Monday, September 2, 2024

The Lost and Found Bookshop

Title: The Lost and Found Bookshop
Author: Susan Wiggs
Published: July 7, 2020 by William Morrow
Format: Hardcover, 386
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: Bella Vista Chronicles #3

First Sentence: Standing before the gathering at her mother’s memorial service, Natalie Harper glanced down at the podium.

Blurb: 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.

My Opinion: A standalone series is a term I was not familiar with, but apparently, The Lost and Found Bookshop falls into this category.

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs is a touching story about Natalie Harper, who inherits her mother’s quaint bookstore in San Francisco after a personal tragedy. Juggling the responsibilities of running the shop and caring for her elderly grandfather, Andrew, Natalie embarks on a journey of discovery.

The bookstore, filled with its history and secrets, becomes a sanctuary for Natalie. As she uncovers hidden aspects of her family’s past, she finds strength and solace in the place her mother cherished. The narrative skillfully weaves past and present, highlighting how lives are influenced by their histories.

Wiggs’ storytelling is immersive, drawing readers into the cozy, book-filled environment of the Lost and Found Bookshop. The characters are richly developed and relatable, each facing challenges and growth. A blossoming romance adds warmth and hope to the story.

In essence, The Lost and Found Bookshop is a heartwarming read that celebrates the magic of books, the significance of family, and the journey of self-discovery. It’s an ideal pick for a feel-good story with emotional depth and charm.

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