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Bella Vista Chronicles #3
The Lost and Found Bookshop
In this thought-provoking, wise and emotionally rich novel, New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs explores the meaning of happiness, trust, and faith in oneself as she asks the question, "If you had to start over, what would you do and who would you be?"
There is a book for everything . . .
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.
There is a book for everything . . .
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.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 6, 2020
About the author
Susan Wiggs
168 books6,933 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,937 reviews
September 5, 2021
[2.7] A bland, utterly predictable novel about a young woman who is overcoming grief, trying to save a failing bookstore and deciding which man to choose. I liked the bookstore.
August 23, 2021
What's with the run of recent stories about young women inheriting charming, but financially-strapped, bookstores?
I gave this book 3 stars, because the book lover in me enjoys the mention of various book titles and the dream of working in a bookshop/library. The plot, unfortunately, is long-winded, bordering on frustrating, and the characters are not memorable, especially protagonist, Natalie Harper. At times, I thought she was a little self-centered, because she was always talking about herself and her woes. Maybe if she asked more questions, she'd learn more about the people in her life (e.g. her "best" friend, Tess, is several months pregnant, yet Natalie doesn't know this?!?) Also, I find it difficult to wrap my head around her "kind, warm and giving" personality with everyone in her life, but her co-workers think of her as "toxic" at her original workplace. What's up with that??
All in all, I liked the story fine, but would I read it again and/or recommend it to others? Probably not.
I gave this book 3 stars, because the book lover in me enjoys the mention of various book titles and the dream of working in a bookshop/library. The plot, unfortunately, is long-winded, bordering on frustrating, and the characters are not memorable, especially protagonist, Natalie Harper. At times, I thought she was a little self-centered, because she was always talking about herself and her woes. Maybe if she asked more questions, she'd learn more about the people in her life (e.g. her "best" friend, Tess, is several months pregnant, yet Natalie doesn't know this?!?) Also, I find it difficult to wrap my head around her "kind, warm and giving" personality with everyone in her life, but her co-workers think of her as "toxic" at her original workplace. What's up with that??
All in all, I liked the story fine, but would I read it again and/or recommend it to others? Probably not.
June 8, 2024
This is a women's fiction/chick-lit. The main character is Natalie Harper, and this book is about her finding out what she really wants out of life. There is a small amount about her finding romance. I would not read this book looking for a romance book because it is more a women's fiction. The book is well written and true to real life. I feel the characters is really well-developed. I think you will like this book if you are looking for a women's fiction book not a romance. I was kindly provided an e-book of this book by the publisher (William Morrow) or author (Susan Wiggs) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 16, 2021
Author dedication: “For the booksellers, purveyors of dreams.”
It seems that the general consensus of avid readers is that though books about bookshops and libraries are highly attractive additions to the TBR shelf, they disappoint more often than not. For that reason, I have chosen to read next to none of these before now, but I have to say this one suited me just fine.
After having read some emotionally “heavy” books in recent months, this book was exactly what I was looking for. It is a solid story with several interesting threads. It is set in one of my favorite cities San Francisco. It has some historical features. There are a number of well-drawn characters to love and pull for, including the bookshop itself. There is some romance that does not overtake the rest of the story. There is a wise elderly character (I love elderly characters). Best of all there is strong sense of family (blood-related or not)—all for one and one for all. Major points too for the growth seen in the protagonist, Natalie.
I read this over 3-4 days and was always happy to have a chance to pick up the book. It flows beautifully and is told in a single timeline (yay). There are a number of references to real books and authors, many of which I was not familiar with, and I had fun looking these up on Goodreads. The writing is excellent. I enjoyed looking up over a dozen or so words I did not know—I love extending my vocabulary through reading books.
Even at 90 plus percent, I was not sure how everything could possibly be wrapped up, but that is done in spades. There is a very nice epilogue presented as newspaper articles, which I thought was really clever. I only wish the ending could have been extended by another chapter or two just to fill in a few more details of what happens to our characters.
Overall, I found The Lost and Found Bookshop to be a winner. I highly recommend it to all readers of contemporary fiction, even those who have been “burned” by bookshop books before. Susan Wiggs is a new author for me, and I expect to read more of her books in the future.
Many thanks to the Libby App and MESLA (Twin Cities Metro eLibrary) for the loan of this book.
It seems that the general consensus of avid readers is that though books about bookshops and libraries are highly attractive additions to the TBR shelf, they disappoint more often than not. For that reason, I have chosen to read next to none of these before now, but I have to say this one suited me just fine.
After having read some emotionally “heavy” books in recent months, this book was exactly what I was looking for. It is a solid story with several interesting threads. It is set in one of my favorite cities San Francisco. It has some historical features. There are a number of well-drawn characters to love and pull for, including the bookshop itself. There is some romance that does not overtake the rest of the story. There is a wise elderly character (I love elderly characters). Best of all there is strong sense of family (blood-related or not)—all for one and one for all. Major points too for the growth seen in the protagonist, Natalie.
