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With Love from London
A librarian inherits a bookshop from her estranged mother, leading her halfway across the world on a journey of self-discovery that transcends time and honors the unbreakable bonds of love and family.
When librarian Valentina Baker was a teenager, her mother, Eloise, unexpectedly fled to her native London, leaving Val and her father on their own. Now in her thirties and fresh out of a failed marriage, Val feels a nagging disenchantment with her life--and knows she is still heartbroken over her mother's abandonment.
In a bittersweet twist of fate, Val receives word that Eloise has passed away, leaving Val her Primrose Hill apartment and the deed to a bookshop Val never knew she'd owned. Though the news is devastating, Val finds herself more determined than ever to discover who her mother truly was. She jets across the Atlantic, departing Seattle for a new life in charming London.
Slowly but surely, Val begins to piece together Eloise's life in the UK, falling in love with her pastel-colored flat, cozy neighborhood, and tucked-away storefront. But when she discovers that The Book Garden is in danger of going under, Val must work with its eccentric staff to get it in working order. In the process, she learns more about Eloise than she ever thought possible. And as Val races to save the shop, Eloise's own story unfolds, leading both mother and daughter to unearth revelatory truths.
When librarian Valentina Baker was a teenager, her mother, Eloise, unexpectedly fled to her native London, leaving Val and her father on their own. Now in her thirties and fresh out of a failed marriage, Val feels a nagging disenchantment with her life--and knows she is still heartbroken over her mother's abandonment.
In a bittersweet twist of fate, Val receives word that Eloise has passed away, leaving Val her Primrose Hill apartment and the deed to a bookshop Val never knew she'd owned. Though the news is devastating, Val finds herself more determined than ever to discover who her mother truly was. She jets across the Atlantic, departing Seattle for a new life in charming London.
Slowly but surely, Val begins to piece together Eloise's life in the UK, falling in love with her pastel-colored flat, cozy neighborhood, and tucked-away storefront. But when she discovers that The Book Garden is in danger of going under, Val must work with its eccentric staff to get it in working order. In the process, she learns more about Eloise than she ever thought possible. And as Val races to save the shop, Eloise's own story unfolds, leading both mother and daughter to unearth revelatory truths.
375 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2022
1076 people are currently reading
34138 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jio
28 books4,696 followersSarah Jio is the New York Times bestselling author of WITH LOVE FROM LONDON, coming from Random House (Ballantine) 2/22, as well as seven other novels from Random House and Penguin Books, including, ALWAYS, ALL THE FLOWERS IN PARIS, THE VIOLETS OF MARCH, THE BUNGALOW, BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE LAST CAMELLIA, MORNING GLORY, GOODNIGHT JUNE, and THE LOOK OF LOVE. Sarah is a journalist who has contributed to The New York Times, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Glamour, SELF, Real Simple, Fitness, Marie Claire, and many others. She has appeared as a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition. Her novels are translated into more than 25 languages. Sarah lives in Seattle with her husband, three boys, three step-children and two puppies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,426 reviews
November 23, 2021
I wrote this book, so I’m allowed to give it 5 stars right? 🙈💞
March 30, 2022
With Love, from London by Sarah Jio is a 2022 Ballantine publication.
Okay, seriously, a Librarian inherits a Bookshop! There is no better scenario than that! Naturally, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Valentina, in her thirties, is going through a painful divorce, when she receives notice that her mother, whom she hasn’t seen since she was twelve, has passed away, and all her property now belongs to her.
Eloise left America and returned home to London, leaving her husband and daughter behind. She finally realized her lifelong dream of owning a bookshop, but her motives for abandoning her family is a mystery and has left Valentina hurt and angry.
Nevertheless, Valentia travels to London, where she meets her mother’s very best friend, Millie, and falls in love with the shop and finds she is accepted warmly by the community that embraced her much-loved mother.
As she fights to keep the store open, she puts her broken heart behind her and embarks on a scavenger hunt her mother devised for her before her death, which will eventually lead her to the truth about why her mother left all those years ago and why she never heard from her again…
To my knowledge, this is the first book I have read by this author. She has been on my radar for a long time, though. This book was a great introduction to Sarah Jio!
This is just a lovely story from start to finish. Book lovers will relate to the love of books and many people do have a book they are attached to in a special way, the way Valentina did. Anytime a story is centered around books, it already has an advantage, but the story built around it must be good, too, and in this case, the story is wonderfully heartwarming, and little bittersweet, too.
Overall, I need more books like this one in my life, for sure! This is a wonderful, refreshing story, and I really wish there were more like it. I will definitely read more books by this author!
Okay, seriously, a Librarian inherits a Bookshop! There is no better scenario than that! Naturally, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Valentina, in her thirties, is going through a painful divorce, when she receives notice that her mother, whom she hasn’t seen since she was twelve, has passed away, and all her property now belongs to her.
Eloise left America and returned home to London, leaving her husband and daughter behind. She finally realized her lifelong dream of owning a bookshop, but her motives for abandoning her family is a mystery and has left Valentina hurt and angry.
Nevertheless, Valentia travels to London, where she meets her mother’s very best friend, Millie, and falls in love with the shop and finds she is accepted warmly by the community that embraced her much-loved mother.
As she fights to keep the store open, she puts her broken heart behind her and embarks on a scavenger hunt her mother devised for her before her death, which will eventually lead her to the truth about why her mother left all those years ago and why she never heard from her again…
To my knowledge, this is the first book I have read by this author. She has been on my radar for a long time, though. This book was a great introduction to Sarah Jio!
This is just a lovely story from start to finish. Book lovers will relate to the love of books and many people do have a book they are attached to in a special way, the way Valentina did. Anytime a story is centered around books, it already has an advantage, but the story built around it must be good, too, and in this case, the story is wonderfully heartwarming, and little bittersweet, too.
Overall, I need more books like this one in my life, for sure! This is a wonderful, refreshing story, and I really wish there were more like it. I will definitely read more books by this author!
February 22, 2022
4.5/5
Seattle-based librarian/bookstagrammer Valentina Baker’s marriage falls apart when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Amid a painful divorce, she is notified of her estranged mother’s death and her inheritance of her mother's bookstore in London. Valentina’s mother, Eloise, had returned to London leaving Valentina and her father when Valentina was twelve years old and has never been heard from since. Though Valentina has spent most of her life harboring deep sorrow and resentment on account of her mother’s abandonment the news of her mother’s passing shocks and saddens her. Thirty-five-year-old Valentina travels to London and takes up residence in her mother’s flat in Primrose Hill situated in the same building above her bookstore which is called The Book Garden. Initially, she intends to settle the estate and try to piece together the events that led to her mother’s disappearance years ago. As the days progress she meets the people in her mother’s circle of friends, neighbors and local business owners including her mother’s tenant Liza, who promptly befriends her, and her mother’s childhood friend Millie, a retired lawyer who has been looking after the bookstore after her mother’s passing. Valentina’s journey of healing includes a scavenger hunt devised by her late mother (an activity Valentina enjoyed as a child) in the course of which she discovers details about her mother's life in London and how much her mother and her bookstore was loved by the local community.
