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.
Natalie Harper was celebrating one of the biggest days of her professional career when she found out her mother and boyfriend were killed in a plane crash. When Natalie gets home to San Francisco, she finds out about all the problems her mother kept to herself. Her mother’s bookshop is near foreclosure, her grandfather has the early stages of dementia, and the bookshop/home is in dire need of repair. Natalie is at a loss and doesn’t know how to proceed. Should she sell the building and return to her high-paying job, or should she jump in and save her mother and grandfather’s legacy?
I liked this story. There is a sloooow burn romance, but I would not classify the story as a romance. The Lost and Found Bookshop is more Women’s Fiction, in my opinion. The story’s core is about a woman who goes through the phases of grief. It addresses Natalie’s loss while she is trying hard to help her grandfather retain the bookstore, the only home he’s ever known.
I loved the characters in this story—all of them the good and not-so-good. Natalie learns some hard lessons throughout this journey. Natalie’s grandfather is so sweet. He is sure there is buried treasure somewhere in the building, even when no one believes him. The interactions with her grandfather are loving and heartwarming. The other characters: the store employees, Dorothy, a young customer and the daughter of “Peach,” the repair man, and Tess, Natalie’s best friend, all add dimension and charm to the story.
One of my favorite features of the story is “Grandy” telling Natalie some of the history of the building. He gave San Fransisco historical background to the story, which added to the importance of the building to the point that it is almost a character itself.
Wiggins portrayed the main character’s emotions for her mother and grandfather realistically. The topic of dementia is also realistic and sad. I enjoyed reading this story, and while some of the issues are tough, I still felt hopeful throughout the story. This is the first Susan Wiggins book that I’ve read. I found it when looking for a book I needed to complete a challenge I am participating in with a reading group. What I experienced in this story I like. It has me looking for other books by this author.
Because of my schedule, I listen to audiobooks as much as possible. Emily Rankin is the narrator for The Lost and Found Bookshop. She did a lovely job bringing these characters to life. She made me feel the emotions deeper. Audiobooks are the perfect solution when the days are busy and I need my book fix. Emily Rankin did an excellent job. I recommend this book and/or audiobook.
4 Stars
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