I read this over 3-4 days and was always happy to have a chance to pick up the book. It flows beautifully and is told in a single timeline (yay). There are a number of references to real books and authors, many of which I was not familiar with, and I had fun looking these up on Goodreads. The writing is excellent. I enjoyed looking up over a dozen or so words I did not know—I love extending my vocabulary through reading books.
Even at 90 plus percent, I was not sure how everything could possibly be wrapped up, but that is done in spades. There is a very nice epilogue presented as newspaper articles, which I thought was really clever. I only wish the ending could have been extended by another chapter or two just to fill in a few more details of what happens to our characters.
Overall, I found The Lost and Found Bookshop to be a winner. I highly recommend it to all readers of contemporary fiction, even those who have been “burned” by bookshop books before. Susan Wiggs is a new author for me, and I expect to read more of her books in the future.
Many thanks to the Libby App and MESLA (Twin Cities Metro eLibrary) for the loan of this book.
July 17, 2020
An uplifting story for all book lovers! Susan Wiggs has written a charming story filled with family, hope, heart, and books. Always responsible Natalie is working a job she doesn’t necessarily love, but it is stable. Then tragedy strikes and Natalie finds her life suddenly anything but stable. She quits her reliable job returns home to San Francisco to take care of her grandfather, and the struggling family bookshop. When she returns home she remembers how much she loves working in the bookshop, but she is also troubled by the decline of her grandfather’s health. What follows is a sweet story of family, healing, acceptance, and love.
Natalie was a likable character, but I absolutely loved her grandfather (Grandy). I also adored Dorothy a young girl who was charmed by the books and the shop. Dorothy’s father Peach (Peter) is the contractor helping to repair the bookshop. As the bookshop begins two be physically healed, so does Natalie‘s heart. There is an attraction between Peach and Natalie that develops slowly and sweetly throughout the book. Loved how the bookshop itself played a character in the story. With so many memories and secrets held both figuratively and literally within the walls. The audiobook was narrated by Emily Rankin Who did a stellar job. I really loved the charm she gave to 10-year-old Dorothy and the engaging tone given to Grandy.
This book in emojis 📚 🐱 🗝 ✉️ 🌁 🧁
*** Big thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Natalie was a likable character, but I absolutely loved her grandfather (Grandy). I also adored Dorothy a young girl who was charmed by the books and the shop. Dorothy’s father Peach (Peter) is the contractor helping to repair the bookshop. As the bookshop begins two be physically healed, so does Natalie‘s heart. There is an attraction between Peach and Natalie that develops slowly and sweetly throughout the book. Loved how the bookshop itself played a character in the story. With so many memories and secrets held both figuratively and literally within the walls. The audiobook was narrated by Emily Rankin Who did a stellar job. I really loved the charm she gave to 10-year-old Dorothy and the engaging tone given to Grandy.
This book in emojis 📚 🐱 🗝 ✉️ 🌁 🧁
*** Big thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 17, 2020
I love books about bookshops & libraries, so I knew this book was for me! A charming story about love, loss & family, with some history, mystery & romance woven in. Heartwarming, satisfying & utterly delightful, 'The Lost & Found Bookshop' is available now wherever books are sold. Highly recommend it!
June 22, 2024
Another wonderful character-driven novel by Susan Wiggs that I absolutely devoured. Natalie is making a huge presentation. Her mother has been invited. She doesn’t show. Natalie is then rocked by later receiving the news her test-pilot boyfriend (who she’d been planning to break up with) was killed in a crash. The news only gets more shocking—her mother was in the plane with him.
Natalie is left to pick up the pieces of her mother’s life—a bookshop that is heavily in debt and about to be foreclosed on. Her beloved grandfather who is suffering from dementia. As mentioned before, it’s the characters that make any Susan Wiggs book so magical, and Dorothy, a young reader who loves the books in the shop, and Peach, her father, and a handyman hired to do work at the store, instantly pull at your heartstrings. This was slower paced than some of the other books by SW I’ve read, but I didn’t enjoy it any less. The romance was more of a slow burn, and the family story was really at the heart of it—with Natalie’s desire to save her grandfather and the bookstore driving the action. A beautiful read.
Natalie is left to pick up the pieces of her mother’s life—a bookshop that is heavily in debt and about to be foreclosed on. Her beloved grandfather who is suffering from dementia. As mentioned before, it’s the characters that make any Susan Wiggs book so magical, and Dorothy, a young reader who loves the books in the shop, and Peach, her father, and a handyman hired to do work at the store, instantly pull at your heartstrings. This was slower paced than some of the other books by SW I’ve read, but I didn’t enjoy it any less. The romance was more of a slow burn, and the family story was really at the heart of it—with Natalie’s desire to save her grandfather and the bookstore driving the action. A beautiful read.
July 15, 2020
I really wanted to like this book and, clearly, I am in the minority because there are a lot of great reviews for this one, but it just didn't work for me. It dragged a lot and I just couldn't get in to it.
May 26, 2020
3.5 stars. First time reading Susan Wiggs, I liked this book, but I didn't LOVE it.
