Synopsis:
When the Chatsworth library closes indefinitely, Dodie Fairisle loses her sanctuary. How is a small-town art teacher supposed to cope without the never-ending life advice and enjoyment that books give her? Well, when she’s as resourceful and generous as Dodie, she turns her sunroom into her very own little lending library.
At first just a hobby, this lit lovers’ haven opens up her world in incredible ways. She knows books are powerful, and soon enough they help her forge friendships between her zany neighbours—and attract an exciting new romance.
But when the chance to adopt an orphaned child brings Dodie’s secret dream of motherhood within reach, everything else suddenly seems less important. Finding herself at a crossroads, Dodie must figure out what it means to live a full, happy life. If only there were a book that could tell her what to do…
Review:
The Lending Library has sat on my Kindle for about four years now and let’s just say it wasn’t worth the wait. I’d got this free from the Amazon first reads service (I think that’s what it’s called) and liked the cover and title. I don’t remember reading the synopsis, but even if I did, the premise is cute. Unfortunately, it fell flat.
I gave The Lending Library a fair chance before DNF’ing it, but I was bored. I hate to say that about books because of the time and effort that goes into writing them, but this really wasn’t for me.
The Lending Library is marketed as a romance but I got almost halfway through and nothing had happened yet. I think I remember getting a brief glimpse of the love interest but that’s about it.
I also really wasn’t a fan of how baby obsessed the main character was. She was really judgemental when other women in her life said they didn’t want children or weren’t thinking of having any yet and that didn’t sit right with me. This kind of narrative can be really harmful.
Also there’s a weird storyline involving her friend’s adopted baby from Ethiopia that includes stalking and a secret stash of parenting magazines. Yes, it is as weird as it sounds. Her “best friend” dies unexpectedly and Dodie’s only thoughts are about how she can take the baby. She’s a sociopath.
The style of writing also really wasn’t for me. Considering this is adult fiction, the writing was immature and felt very passive. If Dodie wasn’t describe what she eating, which happens for pretty much every meal, ever day, it felt like nothing was happening. The author was too focused on trying to make Dodie likeable by making you feel sorry for her, to actually put any substance into the plot.
I’m so upset to have yet another DNF for May but I’m really past the point of forcing myself to finish books.
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