“What you just said—about knowing someone, but not knowing them… it’s so true—especially when it comes to our parents. They lived entire lives before we were born, weathered their own private storms, but as children, we don’t know them that way.”
The bookstore has not been doing well financially and a large sum of money is required to keep it up and running. The bookstore was her mother’s dream project and Valentina , whose love for books and reading has been an integral part of her life, is motivated to do everything possible to avoid having to sell the building to settle outstanding debts and taxes. She finds a helping hand in her new friends and the community who band together to help her raise funds to save the bookstore, but whether the amount raised would be enough to meet the deficit is another concern.
“What makes books more special than, say, a movie, is that you can hold them. When your own world feels bleak, a book is a portal to anywhere. You can hide within the pages, linger there for comfort or protection.”
The narrative alternates between two timelines. In the present, we follow Valentina and her experiences in London and her quest to discover the truth behind the events that led to her mother’s abandoning her family so many years ago, the places she visits and people she encounters, her endeavors to save her late mother’s bookstore and her search for a person whose comments in a second-hand copy of one her favorite books has her intrigued. Eloise’s story follows her from 1968, then employed as a sales assistant at Harrod’s in London, and the story of her finding love, marrying Valentina's father, her life in California and subsequent return to London. We are also given a glimpse into her final days leading up to her demise.
With an interesting cast of characters and engaging narrative, With Love from London by Sarah Jio is a heartwarming story about family and community, love, forgiveness and second chances. I love stories revolving around books and bookstores and I enjoyed the segments devoted to Eloise’s and Valentina’s love for books – the shared memories from Valentina’s childhood were particularly touching. Though the story is predictable and nothing about how the story unfolds will surprise you much, the narrative is very well structured and the writing is beautiful. Overall, an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.
Seattle-based librarian/bookstagrammer Valentina Baker’s marriage falls apart when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Amid a painful divorce, she is notified of her estranged mother’s death and her inheritance of her mother's bookstore in London. Valentina’s mother, Eloise, had returned to London leaving Valentina and her father when Valentina was twelve years old and has never been heard from since. Though Valentina has spent most of her life harboring deep sorrow and resentment on account of her mother’s abandonment the news of her mother’s passing shocks and saddens her. Thirty-five-year-old Valentina travels to London and takes up residence in her mother’s flat in Primrose Hill situated in the same building above her bookstore which is called The Book Garden. Initially, she intends to settle the estate and try to piece together the events that led to her mother’s disappearance years ago. As the days progress she meets the people in her mother’s circle of friends, neighbors and local business owners including her mother’s tenant Liza, who promptly befriends her, and her mother’s childhood friend Millie, a retired lawyer who has been looking after the bookstore after her mother’s passing. Valentina’s journey of healing includes a scavenger hunt devised by her late mother (an activity Valentina enjoyed as a child) in the course of which she discovers details about her mother's life in London and how much her mother and her bookstore was loved by the local community.
“What you just said—about knowing someone, but not knowing them… it’s so true—especially when it comes to our parents. They lived entire lives before we were born, weathered their own private storms, but as children, we don’t know them that way.”
The bookstore has not been doing well financially and a large sum of money is required to keep it up and running. The bookstore was her mother’s dream project and Valentina , whose love for books and reading has been an integral part of her life, is motivated to do everything possible to avoid having to sell the building to settle outstanding debts and taxes. She finds a helping hand in her new friends and the community who band together to help her raise funds to save the bookstore, but whether the amount raised would be enough to meet the deficit is another concern.
“What makes books more special than, say, a movie, is that you can hold them. When your own world feels bleak, a book is a portal to anywhere. You can hide within the pages, linger there for comfort or protection.”
The narrative alternates between two timelines. In the present, we follow Valentina and her experiences in London and her quest to discover the truth behind the events that led to her mother’s abandoning her family so many years ago, the places she visits and people she encounters, her endeavors to save her late mother’s bookstore and her search for a person whose comments in a second-hand copy of one her favorite books has her intrigued. Eloise’s story follows her from 1968, then employed as a sales assistant at Harrod’s in London, and the story of her finding love, marrying Valentina's father, her life in California and subsequent return to London. We are also given a glimpse into her final days leading up to her demise.
With an interesting cast of characters and engaging narrative, With Love from London by Sarah Jio is a heartwarming story about family and community, love, forgiveness and second chances. I love stories revolving around books and bookstores and I enjoyed the segments devoted to Eloise’s and Valentina’s love for books – the shared memories from Valentina’s childhood were particularly touching. Though the story is predictable and nothing about how the story unfolds will surprise you much, the narrative is very well structured and the writing is beautiful. Overall, an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.
February 15, 2022
Run don't walk to get your hands (and eyes) on this book!
Valentina (Val) Baker's husband has left her. She is no stranger to the loss of a relationship. When she was a teenager, her mother, Eloise, suddenly left and moved back to her native, London leaving Val behind. Val has never recovered from it. When she receives word that her mother has passed away, and left Val her Primrose Hill apartment and the deed to a bookshop! A bookshop! Val is a librarian who never knew her mother owned a bookstore.
Val, like her mother, flees to London, to learn more about her mother and hopefully get some answers. What she finds is a community. She meets those in her mother's life and even makes it as mission to save The Book Garden, her mother's bookstore.
Wowza! Such a wonderful and captivating book. I loved the scavenger hunt(s) in this book. I also loved learning about both Eloise and Val's lives. Both women's stories and timelines were equally compelling.
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking, and endearing book about love, secrets, grief, decisions, missed opportunities and second chances. What happens when life gets in the way of true happiness? Boy, there was one scene where I wanted to yell "No, don't do it. Choose happiness"
This book is beautifully written and dripping with all the feels. Believe the hype! It is so well deserved. Plus, who doesn't love a book set in a bookshop?
Wow! Is all I can say. I have not read too many of her books but out of the ones I have read, this is my favorite! This book played out like a movie in my mind while reading it. I can see this being made into a movie.
I fell in love with this book. My favorite book thus far this year!
