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A review by tessa_talks_books
Elodie's Library of Second Chances by Rebecca Raisin
5.0
What's it about (in a nutshell):
Elodie's Library of Second Chances by Rebecca Raisin is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, empathy, and being true to yourself.
Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
This is my second book by Rebecca Raisen – the first being Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop – and based on that, I expect a quirky, funny, and heartwarming story. Just look at that cover. Doesn't it totally say quaint and cozy, and what warms the heart more than quaint and cozy? The blurb confirms my thoughts, describing the story as an uplifting tale about new starts.
Actual Reading Experience:
The story is just as heartwarming as the cover and blurb said. I love a book that can wrap you in a warm hug, and this one does just that!
First, I loved the messages in the story. It's about not judging a book by its cover and the stories that go along with that…well, at least one brought me to tears. It was so incredibly moving. Willow Grove is a small village full of small-minded people, and Ellie, with her open mind and big heart, strives to change that one person at a time.
I also enjoyed witnessing Ellie's struggle to get enough members to keep the library going. She approaches it in such creative ways it becomes an absolutely fascinating plot. So many ideas and the one that saves the library is the best and most creative. It completely opened my mind in unexpected ways.
Lastly, I loved the laugh-out-loud moments, of which there were plenty. The comedy is more natural and relatable humor rather than absurd, and I love that kind of humor most of all. This is the kind of story I didn't want to end because I enjoyed it so much and it made me incredibly happy to read.
Characters:
The characters are all so believable, for good and for bad. You will recognize them as your friends and neighbors if you look around you. The character development is exceptional for the primary and minor characters since we see them through Ellie's eyes. She tends to see people in a way that very few do.
Ellie is a wealthy socialite expected to take over the family media empire. Still, it's not what she wants to do. She wants to make a difference in the world in more heart-led ways, not amass as much money as possible. You can't help but love Ellie for her love of books and her acceptance of everybody she meets.
Narration & Pacing:
Elodie (Ellie) tells this tale in first-person narration. I think it's the perfect style of narration to achieve the most significant impact. Ellie is so relatable and good that you understand everything she does and want to be like her simultaneously. The pace stays at a steady pace which is relatively quick from start to finish.
Setting:
The setting is the small village of Willow Grove in the UK. It's a quaint and peaceful village that's on the verge of losing its library, and they need a new head librarian for the dying library
What It Reminds Me Of:
This story definitely reminded me of Raisin's other book that I read – Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop.
To Read or Not to Read:
Why would you not read this book? It will make you laugh, warm your heart, and even draw a tear or two – what more can you ask for in one book?
Elodie's Library of Second Chances by Rebecca Raisin is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, empathy, and being true to yourself.
Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
This is my second book by Rebecca Raisen – the first being Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop – and based on that, I expect a quirky, funny, and heartwarming story. Just look at that cover. Doesn't it totally say quaint and cozy, and what warms the heart more than quaint and cozy? The blurb confirms my thoughts, describing the story as an uplifting tale about new starts.
Actual Reading Experience:
The story is just as heartwarming as the cover and blurb said. I love a book that can wrap you in a warm hug, and this one does just that!
First, I loved the messages in the story. It's about not judging a book by its cover and the stories that go along with that…well, at least one brought me to tears. It was so incredibly moving. Willow Grove is a small village full of small-minded people, and Ellie, with her open mind and big heart, strives to change that one person at a time.
I also enjoyed witnessing Ellie's struggle to get enough members to keep the library going. She approaches it in such creative ways it becomes an absolutely fascinating plot. So many ideas and the one that saves the library is the best and most creative. It completely opened my mind in unexpected ways.
Lastly, I loved the laugh-out-loud moments, of which there were plenty. The comedy is more natural and relatable humor rather than absurd, and I love that kind of humor most of all. This is the kind of story I didn't want to end because I enjoyed it so much and it made me incredibly happy to read.
Characters:
The characters are all so believable, for good and for bad. You will recognize them as your friends and neighbors if you look around you. The character development is exceptional for the primary and minor characters since we see them through Ellie's eyes. She tends to see people in a way that very few do.
Ellie is a wealthy socialite expected to take over the family media empire. Still, it's not what she wants to do. She wants to make a difference in the world in more heart-led ways, not amass as much money as possible. You can't help but love Ellie for her love of books and her acceptance of everybody she meets.
Narration & Pacing:
Elodie (Ellie) tells this tale in first-person narration. I think it's the perfect style of narration to achieve the most significant impact. Ellie is so relatable and good that you understand everything she does and want to be like her simultaneously. The pace stays at a steady pace which is relatively quick from start to finish.
Setting:
The setting is the small village of Willow Grove in the UK. It's a quaint and peaceful village that's on the verge of losing its library, and they need a new head librarian for the dying library
What It Reminds Me Of:
This story definitely reminded me of Raisin's other book that I read – Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop.
To Read or Not to Read:
Why would you not read this book? It will make you laugh, warm your heart, and even draw a tear or two – what more can you ask for in one book?