📚 Book Spotlight: The Library by Bella Osborne

Genre: Contemporary Fiction • Friendship • Found Family • Heartwarming

Format: Audiobook
Series: Standalone
Year Published: 2021
Page Count: 384
Rating: ☕☕☕☕ (4 Coffees!)

Coffee Recommendation: Classic English Breakfast Tea Latte (a.k.a. a London Fog)
Why it Works:
Warm, comforting, and just a little unexpected—like the unlikely friendship at the heart of this story. It’s the perfect companion for a book that celebrates quiet resilience, second chances, and the magic of libraries.

About the Book

The Library is a quiet, feel-good story about unexpected friendship and the healing power of books. When 17-year-old Tom stumbles into a small-town library, he meets Maggie, a sharp, no-nonsense 72-year-old who changes his life in more ways than one. What starts as a reluctant connection quickly grows into a beautiful, intergenerational friendship full of wit, warmth, and second chances.

My Thoughts

The Library by Bella Osborne is a touching exploration of found family. The unlikely friendship between Tom and Maggie captures that theme perfectly—two very different people, both carrying their own kind of loneliness, finding connection when they least expect it.

I instantly fell in love with both characters, but for very different reasons. Maggie is spunky, sharp, and unafraid to speak her mind—I can only hope to be a little like her when I’m her age. And Tom… as a mom, my heart absolutely broke for him. Between the grief of losing his mom, the strained relationship with his dad, the bullying at school, and his painfully shy nature, his isolation felt so raw and real.

So when his Xbox was destroyed and he stumbled into the library? My heart soared. That moment was a quiet turning point—a reminder of how books can become lifelines when we need them most.

“Books provide a secret door to escape through.”
— Bella Osborne, The Library

Tom and Maggie each fill a space in the other’s life. He brings renewed energy to her world—something to care about, something to fight for. In turn, she gives Tom purpose and a sense of belonging. As he begins helping on her farm, their bond deepens, and they find the companionship they both desperately need.

Along the way, we meet a wonderful cast of side characters who round out this found family. From the quirky book club ladies to Christine, the high-strung librarian, and Farah—Tom’s quiet crush from school—each one plays a role in this growing community. And when the library is threatened, they band together with a shared purpose, showing just how powerful connection can be.

While I really enjoyed the dual perspective, I do wish Maggie’s chapters had been written in first person like Tom’s. The switch to third person created a bit of distance, and I found myself slightly less emotionally connected to her as a result. That said, her personality still shines through, and it didn’t take away from how much I loved her character overall.

Even Tom’s dad, Paul, begins to change. With some not-so-gentle nudging from Maggie, he finally starts to take responsibility—cleaning up, showing up, and slowly becoming the father Tom has always needed. Through the library campaign, he begins to see his son differently: capable, compassionate, and quietly brave.

On a more serious note, The Library also explores the often unseen ways grief affects both a child and a parent. It shows how unspoken sorrow, when left unaddressed, can quietly unravel a family. I lost my mom as a young adult, and even then, I didn’t deal with the grief right away. It took me a year to reach out for help—and that was as an adult. Watching Tom and his dad drift apart in their pain felt painfully familiar.

This story is a gentle but honest reminder: healing doesn’t begin until we stop pretending we’re fine.

My Final Thoughts

The Library is a quietly powerful story about connection, healing, and the unexpected ways people (and books) can change our lives. It’s tender, hopeful, and a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness—like stepping into a library—can open the door to something life-changing.

If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt read with rich character growth, intergenerational friendship, and a soft landing for your book-loving soul, this one is worth your time.