With Love From London by Sarah Jio is a perfect contemporary for those who enjoy a book that talks about books. This dual timeline novel has two narrators, interesting characters, and an ideal setting. If you are looking for a book to add to your spring TBR, this is one to watch for.
Title: With Love From LondonAuthor: Sarah Jio
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: February 8, 2022
Rating:
A librarian inherits a bookshop from her estranged mother, leading her halfway across the world on a journey of self-discovery that transcends time and honors the unbreakable bonds of love and family.
When librarian Valentina Baker was a teenager, her mother, Eloise, unexpectedly fled to her native London, leaving Val and her father on their own. Now in her thirties and fresh out of a failed marriage, Val feels a nagging disenchantment with her life--and knows she is still heartbroken over her mother's abandonment.
In a bittersweet twist of fate, Val receives word that Eloise has passed away, leaving Val her Primrose Hill apartment and the deed to a bookshop Val never knew she'd owned. Though the news is devastating, Val finds herself more determined than ever to discover who her mother truly was. She jets across the Atlantic, departing Seattle for a new life in charming London.
Slowly but surely, Val begins to piece together Eloise's life in the UK, falling in love with her pastel-colored flat, cozy neighborhood, and tucked-away storefront. But when she discovers that The Book Garden is in danger of going under, Val must work with its eccentric staff to get it in working order. In the process, she learns more about Eloise than she ever thought possible. And as Val races to save the shop, Eloise's own story unfolds, leading both mother and daughter to unearth revelatory truths.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: With Love From London by Sarah Jio
If there is one book setting that I can’t pass on, it is a bookstore. Valentina’s estranged mother passed away and gave her ownership of a London bookstore. She heads to London to make a plan to sell the shop, but winds up falling in love with not only the bookstore, but the life her mother made for herself there.
❀ Perfect Main Character
Valentina is a perfect main character, as she is relatable and determined. Having recently divorced, she uses the opportunity in London to explore a different side of herself. It is enjoyable to watch her grow and form new friendships, and I found myself rooting for her quite often while reading.
❀ Alternating Timelines
The story is written with alternating timelines that explore Valentina’s present life and her mother’s past. The two timelines work together and slowly reveal Eloise’s struggles for leaving her daughter behind. It also includes a scavenger hunt, fun side characters, and some romance, but the focus of the novel is really the mother-daughter relationship.
❀ A feel-good story
With Love From London by Sarah Jio is a book for those who love a bookstore setting and a feel-good story about mothers and daughters. The characters are compelling and the story is one that will resonate with many. I am looking forward to trying some of the author’s other books.
About Sarah Jio
Sarah Jio is the #1 international, New York Times, and USA Todaybestselling author of eleven novels. She is the host of the ModAboutYoupodcast and also a longtime journalist who has contributed to Glamour, The New York Times, Redbook, Real Simple, O: The Oprah Magazine, Bon Appétit, Marie Claire, Self, and many other outlets, including NPR’s Morning Edition. Jio’s books have been published in more than twenty-five countries. She lives in Seattle with her husband, three young boys, three stepchildren, and two puppies.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
This is an author whose books I’ve seen around but never read. I’ve heard good things. This one sounds great with the setting.
The setting really makes this book for me! 🙂
I need a feel good story and as I love London and bookstores, I am adding it!
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
Thank you for sharing your review of this story, it sounds like a wonderful read
Thanks for stopping by!
You had me at bookstore. This book sounds like a wonderful read. Love the cover!
Right?! Gets me every time! 🙂
I love bookstore settings!
Same!
I love the sound of this! London, a bookstore and alternating timelines. Yes please!
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It’s a perfect escape read!
I am reading this one later in the week. Happy to see it was good for you. I love seeing characters take personal journeys. Sounds wonderful to me.
I can’t wait to find out what your thoughts on it are!
Very good review on this book. Thanks for sharing this!
This sounds like a great story and with a setting around a book store. Thank you for your review.
The setting is so ideal!
With Love From London sounds like a good book for me to read, thanks for sharing your review and have an exceptional day!
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
alternating timelines sound interesting