There's a lot going on here - Natalie suffers the dual loss of both her mom and her boyfriend, but then also finds that her mom's bookshop in San Fransisco is almost a complete financial loss and her grandfather is very slowly eroding away as dementia sets in. The handyman her mother hired to do the urgent repairs on the historic building (Peach) turns out to be a competent, (very) attractive, book-reading buy with a cute book-obsessed kid. Plus there's a lot of family history to discover in the building. So there's a lot to work with. And the storyline of Natalie's grandfather, Andrew, and his POV chapters are handled so well, with great sensitivity to both how he feels as his memory slips more and more and also the stress it places on Natalie to care for him as he "relives" her mother's death every time he forgets and remembers.
But the book felt a little flat to me. There's a secondary character introduced to give Peach some competition in the "love interest" department and that guy has a secret that, when it was finally revealed, I found very hard to believe that it hadn't been leaked already due to the JK Rowling-level of fame the guy had. Consequently, so much time is spent with Guy B that the actual romance with Peach is crammed into the very end of the book. So it's a very slow burn that could have used a lot more pining and spending time with each other alone, in my opinion (i.e. at no point did I want to yell "just kiss you dorks" at the book). I also felt that the author didn't follow through on some details. It's noted that Natalie has the kind of abs you only get from yoga class - be we never see her take a yoga class or any sort of physical activity of any kind (I don't recall her ever thinking about it, even to lament being too exhausted to bother with exercise or missing space for a daily yoga practice or something). And then late in the book some weed is smoked without ever referencing this before (look, the weed is fine, they are in San Francisco, but it just felt out of left field particularly when it's noted Natalie finished off her mom's Ambien prescription earlier in the book). And so on. It's little nitpicky details, but they feel tacked on as a way to try and flesh out a character when those details just aren't needed. They pulled me out of the scene like snagging my finger on a splinter.
There's a lot going on here - Natalie suffers the dual loss of both her mom and her boyfriend, but then also finds that her mom's bookshop in San Fransisco is almost a complete financial loss and her grandfather is very slowly eroding away as dementia sets in. The handyman her mother hired to do the urgent repairs on the historic building (Peach) turns out to be a competent, (very) attractive, book-reading buy with a cute book-obsessed kid. Plus there's a lot of family history to discover in the building. So there's a lot to work with. And the storyline of Natalie's grandfather, Andrew, and his POV chapters are handled so well, with great sensitivity to both how he feels as his memory slips more and more and also the stress it places on Natalie to care for him as he "relives" her mother's death every time he forgets and remembers.
But the book felt a little flat to me. There's a secondary character introduced to give Peach some competition in the "love interest" department and that guy has a secret that, when it was finally revealed, I found very hard to believe that it hadn't been leaked already due to the JK Rowling-level of fame the guy had. Consequently, so much time is spent with Guy B that the actual romance with Peach is crammed into the very end of the book. So it's a very slow burn that could have used a lot more pining and spending time with each other alone, in my opinion (i.e. at no point did I want to yell "just kiss you dorks" at the book). I also felt that the author didn't follow through on some details. It's noted that Natalie has the kind of abs you only get from yoga class - be we never see her take a yoga class or any sort of physical activity of any kind (I don't recall her ever thinking about it, even to lament being too exhausted to bother with exercise or missing space for a daily yoga practice or something). And then late in the book some weed is smoked without ever referencing this before (look, the weed is fine, they are in San Francisco, but it just felt out of left field particularly when it's noted Natalie finished off her mom's Ambien prescription earlier in the book). And so on. It's little nitpicky details, but they feel tacked on as a way to try and flesh out a character when those details just aren't needed. They pulled me out of the scene like snagging my finger on a splinter.
November 12, 2023
Okay, anyone who knows me, knows I love books about bookshops or libraries.
Yes it is true, I am a romantic about a book about books (and yes the bookshop can feel like a character, too – this one, also happened to be a home in San Francisco).
And...
I can’t help myself.
This is an uplifting story for all book lovers.
Why?
Because...
It is charming. A story about family, hope, heart, loss, some history, some mystery, some romance and yes, books. Heartwarming, satisfying and utterly delightful if you like these kind of syrupy stories, too.
Yes it is true, I am a romantic about a book about books (and yes the bookshop can feel like a character, too – this one, also happened to be a home in San Francisco).
And...
I can’t help myself.
This is an uplifting story for all book lovers.
Why?
Because...
It is charming. A story about family, hope, heart, loss, some history, some mystery, some romance and yes, books. Heartwarming, satisfying and utterly delightful if you like these kind of syrupy stories, too.
August 7, 2020
Overall: Lots of potential for a great read but overall feel quite short in all categories 2/5
Summary: After a horrible tragedy changes her life, Natalie Harper inherits her mother's bookstore in San Francisco. She leaves her high powered job in Napa and moves to San Francisco only to find that the bookshop is in horrible financial trouble. She also becomes the caretaker for her ailing grandfather with dementia, her only remaining family. She makes some interesting friends and develops relationships along the way that help to grow and heal.
The Good: Somewhat interesting storyline. Heroine is OK and somewhat likable.
