
Member Reviews

This was an adorable and perfect read! This is a cosy fantasy which is perfect for autumn and I just felt so good while reading. And obviously there is a library cat.... need I say more?

This is a library I’d love to visit! The Library of Second Chances is a warm and whimsical read, perfect for bookworms.
Chloe’s return to her small hometown felt relatable and bittersweet - her fear of being trapped in a smaller life compounded by her nostalgia and grief in the wake of her parent’s deaths. I loved the way she slowly built hope and connection, especially through the library and its community.
The library setting and its characters felt so vivid - I can still picture it. The idea of characters stepping out of books was delightful. Think Night at the Museum, but bookland. I loved the way the author didn’t reveal which books the characters came from, I had so much fun solving the little mysteries, and it made the story feel more immersive. I struggled with a couple of the cats, but cracked the rest on my own!
I enjoyed the way Harry and Chloe’s relationship started with real friction and grew into something sweet. Chloe and Gwen’s dynamic was confusing at first, which matched their tension, and it was satisfying to watch the way they worked through it.
Most of all, I loved the ending. It was chaotic, wild, and exciting. The author leaned into creativity and playfulness, which made it shine and bumped the book from a 4 star to a 4.5 star read for me.
I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a thoughtful, playful and cosy read, perfect for book lovers.
Thank you to the publishers for this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

The Library of Second Chances by Molly Reid is an adorably cosy book - so perfect for heading into the colder months! A fantasy book where the main character is a librarian — in a magical library?? How could I NOT be obsessed with this? This book is perfect as is, even the tagline? “How does a girl with her head permanently stuck in a book look beyond stories and start over?” This is so heavily relatable. I LOVE everything about this.

The library glows with secrets, the cat has serious main-character energy, and the books might just rewrite your life. It’s whimsical, warm, and full of second chances.

The Library of Second Chances is a super low stakes cosy fantasy with a small town romance running through it. Chloe has moved back to her hometown, leaving behind her big city job after her parents sadly pass away in an accident. In doing so she finds a job at the local library and begins the process of healing her grief and figuring out what direction to take with her life.
One night during a storm she seeks refuge in the library and discovers that the library might not be quite what it seems and has some secrets of its own. The library has a certain magic of its own which extends as far as characters leaping right off the pages!
It is a lovely heart warming story that tackles some very human worries and troubles, like dealing with grief, figuring out what you want from life, and strained familial relationships. It is sweet and sentimental but has an underlying humour to it too. It is a very pleasant and easy read and a lovely palate cleanser between heavier reads.

When I saw this book on Netgalley I knew that I really wanted to read this. I requested a digital review copy and Headline granted me one!
This book was cute from start to finish. I think I've read the entire book with a smile on my face and especially the finale was wonderful. It was emotionally loaded, it had impact, it meant something to the characters and yet it was still entertaining and in a way also funny. Just like the rest of the book. There were so many cute moments, there were so many entertaining moments and there were so many heartwarming moments.
What I loved most about this book is the lack of miscommunication drama. There are quite a few points in the book where things could go incredibly wrong because characters wouldn't communicate, but the characters made a different, refreshing, choice. Characters actually talk with each other in this book. It's not easy. Some conversations are emotional and hard. But it was nice to see characters deciding that talking was better than immediate distrust and anger.
I also loved all the guest appearances of fictional characters. Although the author never names them, it's quite clear who they are. The author did an amazing job making clear who was who by just a few small details. I was also positively surprised that I, as a non-English native reader, recognized almost all of them. Some made only really short appearances, some had some more page time, but they were all memorable. If the author ever writes a book about just the library shenanigans I will happily read it!

A cosy fantasy book written as almost a homage to reading and books!
There are strong themes of grief, forgiveness, finding your tribe, and letting grudges go. It's set in modern day small town England, with just a touch of magical books and sentient libraries!
Chloe is an endearing FMC but she has her flaws. She holds a grudge pretty well, she seems petty where her sister is concerned and she's not dealing with the grief of her parents death very well. As the story unfolds we learn more about WHY Chloe can't depend on her sister and she actually begins to feel that she has roots somewhere, even if her parents are now gone.
The story is quite slow paced and the gentle romance between Chloe and Harry is well handled. I did think that the subplot involving Jason was handled far too quickly (as someone who works in the policing world I was not happy!) The gentle fantasy plot involving the book characters coming to life was a great way to guess which book they came from (some were easier than others for me).
The found family of Chloe, Hannah, Mrs Wood and Eric was lovely and it definitely helped tie all the subplots together quite well. The library is most definitely a character all of its own in the story!
Cosy, low angst, fantasy with a gentle romance.

