The Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather Webber

 

Amy    

Lynnie 

contemporary fiction, magical realism, romance

Juliette is on a summer road trip, following the path her grandfather took in his youth, in an effort to strengthen her mental health and allow her space (literally and figuratively) from her current life. She hits a major detour which takes her to Forget-Me-Not, Alabama, where her car dies. While she’s waiting for the parts and the repair, she grows to love the people she meets in this special town which seems to draw people in need. 

 

Amy's Review

Heather Webber’s novels all follow a formula and this one is no different. If you liked her other novels, you’ll like this one too. You know exactly how it will end but you read it anyway because the characters and settings are charming, the magical realism is creative and whimsical, and the love fills every corner.

Her stories always include:
- People who need help, guidance, clarity, love of others in order to move on
- Two women who forge a strong friendship with each other, each also finding their own special someone
- Someone who is new to town
- Children 
- Pets 
- Grandparents 
- Substitute parents 
- The setting in small-town southern USA

It was comforting to spend time in another of Webber’s worlds. The Pearls of Wisdom throughout the novel were wonderful too. I only wish the audiobook had let 2 seconds pass after each one, before jumping into the next chapter, so the wisdom could sink in.

The “conflict” at the end of the novel felt a bit unrealistic but it was short-lived. I  enjoyed this novel. I had read too many of Webber’s books too close together one year and it felt like they all ran together. Spaced apart from the others, I really liked this one. I recommend not reading too many of her novels in one year.

The audiobook narrators, Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, are the pair that narrate all of Webber’s audiobooks and they did a terrific job as usual. They both definitely earn As from me. 

Lynnie's Review

Amy and I haven't read a lot of books together this year, so it was nice to read one with her!  

The Forget-Me-Not Library is another lovely Heather Webber book filled with her usual assortment of cozy, small town characters who take in a woman who is new to town, looking to find herself in some way and the town and its people fill the holes in her life and her heart while also finding their own ways to happily ever after. It's all very predictable and satisfying, just like you want it to be.

Knowing that it's all going to be tied up with a big red bow doesn't make the journey any less enjoyable. In this story we got some fun southern "pearls of wisdom" to lead off each chapter that always made me smile. I loved getting to know Juliet and Callum, Tallulah and Jake, as well as the extended family members and townspeople. The town of Forget-Me-Not and its library were characters themselves, showcasing magical properties that propelled the story forward.

I can always count on Heather Webber books to put a smile on my face. They are palate cleansers for the brain, perfect for when you just want something easy to read whether on vacation or between other books.

I listened to the audiobook and Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, who narrated the other Heather Webber books I previously listened to, did a wonderful job as usual. They do a great job with a variety of voices and complement each other's voices well.