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The Library of Borrowed HeartsLucy Gilmore

Contemporary fiction

The Library of Borrowed Hearts

by Lucy Gilmore

Librarian Chloe Sampson is raising three younger siblings after their mother leaves, stretching limited money and energy to keep the family together. A rare book discarded from the library contains a decades-old courtship written in its margins, and the handwriting connects the secret romance to her irritable elderly neighbor. Following the annotated books becomes both a literary scavenger hunt and a way for Chloe's household to discover that help can arrive from people with hidden histories of their own. Warm and bookish, this novel suits readers who enjoy sibling families, marginalia, intergenerational mysteries, and stories about learning to borrow support after surviving by carrying too much alone.

Paired for this story

Prairie Apple Shrub + Cabernet Sauvignon

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At a glance

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Spice2 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Parental abandonment; poverty and financial stress; bullying and a school fight; injury; cancer/illness references; toxic relationships and gaslighting; pregnancy and abortion references; sexual references/content.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Prairie Apple Shrub

Apple cider, maple, and ginger beer make a sparkling orchard pour. A splash of cider vinegar gives this prairie shrub its refreshing tang.

How to mix it

  1. Stir the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup until the syrup dissolves. Pour over ice in a highball glass, top with ginger beer, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Thin apple slice.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Cabernet Sauvignon

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A slow-sipping glass of wine suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Pour cabernet sauvignon into an appropriate wine glass and serve at the recommended temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Wine glass.

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