About the Book
June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.
Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.
To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.
My Review
A book about someone’s love of books always brings me joy, and librarian June Jones – shy, awkward, and a bit of a social recluse – has a deep fondness for books. I could relate to her passion for browsing the shelves, as volunteering at my local library when I was a teen was an absolute escape for me and one I remember with fond memories. June also cares deeply for her community and the library she works at – both places where she can honor the spirt of her mother. With the library suddenly being threatened to shut down, June has to find her voice to stand up for a place that is not just about free books – but is a source of inspiration to some and comfort for many others.
There is quite a secondary cast of characters that range from the perpetually onery old lady to the struggling teen girl to the dashing lawyer making a reappearance back in the small town that add a great layer to the story. June’s character is sometimes so painfully shy it was hard to be pulled in by her, but the tender writing and a dash of light-hearted suspense helped to keep bringing me back. I would call this a slow-building heart-warmer, and recommend this one for those who want to be charmed.
4 stars