Who doesn't want to go on a scavenger hunt after reading this book? Sign me up please!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
#WithLovefromLondon #NetGalley
Valentina (Val) Baker's husband has left her. She is no stranger to the loss of a relationship. When she was a teenager, her mother, Eloise, suddenly left and moved back to her native, London leaving Val behind. Val has never recovered from it. When she receives word that her mother has passed away, and left Val her Primrose Hill apartment and the deed to a bookshop! A bookshop! Val is a librarian who never knew her mother owned a bookstore.
Val, like her mother, flees to London, to learn more about her mother and hopefully get some answers. What she finds is a community. She meets those in her mother's life and even makes it as mission to save The Book Garden, her mother's bookstore.
Wowza! Such a wonderful and captivating book. I loved the scavenger hunt(s) in this book. I also loved learning about both Eloise and Val's lives. Both women's stories and timelines were equally compelling.
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking, and endearing book about love, secrets, grief, decisions, missed opportunities and second chances. What happens when life gets in the way of true happiness? Boy, there was one scene where I wanted to yell "No, don't do it. Choose happiness"
This book is beautifully written and dripping with all the feels. Believe the hype! It is so well deserved. Plus, who doesn't love a book set in a bookshop?
Wow! Is all I can say. I have not read too many of her books but out of the ones I have read, this is my favorite! This book played out like a movie in my mind while reading it. I can see this being made into a movie.
I fell in love with this book. My favorite book thus far this year!
Who doesn't want to go on a scavenger hunt after reading this book? Sign me up please!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
#WithLovefromLondon #NetGalley
March 2, 2022
4.5
I love Sarah Jio’s writing and several of her books have been beautiful, heartwarming and take you to another place. This book is no exception. I was transfixed early on and I deliberately read the book slowly to make it last.
Valentina inherits her mother’s bookstore in England. This part is the bitter of the bittersweet, since her mother abandoned her and her father when Valentina was 12. The book has alternating timelines for Valentina and her mother before she passed and it worked perfectly in this book.
First and foremost, this book involves loving books! And a lovely English bookstore called The Book Garden. What’s not to love here by friends?! There are references to classic books peppered throughout and I longed to go inside the store, sit in a chair and read.
Through the story we see two wonderfully, strong women work their way through pain, resentment and tragedy and come out the other end as changed, changed for the better.
The atmosphere of the village is wonderful and I loved the characters and I didn’t want to say goodbye when the book ended. I wanted to carry on and learn what would happen next for them and how their days would continue.
In the Forward of the book, The author mentions her love of the Author Maeve Binchy, who was an Irish author who wrote so many wonderful stories about people and their connections. Maeve is also one of my favorites and Sarah Jio carried on the tradition.
If you want a story about strong resilient women, love, travel and friendships this is the book for you. It’s an easy read and you will feel so much enjoyment as you travel through their lives. Note that there is some predictability in the story and for than I took away a half-star.
I love Sarah Jio’s writing and several of her books have been beautiful, heartwarming and take you to another place. This book is no exception. I was transfixed early on and I deliberately read the book slowly to make it last.
Valentina inherits her mother’s bookstore in England. This part is the bitter of the bittersweet, since her mother abandoned her and her father when Valentina was 12. The book has alternating timelines for Valentina and her mother before she passed and it worked perfectly in this book.
First and foremost, this book involves loving books! And a lovely English bookstore called The Book Garden. What’s not to love here by friends?! There are references to classic books peppered throughout and I longed to go inside the store, sit in a chair and read.
Through the story we see two wonderfully, strong women work their way through pain, resentment and tragedy and come out the other end as changed, changed for the better.
The atmosphere of the village is wonderful and I loved the characters and I didn’t want to say goodbye when the book ended. I wanted to carry on and learn what would happen next for them and how their days would continue.
In the Forward of the book, The author mentions her love of the Author Maeve Binchy, who was an Irish author who wrote so many wonderful stories about people and their connections. Maeve is also one of my favorites and Sarah Jio carried on the tradition.
If you want a story about strong resilient women, love, travel and friendships this is the book for you. It’s an easy read and you will feel so much enjoyment as you travel through their lives. Note that there is some predictability in the story and for than I took away a half-star.
May 29, 2023
I enjoyed this emotional story about love, family, and friendship. It's my first book by this author, and I’m now looking forward to more.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
April 14, 2022
Really sweet! 💓📚
3.5 rounded up
3.5 rounded up
March 17, 2022
The truth is, no review I write can do this book justice. Period. It is inherently beautiful, inspirational, heartbreaking, thought provoking and utterly charming just as I imagine the town of Primrose Hill, in which the book is set, and it’s fictitious inhabitants to be.
As our story opens, Valentina is faced with a looming divorce and an inheritance from her long lost mother, Eloise - a bookstore in a pristine and quaint London neighborhood. A librarian herself, it’s Valentina’s inherited love of books as well as her curiosity about her mother’s life that take her from her past in Seattle to a new life in London. Through the people she meets and the books she finds, she learns that life isn’t always what it seems and relationships can be healed with time.
A love story within a love story, it’s hard not to be taken with each of the supporting characters. From Eloise’s best friend Millie who remains at Eloise’s side through it all, to Liza, the extremely energetic and lovable tenant/sidekick/friend, to Eric, who shares his own deep connection to Valentina’s mother, each and every character including Percy the cat, make you feel as though you’ve met them before in another time or another life.
In a Bookstagram post (I can’t believe I had to google what this was) regarding her favorite book The Last Winter, Val writes “What makes books more special, than say, a movie, is that you can hold them. When your own world feels bleak, a book is a portal to anywhere.” As The Last Winter was for Val, so is With Love From London for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review. #WithLovefromLondon
As our story opens, Valentina is faced with a looming divorce and an inheritance from her long lost mother, Eloise - a bookstore in a pristine and quaint London neighborhood. A librarian herself, it’s Valentina’s inherited love of books as well as her curiosity about her mother’s life that take her from her past in Seattle to a new life in London. Through the people she meets and the books she finds, she learns that life isn’t always what it seems and relationships can be healed with time.
A love story within a love story, it’s hard not to be taken with each of the supporting characters. From Eloise’s best friend Millie who remains at Eloise’s side through it all, to Liza, the extremely energetic and lovable tenant/sidekick/friend, to Eric, who shares his own deep connection to Valentina’s mother, each and every character including Percy the cat, make you feel as though you’ve met them before in another time or another life.
