The Lost and Found Bookshop: A Novel
Staff Reviews
Natalie is successful, smart, pretty and about to get engaged. Big problem - Natalie doesn't fancy her life. Then tragedy forces everything to change and she reluctantly moves to San Francisco to manage the family's bookshop. Turns out, that is complicated. The historic building is literally falling apart, the store is not profitable, her grandfather is struggling with his mobility and dementia and Natalie doubts herself and her past. But this is a romance story, set in a bookstore, so I loved it and everything works out in the end.
A smart beachy read full of edgy characters and suspense. A young woman inherits her mother's bookshop in San Francisco. All the inner workings of an independent store. And some romance.
This is an absolutely splendid novel that spoke volumes to me. You have a girl who experiences a tragedy that leads to a better life, despite issues and hardship along the way, and a guy right in front of her who is perfect for her though she assumes he is not. I highlighted so many passages in this book to savor and remember. This is a perfect story for bookstore lovers and lovers of books.
Description
"A wonderful exploration of the past and the future and, most importantly, of what it means to be present in the here and now. Full of the love of words, the love of family, and the love of falling in love, The Lost and Found Bookshop is a big-hearted gem of a novel that will satisfy and entertain readers from all walks of life. Lovely!"—Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing In The Rain
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.
Praise for The Lost and Found Bookshop: A Novel
“An unputdownable, true book lover’s book that fans of women’s fiction, slow-burning romance, and the novels of Nora Roberts and Kristin Hannah will love.” — Library Journal (starred review)
"A wonderful exploration of the past and the future and, most importantly, of what it means to be present in the here and now. Full of the love of words, the love of family, and the love of falling in love, The Lost and Found Bookshop is a big-hearted gem of a novel that will satisfy and entertain readers from all walks of life. Lovely!" — Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing In The Rain
“What a warm and deeply satisfying story! Reading it is like feeling the summer sun after a long winter.”
— Erica Bauermeister, New York Times bestselling author of The Scent Keeper
“A gentle love story perfect for anyone looking for love amid personal, family, and financial crises.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A feel-good family saga… A charming tale about the silver linings of unwanted detours." — People
"The Lost and Found Bookshop is an excellent story that resonates on multiple levels. Its rich variety of engaging characters live within a vivid San Francisco tapestry. The characters drive the outstanding plot, with intriguing historical mystery elements layered into the contemporary story." — Shelf Awareness