The Bad: This book was sooooo depressing. And really like no plot at all. So many dramatic elements added in and drawn out in what I think was an attempt to add depth, but really just made the book a downer. Lots of potential from lost relics hidden in a bookstore, romance, family ties, and a beautiful setting, but none of these were well developed and were overshadowed by all the depressing additions throughout.
Summary: After a horrible tragedy changes her life, Natalie Harper inherits her mother's bookstore in San Francisco. She leaves her high powered job in Napa and moves to San Francisco only to find that the bookshop is in horrible financial trouble. She also becomes the caretaker for her ailing grandfather with dementia, her only remaining family. She makes some interesting friends and develops relationships along the way that help to grow and heal.
The Good: Somewhat interesting storyline. Heroine is OK and somewhat likable.
The Bad: This book was sooooo depressing. And really like no plot at all. So many dramatic elements added in and drawn out in what I think was an attempt to add depth, but really just made the book a downer. Lots of potential from lost relics hidden in a bookstore, romance, family ties, and a beautiful setting, but none of these were well developed and were overshadowed by all the depressing additions throughout.
June 16, 2020
Most readers adore books about bookstores and/or libraries. And why not, they are buildings filled with what we love: books! “The Lost and Found Bookshop,” however, opens with a funeral; not gradually in Chapter one, but upfront in the Prologue. It’s like a hand popping up and smacking you in the face as soon as you open the book.
Now do not run away, this book is about the bookshop and how Natalie Harper, Blythe Harper’s daughter and only child, has to use both her intelligence and creativity, to save this bookshop from going under. Blythe Harper was, “beautiful and inspiring, brilliant, but often foolish; quirky and infuriating, complicated and beloved.” Natalie inherited some of these traits too, but in a much more organized way. She cannot believe her mother let the debt get so high or the building fall into such disrepair. Grrrr, Natalie felt love, frustration and grief all at the same time. Well, at least she had, “Grandy,” Blythe’s father and her grandfather, who she loved dearly. They would have to try and save this bookshop together.
This story is the, “Great Adventure” and discoveries of historic significance, surrounding the one-hundred-year-old “Sun Rise Building” in San Francisco, that survived the 1906 ‘big earthquake.’ The building was many things before it finally held the current bookshop, including a famed bar and upstairs brothel; but Grandy’s family were the owners at the time of the earthquake. You are going to have to wait until nearly the end to find out how that all came about, but you’ll be so pleased you did.
While most of the story is about all the ways Natalie tries to earn money to pay off the debt so she can keep the bookshop and building, we all know it’s about the people she meets that will try to help her do just that. Most of the key characters are strong and wonderful individuals, from the staff, to the customers, and a particular handyman named, “Peach” and his seven-year-old daughter, Dorothy. As Peach makes repairs to the old building, he discovers a few hidden artifacts, some even valuable. And who knows, maybe they will find the buried treasure that Grandy insists is in the building somewhere, and more about Grandy’s father and his grandparents.
You will be immersed in this fantastic adventure so much you will not want to leave it.
Thank you Netgalley, HarperCollins Publishers, and Susan Wiggs
August 6, 2020
‘The Lost & Found Bookshop’ was missing some of the Wiggs magic for me.
I also feel like the end was rushed. I don’t understand how 2 characters can dance around something for months, and in a matter of a few pages put a bow on their relationship. All nice, neat, & pretty for sure but I’m left feeling like the meat of the sandwich was left out and I’m still hungry people. Peach asking his question at the end was a little too abrupt for me as well. I like a happy ending as well as the next person but I enjoy a more believable one even more! Stop rushing things, especially when they are the most important parts of the story that make me connect to the characters!
I also feel like the end was rushed. I don’t understand how 2 characters can dance around something for months, and in a matter of a few pages put a bow on their relationship. All nice, neat, & pretty for sure but I’m left feeling like the meat of the sandwich was left out and I’m still hungry people. Peach asking his question at the end was a little too abrupt for me as well. I like a happy ending as well as the next person but I enjoy a more believable one even more! Stop rushing things, especially when they are the most important parts of the story that make me connect to the characters!
July 12, 2020
Title: The Lost and Found Bookshop
Series: Bella Vista Chronicles #3
Author: Susan Wiggs
Release date: July 7, 2020
Cliffhanger: no
Genre:women's fiction
What a wonderful treat this story was! I picked it because of the charming setting in a bookshop, but I wasn't really prepared for how that bookshop would become almost a character of the story in and of itself. This wasn't just a building filled with books, it was Natalie and her mother's home, her grandfather Andrew's, past generations before that. The long line of family members that lived there each had a separate story that melded into one unified whole. Stories of tragedy, heartbreak, hope, fortunes lost and found, and meaningful life lessons. Natalie distanced herself as an adult from the bookshop, feeling as if it would only be a source of financial insecurity as it was in her childhood. What she learned by the end was that by letting go of her need to feel safe and control her life, she found the happiness and fulfillment at home she had always been missing.
Natalie knew she’d been too afraid to live her life. She had sold it to the firm for a big salary. But what she’d really sold was her own happiness.