In a Bookstagram post (I can’t believe I had to google what this was) regarding her favorite book The Last Winter, Val writes “What makes books more special, than say, a movie, is that you can hold them. When your own world feels bleak, a book is a portal to anywhere.” As The Last Winter was for Val, so is With Love From London for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review. #WithLovefromLondon
February 26, 2022
Eggplant. She kept using the word eggplant...in England. I would be be able to let it go if it was the American saying it but a born and raised British citizen said "I know this place know for it's eggplant". Ma'am the word you are looking for is aubergine. It was small things like this that made you realize the author is an American trying to write British characters but didn't do much research into the language of the British. (She had a professor mention an "end of semester paper".... they don't call them semesters in England.
This book was a little too unrealistic for me. The reason why her mom wasn't in her life, just doesn't really make sense. And the magic last minute hail Mary that saved the shop? I mean really.
This book was a little too unrealistic for me. The reason why her mom wasn't in her life, just doesn't really make sense. And the magic last minute hail Mary that saved the shop? I mean really.
February 11, 2022
Really enjoyed this novel about newly-divorced Valentina, who inherits a quirky London bookshop from her long-estranged Mother - who leaves her clues about her identity in a rather literary manner. A secondary cast of oddballs (and a cat 😻) are also present, as is often the case in "books about books". Not really a romance, it's more of a family story/women's fiction, and I enjoyed it a lot.
May 8, 2022
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me this ebook in return for a review.
Unfortunately I really disliked this book and I ended up ‘hate reading’ it. I’m always caught by books that are set in bookshops or libraries as an obsessive bibliophile, but this one failed to charm.
The main reason it failed to grab me it was that although this book is set in London it was clear that the writer had no idea what it was like to be English and to speak British English. Why bother to set it in London at all?
The book is called “The bookshop on primrose hill” but not one of the characters call it that so it feels like false advertising! They call it a book “store” and it made me what to cry!
The Americanisms are overwhelming. Has the writer never watched a British tv programme or read a book by an English person?
Just a few examples: a person who went to ‘grade’ school; a Londoner who had ‘bangs’, walked on a ‘sidewalk’, for several ‘blocks’ and also had a ‘tea kettle’ which she used on the hob - I mean seriously? I’ve never seen a kettle that isn’t electric! The daughter complained she’d never received any communication from her mother only to be told by a British septuagenarian that her mother ‘wrote her’!! We also don’t use closets, entryways, slacks, cellphones, government assistance, or eat egg plants, candy or grilled cheese. We content ourselves with aubergines, chocolate and cheese on toast. It would be most unusual to see a FedEx man on a regular (meaning often) basis but a Parcelforce chap or your postman - yes!
I have no idea what a town car is? Is it different from a country one? Probably it’s only different in Fall, because that seems to be when the author thinks daffodils flower? We probably only have termites in zoos and definitely not in basements. And people never buy condos off real estate agents. Our estate agents are never pretend so we don’t feel the need to state their existence every time we reference them.
The thing about all of this is none of this is difficult. It is so well known that we have different words for things! And it is so careless the create a British character - or several (there’s only really one American for the majority of the book) who doesn’t speak correctly. The old adage of ‘write what you know’ seems to have bypassed this author.
There are a few massive plot holes too! The character in 1968 has to marry someone but the reason disappears yet she stays with him for another 30 years! All the while complaining how lonely she is. Her motivation is never clear. Although the author’s is pretty clear…!
Also I’m sorry but if a person gave me a large sum of money and told me to leave the country and my daughter, I’d go and collect her from school on the way to the airport and use the money to buy her a ticket!
The other thing that saddened me was the book they both went on and on about wasn’t even a real book. I get that it was a plot device but if you’re a book lover couldn’t you recommend a book you actually enjoyed?
So I’d say: if you’re British don’t bother, this book will just annoy you. If you’re American, please don’t assume you’re reading something authentic. Pick up a British book and if you’re a bit stuck on a few words or ideas, Google is a wonderful thing.
Unfortunately I really disliked this book and I ended up ‘hate reading’ it. I’m always caught by books that are set in bookshops or libraries as an obsessive bibliophile, but this one failed to charm.
The main reason it failed to grab me it was that although this book is set in London it was clear that the writer had no idea what it was like to be English and to speak British English. Why bother to set it in London at all?
The book is called “The bookshop on primrose hill” but not one of the characters call it that so it feels like false advertising! They call it a book “store” and it made me what to cry!
The Americanisms are overwhelming. Has the writer never watched a British tv programme or read a book by an English person?
Just a few examples: a person who went to ‘grade’ school; a Londoner who had ‘bangs’, walked on a ‘sidewalk’, for several ‘blocks’ and also had a ‘tea kettle’ which she used on the hob - I mean seriously? I’ve never seen a kettle that isn’t electric! The daughter complained she’d never received any communication from her mother only to be told by a British septuagenarian that her mother ‘wrote her’!! We also don’t use closets, entryways, slacks, cellphones, government assistance, or eat egg plants, candy or grilled cheese. We content ourselves with aubergines, chocolate and cheese on toast. It would be most unusual to see a FedEx man on a regular (meaning often) basis but a Parcelforce chap or your postman - yes!
I have no idea what a town car is? Is it different from a country one? Probably it’s only different in Fall, because that seems to be when the author thinks daffodils flower? We probably only have termites in zoos and definitely not in basements. And people never buy condos off real estate agents. Our estate agents are never pretend so we don’t feel the need to state their existence every time we reference them.
The thing about all of this is none of this is difficult. It is so well known that we have different words for things! And it is so careless the create a British character - or several (there’s only really one American for the majority of the book) who doesn’t speak correctly. The old adage of ‘write what you know’ seems to have bypassed this author.
There are a few massive plot holes too! The character in 1968 has to marry someone but the reason disappears yet she stays with him for another 30 years! All the while complaining how lonely she is. Her motivation is never clear. Although the author’s is pretty clear…!
Also I’m sorry but if a person gave me a large sum of money and told me to leave the country and my daughter, I’d go and collect her from school on the way to the airport and use the money to buy her a ticket!
The other thing that saddened me was the book they both went on and on about wasn’t even a real book. I get that it was a plot device but if you’re a book lover couldn’t you recommend a book you actually enjoyed?
So I’d say: if you’re British don’t bother, this book will just annoy you. If you’re American, please don’t assume you’re reading something authentic. Pick up a British book and if you’re a bit stuck on a few words or ideas, Google is a wonderful thing.
February 9, 2022
This book is a literal work of art. I was sucked in by the end of the first chapter, and already emotionally invested in the second. Sarah Jio's writing style is brilliant and heartbreakingly beautiful. The portrayal of grief throughout the journey of Valentina's self discovery felt vividly real. It has been a long time since a book made me want to slow down and soak in every detail and "With Love from London" accomplished that and so much more.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for my honest review.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2022
This book started out well but the characters were all just too annoyingly perfect and there were too many unrealistic far fetched coincidences.
