The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

 

What types of books do you like to read on vacation?  I read all sorts of books and especially love escapism reads for vacation.  The Astral Library fit the bill for my vacation in August!

Alix Watson grew up in the foster care system and is struggling with adult life.  She works hard but can barely make ends meet.  Her one safe place has been libraries and her favorite books including classics and fantasy.  One day she stumbles upon a hidden library and a unique librarian which gives her a chance to choose a book world to live in. While Alix is making her decision, the librarian and library come under attack.  Will Alix be able to help save this magical place?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       Have you ever wanted to live in a book?  This story answers that question.

·       It’s a love letter to libraries and book lovers everywhere. So many favorite books and characters were mentioned such as Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, Sherlock Holmes, Jane Austen, etc.

·       I loved the thought of living in a magical world and how it helped vulnerable people to find a safe place.

·       Alix’s friend and love interest, Beau Sator-Jones was delightful.  He is a historical costume expert and designer.  He is fascinating and a good person.  The description of the fantastic costumes was riveting.  I love historical costumes!

·       Alix still has a lot of emotion and feelings about being left by her mother as a child.  She works through this most of the book and how to move on.

·       I liked the mysteries. What happened to Alix’s mom?  Who is trying to take over the library?

·       The Boston Public Library is a gateway to the Astral Library.  I liked the thought and imagery of your public library being the gateway to fantastic worlds.

·       I enjoyed that the librarian for the Astral Library was also a book dragon.

·       I would categorize this book as magical realism, fantasy, and contemporary.

Overall, The Astral Library by Kate Quinn was a wonderful escapism read perfect for book lovers.

Book Source:  Purchased from Amazon.com

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan

 

What was the first book you read in 2026?  I read this book on New Year’s Day.

Mirren Sutherland has been hired by Jamie McPherson, a highland Scottish laird, to help find a rare book amongst this late Grandad’s collection, that could help save the estate.  The problem is, he doesn’t know what book it is and his Granddad had a massive amount of books filling the entire estate.  Rival book hunter, Theo Pallister, is also on the case and just so happens to be the man that ghosted Mirren after their last adventure.  Will Mirren find the rare book, and will she find love?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       I started reading this book and realized I was missing the novella, The Christmas Book Hunt, so I went back and read it first.  It was a very enjoyable novella.  In it, Mirren searches for “A Child’s Garden of Verses” as a wish for her dying Great Aunt Violet to see the book she so loved in her childhood.  Mirren is a “quantity surveyor,” but searches across the United Kingdom for this lost book, a decision which changes her career.  Handsome Theo Pallister assister her and sparks fly.  I loved the adventure of the search and the bond between Mirren and her great aunt Violet.

·       I love a good treasure hunt, especially a treasure hunt involving a lost book. The clues were fun, and it was very enjoyable trying to solve the mystery of the lost book.

·       The book and Dr. Who references were a lot of fun.  It is a great book for book lovers.

·       The setting of the run-down castle in Scotland was also magical.  I wanted to visit!

·       Roger the dog was a cute character.  I enjoyed the humor when Jamie said Roger was a working dog and didn’t want to be petted, but Roger loved getting pets from Mirren.

·       I enjoyed the characters, especially Mirren.

·       One of my favorite parts was that Mirren and Theo had their own private rail car to the estate.  It was magical!

·       Everyone is trapped at the estate due to a huge snowstorm and family secrets are also investigated.

·       The romance didn’t go the way I expected it to, but I enjoyed it.

·       I love Jenny Colgan.  Whenever I need escapism reading, I love to grab one of her books.

·       The book didn’t have that much Christmas in it, it was more a winter setting.  It would be a good read any time of year.

Overall, The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan is a cozy book treasure adventure that was a great escapism read.

Book Source:  Review Copy from NetGalley.  Thank-you!