The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

July 7th, 2020 Kimberly Review 30 Comments

7th Jul
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
The Lost and Found Bookshop
by Susan Wiggs
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

There is a book for everything . . .

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.

The setting for The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs drew me in. A bookshop in a historical building set in San Francisco. How could I not? The Lost and Found Bookshop delivered romance, treasures, and an engaging tale about finding one’s self.

Natalie Harper grew up above her mother’s bookstore. As an only child without a father figure in an affluent neighborhood, Natalie grew up determined to have security and traded passion for it as an adult. She has excelled in her career but finds no joy. She isn’t sure about her romantic relationship and is shaken to learn her coworker’s opinions of her.

Before Natalie can alter her path, a terrible tragedy leaves her in charge of her mother’s financially struggling bookshop and her ailing grandfather.

Books, all the books. I loved stepping inside the bookshop and learning about Natalie’s life. While I have often romanticized growing up in a bookstore, Wiggs made the struggles of realities of being raised by a single parent and business owner clear.

It is often said that you don’t know what you have until you lose it. I think Wiggs eloquently expressed the importance of appreciating our blessings.

A wave of nostalgia and her grandfather’s wishes soon have Natalie living above the bookshop and trying to revive it. The story that unfolds was delightful from romance to discovery and everything in-between.

Wiggs shares a story of loss, love and second chances. The bookstore and the historical discoveries found there were delightful. I loved the details, but as it is in life, it’s the people who call the bookstore home and those who come through the front door that made the world go round.

I love Grandy, Natalie’s grandfather, who had both wisdom and grace. While he suffers from dementia, it is in his moments of clarity that we learn of the past and what truly matters.

Secondary characters from Peach to the bookshop gals offered insight, romantic interest and allowed for Natalie to grow and find perhaps the true meaning of happiness.

Susan Wiggs delivered a whimsical, enchanting and meaningful tale that book-lovers and readers alike will adore. I closed this book with a smile and a hankering to visit a charming corner bookstore.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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30 Responses to “The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs”

  1. Trish McNeil

    I’ve been reading for 65 of my 69 years and the epilogue of this book was the best I’ve ever read. And – for readers who read the last chapter before deciding to read the entire book – reading the epilogue without reading the book will mean nothing.

  4. Katherine

    I have this one on my TBR and it sounds wonderful. I like that Wigg doesn’t make owning a bookstore and all that sound perfect but puts in a good dash of reality. I’m going to have to pick this one up.

    • Kimberly

      I agree, especially since I know as a reader myself I have always fantasied about owning a bookstore.

  5. Lover of Romance

    This is definitely an author on my list…most for her historicals, but I am so intrigued by this one. I really like the element of gratitude and appreciate what we have in life. That is a lesson/theme I would love to see more in the books we read.

    Lovely review you have here.

  8. Lorna

    I somehow missed this one. Wiggs used to be one of my favorite authors. I read hers as they were released. Always a good story. I got into other genres and she fell by the wayside although I did review Oysterville last year. I think I would have probably gone for a bookstore one if I had seen it. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  14. Debbie Haupt

    I also loved this book Kim and was fortunate to review it for Library Journal. Your sentiments match my feelings perfectly about the book. Thanks for sharing

  15. Ailyn Koay

    Hope Peach was a real peach, and may Natalie finally find the love she was looking for