The way frank just chased Eloise in London and then completely ignored her in California made no sense nor did his complete and utter hatred for her that made him steal her daughter away from her. As a mother it seemed to me like Eloise gave up on getting her daughter back too quickly. And why didn’t she try to reach her once she turned 18 and was no longer under Frank’s control?
Other questions/issues
Val comes to London indefinitely and just stays? What about her job, home and life in Seattle?
Daniel doesn’t like snow therefore she can’t be with him? You don’t have to have everything in common with the person you’re with.
Val keeps running into Eric all over London (Berkeley square etc) and Eric is Daniel’s friend? What are the chances?
Eloise in love with Edward (and he with her) for the rest of her life after one date
The way frank just chased Eloise in London and then completely ignored her in California made no sense nor did his complete and utter hatred for her that made him steal her daughter away from her. As a mother it seemed to me like Eloise gave up on getting her daughter back too quickly. And why didn’t she try to reach her once she turned 18 and was no longer under Frank’s control?
Other questions/issues
Val comes to London indefinitely and just stays? What about her job, home and life in Seattle?
Daniel doesn’t like snow therefore she can’t be with him? You don’t have to have everything in common with the person you’re with.
Val keeps running into Eric all over London (Berkeley square etc) and Eric is Daniel’s friend? What are the chances?
Eloise in love with Edward (and he with her) for the rest of her life after one date
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
i liked this a lot more than i expected, it was predictable at times but still an interesting yet heartbreaking story 💔
May 4, 2022
This was terrible. I'm sorry, the author seems like a nice person from her introduction, and I hate to say it but... I could barely read this terribly-written overwrought cheeseball romance novel, that was apparently marketed so successfully as literary fiction that I put on my hold list at the library and thought I'd be in for an enjoyable light novel, not a formulaic romance novel. And (spoiler) even though I skimmed madly to figure out the ending, there were so many plot holes, from how the scavenger hunt was constructed through to the most obvious thing that wasn't explained... If her mom loved her so much, why did Valentina's entire adulthood occur without her mother getting in touch with her? And how is her father not a complete villain in her mind when his deception was revealed? The entire book made zero sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2022
Reading a book from Sarah Jio again is like meeting a long-lost friend. The book is sweet and lovely, and I enjoyed it immensely. Jio managed to do what she wrote about in her introduction; Give us hope in what has been a difficult time for so many. We all need to immerse ourselves in a story that takes us far away from everyday life.
February 9, 2022
"A Literary Work of Art!"
Master storyteller Sarah Jio's latest enchanting masterpiece, WITH LOVE FROM LONDON, is exquisite!
If you are a lover of books, handwritten letters, literature, quaint bookshops, vintage, and the charm of London, this magical treasure is a "must-read."
5 Stars +++ and my favorite of the year. An ideal book club pick from a journey of love, loss, hope, and forgiveness! This novel would make a fabulous movie or TV series.
Told from POV: We meet Valentina (daughter-2013) and Eloise (mother-1968) with dual timelines from California/Seattle to London, England.
Eloise is living in London in the sixties. A dreamer, a lover of literature and life. She and Millie are best friends living in London, and both dream of opening a bookstore one day.
Valentine, a librarian, and lover of books (like her mom), is currently getting a divorce from her attorney husband in Seattle (his affair). She experiences two sudden tragedies: Her marriage is over, and the mother who abandoned her has died.
She receives the news her mother has passed away and left her property in the charming Primrose Hill, London (who doesn't love this area)? Two flats and a quaint bookstore, The Book Garden.
New beginnings sometimes come with facing the past.
When Val was twelve years old, Eloise left California. Valentine has not seen her since. However, Valentine has no idea how much her mother loved her and what happened.
She decides she will move to London for a new start; however, she has no idea how this will change her life in so many ways. From getting to know her real mom, what happened, new friendships, and a new love interest.
Eloise takes Val on a creative, fun, and mysterious scavenger (handwritten letters and cards) hunt to London's favorite spots. Along the way, she shares her story hoping that Val will understand her better.
There is also another scavenger hunt trying to locate a mystery book lover with two separate journeys and the importance of each for Val.
Her mother had met a wonderful man Edward in the past and immediately is smitten and he will ultimately change her life. However, it was not their time due to circumstances you will discover later in the book.
Instead, she marries a man she does not love and leaves London for California. She longs for London and her friends and life. She finds joy in estate sales and finding rare book collections and beautiful vintage jewelry and imagines the lives of its former owners.
When she gets pregnant with Valentine, a baby girl, she decides she will make sure her little girl is loved and teaches her about the love of books. Eloise still dreams of that book store, and Frank refuses.
Frank is a wealthy man, very controlling, and does not have anything in common with sweet Eloise. Later, he forces her to leave and go back to London, gives her nothing, and does not allow her to see her daughter again. The letters she writes daily have been intercepted.
There is mystery and intrigue as the author keeps you glued to the pages to see what will happen on this adventure of life. I read this one in two sittings and was glued to this story. I could not wait to return.
I have told so many people about this book. Bittersweet, words cannot adequately express my sincere love for this book. Heartfelt and thought-provoking WITH LOVE FROM LONDON is one which you will bookmark many pages and refer to often. This gem is one you will repeatedly read when you need a smile and a little hope.
MESMERIZING AND SPELLBINDING.
It is a love letter to the literary world, booksellers, mothers/daughters, friendships, and lost loves just in time for Valentine's. If you love London, quaint villages, bookshops, flower shops, vintage shops, and rare collections and believe in dreams and second chances, it has it all.
What a great cast of fully developed characters! My favorite guys are Edward and Eric!
Since her first book, I have been an avid Sarah Jio fan and have read all her books. This is my absolute favorite. Highly recommend it to anyone no matter the genre. Thank me later.
A special thank you to #randomhouse for an ARC. I also purchased the beautiful paperback copy and the audiobook narrated by my (favorite-Brittany Pressley) and Gabrielle Glaister.
Blog Review posted:
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Top Books of 2022
Feb Must Read Books
My Rating: 5 hearts 💙💙💙💙💙
Pub Date: Feb 8, 2022
Master storyteller Sarah Jio's latest enchanting masterpiece, WITH LOVE FROM LONDON, is exquisite!
If you are a lover of books, handwritten letters, literature, quaint bookshops, vintage, and the charm of London, this magical treasure is a "must-read."
