Item: The Lost and Found Bookshop
Rating: 5.00
Author: ellesea

by Susan Wiggs

"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.

A bookshop, books, and a little splash of romance, what's not to love?

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***

The Lost and Found Bookshop

by Susan Wiggs

Reviewed by Lynn on May 21, 2020

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