Hello and welcome to the New Title Tuesday for this week! Patrons can't seem to get enough of feel-good reads, and to be honest, neither can we - especially during times of great stress, there's nothing like making a mug of tea and sinking deep into a book that has a heartwarming plot, engaging characters, and a feel-good ending that you just KNOW will lift your spirits. This week, for our New Title Tuesday pick, make sure that you have The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons on your holds lists if that's the sort of thing you're looking for.
The novel begins with a widow named Gertie who owns a small London bookstore on the eve of World War Two. The creation of the bookshop was a long-held dream she had with her late husband, Harry, who recently passed away. On the edge of selling the shop and retiring to the coast with their faithful dog, Hemingway, Gertie hears about Jewish refugees from Germany fleeing the rise of the Nazis. Never having children, and feeling the need to help, Gertie takes in a headstrong teenage girl, Hedy, who reminds her of nothing so much as herself as a young woman. As the two start establishing a true connection, the Blitz begins, and Gertie and Hedy must rely on each other as they seek protection in the local air raid shelters. As they huddle with their neighbors, they pass the time by reading the books they bring with them from the bookshop, which attracts others and quickly gives rise to a community book club. Neighbors who barely know each other make tentative connections when they are thrown together by the dangerous circumstances. As the bombs fall, the club keeps calm and carries on by discussing classics to children's books - from "Winnie the Pooh" to "Wuthering Heights." When tragedy strikes the neighborhood, the book club is essential in pulling the community together and lifting spirits - as well as reminding everyone of what's truly important.
This novel by Annie Lyons is cozy-adjecent historical fiction, full of found family and charming, quirky characters that remind readers that even during the darkest of days, love and connection are always within reach, however the heartwarming moments are laced with drama and pathos. This is a novel that will please fans of well-written relationship stories as well as WWII-era fiction that readers can't seem to get enough of. As the temperature reaches it summer heights, sit in the shade with this book. You won't regret it.