Elodie's Library of Second Chances - Rebecca Raisin

 

An uplifting story about fresh starts, new beginnings and the power of stories, from the bestselling author of Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop!

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?

But Elodie isn’t quite sharing her whole story either. As the story of the library’s new success grows, will her own secret be revealed?

Purchase Links

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elodies-Library-Second-Chances-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B09YH6YXR9

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Elodies-Library-Second-Chances-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B09YH6YXR9

Amazon Aust: https://www.amazon.com.au/Elodies-Library-Second-Chances-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B09YH6YXR9

My Review:

Another smashing read from Rebecca Raisin, another book that is well written, has a comfortable and cosy feel and contains warm, interesting characters the reader will grow to love.I have enjoyed the authors previous books but this one is my favourite I think.

 

Ellie Astor has everything, face of a massive company where she is in line to take over from her parents and although she loves her family she knows she wants more from her life. A chance advert shows the way – becoming the librarian in a small town where someone is needed to turn things around and quickly. Applying under her full given name and actual surname, she becomes Elodie Halifax.

 

Elodie has a huge task in recruiting new members but sets on a massive idea, she just needs the help of some key locals and persuading them is no easy task, especially when it seems someone is out to sabotage her and reveal her “true identity.”

 

I love Elodie, she is an amazing character and sees the good in everyone, she’s a million miles from the conceited, rich, stuck up type she could be. She cares about people, the library and she loves her family no matter what. Her relationship with her brother is great, she is so supportive and encouraging. I love her and she instantly makes those around her feel special. 

 

Her genius idea is impressive to say the least and could be the only chance to save the library and help some of her friends. There are four characters in particular who are an integral part of the story and Elodies plan, as soon as I came across each one I loved them, what brilliant characters that each have their own tale to tell.

 

I was engrossed from start to finish, I didn’t want it to end! A book full of heart, kindness and compassion; a great setting and well written characters. Highly recommended read. 

Author Bio:

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaraisinwrites/

Recent Read Round-up

The Rumour - Lesley Kara
Published 25 July 2019 by Corgi 

The Rumour is a gripping, psychological thriller that really gives you something to think about. The theme is based around something most people are guilty of at some point – gossiping and/or sharing a rumour.

Main character Joanna is trying to fit in, she’s moved back to the quiet town and wants to fit herself but more so for her son Alfie. With a rumour rife about a child killer living in the community, Jo uses this to garner attention with the other school Mums.

With rumours snowballing and innocent people being victimised, Jo finds herself at the centre of some unwanted and scary attention. With threats to her son, Jo wishes she could find a way to stop the rumour mill before disaster strikes.

I have to say I was hooked from the start, I read it in one sitting. It had some interesting twists, along with some classic misdirection that really kept me on my toes. I thought I had it nailed early on, I’m usually pretty good at generally figuring things out but I was surprised this time.

It is a thought provoking read, the tension slowly builds throughout culminating in a fantastic turn of events.  I enjoyed the writing style and the characters presented; at the beginning I was a little overwhelmed with the amount of different characters being introduced but it worked out fine as I continued to read.

If you enjoy a good thriller than I would recommend. I will look forward to more by the author.

The Night You Left - Emma Curtis
Published July 22nd 2019 by Transworld Digital

Nick disappears just hours after proposing to Grace. She goes through the motions but slowly starts to realise everything may not be as it seems – will her secrets be kept whilst she’s uncovering those of the people around her?!

Such an enjoyable read, the story moves around from present day to the past and from different characters perspectives. I always enjoy this- when done in the right way and this was good. I never felt confused or not sure whose perspective I was reading. I think the inclusion of different character’ POV and scenes from their old lives really helped move the story along quickly.

Grace is obviously emotional, urgent and wanting answers – this leaps from the page and you feel the frustration in not knowing what has happened and if anyone she knows has got the answer. I must admit I worked out some aspects of the story, but they were quickly addressed and there were plenty of additional twists that took me by surprise. The ending – well, crikey me, I did not anticipate that at all.

This book is well-paced, lots of drama happening throughout to keep you entertained. I enjoyed the elements showing Nicks past – especially as we hadn’t had chance to garner opinion of him before he went missing – and we get to see everything he has had to go through.

This book will grab you from the off, I was engrossed and on the edge of my seat until I finished it. I’ve never read any of Emma’s books but I will definitely be rectifying that.

Highly recommend. 

The Library of Lost and Found- Phaedra Patrick 
Paperback - Published June 27th 2019 by HQ

A gorgeous, charm of a book. Some absolutely beautiful moments throughout this book.

Martha Storm is quite the character; putting everyone else before herself she is unable to say no to anyone and crikey me, they do take such advantage of her.

Her world starts to change after being left a copy of a book; full of familiar stories and a special dedication to her. The dedication comes from someone unexpected and it starts Martha on the quest for answers. This quest gives her answers but more than she bargained for.

A wonderful tale about someone breaking out and becoming the version of herself she was destined to be; of doing something for yourself. Martha is a lovey character and I love how she was written; we were on her side and I know I was frustrated for her at times. I was so sympathetic at all that she sacrificed and the moments she missed out on.

This is a lovely, heart warming read that will restore faith in people. Full of characters – some will annoy, some are funny and some just do the best they can for someone they clearly care about. This isn’t a predictable read at all so you may be surprised at times.

I definitely recommend for a cute, quick read.