Then the library comes under threat of closure, and they must join forces to prove that it's not just about books – it's the heart of their community.

When they meet, they recognise something in each other that will change both their lives for ever. Pensioner Maggie has been happily alone with her beloved novels for ten years – at least, that's what she tells herself. After a row with his dad and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library. Teenager Tom has always blended into the background of life. A delight!' – Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde 'A touching story of a friendship between a troubled teenager, a yoga-practising farming woman in her seventies and a local library. This is a charming, touching novel of friendship and families, forgiveness and healing, and books! I highly recommend it.Two lonely bookworms. Every one is a gift of either knowledge, entertainment, or pure escapism and goodness knows we all need that from time to time.'

Every book is a key that unlocks another world, leads us down the path of a different life and offers the chance to explore an unexpected adventure. In addition to the story, what I especially liked was the author's 'message' about books and libraries, shared by Maggie: 'This village library has always had a place in my heart.

The novel is well-written and moves along as the plot develops - would the library be saved or be closed in a round of budget cuts? Would Tom graduate from high school and go to university or work in the dog food factory? Would Maggie.well, I'm not going to share any spoilers here but let me just say it's a heartwarming story. Both characters were likable and sympathetic. The story alternates between Tom and Maggie's points of view, which gives us both perspectives and helps us to understand each of them. She’d taught me loads about life, about myself and how to fight for what I wanted. I’d loved all the books I’d been lost in and all the characters I’d shared ups and downs with but what I’d got most from the library was my friendship with Maggie. But as Tom says when he thinks back to meeting Maggie: 'A chance encounter at the library had changed so many things. The novel begins with two lonely people seemingly having nothing in common other than the library. Of course, as is usually the case, the library is only a catalyst for the real story, which in this novel is the developing friendship between 16-year-old Tom and 72-year-old Maggie. I'm a sucker for a save-the-library story, so when I saw this one I immediately wanted to read it. Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy.

The library book bella osborne