5 Stars +++ and my favorite of the year. An ideal book club pick from a journey of love, loss, hope, and forgiveness! This novel would make a fabulous movie or TV series.
Told from POV: We meet Valentina (daughter-2013) and Eloise (mother-1968) with dual timelines from California/Seattle to London, England.
Eloise is living in London in the sixties. A dreamer, a lover of literature and life. She and Millie are best friends living in London, and both dream of opening a bookstore one day.
Valentine, a librarian, and lover of books (like her mom), is currently getting a divorce from her attorney husband in Seattle (his affair). She experiences two sudden tragedies: Her marriage is over, and the mother who abandoned her has died.
She receives the news her mother has passed away and left her property in the charming Primrose Hill, London (who doesn't love this area)? Two flats and a quaint bookstore, The Book Garden.
New beginnings sometimes come with facing the past.
When Val was twelve years old, Eloise left California. Valentine has not seen her since. However, Valentine has no idea how much her mother loved her and what happened.
She decides she will move to London for a new start; however, she has no idea how this will change her life in so many ways. From getting to know her real mom, what happened, new friendships, and a new love interest.
Eloise takes Val on a creative, fun, and mysterious scavenger (handwritten letters and cards) hunt to London's favorite spots. Along the way, she shares her story hoping that Val will understand her better.
There is also another scavenger hunt trying to locate a mystery book lover with two separate journeys and the importance of each for Val.
Her mother had met a wonderful man Edward in the past and immediately is smitten and he will ultimately change her life. However, it was not their time due to circumstances you will discover later in the book.
Instead, she marries a man she does not love and leaves London for California. She longs for London and her friends and life. She finds joy in estate sales and finding rare book collections and beautiful vintage jewelry and imagines the lives of its former owners.
When she gets pregnant with Valentine, a baby girl, she decides she will make sure her little girl is loved and teaches her about the love of books. Eloise still dreams of that book store, and Frank refuses.
Frank is a wealthy man, very controlling, and does not have anything in common with sweet Eloise. Later, he forces her to leave and go back to London, gives her nothing, and does not allow her to see her daughter again. The letters she writes daily have been intercepted.
There is mystery and intrigue as the author keeps you glued to the pages to see what will happen on this adventure of life. I read this one in two sittings and was glued to this story. I could not wait to return.
I have told so many people about this book. Bittersweet, words cannot adequately express my sincere love for this book. Heartfelt and thought-provoking WITH LOVE FROM LONDON is one which you will bookmark many pages and refer to often. This gem is one you will repeatedly read when you need a smile and a little hope.
MESMERIZING AND SPELLBINDING.
It is a love letter to the literary world, booksellers, mothers/daughters, friendships, and lost loves just in time for Valentine's. If you love London, quaint villages, bookshops, flower shops, vintage shops, and rare collections and believe in dreams and second chances, it has it all.
What a great cast of fully developed characters! My favorite guys are Edward and Eric!
Since her first book, I have been an avid Sarah Jio fan and have read all her books. This is my absolute favorite. Highly recommend it to anyone no matter the genre. Thank me later.
A special thank you to #randomhouse for an ARC. I also purchased the beautiful paperback copy and the audiobook narrated by my (favorite-Brittany Pressley) and Gabrielle Glaister.
Blog Review posted:
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Top Books of 2022
Feb Must Read Books
My Rating: 5 hearts 💙💙💙💙💙
Pub Date: Feb 8, 2022
April 24, 2022
I picked this up at Beach Books while vacationing in Seaside, Oregon. The shop owner informed me that the author is from the PNW (Seattle), so I was even more excited to read it!
What a sweet story! Very clean, no smut -- not that I mind the occasional dash of spice in my romance, but it's nice reading something more wholesome sometimes. 🥰
This is a dual timeline -- and there is a fairly large cast of characters, most of which are delightful. The romance itself isn't as straightforward and predictable as one may expect in a romance novel. That's all I'll say about that. 😉
This was a lovely story of "coming home" -- with themes of healing, moving on, and finding one's place (and people) the world. And of course: BOOKS!!!! Can't forget the bookish theme throughout the entire novel. ❤️
TBH this felt more like a mix of women's fiction with romance undertones. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
What a sweet story! Very clean, no smut -- not that I mind the occasional dash of spice in my romance, but it's nice reading something more wholesome sometimes. 🥰
This is a dual timeline -- and there is a fairly large cast of characters, most of which are delightful. The romance itself isn't as straightforward and predictable as one may expect in a romance novel. That's all I'll say about that. 😉
This was a lovely story of "coming home" -- with themes of healing, moving on, and finding one's place (and people) the world. And of course: BOOKS!!!! Can't forget the bookish theme throughout the entire novel. ❤️
TBH this felt more like a mix of women's fiction with romance undertones. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
May 2, 2022
Valentina inherits a bookstore in London from a mother (now deceased) who left when she was twelve. Her mother, Eloise, was dating Valentina's father, but her heart belonged to Edward. Edward who disappears into the night and she never sees again.
The narrative follows Valentina, clean off a divorce, as she travels to London to see the bookstore her mother owned. Here she meets her mother's life-long friend, Millie, and Eloise's tenant, Liza. As Valentina tries to unravel the mystery of her mother's departure, she begins to fall in love with the small corner of London where everyone makes her feel at home. Valentina can see the impact her mother had on the neighborhood and that brings her closer to her mother in some ways.
This is a nice read about love. Truly a Hallmark movie ending, but I'm ok with that.
The narrative follows Valentina, clean off a divorce, as she travels to London to see the bookstore her mother owned. Here she meets her mother's life-long friend, Millie, and Eloise's tenant, Liza. As Valentina tries to unravel the mystery of her mother's departure, she begins to fall in love with the small corner of London where everyone makes her feel at home. Valentina can see the impact her mother had on the neighborhood and that brings her closer to her mother in some ways.
This is a nice read about love. Truly a Hallmark movie ending, but I'm ok with that.
April 8, 2025
With Love From London is a sweet dual timeline story of mother and daughter. Eloise lives in London as a young woman but moves to America to start her life as a new wife. She has regrets about things left behind, and her life in America is lonely. But her happiness comes from her daughter Valentina.
Eloise returns to England when Val is eleven. What is intended as a short trip ends up separating mother and daughter. Val does not hear from her again, until she learns that her mother has died and left her a bookstore and flat.
Uncertain what to expect, Val is off to London. As a librarian it is easy to fall in love with the sweet Book Garden. She also has the opportunity to meet people who knew her mother and learn more about her.
