The Telephone Box Library by Rachael Lucas Book Review. A cute and cozy story that takes place in The Cotswolds!
Summary from the publisher…
The Cotswolds: the perfect retreat for a stressed-out teacher. And Lucy has found just the right cottage for a bargain rent. All she has to do is keep an eye on Bunty, her extremely feisty ninety-something neighbour . . .
With her West Highland terrier Hamish at her side, Lucy plans to relax and read up on the women of nearby Bletchley Park. But the villagers of Little Maudley have other ideas, and she finds herself caught up in the campaign to turn a dilapidated telephone box into a volunteer-run library.
Along the way, she makes friends with treehouse designer Sam, and finds herself falling for the charms of village life. And it seems Bunty has a special connection to Bletchley and the telephone box, one that she’s kept secret for decades . . .
Review…
I’d read and enjoyed a book by this author before (review here) so I bought it completely based on the cover. I finally read the back when it arrived and was so excited that part of the storyline has to do with Bletchley Park! It’s a smaller subplot to the book, but a great addition to the story. I was fortunate to visit Bletchley last year and it was fun to revisit there through this book.
When I read a book that takes place in an English country village I’ve come to expect a great cast of characters. This book definitely delivers! Bunty, the elderly (in age, but not spirit) woman next door is wonderfully sharp and feisty. Every village needs the take-charge character and we get that in Helen. Dog trainer and single mom, Mel, is such a likable friend for Lucy. I now I want a spinoff book for her! Of course, we must also have a love interest- Sam is very swoony and his daughter Freya is the perfect addition of a little teenage angst.
I found the story a little slow at times, but it was a nice blend of history, friendships, and a love story. A main focus of the story is also Lucy discovering what she wants and where her priorities lay. Teachers will likely be able to relate to the burnout and frustrations she is feeling at the beginning of the book.
The Telephone Box Library is a super cozy read and perfect for some armchair travel to the English countryside. It’s a tad cheesy, but in that wonderfully comfortable, you know what to expect kind of way. For fans of Jenny Colgan and Jill Mansell. If you’re anxiously awaiting The Switch by Beth O’Leary, this would be a good one to read in the meantime.
The details…
Publisher: Pan, Pan MacMillan
Rating: 3.5 Stars
ISBN: 9781509882779
Get the hardcopy at: Blackwells or Amazon or Book Depository
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The Telephone Box Library by Rachael Lucas Book Review.
