tylerrosereads
Written on Sep 25, 2020
really nice!
“The great Susan Wiggs writes with grace, insight and wisdom about the things that matter.”—Adriana Trigiani bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife
In this thought-provoking, wise and emotionally rich novel, New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs explores the meaning of happiness, trust, and faith in oneself as she asks the question, "If you had to start over, what would you do and who would you be?"
There is a book for everything . . .
Somewhere in the vast Library of the Universe, as Natalie thought of it, there was a book that embodied exactly the things she was worrying about.
In the wake of a shocking tragedy, Natalie Harper inherits her mother’s charming but financially strapped bookshop in San Francisco. She also becomes caretaker for her ailing grandfather Andrew, her only living relative—not counting her scoundrel father.
But the gruff, deeply kind Andrew has begun displaying signs of decline. Natalie thinks it’s best to move him to an assisted living facility to ensure the care he needs. To pay for it, she plans to close the bookstore and sell the derelict but valuable building on historic Perdita Street, which is in need of constant fixing. There’s only one problem–Grandpa Andrew owns the building and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather; she’ll do whatever it takes to make his final years happy. Besides, she loves the store and its books provide welcome solace for her overwhelming grief.
After she moves into the small studio apartment above the shop, Natalie carries out her grandfather’s request and hires contractor Peach Gallagher to do the necessary and ongoing repairs. His young daughter, Dorothy, also becomes a regular at the store, and she and Natalie begin reading together while Peach works.
To Natalie’s surprise, her sorrow begins to dissipate as her life becomes an unexpected journey of new connections, discoveries and revelations, from unearthing artifacts hidden in the bookshop’s walls, to discovering the truth about her family, her future, and her own heart.
- ISBN10 006291409X
- ISBN13 9780062914095
- Publish Date 6 August 2020 (first published 7 July 2020)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 15 October 2021
- Publish Country US
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Inc
- Imprint William Morrow
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 384
- Language English
Reviews
really nice!
Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading
Written on Jul 11, 2020
Natalie is living her best life, or so she believes. A lucrative job, with a sure promotion waiting on the wings and a loving boyfriend. Despite this she believes something is missing. She has doubts about her relationship and her job brings her no joy. A situation which worsened when she discovered her co-workers’ true feelings towards her. She recognized the need for change in her life, however tragedy struck before she could effect those changes. Natalie now finds herself saddled with a debt-ridden bookshop and the care of her beloved but ailing grandfather, Grandy.
Wiggs weaved a story about pain, loss, love and finding oneself interspersed with history. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, my favourites being Grandy and Dorothy. Dorothy, the daughter of one of Natalie’s love interest, who enjoyed reading and would play a part in help keeping the bookstore open. Grandy was a man of honour and wisdom. Suffers from dementia, but his moments of clarity aided in revealing the truths about their family history and reminded Natalie of the joy and wonders of her childhood.
Natalie proved to be a relatable character. I felt her pain and confusion that came with the unexpected changes. I loved how patient she was dealing with her grandfather’s illness. Watching her step out of her comfort zone, seizing unexpected opportunities and finding her happiness was a delightful experience.
Romance was brewing, and I kept hoping Natalie would make the right choice. Her choice had me smiling from ear to ear. The story despite moving at a leisurely pace was captivating, poignant and entertaining.
Conclusion/Recommendation
The Lost and Found Bookstore depicts how tragedy can change one’s perspective and forces one to appreciate the things they once took for granted. It’s also reminded me of the need to appreciate our loved ones, as the day will come when they will no longer be in our lives. Fans of the author will enjoy this latest offering, and if you have never tried her books before, then I recommend you give this one a try.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
kimbacaffeinate
Written on May 24, 2020
Before Natalie can alter her path, a terrible tragedy leaves her in charge of her mother’s financially struggling bookshop and her ailing grandfather.
Books, all the books. I loved stepping inside the bookshop and learning about Natalie’s life. While I have often romanticized growing up in a bookstore, Wiggs made the struggles of realities of being raised by a single parent and business owner clear.
It is often said that you don’t know what you have until you lose it. I think Wiggs eloquently expressed the importance of appreciating our blessings.
A wave of nostalgia and her grandfather’s wishes soon have Natalie living above the bookshop and trying to revive it. The story that unfolds was delightful from romance to discovery and everything in-between.
Wiggs shares a story of loss, love and second chances. The bookstore and the historical discoveries found there were delightful. I loved the details, but as it is in life, it’s the people who call the bookstore home and those who come through the front door that made the world go round.
I love Grandy, Natalie’s grandfather, who had both wisdom and grace. While he suffers from dementia, it is in his moments of clarity that we learn of the past and what truly matters.
Secondary characters from Peach to the bookshop gals offered insight, romantic interest and allowed for Natalie to grow and find perhaps the true meaning of happiness. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Lynn
Written on May 21, 2020
A double tragedy brings Natalie Harper back to San Francisco, the place where she grew up. It's a bitter-sweet return to the city and as she quickly learns, not everything's as she remembers. However, with an elderly, ailing grandfather to care for, she has to make unpopular decisions if she is to try to keep her late mother's book shop open. Thankfully, fate steps in to allow Natalie, to fulfil her dream and pick-up her life in a way she never believed possible.
I enjoyed the back story about the Sun-Rise building where the book shop's allocated. It's a well-developed character in its own right as we learn its history and hidden secrets as well as other significant historical details associated with its time frame. Then there's the eclectic cast of characters, who blend effortlessly. Each differs from the other, and yet, friendships are forged as they all work together to keep the shop established by Natalie's mother, open.
The narrative is well thought out and kept my attention throughout. I liked the inclusion and naming of many notable novels, to accentuate the book shop backdrop. Additionally, twists and turns, revelations and disappointments are revealed. Yet, there's hope, a promise of new beginnings and an overall sense that life, ultimately will sort itself out.
This novel has wide appeal for anyone looking for a heart-warming story, addressing sensitive issues and a happy ending. A coffee and a book, anyone?
***arc generously received courtesy of publisher William Morrow via NetGalley***