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The Lonely Hearts Book ClubLucy Gilmore

Contemporary fiction

The Lonely Hearts Book Club

by Lucy Gilmore

Small-town librarian Sloane Parker forms an unlikely bond with Arthur McLachlan, a sharp-tongued elderly patron whose visits become part of her routine. When he stops appearing, concern brings her to his home and eventually draws other isolated neighbors into an improvised book club. The members' competing griefs, family strains, and guarded hopes make their meetings less about literary agreement than giving one another reasons to rejoin life. Funny and tender, this ensemble novel suits readers who enjoy curmudgeons, found family, multiple viewpoints, and book clubs where the deepest discussion occurs through the friendships built around the reading.

Paired for this story

Prairie Chamomile + Book Club Pinot Noir

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Grief and death; terminal illness and cancer; child/sibling death; medical content and hospitalization; bullying/emotional abuse; difficult family relationships; self-harm/suicide-attempt references.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Prairie Chamomile

Chamomile tea and honey make a gentle cup for the quiet chapters.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Book Club Pinot Noir

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A slow-sipping glass of wine suits a quiet, reflective reading mood.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

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

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