Orphaned at the age of four, Jess Metcalf was raised by her beloved grandmother. Her grandmother recently died and Jess has lost her job as a librarian. Out for a drive, she takes an unplanned turn and finds herself in a charming small village. She buys a small cottage and moves her belongings which include ten boxes of books. On the property is a phone box currently being used for purposes other than intended. For legal reasons, it can't be torn down. A decision is made--it will be turned into a lending library with books supplied by Jess. Can it be that Jess has found her niche in the world where she can be part of a community and perhaps make a difference?
In this beautifully told story, readers will meet a large cast of delightful characters who are vividly brought to life. They are an eclectic group and their conversations are lively and witty. Even though Jess faces her real fears about being happy and then having it snatched away, she is a compelling and special individual. Readers will enjoy knowing her.
THE LITTLEST LIBRARY by Poppy Alexander brings much to readers. It is a story about hope, the power of a community, and the security that can come from the family one makes. Highly recommended.
A heartwarming literary-themed novel about a woman who turns an ordinary red phone box into the littlest library in England and brings together a struggling town.
A little red telephone box full of stories, a chance to change her life...
Jess Metcalf is perfectly content with her quiet, predictable life. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, Jess’ life is turned upside down.
Determined to pick up the pieces, Jess decides it’s time for a new beginning. Unable to part with her grandmother’s cherished books, she packs them all up and moves to a tiny cottage in the English countryside. To her surprise, Jess discovers that she’s now the owner of an old red phone box that was left on the property. Missing her job at the local library, Jess decides to give back to her new community—using her grandmother’s collection to turn the ordinary phone box into the littlest library in England.
It’s not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their literary magic—bringing the villagers together... and managing to draw Jess’ grumpy but handsome neighbor out of his shell.
Maybe it’s finally time for Jess to follow her heart, let go of her old life, and make the village her home? But will she be able to take the leap?