After Natalie loses her mother and the man she's dating in a plane crash, she's filled with a million emotions at once. Of course she's overcome with grief, but it's mixed with guilt, an irrational sense of responsibility for their deaths, and maybe even a little bit of resentment towards her mother. The two of them had a rocky relationship, and there were many times she felt disappointed by her, but with the suddenness of her death there was no ability to resolve the distance that had been between them. When she discovered what had happened and immediately came home to her grandfather, the reality of what her mother was taking care of all by herself hits her hard. My heart was aching for all of the pain she was going through. Her helplessness was overwhelming, and there were times she felt she would crack from the stress, but she forced herself to be strong for her grandfather.
Blythe was gone, suddenly and irretrievably, like a zephyr shooting into the night sky, leaving a trail of moonlit particles that swirled in brief, unspeakable beauty, and then faded into nothing.
Natalie's grandfather, Andrew Harper, was a single father who took his responsibility seriously. He was unlucky in love, but found happiness where he could in his life. When his daughter Blythe came home from college pregnant and abandoned by the father, he immediately stood by her and her granddaughter as well. He was solid, strong, and dependable, and a shoulder to lean on when they needed it. I had barely been introduced to him and I already had tears in my eyes reading the funeral from his perspective. The author does an amazing job bringing you into each character's thoughts and emotions. What really struck me as special was getting Andrew's viewpoint as he struggles with early stages of dementia.
His days started to fade, and his life turned as thin as lukewarm water. He was a ghost in a world that appeared through a glass that was ash-colored and wavy.
Often in books, we're only given the perspective of the family members who have to come to terms with their loved one's illness. But with Andrew, we simultaneously learn some of his life history as his memories slowly trickle away from him. We feel his confusion and devastation as his lucid moments flicker on and off. It was truly heartbreaking for everyone involved, but they vow to treasure what moments they do have left instead of mourning what they're losing.
On top of taking care of her grandfather's medical issues, Natalie has the monumental task of figuring out if saving the bookshop from financial ruin is possible. The debt seems absolutely insurmountable, but her Andrew is determined to stay where his family's roots are. So she takes the first necessary step and starts some much needed repairs on the building. Peach Gallagher is the man her mother hired for the job. When he shows up one day to get started, she has a mini-breakdown in front of him and he takes it all in stride. From his very first scene, you can see that he's compassionate and caring, making me like him immediately. Not only did he not shy away from comforting her while she grieved, but he was sensitive and kind to Andrew during his times of confusion. Natalie eventually started feeling stirrings of attraction towards him because of his kindness and the ease she felt with him, however she never let it go anywhere because she believed he was married. In actuality, Peach is a single father, just like her grandfather was. He has many of the same wonderful qualities, but his divorce is still fresh enough that he isn't looking for romance.
The slow burn romance is very much secondary to Natalie's personal transformation and how she comes to learn what's truly important in her life. She used to think that having a retirement fund, a stable job, and a nice apartment would give her everything she's ever wanted. Yet she was unhappy with her romantic relationships, her co-workers hated her, and her job bored her to tears. Running the bookshop again allowed her to step in her mother's shoes and see the joy she was able to bring to people's lives through books. She remembered the wisdom her mom imparted on her growing up, and it gave her comfort and strength.
I was addicted to this book while reading it, and found it very hard to put down. There were so many different layers to it that were beautifully presented. The writing was exquisite, emotional, and I know for sure that this story will stay with me for a long time. If I had one constructive criticism it would be that Peach and Natalie's eventual romance is rushed at the end, moving from friends, to a declaration of feelings, to an engagement almost instantly. However, it honestly didn't bother me and the story was so special that I couldn't contemplate giving less than five stars. I loved getting the family history piece by piece through antiques and other surprising items found during renovation. Secrets were unearthed, and emotional wounds were healed along the way. This is my first read by Susan Wiggs, but I plan to read many more of her books in the future. I can't recommend this one enough to anyone looking for an emotional, thought-provoking read.
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October 14, 2020
San Francisco history is neatly folded into this charming easygoing novel, where Natalie Harper finds herself taking on her mother’s debt-ridden bookstore and an ailing grandfather after tragic deaths alter her life completely. The handsome carpenter, Peach, hired to renovate and bring safety features to the Heritage home for the frail senior citizen leads them to discovering treasures hidden by various tenants and owners over its illustrious history. Each one isn’t “the One”, however, recollected by the grandpa’s stories of his great grandmother...
Lightly suspenseful, bookishly filled with admiration for the classics and children’s authors and genuinely kind, “The Lost and Found Bookshop” is an afternoon delight type of novel- a simple, sweet story which lived up to my expectations.
Life, of course, is seldom as kind or lovely - sometimes one can pretend, with Susan Wiggs directing the outcome. For its genre- 4 stars.
Lightly suspenseful, bookishly filled with admiration for the classics and children’s authors and genuinely kind, “The Lost and Found Bookshop” is an afternoon delight type of novel- a simple, sweet story which lived up to my expectations.
Life, of course, is seldom as kind or lovely - sometimes one can pretend, with Susan Wiggs directing the outcome. For its genre- 4 stars.
May 13, 2020
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs. William Morrow. Advance Reader’s E-Proof courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. First Edition. ISBN 978-0-06-291409-5. General Fiction (Adult). Women’s Fiction. Publication date: 07 Jul 2020. 5 Stars.