There is some romance that is sweet, but the book is mostly about Val learning the secrets of her mother’s life. Through these discoveries she is able to heal, and learn to love. I listened to the audiobook and particularly liked the timeline of Val. It’s funny in an audiobook because I’m never sure how much the narration affects my perception… Eloise’s story is probably more interesting in some ways, but there’s a warmth and energy to Val’s narration that I particularly enjoyed.
Eloise returns to England when Val is eleven. What is intended as a short trip ends up separating mother and daughter. Val does not hear from her again, until she learns that her mother has died and left her a bookstore and flat.
Uncertain what to expect, Val is off to London. As a librarian it is easy to fall in love with the sweet Book Garden. She also has the opportunity to meet people who knew her mother and learn more about her.
There is some romance that is sweet, but the book is mostly about Val learning the secrets of her mother’s life. Through these discoveries she is able to heal, and learn to love. I listened to the audiobook and particularly liked the timeline of Val. It’s funny in an audiobook because I’m never sure how much the narration affects my perception… Eloise’s story is probably more interesting in some ways, but there’s a warmth and energy to Val’s narration that I particularly enjoyed.
March 13, 2023
Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood, but I found this romance to be unconvincing and rather bland. I was also, judging by the cover, anticipating a romcom and there wasn't any com.
Valentina’s estranged mother, Eloise, has just died and bequeathed her bookstore and apartments in the posh London of neighborhood of Primrose Hill to her American daughter. The story switches between Valentina’s story in the present as she copes with the grief of her divorce and losing her mother and Eloise’s story in the past, starting in 1968 London.
This is an ode to the power of books to bring people together and to the warmth of family, both biological and found. Val meets a whole cast of characters in Primrose Hill (all white, all heterosexual) and this cozy and charming community support her as she gets to know her mother who she hasn’t seen since she was a young girl and fights to keep her bookstore afloat.
In the Letter from the Author at the beginning, Ms Jio talks about creating a cozy world for readers to escape into and it’s here that I have my problems with the novel. I was reading it while on vacation and just wanted to sink into such a cozy world but I kept being wrenched out of it by anachronisms and Americanisms. In the 1968 London world there are clangers like getting takeaway coffees. In the present day Primrose Hill sections, English characters call each other “Honey” and refer to “eggplant.” I appreciate that these are small details but they jarred for me in the same way that a stereotypical American tourist in plaid shorts and a Hawaiian shirt would stand out in Primrose Hill.
Anyway, for those who are less picky about their escapism, I’m sure this is a fine romance - just read any of the other reviews here to see how bah humbuggy I've been.
Thanks to Ballantine and Netgalley for the digital review copy.
Valentina’s estranged mother, Eloise, has just died and bequeathed her bookstore and apartments in the posh London of neighborhood of Primrose Hill to her American daughter. The story switches between Valentina’s story in the present as she copes with the grief of her divorce and losing her mother and Eloise’s story in the past, starting in 1968 London.
This is an ode to the power of books to bring people together and to the warmth of family, both biological and found. Val meets a whole cast of characters in Primrose Hill (all white, all heterosexual) and this cozy and charming community support her as she gets to know her mother who she hasn’t seen since she was a young girl and fights to keep her bookstore afloat.
In the Letter from the Author at the beginning, Ms Jio talks about creating a cozy world for readers to escape into and it’s here that I have my problems with the novel. I was reading it while on vacation and just wanted to sink into such a cozy world but I kept being wrenched out of it by anachronisms and Americanisms. In the 1968 London world there are clangers like getting takeaway coffees. In the present day Primrose Hill sections, English characters call each other “Honey” and refer to “eggplant.” I appreciate that these are small details but they jarred for me in the same way that a stereotypical American tourist in plaid shorts and a Hawaiian shirt would stand out in Primrose Hill.
Anyway, for those who are less picky about their escapism, I’m sure this is a fine romance - just read any of the other reviews here to see how bah humbuggy I've been.
Thanks to Ballantine and Netgalley for the digital review copy.
February 8, 2022
Rating 5
This story hit close to home. My mom left when I was 7 years old and I didn’t truly understand why she abandoned me until I was 24. I used to hold the same resentment and bitterness as Valentia did and I would ask the same questions. It’s not something you understand as a child but are more likely to understand as an adult. I’m not saying that makes it okay but people do have their reasons and it's important to hear their side of the story. The whole time I was reading I kept wondering if the reasons behind Eloise leaving her daughter would be justified. Due to spoilers I cannot say but I will say I understand why she did what she did.
This book was so emotional I cried when it ended. I absolutely loved both Eloise and Valentina’s characters. I definitely connected with them both and I love how their characters were written and how the story switched between both of their perspectives. Honestly, this was just a beautiful story filled with heart. A love story between a mom and a daughter finding their way back to one another. I recommend this book to everyone.
*Thank you so much @randomhouse for a ARC on #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
This story hit close to home. My mom left when I was 7 years old and I didn’t truly understand why she abandoned me until I was 24. I used to hold the same resentment and bitterness as Valentia did and I would ask the same questions. It’s not something you understand as a child but are more likely to understand as an adult. I’m not saying that makes it okay but people do have their reasons and it's important to hear their side of the story. The whole time I was reading I kept wondering if the reasons behind Eloise leaving her daughter would be justified. Due to spoilers I cannot say but I will say I understand why she did what she did.
This book was so emotional I cried when it ended. I absolutely loved both Eloise and Valentina’s characters. I definitely connected with them both and I love how their characters were written and how the story switched between both of their perspectives. Honestly, this was just a beautiful story filled with heart. A love story between a mom and a daughter finding their way back to one another. I recommend this book to everyone.
*Thank you so much @randomhouse for a ARC on #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
April 6, 2023
Від мене книги Сари Джіо завжди отримуватимуть 5⭐🥹
Обожнюю її за стиль написання, за атмосферу яку вона створює у своїх книгах, за теплі почуття 💗💗💗
Ця історія про жінку Валентину та її мати Елоїзу, та її не зовсім просте життя; про їх розлуку і любов один до одного не зважаючи на відстань🥹
Обожнюю її за стиль написання, за атмосферу яку вона створює у своїх книгах, за теплі почуття 💗💗💗
Ця історія про жінку Валентину та її мати Елоїзу, та її не зовсім просте життя; про їх розлуку і любов один до одного не зважаючи на відстань🥹
February 17, 2022
Valentina Baker receives the most unexpected news, when she inherits her estranged mothers apartment and bookstore in London. She grew up in California with her father. Now in her 30’s, an unexpected blessing comes at the time her marriage is failing and life is crazy. Val is a librarian and this could be her chance to start fresh.