Chloe works in the library in her hometown of Wellbridge. She feels stuck - no relationship, no job prospects, living in her old family home after her parents passed away, estranged from her sister. When she finds herself in the library after hours one evening, she begins to realise that there is more to the building than meets the eye - can it help her rebuild her life?
I had to suspend disbelief a bit too much for me, the story felt a bit silly in places. However, it was fun recognising all of the unnamed books characters appeared from, and I loved Clementine the cat. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Chloe and Gwen develop. A quick and easy read, a nice afternoon distraction.

This cozy fantasy follows Chloe as she returns to her hometown after her parents pass away and starts working at a seemingly magical library. The story explores grief, forgiveness, and new beginnings with a warm and gentle touch.
I enjoyed the charming concept of a living library and the perspective of Clementine, the sassy library cat. Chloe feels relatable as she navigates family tensions and a fresh relationship. The magical elements were fun and added a unique twist.
However, the pacing was uneven. Some conflicts, like the subplot with Jason, felt unnecessary and resolved too quickly. The beginning was slow, and switching viewpoints between Chloe and Clementine was confusing at first. The ending also felt rushed, leaving some issues underdeveloped.
Overall, this is a lighthearted and comforting read perfect for fans of cozy, bookish stories with a hint of magic. It may not fully satisfy those looking for a strong plot, but it shines with its emotional warmth and character moments.

I really wanted to like this book. The plot intrigued me but it fizzled out. The best bit was Clementine, which got ruined at the end.
Chloe is so dislikeable and judgemental that I didn't want to finish the book. If I hadn't had an ARC, I would have given up and not finished reading it fairly early on. I love the library setting and personality - ruined by the inaccurate descriptions of work. Valuable 1st editions wouldn't be on a shelf in a public library, librarians want books to be used so won't be worried about spines cracking or dog-eared pages. Donations don't just get put on shelves, and libraries have had computers for well over 25 years so Mrs Cook would absolutely know how to use one (even reluctantly) - and at least reference a card catalogue if you're going to pretend the computer system isn't set up - no one has a file of all the books in a library as the only way to know what's in there.
The book characters were infuriating - vague descriptions of characters, deliberately not using their names. I had no idea who some of them were and even Google couldn't figure it out. The chaos of Chloe's story ending (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers) was terrible. I kept putting the book down and sighing loudly before trying to finish it for this review.
The references to BookTok and 'smut' books took the fantasy out of the book for me - the book is immediately dated with references. References to Harry Potter aren't welcome in books anymore either.
Harry deserved better than Chloe - and his 'guilt' storyline is ridiculous. That's not how medical diagnoses work (again, I'm trying not to add spoilers). The whole Jason plot, complete with an off-page fight and a black eye - why? Especially when Chloe realises that miscommunication tropes are "so out" but adds random violence and thinks it's attractive?
I started this review with 2 stars but I've got so annoyed by the book again that I'm giving it 1 star.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Library of Second Chances follows Chloe, a book worm who returns to her childhood town after the loss of her parents. Working at the local library is a dream, but Chloe soon realises that the place has its own magic.
This is a book that deals with grieving, forgiveness and growth. Despite this the book mainly has a lighthearted cozy feel that serves to balance the sprinkles of sadness. There’s a heavy focus on friendships, romance and second chances. The main character Chloe was great to read about, but she was also the only character I really connected with. Something that made the emotional aspects of the other characters' stories not quite hit their mark emotionally. Not to mention the dual pov between Chloe and the cat Clementine. While Clementine was a cute character, who doesn’t love a cat, I’m not sure that his pov was necessary.
While this book was a love letter to bookworms, it unfortunately fell a bit short for me. I just expected more from the story, and it never felt like the potential was meet despite the cozy vibes and the relatable main character.

What a fun read! This book felt a lot like my childhood dream of working in a library, and how safe and magical it can be to be totally surrounded by books.
Harry seems like a genuinely delightful man, and is perfect proof that first impressions can be deceiving.
At its heart, this is a book about facing your past demons, allowing old wounds to heal, and choosing happiness for yourself in the future. Watching the slow forgiveness and reconciliation between the two sisters as they both grow and move past the past was very sweet.
A book full of love, magic, and the joy of books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's cosy and light hearted and a joy to read.
I loved the concept of a magical library, though I'm not sure I'd actually want to experience it!
It's the perfect autumnal book to curl up with, though it is definitely one to not take too seriously.

The Library of Second Chances is a charming ode to stories, libraries, and the people who find healing within them. Chloe’s return to her hometown feels bittersweet—she’s stuck, grieving missed opportunities, and hiding in the comfort of books. But when she discovers the library’s subtle magic (with help from Mrs. Cook and the ever-watchful library cat, Clementine), her quiet days turn into a journey of healing, connection, and new beginnings.
Molly Reid balances whimsy with emotional depth, weaving in themes of grief, forgiveness, and self-discovery beneath the cozy fantasy. The library itself is a delightfully mischievous character, and the touches of magical realism (characters stepping out of books, shelves humming with energy..) are enchanting without overshadowing the heart of the story.
The pacing starts slow, and a few plot threads wrap up a bit too neatly, but the warmth of the characters and the gentle magic make this an uplifting, feel‑good read. Perfect for fans of cozy, character-driven fantasy who believe in the quiet power of stories to change lives.