If you get the warm fuzzies when reading about old bookstores in historical buildings, you will enjoy this story of loss, love and second chances.
Though all the characters were well developed, I had an especial fondness for Grandy: impeccable, a pure-hearted elderly gentleman with a kindly voice whose story is actually clarified by the onset of dementia, a place where time begins to collapse into the memories of his (few) unresolved questions and where he occasionally still basks in the presence of his most profound (but deceased) loves. You may find yourself nodding along with understanding and compassion when he shares his heartfelt wisdom.
It’s this thread of love and devotion that sustains the novel and keeps it from becoming an unending tale of hardship amidst the rich local color of San Francisco.
Behind the easy-going tone of this polished story, you'll find the riches of a seasoned observer in a book that shows the possibility of navigating through a challenging time with consciousness, understanding and an open-heart.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for providing a digital copy of this book for review.
If you get the warm fuzzies when reading about old bookstores in historical buildings, you will enjoy this story of loss, love and second chances.
Though all the characters were well developed, I had an especial fondness for Grandy: impeccable, a pure-hearted elderly gentleman with a kindly voice whose story is actually clarified by the onset of dementia, a place where time begins to collapse into the memories of his (few) unresolved questions and where he occasionally still basks in the presence of his most profound (but deceased) loves. You may find yourself nodding along with understanding and compassion when he shares his heartfelt wisdom.
It’s this thread of love and devotion that sustains the novel and keeps it from becoming an unending tale of hardship amidst the rich local color of San Francisco.
Behind the easy-going tone of this polished story, you'll find the riches of a seasoned observer in a book that shows the possibility of navigating through a challenging time with consciousness, understanding and an open-heart.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for providing a digital copy of this book for review.
July 8, 2021
ALL the stars for The Lost and Found Bookshop. I absolutely adored this book!!
After experiencing a devastating tragedy Natalie's life is turned upside down. She inherits a bookshop in financial turmoil, and becomes the caretaker for her grandfather Andrew. Her grandfathers memory is fading, and Natalie has plans to sell the bookshop to pay for his care.
This is such a charming and uplifting story. I loved the main characters and the storyline so much! The history of the bookshop and the treasures found hidden inside its walls was such a nice touch. It had me wondering if there were more to be discovered? It brought back memories of finding items while exploring old abandoned buildings with my dad when I was a kid.
I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting another book with these characters. The book ended beautifully but I just wasn't quite ready to say goodbye.
Thanks so much to William Morrow Books and Susan Wiggs for my gifted copy!
After experiencing a devastating tragedy Natalie's life is turned upside down. She inherits a bookshop in financial turmoil, and becomes the caretaker for her grandfather Andrew. Her grandfathers memory is fading, and Natalie has plans to sell the bookshop to pay for his care.
This is such a charming and uplifting story. I loved the main characters and the storyline so much! The history of the bookshop and the treasures found hidden inside its walls was such a nice touch. It had me wondering if there were more to be discovered? It brought back memories of finding items while exploring old abandoned buildings with my dad when I was a kid.
I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting another book with these characters. The book ended beautifully but I just wasn't quite ready to say goodbye.
Thanks so much to William Morrow Books and Susan Wiggs for my gifted copy!
April 3, 2022
Finding yourself through your past.
August 23, 2020
Overall, this is a good book for book lovers because it involves a bookstore and hidden mysteries of the past. I loved the author's name dropping of her favorite books as the customers come in and request something--that's every book lover's joy to read books about books.
However, where I feel this book fell short was in the characterization. I never got a good sense of Natalie's personality. She is grief stricken, yet instead of using that as a heartfelt way to quit her job she loses it and cusses everyone out, including her boss, who didn't do anything to her. Why? Where did that even come from? It didn't seem consistent with the personality the author was trying to convey for her. I suppose the author was trying to show that grief has inconsistent ways it manifests, but Natalie didn't act that way with anyone else ever. And then later in the book, when Natalie and one of the male characters sleep together(trying to avoid spoilers), the language between them turns crass and then they smoke weed right after sex. None of those things fit with the two personalities developed throughout the tale at all. Maybe I've been married too long and everyone smokes weed right after sex these days? Talks crudely to each other even though everything up until that point had been respectful?
I chose this book because of the bookshop theme and those parts did satisfy and kept the rating from being lower. Plus, I loved Grandy and the way his character's dementia was accurately and lovingly handled. I listened to some of this on audio and it was fine, nothing out of the ordinary and the narrator is decent.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
However, where I feel this book fell short was in the characterization. I never got a good sense of Natalie's personality. She is grief stricken, yet instead of using that as a heartfelt way to quit her job she loses it and cusses everyone out, including her boss, who didn't do anything to her. Why? Where did that even come from? It didn't seem consistent with the personality the author was trying to convey for her. I suppose the author was trying to show that grief has inconsistent ways it manifests, but Natalie didn't act that way with anyone else ever. And then later in the book, when Natalie and one of the male characters sleep together(trying to avoid spoilers), the language between them turns crass and then they smoke weed right after sex. None of those things fit with the two personalities developed throughout the tale at all. Maybe I've been married too long and everyone smokes weed right after sex these days? Talks crudely to each other even though everything up until that point had been respectful?
