After losing both her mother, Blythe, and boyfriend, Rick, in a tragic plane crash, Natalie Harper inherits her mom's struggling yet cherished bookshop.

Fed up with her current job and tired of covering for incompetent coworkers, Natalie makes the rash decision to quit her job and move back to San Francisco, where the store is located. Her grandfather and business partner, Andrew “Grandy” Harper, is determined to help her protect Blythe’s legacy by keeping the business afloat. At first, Natalie isn’t sure that saving it is the best decision, but once she settles back into her childhood apartment above the bookstore, she remembers how much she adores the customers, the shop itself and the historic Sunrose Building in which she grew up.

"So much happened in this story, and I loved every moment of it! Susan Wiggs’ portrayal of grief was raw, real and palpable, and brought tears to my eyes several times."

So much happened in this story, and I loved every moment of it! Susan Wiggs’ portrayal of grief was raw, real and palpable, and brought tears to my eyes several times. Just like Natalie, I am still grieving the loss of my mom and truly believe in bibliotherapy as a way of coping with grief. So many of her emotions and thoughts felt authentic to me.

"I don't want to stop missing her. What I want...is to stop it from hurting so much."

On top of her crippling grief, Natalie is struggling to find creative ways to bring money into the shop, caring for her beloved Grandy as he battles dementia, and unraveling her family's mysterious past after finding unique items that were hidden within its walls decades ago. And, of course, she is introduced to a new love interest (or two). Trevor Dashwood, a famous author of middle-grade books, tries to turn her head with fancy dinners. Meanwhile, she enjoys hanging out with down-to-earth Peter “Peach” Gallagher, the handyman repairing the building, and his adorable daughter, Dorothy, who just happens to be a huge fan of Trevor’s books and a loyal customer at the shop. After losing so much, will Natalie finally find what she’s looking for?

“If you allow it, your heart will renew itself and find joy once again.”

More than anything, THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP is about forging a new path in life after suffering unexpected loss. The quirky and singularly unique cast of characters was delightful and further enriched the rich, emotional and intriguing storyline. As children are wont to do, Dorothy especially stole my heart with her sweetness and willingness to help Natalie save the store. I also loved that a cat named Sylvia lived there.

If they all work together, can they save the bookshop and preserve Blythe’s dream?

Books about books make my inner bookworm giddy with delight. If you’re looking for outstanding similar titles, then check out LOST FOR WORDS by Stephanie Butland, THE BOOK CHARMER by Karen Hawkins, and THE BOOKISH LIFE OF NINA HILL by Abbi Waxman.

Lastly, if you love books about books, women’s fiction, a sprinkle of historical fiction and a dash of romance, then be sure to grab this one from your local bookshop. After all, who can resist the mystery surrounding the discovery of antiques that might have belonged to one’s ancestors? This was my first book by Susan Wiggs, but it won't be my last.