover more and more about their past.
The descriptions of life on Maggie's farm add colour and humour to the story of her life there. You certainly sense the affection that the library holds in the village life and there is a message loud and clear, that it fulfils an essential service to the community. Anyone who loves reading will have smiled at Tom's surreptitious reading of the often looked down on romance genre. How foolish such ideas are. With such a mixture of sadness and fun, you can be confident you will enjoy this immensely.
In short: Inter-generational friendship
About the Author
Bella Osborne has been jotting down stories as far back as
she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a
full length novel. In 2016, her debut novel, It Started At Sunset Cottage, was
shortlisted for the Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year and RNA Joan
Hessayon New Writers Award. Bella's stories are about friendship, love and
coping with what life throws at you. She likes to find the humour in the darker
moments of life and weaves these into her stories. Bella believes that writing
your own story really is the best fun ever, closely followed by talking, eating
chocolate, drinking fizz and planning holidays. She lives in the Midlands, UK
with her lovely husband and wonderful daughter, who thankfully, both accept her
as she is (with mad morning hair and a penchant for skipping).
Thanks to Bella Osborne, Aria and Head of Zeus for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Follow the rest of the tour!
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