Reviews - The Library of Borrowed Hearts

1.02k reviews for:

The Library of Borrowed Hearts

Lucy Gilmore has crafted a novel that feels like the memoirs of five characters. It pulls the reader into the pages, just as two of the protagonists found literary and emotional homes in the books they shared. "The Library of Borrowed Hearts" is a mystery, several love stories, an unfolding of hearts and minds, and it is delightful. I couldn't put it down. This will be a wonderful addition to my book group's list and I'd recommend it to anyone who will get a chance to discuss the many themes and questions it so beautifully gifts its readers.

kathcurriesmith's review against another edition

5.0

In The Library of Borrowed Hearts, Lucy Gilmore weaves the story of Chloe and her family with a decades old mysterious love story discovered in notes left in library books. Chloe is 19 and has dropped out of college, abandoning her dream of being a librarian, to care for her 3 siblings when their mom leaves them. Chloe works as a library aide barely making ends meet but committed to her family. Her next door neighbor Jasper is as curmudgeonly as Ove and has not made Chloe’s family’s life any easier. I love how Gilmore redefines family in her novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

pamela_'s review against another edition

4.0

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

giraffe9377's review against another edition

5.0

I always love stories around books, and old guys who actually have a heart… my second book of hers like that and I’m here for more!

kjtad's review against another edition

4.0

4/5

So heartwarming and good!! The Sampson family is such a tight-knit, complicated, loving family made up of Chloe and her three siblings (Trixie, Theo, and Aloysius/Noodle). I absolutely loved the dynamic and this family and Chloe's work ethic and sacrifice to keep them afloat. The relationship built with Jasper, especially starting with Noodle, was such a good one. It was so sweet to see Jasper open up his heart to them and leave behind some of his grumpiness. The early story of Jasper and Catherine is one that is equal parts sweet and frustrating. I was glad with the way things ended at the very very end. Chloe and Zach were another cute side-story; however, their ending felt very rushed. I felt as though the idea of Chloe overworking herself for her family was shoved down the throat a little; it was repeated over and over and I GET IT. But, could've done with a little less. The ending also felt slightly rushed. Otherwise, such a cute storyline and amazing characters!

geniewtdbh's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I loved this sweet story and it's characters so much. Definitely makes you think about all the sacrifices people are willing to make for love in different facets of their lives. I also really enjoyed all the classic literature references. It made me want to check out a couple I've never read before. Fibers crossed they are as good as the characters made them seem.