Val cannot understand why her mom would leave all this to her. Val’s mother Eloise has had a past in which she knew nothing about. The bookshop is cozy and has its own past. Val finds mysterious notes in an old novel, and tries to find the original owner. On top of this Val has to come up with money to cover the inheritance taxes for the properties. New challenges including the bookstore future and her mother’s past send Val on a journey which heals her and gives her the opportunity to start fresh.
Val cannot understand why her mom would leave all this to her. Val’s mother Eloise has had a past in which she knew nothing about. The bookshop is cozy and has its own past. Val finds mysterious notes in an old novel, and tries to find the original owner. On top of this Val has to come up with money to cover the inheritance taxes for the properties. New challenges including the bookstore future and her mother’s past send Val on a journey which heals her and gives her the opportunity to start fresh.
May 25, 2022
This book was just boring and I really didn’t like the multiple POVs, going back and forth from past to present. No way I’m going to force myself to continue a book I’m really bored with already.
——————
Unfortunately will now have to add this short message for every book with reviews. Please do not comment and be rude about me giving this book 1 star or DNFing it or whatever I rated it. We all have our own opinions and I don't really want any hate or bs and racism, etc, for me not liking your favorite book. Keep your disapproval to yourself.
This note is not specific to any book and will be added from now on (Jan 9, 2022) to every single one of my review, whether its a 5 star review or 1 star or DNF review
——————
Unfortunately will now have to add this short message for every book with reviews. Please do not comment and be rude about me giving this book 1 star or DNFing it or whatever I rated it. We all have our own opinions and I don't really want any hate or bs and racism, etc, for me not liking your favorite book. Keep your disapproval to yourself.
This note is not specific to any book and will be added from now on (Jan 9, 2022) to every single one of my review, whether its a 5 star review or 1 star or DNF review
March 4, 2022
3.5*
Haven't been feeling any of the books I've been reading recently, but I got through this so much quicker than expected! It's a cute story, but I guessed the ending waay earlier in the book.
Haven't been feeling any of the books I've been reading recently, but I got through this so much quicker than expected! It's a cute story, but I guessed the ending waay earlier in the book.
April 5, 2023
4⭑ I absolutely adored this book! I swear, the author sprinkled magic onto every page. The writing style is so alluring. If there is one word I would use to describe this book, it would be this: cozy. Like sipping coffee in a corner cafe while watching snow fall through the windows, or snuggling up in a comfy chair with your favorite book at the end of a long day. AND this novel is about a bookstore owner. Does it get any better than that?!
The story follows two perspectives— the first being modern day Valentina, a librarian and recent divorcee who travels to London to salvage her late mother’s bookstore, and the second being Eloise, the mother who disappeared from Valentina’s life when she was only twelve years old. As we are learning about Valentina’s attempts to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance, we also see flashbacks of Eloise’s story, from the time she met her soulmate, then Eloise’s father (yes, two different men), and the decisions that led her to leaving Valentina all of those years ago.
This is truly a beautiful, captivating, and meaningful story. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone I know.
4.5 stars because I found the ending to be a bit predictable— but still amazing nonetheless.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book!
The story follows two perspectives— the first being modern day Valentina, a librarian and recent divorcee who travels to London to salvage her late mother’s bookstore, and the second being Eloise, the mother who disappeared from Valentina’s life when she was only twelve years old. As we are learning about Valentina’s attempts to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance, we also see flashbacks of Eloise’s story, from the time she met her soulmate, then Eloise’s father (yes, two different men), and the decisions that led her to leaving Valentina all of those years ago.
This is truly a beautiful, captivating, and meaningful story. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone I know.
4.5 stars because I found the ending to be a bit predictable— but still amazing nonetheless.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book!
January 2, 2022
This is a cozy setting with lovable characters and fun dynamics between them. There's a lot to like! It tells the story of an adult daughter moving to her estranged and deceased mother's flat in London and thereby gaining an understanding of her mother and their separation that she previously lacked. Interwoven in the present day chapters are chapters in the mother's perspective set beginning in the 1960s.
For me, it's 3 stars (instead of 4 or 5) because of some foundational plot points that I could not suspend disbelief enough to accept. The two major plot points (one having to do with tax bill, and the other having to do with a 20-year separation between mother and child) were both critical to accepting the narrative of the book and also really difficult for me to go along with. My inability to fully accept the premise of the story kept me out of it.
Despite that, though, there were many lovely moments, some nice human connection, and a lot of love. For readers more willing to suspend disbelief and get swept up for the purposes of plot advancement and synchronicity, it's an enjoyable read.
For me, it's 3 stars (instead of 4 or 5) because of some foundational plot points that I could not suspend disbelief enough to accept. The two major plot points (one having to do with tax bill, and the other having to do with a 20-year separation between mother and child) were both critical to accepting the narrative of the book and also really difficult for me to go along with. My inability to fully accept the premise of the story kept me out of it.
Despite that, though, there were many lovely moments, some nice human connection, and a lot of love. For readers more willing to suspend disbelief and get swept up for the purposes of plot advancement and synchronicity, it's an enjoyable read.
June 28, 2022
3⭐️ I’m struggling with my feelings for this book. It took me a LONG time to get through it (almost 3 weeks) and I wanted to love it but I just didn’t. From the beginning, the reader is aware that the main characters, Eloise and her adult daughter, Valentina, had a complicated relationship. I think that’s probably a bit of an understatement considering Eloise left Val behind at the age of 12 when she moved back to London from California. Obviously, there are always explanations and extenuating circumstances, but I just couldn’t enjoy the story (especially Eloise’s chapters) knowing that Val hadn’t heard from her mother in over twenty years. I’m not the right person for plots that rely heavily on abandonment.
Despite my major issue, I still think this is a fabulous book. Set in a cozy London bookshop, With Love From London is well written and the supporting characters are lovely. There are so many heartwarming relationships being built on these pages. Valentina is an incredibly strong woman and hers is an inspiring and hopeful story about forgiveness and starting over that I think many people will find comfort in.
Despite my major issue, I still think this is a fabulous book. Set in a cozy London bookshop, With Love From London is well written and the supporting characters are lovely. There are so many heartwarming relationships being built on these pages. Valentina is an incredibly strong woman and hers is an inspiring and hopeful story about forgiveness and starting over that I think many people will find comfort in.
March 3, 2022
This was my first introduction to Sarah Jio and it was delightful. Amazingly, I think I discovered this from a "readers also enjoyed" sidebar here in Goodreads, and I find that can be a little hit or miss. This was a big-time "hit." As for a review, I think I'll stick with delightful and just add please read this. Cheers.
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