I chose this book because of the bookshop theme and those parts did satisfy and kept the rating from being lower. Plus, I loved Grandy and the way his character's dementia was accurately and lovingly handled. I listened to some of this on audio and it was fine, nothing out of the ordinary and the narrator is decent.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 28, 2023
3.75 stars
The Lost and Found Bookshop is the third book in the Bella Vista Chronicles series but it easily can be read as a standalone novel. I haven't read the first two books yet but from what I gather a few of the characters in those books make appearances in this one.
Natalie Harper inherits her mother's bookshop in San Francisco. The building is in desperate need of repairs so she hires Peach Gallagher to fix up the place. (Eventually, I got used to people calling him Peach.) She also gets to know his young daughter, Dorothy, who loves visiting the bookshop.
I'd classify the book as a romance but there's a lot more to the story than Natalie's love life. She's dealing with grief, her grandfather is having health issues, and her business needs to start making some money ASAP. Her family history is also woven into the plot.
I enjoyed the book as a whole but my slight issue has to do with the final chapters feeling rushed and almost glossed over. I don't have a problem with the plot. I just wish the author could have gone into more detail with how certain storylines were wrapped up.
Overall, a nice read.
Thank you to William Morrow for sending me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
The Lost and Found Bookshop is the third book in the Bella Vista Chronicles series but it easily can be read as a standalone novel. I haven't read the first two books yet but from what I gather a few of the characters in those books make appearances in this one.
Natalie Harper inherits her mother's bookshop in San Francisco. The building is in desperate need of repairs so she hires Peach Gallagher to fix up the place. (Eventually, I got used to people calling him Peach.) She also gets to know his young daughter, Dorothy, who loves visiting the bookshop.
I'd classify the book as a romance but there's a lot more to the story than Natalie's love life. She's dealing with grief, her grandfather is having health issues, and her business needs to start making some money ASAP. Her family history is also woven into the plot.
I enjoyed the book as a whole but my slight issue has to do with the final chapters feeling rushed and almost glossed over. I don't have a problem with the plot. I just wish the author could have gone into more detail with how certain storylines were wrapped up.
Overall, a nice read.
Thank you to William Morrow for sending me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
July 26, 2020
I received a copy in a Goodreads giveaway, and was thrilled to have an opportunity to review "The Lost and Found Bookshop" by one of my favorite authors.
Natalie Harper has just lost her mother to a tragic accident, and in an impulsive moment quits her job. She has inherited her mother's bookshop, which has been a fixture in their San Francisco neighborhood for decades. Her aging grandfather has lived in the historical building all his life, and managed the bookshop in partnership with his daughter. Going over the finances, Natalie feels the best option is to sell the contents of the shop, along with the building, which is in desperate need of some updates and repairs. What Natalie doesn't realize is that her grandfather owns the building, and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather, and is determined to care for him, especially with his health quickly declining. She hires Peach Gallagher to repair the worst issues with the building, impressed with his calm demeanor and kind heart. Natalie gets to work on coming up with inspiration to salvage the bookshop. What she didn't expect was to find a renewed love of all the shop meant to her, reminiscing on her fond childhood memories, easing her grief.
Filled with loveable characters, unexpected discoveries, new friendships and romantic possibilities, I loved the story. Of course, as a librarian, I find a book about celebrating reading a treasure to savor.
Natalie Harper has just lost her mother to a tragic accident, and in an impulsive moment quits her job. She has inherited her mother's bookshop, which has been a fixture in their San Francisco neighborhood for decades. Her aging grandfather has lived in the historical building all his life, and managed the bookshop in partnership with his daughter. Going over the finances, Natalie feels the best option is to sell the contents of the shop, along with the building, which is in desperate need of some updates and repairs. What Natalie doesn't realize is that her grandfather owns the building, and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather, and is determined to care for him, especially with his health quickly declining. She hires Peach Gallagher to repair the worst issues with the building, impressed with his calm demeanor and kind heart. Natalie gets to work on coming up with inspiration to salvage the bookshop. What she didn't expect was to find a renewed love of all the shop meant to her, reminiscing on her fond childhood memories, easing her grief.
Filled with loveable characters, unexpected discoveries, new friendships and romantic possibilities, I loved the story. Of course, as a librarian, I find a book about celebrating reading a treasure to savor.
May 7, 2021
After a devastating accident, Natalie Harper is faced with the proposition of maintaining her mother’s bookshop and caring for her grandfather Andrew, who is showing signs of dementia. How can Natalie fulfill her obligations in these two areas while living and working at Pinnacle Wines in Archangel? Selling the bookshop and putting her grandfather into a care facility seem the only way to go. But her grandfather absolutely refuses to move from his home. Before she can even think about convincing her grandfather to move and selling the bookshop, some basic repairs need to be undertaken on the property. For this Natalie employs Peter (known as Peach) Gallagher. His young daughter Dorothy is an avid reader and regular at the bookshop. While working on repairs, Peach uncovers some interesting finds in the old bookshop. What difference, if any, will they make to Natalie’s plans? And what about the charismatic author Trevor Dashwood? What role will he play in events?
