Thirty-five-year-old Valentina Baker’s husband has just left her. Abandonment is a subject she knows all too well as her adored mother Eloise left her and her father in California one day and returned to London where she was originally from. Having never seen or heard from her mother since she was twelve, Valentina is saddened to learn that her mother has died and shocked when she is told that she has inherited a building in Primrose Hill, complete with two apartments and the area's beloved bookstore. Valentina, a librarian and bookstagrammer, heads to London to sort out her inheritance and her feelings about her mother. It is the perfect getaway as she mends her broken heart.
Author Sarah Jio has a true talent for creating heartfelt stories. With Love from London captured my heart. In present day, we see Valentina adapting to life in London and finding her way among an endearing group of friends and neighbors of her mother, who are only too happy to embrace their departed friend’s daughter. And in flashbacks, Eloise’s story is told. From her days as an enchanting, young single woman from the East End of London to her “second act” as a bookstore owner. Valentina discovers that Eloise left behind a scavenger hunt which is to lead her to a better understanding of her mother and her true history.
There are many books that take place in bookstores and serve as settings for healing, friendship and love. Sign me up any day for one that works as well as With Love from London. Get ready to swoon, to weep and dream about a trip to London.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books, Random House, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this lovely book in advance of its release. Just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Contemporary Fiction / Romance / Mystery.
Publication Date: February 8, 2022.
Please "like" this post if With Love from London sounds like a book you might like to read. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.
