The Littlest Library

Title: The Littlest Library

Author: Poppy Alexander

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, England

Publisher: Avon Books

Source: Net Galley

My review:

I absolutely love the cover and concept of The Littlest Library. The cover first grabbed my attention, and I knew I had to read this book.

Especially since I had opened my own little library this year. I was excited and couldn't wait to read this one.

 Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The story was slow and very description driven (which I hate and find boring). The concept of the story was underdeveloped. The details of the conflict between Aidan and Lucie were overdeveloped. There were a few subplots that were completely unnecessary and contributed to my dissatisfaction with the book. The book also felt quite heavy. Jess was negative in quite a few parts and it just got old. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters.

I did enjoy Jess opening the library and her care of it every day. I also enjoyed the way it changed the village and wished mine had the same results, bringing people closer together. I also appreciated the way the library gave Jess back a sense of purpose.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: As I aim to only promote "clean" reads on my blog I will mention there is some language and a few things I don't agree with in this book. I will not say more because I don't want to give spoilers.

Synopsis: 

A heartwarming literary-themed novel about a woman who turns an ordinary red phone box into the littlest library in England and brings together a struggling town.

A little red telephone box full of stories, a chance to change her life...

Jess Metcalf is perfectly content with her quiet, predictable life. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, Jess' life is turned upside down.

Determined to pick up the pieces, Jess decides it's time for a new beginning. Unable to part with her grandmother's cherished books, she packs them all up and moves to a tiny cottage in the English countryside. To her surprise, Jess discovers that she's now the owner of an old red phone box that was left on the property. Missing her job at the local library, Jess decides to give back to her new community--using her grandmother's collection to turn the ordinary phone box into the littlest library in England.

It's not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their literary magic--bringing the villagers together... and managing to draw Jess' grumpy but handsome neighbor out of his shell.

Maybe it's finally time for Jess to follow her heart, let go of her old life, and make the village her home? But will she be able to take the leap?