Library Card

Library Blitz #2

by Courtenay Burden

How do you issue a library card—to a child who won’t tell you his name?Nora Addison has already come to grips with life as a wartime librarian. Nightly blackouts, constant air raids, and the possibility of getting killed on the way to work—these things are just part of the package deal. What wasn’t supposed to be in the deal is the emotional turmoil of holding a vulnerable child that Nora has absolutely no idea how to help.
Typically, digging survivors out of rubble-that-used-to-be-buildings is the end, rather than the start, of Frank Willis’s job. But the silent boy his team has pulled from today’s bombing is anything but typical. Bringing the nameless kid to the library seemed like an innocent idea—at least until Nora begins to lose her heart to a child she is powerless to rescue.
Unless the two of them can find a way to unravel his unknown past, the ARP has no clue how to return the boy to the family where he belongs. But so far, Nora and Frank can’t even figure out what name to put on his library card.
If you love WWII fiction, heartwarming characters, inspirational lessons, and a tiny thread of squeaky-clean romance, then Library Blitz is the newest series you don’t want to miss!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Christian, War

18 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2024

About the author

Courtenay Burden is a Victorian fanatic and author of historical fiction. She loves working with yarn, playing the occasional game of chess, devouring history, and discovering new ways to cook the humble potato. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her sketching, reading anything published more than a century ago, or attempting to sing alto with growing confidence. You can connect with her at www.sawpublishing.com or on Instagram @courtenayburden.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Aw yeah, what a perfect little twist! it's beautiful and heartbreaking all at one, and brings out the personalities of both Frank and Nora perfectly. It's such a good glimpse of daily life and upset life during the Blitz, and as always, the historical bits are amazing!

[Bethany Willcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series so much, I can't wait for the rest to be released! Miss Burden's knowledge of history and ww2 is mind-blowing, I enjoy the historical spotlight snippets at the end of each story as much as the actual book itself.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was just as sweet and delightful as the first one! I want more now! Love the characters! And I found the historical info in the back interesting and fun to read.

[Lydia Willcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in this short story series is just as good as the first, and introduces a very important character with a heartbreakingly beautiful storyline. Library Card highlights the tragic and far-reaching effects of war, even on small children, but in the gentlest and most hope-filled way, focusing on the courage and sacrifice of people like Frank and Nora who did all they could to counter the suffering around them.
The theme of books bringing joy amid the hardship of reality also still runs strongly in this one. Prepare for a bittersweet glimpse into WWII London, light touches of humour breaking through the darkness, and characters who will completely and totally steal your heart.

“Let him stay here, just a little while? Give him some books—something to make him forget?"

[Cari Legere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is better than the first Library Blitz book, although I still wish they were novellas instead of short stories. If you're looking for a clean, Christian, historical fiction read for younger readers or to satisfy a quick urge, I recommend Library Card and Carry On.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaaaaahhhh, I love these stories so much!!!!! I love how sweet and patient Nora is, and how she doesn't give up in the face of the toughest circumstances. And I love how well Frank knows and takes care of her--enough to stock first aid kits and hunt centipedes in the library's basement--and yet how much he trusts her with the tasks she's better suited for. Also, dear little Bobby... <3 Yes, I've read all of these stories before, and yes, I'm enjoying them just as much on the re-read. :D

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful installment in this ww2 short story series. In this one we meet Bobby, a small boy without family who Frank recently dug out of some rubble.

[Reading with Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars