Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people–though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her superhero-themed notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she’s invisible.

All of that changes when a book of fairy tales arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her best friend–her grandmother Zelda–who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda’s past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.

Filled with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and vivid characters, The Library of Lost and Found is a heartwarming and poignant tale of how one woman must take control of her destiny to write her own happy ending.

I picked this audiobook because I liked the cover. The beginning dragged a bit, but I think that’s because the narrator was literally reading slowly — I upped the speed to 1.5x normal after a couple of chapters and really got into it.

The story was equal parts fascinating and frustrating — quiet Martha was a doormat that so many people, including her family, took advantage of. That’s definitely not my personality so it makes me crazy to read about it, but I loved that Patrick didn’t make us wait until the end of the book to see Martha’s personality growth. It starts relatively early, then progresses throughout the book, coming to a sweet, heartfelt ending that left me smiling.

The story also made me realize that I’m not a naturally forgiving person because I couldn’t believe how differently — noticeably less-nicely — I would have treated people if I’d been in Martha’s situation; I guess I’ve got a lot to learn about grace!

Overall, a hopeful story with a bit of a redemptive plot. It reminds me of Jill Mansel, but without the romance.

Rated PG/PG-13 for a few swear words and thematic elements. Get your copy here!