REVIEW
The Library on Love Heart Lane is a very moving story I truly enjoyed. It contains a number of my favourite interests such as libraries, books and authors! This is an older novel previously published but has been rewritten to give it more connections to the Love Heart Lane series. I for one, am glad Christie has revisited this story. I have not read its previous version but certainly love its current rendition.
Elle Cooper is a character we immediately like. She is a kind, caring individual with a love for books and works in a library. Although she is a cheerful person and an amazing inspiration to her friends, she has waded through a difficult past. She grew up in foster care. Frightened as a child, living in fear of the unknown, ‘never knowing where she would end up next.’ Bounced from one place to the next because she did not fit in. But one day a special woman named Irene takes her in, teaches her how to read, helps her develop confidence and she blossoms. Heartcross becomes her safe place where she settles.
But even though Elle is relatively happy, she is missing a piece of herself. Not knowing who her parents are or why they gave her up. Now approaching her thirtieth birthday she wants to embark on a journey to find the answers and her parents. So, she begins with the services offered by the Salvation Army. What she discovers will surprise, perplex and please her. And there will be some pretty twisty revelations! Since we, the readers, are along for the ride, we get the inside scoop of how she feels and deals with the answers to her questions.
The entire cast of this novel is charming: including the support characters. Christie has a gift of making them incredibly real and they feel like our friends, too. Pippa is a gem—a wonderful best friend—always there to encourage and boost Elle. Then there’s the gorgeous author Noah—a perfect match for Elle. Their love story is tender and triumphant. They deserve the happiness they seek and find in each other. They discover they have even more in common than they originally knew! And uncovering the truth of her birth parents, helps Elle put the scattered pieces of her puzzle together so that her life makes sense.
As usual, Christie gives us lots of think about. Her novels may appear to be light friendly reading (and in many ways they are) but the further you enter into them, they take you into some serious life issues. In this novel: topics covered are the consequences of giving up of a child, miscarriage, drug addiction and identity alterations just to name a few. Then there are enjoyable discussions about writing. The plotters and pantser, the newbies and established writers.
I must say once again, this is a marvellous novel: captivating and memorable. Characters you want as your friends— in a village that shines with personality, warmth and humour. Heartcross is a caring and close community that invites you in and where personable characters leave you a positive experience, delightful images and uplifting memories. These familiar and friendly stories of healing and second chances are much needed today. This one makes you crave even more to spend time in this enchanting world! Luckily Christie has written a large number of these books so, if this is your first, there are lots more to dive into next!
5 Stars for a healthy heaping of heart-felt remedies for happiness. It is never too late to find the pieces of your puzzle that make you feel whole. Through encouragement, love, truth-seeking and perseverance, a person can overcome most obstacles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