I enjoyed this book. I liked Natalie and her Grandy and also Peach, though admit it took me a while to come to terms with the nickname. Not sure how many men would feel comfortable with that nickname. However in lots of ways he is a peach, as he is an endearing character. I liked the references to various books and appreciated the bookshop setting. Did wonder whether people would be as altruistic as Andrew was on occasion. Felt for him facing the dementia as well as the death of his daughter Blythe. Also for Natalie with the death of her mother. Her emotions definitely struck chords in me in regards to the death of my own mother years ago.
The ending is neat and also a bit rushed given all that had gone before. But having lived though all of the experiences with these characters, I was happy enough to accept it. Entertaining and emotionally engaging, I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes stories that focus on family relationships as well as those with an obvious love for books. A pleasant place to spend a few hours.
I enjoyed this book. I liked Natalie and her Grandy and also Peach, though admit it took me a while to come to terms with the nickname. Not sure how many men would feel comfortable with that nickname. However in lots of ways he is a peach, as he is an endearing character. I liked the references to various books and appreciated the bookshop setting. Did wonder whether people would be as altruistic as Andrew was on occasion. Felt for him facing the dementia as well as the death of his daughter Blythe. Also for Natalie with the death of her mother. Her emotions definitely struck chords in me in regards to the death of my own mother years ago.
The ending is neat and also a bit rushed given all that had gone before. But having lived though all of the experiences with these characters, I was happy enough to accept it. Entertaining and emotionally engaging, I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes stories that focus on family relationships as well as those with an obvious love for books. A pleasant place to spend a few hours.
April 23, 2024
A beautiful story that tugs at your heartstrings and is full of wisdom and literary gems. I love the setting and the characters the author creates, they seem so real and I always think how nice it would be if I knew them. Her novels take me to the world she creates and I get lost in them.
July 7, 2020
Who wouldn’t want to own a bookshop? That is a dream job.
Natalie, Blythe’s mother, did follow her dream, but at times her dream was at the expense of her daughter.
A tragedy left Natalie with her mother gone, her beloved grandfather to care for, and a bookshop that her mother left deep in debt.
Since Natalie grew up with books, she wanted to try something else in her life instead of her successful, tedious job and took over the bookshop that had been in the family for three generations.
Natalie knew the ancient bookshop is where she should be, and she found more than books in this bookshop.
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP has the reader following Natalie with her decisions about the bookshop and her life.
You’ll fall in love with the bookshop and all the characters.
Who doesn’t love a book that has a bookshop in it?
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP is a sweet read focusing on family, life choices, and choosing what makes you happy.
If you need a feel good read, be sure to add this book to your must-read list for the summer.
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP has it all: love, books, and anything sweet and heartwarming that you can think of.
ENJOY when you read it. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie, Blythe’s mother, did follow her dream, but at times her dream was at the expense of her daughter.
A tragedy left Natalie with her mother gone, her beloved grandfather to care for, and a bookshop that her mother left deep in debt.
Since Natalie grew up with books, she wanted to try something else in her life instead of her successful, tedious job and took over the bookshop that had been in the family for three generations.
Natalie knew the ancient bookshop is where she should be, and she found more than books in this bookshop.
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP has the reader following Natalie with her decisions about the bookshop and her life.
You’ll fall in love with the bookshop and all the characters.
Who doesn’t love a book that has a bookshop in it?
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP is a sweet read focusing on family, life choices, and choosing what makes you happy.
If you need a feel good read, be sure to add this book to your must-read list for the summer.
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP has it all: love, books, and anything sweet and heartwarming that you can think of.
ENJOY when you read it. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2022
We'll I don't know where to begin. I love books. I have read since I was 2 or 3. I come from a wonderful family of readers, including my parents, who taught me the love of reading books and the value of learning, libraries, bookshops, librarians, ect. Ever the optimist, I rarely give up on anything, including books! I saw this book, read about it and it sounded great! I liked some of the characters, especially Peach, Dorothy and Andrew. The story had too many starts and stalls. I stuck with it kept saying it'll get better. You know how some books you don't want to end because you want the story to last. This one, I couldn't wait to end! It wasn't my cup of tea, however, if you want to read it go ahead, it might be for you.
August 19, 2020
Natalie’s life is turned upside down when she loses both her mother and boyfriend. She gives up her well paid job to look after her grandfather and her mothers bookshop.
A story about loss and choices.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A story about loss and choices.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2020
I devoured this book. I lived between the pages of it and oh how I wish that I really could own a book store and live in it everyday. This was such a treat for me to read (live in). the writing is truly a work of art and this is not a book to be missed.
5 stars two times, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
5 stars two times, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
July 12, 2020
This book had heart and soul! I loved it!
April 14, 2021
I’m usually a sucker for bookshop novels, but I am 85 years years old. I don’t have time to read books that are so poorly and amateurishly written. Back to the library unfinished.
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