✶ PRE-READING ✶
I was immediately drawn to the cozy, bookish vibe of this one - libraries have such an inherent magic for me, and the idea of stories literally coming alive is irresistible. Plus, the promise of a heroine figuring out her own place amid literal chaos of characters escaping their pages? Count me in.
✶ POST-READING ✶
As I thought... The library really is a character in its own right - warm, mysterious, and a bit mischievous. Chloe’s journey feels authentic, with that perfect balance of sweet moments and emotional depth. I loved how the story used familiar literary figures in playful ways, and the slow-burn romance with Grumpy Patron was quietly satisfying without being rushed or clichéd.
It surprised me by... How much the story leaned into the idea that the magic is tied to Chloe’s own acceptance of herself and her past. The library’s enchantment pulsing with her emotions gave a lovely metaphorical weight to the story’s heart. And that moment with Clementine the cat - if you've read it, you'll know the one I mean? So heartbreaking and yet full of hope.
✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune - for its warm, quirky community vibe and gentle, healing magic
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - for the exploration of choices, regrets, and second chances through a magical lens
The Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman - for the clever interplay of stories within stories and a librarian heroine navigating chaos
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - for the comforting sense of found family and quirky charm in small communities
✦ MUSIC PAIRING ✦
Because sometimes, the heart of a story plays out like a song.
🎵 Featured Song: “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young - a mellow, nostalgic tune that perfectly captures the feeling of quiet hope and new beginnings in autumn
🎶 Vibe Album: For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver - intimate, acoustic, and tender, it mirrors Chloe’s reflective journey with a soft undercurrent of longing and renewal
🎧 Artist Recommendation: Sufjan Stevens - for poetic lyrics and gentle instrumentation that weave stories as richly as the library does
✧ VIBE CHECK ✧
Colour Palette: Soft autumn browns, warm amber glows, cozy navy blues
Soundtrack: Gentle acoustic melodies mixed with subtle magical chimes
Season: Early autumn, when everything feels like a new beginning
Mood: Quietly hopeful with a touch of whimsy
Scent: Old books, fresh rain, and a hint of cinnamon
★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★
The Upside Down – From the Kid’s Tarot, a child hangs playfully from a tree branch. A card of new perspectives, patience, and quiet transformation - just like Chloe, learning to see her life (and herself) in a whole new light.

I was really into the concept of this book from the start. A really cosy low sake fantasy, it's perfect to read cosy under a blanket. I love a the idea of a sentient, magical library. The way the author wove well known characters into the story was really fun, I enjoyed guessing who they were!
I also really enjoyed Chloe's journey of acceptance in her current life, and all the supporting characters in the community were adorable. A really fun read!

This was a really fun read - it had loads of great elements that were well handled: second chance romance, a magical library, and likeable characters to name a few. I think my favourite element had to be how Reid wove cameos from well known real-world titles into the story without ever naming them. I loved trying to guess who everyone was!
This was incredibly cozy and really low-stakes. It gives fall vibes and is a perfect light read for the season ahead.
Thank you to Reid, Headline | Wildfire & NetGalley for the opportunity to read & honestly review The Library of Second Chances prior to its release.

A charming, curl-up-with-a-blanket kind of story, The Library of Second Chances celebrates the power of found family. Molly Reid’s small-town library setting radiates warmth, and her characters blossom in believable, sometimes surprising ways. I especially appreciated how the book weaves grief into the plot with a light, respectful touch—it never feels heavy, yet it honors the real ache of loss. That said, the pace occasionally drifts and the stakes stay comfortably low, so the tension never quite pulls taut. Still, if you’re after a cosy read with lovely character development and a gentle reminder that community can heal, this one is worth checking out

what an intriguing story and such fun!
i loved this book, it was unlike any other i have read which made me want to not put it down!
i had no idea what was going to happen next…
a great read

DNF at 25%. I simply cannot get into this - I really dislike the main character, the writing style, and the atmosphere of the story. The library details seem very inaccurate (why would a librarian to a standard lending library be stressed about a book having its spine cracked? Why would a valuable first edition even be on the lending shelves in the first place?) and the "cheeky" workaround of not naming the characters Chloe pulls out of books is really weird to read. If it's obviously Jamie Fraser, why not either do the licensing you need to do, or choose someone else in the public domain? Pages & Co is a middle grade book with the same set-up of magical books that let characters become real, and it's handled significantly better there. The narrative shifts back and forth between Chloe and the library cat with no notice (at least in the kindle version provided here) which is difficult to read and feels clumsy. The emotional elements that started to be introduced felt flat and twee to me, and Chloe's opinions of everyone around her were so judgy and unpleasant that I just didn't want to spend any more time with her.